Orlando Pirates' penalty sparks outcry: 'Our football is going nowhere,' says Maponyane

TIKTOK BANNED

Since November, more than two dozen states have banned TikTok on government-issued devices and many colleges. How will you know if your TikTok account is permanently banned? ... If your account has been banned, you'll receive a banner notification when you try to log in, 

In recent months, lawmakers in the United States, Europe and Canada have escalated efforts to restrict access to TikTok, the massively popular short-form video app that is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, citing security threats.

The White House told federal agencies on Feb. 27 that they had 30 days to delete the app from government devices.

On March 1, a House committee backed an even more extreme step, voting to advance legislation that would allow President Biden to ban TikTok from all devices nationwide. On March 23, TikTok’s chief executive, Shou Chew, was grilled about the app’s relationship to its parent company and China’s potential influence over the platform in roughly five hours of testimony before a House committee.

Here’s why the pressure has been ratcheted up on TikTok.

Check: 10 Most followed TikTok account in the World

@kyliejenner – 52.3m followers

@ox_zung – 54.8m followers

@therock – 70m followers

@ola_of_osun – 202m followers

Why are governments banning TikTok?

It all comes down to China.

Lawmakers and regulators in the West have increasingly expressed concern that TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, may put sensitive user data, like location information, into the hands of the Chinese government. They have pointed to laws that allow the Chinese government to secretly demand data from Chinese companies and citizens for intelligence-gathering operations. They are also worried that China could use TikTok’s content recommendations for misinformation.

ikTok has long denied such allegations and has tried to distance itself from ByteDance.

Have any countries banned TikTok?

India banned the platform in mid-2020, costing ByteDance one of its biggest markets, as the government cracked down on 59 Chinese-owned apps, claiming that they were secretly transmitting users’ data to servers outside India.

Other countries and government bodies — including Britain and its Parliament, Australia, Canada, the executive arm of the European Union, France and New Zealand’s Parliament — have banned the app from official devices.

What’s happening with bans in the United States?

Since November, more than two dozen states have banned TikTok on government-issued devices and many colleges — like the University of Texas at Austin, Auburn University, and Boise State University — have blocked it from campus Wi-Fi networks. But students often just switch to cellular data to use the app.

In May, Gov. Greg Gianforte of Montana signed a bill to ban TikTok from operating inside the state, the first prohibition of its kind in the nation. The ban will take effect on Jan. 1.Days later, TikTok filed suit, saying the legislation violated the First Amendment.

he app has already been banned for three years on U.S. government devices used by the military. But the bans typically don’t extend to personal devices.

Is Congress trying to ban TikTok?

Some members would like to. In March, the House Foreign Affairs Committee voted to approve a bill that could grant a president the authority to ban the platform. (Courts previously stopped a Trump administration effort to do this.)

In January, a Republican senator, Josh Hawley of Missouri, introduced a bill to ban TikTok for all Americans after pushing for a measure, which passed in December as part of a spending package, that banned TikTok on devices issued by the federal government. A separate bipartisan bill, introduced in December, also sought to ban TikTok and target any similar social media companies from countries like Russia and Iran.

What is the Biden administration doing?

TikTok said recently that the Biden administration wants its Chinese ownership to sell the app or face a possible ban. The administration has been largely quiet, though the White House recently pointed to an ongoing review, in response to questions about TikTok. TikTok has been in yearslong confidential talks with the administration’s review panel, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS, to address questions about TikTok and ByteDance’s relationship with the Chinese government and the handling of user data.

TikTok said that in August it submitted a 90-page proposal detailing how it planned to operate in the United States while addressing national security concerns. On March 23, a spokeswoman for China’s commerce ministry said China would “firmly oppose” the sale of the app.he app has already been banned for three years on U.S. government devices used by the military. But the bans typically don’t extend to personal devices.

Is Congress trying to ban TikTok?

Some members would like to. In March, the House Foreign Affairs Committee voted to approve a bill that could grant a president the authority to ban the platform. (Courts previously stopped a Trump administration effort to do this.)

In January, a Republican senator, Josh Hawley of Missouri, introduced a bill to ban TikTok for all Americans after pushing for a measure, which passed in December as part of a spending package, that banned TikTok on devices issued by the federal government. A separate bipartisan bill, introduced in December, also sought to ban TikTok and target any similar social media companies from countries like Russia and Iran.

