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The New Kia Picanto pretty is an understatement

Kia has pulled the covers off of its all-new Picanto and it is radically different from the one that you and I know. With its sportier and more confident design, it will take the fight straight to Chevrolet’s new Spark in the “I’m trying to be funky” city car fight club.

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Kia Picanto

The new Kia will be revealed in the flesh at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year, and by then we should have more pictures and more detailed information on the new car, which will also be offered as a three-door variant on the European market. This Picanto’s newfound maturity is not just at face value, the completely redesigned and re-engineered car has grown both in wheelbase and overall length, a move that Kia reckons will give it a far more competitive edge in the A-segment...

It also features four all-new engines, ranging between 1.0- and 1.2-litres in displacement and all are said to boast class-leading CO2 emissions levels. While the standard engines will be petrol powered, certain markets will also get LPG, bio-fuel and fuel-flex variations.

The exact timing of the Nigerian launch has yet to be confirmed, but Kia would do well to get it here before this year is out – it sure looks like a winner in the making, feelers coming from Kia lovers were an all-time happy state. Adeyemi, a businessman in Ogba has this to say “I’ve thought of buying a Kia for a long time. But because the previous model had been around for some time I thought I’d wait – and that suited my pocket as well! This new Kia is a beauty. Can’t wait to see it real appearance” while Miss Ogechi Duruocha, a beautician said this is impressive! Well done Kia – please release at a fair price. Wow.

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12166211893?profile=originalResearch in Toxicology, shows that chemicals which cause cancer form rapidly after smoking.
Scientists involved in the small-scale study described the results as a stark warning to people considering smoking.
Anti-smoking charity Ash described the research as "chilling" and as a warning that it is never too early to quit.
The long term impact of smoking, from heart disease to a range of cancers, are well known. This study suggests the damage begins just moments after the first cigarette is smoked.
Faster than you might think
The researchers looked at the level of chemicals linked with cancer, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), in 12 patients after smoking.
A PAH was added to the subject's cigarettes, which was then modified by the body and turned into another chemical which damages DNA and has been linked with cancer...
The research shows this process only took between 15 and 30 minutes to take place.
Professor Stephen Hecht, from the University of Minnesota, said: "This study is unique, it is the first to investigate human metabolism of a PAH specifically delivered by inhalation in cigarette smoke, without interference by other sources of exposure such as air pollution or the diet.
The results reported here should serve as a stark warning to those who are considering starting to smoke cigarettes."12166268696?profile=original
Martin Dockrell, director of policy and research at Ash (Action on Smoking and Health), said: "Almost everybody knows that smoking can cause lung cancer.
"The chilling thing about this research is that it shows just how early the very first stages of that process begin - not in 30 years but within 30 minutes of a single cigarette for every subject in the study.
"The process starts early but it is never too late to quit and the sooner you quit the sooner you start to reduce the harm."
The research was funded by the US National Cancer Institute..
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Rappers have been known to influence interest in fashion trends, alcohol brands, and luxury automobiles. This week hip-hop mogul 50 Cent added the stock exchange to the list.

In just one day, 50 Cent's promotion of the publicly traded H&H Imports, Inc. raised the company's stock price from .10 to .39 per share.

The G-Unit head urged his 3.8 million Twitter followers to invest in the company. "TVG's stock went from 5 cent to 10 in one day," 50 wrote about the subsidiary of H&H. "You can double your money right now. Just get what you can afford."

thatsreallyweek-738629896-1295126415.jpg?ymPO6ZEDQfboKaY.50's fans responded immediately, purchasing $50 million worth of the penny stocks. The New York rapper made $8.7 million from those exchanges.

Last October, 50 Cent received 30 million H&H shares in a private placement, the New York Post reported. Just days before encouraging his followers to purchase the stock, he premiered a joint effort with TV Goods, Inc., a set of headphones called Sleek By 50.

Using his influence to generate so much activity for a company in which he owned stock prompted some experts to speculate whether or not he may have violated insider trader laws.

Jonathan Macey, a professor of securities at Yale Law School, does not believe 50 Cent did anything wrong. "How can they call it a take if he didn't sell his stock?" Macey said in an interview with Esquire. "All he said was that it's a great company."

Let's hope Macey is right. But to be safe, 50 has since deleted from his Twitter page all of the messages...

Jay-Z, another one of hip-hop's most successful entrepreneurs, also revealed new business venture this week. The "Empire State Of Mind" rapper invested in Buffalo Boss, a chicken-wing restaurant co-owned by his cousin, Jamar White. Located in Brooklyn, the eatery specializes in the organic and spicy appetizers.

vivanashvegas-886368993-1294781259.jpg?ymL9lYEDToDf7h5mNews wasn't so good this week in several other music related news stories. After a six day pretrial hearing, a Los Angeles Superior judge has determined that Michael Jackson's cardiologist Conrad Murray will stand trial for involuntary manslaughter. Rockers Drowning Pool insisted upon clearing the air about their song "Bodies" and its connection to Arizona shooting suspect Jared Loughner who featured the track on his YouTube channel. The video used their song as the background music for an unpatriotic act. And the excitement over Britney Spear's return was nearly eclipsed by accusations that her new song borrowed, without permission, lyrics from a 1979 country song.

Wow. We must say, this is, hands down, the most impactful week in music all year. Let's hope new week will be able to live up to the hype. See you then.

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Mohammed the Brit

jpeg&STREAMOID=BI69Q199A1qbd4rgiS8sOy6SYeqqxXXqBcOgKOfTXxSZ3w41Og4uf07uCA8erK5mnW_PgxgftuECOcfJwS6Jtlp$r8Fy$6AAZ9zyPuHJ25T7a9GKDSxsGxtpmxP0VAUyHL6IDcZHtmM2t7xO$FHdJG95dFi6y2Uma3vSsvPpVyo-&width=222Goodbye Jack Smith, hello Mohammed Malik, model British subject. Mohammed, in its various spellings, is now the favourite name for newborn boys in the United Kingdom, edging out Oliver. Those named for the Prophet of Islam ride the Clapham omnibus.

Churn is a wondrous thing, grease in the wheels of vital societies able to adjust their self-images over time. But what to think of the Mohammedization of this murky isle?

