₦airaland Forum

Bahamas95:
He is a local champion. Ronaldo excelled in Portugal, conquered England, Spain and now in Italy.

Messi should leave his comfort zone!

pfpmoderator:
[color=magenta]Please make sure you copy out and paste the games

Thanks [/color]

pfpmoderator:
[color=indigo]PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE QUALIFIED[/color]

freakyamanda:
An Australian cartoonist has defended his depiction of Serena Williams at the US Open, after the image went viral and was criticised as racist and sexist, according to the BBC.

Mark Knight's newspaper cartoon showed Williams jumping above a broken racquet next to a baby's dummy. Critics said it used racist stereotypes.

The cartoonist denied it was racist, saying he had intended to depict only the tennis player's "poor behaviour".

Some also said Knight had "whitewashed" Japanese player Naomi Osaka.

Williams sparked controversy during her loss to Osaka, whose father is Haitian and mother Japanese, when she accused the umpire of sexism and being a "thief".

Knight's drawing was published in Australia's most-read newspaper, the Herald Sun on Monday, and referenced Williams's outburst and showed the umpire asking Osaka: "Can you just let her win?"

It has been strongly defended by Knight and the newspaper's editor, Damon Johnston, who denied the cartoon is racist or sexist.

"It rightly mocks poor behaviour by a tennis legend... Mark has the full support of everyone," he said in a tweet.

Critics, including author JK Rowling, compared the cartoon of Williams to past racist caricatures of African-American people.

"Well done on reducing one of the greatest sportswomen alive to racist and sexist tropes and turning a second great sportswoman into a faceless prop."

Another critic said:

"You couldn’t be more racist if you tried - and you reeeeeaaally tried. Using those classic sambo tropes- enlarged lips, overexaggerated body parts to depict Serena as hyper masculine- next time just use an old ad from the 1800s- no one would notice the difference in your racism"

Others on social media pointed out that Osaka, who is mixed race, had been drawn as a white woman with blonde hair.

The National Association of Black Journalists in the US denounced the cartoon as "repugnant on many levels".

"[It] not only exudes racist, sexist caricatures of both women, but Williams' depiction is unnecessarily sambo-like," it said in a statement.

The 1899 children's book, The Story of Little Black Sambo, featured derogatory racial depictions - such as characters with thick red lips.

Knight said he had "no knowledge of those cartoons or that period", saying on Tuesday that "the world has just gone crazy".

"The cartoon was just about Serena on the day having a tantrum. That's basically it," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Knight also rejected a suggestion that he would not draw a similar image of a man. As evidence, he tweeted his recent cartoon of tennis player Nick Kyrgios.

By 12:15 GMT on Tuesday, both his Twitter and Facebook accounts had been shut down.

http://www.todaysecho.com/man-who-drew-serena-williams-cartoon-accused-of-racism/

Buddyy:
MERRYBET PFP
Merrybet username: Dyzle
Nairaland username: Buddyy

transaction #208655934
« transactions
Date2018-09-10 06:53:24
Transaction id#208655934
Slip typeAccumulator
Stake250.00 NGN
Bonus1 470.95 NGN
Possible return7 354.75 NGN
Statustransaction_accepted
rebet
Soccer, Brazil, Brasilero Serie A
09-16 20:00 EC Bahia BA - Palmeiras SP
game: Double chance & Under/Over 4.5 goals
bet: draw/Palmeiras SP & under 4.5 1.39

Soccer, Brazil, Brasilero Serie A
09-11 00:00 Atletico Mineiro MG - Atletico Paranaense
game: Double chance & Under/Over 4.5 goals
bet: draw/Atletico Paranaense & under 4.5 2.13

Soccer, England, Premier League
09-15 12:30 Tottenham Hotspur - Liverpool FC
game: Double chance & Under/Over 4.5 goals
bet: draw/Liverpool FC & under 4.5 1.75

Soccer, England, Premier League
09-15 15:00 Bournemouth AFC - Leicester City
game: Double chance & Under/Over 4.5 goals
bet: draw/Leicester City & under 4.5 1.78

Soccer, Spain, Primera Division
09-16 15:15 Espanyol Barcelona - Levante UD
game: Double chance & Under/Over 4.5 goals
bet: draw/Levante UD & under 4.5 2.17

Soccer, Spain, Primera Division
09-15 15:15 Real Sociedad - FC Barcelona
game: 1x2
bet: FC Barcelona 1.47

Total odds: 29.4
Cc: Troot, Pfpmoderator

Mophasa:
Former US President Barack Obama said individuals who never vote were biggest threat to democracy.

