'IT'S OVER' FOR WAYNE ROONEY AND MANCHESTER UNITED

Only one story in town today: Manchester United will sell Wayne Rooney this summer, according to several newspapers.

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  Eurosport - Daily Telegraph sport, 7th March 2013

Sir Alex Ferguson omitted Rooney from his starting line-up for United's biggest game of the season against Real Madrid on Tuesday.

The Daily Mirror reports that Ferguson's decision left Rooney "furious" and that neither side wishes to open contract negotiations in the summer, when the England striker's current deal will have two years to run.

Ferguson informed Rooney at a team meeting two hours before kick-off - The Times reports the player reacted calmly, but revealed his anger to team-mates before the game.  His wife Coleen tweeted: “Can't believe @WayneRooney isn't starting tonight!!!”

The news - following behind the scenes briefing from the Rooney and United camps - makes most of the back pages and even the front of the Daily Star.

The Star claims Cristiano Ronaldo will replace him at Old Trafford before adding the rather significant caveat "or another signing" some way down the article.  Most papers value Rooney at £35 million, but the Telegraph claims the 27-year-old could leave for as little as £20m due to the breakdown in his relationship with the club.

The Daily Telegraph cites Robin van Persie's £22m move to United and Mario Balotelli's £20m switch to AC Milan as evidence that top-end transfer fees are falling.  So who will come in to buy him?

Not Manchester City, according to The Guardian.  City were at the centre of a saga in autumn 2010 when Rooney stated publicly his desire to leave on the grounds that United had failed to give him assurances about future signings.  However, days later Rooney penned a four-year contract worth a reported £220,000-a-week.

Ironically it is one such signing, Robin van Persie, who has pushed Rooney to the fringes at Old Trafford.  City tried and failed to sign the Dutchman, but The Guardian says they will not revive their interest in Rooney.  The Premier League champions have been put off by Rooney's reputed £300,000-a-week salary pricing. 

Although City can afford such a lavish sum, they do not want to break their wage structure following the introduction of UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules.  Chelsea have the money but, having spent £30m on Andriy Shevchenko and £50m on Fernando Torres, may be wary of splashing big money on a striker whose best years are behind him.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have the means to capture Rooney, but it would represent a sizeable risk transporting such a singularly English player to Spain.  Bayern Munich's focus appears to be on Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski, while Italian football's ongoing financial pinch has priced Serie A giants Juventus, AC Milan and Internazionale out of a move. Which leaves David Beckham's new home Paris Saint-Germain, a club with the ambition and funds to capture Rooney.

The Ligue 1 side's Qatari owners are known to be huge fans of the Premier League and Rooney in particular.  Their desire to put PSG on the map through marquee signings paved the way for the arrivals of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Beckham - adding a star of Rooney's global stature would make further waves around the football world.

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Phelan tells of 'distraught' Ferguson

Manchester United assistant Mike Phelan says Sir Alex Ferguson was left "distraught" after their Champions League exit.

Culled from: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/premier-league-paper-round-rooney-united-054844916.html

DUCHESS OF CAMEBRIDGE KATE MIDDLETON 'LETS SLIP' THE SEX OF HER ROYAL BABY

The Duchess of Cambridge reportedy revealed the sex of her and Prince William's unborn baby in Grimsby

Pregnant Kate Middleton has reportedly revealed the sex of her unborn royal baby. 

The Duchess of Cambridge appears to have let slip the suggestion that the baby she is expecting with husband Prince William is a little girl.

Kate Middleton and Prince William may be expecting a royal baby girl if rumours are to be believed ©Rex

Kate, 31, was visiting the Northern fishing post of Grimsby and meeting a crowd of around 2,000 people on an official engagement when she supposedly made the comments.

The Duchess was given a teddy bear by 41-year-old Diana Burton standing in the crowd. 

But it was Sandra Cook, 67, who was standing next to Diana who has set rumours flying, saying she heard Kate say: "Thank you, I will take that for my d..." before stopping herself.

[Related: Kate Middleton opts for MaxMara for first 2013 public engagement]

Sandra continued: "I leant over and said to her: 'You were going to say daughter weren't you?'. She said, 'No, we don't know!'. I said, 'Oh I think you do,' to which she replied: 'We're not telling'."

It's not the first time meet-and-greets with the Royal couple have caused wagging tongues, Prince William accepted a baby grow a few months before the royal baby announcement was made, immediately starting the baby rumour mill.

The Duchess of Cambridge showed off caramel-coloured locks as she hinted at her baby's gender ©Rex

Kate is just over halfway through her pregnant, with the baby expected in July. She appeared happy and relaxed at the event, showing no signs of her earlier severe morning sickness. 

But there is, of course, the old wives' tale that suggests women who suffer with morning sickness are more likely to give birth to a baby girl.