Say Luton or Bradford, and the vision that leaps is that of the alienated Muslim radicalized by jihadist teaching and ready — like the Luton-incubated Stockholm bomber Taimour Abdulwahab al-Abdaly — to blow himself up to kill the Western infidel. The London bombers of July 7, 2005, also set out from Luton.

These are potent images. Exclusion exists; its other face is danger. But so does a particular British elasticity that registers Mohammed and shrugs...

Having lived in France and Germany, I’m struck on returning to Britain after 30 years not by the hard lines hiving off immigrant Muslim communities as in those countries but by the relative fluidity that produces Faisal Islam, economic editor of the influential Channel 4 News, or Sajid Javid, a bus driver’s son and Tory MP...

British identity has proved more capacious than French or German, perhaps because, even before the legacy of empire, it had to absorb the English, the Scottish and the Welsh (as well as fail to absorb the majority of the Irish.) The variegated texture of London — projects full of immigrants hard by upscale housing — stands in stark contrast to ghettoized Paris.

I’ve been listening to a BBC Radio 4 series — how polarized America would benefit from a national broadcaster of this quality! — called “Five Guys named Mohammed,” conceived to mark the name’s first-place surge. The programs are a good antidote to the simplistic caricature that conflates Muslim with threat, and a useful barometer of an integration that is uneven, certainly, but ongoing.

There was Mohammed Yahya, Mozambique-born rapper and creator of a Muslim-Jewish band. Or Mohammed Anwar, of purring Scottish brogue, the manager of a Glasgow Muslim day care center, waxing lyrical about Damson Jam and the crush he once had on actress Diana Rigg (who didn’t?) and his 21-year-old daughter, who could do big things if she was not “so laid-back, it’s just unbelievable.” And there she was, more Scottish even than he, laughing over his premature hunt for a husband for her.

Or Muhammad Hasan, a bubbly Birmingham real-estate dealer in his mid-30s, explaining his Islamic investment theory: Because under Islam you cannot charge or pay interest, Muslim investors in his property deals have to take equity rather than lend money — and that spurs motivation.

Bent on business, Hasan has had little time to look for a wife who, in his mother’s view, “has to be a Muslim and from Pakistan and a Princess Diana clone!” He’s now sipping tea with potential spouses while his binocular-armed Mom observes.

Overall, these Mohammeds see themselves as British citizens, not Muslims in the United Kingdom. Their universes may be distinct, as in attitudes to marriage, but distinct in a way that, at best, complements rather than confronts. “There’s an upward mobility and optimism that is much higher than in continental Europe,” said Muddassar Ahmed, a 27-year-old college dropout and chief executive of Unitas, a public relations firm.

Ahmed is involved in the drafting of a letter by 50 British Muslim scholars denouncing Malik Mumtaz Qadri, the 26-year-old killer of Salman Taseer, the Punjab governor assassinated this month for denouncing Pakistan’s draconian blasphemy laws that prescribe the death sentence for anyone insulting Islam. Qadri, self-described “slave of the Prophet,” has been feted in Islamabad.

In this context, the readiness of European Muslims, many bearing the Prophet’s name, to stand up for values of free speech assumes bridge-building importance. It reflects the experience of faith as practiced within a modern secular society.

Those bridges do not come easily. Britain has been riled in recent weeks by the conviction of Mohammed Liaqat, 28, and Abid Saddique, 27, the ringleaders of a gang that raped and sexually abused several white girls aged between 12 and 18 in Derby.

The reaction of Jack Straw, the former foreign secretary, was to say a problem exists with “Pakistani heritage men thinking it is O.K. to target white girls in this way.” He said they were “popping with testosterone, they want some outlet for that, but Pakistani heritage girls are off limits and they are expected to marry a Pakistani girl from Pakistan, typically” — so they seek the “easy meat” of white girls.

It was a neat — and explosive — argument. Vigorous debate has ensued. Racial slur? Courageous frankness? I don’t think Straw’s argument stands up to scrutiny of overall sex-crime patterns, but I do think Britain’s Muslim community needs to take a hard look at repressive attitudes toward women. The debate is salutary.

There’s a Mohammed — in fact there are many — in Britain’s future. Oliver’s prospects look more dubious given the ties between the name’s popularity and the heady success of the chef Jamie Oliver — but that’s another story of positive British change.

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12166297300?profile=originalNew York Red Bulls said they never expected John Rooney, the brother of Manchester United star Wayne, to still be available when it came time for them to pick in the second round of the Thursday's MLS entry draft.

Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe said they were surprised the younger brother of the England striker went unpicked through the first round because the Red Bulls had him rated as one of the top three midfielders in the draft.

"He's a box to box player, he has a good understanding of the game and he's an excellent passer of the ball," Backe said of Rooney who spent most of his career in the English lower leagues. "I rated him very highly."

Rooney had featured for unheralded English third division side Macclesfield Town but now the 20-year-old attacker will play in America's MLS alongside French star Thierry Henry.

Rooney described himself Thursday as a "goal-scoring midfielder".

"I?m quick, I?m crafty and I can put the ball in the back of the net," Rooney said. "Hopefully I can do that for them."

He travelled to Baltimore Thursday with family members for the draft.

Rooney said he has never been to New York but is looking forward to showcasing his skills in the Big Apple for Red Bull fans.

The 2011 MLS season starts in March.


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Again, Akpabio wins PDP gov primaries re-run


Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State has emerged, for the second time, the winner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries in the state, polling 1,270 votes as against one vote secured by Mr Imo Udoh.

Governor Akpabio had won the primaries conducted in the state last Sunday but because of the petition by other aspirants in the state who alleged that they were illegally disqualified from taking part in the January 9,2011 primaries, by the governorship primaries panel, the party ordered for a re-run yesterday.

At the rescheduled primaries which took place at the Uyo township stadium, Governor Akpabio polled 1,270 to defeat Mr Imo Udoh, who secured just a vote while Mr Frank Okon got no vote.

According to a release by the Akpabio 2011 Campaign Organisation on the outcome of the primaries it stated that “We were confident when the national leadership of the party ordered a re-run. We were also confident, even if the election was conducted hundred times over, our candidate will win because of his acceptability and performance.

“The result of today’s re-run has vindicated us that we have a product that is marketable.”

