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The gastric balloon surgery is a weight loss option for people who do not wish to undergo the knife or undergo the weight loss surgery. The best gastric balloon surgery cost in India is quite affordable and this attracts many medical tourists from across the globe to fly down to India for this surgery. India offers world class facilities, amenities, best bariatric surgeons, affordable cost weight loss procedures without any long waiting lists as compared to the western nations. Patients who are either or do not want to undergo any kind of surgery can opt for this weight loss procedure in India.

The intra gastric balloon (IGB), also called as the gastric balloon is a simple non-invasive procedure for treating obesity. This surgery involves placing a balloon inside the stomach to reduce the food intake and hunger which results in weight loss. It is a very simple procedure in which a soft, expandable balloon made of the pliable silicone material is inserted in the smallest, deflated form. The balloon is filled with a sterile saline using a small catheter once it reaches the stomach.

An individual having a body mass index of more than 30 or 40 percent above the ideal weight and do not want to undergo a surgical procedure and looking for a temporary treatment solution to change their eating habits and lifestyle, ready to accept the implant in the stomach and have no heartburn or poorly stabilized diabetes type II are considered to be a good candidate for the gastric ballooning surgery.

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The gastric balloon is a little silicon pouch that is endoscopically introduced through the mouth into the patient’s stomach. This procedure is painless and the balloon is inflated using the saline. After undergoing this procedure, the patient feels fuller due to the presence of the balloon and this decreases the food intake thereby leads to weight loss. The placement time will vary but usually, it takes about 20-30 minutes after which the patient will be monitored by the physician for a short time and can return back home.

The extent of weight loss with gastric balloon surgery is around 15 to 25 kgs and this will depend on the level of adherence to your diet and exercises. On an average, a patient can loose up to 50 percent or more of their excess weight. Recovery post the intra gastric balloon is quicker since you can go back from the hospital the same day or shall stay overnight where you will be kept under observation to see how your body reacts. Most patients tolerate the balloon well and only a small number of them feel nauseous, uneasiness and discomfort for a couple of days. This can be controlled with drugs and you can resume your daily activities within week post the surgery.

The gastric balloon surgery has benefits over the more complex procedures such as:

  • It is a simple small procedure and not a major surgery
  • The balloon is adjustable and has a good life
  • Weight loss is interrelated with a proper diet and exercise and also effective
  • The cost of gastric balloon surgery in India is lower
  • The procedure takes only 10 minutes and has quicker recovery than other major weight loss procedures
  • Relatively less complications when compared to the major procedures

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Cosmetic and Obesity Surgery Hospital India has an association with the best surgeons and top hospitals located across different cities in India. The best gastric balloon surgery cost in Indian Currency is 1,80,000 whereas it may cost about 8,00,000 in the US. Avail the low cost gastric balloon surgery in India with Cosmetic and Obesity Surgery Hospital India, #trusted guide for the gastric balloon surgery.

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US removes Nigeria from drug list

The United States government yesterday removed Nigeria from the major drug list.

President obama said that Nigeria was a onetime drug trafficking focal point but that the country had taken a lot of drastic steps to make counternarcotics a top national security for the country. Photo: REUTERS

According to a statement released by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the US President, Barack Obama, said that this was the first time that Nigeria would be delisted from the drug majors list since 1991. The anti-narcotics agency stated that Mr Obama said that Nigeria was a onetime drug trafficking focal point but that the country had taken a lot of drastic steps to make counter narcotics a top national security for the country. He said that international data showed that there was a strengthening of illegal drug trafficking between Latin America and West Africa, especially via Brazil and Venezuela, with a considerable portion of illegal product destined for Europe.

According to the report, Nigeria, Brazil, and Paraguay were recently removed this year from the list because they no longer meet the criteria for the list according to US law. Reacting, Ahmadu Giade, the Chief Executive of the NDLEA, said that Nigeria had gotten a well deserved honour. He noted that the removal of Nigeria from the majors drug list was an endorsement of the collective efforts of the agency to combat drug traffickers with the aim of having a drug free society. According to him, the honour given to Nigeria by removing her from the drug list was as a product of dedication, transparency, hard work, and cordial working relationship between Nigeria and United States in controlling drug trafficking in the country.

