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How to Unlock Pattern Locked Android Smartphone with ADB Commands?

2016-11-14T11:23:00.003-08:00

Most probably everyone might face the situation of getting Android device locked or it’s just freezing quite a lot. There are many easy solutions right from removing its battery, manual resetting and using backup options such as sky drive and much more. But what if your device does not start itself? Or it is locked with multiple attempts? Or it may be for some other reason. Again if you have no Wi-Fi ON or your device is in airplane mode or not set to internet accessibility

The answer is using windows based commands to operate your Android device to resolve this issue.

Method: Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) Commands

ADB is advanced command line tool which enables a user to communicate with Android device using commands on PC.

Requirements:

1. Windows PC

2. Device with USB cable

3. Android SDK developer toolkit (Click here to get from Android Developer Website)

4. Usb drivers for your device, or if your device is recognizing self then it’s not required

If this does not list your device then try to go on your device's company's website or Google your device with "device name android USB drivers for windows", (Click here to get from Developer Website)

5. Proper command follow-up
Unzip downloaded Android SDK files on your PC. Go to unzipped SDK folder and follow this path

"android-sdk_r07-windowsandroid-sdk-windowstools"

ust click an adb.exe file to install the program, it shows a small window and it disappears immediately. Don't worry, its done.

Click Start>Run>cmd. This will take you to dos-based windows command prompt window.

Type cd "android-sdk-windowstools"

You must be now in the ADB folder.

In the came command window type "adb devices"

If it shows the device then you are on a correct path. If not, you probably need your phone's driver set to install in the computer.

Now you must be ready to do work on your Android device, such as backup, flashing, resetting, hard resetting.

Above method is discussed considering your Android device is locked with multiple pattern password attempts. So we will move further to run few more commands to unlock it in easy ways.

In cmd type in following set of commands

adb devices (This will show your device)

adb shell

cd/data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases

sqlite3 settings.db

update system set value=0 where name='lock_pattern_autolock';

update system set value=0 where name='lockscreen.lockedoutpermanently';

.quit

Now reboot your device. With this, your phone must be unlocked.

If above codes do not work then try below

adb shell rm/data/system/gesture.key

This will remove any pattern kept on your device and you will need to input new pattern.

Note: If you do not wish someone else to use ADB commands on your smartphone in any way then go to your smartphone's security options and select the option saying keep off USB debugging mode. But this is very risky as you do not need to worry so much about your smartphone as it is not a question of National Security.

If you like to add some more commands for easy navigation and recovery please provide here for others help.

Source:choozurmobile

What is Android Rooting? Advantages/ Disadvantages

2016-11-14T11:03:00.001-08:00

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Android Rooting is the process by which base system of the smartphone is restored while removing the entire the manufacturer's custom UI operating system. Rooting will help you explore those unlimited hardware and software hacks which are normally made hidden from basic systems. However, it is risky and not the most secure way to keep your smartphone healthy. See even Google's Pixel's full systemless root now achieved by Chainfire, according to Aarstechnica

The rooted device gives an administrative control to a device similar to as in windows operating system. With rooted you can just do anything and will have full access to your smartphone. You can install any third party application or unlock any limitations present on the hardware side. Let us see the advantages and disadvantages of android Rooting.

Advantages

# Custom ROMs

Meaning, you can change the base user interface of your device to all new look. Most of the devices come with preloaded ROM and has their own limitations. If you upgrade your ROM, you will have many benefits. Right from speeding up your device to enhancing its battery life lot of improvements can be done. Such as shifting from one OS to another, custom ROM makes it possible with little more efforts. With this, you will be able to change the whole interface of your device. Many apps are made only to work on rooted devices (means they are not supported on preloaded ROMs).

# Speedy Performance

Although it is risky to alter Kernel settings, many people nicely manage to do so by upgrading or changing the Kernel simply by rooting process. Although overclocking of the processor is risky, you can certainly achieve additional speed and performance. For costlier android phones, a custom unique interface is everyone's need.
People want their devices to look different and attractive. Whether it is an icon, colors, themes or styles on device's desktop, you can alter everything. The customized android smartphone looks completely different and hence rooting becomes a necessary evil.To choose among many available ROMs, an Android XDA developer will surely help you find the most suitable version for you. With advance rooting and new ROM you will be able to port anything like MIUI, CyanogenMod etc. to enjoy all new level of free developments. Rooting will also unlock all the locked features related to NFC, USB tethering any many others.
Basic applications which come by default with smartphone manufacturers are sometimes annoying and always have some or other loopholes. You can get rid of them with rooted. With this, you will nicely free up some internal space and make your device lighter. Dan Goodin, Arstechnica.com also explains how android phones rooted by the most serious Linux escalation bug ever, which is worth reading.

