Thursday, 3 July 2014
SPORT NEWS: Puyol backs Barcelona Suarez chase
The former Spain defender came up against the Uruguay star during his playing days and believes he would be a fine addition to the Camp Nou ranks
Carles Puyol has thrown his weight behind Barcelona’s pursuit of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.
Barca have made the controversial Uruguayan their primary target this summer and preliminary talks with the Merseyside club are believed to have gone well.
Suarez has just started a four-month ban for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup but that has not deterred Barca, nor has Liverpool’s determination to hold out for a €94 million fee.
Numerous Barca figures have openly spoken of their admiration for Suarez with Puyol, who will work under sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta next season after opting to end his playing career, the latest.
He told Mundo Deportivo: “Luis Suarez is a great striker. I’ve played against him. All of the names that have been mentioned with Barcelona are good and we will have to wait and see who comes in the end.”
He added, however: “As a player you have a responsibility. A lot of people look at us and we have to be aware of that and control our actions because children want to imitate us.”
Suarez scored 31 goals in 33 Premier League games last season and would be a welcome addition to a Barcelona squad which, on the face of it, is also in need of strengthening in defence.
Although his latter years were plagued by injuries, Puyol’s retirement has still left them short of a commanding central defender.
Yet the 36-year-old does not believe the situation is as bleak as others have portrayed, adding: “The club already has some good central defenders. It’s not easy to find players who have the qualities to play for Barcelona.
“We need to leave Zubizarreta and his team to find the right players, but they already have Javier Mascherano, Gerard Pique and Marc Bartra. It’s very difficult to improve on their level.”
Meanwhile, Barca will be delighted to know that Suarez is available to undergo a medical should he choose to leave Liverpool, despite being banned from all football activity for four months, according to Fifa disciplinary chief Claudio Sulser.
He said: “The player cannot have any activity related to football, but a medical examination for a transfer yes – the sanction is not linked to transfer rights.”
Benjamin EkpenyongHEALTH CARE: 10 Foods to Eat Every Day for Perfect Skin
Are you tired of using different expensive and ineffective beauty products? It’s time to throw away all those ineffective products and start eating foods for perfect skin. I went from terrible acne five months ago to not having acne now. It was hard, but it was possible, and less expensive than turning to pricey products. While some foods can aggravate your skin, others can enhance it. Check out a list of 10 foods to eat every day for perfect skin.
1. Red bell peppers
Red bell peppers are a tasty vegetable that can be enjoyed either cooked or raw. One red bell pepper contains more than 100% of your daily vitamin C needs. It also contains significant amounts of dietary fiber and vitamin B6. Moreover, it is rich in carotenoids that can help prevent wrinkles and increase blood circulation to your skin, helping it look more youthful. Due to their carotenoids, red bell peppers are also great to fight acne.
A red bell pepper is a perfect, low calorie snack that contains about 30 calories and has a really satisfying crunchy bite. Keep slices of red bell peppers in the fridge, so you will always have something healthy and tasty to reach for when you are having a snack attack. The fiber that a bell pepper contains will help you to feel full longer with very little calories. Plus, you will have a flawless skin!
2. Dark chocolate
This is one of my favorite foods to eat every day for perfect skin! Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and flavanols that promote glowing skin. The antioxidants in dark chocolate will help reduce roughness in your skin and protect it against sun damage. Moreover, cocoa relaxes arteries, increasing blood circulation that leads to healthier skin.
I usually buy cocoa powder or raw cacao for less fat. And if you like dark chocolate, eat your ounce of dark chocolate every day and make sure you choose at least 80% cacao content in order to avoid milk and added sugars found in a traditional chocolate bar.
3. Salmon
Salmon is an excellent food to fight stress, anxiety, and depression. Salmon also provides most of your daily vitamin D needs. And as you may already know, Vitamin D is responsible for keeping your heart, bones, colon and brain healthy. It also helps prevent colon cancer, anxiety, depression, heart disease and bone disease.