The NDLEA is happy

“I appreciate President Barack Obama and Americans for this candid and credible assessment,” he said. “The removal speaks volumes concerning our impressive scorecard and determination to address the drug problem. Illicit trade in narcotics transcends national boundaries. Our foreign collaborators also have a way of monitoring most assiduous efforts. All exit entry points will remain invincible to drug criminals through effective drug interdiction.” The NDLEA boss also thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for his anti-drug policies, and other stakeholders for their unrelenting efforts. He promised that no drug baron or major drug trafficker would go unpunished in the country, adding that NDLEA was one of the best anti-drugs agencies in Africa and that the agency is prepared to make sacrifices to sustain and improve on its drug control performance “Our level of professionalism shall be further consolidated on the tripod of transparency, anti-corruption and respect for the rule of law,” he said. “It is a call to duty that demands higher commitment on our part. We shall continue to partner with the United States and other stakeholders. No stone will be left unturned in our quest for a drug free society.”

According to the agency, the 20 countries on the list this year are Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru and Venezuela. A major drug-transit country is defined as a significant direct source of illicit narcotic or psychotropic drugs or other controlled substances significantly affecting the United States; or a country through which such drugs or substances are transported.
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Reminiscent of the one-million-man march staged by the Youth EarnestlyAsk (YEAA) for Abacha in 1994, some Nigerian musicians may, once again,converge to sing for former President Ibrahim Babangida who may becontesting for president in 2011..

And as part of efforts torealize his presidential ambition, Babangida, popularly known as IBB,is said to be recruiting some popular Nigerian musicians to help himreach out to the youths as well as members of the grassroots. Nigeriafilms.comgathered that the artistes would hold grand concerts in some parts ofthe country including Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna and Port-Harcout afterhis campaign will have officially commenced.

The source alsotold Weekend Showbiz that some of these artistes would record campaignsongs that would be aired on radio and television stations across thefederation.

According to the source, some of the artistes thathave been contacted by the Niger State- born retired soldier includeHip-hop music star, D’Banj whose song was used by the ruling PeoplesDemocratic Party (PDP) in the 2007 general elections; Peter and PaulOkoye, otherwise known as PSquare; the Yahoozee crooner, Olu maintain;Banky W; Gongo Aso crooner, 9ice; Abass Akande Obesere; Sule AdioAtawewe and many others.

Obesere, who enjoyed great patronage from the former president duringhis last presidential campaign in 2007, said, “I remain the onlyartiste on the bill of the Babangida campaign. I am still in goodcontact with members of the campaign group and I know that no othermusician has been approached for this purpose. In fact, I have beengiven the mandate to negotiate with any artiste that I know will dothem good. I am the official musician for the Ibrahim Babangidacampaign in 2011.”

Also, in a separate interview with OluMaintain, he denied being approached by Babangida or any of hisloyalists. “I also heard that they are talking to some musicians forhis campaign, but I have not been approached yet. If they come, I willaccept. Why won’t I? I’m a musician and I will sing for anybody who isready to pay my bill.”
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How big a star is Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt? Let us count the ways.

When he emerged from the locker rooms and took the infield about an hour before his race at the famous Penn Relays Saturday in Philadelphia, the record crowd of 54,310 couldn't contain itself.

"It was so loud, I thought, 'Is the president here?'" said Miki Barber, of U.S.A. Blue, who was warming up for her race at the time.

Barber's twin sister, Lisa, said she couldn't hear the music in her headphones.

Then, when it came time for Bolt to compete, then track announcer had to make an unheard of request, telling the crowd to quiet down so the runners could hear the starting gun (see video).

Usain Bolt, Team Jamaica top USA in Penn Relays 4x100, USA vs. the World

"The starter was telling the crowd to be quiet," Bolt said. "That's one in a million. When you go anywhere else in the world, they are quiet (for the start). You get in front of Jamaicans and they make noise until you ask them to be quiet."

After all his gold medals and world records, you would think the 23-year-old international star would be used to it by now. He's not..

"Over the past two years I've been surprised by the amount of people that know me and the welcome I get when I go to track meets or functions," Bolt said. "I'm still trying to get used to it and I'm enjoying it."

