America’s 400 richest: $1.7 trillion and counting

The United States may be in crisis, but the rich keep getting richer. The net worth of the Forbes 400 richest Americans grew by 13 per cent in the past year to $1.7 trillion, as the gap between rich and poor continues to widen at a staggering rate.
The average net worth of the 400 wealthiest Americans shot up by $400 million to a record $4.2 billion, Forbes said, serving to underscore glaring wealth inequality in America.
Bill Gates, the chairman of Microsoft Corp, is one year shy of topping the list for two decades straight with $66 billion, a massive $7 billion hike from the previous year.
Warren Buffet, the American investor who likely became infamous amidst the uber-rich for proposing a tax hike on the wealthy, somewhat ironically trailed Gates with $46 billion. Larry Ellison, the cofounder and CEO of Oracle, clinched third with $41 billion – up $8 billion from last year. Charles and David Koch, the energy and chemical magnates notorious for bankrolling scores of right-wing advocacy groups, came in fourth and fifth respectively with $31 billion each.
The top five remain unchanged from last year, though collectively they are much richer: all five men are worth $34 billion more than in 2011.
One notable entry on the list – founder and CEO of Facebook Inc Mark Zuckerberg – did not see his fortunes rise, however.The social networking giant’s wealth nearly halved to $9.4 billion after Facebook’s lackluster initial public offering in May. His position dropped from 14 to 36 on the list.

Warren Buffett (Mario Tama / Getty Images / AFP)
The 13 per cent spike in wealth for America’s wealthiest citizens stands in sharp contrast with the overall US economy, as the Federal Reserve recently cut its forecast for economic growth this year to between 1.7 per cent and 2 per cent.
Median workers’ wages meanwhile have been flat over the last forty years. The real minimum wage has also actually declined over the same period from $10.55 (adjusted for inflation) in 1968 to just $7.25 today.
By contrast, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that between 1979 and 2007, the top 1 per cent of Americans income grew by 275 per cent. Meanwhile, it is estimated that during the economic expansion between 2002 and 2007, the income of the top 1 per cent grew 10 times faster than the income of the bottom 90 per cent.
The CBO also found that between 1979 and 2005, after-tax income for middle-class Americans (adjusted for inflation) rose by 21 per cent while the richest 0.1 per cent grew by 400 per cent.
Income is the flow of money coming into a household over a year, while wealth or net worth represents the stock assets it has as a result of inheritance and savings.
As America remains embroiled in a jobless recovery, the latest Forbes 400 list confirms a sentiment expressed by Paul Krugman last year. In an op-ed for the New York Times, he said Occupy Wall Street had aimed too low in identifying their enemy, as the movement’s real slogan should read: “we are the 99.9 per cent.”

Teenage Boy Faces Life In Prison For Killing 2-Year-Old Half- Brother

A 13-year-old Florida boy whose life
was plagued with violence and
neglect went from victim to
perpetrator when he allegedly beat
to death his two-year-old half-
brother and sexually assaulted
another sibling.
A year after the vicious attacks,
Cristian Fernandez has been
charged as an adult and is now the
youngest inmate awaiting trial in
Duval County, Florida, reported
WTSP.com, and if convicted, he could face life in prison.
At age two, Fernandez was found unclad and dirty wandering a South Florida street at 4
a.m. while under the 'care' of his grandmother, who had kept him in a dirty, cocaine-
filled motel room. His mother, who was only 14 at the time, was nowhere to be found
and both she and her son ended up being sent into foster care.
Born into violence after being conceived during a sexual assault, life did not get easier
for the boy, who was sexually abused by a cousin at age eight and then severely beaten
by his stepfather, who then committed suicide before the police came to arrest him. His
only defense against the nightmarish childhood was to quash his emotions, "You got to
suck up feelings and get over it," he once told a counsellor.
Other disturbing incidences reported to the Department of Children and Families
included claims that he killed a kitten, simulated sex with classmates and
m*st*u*r*b*a*ted at school.
Now, Judge Mallory Cooper faces a legal and moral dilemma as to whether a child so
young should face life in prison, and whether he can understand the complex issues
surrounding his own case and if he understood his rights during police interrogation.
The defense wants the charges dismissed on the grounds that the U.S. Supreme Court
recently ruled that it is unconstitutional for juvenile offenders to get mandatory life
sentences without parole, and they therefore can't advise their client as to what kind of
sentence he could face.
The controversial case has sparked an outpouring of support from local residents such
as Carol Torres, who has created a Facebook page for him. "He should be rehabilitated
and have a second chance at life," said Torres, 51, whose grandson went to school with
Fernandez.

