Monday, 2 May 2016

The Mortal Instrument

*The Mortal Instruments*


Author	Cassandra Clare
Country	United States
Language	English
Genre	Fantasy, young-adult fiction, urban fantasy
Publisher	Margaret K. McElderry (US) Walker Books (UK, Australia, New Zealand) Destino (Spain) Arena Verlag (Germany) Universal Poche (France)
Published	March 27, 2007 – May 27, 2014
Media type	Print (hardcover and paperback) Audiobook
No. of books	6
Preceded by	The Infernal Devices
Followed by	The Dark Artifices

The Mortal Instruments is a series of six young adult fantasy novels written by Cassandra Clare, the last of which was published May 27, 2014. The Mortal Instruments is chronologically the third series of a proposed five in The Shadowhunter Chronicles but it was the first one published.
The book series has become one of the most popular within the young adult genre of paranormal romance/urban fantasy, but Clare did not originally intend to write the series for teens. When she began writing City of Bones, she did not view it as a young adult work, but first and foremost as a fantasy novel. The main characters just happened to be teenagers. However, when she was approached by a publisher interested in aging up her characters, she ultimately decided that she "wanted to tell a story about characters at that crucial life stage just between adolescence and adulthood, where your choices determine the kind of person you're going to be rather than reflecting who you already are."^[1] The decision to launch her novels as Young Adult books has propelled Clare to the top of the Bestsellers list and has established The Shadowhunter Chronicles as some of the most popular works read by a largely young adult audience.

Publication history

City of Bones (published March 27, 2007)
City of Ashes (published March 25, 2008)
City of Glass (published March 23, 2009)
City of Fallen Angels (published April 5, 2011)
City of Lost Souls (published May 8, 2012)
City of Heavenly Fire (published May 27, 2014)

Main characters

Main article: List of The Mortal Instruments characters

Clarissa "Clary" Adele Fray (also referred to as Fairchild and Morgenstern) is the sister of Jonathan Morgenstern and daughter of Valentine Morgenstern and Jocelyn Fairchild. To protect Clary, Jocelyn changes her surname to Fray. Clary is described as having long, curly red hair, freckles, and bright green eyes. She is very small and short and often viewed as younger than her actual age. Clary is an artist, and in the first book, City of Bones, believes she is a mundane, an ordinary human. It is later revealed that she is a Shadowhunter, a human with angelic qualities. Clary is described as being stubborn and often rushes into dangerous situations without considering the consequences. Her best friend in the series is Simon Lewis. He is in love with her but she is romantically involved with Jace Wayland. Clary is devastated when she is told that Jace is her brother but later learns this is untrue. Clary discovers she can read ancient runes that are used by angels, and she can create her own runes, an ability that was caused by the extra angel blood Valentine administered to her while she was in her mother's womb.

Jonathan Christopher "Jace" Herondale (also referred to as Wayland, Morgenstern, and Lightwood, known as the brother of Clarissa "Clary" Adele Fray in early series) is described as being tall and muscular with scars across his golden skin from faded magical marks called Runes. He has wavy blond hair and golden eyes, and, like Clary, is a Shadowhunter. Jace is among the Nephilim's best fighters and readily defends his family. Jace is often flirty and insensitive, and is described as projecting a false arrogance due to an insecurity that he is not good enough. Throughout the books, Jace's biological family remains unknown although he refers to Isabelle, Alec, and Max as his siblings, and Maryse and Robert Lightwood as his parents. In City of Bones, he believes he is a Wayland but at the end of the book Valentine Morgenstern falsely tells him that he is Jace's father. In City of Glass, Jace learns that his biological father is actually Stephen Herondale. He goes by the surname of his adoptive family, the Lightwoods but changes it back to Herondale upon learning more about his true father. Like Clary, he has special powers which make him swift and graceful, caused by the extra angel blood he received while in his mother's womb. His parabatai is Alec Lightwood. Parabatai refers to a pair of Nephilim warriors who fight together as lifelong partners. This is represented as a permanent rune that allows both individuals to be connected to each other. If one partner happens to be seriously hurt or has died the other one will be able to feel the same pain.