And still showing he's worthy of the adulation.

Bolt led Jamaica Gold to a victory in the USA vs. the World 4x100 relay using a blistering 8.79 split on the anchor leg to give his team a Penn Relays record 37.90 time.

Bolt then took a victory lap that was met with a deafening roar. He stopped twice to make his trademark "lightning bolt" pose. He also signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans.

The Penn Relays is the biggest high school relay carnival in the country. And every year, organizers find a way to get some of the biggest names in the sport to show the prep stars how good you can become.

High schoolers, however, weren't the only ones taking notice of Bolt.

Lisa Barber, who has been coming to the event since she and her sisters were stars at Montclair (N.J.) High, was thrilled by Bolt's presence.

"I was leadoff leg and I could actually hear, right next to me, the crowd screaming," she told John Finger of CSN.Philly.com. "I've been coming here for about 12 years now, and this was the loudest one. It was great."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Usain Bolt, Team Jamaica top USA in Penn Relays 4x100, USA vs. the World






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Attack on airline: Suspect targeted five Americans, top politicians Now claims he is INSANE !

Strong indications have emerged that the suspected terrorist who drove a car into Margret Ekpo International Airport's tarmac, Calabar, and hit the underbelly of a parked aircraft belonging to Arik Airline on Wednesday might have targeted the five Americans and top politicians on board the aircraft.
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Investigations by SUNDAY PUNCH revealed that the suspect, Mr. Aniefiok Elijah Okon, from Akwa-Ibom State might have been on a sponsored suicide mission to either embarrass the airline or the country.

Apart from the five Americans, top politicians including the Chairman, Cross River State Forestry Commission and former governorship aspirant in the state, Mr. Odinga Odinga, were on board the plane.

It was gathered from the police that the manner in which the suspect carried out the aborted attack gave confirmation that he was handed down clear instructions and details of his target by his alleged sponsors.

The police in Calabar, Cross River State, disclosed to our correspondent that they were working on a theory that the suspect was engaged in a sponsored mission, adding that thorough investigation was ongoing to unmask the sponsors of the futile attempt.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Etim Dickson, refused to speak on the matter, claiming he was on inspection tour of police formations in the state with the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, when the incident occurred. A top police officer said investigation was in progress.

However, another police source who craved anonymity said that two Air Force officers who were on duty when the incident occurred had been recalled to their base for interrogation.

Referring to the incident as a security breach, he wondered why the security operatives could not stop the suspect before he got to the tarmac.

He said, "I can assure you that we are doing everything possible to get to the root of this matter. It is a serious security breach and all those involved in it must be fished out and punished. There were five Americans and top politicians on board that plane and we are working on the theory that the futile attack was targeted at them. It was a suicide mission."

The suspect, who is being interrogated at the Criminal Investigation Department of the police command, he added, had been feigning madness.

He said: "Because the attack was not successful, his behaviour at this preliminary stage of our interrogation was expected. We know he is just feigning madness. We know he is just acting a script. He will eventually tell us the truth. The earlier he tells us the truth, the better for him because we must get to the bottom of this matter.

"No madman could have done what he did. He drove a car crashing through two security gates and headed straight for a boarded aircraft. In the process, he even did a U-turn and squeezed the car underbelly and now he is claiming to be mad. We cannot be deceived."

He added that the management of the airline had premonition of the attack but did not expect it to occur in Calabar.

He said the airline confirmed it had received several threats of possible attack on its aircraft by unknown persons, but that it did not expect the attack to occur in Calabar.

But the Arik Media Officer, Mr. Banji Ola, who spoke to our correspondent on Friday, denied the claim.

He frowned on the insinuation saying, "how can we have premonition of such a dastardly act. It is not true."

On Wednesday, tragedy was averted when a lone occupant of Audi NA 234 KAM breached security at the airport by breaking two gates manned by officials of the Nigerian Air Force and gaining access to the tarmac.

Okon who had driven a distance of about 500m in the tarmac unchallenged, headed for the left wing of Boeing 5N-MJJ aircraft, but made a U-turn and buried the car underbelly.