WOMAN STABS MAN IN THE BELLY FOR REFUSING TO MAKE LOVE TO HER

A heavy-drinking drug user has
been jailed after stabbing a man in
the belly because he refused to
made love with her. Joanne
Buckley, 29, would not let her
victim David Tawes seek medical
help after plunging a knife into his
abdomen and told him she would
say she knifed him because he
tried to molest her.
Teesside Crown Court was told how
the victim would have died had the
blade entered his body millimetres
either side.
Buckley, 29, was jailed for three years for her part in the attack on March 23 this year,
while friend Sophie Borrell, 17, was jailed for six months. The pair came across Mr
Tawes, 20, in Middlesbrough town centre and invited him back to their home in Emerald
Street for a drink.
Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, said each of them tried to instigate sex with him.
Borrell punched him in the back of the head and tried to choke him while Buckley then
went through Mr Tawes’ pockets for his mobile phones and wallet.
The victim was punched again by Buckley, and when he got up and walked towards the
doors asking for his belongings back, she plunged the knife into him.
Mr Dodds said: 'Buckley wiped the blade on a cloth and went to the bathroom to wash
it.
'She was shown the wound and said: “Oh my God” and to her credit, took a cloth to
press on the wound.' But their concern for him appears to have turned to themselves
because they both told him he was going nowhere.
'He said he needed to go to hospital. 'Joanne Buckley said: “I know what, we will all go
to the police station and say he tried to molest us, and that’s why I stabbed him.”
Mr Tawes managed to escape and called police.
Nigel Soppitt, for Buckley, said: “It was another day in her chaotic life - a variety of
drugs and a bottle of vodka each day was completely the norm. The pitiful aspect of the
case is that was everyday for her.
'She would obtain money from wherever and spend it on drink and drugs and be in a
state of oblivion.'
Borrell’s barrister, Joanne Kidd, said she had suffered difficulties that led to her mixing
with older and more sophisticated people and getting

Two Nigerian Students: Victoria Ordu and Ihuoma Amadi Face Deportation for Working Illegally in Canada.

Sitting inside a church, University
of Regina students Victoria Ordu
and Ihuoma Amadi start as a
prairie wind rattles the front door.
Ordu glances over, eyes wary,
before flicking toward the window
at the back of the church she now
calls home.
Sunshine streams through the
glass, but that's the only taste of
the outside world the two girls
have been able to get since June 19, when they opted to seek sanctuary in the church.
The fear of being found by the Canada Border Services Agency and deported back home
to Nigeria hangs over their heads - all because they worked for two weeks at Walmart.
They have spent each day hoping Canadian Federal Citizenship and Immigration
Minister Jason Kenney - the only one who can change their fate - will grant them pardon.
The daily stress of it has, they say, been "hell."
U of R President Vianne Timmons has visited them at the church and the school has
contacted the federal government, throwing its support behind the students' plea to
stay in Canada and complete their education.
Amadi and Ordu have also written letters to Kenney, but no one has had a response.
And so, they wait.
"This is a small mistake we made, and now everything is at risk," Ordu says, clasping
her shaking hands in her lap.
"It doesn't make any sense. They're looking for us like we've killed someone. We're just
students at university ... but it's like we're running away and living in fear every day."
As part of their visas, international students like Ordu - who is studying theatre arts -
and Amadi - international studies - are able to work on campus.
Both in Canada on full scholarships paid for by their government, Ordu and Amadi went
to Service Canada and got their Social Insurance Numbers when they arrived in 2010,
ending up working at the university.
Last year, Amadi found a parttime job at Walmart and Ordu at an agency that does
demonstrations at the store.
Both were under the misapprehension their SINs allowed them to work outside U of R.
Ordu quit after two weeks, as soon as she found out that wasn't the case.
Amadi discovered her mistake during her second week on the job - and was led away
from her till in handcuffs by two CBSA agents.
"They led me through the store, in front of everyone, and all the customers were looking
at me like 'What have you done?'" she recalls, looking at the floor.
"I just felt so embarrassed."
Kay Adebogun is a Regina immigration consultant who has taken on their case pro
bono.
"Why go to that level of force?" he says.
"Why parade her out of there like she's a criminal?"
Barb Pollock, U of R spokeswoman, says while the school respects the fact laws have to
be upheld, it is trying to advocate for a reconsideration of the girls' case.
"We think that the penalty, perhaps, is a bit severe for the crime," she says.
"Albeit that laws have been contravened, in light of what they have done to contravene
the law, we would like them to have an opportunity to complete their education with
us ... (and) we think it is a harsh penalty to be deported."
Pollock says the university has written to Kenney but is yet to receive an indication
when it might receive a decision from the minister.
Both students say they admitted their mistake right away, but think the CBSA's decision
to deport them - which went to an admissibility hearing - is an over-reaction.
"It's a huge deal to finish school, come back (to Nigeria) and help the country," Amadi
says.
"Now to think we lose three years of our lives because of a small mistake? If there was a
fine, a warning, that would be more reasonable. I just wish they could look at this from a
human point of view."
Pollock agrees the case demonstrates how important it is for international students to
understand Canadian laws.
"We have to make sure our students really understand what it means to come here and
go to school - what the opportunities are and, at the same time, what the limits are,"
she says.
"The fact something may not have been clear, you can be assured we're making that
very clear with our incoming students now."
Adebogun would like to see a reversal in the decision to deport Ordu and Amadi, but he
also thinks there are bigger issues at play with how the two were treated.
Of particular concern, he says, is the fact both students were asked by CBSA workers for
names of other Nigerian students who were working and even if they knew anybody in a
gang.
"They agree they did something wrong, but they should have a second chance,"
Adebogun says.
CBSA could not provide a comment on Tuesday but is expected to provide information
on the case today.