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I Still Dey Laugh: Obasanjo to Atiku Again

The political camp of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has alleged lapses in Thursday’s presidential primaries of the PDP, quoting his agents at the collation of the result. The agents, it said, therefore “declined to sign the final result on account” of the lapses, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo taunting his former deputy yesterday just hours after the PDP national convention. “I am laughing, Chief Obasanjo said, as reporters sought his reaction to the outcome of the primaries. It was variation of the “I dey laugh” statement he made on November 25 last year shortly after Alhaji Atiku emerged as the Northern consensus candidate. Already, Nigerians have been congratulating the President on his victory while others have been giving their opinions on the event. Atiku committed to democratic process, rule of law The Atiku Campaign Organisation in a statement in Abuja said: “Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has assured that he remains irrevocably committed to democratic Nigeria based on democratic process. “The former Vice President is committed to entrenching democratic governance, rule of law and democratic process.The former Vice President has commenced consultations with his supporters and other stakeholders and will be making a pronouncement on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primaries. “Part of his consultations will include briefing by his agents who declined to sign the final results on account of lapses observed during the Thursday primaries. “The outcome of these consultations will determine the next line of action of the former Vice President. “Atiku, however, thanked the PDP for the platform it has provided for the contest, delegates, supporters, campaign staff and well wishers for their support so far. “The Atiku Campaign Organisation assured all of them that the former Vice President still has a lot to offer and that this is not the time to write him off. *I’m laughing — Obasanjo However, Chief Obasanjo when asked to comment on the outcome of the PDP presidential primaries said what happened made him laugh. Asked as he made to enter his car with number plate Abuja AZ 988 KWL whether he was still laughing, he said, “I am laughing.” He quickly entered the car and was driven away. The PDP BoT Chairman had on Thursday November 25, 2010 laughed over the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the Northern consensus candidate. He repeated same on January 2, 2011 on a visit to the National Secretariat of the party. VANGUARD NEWSPAPERS
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But then she never gave up hope as something continued to tell her that if only she could try, one day she will meet face to face with her long lost dad, Nze Augustine Onyema, an indigene of Mbaitoli, Imo State.

The 42-year-old Stacie was born into a foster home in Washington DC. She was a fortunate child having got loving parents to adopt her at an early age. They had treated her like their own biological child and provided her with everything including a nurturing childhood, a stable home life and exposure to people, and places. Young Stacie also had experiences which inculcated in her positive self image, and this had ensured her drive to achieve success.

It was not until recently that Stacie, the only African-American actress on the run-away reality TV series in Washington DC discovered that her mother is American and her father is Nigerian. In fact, it was only after discovering her medical history that she embarked on a journey to find her biological father in Nigeria.

However, the mother of two, Jacob and Catherine beamed with victorious smiles as she landed in Nigeria, her native country on Tuesday. The star actress, who came with her children, including an official of the Nigerian Embassy in USA, could not contain her excitement and appreciation to Arik Air for making the historic trip possible. And she has this to say of the airline: “Arik Air is my new favourite airline! I’ve never seen a cabin like that; it’s wonderful,” adding on her twitter page thus, “Arik Airlines is the bomb! Full lounge on the plane, Nigerian food, nice staff - first class all the way baby!”
As she departed JFK Airport heading for Nigeria, Stacie continued to engage her friends and fans all over the world on her twitter page. She enthused thus: “Enroute JFK to head to Nigeria to meet my family! I have dreamed of this day for so long and it’s finally here!”

And immediately she landed in Owerri, Stacie informed: “Nobody’s kidnapping the kid! (We are) safe and secure. Yes! Just landed in Owerri. We are guests of the Governor—doing a 2-day medical mission—then meeting my family.”
Speaking about her impending meeting with her father, Stacie said, “I am overwhelmed and thrilled to find a welcoming family in Nigeria - my birthfather, 10 siblings and a huge extended family - who I plan to meet now. I’m really excited about the prospect of meeting my birth father for the first time and it’s going to be an exciting time when I get to Mbaitoli, near Owerri where he resides.”

At about 4pm on Thursday, Blockbuster learnt that Stacie finally reunited with her long lost biological father. And with tears of joys streaming down her beautiful face, the famous American actress hugged and hugged Nze Onyema while the sun stood still.
In 2009, Stacie increased her profile and platform. She decided to join the cast of the Bravo Network television franchise, The Real Housewives, a wave-making drama based on the lives of high profile women in Washington, DC. Unlike most actors who find reality TV a risky deal, Stacie perceived it as a unique marketing platform to broaden awareness of her business and philanthropic efforts. But it turned out successful as the first season of the show garnered the second highest ratings in the history of the Bravo franchise.

While Stacie has enjoyed substantial success in business, she has always maintained a passionate civic interest in the lives of children in her community. Her first gift, “the foundation of family”, as she calls it, kindled a deep desire to positively impact the lives of adolescent foster children, and help them forge a path towards achievement despite obstacles.

With the belief that: “the only difference between an ordinary life and an extra-ordinary life is the “extra”, Stacie founded Extra-Ordinary Life to provide the “extra”. Extra-Ordinary Life (XOL) is a charitable programme (within the Pursuit of Dreams Foundation) that nurtures and enriches the lives of teen girls living in the DC foster care system. The organisation seeks to: drive vision in youth, through exposure to people, places and opportunities beyond their current access; and to inspire them to dream big and aspire to do great things in life.

This past July, XOL took eight foster teen girls to South Africa during the FIFA 2010 World Cup — a trip captured on film by BET Networks that chronicled the amazing journey of discovery. The documentary, entitled, Extra-Ordinary Life: Journey to South Africa has aired in 54 countries in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. It is scheduled to air in the United States early this year.

Meanwhile, Arik Air will be flying Stacie around the country. According to the airline’s Senior Vice President Commercial, Mr. Kevin Steele, this is a way of discovering her fatherland. “We are excited that Stacie has chosen to fly Arik Air for this important mission. We will be flying her around Nigeria on this first visit to her fatherland and I’m sure she’ll love it,” he says.



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Head of Saala Ogbonni Fraternity in Nigeria and Overseas, Oba Olamilekan Ifayemi, has been duped N650,000 while attempting to obtain a visa for his pregnant wife to deliver in a hospital in the United States An Ogudu Magistrate’s Court in Lagos has charged the suspected fraudster, Tokunbo Bewaji, 37, with felony, stealing and obtaining money under false pretence.

