EwtNet

Category: Entertainment

  • Nintendo Switch: Where it Should Go

    Nintendo Switch: Where it Should Go

    (Opinion) The Nintendo Switch is just a bit shy over 1 year’s old. And while I was late to the party (not obtaining my own copy of the hybrid console until last February), it seems to have had a great lifespan – at least, according to other outlets. And it’s fair enough to assume so. We got Mario Odyssey, Xenoblade Chorincles 2, Fire Emblem Warriors, Breath of the Wild, and more great games. But, wait? Do you notice something there? Most of the Switch’s greatest games released in its first year are either all Nintendo IPs, or published by Nintendo? Seem familiar?

    This is the pattern I’ve noticed on Nintendo consoles ever since I interacted with them as a child. The DS, 3DS, Wii, WiiU, all had some great first-party games on it. And some decent third-parties, but mostly first-parties. And while these titles are always a blast, fans have been crying for more and more third-party support ever since the days of the Wii, and even some consoles beforehand. And while we can blame it on the sales (for example, the awfully performing WiiU), I personally believe we have none other than Nintendo to blame. The entertainment company has always been harsh on third-parties; pretty much denying any and all access to their consoles, at least to triple A games and developers. And it’s that push that leads to poorly-performing console sales on Nintendo’s end.

    Recently, we saw a light of hope with the Nintendo Switch focusing on a more pro-third-party catalogue and a more pro-mature one as well. We’ve seen titles we’d never suspect make it to a Nintendo console, such as Skyrim, L.A. Noire, and even DOOM. It’s honestly amazing to me, but at the same time, it’s not enough. Now, I know this makes me sound like some nit-picky, over-demanding fanboy. That may be the case. However, it’s not enough to me, because the steam we were picking up for more immersive, third-party games on the new Switch has started to blow down.

    And while we can understand – not everyone is eager to port every triple A game to the Switch – there’s another problem present along with it: lack of original, new first-parties. That’s just a big Nintendo-no-no. Sure, we have all the games I previously mentioned, including Pokken, Mario Kart 8, and more. But most of these games are WiiU ports, and if not, there’s not many brand-new Nintendo IPs on the new console. It feels almost as if Nintendo hadn’t even given themselves enough time to have a powerful catalogue to go with.

    So, in a hopes to rally some discord and to get Nintendo thinking, here’s the Nintendo IPs that need to be made for the Switch. And not just ported: new AND original, to separate the console from the WiiU/3DS. Alongside this is discussion of the need of a system software overhaul.

    1) Pokemon Switch

    We’ve already been seeing confirmations of the Pokemon Switch game to be the 8th generation, and this is great news! This most likely points to a guarantee that it will be a new mainline Pokemon game, and not a port or mashup of Sun & Moon.

    2) Animal Crossing

    The last home console Animal Crossing game is going to be ten years old this November. 10 years old. The last fully-fledged Animal Crossing game is going to be 6 this year. Yes, I’m excluding Happy Home Designer and the mobile Pocket Camp. Animal Crossing is obviously a popular Nintendo IP that many people, young and old, love dearly. The Switch being a hybrid console, means we could indeed have a beautiful, large Animal Crossing game going with us anywhere in the world. I don’t want ports, as stated, but sticking with the idea of City Folk wouldn’t be bad either.

    3) Star Fox

    One of the more underrated IPs of Nintendo is Star Fox. I personally loved the play style of all the Star Fox games I had the chance to play as a kid. The last attempt to boot up Star Fox on the WiiU didn’t go as well as expected, only averaging a 69% metacritic score. The Switch’s booted graphics and mobility, however, are the perfect environment for a Star Fox game to find itself in.

    4) Fire Emblem

    We’ve had a very basic confirmation that the Switch will indeed have a Fire Emblem game (not referencing Fire Emblem Warriors). However, this statement was made long ago, not too long after the Switch’s birth. Since then, several Nintendo Directs have passed, and no news has been shared about the project. I’m hoping Nintendo will go for a new game, like Fates or Awakening, and avoid another port, or at the very least bring a from-the-ground-up reboot of an older game.

    Alongside these suggestions, of course Nintendo needs to do all they can to make the Switch more inviting to third-party developers. They need to force developers to think “Nintendo-only.” Many great third-party games yet to release for the Switch are also going to release for other platforms, and while this offers a great amount of choice to players, this can very well be bad for business to Nintendo. I’ve noticed this lack of Switch-only third-parties lately, and we all know it’s in fear of failing sales. If Nintendo makes their move now with more first-party releases, and some major system changes (I discuss those down further), they can reignite the hype and buzz the console had upon it’s first announcement. Such a rise in coverage would bolster sales, at least in theory, and make third-parties that aren’t just indies (hopefully) strive to create unique, exclusives for the console.

    I mentioned needing a system overhaul earlier, and whether you agree or not, the system itself seems so…lacking. The 3DS is an amazing performer for Nintendo, just ask anyone. This system also has a unique, customizable and interactive software UI. The Switch? A choice between White or Black backgrounds, with some game tiles and a button to the eShop, Album, Settings and Controllers. While many may respect the simplicity, it just seems to barebones for a Nintendo system.