Salmon is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are excellent for fighting inflammation, wrinkles and acne. Its high omega-3 content also helps hydrate your skin from the inside out. Moreover, eating salmon keeps your scalp hydrated and promotes strong, healthy hair.
4. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is one of the richest sources of saturated fat with about 90 percent of calories as saturated fat. It contains lauric acid, a powerful antibacterial and antiviral agent that keeps away viruses, infections, inflammation and acne. Coconut oil is also rich in essential fatty acids and Vitamin E, which are perfect for keeping your skin moist, soft, and wrinkle-free.
I use coconut oil as a body cream and consume 1 tbsp. of raw coconut oil every day. Coconut oil is especially good for your thyroid. Plus, there’s considerable evidence that this oil can help lose weight. So many health benefits, don’t you think?
5. Green tea
Well, so I know green tea is actually a beverage, but tea leaves come from a plant! Even though I love black tea, I drink green tea every day because I know that it is a great source of antioxidants and a unique amino acid, L-theanine that helps relax your body and lower stress.
When the tea is hot, the bionic brew releases catechins, a kind of antioxidant with proven anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea may also reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure. Drink 3 or more cups of tea every day for better results.
6. Spinach
Spinach is a healthy and nutrient-rich food you should certainly include in your everyday diet. You may hate spinach, but it is a wonderful source of iron, folate, chlorophyll, Vitamin E, magnesium, Vitamin A, fiber, plant protein, and Vitamin C. Due to their antioxidant abilities, Vitamins C, E, and A are especially great for your skin.
Spinach contains antioxidants that fight against all types of skin problems. Add it to your everyday diet and see what happens. By eating spinach, you’re just cleaning your skin from the inside out!
7. Seeds
Chia seeds, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flax seeds are all great for your skin. Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are both rich in selenium, Vitamin E, magnesium and protein. Selenium and protein keep all wrinkles away, Vitamin E enhances moisture in your skin and magnesium lowers your stress levels. The healthy Omega 3 fatty acids in flax, chia and hemp seeds are perfect for fighting wrinkles and acne. Plus, these seeds are rich in protein.
Just sprinkle seeds right on top of your salad or oatmeal and enjoy the great taste as well as perfect skin. I like to add seeds to a fruit yogurt, I think it tastes even better. I also add raw pumpkin seeds in my oh-so delicious smoothies. And what are your favorite seeds? How do you eat them?
8. Celery
Another food to eat daily for perfect skin is celery. Many of us underestimate this veggie, but celery contains Vitamin K that keeps the blood circulation healthy and helps to reduce high blood pressure. This can reduce your stress level, and as you know stress can cause bad skin, migraines and even cancer.
Celery also contains natural sodium, potassium and water, and can help to prevent dehydration. I hope you know that dehydrated skin means dryness, flaking, wrinkles, and even breakouts. Make sure you consume celery every day or at least every other day. If you are counting calories, don’t worry, celery is very low in calories!
9. Papaya
Papaya is a wonderful fruit which has a rich history and numerous nutritional benefits. It is very low in calories (only 39 calories per 100 g!) and also contains no cholesterol. So if you are trying to lose weight, consider eating papaya every day to maximize its health benefits.
A great beauty food, papaya is low in fructose and is excellent for digestion! The antioxidant nutrients found in it, including Vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, are great at reducing inflammation and acne. Moreover, Vitamin C may also protect your skin against sun damage.
10. Carrots
Carrots are good not only for your eyes, but also for your skin. They are especially good for clearing up breakouts. Carrots are rich in vitamin A and they help prevent the overproduction of cells in the outer layer of the skin. That’s where excess sebum combines with dead cells and clogs pores.
Another great reason to snack on some carrots is because Vitamin A reduces the development of skin-cancer cells. So make sure you nibble on a half-cup of baby carrots every day for perfect skin. I love carrots and I think they make a great snack.
