No way through for Real Madrid or Cristiano Ronaldo

·         FULL TIME! The game ends 0-0 at Estadio Vicente Calderon, with certainly no love lost between the two sides. Real Madrid dominated the first 45 minutes, but after the break Ancelotti's men got much more of a taste of what they might have to come in the second leg. This tie is still very much in the balance! That's all we have time for from tonight's Champions League action, I've been Simon Harrison and I hope to see you again next time.

·         90' + 3'

Brilliant interception from Varane! The France international nods away from Mandzukic, as the Croatian striker was lurking at the back post! That would prove vital.

·         90' + 2'

Cristiano sees a shot easily saved by Oblak at his near post, with the Slovenia international having much less to do in the second half. The home supporters are desperately urging their players on until the very end.

·         90' + 1'

There are three minutes of stoppage time at Estadio Vicente Calderon!

·         90'

Good block from Arbeloa! The former Liverpool right-back takes a bullet of a strike straight into the stomach, to ensure that Real Madrid's clean sheet stays intact! This game is really being tightly contested in its dying embers!

·         89'

Yellow CardMarcelo

·         89'

Mistake from Casillas! The Spain international goalkeeper comes racing off his line to deny Torres, but flattens his own defender in the process! The ball rolls out for a corner, which is whipped in towards the back post, but an improvised over-head kick from Mario Suarez is stopped by Casillas!

·         88'

Varane can't keep a ball in on the left byline, gifting the home side a corner, but Godin can only turn a looping header over the crossbar! Only a few minutes remain for Los Blancos to see out. Marcelo picks up a yellow card that'll rule him out for the next clash.

·         86'

Modric sends a looping volley just over the crossbar, after a set piece was half cleared by the hosts! Real Madrid will be aggrieved that they haven't managed to grab an away goal! Torres weaves his way into the visiting penalty area, before being possibly impeded by Ramos, but the referee isn't interested! Huge decision, but probably the right one!

·         85'

SubstitutionDaniel Carvajal Arbeloa 

·         85'

Yellow CardMario Suárez

·         85'

Only five minutes remain at the Estadio Vicente Calderon, with the home crowd baying for blood! Carvajal is replaced by Arbeloa, with Ancelotti looking to keep things fresh. Real Madrid whip a good delivery into the box, but Bale is beaten in the air by Godin.

·         83'

SubstitutionKoke Fernando Torres 

·         83'

Mandzukic wins a corner out on the right-hand side, but Koke's delivery is headed away at the near post by Marcelo. Poor execution! Torres comes onto the field in place of Koke, with Arda presumably moved out to the left, leaving Raul Garcia to fill on the right flank of midfield.

·         81'

What a run from Arda! The Turkish midfielder scampers past a few challenges, leaving players in his wake as though they weren't even there! He tries to poke a through ball to the back post for Koke to run onto, but Carvajal and Casillas combine to clear! From the resulting long throw, Godin lashes a half volley over the crossbar.

·         80'

Yellow CardRaúl García

·         80'

Yellow CardSergio Ramos

·         79'

Torres and Tiago are continuing to warm up for the home side, with this contest looking to be going all the way to the wire. Raul Garcia tries to break down the right, but Sergio Ramos comes across brilliantly to dispossess his compatriot. Due to some afters, the substitute and the Real Madrid captain are both booked.

·         77'

SubstitutionAntoine Griezmann Raúl García 

·         77'

Griezmann is the man who is brought off by Simeone, with Raul Garcia thrown into the fray. The hosts will be going with two physical target man up top, with it clear what Atleti will be trying to do in the final 10 minutes or so. Ruffle some feathers and hoof plenty of direct balls upfield.

·         76'

SubstitutionKarim Benzema Isco 

·         76'

Isco is the first man to be introduced for the visitors, with Benzema taking his leave after having a rather quiet evening in the Spanish capital. The former Malaga midfielder will be playing on the left-hand side, with Ancoletti perhaps opting to match up formations with Simeone.

·         74'

Ramos gives the ball away in defence, with Koke found out on the left-hand side as a result. The Spanish midfielder curls in a cross, but Varane heads away under no pressure. Mandzukic is only having an impact on this second half in terms of giving away free kicks, it has to be said.

·         72'

Estadio Vicente Calderon is becoming a little bit nervous once again, with some last-ditch defending leading to some heart-in-mouth situations of late. Real Madrid are being whistled whenever they're in possession, but Atleti might just target closing out a 0-0 draw here. Casillas has been a spectator in the second half.