Despite the impact, the suspect had remained in the car probably waiting for possible explosion until airport security operatives dragged him out of the scene.

But Okon who has been described as a Christian extremist, instead of showing remorse for his action, had rained abuses on everybody at the airport.

He had repeatedly said, "You are all sinners. All of you deserve to die because mankind is turning away from God. People in the world are turning away from God. Every human being is wicked and deserved to go to hell except you repent."

The impact of the car on the 95-passenger aircraft which was about taxing down to the runway for take-off had sent jitters into the spines of the passengers who immediately jostled down for safety.
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WANDE COAL, with a total of seven nominations, leads other artistes nominated for this year’s edition of Hip Hop World Awards. Wande Coal, who won the Next Rated category of the awards two years ago, really had a good time last year with his album entitled Mushin 2 Mo’ Hits, and it is no surprise to many that he is getting such recognition now.

Other music stars with a lot to hope for at the awards ceremony slated for May 29 this year include Kefee, Darey Art Alade, the duo of Nwachukwu Ozioko and Ali Obumneme, better known as Bracket, with five nominations.

It is that time of the year when the bubbles of excitement, long kept aside to germinate since last year, will begin to burst into full events of spectacle. The first indication of such fascinating times and scenarios was set in motion on Tuesday April 6, 2010, when organisers of the trend-setting award dedicated to excellence in music unveiled the list of nominees for this year.

The unveiling of the nominees’ list, as released by the screening committee of the Hip Hop Awards, was greeted with excitement by players, analysts and followers of the industry. The list, which contains the names and works of the big names currently making waves in the music industry, did not come with too many surprises. The list of nominees for the 2010 edition will, however, lead to a keen contest, the kind of which has not been witnessed in a while.

When the Hip Hop World Awards debuted with the maiden edition held in 2006 at the MUSON Centre in Lagos, it caused more than a few to raise eyebrows as a result of the depth of knowledge shown by organisers of the awards. But that was to be expected by people who have been in the game for a long time with the exciting magazine, Hiphopworld, and when the follow up editions of 2007 and 2008 came by, even turning out more glittering and better organised, the whole industry shook with the reality that a revolution has been set in motion.

Incidentally, “Revolution” was the title of the edition in 2006 and with each edition having a fantastic title with the last being “A Prize To Die For,” a fitting title for the 2009 edition of the Hip Hop World Awards, arguably the most organised and keenly contested awards in the country, and so far, largely unmatched as regards content, organisation and delivery..

For the 2010 edition, the key categories of the award is populated by the biggest names with the exclusion of a few stars like 9ice, DJ Zeez, Asa and D’Banj missing, primarily due to the fact that they did not release albums for the period under review, December 2008 to November 2009.

Dagrin, who has suddenly become a household name in recent times as a result of his well received album titled C.E.O, coupled with the biting power and clarity of his lyrics, is staking a claim for the Album of the Year award. Joining him in the quest for that same pedestal is Wande Coal who ruled especially for the major part of 2009 with his album, Mushin to Mo’ Hits. Darey Art Alade with the fantastic UN-DAREY-TED album containing the smash single, ‘Not the Girl’ is in reckoning while P-Square and Bracket complete the list with Danger and Least Expected respectively.

The same artistes nominated for the Album of the Year category dominate in the Artiste of the Year category with Dagrin, Wande Coal, Darey, Bracket all in contention, while Gabriel Amanyi popularly known as the ‘eccentric microphone tester,’ Terry G, taking up the final slot with his very popular street anthem, Ginajh Ur Swagger – Season 1.

The Song of the Year category, one of the most sought after as the popularity of songs are put to test has Bracket in with ‘Yori Yori,’ Kefee with ‘Kokoroko,’ ‘You Bad’ by Wande Coal, Terry G’s ‘Free Madness’ and ‘Alanta’ by Art Quake. Recording of the year throws into the fray ‘Keeper of My Dreams’ by Lara George,’ ‘Heaven Please’ by Timi Dakolo, P Squre’s ‘I Love U’ and ‘Strong Ting’ by Banky W.