The police prosecutor, ASP Eyo Owai, docked the accused on a three-count charge of felony, stealing and obtaining money under false pretence, contrary to Sections 526, 390, 419 of the Criminal Code, Cap. C17, Vol. II, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 200According to the charge sheet, the suspect was arrested recently at Aminu Street, Alapere, Lagos. Tokunbo Bewaji allegedly collected N650,000 from Oba Olamilakan Ifayemi on the pretence of obtaining a visa for his pregnant wife to deliver in the United States of America but he could not get the visa or refund the money. When the charges were read to him, he pleaded not guilty and the trial magistrate, Mrs. Y. O. Aje Afumiwa, admitted him to bail in N60,000 with two sureties who must produce evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State government. The case has been adjourned till 2 January, 2011

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12166297289?profile=originalBy Kingsley Omonobi
ABUJA — Following the determination of the current Police administration to restructure the Mobile Police Force, PMF, the Police hierarchy has concluded plans to withdraw all Mobile Policemen from banks, cooperate organisations and individuals...

Consequently, the Police authorities have directed all banks, corporate organisations and individuals, who hitherto have been making use of mobile policemen, to seek other means of security arrangement for their organisations.

Towards this end, only few conventional policemen that are armed will be deployed to such banks and organisations to oversee the operations of other security agencies that they might engage to provide security for their business operations.

Inspector General of Police, Mr Hafiz Ringim, had written to banks through the DIG Operations, Audu Abubakar, directing the banks on the new decision of the Police hierarchy.

Following the development, Chief Security Officers of all banks in the country on Wednesday held a four-hour closed door meeting with the DIG Operations at the Force Headquarters to fashion out ways on how the banks could provide their own alternative security.

Though the outcome of the meeting was not made public, but an inside source said the banks were not disposed to the new arrangement, and were still pleading  with the Inspector General of Police to rescind the decision as such directive will likely alter their operations and also jeopardize the security of customers.

The Police recently embarked on mass demobilization of mobile police officers, but the IGP said was his style to imbibe the culture of professionalism in the Nigeria Police Force.

According to him, the Mobile Police force is a specialized outfit,  a specialized agency in the police. It is the striking unit of the PMF; they cannot have control over our internal security problems if they lose the purpose of their establishment. It was established in the early 60s in other to contain definite threat to internal security.

The IGP , regretted that over the years people have turned the PMF into something like an ornament, while every body want to be seen going around with Mobile police.

He added that his intention is to have the PMF in the barracks and to train them for deployment in order to help the nation contain its internal security problems.

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Seven chinese Men Arrested for Theft in Lagos

12166297098?profile=originalSeven Chinese men have been arrested for oil theft by officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, at the Federal Housing Authority, Diamond Estate, Isheri area of Lagos State, South West Nigeria.

P.M.NEWS gathered that they were arrested at Road 20, block 11 of the estate after a thorough search was carried out on their apartment which led to the discovery of seven drums fill with refined fuel scooped from an oil well in the area.

The suspected culprits are Lu Di Sheng, Lu Yun Di, Guan Ping Man, Wang Dong, Cheng Chao, Li Xia Tao and Yang Zhao Ye.

The suspects were arrested around 3.00 pm on Thursday and detained at the NSCDC Headquarters, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

The raid and arrest of the suspects was led by the Assistant Commander General, NSCDC, Lagos Command, Mr. Samuel Onyemachi.

Public Relations Officer, NSCDC, Lagos Command, Mrs. Folashade Vera-Cruz told P.M.NEWS that the suspects would be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today for prosecution.


According to her, the suspected vandals were scooping fuel from the oil well in the area and had successfully fill seven drums through a hole dug in their compound where they passed a pipe to connect the oil well and then scoop the fuel.

She stated that the anti-vandal squad of the command acted on a tip off and carried out a survey on the area and discovered that an oil well was in the area.

“While our men were surveying the area, they heard that there was a well filled with PMS and our men decided to go there. On getting to the estate, they used a bowl to fetch the fuel from the well and found out that it was pure PMS.

“They decided to carry out a search in some of the apartments close to the oil well. When they got to the flat where the Chinese live, they saw that it was very dirty. Our men were made to know that the Chinese import generators and as we searched the house, we discovered seven drums filled with pure PMS which led to their arrest,” she explained.

Security Chairman of the estate, Alhaji Yusuf Abdulhadir told P.M.NEWS that he was in the house when he was informed that some Chinese men living in the estate had been arrested.

“For a very long time, we have been having fuel smelling in our estate and residents in the estate have not been able to use their boreholes because of the fuel except those who dunged very dip into the ground.

“Behind our estate is a swamp and last December, there was fire outbreak behind the estate and it took the intervention of NNPC officials and fire servicemen from the Lagos State Government to put out the fire,” he said.


According to him, “70 percent of residents of the estate could not use their boreholes because of the contamination by fuel. These Chinese men living near the swamp dig holes where they scoop fuel.

“When we approached the NNPC about the fuel problem in our estate, they told us that the vandalisation of their pipeline 15 years ago led to oil spill in the area and that it will take some time before the spillage will go,” he stated....

He said it was very common to discover fuel in the area after digging a little, adding that even while digging for gutter, fuel was always discovered.

However, one of the suspects, Yang Zhao Ye told P.M.NEWS that only four of them lived in the house and that the other three were their visitors.

He confessed that fuel was found in drums in their apartment which led to their arrest and detention.