He said it was the responsibility of every citizen and generation to vote because democracy depended on casting ballot .

According to Obama, the only way to tame a government of powerful few was through an organised majority electorate The economic crisis which has seen fuel prices skyrocket with introduction of 16% Value Added Tax on petroleum products has made Kenyans rue their decisions and lose hope in the political process.

Former US President Barack Obama who traces his roots to Kenya, however, defended the importance of politics in development of nations, saying the biggest threat to prosperity of democracy were individuals who stayed home on voting day.

In an address to students of Illinois University, on Saturday, September 8, Obama said every citizen and generation bore the responsibility of making democracy thrive through active participation.

The speech which resonated with Kenya's situation where National Super Alliance (NASA) supporters were mocking Jubilee enthusiasts over their voting choice which had subjected all of them to unbearable economic times, vindicated everyone who voted.

"The biggest threat to our democracy doesn't come from any one person.

The biggest threat to our democracy is indifference and cynicism, a cynicism that has led too many people to turn away from politics, and to stay home on election day," said Obama.

In the speech, Obama send a strong message that the only way to tame a powerful government controlled by a few individuals was through democracy by organised many.

He said everyone needed to vote irrespective of their choices because that was what democracy depended on to thrive.

"The antidote to government by the powerful few is democracy by the organized many.

If you get involved, and engaged, and knock on some doors, and talk with your friends, and argue with your family members, and change some minds, and vote. Then something powerful happens," he said.

According to Obama, voting in new surprise candidates automatically brought hope and change which would transform livelihoods of every citizen thus those who never voted for anyone were an impediment to change and development. "I believe that can be the legacy of your generation.

You can be the generation that stood up and reminded us just how precious democracy is, and just how powerful it can be when we fight for it," he added.

He reiterated for fairness, justice and equality in every new political move by citizens of the US and similarly democratic states.

http://www.viewsnaija.com/2018/09/the-biggest-threats-to-democracy-are.html?m=1

Lalasticlala

dipoolowoo:
By Grant T. Harris

This week, China hosted leaders from across Africa for a summit in Beijing. The last summit was held in December 2015 in Johannesburg, South Africa, where Chinese President Xi Jinping announced $60 billion in funding support for infrastructure development in Africa.

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation included an eye-popping announcement of billions of dollars more in Chinese financing to build infrastructure across the continent. But these massive loans can come with steep and opaque conditions.

It’s tempting for Americans to think this is not our problem. But as African countries sink deeper and deeper into Beijing’s carefully laid debt trap, the United States could pay a steep cost in reduced cooperation on counterterrorism and job creation.

Chinese debt has become the methamphetamines of infrastructure finance: highly addictive, readily available, and with long-term negative effects that far outweigh any temporary high. This is particularly true in sub-Saharan Africa, where China has become the largest provider of bilateral loans. Forty percent of sub-Saharan African countries are already at high risk of debt distress; by having so much debt concentrated in the hands of a single lender, they are dangerously beholden to their supplier.

Why does this matter? Because in Africa and elsewhere, governments have secured massive loans from Beijing using strategic assets—such as oil, minerals, and land rights— as collateral. If borrower nations find themselves unable to repay the loan, China can claim the strategic asset. Sri Lanka recently learned this the hard way and handed over control of the port of Hambantota, giving China a strategic foothold along a busy trade waterway.

According to Professor Brahma Chellaney at the New Delhi-based Center for Policy Research, “several other countries, from Argentina to Namibia to Laos, have been ensnared in a Chinese debt trap, forcing them to confront agonizing choices in order to stave off default.”

While Chinese debt diplomacy may not seem relevant to most Americans, it is a serious threat to US national security. Most directly, China’s crafty negotiations and seizure of strategic assets can limit US influence and access overseas.