·         70'

Good defensive header from Mario Suarez! The Spain international rises highest to nod away a corner delivery from the right, as Ancelotti continues to be frustrated in the visiting technical area. Mandzukic is penalised for raising his arm into the throat of Carvajal, but despite claims from Ramos the referee opts not to take out another yellow card.

·         69'

Two excellent blocks from Atleti! Marcelo whips in a ball from the left, which causes all kinds of problems! Bale sees a shot charged down, before feeding a pass to Cristiano, who is denied by a timely interception from Miranda! Backs to the wall for Simeone's men at the minute!

·         68'

Real Madrid patiently move the ball from flank to flank, but Atleti aren't showing any signs of weakness. As this game progresses, Los Blancos might begin to withdraw slightly to protect a valuable clean sheet, which makes it incredibly tough to know what substitutions will be made.

·         66'

Cristiano tries to scamper down the right-hand side, after being fed down the line by Bale, but the Portuguese is pulled back for using his hand rather cheekily for a method of control. Simeone gesticulates wildly for a yellow card, but the Argentine coach won't be getting his wishes met.

·         64'

After a bright start to the second half from the hosts, Real Madrid have settled back into controlling proceedings. Given Mandzukic's continued absence from the field of play to deal with his war wounds, it's hard to Simeone's men to have a consistent presence up top. This contest remains incredibly hard to call.

·         62'

Off the ball, there is a tussle between Carvajal and Mandzukic, with the latter grabbing the shirt of the right-back. The Real Madrid man retaliates by punching the Croatia international in the stomach and there just might be some disciplinary repercussions for that moment of madness.

·         60'

Good defensive contribution from Modric! The former Spurs midfielder tracks back into his own box, denying a cross from the right-hand side and frustrating Griezmann in the process! The French forward would have already had visions of slamming home a finish! Moments later, Guilherme sees a shot charged down on the 18-yard line.

·         59'

Arda makes a cynical tackle on Marcelo, with Mandzukic off the field once again for treatment. The hosts will be forced to defend the resulting set piece without their sizeable striker. Atleti are looking much more solid this side of half time, with their banks of four standing fast in front of rather ponderous play from the visitors.

·         57'

Carvajal is picked out on the right-hand side, but Koke is straight on his man's touch and the Spaniard clears the ball into touch. Real Madrid get the ball back in play, before Kroos is picked out in space by Marcelo, but the former Bayern midfielder's eventual shot is smothered easily by Oblak.

·         55'

Yellow CardMario Mandzukic

·         55'

Brilliant challenge from Koke! James beats one man on the edge of the box, before shifting a pass into Benzema's feet. The Frenchman attempts to carve some space out to shoot, but the Spain international slides in well to dispossess the Real Madrid forward. Moments later, Mandzukic picks up a yellow for a raised arm on Ramos. The Croatia international is absolutely incensed.

·         53'

Modric tries to invite Marcelo on down the left-hand side, but the Brazilian hesitates to allow the ball to run straight out of play. Mandzukic continues to receive treatment on the sideline, with Ramos probably a little worried about the Croatia international's return to the field. He was not suitably impressed.

·         51'

Mandzukic and Arda combine on the edge of the penalty area, before a pass from the latter just escapes the onrushing Koke! Bale tries to break, but is promptly robbed of possession, with Atleti looking like a different side! Ramos and the Croatia international then tangle at the back post, with the former winning the header, but Mandzukic is left with a face covered in blood. He claims an elbow from the centre-back!

·         49'

Just wide from Arda! Juanfran does brilliantly down the right-hand side, beating James with a change of pace, before hanging up a teasing cross. The Turkey international meets it, but can only glance a header inches beyond the near upright!

·         48'

Atleti start the second period brightly, with some extended possession in the opposition half, but as soon as Real Madrid get their own foot on the ball, they look incredibly dangerous. Simeone's men appear to be willing to press higher up the pitch, with Los Colchoneros needing to stop Ancelotti's men from breaking under little pressure.

·         46'

We are back underway in the second half in the Spanish capital! As it stands, this would be a good result for the visitors, but Ancelotti will be targetting an away goal to unsettle Los Colchoneros' nerves heading into the return leg. Atleti will simply be targetting an improvement on a fairly drab opening 45 minutes of play.