You don’t have to eat all these foods every day, but even some of them would be great! Be sure to avoid junk foods, too much sugar, trans fats and refined carbs for the best skin possible. Which of these foods do you eat every day? Share your thoughts, please, and thanks for reading!
BEAUTY: Tanning Beds Flagged as Source of Chemical Addiction
Summer is here, and people are rushing to the sandy beaches to get the sun-kissed body they have been craving for the entire year. However, few of us know that the endorphins in our brain, commonly referred to as the “Feel Good Hormones” due to their ability to make us feel happier, can actually lead to what is known as a tanning or sunlight exposure addiction. While it is true that exposing yourself to sunlight for a limited period of time and on a regular basis is very healthy, as it stimulates the natural production of Vitamin D in the body, prolonged exposure can dramatically increase the risk for melanoma, one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. The melanoma rates have sky-rocketed over the past decade, and prolonged sun exposure can also lead to premature wrinkling and aging of the skin.
The study that links endorphins to a tanning addiction was conducted by scientists at the Harvard University, and it suggests that sunlight exposure stimulates the production of endorphins which, in turn, make you feel good and act as natural painkillers. However, this can lead to a vicious circle: if sunbathing stimulates endorphins, and endorphins stimulate the sense of well-being that we all want, then sunbathing can become somewhat addictive. The endorphins are released through the body’s exposure to UV, or ultraviolet radiation.
The endorphins basically act as natural opioids that are automatically released into the blood stream under certain circumstances: smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages can stimulate their release, and apparently it seems that prolonged exposure to sunlight can have the same exposure. Nonetheless, while endorphins can be considered natural anti-depressants, they can also encourage addictive behaviors, and extended sunbathing can increase the risk for skin cancer. Statistically speaking, there are expected to be no less than 76,000 cases of melanoma this year, as the American Cancer Society foresees.
The endorphins basically act as natural opioids that are automatically released into the blood stream under certain circumstances: smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages can stimulate their release, and apparently it seems that prolonged exposure to sunlight can have the same exposure. Nonetheless, while endorphins can be considered natural anti-depressants, they can also encourage addictive behaviors, and extended sunbathing can increase the risk for skin cancer. Statistically speaking, there are expected to be no less than 76,000 cases of melanoma this year, as the American Cancer Society foresees.
It is a known fact that there is a strong link between UV exposure and different forms of skin cancer, and while a 20-30 minute sun exposure revealed no sunburn on laboratory rodents, a prolonged and regular exposure can have devastating effects. One week after the laboratory rodents were first exposed to the UV rays, the scientists have tested their beta-endorphin levels and they have sky-rocketed so much that they were enough to treat the pain of the mice.
The study was conducted on shaved mice that were constantly exposed to UV rays for five days a week, six weeks in a row. The shaven mice were the equivalent of fair-skinned people, and the researchers kept track of the mice’s endorphin levels on a weekly basis. It came as no surprise to see that the “feel good hormone” levels have increased only just one week of sun exposure, and the endorphins basically activated the opioid receptors in the body the same way morphine or prescription painkillers do.
Benjamin EkpenyongBEAUTY: How This One Trick Could Transform Your Body
Reading about sports these days, we are constantly bombarded with news of top notch athletes being exposed for using illegal steroids.
Steroid use involves huge costs, legal issues, and above all, potential health problems. With such risks, you wonder why anyone would be tempted to go this route.
Fortunately, steroid use may eventually be a thing of the past. That’s because medical researchers studying how the human body builds muscle and endurance are developing safe and legal substances which can increase the body's ability to build muscle, without the health risks associated with steroids.
One of the most interesting fields of research surrounds a naturally occurring chemical compound called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, which means it helps move oxygen to the muscles when they need it most. Increased nitric oxide in the blood stream signals the blood vessel walls to relax, which allows more blood to flow to the body's muscles, thus delivering more oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
It’s been shown to lead to:
- Drastic Muscle Gains
- Increased Blood Flow and Oxygen Delivery
- Boosted Strength, Endurance, and Power
- Support for Your Immune System
- Immediate Results
- Total Body Transformation
While the body naturally increases nitric oxide during workouts, it’s only a limited amount and researchers have been focused on artificially increasing your nitric oxide levels.