Simon Lewis (also referred to as Lovelace) is a tall, thin boy with a mop of brown hair, brown eyes, and wears glasses. He often wears T-shirts with gamer slogans. In City of Lost Souls, Simon describes himself as being a "hipster," but his best friend, Clary, refers to him as a geek. Simon is the only character to begin life as an ordinary human (called a mundane), but in City of Ashes he is transformed into a vampire. After becoming a vampire, he never ages and physically will remain 16 years old. In "City of Ashes" Valentine Morgenstern stabs Simon in the throat and slits his wrists for the one-fourth vampire blood needed to convert the Mortal Sword. Jace finds Simon and cuts his own wrist to let Simon drink his blood, thus resulting in Simon becoming a Daylighter. Simon is quirky and caring, often putting other people before himself. In City of Fallen Angels, Simon finds himself in a love triangle with the characters of Maia Roberts and Isabelle Lightwood; however, in City of Lost Souls he chooses Isabelle over Maia.

Isabelle "Izzy" Sophia Lightwood is a Shadowhunter and is described as tall, thin, and beautiful. She has long black hair and dark brown eyes, and is often carrying her trademark gold electrum whip. Isabelle is described as being incredibly girly but with a fierce attitude. She is often considered flirty and never seems committed in relationships. In City of Lost Souls, she admits to being in love with Simon Lewis and in City of Heavenly Fire she becomes Simon Lewis' girlfriend.

Alexander "Alec" Gideon Lightwood is the oldest Lightwood sibling. Alec is a Shadowhunter with floppy black hair and blue eyes, similar to William Herondale's appearance from The Infernal Devices. He is described as being quiet but protective of his younger siblings: Isabelle and Max, the latter of whom dies in City of Glass. Alec believes he is in love with Jace, his best friend and parabatai in the first book, City of Bones, until he meets Magnus Bane. In City of Glass, Alec kisses Magnus in front of his parents, revealing to them that he is homosexual. In City of Fallen Angels and City of Lost Souls, Alec becomes insecure about his and Magnus' relationship because of Magnus' immortality and considerable romantic history. This insecurity leads him to consider turning Magnus into a mortal against his will, which causes Magnus to end their relationship in City of Lost Souls. However, Magnus and Alec eventually reconcile in City of Heavenly Fire.

Magnus Bane is the bisexual High Warlock of Brooklyn. Magnus is an approximately 800-year-old warlock who appears to be 19. He is tall and thin with Asian features, jet black hair, and amber and green cat eyes. Magnus Bane is often described wearing glitter, and he throws countless parties with Shadowhunters and Downworlders. Magnus begins a relationship with Alec Lightwood, therefore he feels obliged to become the New York Shadowhunters' "pet" warlock to impress Alec. Magnus appears in the prequel to The Mortal Instruments—The Infernal Devices—and there is a series of 10 short stories describing some of the events that occurred in Magnus Bane's long life titled The Bane Chronicles.

Luke Garroway, born Lucian Graymark , is a former Shadowhunter and a former member of the circle. When he was younger he was best friends and parabatai with Valentine. However he was soon betrayed by Valentine who led him into a trap where he was bitten by a werewolf, causing him to become one. He is currently the leader of the Manhattan werewolf pack. His fiancè is Jocelyn Fairchild and is Clary's step-father. He is described as calm, level-headed and righteous. He is also fiercely loyal to his loved ones.

Jocelyn Fray (Fairchild) is a Shadowhunter, a former member of the circle, and the mother of Clary and Jonathan Christopher Morgenstern. She was once married to Valentine but following the birth of their first child, Jonathan, she learned that Valentine mixed demon blood into her food, thus making Jonathan into a monster. Valentine again mixed angel blood into Jocelyn's food, unaware that she was pregnant with Clary. After he faked his and Jonathan's deaths, Jocelyn left Idris and moved to Brooklyn where she gave birth to Clary. Every two years Jocelyn had Magnus Bane cast a block on Clary's "Sight" or "inner eye," to prevent her from seeing the Shadow world. In City of Bones she self-induces a coma to prevent Valentine learning the whereabouts of the Mortal Cup. She is reawakened in City of Glass. She is currently engaged to her childhood friend, Luke Garroway. Her current surname, Fray is revealed to be a portmanteau of her initial maiden name, Fairchild, and that of Tessa Gray, a warlock seen in "City Of Heavenly Fire," and the prequel series, "The Infernal Devices."