Disadvantages.

Well, there are few bad counts. You will lose warranty if you root your device.

# Hardware - Software mishaps are likely to occur if rooting if not done properly. (in case of power failure, sudden shut off etc.)Manufacturers do a lot of R&D while designing their ROMs and android versions, modifying their settings to have our own looks and speeds may harm the original hardware-software combinations.

# Caution!

If you are less tech expert and easy go person, do not root your device with your own. Kindly get it done with help your friend or an expert.

Source:choozurmobile

WhatsApp Security - Accessing Someone's WhatsApp Account

2015-09-05T08:52:00.002-07:00

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HOllah.... WhatsApp can be hacked easily. Stealing someone's WhatsApp account sounds completely impossible, still hackers have attempted to do so. By number of methods such as spoofing device's Mac address, spy softwares or using QR code for web it is possible.

If you think your loving one is doing something wrong or nervous while chatting over phone, you can surely take this step. As WhatsApp is used by millions of users worldwide, at a worst side of technology, someone may try to threat your loving one over texts.

Spoofing Mac Address -

Spoofing Mac address works most of the time as

it is a simple string of 12 digit number for every android device and can be copied easily. Workaround is to match victim's Mac address with your device allowing whatsapp server to send mirror files.

[Victim - Someone who's whatsapp to be hacked.

Target - Hacker or you.]

No android rooted device required.

Mac address (Media Access Control) is a 12 digit unique characters which is assigned to specific hardware such as Wi-Fi device or network adaptor, smartphone modem etc.If you get victim's device in your hands, you can copy it easily. Follow as per your device make.

Android - Settings > About phone > Status > WI-Fi MAC address.

iPhone - Settings > General > About > WI-Fi Address. (Install MacDaddy X or WifiSpoof)

Windows phone - Settings > About > More info > MAC address.

BlackBerry - Options > Device > Device and Status info > WLAN MAC.

Follow these steps on hacker's device -

Uninstall your own WhatsApp from Device

Root your Android device, Click here - How to Root Android Device?

Download 'Busy Box' apk and install as you do with other Apps.

Download 'Terminal Emulator' apk and install as usual.

Launch Terminal Emulator app

Type $su and hit Enter.

Again type $busybox iplink show eth0 and hit Enter. This will display Mac address.

Again type, $ busybox ifconfig eth0 hw ether XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX

Replace, X with victim's Android Mac address.

This way you will change new device's Mac address. To check again check Mac address use this command.

$ busybox iplink show eth0

Installing WhatsApp again...

Go to Play Store and Install WhatsApp Messenger again. This time use victim's phone number for whatsapp. WhatsApp will send confirmation message to victim's phone.

(Make sure you do this while you have a little access to victim's device).Copy the code instantly from victim's device and delete the message.Use this number to verify your WhatsApp account.

With this all messages and conversations will be updated to your device as well. Do not send or delete message as victim will know about the spy. Stay anonymous and keep watching.

Using Spy Software and Apps -

There is another easy workaround available which uses Spy software and app to be installed on victim's device.There are numbers of spy softwares available in android market. Download InoSpy App. It will track everything including cal history, recordings, WhatsApp messages, text messages and impossible to detect.

Steps -

Create free InoSpy account here.

Install InoSpy App on victim's Android smartphone quickly.

Go online, log in to InoSpy account > Easily fill the info > Get access to victim's device.

There are other spy softwares available such as mSpy, Spymaster Pro, BOSSSPY etc.

Whatsdog is yet another app available in android market to track someone's whatsapp conversation. Airdroid is slightly difficult and impossible option as it required to be installed on victim's device as well as on computer on which it is to be mirrored.