·         HALF TIME! This contest remains a stalemate, despite several fantastic opportunities for Real Madrid to put themselves ahead at Estadio Vicente Calderon! Oblak has been in great form to deny James and Bale, with the Slovenian goalkeeper saving his side from falling behind on three important occasions. Simeone will certainly have a lot to say at the break, that's for sure! Atleti have been second-best.

·         45'

Just over from Griezmann! Guilherme does well to overlap down the left yet again, with the Brazilian full-back curling in a very inviting cross! The France international jumps well and meets it with his head, but can only guide the ball high and wide! Sergio Ramos falls awkwardly in the aftermath, receiving a bit of treatment as a result.

·         43'

Benzema keeps Varane's square ball alive, before feeding a pass to the overlapping James, but the former Porto midfielder rattles a low drive towards goal! Oblak gets down brilliantly to make yet another fantastic save, with Juanfran playing his part in pressuring the Colombia international too.

·         42'

Atleti are attempting to push on in the final five minutes of the half, with Varane needing to head away a cross from the left-hand side by Koke. The hosts earn themselves a corner as a result, but it is well cleared! Varane strides down the right-hand side, before curling in a good cross, but it's slightly ahead of the white shirts in the box!

·         40'

Just over from Modric! Real Madrid work the ball well from right to left, before Cristiano unselfishly stabs a pass inside to Marcelo. The Brazil international opts to find his Croatian teammate five yards to his right, who runs into a pocket of space and rifles a powerful strike just above the target.

·         38'

Close from Griezmann! Sergio Ramos gives the ball away unnecessarily in defence, with the former Sociedad man picking up possession on the periphery of the area. He pivots and shoots in one motion, with Casillas able to smother fairly easily. That's the first save that the Spain international has had to make.

·         36'

Great save from Oblak! Real Madrid win yet another free kick in a reasonable area of the pitch, with James whipping in the latest. Varane challenges for it, but the Frenchman is beaten to the ball, with Atleti happy to concede a corner. The set piece finds James on the edge of the box, with a curving left-footed effort forcing the Slovenian goalkeeper to parry low down to his left! Fantastic stop!

·         34'

After Koke's corner delivery bounces in the box, Sergio Ramos is again on hand to nod a looping header away from the danger zone. Miranda controls the half clearance, and tries to drive at goal, but is mobbed by three white shirts. Ancelotti's men are defending excellently at the moment.

·         33'

Atleti continue to struggle to retain possession in the opposition half, with Griezmann and Mandzukic yet to combine to good effect. Sergio Ramos has been in imperious form thus far, with Simeone having to resort to inspiring the home fans to make more noise. Guilherme breaks down the left once again, with the former Granada man earning yet another corner for his side.

·         31'

Guilherme is found overlapping on the left flank, with the Brazilian able to cannon a cross off Carvajal and behind for a corner. The set piece is easily claimed by Casillas, with Los Colchoneros struggling to hit their stride tonight. The visitors break away at pace through Cristiano, but the former Manchester United forward's cross is hacked clear. Moments later, Bale shoots from range, forcing Oblak into an awkward save low down to his left.

·         30'

Marcelo clips a lofted pass into the path of Benzema, who takes the ball down with a lovely touch, but an eventual cross from the left-hand side is blasted away by Miranda. Anywhere will do for Atleti at the moment, with Mandzukic and Griezmann getting very sparing service indeed.

·         28'

Good defensive header from Godin! The Uruguay international manages to deny another cross from the right-hand side, as Atleti continue to sit deep and invite pressure onto themselves. Estadio Vicente Calderon is now an arena of nerves and tension, with no offensive play fuelling doubt.

·         26'

Casillas has only been called into action for a couple of fleeting moments, with the majority of play being hosted in the home side's half of the field. However, as chances have seemed to dry up since the opening 10 minutes, Bale might just rue the one-on-one opportunity that he spurned early on.

·         24'

A terrible pass from Modric means that Griezmann can intercept, before Los Colchoneros chug their way upfield. Koke tries to scamper down the left-hand side, but Bale doesn't shirk defensive responsibility and powerfully puts the ball out of play. Real Madrid are being just as combative as their adversaries.

·         22'

Cristiano takes aim from another long-range free kick, but the Portuguese hammers a ferocious effort straight into the wall. Los Blancos keep the play alive, but aren't able to do anything with it at first. After going all the way back to Casillas, the visitors progress down the right flank, but a Bale cross is headed clear by Miranda.

·         21'

Marcelo floats a ball out to Carvajal on the opposite flank, before a pass into Cristiano that is flicked round the corner is intercepted. Atleti are struggling to string any counter-attacking moves together, with Real Madrid able to snuff out any passages of play in the midfield third. Frustrations are rising at Estadio Vicente Calderon.