Jonathan Christopher (Sebastian) Morgenstern is Clary's brother. Like her, he is a Shadowhunter but he was born with demon blood in his veins. It was administered to him by his father, Valentine, while his mother, Jocelyn, was pregnant. Jonathan is described as having pitch black eyes with no whites(as a baby, but when he is older, they are simply black on the inside), a sharply angled face, and blonde, almost-white hair. In "City Of Heavenly Fire" the evil is burnt out of him, and his face becomes rounder and his eyes turn green. He dies soon after admitting and apologizing for his wrongdoings to Clary.

Critical reception

City of Bones was highly popular at the time of release, reaching #8 on the New York Times Best Seller list (Children's books) in April 2007.^[2] City of Ashes was one of the YALSA's top ten teen books for 2009.^[3]

Publishers Weekly commented that it "is a sprawling urban fantasy packed with just about every type of creature known to the genre".^[4] Locus praised the book as "a highly readable first novel".^[5] Booklist said that there was "plenty of romance, loss, honor, and betrayal to make the journey worthwhile. An experienced storyteller, Clare moves the plot quickly to a satisfying end."^[6] School Library Journal said "Though the story is hampered by predictability and overblown writing, Clare continues her talent for mixing hip, modern humor with traditional fantasy, and fans eagerly awaiting the series conclusion should come away more than satisfied."^[7] A review in the School Library Journal noted that the book contained a variety of narrative flaws including characters that were "sporadically characterized" and whose behavior was predictable. In spite of this they noted that the book was entertaining and would leave readers anticipating the next installment.^[8] The series has been in the New York Times Best Sellers List for 102 consecutive weeks as of September 5, 2013, and No. 1 for 9 weeks straight knocking series as The Hunger Games and Percy Jackson and The Olympians off the top spot.^{[citation needed]} The last time The Mortal Instruments spent 100 consecutive weeks on the best sellers list was in May 2012. On August 29, 2013, City of Bones topped the USA Today’s Best Sellers List, which made it the Best Seller Book of the country at the time. Four other Mortal Instruments books also made the list. City of Ashes was No. 8, City of Glass was No. 20, City of Fallen Angels was 35 and City of Lost Souls was No. 46.^{[citation needed]}

Themes

The main theme revolving around each of her works is the idea of self-acceptance and coming into one’s own in relation to the choices we make and the consequences that follow. Clare focuses on heavy subjects throughout her novels. She explores sexual orientation through several main characters who are homosexual or bisexual (i.e. Alec in The Mortal Instruments; Magnus Bane in both The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices), hones in on shifting family dynamics and the ways that family ultimately take priority, and even infuses a few multicultural characters (Magnus is half Indonesian, half Dutch; Jem of The Infernal Devices is half Chinese^[9]) into a plot filled with a multiplicity of characters. She pushes the boundaries of normalcy and social acceptance.

Popular culture and historical references

In City of Ashes, the Faerie Realm and its inhabitants are characters from Holly Black's faerie series, beginning with Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale. Also, the characters Val and Luis from Valiant: A Modern Tale of Faerie appear in another scene in that book. Within Holly Black's third book, Ironside: A Modern Faery's Tale, there is a reference to the Mortal Cup mentioned in the Mortal Instruments series.