Cobhams is once again in reckoning in the Producer of the Year category and he is up against Tee Y Mix, Don Jazzy, Sossick and Dokta Frabz for their various outputs from the refreshing production efforts while Jude Okoye (for ‘Danger’ video by P- Square), Wudi Awa (for ‘Kokoroko’ video by Kefee), Clarence Peters (for ‘Finest’ video by Knight House), Bobby Boulders (for ‘Ako Mi Ti Poju’ video by Naeto C) and Mex (for ‘Safe’ video by MI) are slugging it out in the Best Music Video category as the award goes to the director of the winning music video.

Darey, with a total of four individual nominations, is also in reckoning for best R ‘N’ B single with ‘No Stars’ while ‘Never Felt A Love’ by Femi Adeyinka, Banky W’s ‘Strong Ting,’ Djinee’s ‘Overkilling’ and ‘I Love U’ by P-Square are the others in contest in the rhythms and blues arena. Other categories include Best Pop Single, Best R ‘N’ B/Pop Album, Best Rap Single, Best Rap Album, Lyricist on the Roll, Best Collabo, Best Vocal Performance (Male) and Best Vocal Performance (Female). Other categories are Best Street Hop, Next Rated, Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year and Hip Hop World Hall of Fame, a non-competitive category.

9ice, whose new album is really beginning to catch up on the terrain and who was the biggest winner last term around, is one of the big stars missing due to the date of releasing his album around December 2009, while Asa also has no nominations due to the same reason, but MI has two to his credit thanks to an unreleased track titled ‘Somebody Wants To Die.’

Feelers from industry watchers are extremely positive that the screening committee of the awards has done a good job reflective of the strengths and weaknesses of the performers and efforts on display.

Who wins the Lyricist on the Roll category, would be awaited with eagerness owing to the fact that Mode 9 has won the prize in all the past editions of the awards.

Omawunmi, Next Rated last year, is up against Djinee, Ill Bliss, Kel and Wande Coal for the Revelation of the Year award.

GT ‘D’ Guitarman, who released his album titled The Truth late last year has one nomination, while Banky W, Terry G and Dagrin have one each with P-square with four nominations.
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China overtakes Germany as world top exporter

Germany's multi-year reign as the world's No 1 exporter is officially over, with the crown formally passing to rising China after new figures showed that German exports slid by nearly a fifth in 2009, the biggest decline in 60 years.

Tuesday's German government figures only confirmed an open secret: China's runaway growth and resilience amid the financial crisis put its exports ahead of Germany, which suffered a severe recession before returning to growth in last year's second quarter.

Last month, China's customs reported that total 2009 exports were more than $1.2 trillion, well ahead of the 803.2 billion euro ($1.1 trillion) that Germany reported Tuesday.

For Germany, the figure was a drop of 18.4 percent from 2008, although exports returned to year-on-year growth in December.

"The crisis has accelerated the shift in power in world trade toward the emerging countries," said Anton Boerner, the head of Germany's BGA exporters' association.

However, "the fact that we are passing on the title of world export champion to China doesn't cause us any worries," he added. "The growth of the Chinese economy will also secure our growth and jobs in Germany for long years."

Boerner noted that in December demand for German products from all parts of the world was up on the year.

Declining imports indicate that "large parts of the economy are still in neutral," Boerner said. "Everything must be done to encourage and stabilize the upturn in exports."

Germany took over the top spot in terms of exports in 2003, surpassing the US.

China's newfound status is mostly symbolic but highlights its growing presence as an industrial power, major buyer of oil, iron ore and other commodities and, increasingly, as an investor and key voice in managing the global economy.

Its ability to unseat longtime export leader Germany reflected the ability of agile, low-cost Chinese manufacturers to keep selling abroad even as other exporters have been hammered by a slump in global demand.

The change is the second time in three years Germany has been overtaken by China.

In 2007, China surpassed Germany to become the world's third-largest economy, just behind No. 2 Japan and the United States, which holds the top spot.

China's growth also benefits other companies and countries, particularly those in Germany, because of its voracious demand for raw materials, consumer goods and more.

Germany's leading luxury car makers, Mercedes-Benz, BMW AG and Audi AG, all have reported that their sales in China more than doubled on the year last month, helping them to improve their global performance.