Using WhatsApp Sniffer -

Using root terminals to read WhatsApp messages, WhatsApp Sniffer works well. Download here. It reads over open wi-fi network, WEP, WPA/WPA2 networks. It is a TCPDump program which scans the network data packets and filters information from WhatsApp server. Worst part is it is fully comply with WhatsApp’s legal terms.

Using WhatsApp Over Web -

Well its a monkey job to have his brother's phone in hand and to copy its content to his pc. It is that easy. Use QR code and do not forget to check 'Keep me logged in' option. Some kinda home spy.

Caution - It is illegal to hack someone's device. You will be held responsible for stealing someone's personal information.

How to Stay away from all these?

Well personal security has an utmost importance in digital world. Follow these thumb rules to stay away from information stealing and accidents.

•It is often said by by banks not to reveal any pin, passwords over emails or phones, similarly avoid texting them over whatsapp messages. Avoid WhatsApp for sharing Bank level informations.

•Avoid accessing your device in public wi-fi or over unsecured networks. Use SSL at public wi-fi if required.

•Strictly avoid people touching your device for any reason. This may include relatives, friends or even office colleagues. People curiously try to see your phone for design, model etc. purpose. Slap them with the make and model number instead.

•Most of the time conversations are of no use (unless done with a girlfriend or wife). So try to clear your conversations - Give no room for hackers.

•Log out of WhatsApp Web when done all the time.

source:choozurmobile

NBA star Derrick Rose accused of rape, reports say

2015-08-27T08:38:00.002-07:00

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Derrick Rose, the Chicago Bulls point guard, is reportedly being sued by an unnamed woman who alleges she was drugged and raped by Rose and two other men two years ago.

TMZ reported that the woman, a former girlfriend of Rose known only as Jane Doe, was seeking unnamed damages.

The woman alleges that in August 2013 Rose and two friends, Ryan

Allen and Randall Hampton (who is also Rose’s personal manager), invited her to the player’s Beverly Hills house and slipped a drug into her drink, with the intention of raping her.

Rose’s attorney Lisa Cohen dismissed the allegations as “completely false and without any factual basis” and said: “We have complete confidence that the case will be dismissed.”

The plaintiff says she escaped the house with a friend, TMZ reported, only for Rose and his friends to break into her apartment later that night and rape her while she was incapacitated. She says she remembers only “flashes” of the incident, but can remember the defendants forcibly raping her.

The woman claims she waited for two years to file the suit because she was “ashamed and embarrassed” and concerned her “conservative family” would find out.

Reports did not say if the woman called police or if the alleged incident was investigated by law enforcement.

Cohen said: “This is nothing more than a desperate attempt to shake down a highly respected and successful athlete.

Source:Abc news

Polish Official 'Convinced' That Mystery Nazi Train Exists

2015-08-27T08:35:00.003-07:00

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A Polish cultural official says he is "convinced" of the existence of a Nazi train that has been missing for 70 years and which two men claim to have found recently.

Deputy Culture Minister Piotr Zuchowski also warned treasure hunters in southwestern Poland on Thursday to stop looking for the "so-called 'gold train,'" saying it

could be mined.

In the 70 years since World War II, local Polish legend has said that a German train filled with gold and other valuables went missing around Walbrzych while fleeing the Red Army. This month two men, a Pole and a German, said they found a train with armaments and valuables, leading to hopes it could be that mystery train filled with treasure.

The Culture Ministry plans an announcement on the matter Friday.

source:ABC news

Ashley Madison, Meet the Kids: Infidelity and Divorce

2015-08-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

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Divorce is often ugly, but the consequences for kids when infidelity is involved can deepen their anxiety, anger or confusion.

Contrary to the hacked Ashley Madison cheaters' site that offers anonymous opportunities for affairs, infidelity more often includes somebody a child actually knows: a family friend, a neighbor, a parent from Little League or the PTA, therapists and divorce attorneys said.

That means the third party may become a permanent fixture in the lives of children going forward, forcing an entirely new context on young people
as they attempt to sort out villains from victims.

"Infidelity, for some families, usually supersedes any other problems in the relationship and becomes the sole focus of the separation," said Nakya Reeves, a marriage and family therapist in Plantation, Florida.

"There may be communication gaps or other issues that deserve just as much attention but the hurt causes partners to lose sight of issues that may help them move forward and become great

co-parents or even friends in the aftermath of the divorce," she said.