For instance, the tiny country of Djibouti is home to the most significant American military base in Africa. Thanks to Chinese loans, Djibouti’s debt-to-GDP ratio surged from 50 to 85 percent between 2014 and 2016. If Djibouti were to default and relinquish the port that resupplies the US base, American military capability in Africa and the Middle East could be seriously threatened.

More broadly, unsustainable levels of debt can destabilize African states, which also compromises American security interests. Over-leveraged governments can get caught in a downward spiral of credit downgrades, reckless economic policies, and reduced spending on social services. With economic stagnation comes fewer opportunities for Africa’s fast-growing and young population. And the toxic brew of economic hopelessness and political disillusionment can drive disaffected youth toward violent extremism. That can threaten Americans abroad and, potentially, even at home.

Finally, China’s debt diplomacy shuts out opportunities for US businesses. Not only do Beijing’s cheap infrastructure loans come with conditions to employ Chinese companies, they also set out technical specifications for projects like high-speed railways and wireless networks in a manner that favours Chinese firms. The combined effect of these efforts “would push the United States away from its current position in the global economy and move China toward the centre,” according to Jonathan Hillman, a fellow at the Center for International and Strategic Studies. China already earns $180 billion annually from its investments in Africa; if its debt diplomacy remains uncontested, it’s likely that even more revenues and jobs will flow to China, instead of the US.

But this outcome is far from inevitable. The US has plenty of good options, but it needs to dramatically step up its game and support alternatives to Beijing’s aggressive finance initiatives. Perhaps most fundamentally, the US needs to focus on boosting African economic growth. Helping African states to strengthen investment climates and economic governance will help them attract more private sector capital and provide more entry points for US companies. A key component is assisting African efforts to increase transparency, so that all the costs and benefits of project finance options are openly known. Fully staffing US embassies and offering more technical assistance to evaluate loan agreements and investment contracts would be a good start.

To date, the Trump Administration’s Africa policy has been adrift, defined more by racial epithets than any cohesive strategy or results. By comparison, China has a clear vision that will yield long-term benefits.

In Africa and around the world, much more needs to be done to confront Chinese debt diplomacy. If not, the US will pay a heavy price in its commercial and national security interests.

Harris is CEO of Harris Africa Partners LLC and advises companies on investing in Africa. He was senior director for Africa at the White House from 2011-2015.

https://www.businesspost.ng/2018/09/04/chinas-billion-dollar-loans-to-africa-why-us-should-be-worried/

fergieboy:
But seun how can two different people have same monikers..

Yeah I know one is small letter and the other is capital letter but still they are same thing

pfpmoderator:
FINAL UPDATE FOR THE QUALIFIERS

Twakor:
Dropping this here so that once my money enters, I know how to spend it.

RB007:
MERRYBET PFP

[color=#A912A5]Username-Shegz007[/color]

Group:13

[color=#A912A5]Total odd- 2.57[/color]

No of slot-1

[color=#A912A5]Slip ID:206305957 [/color]




Soccer, England, Premier League
08-25 12:30 Wolverhampton Wanderers - Manchester City
game: Manchester City to win either half
bet: yes 1.16


Soccer, England, Premier League
08-25 17:30 Liverpool FC - Brighton & Hove Albion FC
game: 1x2
bet: 1 1.14


Soccer, England, Premier League
08-25 15:00 Arsenal FC - West Ham Utd
game: Double chance
bet: 1 or draw 1.10


Soccer, Spain, Primera Division
08-25 19:15 Atletico Madrid - Rayo Vallecano
game: 1x2
bet: 1 1.19


Soccer, Spain, Primera Division
08-25 21:15 Real Valladolid - FC Barcelona
game: 1x2
bet: 2 1.17


Soccer, France, Ligue 1
08-25 16:00 Paris St Germain - SCO Angers
game: 1x2
bet: 1 1.11


Soccer, Italy, Serie A
08-25 17:00 Juventus Turin - Lazio Roma
game: Juventus Turin to win either half
bet: yes



pfpmoderator

winnerz:
Merrybet PFP
Username: winnerz
Bet ID: 206164930
Group 13
Number of Slots: 1
Total odds:6.14