— Kazeem Ugbodaga

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Ribadu emerges ACN presidential candidate

4:17pm Lagos State governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola says, "The battle to kick the ‘Poverty Development Party' out of power has begun today, Victory is certain but there is work to be done." 4:11pm Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomole says, "This time it is either we make it or we will never make it again and Nigeria will become a political and economic cemetery if ACN is not voted into power. 4:00pm Deputy governor of Kano State, who recently decamped to the AC N joins other governorship candidates on Ribadu demands a standing ovation for Malami and Bafarawa whom he tells ‘ you'll not be disappointed.' Convention grounds gradually empties as Ribadu start his acceptance speech. 3:11pm Bafarawa promised to support whoever emerges. He, however said, he would one day like to replicate his achievement in Sokoto at the national level. Saidu Malami also claims he listened to the advice of the party elders in withdrawing his candidacy. Convention still proceeds though only one candidate, Nuhu Ribadu is left. The electoral act demands that his candidacy is confirmed with a voice vote... 3:43pm Ribadu emerges ACN presidential candidate. All the delegates answered yes in a voice vote to determine their support for Ribadu. All the governorship candidates of the party and Mr Ribadu are to address the convention. 3:41pm Lagos official, Muiz Banire supports the motion that the convention supports Nuhu Ribadu as the party's sole candidate. 3:37pm "I am the one that very little is known about but whose face is familiar in the market. A true Nigerian who has suffered in the hand of PDP's bad leadership," says Malami. Convention ground roars "yes" to whether a voice vote can be used to determine the sole candidature of the party. 3:14pm Attahiru Bafarawa and Saidu Malami announce their withdrawal from the contest 3:08pm Attahiru Bafarawa says he joins the party, not to desperately become the president but to build ACN to an enviable standard and that he is ready to sacrifice for the party's ‘upliftment'. 3:06pm National Publicity Secretary, Lai mohammed says Lagos is chosen for the primary because of the convenience, claiming that many parties are staging theirs in Abuja. 2:59pm Starting with Attahiru Bafarawa , each of the aspirants is given 10 minutes to address and woo the delegate 2:55pm Two representatives of the CPC announce they are standing in for Muhammadu Buhari at the convention. 2:50pm Bisi Akande says the party is looking up to the contry's youth to help restore good governance to the country by voting for ACN's presidential candidate in April polls. 2:35pm The ACN South Africa says it has endorsed Nuhu Ribadu. Its spokesperson, Sesan Daini, says the group is mobilising its memebrs to participate in the voters registration exercise. Only delagtes, party leaders and members of the press are allowed into the stadium complex. Fashola arrives the stadium complex. 2:28pm The event moderator welcomes members of the Congress for Progressive Change present at the convention. Bisi Akande declares the convention open, says party is ready to rescue Nigerians from a 12-year suffering inflicted on them by the PDP's administration. 2:15pm The Onikan stadium's environment becomes increasingly rowdy with the arrival of each party stalwart. Team Ribadu has a camp under the bridge where onlookers are entertained with music and dancers. The air is thick with smoke from cannabis smokers. Security presence is heavy and this helps to ward of miscreants who may want to hijack such event like this. 2:12pm Former governor of Ogun and Ekiti states, Segun Osoba and Niyi Adebayo arrive. 2:10pm Massive crowd outside the convention centre, with security operatives struggling to control it. Delegates have taken their position inside the centre, although there appears to be insufficient seats for all of them. The national anthem is being taken as all delegates stand up. 2:03pm Former Anambra state governor, Chris Ngige and Oluremi Tinubu, a senatorial aspirant and wife of Bola Tinubu arrive. Outside the convention venue, posters of two of the aspirants - Nuhu Ribadu and Uba Malami are all over the wall while none of Ibrahim Shekarau could be seen. Within the convention ground, only Ribadu posters are being carried aloft by delegates while none of his challengers could be seen. 2:00pm Bisi Akande, the ACN national chairman and former Lagos state governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrive at the convention venue. Both Edo and Ekiti state governor, Adams Oshiomole and Kayode Fayemi also arrive. 1:49pm Friday Jumaat prayers for muslim delegates ends. The Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola and his deputy arrive the convention ground amidst loud cheers 12:50pm It has just been announced that by 1pm, a special Jumat service will hold at the back of the convention ground for Muslims who want observe. More participants arrive. More than two hours after its advertised start. The special National convention of the Action Congress of Nigeria, organised to elect the presidential flag bearer for the party has not kicked off. However, Onikan Stadium, Lagos, venue of the convention, is heavily guarded by a joint patrol of police, military and non-uniform security officials. Also, all roads that lead to the stadium have been closed to traffic. The party's gubernatorial candidates from the North have started arriving with their supporters. Amongst those that arrive early is Audu Ogbe, the coordinator of the Nuhu Ribadu campaign organisation.
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blog_tv_guide_john_dye.jpgJohn Dye, best known as the angel of death Andrew on "Touched By an Angel," has died. He was 47.


The actor died Monday from a heart attack in San Francisco, his brother, Jerre Dye, told The (Memphis) Commercial Appeal.



Born in Mississippi, Dye majored in theater at the University of Memphis. He made his film debut in 1984's "Making the Grade," which filmed in the Memphis area, before moving to Los Angeles.



In 1995, he landed the role of Andrew on CBS's "Touched By an Angel." Originally a recurring role, Dye was promoted to regular by the third season. He remained on the series until its end in 2003.
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12166187272?profile=originalPresident Goodluck Jonathan on Friday won the Peoples Democratic Party's presidential primaries. His victory came after a spirited contest with former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, and veteran aspirant, Sarah Jubril. Tunde Adeniran,

 

the Chief Returning Officer of the party who declared the result said out of the total valid vote of 3, 542, Mr Jonathan pulled 2, 736 while his closest rival Mr Atiku scored 805. Sarah Jubril got only one vote. Defeat at home The significant loss for Mr. Abubakar was in his home state of Adamawa where Mr. Jonathanscored a whopping 76 votes to Mr. Abubakar's paltry 31. Mr. Jonathan in his home state of Bayelsa got all the 67 votes of the delegates. Last night at the Eagles Square where the event held, Mr. Abubakar, for the umpteenth time, furiously deplored alleged disrespect for the party's zoning policy by his "main opponent",12166296876?profile=original

 

Mr. Jonathan, a theme that has stood central to Mr. Abubakar's months of campaign, and laced his last speech to the delegates, and the nation, shortly before the voting began. "In 2002, an expanded caucus of our great party met and reaffirmed that policy," he read from a prepared speech. "My main opponent was at that meeting and voted in favour of that resolution. He signed as number 35 on the list. Today,he pretends that that ..meeting never took place and that the resolution never happened.

 

"Yet, he would not summon a meeting of our party to discuss that issue and if deemed appropriate jettison it. In fact, on October 27, 2010, he publicly declared that zoning does not exist in our party. Talk about throwing away the ladder that got you up there! That is not the kind of person you would entrust the fate of this country," Mr. Abubakar said. In a bellicose speech, he warned that "If rules can be thrown away by just anyone who feels that he is powerful enough to do so, then it is an invitation to lawlessness and anarchy. Nobody wants that. "Our word must be our bond. But my main opponent believes in doing things simply because it is convenient. He does not seem to care if the country is thrown into chaos and anarchy as long as he remains in power.