One of the most successful products that has emerged from this research is called Factor 2. It uses "arginines," special amino acids specifically linked to nitric oxide production to significantly increase oxygen and nutrient flow to the muscles during workouts. As a result, it can safely spark powerful muscle growth, muscle definition, and strength.
Factor 2 produces noticeable results by maximizing your muscle gains as you power through your workouts and within a few weeks, users are starting to notice additional muscle definition and strength.
Factor 2 is now the recognized leader in nitric oxide stimulation and legal, safe muscle and strength enhancement. It was Bodybuilding.com’s Best New Brand of the Year (2011) and pro athletes are taking note.
Best of all, the company is currently conducting a marketing campaign where new customers can receive a two-week supply of the supplement to try for free. While the Factor 2 free trial offer is available only on ForceFactor.com, Factor 2 brand products are available in GNC stores nationwide.
To check out how you can get your own supply free to try, click here.
Benjamin Ekpenyong CELEBRITY NEWS: Justin Bieber Did Not Propose To Selena Gomez, Says Gomez [Report]
Justin Bieber did not propose to Selena Gomez despite a report from a gossip site.
Justin Bieber has not proposed to on-again, off-again girlfriend Selena Gomez, according to the actress-singer herself and a source.
Gossip Cop reports Gomez’s and the insider’s reactions to the false proposal claim were to laughingly slam it as “ridiculous.”
Bieber and Gomez first began dating back in 2010 before initially splitting in November 2012, then an on-off cycle that followed. The couple recently reunited and have been on a string of dates over the past two weeks.
But on the weekend of June 28, and since, a video and photos surfaced of Bieber spending time with other females, which is said to have left Gomez angry and unhappy.
Despite this, E! News is reporting Bieber and Gomez are still together.
The “Justin Bieber proposes to Selena Gomez” story was reported by Hollywood Life.
The gossip site claims Bieber was “caught ring shopping on June 24,” and has now “popped the question!”
The outlet cited an alleged source saying: “Justin has told Selena he will marry her. They’re young, but feel like they have a deep connection that no one else can break.”
However, as previously reported, Bieber visited the flagship Melrose Avenue store of Nialaya jewelry in Los Angeles on June 24, but did not purchase an engagement ring.
While at Nialaya, the 20-year-old bought three bracelets including one for Selena, according to the store which posted images of Bieber and his purchases to their Instagram, Twitter and Facebook accounts.
“Selena is putting a huge amount of pressure on herself to be sexy because she’s afraid of losing Justin,” an alleged insider told the gossip site.
“She’s been asking people if they think she should get her boobs done because all the girls he was with have bigger boobs than her.”
The purported source went on: “She feels like she needs to be the hottest girl in the world to keep his attention.”
Gossip Cop later reported a Gomez insider confirmed the starlet is not contemplating any surgical changes.
To recap: Justin Bieber did not propose to Selena Gomez.
Furthermore, isn’t it time this news cycle grew up and stopped citing an outlet which peddles clearly bogus claims?
[Image via WireImage/Daily Mirror.]
EDUCATION: Ways To Make Your Brain Work Better
The brain is the human supercomputer with infinite possibilities. It’s the brain that differentiates humans from all other animals. Despite the common belief that intelligence is a genetic phenomenon, studies have shown that this isn’t true. The brain is a continuously evolving organ, and it is always a work in progress – it keeps revising or remodeling, improving or declining, depending on how we use it. Just like with a muscle, if the brain is properly exercised, anyone can boost their intelligence level significantly, at any age. But if you let your brain remain idle, it is bound to lose its sharpness. Here are a few ways to make your brain work better:
Exercise Regularly
As we age, the birth of new brain cells becomes slower, and our brain tissue shrinks in size. However, regular exercises can reverse this age-related decline. Studies show that regular exercise – especially cardiovascular exercise – boosts the blood flow to your brain, which helps deliver much-needed oxygen to brain cells (the brain consumes nearly 20% of the oxygen in our body). Studies have shown that people see a significant increase in brain volume if they exercise regularly.