Lagos Chief Judge frees 233 inmates from Kirikiri prison

The Chief Judge of Lagos, Justice Ayotunde Phillips on Tuesday granted freedom to 233 prisoners, most of who have been awaiting trials for upwards of twelve years as part of the activities marking the beginning of a new Legal Year in the state.


Prison inmates; 33,692 out of 42,124 inmates across the country are awaiting trial.
130 inmates were released from prison custody at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison while another 103 from the Kirikiri Medium Security Prison.

Justice Phillips who ordered their release during a visit to the Kirikiri prison said that the exercise was “in pursuant of the powers conferred on her under Section 1 (1) of the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2007″ and as part of the activities marking the 2012/2013 Legal Year.

She said ” there is a saying in the legal circle that it is better for 10 guilty persons to be free than for one innocent person to be incarcerated.

“We have gone through the list of those recommended for release. So for those of you qualified to be released, you are very lucky that your name has come up. So, go and sin no more”.

Justice Phillips counselled all those who regained freedom on Tuesday to turn a new leaf and go out to contribute their quota to the society.

She recalled that during her swearing in ceremony, she made a promise to decongest the prisons.

Towards this end, she promised that prison visits would not be confined to Legal year activity alone during her tenure.

She said that she intend to pay more regular visit to the prisons during her tenure than what obtained during the previous administrations.

Justice Phillips who noted that there has been a lot of human cry about prison congestion said that all those who qualified under the new criminal administration law would be granted freedom.

Welcoming the Chief Judge, the Deputy Comptroller of the Kirikiri Maximum Prison, Olu Tinuoye said that it is very unusual for chief judges of Lagos state to visit the prisons.

“By this visit, a lot of them expect freedom. It is a matter of regret that Judges in the state have not being visiting the prison regularly. This is why their expectation is very high” he said.

Mr Tinuoye said a lot of the inmates awaiting trials have not found life easy behind the bars especially because they are in custody for petty offences.

His counterpart at the Medium Security Prison, Tunde Ladipo commended the efforts of the Lagos state government for taking care of the prisons.

Mr Ladipo however pleaded with government for the release of more awaiting trials in order to reduce the congestion in the prison.

Nollywood Actor Arrested For Armed Robbery

A Nollywood actor, Rasaki Olaniyi, 45, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly robbing, Abayomi Arinde, of N2.6 million. Olaniyi of No. 7, Aduke Salako St., Agbado, Lagos, was arraigned on four-count charges of robbery, stealing, conspiracy and impersonation.

Prosecutor Sunday Aggoi said that the accused had on Sept. 5 at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, robbed Arinde of N500, 000, $10,000, three gold jewelries valued at N150, 000.  Aggoi said that the accused also unlawfully locked up the complainant in one of the hotel rooms after robbing him. The prosecutor said that the accused was apprehended by the hotel securities following alarm raised by the complainant.




He said that the complainant was robbed of cash and goods totaling N2.6 million.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Aggoi said that the offences contravened Sections 297, 296, 299, 270 and 378 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

The counsel to the accused, Mr Olusegun Ajanaku, urged the court to grant bail to the accused.

The Magistrate, Mr Jacob Adegun, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N1million with two sureties in like sum.

Adegun said that the sureties must reside in Lagos State and be employees of the State Government.