    First and foremost, the lack of customizing makes it moot. White or Black are our options of Themes, yet there’s no Theme shop available like there is for the 3DS. I can’t make folders for certain apps, I can’t use a web browser, user profiles are lackluster. I personally think the Nintendo Switch’s UI is where it fails the most. It’s so boring and unimaginative that sometimes browsing your console is just, well, unbearable. I strongly believe Nintendo is hard at work on addressing such changes, but we can only hope it comes soon enough before the interest and lack of support fades from this very promising console.

    What are your thoughts? Feel free to debate down in the comments section, or share what games and changes you want to see on the Nintendo Switch.

  • Gonzalo Higuain Completes Loan Move to Chelsea

    Gonzalo Higuain Completes Loan Move to Chelsea

    Amid rumors surrounding future of AC Milan star Gonzalo Higuain has been officially confirmed. Marca came out with an article about Higuain’s imminent transfer to Chelsea early this year.

    Gonzalo Gerardo Higuaín is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a striker for English club Chelsea, on loan from Juventus, and the Argentina national team.

    Higuain spent the first half of the campaign on loan at AC Milan, where he scored eight goals in 22 appearances.

    The striker played under Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri while at Napoli in 2015-16, equalling the Serie A goal scoring record with 36 goals.

    Chelsea FC reports, upon completing his loan move to Chelsea, Higuain, who will wear the number nine shirt, said: ‘When the opportunity to join Chelsea presented itself I had to take it. It’s a team I’ve always liked that has a lot of history, a wonderful stadium and they play in the Premier League, a league I’ve always wanted to play in.

    ‘I now hope I can give back that trust Chelsea have shown me out on the pitch. I can’t wait to start and I hope to adapt as soon as possible.’

    Director Marina Granovskaia added: ‘Gonzalo was our number one target in this transfer window and arrives with a proven record at the highest level. He has previously worked with Maurizio to great effect and is familiar with how the coach likes to play.

    ‘This was not an easy deal for us to do because of the numerous parties involved, but we are delighted we were able to make it happen and we look forward to seeing the impact Gonzalo will make for us in the second half of the season.’

    As well as a glittering club career Higuain has been an important member of the Argentina national team for the last 10 years. The player was born in Brest, France, although he attained Argentine citizenship in 2007 through his father.

    Higuain scored on his full debut in a World Cup qualifier against Peru in 2009, and was subsequently named in the squad for the 2010 finals where he finished as joint-second top scorer after netting four goals, including a hat-trick against South Korea.

  • Barcelona Signs Dutch Midfielder Frenkie De Jong from Ajax

    Barcelona Signs Dutch Midfielder Frenkie De Jong from Ajax

    Frenkie de Jong is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Ajax.

    Barcelona signed 21-year-old Dutch midfielder from Ajax for 75 million Euros, plus a further 11 million in variables on Wednesday, although he won’t start playing until next season.

    Accord to FC Barcelona news, “FC Barcelona and Ajax have reached an agreement for the transfer of midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who will be joining the Catalan club from 1 July 2019. The player will be signing a contract for the next five seasons, through to 2023/24”.

    De Jong has been compared to Barça legend Johan Cruyff, a comparison he vehemently rejects, “I feel honoured,” De Jong says. “But I don’t think you can compare the two of us. He is so much better than me. He had so much quality. I will never reach that level. I don’t want to compare myself to Cruyff. And I think people who do that don’t want me to compare to Cruyff, they just see similarities in us. But not the same qualities. I watch his videos and he was amazing; the way he moved with the ball, the way he saw the game.”

    Watching him move around the pitch, orchestrating play, breaking opposition lines with his dribbles and using smart passes to manoeuvre colleagues like chess pieces, De Jong’s acumen for identifying and utilising space is striking. Like Cruyff before him, he plays football intelligently and intuitively, something he discussed in a recent interview with the guardian.

    “When I am on the pitch I play on intuition but I think a lot about the game as well,” De Jong said. “With my intuition, it is not just that I receive the ball and always think ‘I’m going to do this’ straight away, even though it just happens that way sometimes.

    “Most good players play on intuition. Everyone has a little but I don’t know if you can learn it. Sometimes I’m planning. I’m always searching for the pass. I’m always looking to see my teammate. ‘Is he free?’ Then you already know what to do. But sometimes the situation can change. Then you have to react and use your intuition. I try to have a picture when I receive the ball and know where everyone is. That’s one of the most important things for a midfielder.”

  • Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark) Revealed the ending of ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 8

    Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark) Revealed the ending of ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 8

    The clock is ticking, every seconds seems like an hour as we impatiently wait for the beginning-of-the-end of our favorite–at least most of us–TV show Game of Thrones, to return to our TV screens. April 2019 sure feels like a decade from now.

    However, while we wait, GoT actress, Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark) has spilled the beans about the ending of HBO’s  Game of Thrones to a few close friends but only because they asked for it.