Clare delved deeply into world mythology in order to build the Shadowhunter world featured in The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, and all other offshoots of the series. There are strong influences from Paradise Lost and The Inferno; while there are many references to Western religious mythology, Clare also studied world mythology deeply, specifically demonic myth featured in Japanese, Tibetan, and other Eastern cultural texts. Her references to angels and nephilim throughout the series also come from this study of world religions and folklore. These myths were then adapted to fit into her stories.^[1]

Further books in the series

Prequels

Cassandra Clare has written a series of prequels called The Infernal Devices set in the same universe as The Mortal Instruments, but in Victorian London. This series consists of three books: Clockwork Angel, published on August 31, 2010, Clockwork Prince, published December 6, 2011, and Clockwork Princess, published March 19, 2013.^[10] There is a sequel series called The Last Hours to The Infernal Devices set in the same universe detailing the adventures of the next generation of Shadowhunters almost two decades after the events of Clockwork Princess. The series will consist of three books: Chain of Thorns, Chain of Gold, and Chain of Iron.^[11] In reading the prequel series, readers will find strong connections between the main characters in The Mortal Instruments and the protagonists of The Infernal Devices, not just in similarity of characterization but in actual familial connections. In fact, first editions of The Clockwork Princess, the final book in this trilogy, include a printing of a family tree that links the characters in The Infernal Devices with the generations of The Mortal Instruments and The Dark Artifices.^[12] One of the main characters from The Infernal Devices also takes part in the last three Mortal Instruments books (with another one joining in the last book), in addition to Magnus Bane that takes part in all Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices books.

Sequels

Cassandra Clare has announced a new series of sequels called The Dark Artifices set in the same universe as The Mortal Instruments, but five years in the future. This series will be a trilogy with all new characters (some of which are seen in City of Heavenly Fire) and the focus will shift from New York to the Los Angeles Institute. They are to be called Lady Midnight, Lord of Shadows, and The Queen of Air and Darkness. The first book is scheduled to be published in 2016.^[13]

Offshoots

Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan and Maureen Johnson have written a complementary series of ten short stories called The Bane Chronicles that recount the experiences of the Warlock Magnus Bane character from The Mortal Instruments series. This series has been published over the course of 2013 and 2014 and consists of "What Really Happened in Peru", "The Runaway Queen", "Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale", "The Midnight Heir", "The Rise of the Hotel Dumort", "Saving Raphael Santiago", "The Fall of The Hotel Dumort", "What to Buy the Shadowhunter Who Has Everything (And Who You're Not Officially Dating Anyway)", "The Last Stand of the New York Institute", and "The Course of True Love (and First Dates)".^[14] Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan also wrote a next series of books called The Shadowhunter Academy that is based on Simon Lewis, Clary's best friend and Isabelle's boyfriend as he journeys to become a Shadowhunter. The series consists of ten books that will be released over the course of 2015. The books and release dates are: Welcome to Shadowhunter Academy February 17, The Lost Herondale March 17, The Whitechapel Fiend April 21, Nothing but Shadows May 19, The Evil We Love June 16, Pale Kings and Princes July 21, Bitter of Tongue August 18, The Fiery Trial September 15, Born to Endless Night October 20 and Angels Twice Descending November

Cleric Decries Governing without Budget in Nigeria

May 2, 2016

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As Nigerians joined workers all over the world to celebrate May Day, otherwise known as Workers’ Day, a Catholic cleric, Rev. Father John Konyeke Asaba decried the non-signing of Nigeria’s 2016 budget into law.

Delivering a sermon yesterday at the Catholic Church of the Ascension, Asaba, Delta State, Fr. Konyeke pointed out that the non-signing of the budget was affecting workers in Nigeria negatively at both he said formal and non-formal sectors.

Prince death: Search warrant issued at musician's home

A search warrant was obtained in relation to the home of Prince shortly after he died, court documents show.

The musician's Minneapolis home and recording studio, Paisley Park, was searched on 21 April, the day he died.

But authorities won a court order on Thursday to keep the warrant sealed, arguing that making it public would hamper their work.

Prescription painkillers were in the singer's possession following his sudden death, officials tell US media.

But it is unclear what role, if any, those drugs may have played.

Carver County Deputy Sheriff Jason Kamerud said reports that the Drugs Enforcement Agency (DEA) had been called in were not accurate.