·         19'

Bale is playing through the centre at the moment, with nobody really acting as an advanced striker for Los Blancos. Benzema, the Welshman and Cristiano have been able to play with liberty thus far, making it occasionally difficult for Atleti's central defenders to pick up a man with total certainty. The away side will be pleased with how they've started here tonight.

·         17'

Griezmann bursts down the right-hand side, with the Frenchman able to deliver an early cross as a result, but instead the former Sociedad man hesitates and sees his eventual delivery charged down. Real Madrid attack again, with Sergio Ramos picked out at the back post, but the Spain international defender can't make enough contact to turn an attempt goalwards with his head.

·         16'

Atleti manage to slot together a smooth passage of play, before Modric intercepts and kickstarts a counter attack. Cristiano is released down the left and gets there before Miranda, but the Portugal international's square ball into Benzema results in the former Lyon forward being bullied out of possession! Ancelotti's men are looking confident going forward!

·         14'

Important header from Sergio Ramos! The Spain international rises well to head behind, under heavy pressure from Godin, defusing the situation for the moment. The resulting corner is easily cleared by Los Blancos, with the visitors able to repel their rivals' first dead-ball chances of the evening.

·         13'

Juanfran tries to combine with Arda down the right-hand side, but James tracks back well to make a timely interception. Fouls are the theme of this match early on, with the Turkish midfielder now blocked off by Marcelo. This is a huge chance for Atleti to use their set-piece prowess!

·         11'

Sergio Ramos is penalised after going slightly over the ball in a tackle on Gabi, but again the referee decides to refrain from brandishing a yellow card. The visitors continue to see all of the ball, before a cut back from the right-hand side by Bale is hacked away by an improvising Godin.

·         9'

Cristiano tries his luck from the best part of 30 yards, thumping a free kick well within the reach of Oblak. In the face of a few white shirts who were following up, the former Benfica goalkeeper manages to keep hold of the ball. Mandzukic is penalised yet again, this time for an adjudged push on Sergio Ramos, but the referee keeps his cards in his pocket.

·         8'

Ancelotti's men try to retain the ball in the opening 10 minutes, with Atleti thus far unable to get a foothold in the game. Mandzukic has already received a couple of warnings from the referee, with a clumsy tackle on Modric putting the spotlight on the Croatian forward once again.

·         6'

Real Madrid have come out well from the very start, with the home crowd not warming to a few early decisions from the referee. Los Blancos are on the front foot, but this Atleti set-up is designed to absorb plenty of heavy pressure. Sergio Ramos is really looking up for this contest.

·         4'

GREAT SAVE FROM OBLAK! Bale is fed through on goal, with the Wales international haring in behind the hosts' defence! The Slovenian shot-stopper is quick off his line to narrow the angle and block a poor attempt from the former Spurs wide man.

·         2'

Good ball in from Carvajal! The former Leverkusen man overlaps down the right-hand side, before almost picking out Bale in a central area with an early cross! The Welshman just can't quite stretch enough to get any contact on it.

·         1'

We are underway in the first half in Estadio Vicente Calderon! This stadium has proved to be something of a fortress, which Real Madrid have struggled to besiege, of late. Atletico will be hoping that their good fortune against their local rivals continues, to set them up with confidence in taking a favourable result at the Santiago Bernabeu. Courage and heart is the motto for Simeone's men tonight!

·         Real Madrid substitutes: Pepe, Arbeloa, Navas, Khedira, Isco, Illarramendi, Jese.

·         Real Madrid starting line-up (4-3-3): Casillas; Carvajal, Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Kroos, James; Bale, Benzema, Cristiano.

·         Atletico substitutes: Gimenez, Saul, Torres, Moya, Tiago, Raul Garcia, Jesus Gamez.

·         Atletico starting line-up (4-4-2): Oblak; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Guilherme; Arda, Mario Suarez, Gabi, Koke; Mandzukic, Griezmann.

·         TEAM NEWS: Iker Casillas comes back into the fold for Real Madrid, with Keylor Navas dropping to the bench, with Raphael Varane coming into the heart of the defence to partner Sergio Ramos. James Rodriguez is preferred to Isco in a central midfield three, with Gareth Bale deemed fit enough to feature from the start. Jese is among the substitutes, after netting a goal on his first Los Blancos start last time out, while Sami Khedira also takes a seat on the bench.