    Sophie revealed in an interview with W Magazine that she couldn’t resist dropping a few discreet bombshells when quizzed by her loved ones.

    Fully admitting that she is entirely useless at keeping secret, “I’m so bad at keeping secrets,” Sophie admitted. “I don’t think people tell me things anymore because they know that I can’t keep them. I’ve already told the ending of Game of Thrones to a few people.”

    She clarified that she was actually sober when she shared the conclusion with her friends, Turner said: “I was like, ‘hey, if you want to know, I’ll tell you.’ But it’s people that I know not random people. It’s people that I know will keep the secret.”

    Could this be the revelation of Sansa and Arya’s deaths in Game of Thrones Season 8?

    Maybe, if we ask nicely we can get on the good side of Sophie and have her tell us the ‘secret’, in the meantime, here is a trailer to reflect on.

    In the short clip above, Jon Snow (played by Kit Harington) reflects on his true heritage.

    The hero of The North will soon discover his real parents after believing he was a bastard all of his life.

    Jon takes a trip through the Winterfell crypts while voices from season one echo through.

    He remembers Ned Stark’s (Sean Bean) words about how he is a Stark through blood, and wonders what that means.

    It seems he’s coming close to an answer when the footage flips to Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) and Arya Stark (Maisie Williams).

    However, it seems there’s a big clue as to the end of Game of Thrones.

    The trio stand in front of some statues of themselves and the camera lingers on them.

    Game of Thrones season 8 teaser trailer: Arya Stark’s statue is similar to her now (Image: HBO)

    It quickly transpires they are representative of each characters.

    Arya and Sansa’s statues are their likeness today but it is the contrast with Jon’s that seems to shed light on what’s coming.

    His is decidedly older and is sporting a big beard.

    Does this flip to the future suggest there’s going to be one survivor in the Stark clan?

    Furthermore, there’s no sign of Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright) in the teasing clip.

    Game of Thrones season 8 teaser trailer: Sansa Stark’s statue is also familiar (Image: HBO)
    Game of Thrones season (GoT) 8 teaser trailer: Jon Snow’s statue is noticeably older (Image: HBO)

    Game of Thrones season 8 will return to HBO and Sky Atlantic on April 14. Seasons 1-7 are currently streaming on NOW TV.

  • Cardiff City FC Player Emiliano Sala on missing Plane

    Cardiff City FC Player Emiliano Sala on missing Plane

    Argentine professional soccer player Emiliano Sala, who just signed with Cardiff City from Nantes last week for a club-record fee, has gone missing after the plane he was on disappeared over the English Channel on Monday night.

    According to the BBC, Guernsey Police said there was “no trace” of the Cardiff-bound flight. 

    Sala’s father, Horacio, told Argentine TV channel C5N, he heard the news from a friend.

    “I didn’t know anything. I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I’m desperate. I hope everything goes well.”

    As BBC reports, the plane left Nantes France at 7:15 p.m. local time and was flying at 5,000 feet when it contracted air traffic control requesting descent. The plane then lost contact while at 2,300 feet and disappeared off the radar.

    Police said on Tuesday more than 1,150sq miles had been searched by five aircraft and two lifeboats. The search had resumed after being called off overnight “due to strengthening winds, worsening sea conditions and reducing visibility”.

    Ken Choo, chief executive of the Bluebirds, said: “We were very shocked upon hearing the news that the plane had gone missing. “We expected Emiliano to arrive last night into Cardiff and today was due to be his first day with the team. Our owner, Tan Sri Vincent Tan, and chairman, Mehmet Dalman, are all very distressed about the situation.”

    FC Nantes supporters gather in Nantes after it was announced that Emiliano Sala was missing. They are praying and hoping that Sala be found.

    Flowers and candles have been placed in Nantes’ main square as search for Emiliano Sala continues.

  • Game of Thrones Finale (season 8) Release Date Revealed

    Game of Thrones Finale (season 8) Release Date Revealed

    HBO revealed that Game of Thrones finale will be out April 14th, 2019 for its final episode season. Watch the first 90-second teaser for Game of Thrones finale season 8

    Titled “Crypts of Winter fell,” it puts Jon, Sansa and Arya walking through the winter fell crypts.

    Like the previous season, the eighth and final season of Game of Thrones will consist of content not found in current George R. R. Martin’s books, with the six episodes believed to be more like mini-movies that will likely come in at over 60 minutes long each.

     HBO is also preparing a Game of Thrones prequel that will take place thousands of years before the events of GoT, covering the history of Westeros and the “true origin” of the White Walkers.

  • Police Issue Warrant for Soccer Superstar Ronaldo’s DNA in Rape Case

    Police Issue Warrant for Soccer Superstar Ronaldo’s DNA in Rape Case

    Source (Zusha Elinson)

    Authorities in Las Vegas have issued a warrant to obtain the DNA of soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to see if it matches that found on a dress of a woman who has accused him of rape, according to a law-enforcement official with knowledge of the case.

    The authorities sent the warrant recently to the court system in Italy, where Mr. Ronaldo plays soccer, the official said.