The case was adjourned to Oct. 5, for mention.

Nollywood Star Actress Omotola Jalade Denies Butt Implant

Nollywood diva, Omotola Jalade-
Ekeinde has debunked the news
going rounds that she did surgery
to lift her butt, a special cosmetic
surgery procedure to lift bum
thereby making it fuller and sexier.
“The Omotola we used to know
was shapely not as Donklicious as
this. But the dimension of her bum
today is just awesome! Look at
how flat her tummy is. Combine
that with the size of her hips and
…. It all suggests that she must have had a bum lift. What we are seeing today is the
product of cosmetic surgery; bum enhancement. There is no way she can deny it; she’s
definitely had a bum lift,”
However, a close insider begged to differ;
“Omotola didn’t get any bum lift procedure, it’s just her natural physique as a result of
weight gain. She is a callipygian by nature. That is her real physique. What makes it so
obvious now is that she has added a little weight. People should stop spreading rumors.
Okay, if she could do a bum lift, why not breast enlargement as well because we all
know she has rather small boobs. That tells you it’s all rumors.”


What do you think?

Peter of Psquare almost unclad in new photoshoot - Photos

Peter, One Half of Psquare shows
abs, loads of skin and is almost
unclad in New Photos emerging
from SquareVille from an apparent
Photoshoot session. Dude is seen
in smooches with a female
character with just a Boxer on.

Was Messiah married? 'The Gospel of Jesus' Wife' suggests Christ tied the knot...rt.com

A newly-discovered ancient text labeled "The Gospel of Jesus' Wife” could prove Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married. The Fourth-century papyrus challenges one of the cornerstones of Christian religion: that Jesus was celibate.
The discovery was made by Harvard Divinity School Professor Karen L. King, who specializes in Coptic literature, Gnosticism and women in the Bible. King made a presentation of her research on Tuesday evening in Rome.
The Vatican has not yet commented on King’s finding and suggestions.
The papyrus’s authenticity and date have yet to be confirmed; however King and other scholars are pretty sure they are dealing with a real historic gem.
Text written on an 8cm by 4cm piece of papyrus has Jesus speaking to his disciples saying 'my wife' in the Coptic language, most likely referring to Mary Magdalene. The text is written in the old Coptic language on both sides of the papyrus. The inscription on one side is badly damaged and the test is undecipherable. Only two words – 'my mother' and 'three' – could be identified. However it’s the other side that has sparked the interest.
The phrase ‘my wife’ challenges the settled portrayal of Mary Magdalene as a whore and the Christian concept of abstinence. It casts doubt “on the whole Catholic claim of a celibate priesthood based on Jesus’ celibacy,” King told Smithsonian Magazine.
"Christian tradition has long held that Jesus was not married, even though no reliable historical evidence exists to support that claim," King said at a conference in Rome on Tuesday.

NEW LOOK; Basket Mouth Trims Off His Trademark Locks

Bright Ekpocha popularly known as Basket Mouth, has joined the fray. Recently, Timaya also changed his looks by having his trademark locks chopped off.
Eralier today,Tuesday 18th September 2012, the A-class comedian, Globacom brand ambassador and host of the MTV Base Big Friday show, chopped up his famous locks. The  exclusive scoop and photos are courtesy of BellaNaija.
Speaking with BellaNaija.com exclusively on his decision to wear a new look, the superstar comedian said “I didn’t decide to cut it [His famous locks] due to only re-branding purpose, I have had it for close to 9 years and in as much as it is now part of my brand – if not my main feature on physical brand outlook, I felt a bit static mentally with reference to the hair style. In these 9 years, a lot has changed except my looks, which was why I decided to engage my hair stylist this morning.”

30 killed as Truck Crashes Into Commuter Bus in Ogun ...Vanguard

Tragedy struck at Mobalufun junction in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State on Tuesday late evening when 30 persons were feared dead in an auto crash.
Vanguard gathered that, a truck loaded with flour rammed into a commuter bus heading to Lagos killing all the passengers on spot.

It was further gathered that, traders and some commuters standing by the road side, begging for free ride to their destinations, were part of the victims.
According to sources, scores of people sustained serious injuries in the incident.
The injured,Vanguard gathered have been been taken to General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode and the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu,for treatment.
The remains of the dead persons including a pregnant woman were also reportedly taken to the hospital morgue.


Vanguard learnt that as at 8.00pm, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC), the Police and the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency(TRACE) were at the scene making frantic effort to save lives and at the same time evacuate the dead.
The Ogun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi could not be reached.