·         TEAM NEWS: Despite Moya returning to fitness in the past week, Jan Oblak retains his place in between the sticks for the home side, with the Slovenia international having previously held cup responsibility anyhow. Jesus Gamez drops to the bench, with Guilherme Siqueira preferred at left-back, while Diego Godin displaces compatriot and fellow centre-back Jose Gimenez. Mario Suarez starts in place of Tiago in central midfield, while Mario Mandzukic returns to the starting lineup to partner Antoine Griezmann up top.

·         I'm Simon Harrison and I will be keeping you up to date with proceedings from Estadio Vicente Calderon, as the hosts will call upon their vocal support once again to act as a 12th man. A tough 2-2 draw against Malaga last time out may have upset Atleti's momentum somewhat heading into this game, with that result ending a run of four consecutive victories. Since losing El Clasico to Barcelona at the end of March, Real Madrid have netted 14 goals in their last three matches.

·         Hello and welcome to live coverage of one of tonight's Champions League quarter-final clashes, as Real Madrid travel the short distance across the Spanish capital to face up against local rivals Atletico. Diego Simeone's men came up short against Los Blancos at the end of last season in the final of this competition, but have since recovered to register four wins and two draws in six games against Carlo Ancelotti's side during the current campaign.

5 Common Social Situations Introverts Can’t Stand

Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions.  They do a lot of internal processing. It’s not that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, they just don’t really see a point in doing that.

Introverts are known to be quiet and reclusive individuals.  This isn’t because they’re shy, it’s because they don’t see a point in saying words that aren’t worth saying.  They aren’t anti-social, they are just selectively social and carefully choose who they spend their time and energy with.  They aren’t nerds or geeks, they would just rather stay inside than be out all night on the weekends.

As an introvert, I know what it’s like to have to deal with all of the social struggles introverts typically go through.  I have also learned a great deal of coping strategies to help navigate social situations as an introvert, which will be covered in a future article.  But for now, here are 5 common social situations that introverts can’t stand.

First we will look at the social situation, and then the thought processes that go through the introverts mind during the social situation:

1) Introductions

Introductions are awkward for introverts.  Meeting new people isn’t something that comes naturally for them, and quite frankly it’s not something that’s very important to them.  When introverts meet new people naturally, it happens smoothly and unfolds how it needs to.  But when introductions are forced, it always results in anxiety, stress, and discomfort.

Thought processes: “Now I have to pretend to care about meeting this person.  How do I keep a conversation going? What do I do when it gets awkward? Smile more, pretend you’re more excited to meet them. Make eye contact. OK the energy of the conversation is dying off a bit, this looks like a good time to abort. I’ll just say I need to use the washroom.”

2) Parties & Events

Introverts typically hate parties and social events.  Too much energy.  Too much noise.  Any too many people that they have nothing in common with.  An introverts favourite part of partying is sitting outside with a small group of friends and talking, or having a deep conversation with someone about life.  Sometimes, even small social gatherings are enough to make introverts feel uncomfortable, because then they feel like the people around them expect them to contribute to the conversation.

Thought processes: “I can’t wait to go home and be in bed.  I wish I was watching Netflix right now.  Don’t make eye contact with John across the room.  You don’t have much in common and haven’t talked since high school. Aside from “hi”, you have nothing to say to him.  A conversation with him would be shallow and awkward.  I’m just going to say I feel sick and take a cab home.  At least I made an appearance.”

3) Elevators

Elevators are fine, as long as there is nobody else in it with them.  Introverts will hope that the elevator is empty, and have a brief moment of suspense as the elevator door opens.  Once they are stuck inside with someone, they will either take out their phone, or try to distract themselves from the awkward energy.  Small talk in situations like this is so pointless, but for some reason it’s still expected of society.

Thought processes: “Please don’t say anything about the weather.  What floor are they going to? Oh good, they’ll be off soon. I feel like they want me to say hi but I don’t want to. Just another 30 seconds to kill.  I’ll just pretend to text someone so they think I’m busy.”

4) Family Gatherings & Reunions

For introverts, family gatherings are usually fine when it is with their immediate family that they grew up with.  The deeper you start going into the family tree, the more uncomfortable introverts begin to feel.  Aunts and uncles are fine sometimes, but hanging out in a room full of their moms second cousins and their families is almost unbearable.  Thank god for the cool uncle who likes to talk about conspiracies and spirituality with you.