Stake200.00 NGN

Possible return1 227.80 NGN

Soccer, Russia, Premier League
08-25 14:30 FC Rubin Kazan - CSKA Moscow
game: Handicap 0:2
bet: 2 (0:2) 1.11

Soccer, England, Championship
08-25 15:00 Queens Park Rangers - Wigan Athletic
game: Under/Over 1.5
bet: over 1.28

Soccer, England, Championship
08-25 15:00 Norwich City - Leeds United
game: Under/Over 1.5
bet: over 1.20

Soccer, China, Chinese Super League
08-25 12:35 Tianjin Teda - Beijing Guoan FC
game: Under/Over 1.5
bet: over 1.17

Soccer, China, Chinese Super League
08-25 12:35 Chongqing Lifan - Dalian Yifang FC
game: Under/Over 1.5
bet: over 1.19

Soccer, England, Premier League
08-25 15:00 Bournemouth AFC - Everton FC
game: Under/Over 1.5
bet: over 1.23

Soccer, England, Premier League
08-25 12:30 Wolverhampton Wanderers - Manchester City
game: 1x2
bet: 2 1.28

Soccer, Spain, Primera Division
08-25 19:15 Atletico Madrid - Rayo Vallecano
game: 1x2
bet: 1 1.17

Soccer, Spain, Primera Division
08-25 21:15 Real Valladolid - FC Barcelona
game: 1x2
bet: 2 1.17

Soccer, Italy, Serie A
08-25 17:00 Juventus Turin - Lazio Roma
game: Under/Over 1.5
bet: over

cc. pfpmoderator , troot.

Baseball, USA, MLB
08-25 01:40 Colorado Rockies - St. Louis Cardinals
game: Will there be an extra inning
bet: no 1.06
Baseball, USA, MLB
08-25 00:10 New York Mets - Washington Nationals
game: Will there be an extra inning
bet: no 1.07
Baseball, USA, MLB
08-25 01:15 Kansas City Royals - Cleveland Indians
game: Will there be an extra inning
bet: no 1.07
Baseball, Mexico, Mexican League
08-25 01:30 Sultanes de Monterrey - Generales De Durango
game: Will there be an extra inning
bet: no 1.05
Baseball, Mexico, Mexican League
08-25 03:35 Toros De Tijuana - Vaqueros de La Laguna
game: Will there be an extra inning
bet: no 1.05
Tennis, WTA, WTA New Haven, USA Women Singles
08-24 20:00 Aryna Sabalenka - Julia Goerges
game: Any set to nil
bet: no 1.03
Tennis, WTA, WTA New Haven, USA Women Singles
08-25 00:00 Carla Suarez Navarro - Monica Puig
game: Any set to nil
bet: no 1.08
Tennis, ATP, ATP Winston Salem, USA Men Singles
08-25 00:00 Daniil Medvedev - Taro Daniel
game: Any set to nil
bet: no

nuesednutlofa:
Tampa Bay Rays - Kansas City Royals don rush this ticket go mortuary.

TissuePaper:
Fire

TissuePaper:

DonPikko:
focus on HTML CSS and JavaScript for now, you can build responsive site with bootstrap--a CSS framework(it will make it easier), JavaScript is for functionality, dynamism, and interactivity, lots more, you can build web and mobile apps with JavaScript. Facebook, instagram, Twitter, yahoo, whatsapp and many popular sites and app are using react(a JavaScript library) so you might not need php at all, node JavaScript can serve as back end

DonPikko:
I said he should at the bigger picture, like he should start learning JavaScript and building dynamic web apps with it

chewbacca:
there’s no rule against that, at least not yet

kaycee125:
See where I sight una moderator

chewbacca:
M-Pfp Merrybet Username: chewie50
NO. of slot:1
Group: 3
Stake: N250
Total odds: 2.65
21.08.2018 19:34
Code:205794653
Stake:250.00
Possible Win:662.50
Won:-
Single
Cashoutable
Tennis, ATP, US Open Men Singles
Hubert Hurkacz - John-Patrick Smith
Event date
21.08.2018 19:40
Sport
Tennis
Your type
John-Patrick Smith
Game name
Winner
Result
Odds
2.65
Score

cc; pfpmoderator, troot