What is the Biden administration doing?

TikTok said recently that the Biden administration wants its Chinese ownership to sell the app or face a possible ban. The administration has been largely quiet, though the White House recently pointed to an ongoing review, in response to questions about TikTok. TikTok has been in yearslong confidential talks with the administration’s review panel, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS, to address questions about TikTok and ByteDance’s relationship with the Chinese government and the handling of user data.

TikTok said that in August it submitted a 90-page proposal detailing how it planned to operate in the United States while addressing national security concerns. On March 23, a spokeswoman for China’s commerce ministry said China would “firmly oppose” the sale of the app.

As per your politics, debt ceiling plan is good or a ‘disaster

 

Democrats weigh in

As much as some Democrats dislike what is roughly a spending freeze on non-defence programmes next year and chafe at work requirements being extended to more food-stamp recipients, initial reaction has been circumspect as they await more details.

Representative Annie Kuster, a Democrat from New Hampshire and chair of a centre-left group known as the New Dems, which has roughly 100 members, said the group is “confident” that White House negotiators delivered a “viable, bipartisan solution to end this crisis”

Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, said he believed it was the best deal that could be reached given the demands coming from House Republicans.

“To my colleagues who have serious misgivings about this deal, I say this is far better than defaulting,” Coons said.

The likeliest opposition will come from the more liberal members of the caucus. Representative Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat from Washington state, has been voicing opposition to additional work requirements for some of those getting food and cash assistance. She called the debt ceiling agreement a “terrible policy” Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union programme.

But she said she is also waiting for legislative text to determine the level of exemptions to the work requirements that Biden was able to win for veterans, homeless people and people coming out of foster care.

“And so what do the numbers look like at the end of the day, I’m not sure,” said Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. “However, it is bad policy. I told the president that directly, when he called me last week on Wednesday, that this is saying to poor people and people who are in need that we don’t trust them.”

Asked if the Democrats at the White House and in the congressional leadership have to worry about whether the progressive caucus will support the bill, Jayapal said: “Yes, they have to worry.”

A provision that expedites the approval of the Mountain Valley Pipeline, a natural gas pipeline in West Virginia and Virginia, also adds to the consternation many Democrats will have about the bill. They had succeeded in keeping it out of prior bills, but Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia, and other members of the West Virginia delegation prevailed in getting it included in the debt limit bill. Environmental groups were harshly criticising its inclusion Sunday evening.

Business group backing

With the nation roughly a week away from the risk of a default that could roil the US and global economy, major business groups have been urging Washington to act quickly on a debt-ceiling increase.

The Business Roundtable, a group of more than 200 chief executive officers, called on Congress to pass the bill as soon as possible.

“In addition to raising the debt ceiling, this agreement takes steps towards putting the US on a more sustainable fiscal trajectory,” said the group’s CEO, Joshua Bolten. “This deal also makes a down payment on permitting reform, helping to clear the path for new energy infrastructure projects.”

The US Chamber of Commerce also urged a “yes” vote and noted that the vote will be included when the group rates or “scorecards” members of Congress based on how they vote on business priorities.

Economists have been clear that the economy would be roiled with even a short-term breach in the nation’s ability to fully pay its bills as interest rates would rise and financial markets swoon.

“The gravity of this moment cannot be overstated,” said Suzanne Clark, the US Chamber of Commerce president and CEO.

Watchdog groups approve

Some advocacy groups have long warned of the propensity of Congress to enact policy priorities without fully paying for them. Their concerns generally go unheeded. But some see the agreement as a step in the right direction.

Ola_Of_Osun

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget noted that if the legislation passes, it would be the first major deficit-reducing budget agreement in almost a dozen years.

“The process was tense, risky and ugly, but in the end, we have a plan to enact savings and lift the debt ceiling, and that is what is needed,” said Maya MacGuineas, the group’s president.

Shakur is still alive?

Who killed Tupac Shakur

Tupac Shakur died on September 13, 1996, six days after an unknown gunman in a white Cadillac shot him four times in the chest at a stoplight in Las Vegas. A Los Angeles Times investigation determined that uncooperative witnesses and minimal pursuit of gang-related leads resulted in what remains an unsolved homicide case.