    Las Vegas police reopened the case in the fall after the woman, Kathryn Mayorga, filed a lawsuit alleging that Mr. Ronaldo raped her in 2009 in Las Vegas and then paid her $375,000 to keep it secret.

    Mr. Ronaldo and his attorneys have repeatedly denied the rape allegations.

    “Mr. Ronaldo has always maintained, as he does today, that what occurred in 2009 in Las Vegas was consensual in nature,” Peter S. Christiansen, an attorney for Mr. Ronaldo, said in October. Mr. Chistiansen declined to comment on Wednesday on the new developments in the probe.

    An attorney for Ms. Mayorga and a Las Vegas police spokeswoman didn’t respond to requests for comment.

    A key piece of evidence in the investigation is a dress from the night in question nine years ago. Las Vegas police found DNA other than Ms. Mayorga’s on the dress, the law-enforcement official said. When the warrant is served in Italy, authorities would be expected to collect a sample of Mr. Ronaldo’s DNA and send it to Las Vegas police, who would assess whether it matches that found on the dress, the official said.

    Mr. Ronaldo plays for the Turin, Italy-based club Juventus, which signed him in a $92 million transfer last summer.

    The alleged rape occurred in June 2009. Mr. Ronaldo, then 24, was on vacation in Las Vegas and met Ms. Mayorga in the Rain nightclub at the Palms Casino Resort before inviting her to a party in his suite, according to her civil complaint.

    It was there that Mr. Ronaldo forced himself on Ms. Mayorga while she begged him to stop, the filing alleges. The complaint adds that “when Cristiano Ronaldo completed the sexual assault of the plaintiff, he allowed her to leave the bedroom stating he was sorry, he was usually a gentleman.”

    Ms. Mayorga reported the alleged sexual assault to police on the day it occurred. Under Nevada law, there is no statute of limitations on investigations or potential charges stemming from such reports.

  • AC Milan have no intention of letting Gonzalo Higuain go to Chelsea

    AC Milan have no intention of letting Gonzalo Higuain go to Chelsea

    Amid rumors surrounding future of AC Milan star Gonzalo Higuain,
    Di Marzio Sky Sport journalist insist that the striker’s future lies with the Italian club

    “Marca came out with an article about Higuain’s imminent transfer to Chelsea, but we have not found any evidence on this, confirming that Sarri would like the player but that today Chelsea has not made a decision on the investment,” he said.


    “Moreover, Milan has no intention of letting the player go because it would be difficult to replace him. Milan would not make money from the sale of Higuain. To date, Milan knows that Higuain had some ‘stomach ache’ but they made him understand that he will stay and must play and take responsibility.

    “It is clear that Juventus would have an interest in doing the operation with Chelsea but only if Chelsea redeemed him at the end of the season. But to date, there are no signs in this sense,”

  • Eden Hazard says Goodbye to ‘great friend’ Cesc Fabregas saying that he was lucky to Play with him in his Career.

    Eden Hazard says Goodbye to ‘great friend’ Cesc Fabregas saying that he was lucky to Play with him in his Career.


    Chelsea FC forward Eden Hazard says farewell to his team mate Cesc Febregas after 5 years at the club.

    The Belgian international says goodbye to Cesc Fabregas after the Spain play maker appeared to bid farewell to Chelsea.

    Hazard paid his honors to Fabregas by saying that he was lucky to play with him in his career.

    “In five years I can say that I was lucky to play with him. Since the beginning when he came, we saw it the first year, we won the double together,” Hazard told reporters after the Forest game.

    “Top guy on the pitch, off the pitch, a great friend of mine. I hope he will have a good future.

    Fabregas joined Chelsea from Barcelona in June 2014 – two years after Hazard arrived from Lille – and has won two premier league titles, plus the 2015 League Cup and 2018 FA Cup, during his spell at Stamford Bridge. The Spain international has played 5 seasons, during this time he played 222 matches and scored 22 goals.

    The 31-year-old’s contract expires this summer and he has been linked with a January move to Monaco, and a reunion with former Arsenal team-mate Thierry Henry.

  • BBNaija 2018: Miracle Declared Winner of 2018 Edition ahead of Cee-C

    BBNaija 2018: Miracle Declared Winner of 2018 Edition ahead of Cee-C

    It’s official, Miracle has won the Nigeria’s biggest reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, beating the closest runner up Cee-C with over 10% votes.

    The winner of the Payporte games is Miracle!
    The winner of the Payporte games is Miracle!

    How Africa Voted

    BBNaija which started on January 28, with 20 housemates came down to its grand finale today and Miracle will be going home with 45 million Naira.

    Wins 2018 BBNAIJA Reality Show
    2018 BBNAIJA Reality Show

    With only 5 housemates remaining at the grand finale, there was always going to be one winner. and that winner was in the shape of Miracle.

    A total of 170 million people voted this season at the just concluded BBNaija Double Wahala reality TV show. 30 million of those people voted in the final that saw Miracle clinching the prize money of N25m cash, a brand new SUV worth N12m, a trip for two valued at N4.7m, and household gadgets worth N3.3m.