Paul DePompo, a clinical psychologist in Newport Beach, California, said second to the death of a child or the loss of a spouse, an infidelity can be one of the most damaging life events for a family. He agreed with Reeves that the adults' ability to maintain a united front for the sake of the children can be very difficult when cheating is involved.

"The idea of being on the 'same page' has been torn apart," he said. "The parent who was cheated on tends to cling to the children while the parent who cheats often keeps distance, initially out of shame. Both parent behaviors can leave children anxious that one parent is devastated and they cannot help them, while they're hurt and confused about why the other parent is not being proactive enough. The kids are in a lose-lose situation."

Myra Chack Fleischer, a San Diego family law attorney who also works on out-of-court collaborative divorces, regularly handles cases involving infidelity.

"It impacts the children on all levels, especially if you've got teenage kids," she said. "The impact is huge. I'd say 90 percent of the time you've got the scorned spouse who wants to lash out, who wants to use the infidelity as a weapon against the other parent. The children find out because one or the other spouse talks to them about it. Or, let's make it even worse, I've got a couple of cases right now where the spouse moves in with the paramour immediately upon separation. You've got visitations going on with the person who cheated on mommy or daddy."

While most states allow for no-fault divorces, meaning grounds do not have to be established, emotional turmoil inside a family doesn't change.

Trust between marital partners is usually left in tatters come divorce time, but "infidelity is such a personal violation," Fleischer said. "Often there's still sexual relations going on between the couple, and a lot of times when there's infidelity it's not from Ashley Madison. I've had probably half a dozen cases where the person is the parent of one of the kids' best friends. Cheaters usually go to what's familiar, what's in front of them."

Dallas divorce attorney Brad LaMorgese said adultery is common among the cases he handles.

"A majority of the time it's going to be someone in known social circles like someone they know through a child's school or a co-worker," he said, "but we're seeing many cheaters going on dating sites," not just Ashley Madison.

"Some people are so bold they do public profiles on various sites," LaMorgese said.

Divorcing parents often ignore the fact that they might have moved on from the marriage long before the ink is dry on legal papers, while their children have just begun to emotionally process even a temporary separation. That feeling sometimes leads to a parent's boyfriend or girlfriend being around the kids early on, before a divorce is finalized, making it that much more dizzying for young ones, he said.

Source:LEANNE ITALIE Associated Press

How to Root HTC Desire 816 Android Smartphone - Jailbreak Your Device!

2015-08-17T04:29:00.002-07:00

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HTC Desire 816 is a 5.5" Full HD smartphone released in March 2014 with lot of demand in market due to its low price and very effective hardware. It works pretty well for entertainment and business purpose. It works on latest Android operating system and has almost all latest features.

It comes with 1.6 GHz Quad-core processor, 1.5GB RAM, 13MP Primary Camera and latest Android 4.4 Kitkat Operating System.

Benefits of Rooting

Android Rooting is the process by which base system of the smartphone is restored while removing all the manufacturer's custom UI operating system. Rooting will help you explore those unlimited hardware and software hacks which are normally made hidden from basic systems. read further

Many of us need an extra access to their device may be to install some rooted apps, custom ROMs and to customize the device the way we wish. Once rooted you can use benefits such as Nandroid/ Titanium Backup, Adblocking, Debloat the ROM, Overclock the processor, Flashing with new ROMs, Games cheats, Flashing mods like brightness
enhancement, customization, in-call volume and lot more.

This guide will teach you how to root HTC Desire 816 Android smartphone.

Caution: Rooting will loose your device's manufacturer warranty. Charge your phone fully, as rooting needs phone to be ON till it completes.

Steps

Enable USB debugging mode by going to settings > Developer > Mark USB Debugging mode.

Use Bootloader to unlock your device. Get it here

Get CWM Recovery & SuperSU and save on your computer desktop folder.

Copy SuperSU file to your smartphone's external memory (SD card) using USB cable connection.

Now disconnect your phone, switch off and boot again into FastBoot mode. (Hold power button & volume button at the same time, till screen ONs)Now connect your device again to computer using USB and install CWM Recovery file. Double click on CWM Recovery.exe and follow normal installation procedure.