A post-mortem last week discounted suicide - but a medical examiner said full results could take several weeks.

Prince, 57, was found dead in a lift on his Paisley Park estate.

Image copyright AFP

Image caption Mourners gathered at Paisley Park

There was no sign of trauma on the body, Sheriff Jim Olson said, suggesting the singer had died alone.

There have been suggestions the star was addicted to the painkiller Percocet, which he had been taking since 2009 to relieve hip pain.

His former percussionist, Sheila E, told the news agency Prince had suffered the effects of years of jumping off speakers on stage while wearing high heels.

However, claims of drug dependency have been refuted by the singer's long-time lawyer, L Londell McMillan.

Although Mr McMillan admitted that Prince may have taken pills to manage pain, he said the musician was "not on any drugs that would be any cause for concern".

Prince had been rushed to hospital in Illinois six days prior to his death, while flying home from a concert in Georgia, but was treated and released a few hours later.

Alleged Declaration Of Assets: CCT Adjourns Saraki’s Trial Till May 10

Channels Television. Updated April 28, 2016

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has adjourned till May 10, 2016 the trial of Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.

The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar had on Thursday ruled and accepted an amended 16 count charge filed by the prosecution against the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.

This prompted counsel to the Senate President to take a fresh plea on the charges being raised.

The trial of Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, for alleged false asset declaration, continued on Thursday with the prosecution asking to replace the former charge against the Senate President with new charges.

This came up just after the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar, dismissed the application filed by Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki seeking Umar’s withdrawal from his trial, holding that the application lacks absolute merit.

Cross examination of prosecution witness, Mr Micheal Wetkas, by the defence counsel was about to begin when the prosecution asked to withdraw the former charge against the Senate President and requested the leave of the court to enable him read the amended charges to the Senate President.

The former charge was filed on October 18, 2015 and Mr Jacobs asked the court to accept the new charges, dated April 27, 2016 as the case against the Senate President.

Not Guilty

The senate president, doctor Bukola saraki has pleaded not guilty pleaded not guilty to an amended sixteen count charges of alleged false declaration of asset filed against him at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The Senate President was first charged in September 2015 for alleged false and anticipatory declaration of assets.

The two charges read, “That you on or about September 16, 2013 within the jurisdiction of this honorable tribunal did make a false declaration in the asset declaration form for public officers which you filled and submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau upon assumption of office as the Governor of kwara State in the year 2003 by your failure to declare your leasehold interest in number 42, Remi Fani-kayode street, Ikeja, Lagos, which you acquired through your company, Skyview Properties Limited from first Finance Trust Limited on December 12, 1996 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(1)(2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. CAP. C15, laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004 and as incorporated under paragraph 11(1) (2), I fifth schedule to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and punishable under section 23(2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act as incorporated under paragraph 18, Part I of the fifth schedule to the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”, it read

“That you between June 2011 and October 2013, within the jurisdiction of this honorable tribunal, did receive monthly salaries or emoluments as governor of kwara state and at the same time, from the federal government as a senator of the federal republic of Nigeria and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 6(a) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. CAP. C15, laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004 and as incorporated under paragraph 2(a), Part I of the, fifth schedule to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and punishable under section 23(2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and tribunal act as incorporated under paragraph 18, Part I of the fifth schedule to the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

Ending Insurgency: France, Nigeria Defence Ministers Sign Deal

Updated April 28, 2016

Nigeria and France have signed a deal that would help government of both countries focus on training and procurement of equipment for its military personnel to end war against terrorism.

Speaking at the end of the Nigeria/France High Defence Committee meeting in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Defense, Mansur Dan-Ali and his French counterpart, Jean Yves Le Drian said plans are also in top gear to improve on intelligence gathering.

The French government had pledged to work with the Federal Government of Nigeria towards combating the menace of terrorism.

The Director, Military Intelligence of the Republic of France, General Christophe Gomert, in 2015 declared his country’s unwavering support to Nigeria in its fight against insurgency.

General Gomert said the fight against global terrorism could be won through effective collaboration between the two countries.