    He also added the PayPorte prize of 1 Million Naira to his collections on the night.

    Miracle won the PayPorte challenge with a total time of 53 min 30sec!

    Below is how the 30 million people voted in the final:

    • Miracle – 38.18%
    • Cee-C – 28.04%
    • Tobi – 22.53%
    • Alex – 7.07%
    • Nina – 4.18%

    BBNAIJA 2018 Finale Recap

    When Ebuka told them to take one last walk and switch off the lights in the House, Miracle and Cee-C knew that one of them was the ultimate Housemate for this season’s Double Wahala.

    With smiles all over their faces as they switched one light at a time, they finally said their goodbyes to Big Brother and exited for the main stage.

    When Davido’s Fall faded, the mood electrified as the Housemates entered the stage and soon after, Ebuka had to calm the crowd to which he slightly succeeded.

    Winning Before Winning

    Miracle’s will to win has always been rewarded by his ability to give his all in every challenge given to him. Whether it’s the Head of House, a Task or the Arena games, he always brought his A-game.

    So when he was announced as the overall winner for the Payporte’s Arena games, it came as no surprise as he’s won more than any other Housemate.

    With an overall time of 53 minutes and 30 seconds throughout the season, Miracle was awarded a cash prize of One Million Naira.

    The Crowning

    As usual, Ebuka asked the auditor to confirm if the results were independently verified and the auditor confirmed.

    After they were shown the prizes to be won and with a total of thirty million votes this week; after a long silence and seeing both contestants shaking and nervous, Miracle emerged as the ultimate Big Brother Naija winner.

    Emotions ran high from everyone and Miracle’s in-House sweetheart Nina; was at the fore embracing him as he struggled getting up after his excitement threw him on the ground.

    Champaign splashing and everyone gathering to embrace him, finally he stood up and continued to celebrate in disbelief.

    About the Winner of 2018 BBNAIJA, Miracle

    Miracle Igbokwe Ikechukwu was born on 17th February, 1994 in Lagos State. He, however, currently resides in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

    He’s a trained pilot who graduated in 2017 at the International Aviation College (IAC) and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria. He entered the Big Brother Naija house with his pilot license tightly in hand.

    He once told Big Brother he’ll use part of the money to advance his aeronautic training and use the rest to support his family.

    Celebrities Reacts to Miracle Winning 2018 BBNAIJA

    Here is the trending reaction from all over the social media on the wake of Miracle’s latest triumph.

    Popular music producer and Mavins boss, Don Jazzy has reacted to Miracle emerging winner of this year’s Big Brother Naija reality show.

    In a series of tweets posted after the announcement was made, he wrote:
    “It’s a Miracle. #bbnaija 2018 WINNER

    “Channel Closed – CC.

    “On that note I hail CC’s fans sha #bbnaija.

    “Oya pls let’s get back to work o. Let’s not be lazy nigerian youths. #bbnaija.”

    BBNAIJA 2018 host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu congratulated Miracle on the amazing season he had.

    More Reaction from Social Media

    Official sponsors, Payporte captured the moment.

    That moment! Drop your thoughts.

    A post shared by PayPorte (@payporte) on

    The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Imo State, Hon. Uche Nwosu declared their readiness to reward Miracle, the winner of Big Brother Naija ,and Nina who is a student of the Imo State University and an Indigene.

    Congratulations Miracle, a race well run.

  • Arsène Wenger to step down as Arsenal Manager at the end of the season

    Arsène Wenger to step down as Arsenal Manager at the end of the season

    Come the end of this football season, Millions of Arsenal fans will be saying farewell to one of the best manager the game has ever seen.

    Arsène Wenger announced on the club official site that he will be stepping down at the end of the season. The statement reads:

    “After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season.

    “I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years.

    “I managed the club with full commitment and integrity.

    “I want to thank the staff, the players, the Directors and the fans who make this club so special.

    “I urge our fans to stand behind the team to finish on a high.

    “To all the Arsenal lovers take care of the values of the club.

    “My love and support forever.”

    Majority owner Stan Kroenke said:

    “This is one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our years in sport. One of the main reasons we got involved with Arsenal was because of what Arsène has brought to the club on and off the pitch. His longevity and consistency over such a sustained period at the highest level of the game will never be matched.

    “Arsène has unparalleled class and we will always be grateful to him. Everyone who loves Arsenal and everyone who loves football owes him a debt of gratitude. Three Premier League titles, including an entire season unbeaten, seven FA Cup triumphs and 20 successive years in the Champions League is an exceptional record. He has also transformed the identity of our club and of English football with his vision for how the game can be played.

    “We have high ambitions to build on Arsène’s remarkable tenure and to honour his vision by ensuring that Arsenal competes for and wins the biggest and most important prizes in the game.

    “We must now focus on making a strong finish to the season and ask our millions of fans around the world to join us in paying appropriate tribute to one of the greats of Arsenal’s history and one of the greats of the game.”