The first part of this widely read investigation, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Chuck Philips, provided an in-depth analysis of the identity of Shakur’s murderer. Philips presented evidence that the Southside Crips, a gang from Compton, California, executed the killing. Shakur was tied to the Mob Piru Bloods, a street gang that often battled with the Crips over territory and personal slights. One such slight resulted in Shakur and his Bloods bodyguards beating Crips member Orlando Anderson in the lobby of a Mike Tyson prizefight venue. This event, Philips argued, prompted Anderson to go to his fellow gang members and demand retaliation, which they agreed to follow through with.

Furthermore, Philips posited that Shakur’s rival and New York rapper Notorious B.I.G., whose legal name was Christopher Wallace, provided the gun and had previously offered to pay the Crips if they successfully killed Shakur. His feud with the rapper had escalated such that Wallace offered to pay the Crips $1 million for the murder. Philips’s article stated that Anderson used Wallace’s .40-caliber Glock pistol to carry out the hit. Both Anderson and Wallace were killed within two years of Shakur’s death.

Philips’s reporting was based on interviews with a series of informants who agreed to disclose their knowledge about the case in exchange for anonymity. While praised for its detailed presentation and logical structure, Philips’s Los Angeles Times investigation has been panned for its reliance on unnamed sources, particularly those who implicated two deceased individuals and whose allegations have not been corroborated.

Ukraine war live updates: Ukraine refuses to accept loss of Bakhmut; Wagner mercenary boss downplays army’s role in ‘capture’

 Ukraine is refusing to concede defeat in the largely ruined eastern town of Bakhmut after Russian mercenary forces claimed they were now fully in control of the town after months of fighting.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday that “Russia did not occupy Bakhmut” as he attended a news conference at the Group of Seven summit in Japan, rebuffing claims by Russia’s mercenary Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin that his forces had fully captured the town in the Donetsk region on Saturday.

The head of Ukraine’s ground forces Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi said Sunday that his forces still controlled parts of Bakhmut and that they were not ready to give up.

Meanwhile, Prigozhin downplayed the contribution of the regular Russian army in the claimed capture of the town, saying his fighters had been let down by the Russian Defense Ministry leadership.

Functions of Odogwu Bitters

 

Odogwu is an igbo language which signified a powerful or strong person.

Odogwu bitters literally means been powerful in bed after taking the herbal. It means lasting longer in bed.

In addition to traditional herbal ingredients like honey and ginger, Odogwu bitters is an alcoholic herbal beverage. For a speedy and efficient reaction, this blend has been tested and proven.

There are several health benefits of drinking Odogwu Bitter, including an increase in libido and a boost in energy.
In addition to enhancing the immune system, Odogwu bitters may also help alleviate stress, regulate blood sugar, and promote weight reduction, as well.

Antioxidants included in Odogwu bitters help to combat flu and common colds by boosting the digestive system’s ability to absorb nutrients.

Stress reduction, blood sugar control, and weight loss are all possible benefits of Odogwu bitters.

Functions of Odogwu Bitters

• Energy booster.
• Boost your libido
• Cleanse your system.
• It is critical to maintain your body’s strength and wellness.
• Maintain a healthy blood sugar level.

Neeyah_Foods

5 Reasons why you need to use leaves to prepare Moin Moin plus how to wrap the leaves with pictures

The leaf used in preparing Moi Moi is known as Thaumatococcus Daniellii. The igbos call the leaves Uma leaves, while the Yorubas call it Ewe Eran. Other tribes in Nigeria have their own specific name for this very useful leaf. The moi moi steamed in leaves is generally referred to as Moi moi Elewe.

Growing up I remember vividly we had banana planted in our compound and that my mum used to pluck the banana leaves to prepare moi moi. Since I became an adult, I haven’t tried to use banana leaves because of the availability of Thaumatococcus Daniellii and besides it’s not easy to use when compared with the latter.LOL.

Here are the advantages of using leaves to prepare moi moi:

1.   The aroma and flavor of the leaves is next to none. I can tell you anywhere and anytime that the flavour and aroma that the leaves infuse into moi moi is very nice and unique. You cannot get that using another medium…one reason why you should consider the use of these fantastic leaves.

2.   The taste you get is also next to none. Moi moi steamed in leaves usually come out more delicious than their counterparts no doubt.

3.   It is very healthy. Different research had earlier gone into the other alternatives to leaves namely nylon, tins, cans, plastics etc It happened that the alternatives are not as healthy and can be carcinogenic. The leaves on the other hand were proven to be very healthy to use and beneficial in diverse ways such as helping in the management of diabetes, helps make the kidney and liver function well and etc. The leaves are harmless, organic and of course natural with high medicinal value.