This is dangerous," he stressed. The long-awaited event earlier billed for 10am yesterday, set off later actually late afternoon amid strict security presence that frisked every entrant to the venue ranging from party locals from the states, governors, and federal lawmakers. Officials of the State Security Service, police, Civil Defence Corps, mounted security with sniffing dogs and bomb detectors while two police helicopters hovered above the venue as the event held.

 

After a long wait, Mr. Abubakar and Mr. Jonathan arrived at 4.22pm and 5.30pm respectively, long after Ms. Jubril had arrived and taken a seat up front within the glassed compartment. The president, walking apart with his wife, Patience, sauntered in and shook hands with both contenders before the events began seven minutes later. After months of intense campaign of harsh rhetoric between the two main aspirants, the convention provided the chance for a

 

face-to-face meeting between the current president and the former vice president. Both men spoke after Ms. Jubril, who rallied the women folk to set in a new era of equal balance in politics between both genders. Full of energy and appeals to the women and underprivileged in society, she says with a female president, Nigeria will not be considered a corrupt country any more. She dubbed herself ‘Mama President' and ends her address with a rendition of ‘We shall overcome'. That set the stage for Mr. Abubakar, who for a while after aonfrontational beginning, directed his address to appealing to delegates and Nigerians to view him as the tool for a change, promising jobs, better security, power, education, and peace in the Niger Delta. Mr. Jonathan paid tribute to the late Mr. Yar'Adua first as he began a speech that clearly cashed in the temperamental start of his chief challenger.

 

"I will not join issues with anybody because I believe Nigerians know all of us and our history and they will choose who they like," he said. "Dear delegates, if you give me and Architect Namadi Sambo your mandate, we will give this country a strong leadership and we will never let you down," he added. He said Mr. Abubakar's, whom he referred to as "some other contributors" questioning of insecurity in the Niger Delta, was misplaced since rising oil output in the region showed that security in the area had improved. "I will give this country a strong, strong leadership to be a greater nation,"

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12166266486?profile=originalIt’s a new year and psychologists say there’s a high morale for change in the first quarter of every new year. This probably explains Tonto’s new resolve to seek divine intervention in her character flaw.

Not that the recently turned controversial screen beauty is about to turn a new leaf – at least she’s yet to indicate so, however the Petrol Chemical Engineer is admitting her flaw and seeking the face of the Lord. She confessed on twitter on the 3rd day of the year:

“I wanna learn2 b patient*Itz a virtue I blv (believe) I dnt (don’t) possess but I also knw (know) dat u can’t b taught how2 B patient**I fink (think) dis tweet is 4 GOD*Lord teach mii**Muuaaahhh* “ — @Tontodike

Well now that we know this actress’ secret petition, shall we spare her the next time she erupts on Twitter or in public? Wait a minute, are we sure Tonto isn’t asking God for patience just so she can suffer our criticism (or hypocrisy) of her porn movie roles just a bit longer, before she lashes out at us?

For whatever reason is responsible for her petition, her was directed at God. Only that she probably forgot his handle, that’s all (lol).
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A dramatic twist was introduced into the People's Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primaries yesterday as less than 24 hours to the epoch making event, an Enugu High Court granted an interim order restraining the party's national chairman, Okwesilieze Nwodo, from "parading himself as chairman of the party." However, Mr. Nwodo's counsel, Ilochi Okafor (SAN), immediately filed an objection at the Federal High Court, Abuja. The initial order granted by the presiding judge, Reuben Onuorah, ruled that Mr. Nwodo should stop functioning as chairman and enjoying any benefits from the position, pending the determination of motion on notice for interlocutory injunction. The suit was filed in June last year shortly after Mr. Nwodo emerged as PDP's chairperson. It was filed by Collins Amalu, a registered member of the party from Ngwo-Uno ward in Enugu State. He claimed that Mr. Nwodo was not a bonafide member of the party due to alleged irregularities in the manner of his return to the party after his bitter exit in 2003. Acrimonious exit The argument for sacking him was based on his failure to follow due process in returning to the party. "At the time he left the PDP and sought to return to the party, he did not re-register as a member of the party and was not issued a membership card in line with the PDP Constitution. This fact was publicly confirmed by Nwodo himself and enquiries made also confirmed that. Based on that, he is not entitled to hold the position, perform any function, or enjoy the benefits from the party," the judgement said. The PDP had last year welcomed all aggrieved members who had left the party in a huff. Such returnees included former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, who went through a re-registration process in his ward in Adamawa State before been readmitted into the party. Mr. Nwodo, according to the plaintiff, did not undergo this process. While granting the order, the judge ruled that the defendant should stop "exercising the rights, powers and or function or enjoy the privileges attached to the office of the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, pending the determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction." The suit was further adjourned to January 31, for hearing. However, in a preliminary objection against the suit calling for the removal, Mr. Nwodo, through his counsel, who was absent at the sitting in Enugu, argued at the Federal High Court, Abuja, that the appointment of his client was totally an internal affair of the party. He further argued that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter, as the plaintiff had abused the court process in the matter. The presiding judge, Daniel Kolawole, adjourned the matter till January 28. Mr. Nwodo, a former national secretary of the PDP, was appointed as the chairman by the National Executive Committee of the party in June 2010 following the resignation of the then national chairman, Vincent Eze Ogbulafor. Mr. Nwodo left the party in 2003, but returned earlier in 2010 when the party welcomed back all its aggrieved members. ‘Not a sack' Renowned lawyer, Itse Sagay (SAN), said the order was not a sack, explaining that "someone just filed an exparte motion for him to be regarded as not been duly re-registered into the party and the judge simply affirmed that." He condemned the judge saying, "it is a very suspicious judgement. It is one of those Enugu rulings that will end up getting the judge fired because the judge acted on hearing of just one side and acted very partisan." Mr. Sagay wonders why a judge will give such a ruling just hours to the ruling party's presidential primaries. "He must be a very crooked judge to have given such a judgment filed by some people who just do not want the man involved in the politics in Enugu," he said. On whether the ruling nullifies past issues moderated by the chairman in the last six months, Mr. Sagay stated that "this will not affect his past. If he chooses to obey the ruling he might just have to step down, as this ruling can prevent him from overseeing the primaries today, and will be restored back. In any case, he might not be bound by the ruling until he is personally served the court rulings." However, Ike Abonyi, Mr. Nwodo's spokesman, said they have not been served any court paper for now and cannot speak further on the matter. The initial suit.. The counsel to the plaintiff, Justina Offiah ( SAN), said that the plaintiff filed a motion exparte for injunction to restrain Mr. Nwodo from functioning as the party chairman, arguing that his appointment as the party leader violated Section 85 of the Electoral Act of 2006 and the party's constitution. He added that the party's action regarding the appointment of Mr. Nwodo as its national chairman also contravened Sections 221, 222, 223, 224 as well as 225 of the 1999 Constitution. A motion on notice of interlocutory injunction was also filed to that effect. Ms. Offiah said the court, at the first appearance in December, declined to take the motion exparte motion on notice was served through a publication in Vanguard newspapers. By December 20, the defence counsel, Mr. Okafor, indicated that he required time to file a further reply to the address of the plaintiff's counsel. This was vigorously contested on December 20, 2010 and the ruling adjourned to January 12.
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Military arrest soldiers over Jos killings