Meditate
With today’s hectic lifestyle – which often involves juggling time between office, work, home and kids – there is very little time left for mind relaxation. Your mind is always crowded with various thoughts and worries, which definitely affects your thinking ability and other brain functions. Meditation is one of the oldest ways to rejuvenate your mind and enhance your cognitive functions. The practice of meditation involves quiet, focused breathing exercises where your mind is free from other activities and thoughts. With regular practice, meditation allows your mind to reach a deeply calm state, which in turn improves other brain functions, such as attention span, memory and focus. Not surprisingly, some of the leading corporate organizations now offer meditation classes for their employees.
Eat Fish
If you don’t eat fish regularly, it may be a good idea to include some in your regular diet – at least twice a week. If you do not like eating fish, or if you are a vegan, then you can opt for a fish oil supplement instead. A study on teenagers in Sweden indicated that eating fish increased the verbal and visuospatial intelligence of the subjects by more than 10%. While the exact mechanism of how eating fish improves brain health is unknown, some believe that, like exercise, it helps increase blood flow to the brain.
Fight Inflammation
Inflammation could be the result of your body fighting toxins, infections, chemicals or free radicals. Studies have shown that inflammation of any kind tends to have a negative impact on mental performance. Researchers have found that inflammation is consistently linked to lower standard intelligence levels. Thus, for keeping your brain sharp, it is important to fight inflammation. Foods such as omega 3 and various antioxidants help in fighting inflammation.
Exercise Your Brain
Like the rest of your body, your brain needs regular exercise to stay healthy and fit. Brain-strengthening or mind-improvement exercises can invigorate your brain and enhance its functions. Crossword puzzles and other word-based games, Sudoku, math word problems and number-based ‘brain teasers’ are some of the ways to improve your brain efficiency. Such mind-building games help in developing problem-solving abilities and mental determination. They are a fun way to enhance brain power.
Experiment With a New Hobby or Skill
A good way to energize the brain is to take it out of its ‘comfort zone,’ by trying out new skills or hobbies. It does not matter what new skill you decide to take up – for example, learning a new language, playing a musical instrument, carpentry projects, etc. When your brain is trying new things, it creates new neurons. Moreover, studies have shown that mastering new skills also helps in improving memory and cognitive functions.
BEAUTY: 7 Secrets of a Long, Healthy Life
Why do some people age in failing health and sadness, while others grow old with vitality and joy? Most of us wonder why some people die young, whereas others live long lives, and there are many ideas about this subject floating around. From the booming anti-aging supplement industry to scientists in the lab, everyone wants to know the secrets of a long and healthy life. Recently, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study showing that people who practiced certain basic healthy habits lived longer on average than those who didn’t. Genetics, lifestyle, nutrition – all of these factors play an important role in aging. The tips outlined here are tried-and-true healthy habits from people who have lived long lives, and research has verified that they work.
1. Diet and Aging – Gain a Nutritional Edge
What we eat is directly apparent in our body; our skin and hair reflect our nutritional state. To learn about the lifestyle of the old and healthy, many researchers look to Okinawa, Japan, which boasts the world’s highest concentration of healthy 100-year-olds. The diet of Japanese people was studied to find out the keys to longevity. Studies have found that Japanese people most rely on grains, vegetables and fruits. Their diet is low in red meat, dairy products and eggs. The lesson here is to choose your fats and carbohydrates wisely. Switch to healthier options such as wheat breads, whole-grain pasta or nuts, instead of refined flour products like white bread, cakes and muffins. Whenever possible, use monosaturated and polysaturated oils, and avoid trans fats completely. Several research studies have also agreed on the fact that a vegetarian diet is generally healthier than one based on animal protein. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are full of fiber and nutrients.