4.   Moi moi steamed in leaves cook pretty fast. While eating healthy, you eventually save some money on the long run.

5.   Easy to use. I know a lot of people don’t know that it is very easy to use the leaves…see picture guides below. Just try to follow my hand movements.

You can also use the leaves to wrap other cooked food like Ofada Rice, agidi (Eko), Swallow such as pounded yam, semovita, Amala etc. From my experience as a food blogger and food vendor, I discovered that when you wrap pounded yam in leaves it doesn’t get spoilt fast. That’s one of the wonders of using Leaves.

Amdst all the benefits of using leaves, caution has to be taken when using these leaves. Remember that the leaves were plucked and transported to it’s various destinations. In the course of moving them from one place to the other, it can come in contact with germs and bacteria. As a result, do well to wash with salt solution and Pat dry before use.

In addition, you can also store the leaves inside the deep freezer for later use. 

If you find this article useful, don’t hesitate to share it and follow me for more useful information. 

Follow us on TikTok @Neeyah_foods

See you in my next article.

Remembering Beloved Sound Engineer Shawn ‘Gus’ Vitale

On Thursday, May 11, the 9:30 Club’s lead sound engineer Shawn “Gus” Vitale died from cancer at age 61. Vitale, who was born in 1961 and raised in Forestville, Maryland, had worked at the club for nearly 30 years.

Testimonials have poured across the internet from those who knew his contributions to 9:30 Club but also from his earlier soundboard work in the ’80s and early ’90s with his company Gussound. For decades, Vitale helped local musicians sound strong and coherent during live shows. As 9:30 Club noted in their announcement of his passing, “He was the first face folks see when they load-in for a show and the last when they load-out, and had the most welcoming smile every time.”

Prior to his nearly three decades at 9:30 Club, Vitale ran his own sound engineering company, Gussound. A 1993 City Paper article by Stephen Kuhn called it the “company of choice for local bands with lotsa heart but little cash.” 

“Vitale’s contributions as sound man make him the ‘fifth Beatle’ in dozens of bands, a background player whose sonic manipulations add an extra dimension to live performances,” Kuhn wrote. Gussound worked with the city’s counterculture leaders, including punk benefits, Fort Reno’s long-running concert series, and NORML’s Fourth of July smoke-ins along the national mall. “Vitale’s openness, along with his easygoing personality and cheap rates make his bearded face a common sight at the area’s smaller gigs,” Kuhn wrote.

In 1991, Gussound ran sound for the activist group Positive Force’s anti-Gulf War show in Lafayette Park, which featured Fugazi. “I don’t remember how much we charged for it, but it didn’t nearly cover the hassle,” Vitale told City Paper two years later. “I did the Gulf War show because I believed in the cause.” It was one of many Positive Force-organized protests and benefit shows Vitale did sound for.

SO SAD: Yoruba Nollywood actor, Murphy Afolabi, dies after bathroom fall

Barely 24 hours after the death of a popular Nollywood actor, Saint Obi, a Yoruba popular actor and filmmaker, Murphy Afolabi, is reportedly dead.

The thespian, who acted in Yoruba movies, was said to have fallen down in the bathroom at his house in Ikorodu, Lagos, on Sunday morning, May 14, 2023.

A filmmaker and the president of the Yoruba movies directors guild, Seun Olaiya, shared the sad news on a WhatsApp platform populated by filmmakers. 

He was corroborated by the Managing Director of the popular movie marketing company, Corporate Pictures Nigeria Limited, Abdullahi Abdulrasaq.

Wickedness: Watch till the end.

 

Women dancing half naked: Culture or Crazy.... Watch till the end and see what people have to say

 

He Nearly Ran Mad": Nigerian Woman Relocates with Her 2 Kids without Telling Her Husband, Changes Their Names Read

Bluesky, Twitter alternative created by Jack Dorsey,

According to New York Post, Dorsey began working on Bluesky as a side project in 2019 with funding from Twitter.

Bluesky, created by Jack Dorsey, promises a future-thinking “social internet” that allows users more choices and frees people from platforms, according to its website.

The app, however, is still in development and only available to access through an invite code.

Dorsey began working on Bluesky as a side project in 2019 with funding from Twitter, and it was first rolled out to iOS users in late February.