    Arsène will lead the team to the end of the season and we will make an appointment as soon as possible. The club will not be making any further comment on the selection process until an appointment is made.

    Source: www.arsenal.com

  • Melanie Martinez from “The Voice” Accused of Sexual Assault by Ex-Friend

    Melanie Martinez from “The Voice” Accused of Sexual Assault by Ex-Friend

    Singer Melanie Martinez, who rose to fame competing on season three of NBC’s “The Voice,” has been accused by a former friend of sexual assault. The alleged incident was detailed by Timothy Heller, herself an aspiring musician, who, in a four-part tweet, recounted a night during which she “repeatedly said no” to Martinez’s sexual advances. Heller accuses Martinez of forceful penetration with a sex toy, among other acts.

    The Los Angeles-based Heller posted the tweet just before UTC-3 p.m yesterday. Within eight hours, it was retweeted more than 50,000 times.

    Martinez and Heller appear to have a friendship that dates back to 2015, judging by images on social media platforms.

    Yesterday, Martinez posted a response on her own Twitter, writing, “I am horrified and saddened by the statements and story told by Timothy Heller. What she and I shared was a close friendship … We tried to help each other. We both had pain in dealing with our individual demons… She never said no to what we chose to do together. And although we parted ways, I am sending her love and light always.”

    Read Heller’s original post and Martinez’s response below:

  • Russia Banned from South Korea 2018 Winter Olympics Games by IOC Over Systematic Doping

    Russia Banned from South Korea 2018 Winter Olympics Games by IOC Over Systematic Doping

    It has been confirmed that Russia will play no official role come 2018 Winter Olympics Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. The country’s government officials are forbidden to attend, its flag will not be displayed at the opening ceremony and its anthem will not sound.

    Even though some Russian athletes will be allowed to compete, they will do so as individuals wearing a neutral uniform, and the official record books will forever show that Russia won zero medals.

    The IOC also handed a lifetime ban to the country’s deputy prime minister, Vitaly Mutko, preventing him from having any involvement in the Olympic Games, and has ordered the Russian government to pay $15m towards a new Independent Testing Authority and reimburse the cost of their investigations.

    The head of the IOC, Thomas Bach, revealed the decision in a press conference in Lausanne, Switzerland on Tuesday. “This was an unprecedented attack on the integrity of the Olympic Games and sport,” he said of Russia’s sophisticated doping system.

    Vladimir Putin is expected to respond in the next 24 hours with the possibility that Russia will decide to boycott the Winter Olympics and withdraw any competitors from taking part as authorised neutral athletes, an option he had previously described as a “humiliating compromise”.

     

    The former Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko (Getty)

    Bach added: “The IOC, after following due process, has issued proportional sanctions for this systemic manipulation while protecting the clean athletes. This should draw a line under this damaging episode and serve as a catalyst for a more effective anti-doping system led by WADA.

    “As an athlete myself, I feel very sorry for all the clean athletes from all NOCs who are suffering from this manipulation. Working with the IOC Athletes’ Commission, we will now look for opportunities to make up for the moments they have missed on the finish line or on the podium.”

    Russia was barred from London’s Athletics World Championships this year in the wake of the McLaren report, which revealed details of a state-sponsored doping programme that had been in place for many years.

    And the follow-up Schmid report confirmed a “systemic manipulation of the anti-doping rules and system in Russia” citing a lack of effort to address the issue, forcing the IOC to take action.

    In his findings, the IOC commission chairman Samuel Schmid found that doping was fully endorsed by the Russian sports ministry, of which Vladimir Putin’s deputy Mutko was in charge up until October 2016.

    Pressure will now grow on Fifa to take action over Mutko, who heads up Russia’s 2018 World Cup team as president of the football union.

    However, like the McLaren report, the Schmid report was careful not to directly implicate the Kremlin itself, noting there was no evidence “confirming the support of knowledge of this system by the highest state authority”.

     

     

  • Carrie Underwood Gives Health Update After Broken Wrist, Reveals She Underwent Surgery

    Carrie Underwood Gives Health Update After Broken Wrist, Reveals She Underwent Surgery

    Carrie Underwood is recovering after sustaining a hard fall last Friday, and suffering multiple injuries.

    On Wednesday, the 34-year-old singer updated her fans on her health, and said she had surgery on the wrist she broke.

    “I just wanted let everyone know that I’m doing great,” Underwood tweeted. “Had surgery on my wrist yesterday & all went well…even though I’ll be setting off airport metal detectors from now on…I’m so thankful for the doctors, nurses, family & friends who’ve been taking such great care of me.”

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    On Sunday, Underwood’s rep told ET that the singer fell on some steps outside of her home in Nashville, and was taken to the hospital to be treated. Aside from a broken wrist, she also had cuts and abrasions from the accident.

    The “Before He Cheats” singer thanked her husband, hockey pro Mike Fisher, for taking care of her, after he travelled overnight to be by her side.

    “Thanks so much for all the well wishes everybody… I’ll be alright… might just take some time,” she tweeted on Sunday morning. “Glad I’ve got the best hubby in the world to take care of me.”