[Related: Kate Middleton shows off pregnancy glow at royal engagement]

If this rumour is true, it will mean the changes to succession laws will indeed mean the daughter of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge will eventually become Queen.

Kate kept her bump mostly under wraps, just visible in her chocolate-brown Hobbs coat. She was careful after her earlier 'slip' to refer to her baby as 'it' for the remainder of her visit.

One woman in the crowd asked: "Can you feel the baby kicking?", to which the Duchess replied: "Yes. I can feel it kicking."

Culled from: http://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/kate-middleton-reveals-sex-of-royal-baby-child-unborn-gender-prince-william-grimsby-082838284.html

NICKI MINAJ WEARS MINIMAL MAKEUP, LOOKS STUNNING

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Singer Nicki Minaj attends her Kmart collection private event at Fig & Olive Melrose Place on March 1, 2013 in West Hollywood, California.

Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Nicki Minaj is going natural — relatively speaking. The singer and American Idol judge attended the March 1 launch in L.A. of her fashion collaboration with Kmart and Shop Your Way in a feminine (but form-fitting, of course) pink and gray Rebecca Minkoff dress and makeup that was neutral and natural, nothing like the colorful and outlandish looks she's famous for.

PHOTOS: See Nicki's craziest hairstyles

The "Super Bass" singer told Us Weekly at the event that she's currently in a new style phase. "It's just a more, I would say, a sensual, natural, sexier look. Like to me, I did the Harajuku stuff. I did the crazy stuff. And now I kind of want to tone that back, and it's not toning my personality back, it's just showing like I don't only have to do that," says the 30-year-old chart-topper.

Nicki Minaj poses during an event to celebrate the launch of her new perfume at Myer Sydney City on November 29, 2012 in Sydney, Australia.
Credit: Lucas Dawson/Getty Images

Minaj appears to be trying to reinvent her image — but recently took pains to clarify that she's never gone under the knife."I've never had surgery on my face," she told Extra last week. "They'll see contour and they'll think you had surgery on your nose…. Look at RuPaul’s Drag Race and you’ll see how you can make your nose look any shape you want." 

PHOTOS: Stars without makeup!

"With me doing the clothing line now, it's like I definitely don't want people to think, 'Oh, well, she's only going to have crazy stuff in her line," Minaj told Us. "I want them to know…I'm doing this for women in general, to feel beautiful and sexy, and all of these dresses that I've been wearing lately, any woman can wear it and feel confident."

Tell Us: Do you like her new look?

Culled from: http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-beauty/news/nicki-minaj-wears-minimal-makeup-looks-stunning-201353#ixzz2MhvTfwuZ 

VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT HUGO CHAVEZ DIES

Army Lt. Col. Hugo Chavez, who led a 1992 attempted coup, speaks to reporters on March 26, 1994, after he was freed from jail. Chavez was freed after charges were dropped against him for leading the first of two attempted coups against the government of former President Carlos Andres Perez, who was later removed from office.

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Hugo Chavez, Venezuela's vocal leader

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Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has died, Vice President Nicolas Maduro said Tuesday.

In a national broadcast, Maduro said Chavez died Tuesday at 4:25 p.m.

Maduro teared up as he announced the news

Culled from: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/05/world/americas/venezuela-chavez-main/index.html

COLLABORATING WITH JAY-Z OR KANYE WEST WOULD BE OUR DREAM, ADMIT STOOSHE - EXCLUSIVE

Stooshe have revealed that their dream collaboration would be with Jay-Z or Kanye West.

Stooshe would love to collaborate with Jay-Z or Kanye West. Copyright [Wenn]

Talking exclusively to omg! Stooshe’s Courtney Rumbold, 20, revealed that the group’s ultimate collaboration would be with the hip hop kings.  She told us: “I’d love someone like Jay-Z and Kanye West! The Rizzle Kicks actually too- being in the studio would be fun- us and them.”

Stooshe were among the nominees for British Single at the Brit Awards earlier this month for their monster hit ‘Black Heart’- which shifted an impressive 400,000 copies last year.   Although the girls didn’t win, Courtney admitted that it was an honour to be nominated alongside the likes of Coldplay and eventual winner Adele.   She admitted: “It was really amazing to be put in a category full of so many amazing people and talent.  “We lost out to Adele and you can’t really lose out to anyone better- it was incredible- we were honored to be nominated.”

Stooshe recently pushed back the release date for their debut album after the girls decided they weren’t happy with the finished product.   However the three have since gone back to the studio and worked out the kinks, so we can all look forward to new and improved album later this year.  Courtney said: “It will be out in May, we’ll have another single before that, and we’re shooting a video for that next week.  “That will be out then the album will be out in May, no later- we’re not pushing it back anymore! We’re happy with the final album we’ve got now. We can’t wait to get it out there!”

As for the sound of the album, Courtney revealed it would have a Motown vibe- with a Stooshe twist (of course!).