The Chief of Nigeria’s Defence Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal Monday Morgan, also said that Nigeria would continue to build on the existing bilateral relationship between both countries.

Multinational Taskforce To Patrol Gulf Of Guinea – President Buhari

Channels Television. Updated April 28, 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari said on Thursday in Abuja that a multinational taskforce will soon be established to patrol the waters of the Gulf of Guinea.

Speaking at an audience with the French Minister of Defence, Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, President Buhari said that patrols by the multinational taskforce will augment and boost ongoing efforts to improve security in the Gulf, and curb crude oil theft and piracy.

President Buhari and Mr. Le Drian also discussed ongoing French support for the Federal Government’s efforts to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

The President expressed his government’s appreciation of the assistance and support of France and other G7 countries, which he said, has helped Nigeria achieve significant successes against Boko Haram.

“When we got into office in May, last year, Boko Haram was effectively controlling at least 14 local government areas. But now, it is no longer so, and they have resorted to attacking soft targets with Improvised Explosive Devices.
“We are determined to secure all of our territory effectively. We are doing our best and our troops are now operating in the Sambisa Forest,” President Buhari told the French Defence Minister.

The Minister assured President Buhari that France will continue to assist Nigeria to overcome Boko Haram, saying that all terrorists must be seen as common enemies of the free world.

Kim Kardashian REALLY Shows Off Her Post-Baby Weight Loss In This Boobie-Bustin' Swimsuit!

Kim Kardashian West is all about flashing her post-baby body since giving birth to baby Saint West back in December.

It was even just recently that the curvaceous momma decided to post her current weight in an effort to show how much progress she's made to get to her goal number.

Related: Kim Wears Skintight Spandex In LA!

Well, newly released pics have the 35-year-old showing off each and every curve in a black plunging Eres swimsuit while in Iceland on her vacay.

She wasn't playing around!!

Kimmy was teasing cleavage, side boob, and the rest of her ASSets in the skintillating piece. Werk!

Are U impressed or what??

Thursday, 28 April 2016

Two Major Things We Now Know About The Ghostbusters Villain By Emmeykeys

Two Major Things We Now Know About The Ghostbusters Villain

By Emmeykeys

The marketing material that we’ve shown so far for Ghostbusters has been very specific. Rather than giving us anything from the story, the footage has entirely either focused on the four characters who make up the titular team, or little tidbits of style that remind us of the legacy of the franchise. What we haven’t heard much about is the central villain of the new movie, but we picked up some details about that very important character while on-set of the film last year. They couldn’t say much, but you can expect an antagonist with smarts on the level of the Ghostbusters, but also with some very bad intentions.

I had the wonderful opportunity to fly up to Boston, Massachusetts in the fall of last year where I had the chance to join a small group of other film journalists to visit the set of Ghostbusters, watch some of the production unfold, and chat with the folks responsible for bringing the movie to life. While speaking with co-writer Katie Dippold, who worked on the screenplay with director Paul Feig, we asked about what we could expect from the villain in the new movie, and while she could tell us much, she did provide some basic background information for fans. Said Dippold,

So our villain, so to speak, is a very smart genius type himself… I don’t want to give anything away… I guess I’ll say they kind of meet, they’re very smart people, they’re scientists and there is someone who is equivalent to them, but he, whereas they want to do good, he does not.

The Ghostbusters franchise may only consist of two villains, but they are still pretty damn iconic in the pop culture sphere (even as Ghostbusters II continues to be unfairly maligned). Of course, the first movie had Gozer The Gozerian and the Stay Puft Marshmallow man, who we won’t be forgetting any time soon:

Fast 8 Makes History Again In Its Latest Announcement Video

By Emmeyekeys

For some time now, F. Gary Grey and his Fast 8 family have been looking to write a page in the record books, as the film aimed to be the first American production to shoot in Cuba. Tonight those wishes have come true, and Grey has confirmed through the Tweet below that Dominic Toretto and his crew are heading to the tropics.