Germany, and Europe, is also noted for quality and craftsmanship.

Nick Reilly, the new chief executive of General Motors Co's German-based European unit, Opel, said Tuesday he believes that "manufacturing must have and will have a bright future in Europe."

"Yes, wage rates are higher here than in other countries, but productivity, production excellence, logistics costs, quality and the work force's outstanding skill base largely offset that cost disadvantage," said Reilly, who was previously the US automaker's Shanghai-based executive vice president of international operations.

He pointed to "Opel's German engineering" as an asset to GM.

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It has been revealed how Super Eagles striker, Obafemi Martins, extranvagantly squandered about N3.1 trillions while a player of Newcastle.MartinsadvertisementHis former management company, NVA Management Limited who has dragged the player to court over breach of contarct, told the jury how the player’s account almost went red because of his lifestyle.Obafemi Martins was paid £75,000, but allegedly squandered the earnings on an extravagant lifestyleA former Premiership footballer routinely blew his £75,000 a week wages in a matter of days and was constantly overdrawn, a court was told yesterday.Obafemi, ex-Newcastle striker 25, was paid the handsome salary after he joined the club for a £10million fee in August 2006.But despite his extraordinary earnings, his former management team yesterday claimed they repeatedly bailed him out after his bank account continually slipped into the red.The High Court heard that the Nigerian international player would withdraw £40,000 in cash from his bank account at the end of the week.But that would only last him two days, the court heard, as he topped up with a further £25,000 on the Monday morning.He was always overdrawn and repeatedly relied upon NVA Management Limited to ‘manage his life’, the High Court was told.Martins, who owned several fast cars including a top of the range Porsche 4X4, spent the money funding an extravagant lifestyle of luxurious penthouse homes and fine dining.He is now being sued by his former management company which claims that he still owes them 300,000 for sorting out his finances.He told the court that Martins would withdraw £40,000 for the weekend, followed by another £25,000 on the Monday.‘Despite earning these vast sums of money he was constantly overdrawn,’ added Mr Tennink.He said the firm, which looks after the affairs of several footballers, film and music stars, said that Martins had agreed to pay them for simply managing his life.It was under their stewardship that Martins agreed a £2million image rights deal ‘simply for being Mr Martins’.It’s claimed Martins was constantly overdrawn despite earning £75,000-a-weekHe also had lucrative sponsorship deals with various companies including Pepsi and Nike but had not been paid.When the company stepped in to run his affairs they sorted the unpaid contracts, bringing in thousands of pounds.They also organised visas when he travelled to Italy, where he once played for Inter Milan, and sorted out his passport, his mortgage and property valuations.They even arranged critical illness cover and were constantly running up and down the motorway from their London offices to Newcastle in a bid to do all that he required.‘But surely these were things a secretary could do?’ asked Judge Richard Seymour QC, referring to the size of fees charged.‘It was a Jeeves-type of role that they performed.’Mr Tennink protested that managing every aspect of his life was just part of what they did, and asked the judge to bear in mind the sort of figures these players earned.He said Martins had come to them in July 2007 and had agreed a fee of around £300,000 plus 20 per cent of any sponsorship monies they managed to acquire on his behalf.“He asked for these services to be carried out,” Mr Tennink told the court.Before they managed his affairs, Martins had not been paid a penny for his image rights for the use of his name on Newcastle shirts and mugs and had received nothing from his sponsorship deals.He could not even find the contracts he had originally signed, Mr Tennink added.Martins paid the company £67,500 in January last year and another £25,000 in April last year.But the question for the court to decide, said Mr Tennink, was whether there was a ‘binding obligation’ for him to pay the outstanding bill of over £300,000.After Newcastle were relegated from the Premiership last summer Martins was sold for £9million to German Bundesliga Champions Wolfsburg.Martins, who once owned a penthouse apartment overlooking Newcastle’s exclusive Quayside, is fighting the claim.The hearing is scheduled to last for three days.
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The top ten worst scams ever!