Stooshe's debut album will be out in May. Copyright [Wenn]

She admitted: “It’s got quite an old school, Motown running theme going through but then it has the Stooshe banter, the south London tone- just us having fun.  

Stooshe will be playing a special gig alongside some very familiar faces this summer at theme park Alton Towers.  Courtney admitted that the girls can’t wait to perform- and hopefully get a chance to go on the rides while they are there too.  She said: “We can’t wait, me and Karis haven’t actually been to Alton Rowers before so I’m really excited and Alex can’t wait, she’s on it, she loves roller coasters! “It’s also going to be nice to catch up with the Rizzle Kicks because from the beginning when we started out, we did a gig with them and from then we’ve been friends. We’re excited to see them because they’re a lot of fun which I suppose fits the whole theme!”

Stooshe will be joining Olly Murs, Rizzle Kicks, Labrinth, Little Mix, Conor Maynard, James Arthur and Union J at Alton Towers Live on Saturday, 6th July. Tickets go on sale 9am Friday 1^st March through www.aeglive.co.uk. For more information visit the Alton Towers website.

[Related video: Stooshe teach omg! some important slang]

[Related article: Behind the scenes of Stooshe's 'Waterfalls' video shoot]

Stooshe choose between Girls Aloud and Spice Girlsomg! had a chat with the girl band on the red capet of the Q Awards 2012

Culled from: http://uk.omg.yahoo.com/gossip/110--pop/collaborating-jay-z-kanye-west-dream-admit-stooshe-142919686.html

CARDINAL O'BRIEN: THE PRIEST WHO IS NO STRANGER TO CONTROVERSY

Cardinal O'Brien, who today announced his immediate resignation, is no stranger to making the news but it is more usually the result of his at times outspoken views.

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  Britain's Top Cardinal Keith O'Brien Resigns

Cardinal Keith O'Brien's resignation and his decision not to attend the papal conclave leaves Britain's Roman Catholics without a vote in the forthcoming election to choose the successor to Pope Benedict XVI.

The announcement comes after allegations by three priests and one ex-priest of inappropriate behaviour, published in yesterday's Observer newspaper and dating back to the 1980s. The cardinal reportedly contests the claims.

Cardinal O'Brien is no stranger to making the news but it is more usually the result of his at times outspoken views.  He has been an advocate of priests marrying but also an outspoken opponent of plans to legalise same-sex marriage.

Last year his stance earned him the Bigot of the Year award from the gay rights group Stonewall.

Cardinal O'Brien greets the Pope in Edinburgh in September 2010 (PA)

In 2007 he caused controversy when, speaking on the 40th anniversary of the Abortion Act, he said the termination rate north of the border was equivalent to "two Dunblane massacres a day".  In 2008 he described the implications of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill as "grotesque" and akin to "Nazi-style experiments".

The 74-year-old, who is Archbishop of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh, was created and proclaimed a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in October 2003.  The cleric was born in Ballycastle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.  He obtained a bachelor of science degree in chemistry and mathematics from the University of Edinburgh and a diploma in education.   On April 3 1965 he was ordained a priest.

Cardinal O'Brien served as assistant parish priest and as chaplain of St Columba Secondary School in Cowdenbeath, where he taught maths.

Cardinal O'Brien has been an outspoken opponent against the legalisation of gay marriage (PA)

He was spiritual director of St Andrew's College in Drygrange and rector of St Mary's College, Blairs.

On August 5 1985 he was ordained Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh.  Six years later he was awarded the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem: Knight Commander with star.

From 1996 to 1999 he served as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Argyll and The Isles and from March 2002 until 2012, Cardinal O'Brien was President of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland.

The cardinal had a pacemaker fitted in 2008 following heart problems and dizzy spells.

Culled from: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/cardinal-o-brien-resigation--priest-no-stranger-to-controversy-153745526.html#bGxRTXn

AJIBOLA ARIBISALA SUSPENDED AS A SENIOR ADVOCATE OF NIGERIA BY THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE

The Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) has barred a Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chief Ajibola A. Aribisala from using the elite title accorded distinguished lawyers.

 

A statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, Mr. Sunday Olorundahunsi said Aribisala was barred courtesy of a petition filed by Fidelity Bank Plc.

"The LPPC at its meeting held today the 26th day of February 2013, considered the petition by Fidelity Bank against the person of Chief Ajibola A. Aribisala, SAN together with his response to same and after due consideration of the said response has decided in its wisdom to suspend him (i.e. Chief Ajibola A. Aribisala) from the use of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and all other privileges attached to that rank pending the outcome of the court case and impeding investigation by the Sub- Committee set up by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee," the statement said.

The LPPC did not give details of the petition by Fidelity Bank.

Chief Ajibola Aribisala: stripped of SAN and privileges

Aribisala is the second top lawyer to be sanctioned by the LPPC. Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa had earlier suffered the same fate.

Culled from: http://thewillnigeria.com/business/19133.html