2. Don’t Blame Everything on Your Genes
There is no doubt that your genes contribute a lot in terms of certain age-related diseases. However, studies have found that when it comes to living a healthy life, our genes only contribute roughly 10% to our overall health, while a staggering 90% is all about lifestyle choices. The way each of us chooses to live every day greatly impacts the quality and length of our lives. So when you’re feeling worn down or dealing with aches and pains, don’t simply blame it on heredity; examine your lifestyle.
3. Eat Foods in Their Natural State
Foods in their natural state are full of nutrients. Cooking actually changes the chemical composition of the food, thus affecting the nutrient levels. Steaming and roasting are known to be the best methods of cooking food, because they are better at preserving the nutrients in their natural state. A great way to maintain health is to consume three to five servings of raw veggies and fruits every day. It is also important to eat in moderation. Filling your stomach too much causes gastrointestinal problems, which in turn affects your overall health.
4. Develop Healthy Habits
If you want to live a long, healthy life, make sure you cultivate healthy habits and avoid unhealthy ones. Most important of all is to avoid smoking, which has long been known to contribute to various heart and lung diseases, and shorten your life span. Alcohol is another major culprit in an unhealthy lifestyle. Drink only in moderation to stay away from adverse health conditions.
5. Exercise
There is no doubt that, along with diet, exercise is the key to a healthy life. Most of the lifestyle-related disorders, including heart diseases, diabetes and others, originate from a sedentary lifestyle. Studies have found that 15 minutes of exercise per day adds three years to your life. Exercise lowers your vulnerability to heart attacks, heart failure and arrhythmia. Exercise also helps by improving the body’s ability to fight oxidative stress, a chemical by-product of cellular energy production. Oxidative damage of cells increases your vulnerability to various diseases. Many of us cannot spend regular time at a gym, but we can include leisure-time physical activity in our daily routine to stay fit and healthy. Include activities like tennis or swimming in your weekly routines, or just make some time to go play with your kids or pet in the park.
EDUCATION: 7 Brain Activities That Will Improve Your Memory
As we age, our mind’s cognitive capacity begins to deteriorate. This is part of the inevitable, natural process of aging that takes its toll on all aspects of human life. While we cannot prevent the effects of aging, we can slow them down, and even reverse them in some cases. Memory loss is a frightening subject for most of us, but the good news is that there are some measures we can take to slow our cognitive decline. Here are seven brain activities that will improve your memory in the long run:
1. Learn a New Language!
Learning a new language can benefit you on many levels. Not only does it add to your personal skill set, but it’s also an outstanding brain exercise that can prevent, delay or even reverse memory loss. Language-learning activities will help you remember, recognize and understand words, which will take your cognitive function to a whole new level. Language learning is a great weapon against memory loss that improves vocabulary and grammar, as well as the elements of mental and verbal fluency.
2. Puzzles and Word Games Are Also Great
Another brain exercise that will enrich your general knowledge and help prevent memory loss is playing word games and solving crosswords or other puzzles. It can be Sudoku or a Scrabble game – whatever appeals to you, as long as it stimulates your mind with new words and makes you associate them with objects or actions. It is now known that playing different word games and doing crossword puzzles on a daily basis can significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
3. Never Underestimate the Power of Music!
Music, and music therapy (commonly referred to as ‘melotherapy’) provides great brain exercise as well, since it not only improves your mental focus but also supports healthy long-term cognitive functioning. While it is claimed that listening to classical music can help babies and young children boost their brainpower and improve verbal fluency skills, music is also a great ‘treatment’ for memory loss. Simply listen to your favorite kind of music on a daily basis, and try to remember the melody or lyrics (and sing or hum along), and you will find it both useful and entertaining!