Once installed switch off your phone, and again boot it into Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery. (Hold down volume button and power button at same time and select CWM Recovery)To install SuperSU, Select "Install zip from SD card" and select SuperSU file. It will reboot your device by own.If all steps are done carefully your phone will root successfully and you can ensure it by using "Root checker" App available freely in Google Play.

Custom ROM list for HTC Desire 816 (Source ROMLister.com)

CyanogenMod 12 Unofficial (Android 5.0.2 Lollipop) get here

CyanogenMod 11 Official (Android 4.4.4 Kitkat) get here

CyanogenMod 11 Unofficial (Android 4.4.4 Kitkat) get here

KingSenseDS 2.0.0 (Android 4.4.2 Kitkat) get here

LiquidSmooth v3.2 (Android 4.4.4 Kitkat) get here

SVHD v1.2.0 (Android 4.4.2 Kitkat) get here

PacROM (Android 4.4.2 Kitkat) get here

BinDroid (Android 4.4.2 Kitkat) get here

CarbomRom (Android 4.4.2 Kitkat) get here

credit:choozurmobile

Root Your HTC One (M8) With Easy Steps

2015-08-17T03:54:00.000-07:00

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HTC One M8 (Sucessor to HTC One) has extremely gorgeous 5" display and great camera with Dual 4Mp camera. With excellent iPhone remembering metal finish and superb 441ppi display HTC has an eye catching design. After great success of its recent phones, HTC seems prepared for the touchscreen war. These giants are trying to bring some innovations to us with fabulous things in-built.

Benefits of Rooting

Android Rooting is the process by which base system of the smartphone is restored while removing the entire manufacturer's custom UI operating system.
Rooting will help you explore those unlimited hardware and software hacks which are normally made hidden from basic systems. However it is risky and not the most secured way to keep your smartphone healthy. Rooted devices give an administrative control to a device similar to as in windows operating system. With rooted you can just do anything and will have full access to your smartphone. You can install any application or unlock any limitations present on hardware side.

Many of us need an extra access to their device may be to install some rooted apps, custom ROMs and to customize the device the way we wish. Once rooted you can use benefits such as Nandroid/ Titanium Backup, Adblocking, Debloat the ROM, Overclock the processor, Flashing with new ROMs, Games cheats, Flashing mods like brightness enhancement, customization, in-call volume and lot more.

Hasoon2000 has released a GUI for Win based PCs which are extremely simple and automatically roots your HTC One M8 with easy steps. The All-in-one toolkit will install HTC drivers on windows machine, carry all of the HTCDev steps required to unlock your Bootloader and flash a custom recovery.

This guide will teach you how to root HTC (One M8) Android smartphone.

Caution: Rooting will loose your device's manufacturer warranty. Charge your phone fully, as rooting needs phone to be ON till it completes.

Steps

A. Go to your Smartphone’s settings > Battery Manager > Turn OFF Flashboot.

Download One M8 All In One Toolkit & extract One_M8_All-In-One_Kit_v folder.

B. Now open Toolkit - One M8 folder, Click on Download HTC Drivers and click Go > Click OK. Save file and Run it.

C. Click Register at HTCDev (Note this details to use later)

D. Go to Settings > About > Software Information > More > Click on Build number.

You will see Developer Options - enabled

E. Go back to Settings > enter Developer Options > Turn USB Debugging ON

F. Connect your Device to your PC using USB.

G. Go to toolkit and select Get Token ID.

Now your device will reboot into Bootloader.

Close the first command prompt which is on your desktop.

Let second command prompt remain as it is.

H. Now Right Click on second one and click mark.

Highlight first arrow (first row) and last arrow (last row). Copy it using ctrl p button.

I. Submit this Token ID into toolkit. You will be asked to login to HTCDev > Use the account you made earlier in registration form. As in step C.

J. Now go to Unlock Bootloader and click Get started.

Select device from menu and click begin unlock Bootloader.

Use your Token ID and click submit. (Phone may reboot > repeat the earlier steps)

K. You will get download link from HTCDev site on your registered email. Download it.

L. Click on Unlock Bootloader in Toolkit.

In the opened explorer on windows navigate to the downloaded file from HTCDev site.

M. Click on Open and command prompt will pop up. Use device's volume buttons to scroll and power button to select. Unlock your Bootloader.With this your device will reboot with complete flash.

N. It will restart and you can get into your phone once again. Once you done with it go to settings and enable USB debugging again. As in Step D & E.