Thought processes:  “Do you really want a hug from me? We are hardly related and I don’t even know you.  How can I make it seem like I am happy to be around these people.  Am I even blood-related to these people?  Just because you are my dad’s step-brother’s wife’s sister doesn’t mean I want to hear about your life. Thank God my brother is here or I would feel so uncomfortable.”

5) Job interviews

For introverts, interviews are a time where they have to reach deep inside themselves and pretend like they are actually social.  They have to make a conscious effort to be outgoing and happy in order to make an impression, and this is a hefty task for introverts.

Thought processes: “Smile, laugh when he makes a joke.  Was that a joke? Do a light chuckle anyways.  Say that you love interacting with people so he thinks you’ll make a good employee.  Don’t forget to shake his hand at the end.  Just keep acting, you’re almost done.”

If you are reading this as an extrovert or as only a partial introvert, this may seem like introverts are rude or mean.  In reality, introverts just want to be accepted for who they are, without societal expectations being forced upon them.

Life for introverts is not easy.  Society expects a lot and tends to call introverts anti-social, cranial, depressed, or shy when all they want is some quiet time to themselves.  Who wrote the rules saying we have to enjoy partying in our 20’s, or have to like talking with or children’s friends parents in our 40’s?

If you’re an introvert and you are struggling with these kinds of situations, the key is to stop caring that people expect you to behave a certain way.  Be comfortable being yourself.  If the people around you don’t approve, that’s their problem.

Why I Dropped Out Of School – 2face Finally Reveals

Nigerian Entertainment.

Popular Nigerian musician 2face Idibia has recounted the early days in his career, when he had nothing and had to hustle for a living.

Speaking in an interview with Views Channel, 2face talks about the devastating incident, that led to his dropping out of school.

According to him, he was robbed of all his audio cassettes that he recorded and he was so devastated and later dropped out of school to face music.

He also recounts how he used to claim ‘staff’ when he boarded public buses in Lagos because he had no money to pay for his bus fare.

Staff is a popular word in Nigeria used by public servants like policemen or members of the armed forces whenever they enter public transport so they would not pay their bus fare.

He said: “I got robbed sometime in school. All my audio cassettes that I recorded they took them. I was sad for like a year plus. I dropped out and I am like look I am not continuing this thing I am going to follow music.

“I actually confessed to my parents. I told them the truth that I am not going back to school. I am going to Lagos, Festac town. All this waka wey I dey talk so, na molue… staff, sometimes na fight we go fight. Them go pursue us from bus.”

Innocent Ujah Idibia popularly known as 2face is a proud father of seven children from three different women. He is happily married to Annie Idibia and they have two daughters together.

Kim Kardashian, Kanye West in Jerusalem for daughter’s baptism

Kim Kardashian, Kanye West in Jerusalem for daughter’s baptism

Kanye west and kim in Jerusalem
US reality TV star Kim Kardashian and her rapper husband Kanye West were in Jerusalem’s Old City Monday for the baptism of their daughter at the Armenian Cathedral, church officials said.

The couple flew in from Armenia, landing at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport before driving straight to the Holy City for the ceremony.

As the convoy pulled up to St James Cathedral in a narrow street of the Armenian Quarter, hoards of fans thronged the car, screaming and wolf-whistling as Kardashian climbed out of the car holding her 21-month-old daughter, North.

“It’s a baptism that will take place,” Archbishop Aris Shirvanian told reporters gathered at the entrance to the church.

“Kim Kardashian’s daughter will be baptised and she will become a Christian officially and a member of the Armenian church.”

The diminutive star, who is known for her curves, was modestly attired in a floor-length gold pleated dress, with long sleeves and plunging cross-over neckline, while her daughter wore a long white dress, her feet bare despite unseasonably chilly weather.

West was dressed all in white.



The couple disappeared into the church for the ceremony, after which they were expected to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City’s Christian Quarter.

The sprawling church is built on the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and rose again.

They were also expected to visit the Western Wall, the holiest site at which Jews can pray which is located inside the Jewish Quarter.

The US TV star’s Armenian roots are on her father’s side, with the family emigrating to the US from an area that now lies inside Turkey.

Her eight-day trip to Armenia coincided with memorial ceremonies to mark the centenary of the massacres of as many as 1.5 million Armenians in the last days of the Ottoman Empire.

Many historians describe the World War I slaughter as the 20th century’s first genocide, but Turkey hotly denies the accusations.

Pope Francis used the word “genocide” at a special mass at the Vatican on Sunday to mark the centenary, sparking fury from Turkey.