Military authorities handling the peace operations in Plateau State have announced the arrest of five soldiers over Tuesday's attacks on Kuru-Tasha village in Riyom Local Government. Charles Ekeocha, the spokesman for the Special Task Force (STF) charged with maintaining peace in Jos said on Wednesday that the attacks carried out by unidentified persons between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. left some 13 people dead and many others injured.

 

The military spokesperson, who confirmed that the soldiers were just few metres away from the scene of the attack, but chose to be unconcerned and "refused to act as expected," said the military authorities were shocked by the soldiers' behaviour and promptly reported the matter to the Defence Headquarters, who ordered their arrest, detention and investigation. "We have also arrested five soldiers for ‘laxity' during the attacks.

 

They have been locked up and are being investigated. They shall be court-martialed if we have found them truly culpable. That prompt action only shows that the military authorities cannot condone such behaviour by its men. If they are indicted, you can be sure that they shall be dealt with decisively," he said. Mr Ekeocha, however, rejected the suggestions that the soldiers took part in the killings.

He also denied allegations that soldiers were using maximum force on helpless civilians and also dismissed as "simply impossible" the allegations that the soldiers were "bias" in the handling of the crisis. Political crisis
The governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang described the recent spate of bombings across the country as political. He also said those behind the crime are only trying to paint a picture of insecurity to achieve political gains.

Speaking to journalists at the presidential villa, yesterday, Mr Jang painted a picture of a secure state, stating that security operatives are looking into all the security issues and hopefully they will come out with measures to apprehend those behind the atrocities. Speaking on the turn of events in the state, the governor said those behind it intend to make the country ungovernable for the government.

 

"Let me just say this, these bombing across the country is deliberate, to create an impression that the country is ungovernable so as to stop the general election," he said. "It is the plan of some desperate politicians who feels that if they don't get it, the whole country should go down but I can assure you that the government is in control." The governor, who also admitted that there is still some element of suspicion in the state assured that the situation in the state is getting better as calm is gradually returning to the once peaceful state.
Meanwhile, a Magistrate's Court on Wednesday granted bail to seven officials of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) who were arrested and charged to court over Saturday's violence in Jos. They were arraigned on a five-count charge of unlawful assembly, falsehood, public disturbance, negligence and conspiracy.

The suspects were said to be responsible for the violence that rocked parts of Jos in the last four days. The Chief Magistrate, Ishaku Kunda, who granted the suspects bail, adjourned the case to February 10.
The suspects include: the state's CPC Chairman, Mudashiru Aliyu; Deputy Chairman, Sunday Dul; Vice-Chairman, Henry Nenyel; Secretary, Johnson Podak and Legal Adviser, Paul Kopdin. Others include Assistant Publicity Secretary, Jamilu Baba, and the Organising Secretary, Mr Labaran Antashi.
The counsel to the suspects, Garba Pwol, described the ruling of the court as "very fair."

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Oluwole Josiah About 84 senators of the Peoples Democratic Party may have lost their bid to return to the red chambers on the party's ticket. Final standings from the outcome of the primaries held across the country showed that a repeat of what happened in 2007, where most of the lawmakers did not return, is likely to happen again. From Adamawa State, Senators Jibril Aminu, Grace Bent and Mohammed Manna were not returned by the party. The same situation is the case for neighbouring Taraba State where Senators Anthony Manzo and Dahiru Gassol lost out. The third senator, Joel Nkenya, had earlier defected to the Action Congress of Nigeria in the state to run for the governorship. .. None of the senators in Anambra, Kwara and Bauchi states got a ticket to return to the Senate. In Kaduna State, only Senator Ahmed Makarfi made it back, as Caleb Zaghi and Jibril Mohammed were replaced by former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, and ex-Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Yusuf Mairago. In Rivers, only Wilson Ake scaled through but George Sekibo and Lee Maeba failed to win the primaries. Senators Chris Anyanwu and Sylvester Anyanwu from Imo State lost out before the primaries, as they were on their way to other parties. Osita Izunaso, who was tipped to win his ticket, however, failed to do so. In Nasarawa State, Abubakar Sodangi lost to a former governor of the state, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, while the two others, Naomi Akwashiki and Suleiman Adokwe, were returned. The PDP also did not return Eme Ufot-Ekaete and Bob Effiong in Akwa Ibom State, just as Simeon Oduoye also did not make it in Osun State. .. In Benue where President of the Senate, David Mark, emerged successfully, his colleagues, Joseph Akaagerger and George Akume, failed to secure the PDP's tickets. In Cross River, only the Deputy Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, succeeded in the primaries while Bassey Ewa-Henshaw and Gregory Ngaji did not make it. Senator Hosea Ehinlawo from Ondo State was not fortunate this time while the confusion in the Ogun State chapter raised doubts about the chances of Iyabo Obasanjo and Lekan Mustapha. In Kogi State, Senator Nicholas Ugbane has indicated his interest to become the next governor of the state and so did not seek the senatorial ticket, but Otaru Ohize did not make from Kogi Central, while Smart Adeyemi is still battling to be cleared by the PDP National Secretariat. Edo State PDP had lost Edobor Uzamere to the Action Congress of Nigeria in the state. He was replaced by Daisy Danjuma. Katsina had also lost Garba Lado to the Congress for Progressive Change while Abubakar Ayuba and Umar Argungu failed to get tickets in Kebbi State. Although Gbemi Saraki is seeking the governorship seat in Kwara State on a new platform, the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, the other two senators from the state, Ahmed Mohammed and Sule Ajibola, could not make it back. In Bayelsa, Senator Nimi-Barigha Amange was not returned by the party while the PDP also replaced Sidi Ali as its candidate for the FCT. In Gombe State, none of the old senators will return as their tickets were taken by others. Indications from Enugu suggest that the political stalemate in the state would deny all three PDP senators their tickets to return to the Senate on the party's platform. Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, as well as Chimaroke Nnamani and Ayogu Eze are representing the state in the Senate and are unlikely to get the tickets. It was gathered that most of the senators who lost their tickets in the PDP were considering moving to other parties to contest the April elections.
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Top 10 Reasons Small Businesses Fail