The announcement comes from the official Fast and Furious Twitter account, which saw the video of local extras bidding a fond hello to the Fast 8 team. This isn't the only claim to fame Fast 8 has to its name, as its previous production period in Iceland saw the seventh Fast and Furious sequel triggering the largest explosion on film in the European nation.

With Cuba now on the books as a shooting location, and new-coming cast members Charlize Theron and Scott Eastwood ready to rock and roll in their recently cast roles, Fast 8 is revving its engines into the next phase in production with its brand new location. As if the official Fast 8 video above wasn't enough, Fast And Furious franchise star Vin Diesel took some time out of his busy shooting schedule today to film a quick video with director F. Gary Gray.

As if to hint at what's to come in Fast 8's storyline, Vin Diesel reminds the audience about how Cuba is "where the Torettos started," putting Dom back in his home turf for his latest adventure. Since the power of family and horsepower are equally important to the Fast and Furious mythos, there's a possibility that we may see a new member of the Toretto clan join in on this latest adventure. Considering Furious 7 raked in $1.5 billion dollars, Fast 8 is going to have to pull out all the stops to meet, if not top, the previous film's monumental grosses.

With a little under a year before Fast 8 races into theaters on April 14th, 2017, there are still plenty of surprises left for us to discover. And knowing how friendly and active the film's cast and crew are with their social media fans, we'll be given just enough information to feel satisfied, but not so much that the next film will be spoiled.

Three 12-year-olds among victims of alleged revenge porn in Greater Manchester

11:47, 28 Apr 2016

Children as young as 12 in Greater Manchester are falling victim to ‘revenge porn’, according to police reports.

Officers at GMP investigated dozens of cases last year where private sexual images or films were shared without consent - and a third of complaints involved victims aged 18 or under.

According to the data, police received 123 complaints between April and December last year. Of these, 41 were children.

Three were 12, nine were 13, and six were 14.

The oldest complainant was 54.

New legislation which came into force in April last year, it became an offence to share such images without the consent of the person in the photograph or film.

The figures, obtained by the BBC through Freedom of Information, showed the majority of offences happened via social media, with more than half on Facebook.

But embarrassing snaps and videos were also shared on Instagram, Whatsapp and Snapchat, as well as dating website Plenty of Fish and even Skype.

The majority of complaints are still being investigated, yet figures show there have been 23 people in Greater Manchester have been charged in connection to the reports, and a further six cautioned.

Wednesday, 27 April 2016

Denrele Edun: I Am A Se’xual Outlaw; I’m Not Claiming Any Preference

By
Emmanuel praise

Media personality and VJ,Denrele Edun had a chat with HipTV today and he revealed a lot about his se’xuality. He also talked about the kind of wedding he would like and the photoshoot he intends to have.

He said

“I have been called a homose’xual, bis’exual, heteros’exual, ‘hip’se’xual’, se’xual se’xual. I am a se’xual outlaw. Take it and take it! I am not claiming any preference”

“I would like to have a wedding where it will be like a carnival and everyone will come. I am not going to do all that invites and stuff – I am just going to put billboards everywhere and invite everyone. There will no VIPs ‘cos I don’t believe in all that VIP crap”

“Will anyone know the person I am going to marry? NO. I am not going to reveal or disclose the identity of the person,I am not going to put that person through all that media brouhaha. I am going to wrap the person up like a mummy and it is only when we are about to kiss that I am going to open the mouth.”

“If you want to know who I am getting married to? Get ready to drop the money like it’s hot. In the pre-wedding photos that I have done, it is only the person’s curves you will see, so you will be sure it is not a transgender and the person is not a man.“She is a woman.” he stated

FUEL SCARCITY: NNPC DISTRIBUTES 18 MILLION LITRES FROM ORE DEPOT

NNPC News & Update

FUEL SCARCITY: NNPC DISTRIBUTES 18 MILLION LITRES FROM ORE DEPOT

In the bid to ease the distribution challenge that has led to the resurgence of queues at filling stations across the country, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says about 18 million litres of premium motor spirit otherwise known as petrol is currently being distributed to fuel marketers from its depot at Ore, Ondo State, to ensure adequate supply of petrol to motorists.