President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), is to lead a campaign to repeal the pension laws for governors enacted by many states of the federation

President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), is to lead a campaign to repeal the pension laws for governors enacted by many states of the federation.
The proposal by the incoming president is based on what sources close to him affirm as the incongruity of the laws under the country’s socio-economic environment and also, as a way of demonstrating moral leadership from the top.
Majority of the nation’s 36 state Houses of Assembly have enacted generous pension entitlements for governors that in many cases provide 100 per cent pay for the incumbent governors buildings, generous medical allowances for them and their family members and annual holiday provisions, all of which are to last for life. Provisions in the pension allowances are also made for staff, security and vehicles that are renewable every three or four years.Buhari-Nigeria
Buhari’s inclination towards a review of the pension for former governors was first publicly declared few days to the presidential election at the All Progressives Congress, APC, retreat in Owerri, Imo State.
It’s scandalous

A source conversant with the development disclosed that Buhari told the governors that there was no way Nigeria could survive under the financial weight of the pensions that had been earmarked for governors. He was said to have described the pension laws as enacted by states controlled by APC and PDP governors as scandalous.
According to the source, “he was very blunt about it and said that it was something that was going to be done immediately, especially because it is not something that can be sustained.
“The feeling was that not only was it wrong and morally unconscionable, but that it was not something that should be encouraged, and he was appealing to them that it should be changed.”
However, the response of the governors, who were present at the retreat, was not immediately given.
It’s a welcome proposal —Keyamo
The development was, yesterday, welcomed by leading Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo, who described it as a fantastic proposal but disclosed that it was something that could, however, only be accomplished through moral suasion.
“Fantastic, fantastic. It is a very welcome proposal,” the Lagos lawyer, who backed General Buhari against President Goodluck Jonathan in last month’s presidential election said.
He, however, said the proposal was something that Buhari could only effect through moral suasion as the pension acts were enacted by state Houses of Assembly.
The crave for financial safety out of office was recently also extended to the legislature after the Lagos State House of Assembly passed pension laws to guarantee generous pension entitlements with proposals for former presiding officers of the house.
States that have passed the law
Many states of the federation had steadily been passing the law since return to civil rule. States like Lagos, Edo, Gombe, Oyo, and Rivers have passed the law, through which several former governors are already drawing applicable benefits, which in some cases are 100 per cent of what the incumbent is earning, while in others, some benefits in the pension laws are as high as 300 per cent of what obtains in some states.
100% of basic salary in Lagos

The Lagos State Governor and Deputy Governor Pensions Law of 2007 provides that “a former governor and family (spouse and children both married and unmarried) are entitled to free medical treatment which is not capped. Another highlight is that the ex-governor is entitled to a cook, steward, gardener and other domestic staff who are pensionable.
The benefits:
Annual Basic Salary: 100% of annual basic salaries of the incumbent governor and deputy.
Accommodation: One residential house in Lagos and another in FCT for the former governor; one residential house in Lagos for the deputy.
Transport: Three cars, two backup cars and one pilot car for the ex-governor every three years; two cars, two backup cars and one pilot car for the deputy governor every three years.
Furniture: 300 per cent of annual basic salary every two years.
House maintenance: 10 per cent of annual basic salary.
Domestic staff: Cook, steward, gardener and other domestic staff (no limit) who shall be pensionable.
Medical: Free medical treatment for ex-governor and deputy and members of their families (not just spouses).
Security: Two DSS operatives, one female officer, eight policemen (four each for house and personal security) for the ex-governor; one SSS operative and two policemen (one each for house and personal security) for the deputy. PA: 25% of annual basic salary.
Car maintenance: 30% of annual basic salary.
Entertainment: 10% of annual basic salary.
Utility: 20% of annual basic salary.
Drivers: Pensionable (no limit to number of drivers).
Severance gratuity: Not specified.
100% of basic salary in Kwara