Rachel Robson gives the lowdown on ten of the worlds’s most common swindles and rip-offs... Over the years, scammers and fraudsters have come up with more and more inventive ways to swindle us out of our hard-earned cash. And unfortunately, when times get tough, more of us become susceptible to these cunning schemes. So I've decided it's time to give you the run-down on ten of the worst scams to watch out for so that you can avoid being ripped off! 1) Phishing emails The trap: Emails which appear to have been sent from your bank and ask you to reset or confirm your security details by clicking on a link. The reality: More often than not, these links take you to a fake website with the aim of getting hold of your personal or financial details to defraud you. So whatever you do, don't click on these links and delete the email immediately. For more advice, visit the Bank Safe Online website. 2) Bogus holiday clubs The trap: You're approached by a scratchcard tout or receive a phone call telling you you've won a 'free' holiday. All you need to do is to attend a presentation to collect your prize. The reality: At the presentation, you'll be persuaded to sign up to an exclusive club and pay a fee for the privilege. But you'll probably find you've bought little more than access to an internet booking service offering the same service you could find in your local travel agent. Read Avoid this holiday rip-off for more advice. 3) Emails from 'friends in need' The trap: You receive an email from a friend claiming he has lost his wallet and passport abroad and desperately needs money to pay for his hotel bill and his flight home. Often your friend will tell you all phone lines have been disconnected and the only method of contact available is email. He'll then ask you to wire over some money to help him out, making out this will be repaid upon his return. The reality: The email is not from your friend, but from a scammer who will happily run off with your hard-earned cash and perhaps even ask for more. 4) Lotteries The trap: You receive a letter or email to say you've won a large sum of money in a lottery. Hurrah! But when you phone up to claim, you'll be told you need to pay a fee to collect your winnings. The reality: Hand over the fee and you'll never see your money again - or your prize. It is illegal for a real lottery to charge any sort of fee so if you're told you need to pay, steer clear. And remember - if you haven't bought a ticket, how can you have won a prize? 5) Weight loss aids The trap: Advertisements promising you'll be able to lose weight with minimal effort thanks to the wonders of a revolutionary pill, patch or cream. The reality: Usually there's no scientific evidence to back up these claims, and you'll end up spending money on a bogus drug that will make absolutely no difference to your weight. 6) Advance fee fraud (the Nigerian or 419 scam) The trap: You receive an email or letter from what appears to be businessmen or officials from Nigeria or another African country offering to transfer large sums of money into your bank account to get it out of the country. You're told you can keep a large chunk of this cash, but need to pay a fee to cover the transaction costs and legal fees. The reality: These emails/letters are from conmen who will simply disappear with any money you give them. What's more, because you'll have to hand over your personal and bank details, you can expect these crooks to empty your bank account while they're at it. 7) Work at home schemes The trap: You see an advert in the newspaper or on a lamppost offering you a significant income for minimal work - such as envelope stuffing or craft assembly work. The reality: What you won't be told is that you might have to pay up front for supplies to carry out the job or to cover hidden costs. You may also find your 'employer' refuses to pay you, claiming your work isn't up the right standards, or that you only get commission for signing up more people. Read more in Don't get ripped off by this employment scam! 8) Car matching The trap: After placing an advertisement for your car in the newspaper or online, you receive a call from someone promising to match you with a buyer. You're then asked to pay a fee for the match - often around £80-£99. The reality: The call was from a fraudster, there's no buyer and you can kiss goodbye to your cash. 9) Mobile phone insurance The trap: Not long after buying a new mobile phone, you receive a call from the shop you bought it from, and are offered a fantastic insurance deal. The reality: After handing over your bank details you discover your mobile phone isn't insured after all and the person on the phone wasn't who he said he was. By which point, your bank account is looking decidedly less healthy. Read more about this in The big mobile phone insurance scam. 10) Pyramid schemes The trap: You pay a fee to join a scheme but are offered the opportunity to make bags full of money fast by simply recruiting other people into the scheme. The reality: These schemes are illegal and although the people at the top of the 'pyramid' might make money, it won't be much. And as soon as the pyramid stops growing, there's no money to be made. Finally... There are many more rip-offs and swindles out there, but unfortunately I don't have room to list them all. But hopefully the above ten give you some idea of what to look out for. For further tips and advice, you can read this guide from Consumer Direct. And if you come across any scams, you can report them via the Consumer Direct website. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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