One of the least understood aspects of entrepreneurship is why small businesses fail, and there's a simple reason for the confusion: Most of the evidence comes from the entrepreneurs themselves.

I have had a close-up view of numerous business failures -- including a few start-ups of my own. And from my observation, the reasons for failure cited by the owners are frequently off-point, which kind of makes sense when you think about it. If the owners really knew what they were doing wrong, they might have been able to fix the problem. Often, it's simply a matter of denial or of not knowing what you don't know.

In many cases, the customers -- or, I should say, ex-customers -- have a better understanding than the owners of what wasn't working. The usual suspects that the owners tend to blame are the bank, the government, or the idiot partner. Rarely does the owner's finger point at the owner. Of course, there are cases where something out of the owner's control has gone terribly wrong, but I have found those instances to be in the minority. What follows -- based on my own experiences and observations -- are my top 10 reasons small businesses fail. The list is not pretty, it is not simple, and it does not contain any of those usual suspects (although they might come in at Nos. 11, 12 and 13).

1. The math just doesn't work. There is not enough demand for the product or service at a price that will produce a profit for the company. This, for example, would include a start-up trying to compete against Best Buy and its economies of scale.

2. Owners who cannot get out of their own way. They may be stubborn, risk adverse, conflict adverse -- meaning they need to be liked by everyone (even employees and vendors who can't do their jobs). They may be perfectionist, greedy, self-righteous, paranoid, indignant, or insecure. You get the idea. Sometimes, you can even tell these owners the problem, and they will recognize that you are right -- but continue to make the same mistakes over and over...

3. Out-of-control growth. This one might be the saddest of all reasons for failure -- a successful business that is ruined by over-expansion. This would include moving into markets that are not as profitable, experiencing growing pains that damage the business, or borrowing too much money in an attempt to keep growth at a particular rate. Sometimes less is more.

4. Poor accounting. You cannot be in control of a business if you don't know what is going on. With bad numbers, or no numbers, a company is flying blind, and it happens all of the time. Why? For one thing, it is a common -- and disastrous -- misconception that an outside accounting firm hired primarily to do the taxes will keep watch over the business. In reality, that is the job of the chief financial officer, one of the many hats an entrepreneur has to wear until a real one is hired.

5. Lack of a cash cushion. If we have learned anything from this recession (I know it's "over" but my customers don't seem to have gotten the memo), it's that business is cyclical and that bad things can and will happen over time -- the loss of an important customer or critical employee, the arrival of a new competitor, the filing of a lawsuit. These things can all stress the finances of a company. If that company is already out of cash (and borrowing potential), it may not be able to recover.

6. Operational mediocrity. I have never met a business owner who described his or her operation as mediocre. But we can't all be above average. Repeat and referral business is critical for most businesses, as is some degree of marketing (depending on the business).

7. Operational inefficiencies. Paying too much for rent, labor, and materials. Now more than ever, the lean companies are at an advantage. Not having the tenacity or stomach to negotiate terms that are reflective of today's economy may leave a company uncompetitive.

8. Dysfunctional management. Lack of focus, vision, planning, standards and everything else that goes into good management. Throw fighting partners or unhappy relatives into the mix, and you have a disaster.

9. The lack of a succession plan. We're talking nepotism, power struggles, significant players being replaced by people who are in over their heads -- all reasons many family businesses do not make it to the next generation.

10. A declining market. Book stores, music stores, printing businesses and many others are dealing with changes in technology, consumer demand, and competition from huge companies with more buying power and advertising dollars.

In life, you may have forgiving friends and relatives, but entrepreneurship is rarely forgiving. Eventually, everything shows up in the soup. If people don't like the soup, employees stop working for you, and customers stop doing business with you. And that is why businesses fail.

Jay Goltz owns five small businesses in Chicago.

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Michael Douglas Survives Throat Cancer

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRKq6yVa25gSwIwfTlcMADcKvl0sCBPGGbkaNNGGENjKwIZYD0ZIn an interview with morning talk show personality Matt Lauer, actor Michael Douglas revealed that he has recovered from Stage IV throat cancer, reports Entertainment Weekly.

The star, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his work in the 1987 film "Wall Street," was first diagnosed with a throat tumor last August. After months of radiation therapy, however, doctors report that his tumor is gone..

"All of a sudden, the affection from my family, from my friends and from my fans hit me at a much deeper level than I would have ever imagined before," Douglas told Lauer in the interview.

Although the cancer is gone, Douglas still has more trials ahead. The radiation shut down his salivary ducts, and they are not expected to begin producing saliva again for another year or two. He also suffers from frequent fatigue..

He reports that he is feeling better, however, and will soon begin working again. He is slated to play the flamboyant musician Liberace in a biopic directed by acclaimed filmmaker Steven Soderbergh.

Douglas was not left unchanged by his ordeal, however. "It's definitely a third act," he said, "and so you're a little more conscious of your time and how you choose to spend it."

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 12,290 new cases of throat cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2009. Risk factors for the disease include smoking, alcohol abuse and work with carcinogenic chemicals.

People with throat cancer and their families can contact the American Head and Neck Society for resources and support.
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