The law stipulated that qualified former governors and their deputies be paid pension for life, without other perks like accommodation, cars, etc.
The law was reviewed in 2010 by Bukola Saraki, a former governor of the state and a serving senator, who with the support of the state House of Assembly imposed outrageous raises on all the benefits.
The 2010 law gives a former governor two cars and a security car, replaceable every three years. The governor is also entitled to a “well-furnished 5-bedroom duplex,” furniture allowance of 300 per cent of his salary (which totals over N6 million).
The law also gives the governor five personal staff paid for by the state, eight policemen, three DSS operatives (of which one must be a female), free medicals for the governor and the deputy.
Other entitlements are 30 per cent of salary for car maintenance, 20 per cent for utility, 10 per cent for entertainment, 10 per cent for house maintenance.
100% of basic salary in Rivers
The Rivers pension law was first approved in 2003 by former governor, Peter Odili, having been passed by a state assembly headed by the present governor, Chibuike Amaechi as speaker.
The 2003 pension law provides pension for life for governors and deputies, defining “pension” as embodying annual terminal basic salary, annual transport allowance, annual rent subsidy, annual utility allowance, entertainment allowance, domestic staff of not more than four.
Like Lagos, the new law gives the former governor a house in Rivers State and anywhere in Nigeria. The former governor is also entitled to pension for life at the rate of the governor’s basic salary, 300 per cent of salary for furniture paid every four years, three cars every four years, free medical and 10 per cent for house maintenance.
The law gives the former governor a security detail comprising two DSS operatives, four police officers, 30 per cent for car maintenance, 10 per cent entertainment, 20 per cent utility and several domestic staff.
100% of basic salary in Edo

The Edo State House of Assembly on May 16, 2007 passed a law entitled ‘Provision for the Pension of Rights of the Governor and Deputy Governor of the state.’
This law was passed few weeks before Governor Lucky Igbinedion left office as Governor of Edo State.
It provides for 100 per cent pension for the governor at a rate similar to the salary of the incumbent office holder and for domestic staff among others for the former governor.
300% of annual salary in Oyo
The Oyo State Pension Law 2004 provides that the Governor and Deputy Governor after leaving office shall be entitled to Pension for life at a rate equivalent to the annual salary of the incumbent Governor or Deputy Governor. Furniture Allowance of 300 per cent of the annual basic salary, Leave Allowance of 10 per cent of annual basic salary and severance allowance of 300 per cent of the annual basic salary.

South Africa's xenophobic attacks: Fear and shame

Standing in the middle of this football field that has been turned into a refugee camp overnight in Chartsworth, one cannot help but feel ashamed of being South African.
There are white and green tents dotted around housing destitute African migrant families who fled the violence meted out them by their South African hosts.
Two weeks ago locals began attacking and looting properties owned by fellow Africans calling them "kwerekwere", a derogatory word in South Africa for African migrants.
I did not even have to ask Memory Mahlatini, who works as a nanny, what happened to her because her story was written all over her face.

'We are scared'
Her eyes alone made me look down in shame as she explained how a group of South Africans came to her rented home last Monday evening just as they were preparing to sleep and demanded that they go back to where they came from.
Hundreds of foreigners have been forced to flee the violence in South Africa
While taunting Ms Mahlatini and her husband, electrician Innocent Chazi, the crowd were banging doors saying "shaya, shaya", which means "beat, beat" in Zulu.
Ms Mahlatini said that their four children - Melissa 11, Milton, who is eight, and three-year-old twins Modify and Mollify - began to cry.
They left the children with their South African neighbour and they fled.
Ms Mahlatini said: "We are scared and we don't know where to go."
Foreigners queue for food provided by local community members at the sports field in Isipingo, south of Durban
The displaced people rely on food handouts supplied by the local community
It was getting dark as Ms Mahlatini told me this numbing tale whilst queuing for some soup and bread prepared by sympathetic locals in Chartsworth.
Elsewhere on the football field some of the displaced are huddled around small fires to keep warm. They marquees where they sleeps have been supplied by the local authorities.
The camp houses at least 1,500 people who lost everything in attacks when their properties were ransacked; they are left with what they could carry on their backs.
The aftermath of a ransacked shop
Properties and businesses have been looted in this latest outbreak of violence
This part of the country is particularly beautiful with green sugar cane-covered hills.
But when so many stories of pain are repeated again and again somehow it diminishes the beauty of the Zulu kingdom.

'It is criminal'
It is believed that this latest round of xenophobic attacks comes in the wake of alleged comments by Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini telling migrants to go home - although the he says he was mistranslated.
He blamed the media for deliberately distorting his speech in order to sell newspapers.
President Jacob Zuma has condemned the violence and has established a team of ministers to put an end to it.
The president, like many anti-apartheid activists, was hosted by other African countries while in exile.
And there is some irony that that solidarity is not working the other way.
Dennis John, a local pastor and camp volunteer, explained why he was helping out: "It is said because we are Africans.
"We are supposed to take care of each other. It is criminal the way we treat our own."