4. Don’t Be Ashamed to Talk to Yourself
Studies have revealed that people who talk to themselves actually have a lower risk of developing dementia later in life. In other words, talking to yourself and even telling yourself stories is an outstanding way to delay memory loss and to stay focused on important details. Moreover, this is also a great ‘emotional exercise.’ Storytelling has been used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s for a long time, and it has turned out to useful in improving memory function by helping you retain more information.
TOP NEWS: Beyoncé Confirms Jay Z Cheated On Her During Ohio Concert [Video]
Here we go — Beyoncé has finally made a statement in regards to the cheating allegations. No, we aren’t talking about the group statement made after Solange Knowles fought Jay Z in an elevator. Unlike a natural press release, this statement speaks volumes, and it all went down during the duo’s concert in Ohio over the weekend.
Beyoncé And Jay Z are currently promoting their respective albums, and their relationship, on their co-headlining tour On The Run. The only thing they seem to be on the run from is their relationship. While the couple has always remained a very private duo, Beyoncé kind of let the cat out of the bag and confirmed those cheating allegations when she performed the track “Resentment.”
According to The Mirror, who obtained video of the revealing moment, Beyoncé set out on stage sans Jay Z to sing the track. The song details the story of a woman whose partner does the unthinkable and cheats on her. Now, we can chalk this up to the fact that not all songs are autobiographical, but we think this is a case of life imitating art.
Take for example the original lyrics to the song, which are significantly tamer than what Beyoncé was singing during her Ohio concert.
I’ll always remember feeling like I was no good / Like I couldn’t do it for you like your mistress couldBeen ridin’ with you for six years [...] I gotta look at her in her eyes and see she’s had half of me.
Instead of those lyrics, Beyoncé decided to add a very colorful and telling change to the performance. She also included the number of years she and Jay have been together.
I’ll always remember feeling like I was no good / Like I couldn’t do it for you like that wack b—h couldBeen ridin’ with you for twelve years [...] I gotta look at her in her eyes and see she’s had half of me. She ain’t even half of me. That b—h will never be.
Call it whatever you want, spilling tea or snatching wigs, Beyoncé definitely wasn’t having it. Jay Z was rumored to have an affair with his ex-business partner’s ex, Rachel Roy, who worked with Jay Z and her ex Damon Dash at Rocawear.
This pretty much lines up with our previous report that the couple is only sharing the stage on tour, and that’s about it. As we reported, a source told Grazia magazine that the two are definitely not doing the tour to keep the family together, but their image, which went up in flames when Solange attacked Jay Z in the elevator after the Met Ball.
“They’ve both been dreading the tour. Canceling wasn’t an option, so on the surface it’s going to be business as usual, but they’re both struggling with trust issues after the spate of cheating allegations. Jay’s given Beyonce unlimited access to his texts and emails to try and keep the peace, but a lot of their communication will be through assistants.”
Looks like we’ll have to wait and see what happens with hip hop’s most powerful couple.
[Images Instagram]
Benjamin Ekpenyong JOB VACANCY: U.S. Companies Added 288,000 Jobs In June, Unemployment Rate Lowest Since 2008
The U.S. economy is finally showing signs of a major recovery. Employers across the country have increased their hiring rates in June, with reports stating that the U.S. economy added a robust 288,000 new jobs last month. According to the latest jobs report from the Labor Department, this makes June the fifth straight month in which the U.S. managed to add over 200,000 jobs. The acceleration in hiring rates has also lowered the unemployment rate to 6.1 percent. This is at the lowest since September 2008, reports the New York Times.
Over the past 12 months, the U.S. economy has managed to add over 2.5 million jobs – averaging 208,000 jobs each month. This is the fastest year-on-year phase recorded since May 2006. Overall, the U.S. economy shows signs of gaining back full strength and is growing at a healthy rate after having shrunk in the beginning of 2014. The gain of 288,000 jobs in June is followed by the addition of 217,000 jobs in May and 304,000 in April.