  • Ben Affleck Maybe Joked About Sexual Harassment, And People Are Angry

    Ben Affleck Maybe Joked About Sexual Harassment, And People Are Angry

    Behold the first cringeworthy moment from Ben Affleck’s sure-to-be-messy “Justice League” press tour.

    Ahead of the superhero film’s release on Friday, Affleck has been perilously making the interview rounds with the rest of the cast following a series of scandals.

    After publicly condemning producer Harvey Weinstein, Affleck found himself at the center of his own sexual harassment controversy when Hilarie Burton said he grabbed her breast during a 2003 “TRL” interview. He later apologized for “acting inappropriately,” but stayed silent when another woman came forward to say that the actor groped her at a Golden Globes party.

    Now, he’s drawing all the wrong kinds of attention for a comment he made in an interview with MTV last week.

    When Affleck’s co-star Ray Fisher, who plays Cyborg in the film, was asked what would happen if Supergirl teamed up with Justice League, he took the PR-friendly route, saying, “I think it would create a different dynamic.”

    And then Affleck, failing to read the room, blurted out, “You following the news at all?”

    Watch a clip from the interview below.

    While Affleck mentioned he wanted to see more women in the DC cinematic universe seconds before, his comment immediately drew ire on social media.

    It’s not entirely clear what the actor meant, but many have interpreted his remark as making light of the recent wave of sexual misconduct allegations in Hollywood.


    We are all Ezra Miller.

    © MTV

  • Dancing With the Stars recap: ‘The Semi-Finals’

    Dancing With the Stars recap: ‘The Semi-Finals’

    We’ve made it to the season 25 semi-finals, Dancing fam! Of course, we’ve only made it by the skin of our teeth: So many people are injured! There’s a whole mess of very serious-sounding leg injuries going around, and Jordan has a scratched cornea. Hold on kids, we only have one more week to go!

    Before we get to the finals though, our top five will have to dance two routines: The first has the pros picking the song for their partners, and the second will be a tribute to an iconic DWTS dance that earned a perfect score in the past. Exciting, no? And then, of course, one couple will be asked to pack their dancing shoes and go. We all know who it should be, but after 25 seasons of Dancing With the Stars, we are all well aware that things don’t always go as planned. To the dances!

    PRO SONG CHOICE ROUND

    Drew Scott and Emma Slater

    Tango, “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers

    Determination and positivity. That’s what Emma hears when she listens to this Proclaimers jam, and that’s what comes to mind when she thinks of Drew. Drew is also very into this tune because the Proclaimers are Scottish, and so is he. Hence the kilt he’s sporting. When you’re in the semi-finals after weeks of riding the bottom of the leader board, might as well have fun with it. And that’s what Emma and Drew do in this tango that is very un-tango-like. Forget technique, posture, and artistry — just enjoy the ride! They may take away our mirrorballs, but they’ll never take our freedom…to do embarrassing things on live television!

    Judges’ Score: 24/30

  • Sex and the City cast: Where are they now?

    Sex and the City cast: Where are they now?

    From 1998 to 2004, HBO’s “Sex and the City” reigned supreme as the first television show to provide a narrative about single women living in New York City during the early aughts.

    The show starred Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis and followed the fictional romantic and professional lives of this glamorous quartet.

    The biggest love story of them all, of course, involved SJP’s Carrie Bradshaw and her on-again, off-again romance with Chris Noth’s character, Mr. Big.

    In honor of Chris’s 63rd birthday on Nov. 13, 2017, we are taking a look at what he and more stars of the show are up to today. Read on for more “SATC”!

    Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

  • A Sneak Peek of The Blacklist Winter Finale: Might not be a Happy Ending for Tom Keen (Video)

    A Sneak Peek of The Blacklist Winter Finale: Might not be a Happy Ending for Tom Keen (Video)

    It’s been two months since “The Blacklist” premiere teased the flash-forward scene of a gun-wielding Reddington (James Spader) standing over the bloodied body of Tom Keen (Ryan Eggold) in an ominous twist of events. Now, in Wednesday night’s winter finale that scene comes full circle for the NBC drama. And it’s all because of a suitcase full of old bones.

    The winter finale episode entitled “Ian Garvey” picks up where last week’s human-smuggling episode left off, with Tom in the clutches of the bespectacled, heavy-set Garvey (Jonny Coyne). The Blacklister is not only seeking the suitcase full of human remains, but is insisting on entrapping one Red Reddington, and using Tom to do it. Meanwhile, Liz (Megan Boone) has the entire Post Office out looking for her husband, and Red continues lying to her while tracking Tom’s whereabouts through his top-secret connections.

    As seen in Variety‘s exclusive clip below, it won’t take long for Reddington and Tom to reunite following the kidnapping, or to realize that Tom is in pretty rough shape from the entire ordeal.

    In the video above, Raymond Red Reddington is seen cleaning up what looks like a bullet wound on Tom Keen.