Group General Manager of the Corporation’s Public Affairs Division, Dr. Levi Ajuonuma stated this while reacting to media reports that NNPC contractors had suspended importation of products on account of debts owed them by the Corporation.

Dr. Ajuonuma maintained that the Corporation has a robust stock of petroleum products that could serve the nation for the next 24 days adding that cargo ships have been scheduled to supply the country with enough products all through the year.

The NNPC spokesman disclosed that already arrangements have been concluded by the Corporation to engage 250 trucks to boost the distribution of fuel to retail outlets across the country.

According to him "Right now we have 18 million liters of fuel being distributed to fuel marketers from NNPC Ore depot and we are not rationing supply to marketers. Ships are delivering to the various depots to ensure steady supply of petroleum products to the end users".

He appealed to Major Oil Marketing Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and the Nigerian Navy, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPMA) and other stakeholders in the Petroleum industry to partner with the NNPC to ensure effective distribution of petroleum products across the country.

"I have always said that the more the merrier and so the NNPC supports the active participation of all stakeholders. However, the challenge of distribution is something that cuts across the industry and so the Corporation is soliciting the collaboration of all stakeholders to get products across to the end users because distribution is internal and we must work hand-in-hand to address the situation", Dr. Ajuonuma averred.

On reports of a drop in the number of ships waiting to discharge petroleum products at the ports from 30 to 16 weekly in the New Year, the NNPC spokesman said there was nothing in the development to cause anxiety as the arrival of the ships have been programmed to ensure adequate supply as well as to avoid unnecessary exposure to demurrage, adding that in the past the corporation was accused of creating a Petroleum Armada when it had many cargo ships waiting to berth.

On allegations that NNPC contractors have suspended importation of petroleum products on account of debts owed them by the Corporation, Dr Ajuonuma said it was not true.

He explained that the business of fuel importation is credit-driven and that the corporation tries as much as possible to meet its obligation to its contractors to avoid a breach of trust which is the soul of the business.

"It is not true that our contractors have suspended importation of products on account of debts owed them. NNPC is committed to meeting its financial obligation to them. In fact, as at today arrangement is being made to pay them, and they have assured of their commitment to meet their own side of the product supply contract. So there is no threat whatsoever to the supply side of the business to warrant insinuation of worse times as far as the fuel situation is concerned," Ajuonuma stated.

Airtel TRACE Music Star 2016 : Keri Hilson is the new mentor !

By Emmey keys 22 January 2016

R&B superstar Keri Hilson will succeed Akon as the mentor of the second edition of Airtel TRACE Music Star which kicks off on February 1, 2016. Airtel TRACE Music Star, the biggest pan-African talent search competition, is back and will see Keri Hilson on the hunt for Africa’s next music talent from February 1, 2016!

Now in its second season, this year’s competition will see Niger join Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia as the newest African territory to enter the competition. To participate, contestants will need to call in a short code number with their mobile phones, record their songs to stand a chance to become the next big music star in Africa.

With 2.3 million calls made in its previous season, the Airtel TRACE Music Star (ATMS) talent search is the biggest music competition to ever take place in Africa. It won the “Best Pan-African Initiative” accolade at the prestigious AfricaCom Awards held in Capetown, South Africa.

In 2015, Crowned Airtel TRACE Music star winner by megastar Akon, Mayunga won a record deal as well as promotion for a total value exceeding $500,000 and a mentorship programme with Akon. His first track “Nice Couple” reached number 1 on all major radio and TV charts in his home country of Tanzania. A few months ago, he was in Los Angeles with Akon to record his second single “Please Don’t Go Away” and shoot the music video.

This year, the grand prize comprises a mentorship program with multi-award winning American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson in Atlanta. The winner will not only star in their own music video alongside Keri Hilson; he/she will get an opportunity to record a duet with the “Knock You Down” songstress, as well as receive a signed contract with a major music label and worldwide media exposure through various TRACE’s platforms. The grand finale will be held in Lagos, Nigeria in Q2 2016.

More infos coming soon !