According to reports, the job gains were seen across a wide spectrum of sectors. The estimated increase of factory jobs was 16,000 workers and the retail sector saw the most gains with the addition of 40,200 jobs. As for financial and insurance firms, this sector had an increase of 17,000 new jobs, and restaurants and bars added 32,800 more people last month. The construction industry, however, wasn’t as active as the other sectors with just 6.000 new job additions last month.
According to Patrick O’Keefe, director of economic research at the consultancy CohnReznick, “Since February, this has now become a textbook jobs expansion. It is both broad and accelerating.”
Investors reacted positively to the development, and the Dow Jones industrial average traded above 17,000 for the first time ever, reports CBC News.
As for the unemployment rates, the current 6.1 percent is down from May’s level of 6.3 percent and is the lowest level since the financial crisis began in the fall of 2008 – starting with the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers.
As for the overall economy, most economists say that the growth rate attained in the second quarter is a solid 3 to 3.5 percent. This is expected to contribute to an annual growth rate of 2 percent- not far from the cumulative 1.9 percent increase in gross domestic product achieved last year.
While the addition of several new jobs is certainly welcome, do you think the U.S. will be able to sustain this growth in the coming years?
[Images Via Shutterstock]
U.S. Companies Added 288,000 Jobs In June, Unemployment Rate Lowest Since 2008 shutterstock_23231011 The U.S. economy is finally showing signs of a major recovery. Employers across the country have increased their hiring rates in June, with reports stating that the U.S. economy added a robust 288,000 new jobs last month. According to the latest jobs report from the Labor Department, this makes June the fifth straight month in which the U.S. managed to add over 200,000 jobs. MOVIES: ‘G. I. Joe 3’ Cast Of Characters: Who Could Be In It?
With the death of most of the Joes from the first movie, it’s obvious that Duke and the rest of the original team won’t be returning. We are going to need some new recruits if the next movie is going to go anywhere. The relationship between Lady Jaye (Adrianne Palicki) and her mentor (the original Joe, played by Bruce Willis) has been done so there will need to be a new direction this time.
The G. I. Joe 3 cast of characters hasn’t been decided yet, but we do know Paramount has landed a writer for the script. Jonathan Lemkin, whose previous work includes Lethal Weapon 4 and Snow White and the Huntsmen, is now in charge of the first step in what will end up being the next Dwayne Johnson headliner probably in Summer 2016.
After publicly threatening to blow up the world, it’s obvious that Cobra Commander has made enemies with all of the major countries and will probably need new recruits himself. The new G. I. Joe 3 cast is going to have to bring in more classics and possibly some lesser known characters.
For the Joes, it may be time to bring in Gung Ho, the Marine from the Louisiana bayou. Even though Southern actor Channing Tatum won’t be back, having already died in his role as Duke, we can rule him out for the role.
Bringing in Gung Ho will definitely open up some options for swamp characters, and the G. I. Joe canon certainly has its share of those. Cutter wasn’t a major character, but he was the pilot of a specialized hovercraft. Mutt and his dog Junkyard might also make their way into the G. I. Joe 3 cast. Airtight and Clean-Sweep could also be brought in to deal with some kind of poison swamp gas Cobra may be planning to use in an effort to once again wipe out the heroes. Leatherneck and Muskrat (another Marine and a swamp fighter) are other possible additions for the team.
Cobra in the 80s G. I. Joe cartoon had a special group of biker-type characters who always hung out in the swamps. The Dreadnoks could make their first appearance as special recruits under Zartan (after it turns out the nano-technology saved his life), working as guerrilla warfare specialists with their scrapping tools. Copperhead, Croc Master, and Toxo-Viper would fit right in as well. We might even see Dr. Mindbender brought back as a power mad clone of his former self.
This is all assuming that the third movie will take place in the Southern U.S., of course, but it will bring in some popular characters for the G. I. Joe 3 cast. It might even help to have a more Rambo or Predator style setting.
[image via starsword]