    With the body count mounting and a suitcase full of secrets ready to come to the forefront, Variety talks with Eggold, showrunner John Eisendrath and creator Jon Bokenkamp about what to expect in the winter finale in an exclusive interview.

     

    “The Blacklist” airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC.

  • Selena Gomez and 6 million other Instagram Accounts Hacked

    Selena Gomez and 6 million other Instagram Accounts Hacked

    A group of hackers used a bug earlier this week to scrape the phone numbers and email addresses of six million Instagram accounts and are now selling that information on the web.

    The hackers mainly targeted celebrities and verified users, including Selena Gomez, who’s account was hacked two days ago. The hackers used this glitch in Instagram’s system to start posting nude pictures of the singer and actor’s ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber to her 125 million followers.

    In a list sent to the Daily Beast, the hackers included 1,000 names of several well-known figures including celebrities, sports stars, and media personalities.

    The hackers also scraped the information of unverified users and are now reportedly selling this giant trove of data for $10 an inquiry via bitcoin.

    Instagram admitted the security bug in a letter today, though it downplayed how many users had been affected.

    “Although we cannot determine which specific accounts may have been impacted, we believe it was a low percentage of Instagram accounts,” wrote Instagram CTO Mike Krieger.

    Instagram services more than 700 million accounts; six million is not a small number, especially if it contains the phone numbers and emails of the most popular Instagrammers.

    However, Doxagram, the site selling the information via the hackers, appears to be down. It’s unclear if this was an effort by Instagram to shut the site down.

    Regardless of whether the site selling the information is gone for good, the hackers still have direct contact information for several high-profile accounts and may still be selling in some other way. Others also may have already bought from them and now that information is floating out there on the web.

    Instagram says it has since fixed the issue and that it is working with law enforcement. However, the bug exposes certain vulnerabilities within Instagram’s system and the popular platform will likely need to take further measures to button up on security for celebrities and everyone else with an account.

    “Protecting the community has been important at Instagram from day one, and we’re constantly working to make Instagram a safer place. We are very sorry this happened,” Krieger wrote.

  • Awale, Backgammon and 1 other Game Technology has transformed

    Awale, Backgammon and 1 other Game Technology has transformed

    From time memorial, man has indulged himself into seeking out ways to improve his living standard. The application of this science into practical purposes is what is termed ‘technology’.

    The constant evolution of technology has affected every part of human existence: information is more accessible, we enjoy good roads, better & healthy living. We can also admit that the introduction of some technology has shortened our existence on earth; with the worldwide life expectancy age just lying above 70 years, life is indeed very short.

    Games such as Awale are not only there for our entertainment, it also improve family and friendship bonding. These days, we have school and work commitments which make it increasingly difficult to enjoy the thrills that gaming brings. That is where online gaming platforms steps in, providing online gaming platforms where you can play countless games online, with the added benefit of betting.

    My business here today is to discuss 3 important games, with historic background that technology has presented us in a platter of gold – playable in your mobile devices at your convenience.

    Awale

    Awale also known as Ókwè, Alancho, Ayoayo, Oware or Ise, has its root in Africa and played worldwide. A common name in English is Awari but one of the earliest Western scholars to study the game, R.S. Rattray, used the name Wari.

    fogo-sao-filipe-jeu-awale-62

    The game is considered the national game of the Ashanti kingdom in Ghana; it is also played traditionally in Nigeria, especially in the Igbo-speaking tribes. Known to encourage family bonding, Awale is one on the most social two-player abstract.

    Today, Awale can be downloaded and played on your computer and mobile devices. You can find Awale on the Google Playstore or download it on the Apple store.

    Backgammon

    Backgammon is one of the oldest board games known to man. It goes down to the ages when human bones were used for dice and Emperor Nero and Claudius making a fortune through gambling.

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    Just before technology stepped in, the church and government banished backgammon because of the gambling aspect of it. However, some Good Samaritan in the 1920s introduced doubling to rekindle interest in the game.

    In recent years, backgammon has been studied with great interest by computer scientists. Owing to this research, backgammon software has been developed that is capable of beating world-class human players (see TD-Gammon for an example). More developers are also pushing out backgammon games you can play both on your Android and iOS devices.

    You can find backgammon games you can play for free on Android here and here, for iOS.

    Chess

    The Chess game needs no introduction. The game has been around ever since the 6th AD. It’s thought to have originated from India with its modern version (Romantic Era of Chess) characterized by swashbuckling attacks, clever combinations, brash piece sacrifices and dynamic games. Winning was secondary to winning with style.

    acient-chess

    According to a survey in 2012, “chess players now make up one of the largest communities in the world: 605 million adults play chess regularly”. Chess is played at least once a year by 12% British people, 15% Americans, 23% Germans, 43% Russians, and 70% Indian people.

    What’s more? Technology has ensured that the new era of chess can be taking anywhere with you. Thousands of chess games have been developed for both PC and mobile. Even the famous Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate edition comes with the Chess game as one of the pre-packaged system application.

    Owing to the modern trend of mobile technology, mobile application developers has delivered by making countless Chess games you can download both on the Android store and Apple store.