O. Do not remove USB cable. There are two options available in Toolkit for recoveries. If you do not have sprint version click on the second option.

P. Click ok and device will reboot again into Bootloader. Close command prompt and new prompt window will appear. Again device will boot up.

Q. In Toolkit > Under Extras box select 'perm root' and select 'Run'.

R. Again close your command prompt. Second prompt will boot your device into its recovery mode. Select install on phone and find SuperSU zip file. Install it and reboot the system. While you see SuperSu or Super User App in your smartphone's app list, your phone is successfully rooted.

Credit:choozurmobile

Man Charged in Stabbing Death of Actor's Step-Granddaughter

2015-08-17T03:42:00.001-07:00

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Police have arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with the fatal stabbing of actor Morgan Freeman's step-granddaughter on a Manhattan street.

Lamar Davenport, of New York City, was charged with second-degree murder on Monday, a day after 33-year-old Edena (eh-DEEH'-nah) Hines was found lying on the street with multiple stab wounds to the chest.

Police say the Davenport was in a relationship with Hines. She was found in front of her apartment building on West 162nd Street and was pronounced dead at Harlem Hospital.

Freeman issued a statement saying that "The world
will never know her artistry and talent, and how much she had to offer." Hines had studied acting and was involved with teaching urban youth. She's the granddaughter of Freeman's first wife.

Credit:Abc News

Be Careful, People Will Be In Hell Because Of You – Morris Babyface Cautions Ofori Amponsah

2015-08-12T09:42:00.002-07:00

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Born again musician and beat produce, Morris Babyface has cautioned Ofori Amponsah to be careful of his decision of going back to highlife years after turning a pastor. He said the devil comes in many ways to steal people from Christ so the multiple-award winning highlife-artiste-turned-pastor should not allow worldly things to trick him. He also remembered him that the devil is not just stealing him if he makes a u-turn to highlife music but also his followers who are weak in spirit.

Speaking on Radio Univers in Accra, Morris said “if you are worshipping God, do it well. The devil has various ways of stealing people and the most dangerous among them is it doesn’t steal only you but other people

through you. It does that through your word of mouth. The weak in mind will even use you as an excuse to sin. They will say even this pastor is doing this how much more me”

“By the time you realize, many people would have sinned because of you. You cannot even stand before judgment day to give only your accounts how much more many people going to hell because of you. Honestly speaking, it is horror.”

The artiste known for “Valentine Day” hit song asked what a man will do if God forsakes him since he runs to God when the devil is after him. Morris Babyface further advised Ofori Amponsah who disclosed not long ago that he is preparing to release highlife songs to think twice about his decision.

“He should sit down and reevaluate his decision before he does anything because we all have one life and you don’t know when you will die. If God saves you and you do not respect the salvation, he has nothing to lose.”

He finally said “if he has decided to follow God, he should do that with his whole heart and do it well but he shouldn’t allow the devil to deceive him. He should not allow any worldly thing deceive him. He should see this as a temptation that he needs to overcome “.

Source: Zionfelix.com

Rapper Lecrae Leads Dove Awards Nominations With 7

2015-08-12T09:30:00.002-07:00

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Christian rapper Lecrae leads the pack of nominees for the 46th annual Dove Awards with seven nominations, including artist of the year, thanks to his chart-topping album, "Anomaly."

The Gospel Music Association announced on Wednesday the nominees for the awards, which will be held on Oct. 13 in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Grammy-winning artist, who was a co-host

of the awards show in 2014, topped the Billboard 200 albums chart last year with his seventh studio album. Brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, who perform as for KING & COUNTRY, have five nominations including artist of the year, and Crowder, Matt Maher and Chris Tomlin have four nominations each.

Francesca Battistelli, Kari Jobe and Mercy Me round out the artist-of-the-year nominations.

credit:ABC news

Isis affiliate in Egypt posts image purportedly of beheaded Croatian man

2015-08-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

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Tomislav Salopek, who had been working in Egypt as a subcontractor with the French company CGG. Photograph: Facebook

Islamic State’s affiliate in Egypt’s Sinai province has circulated an image online that purports to show the beheaded body of a Croatian man abducted in the desert hinterland of Cairo in July.

The image bears some of the hallmarks of the previous killings of foreign hostages by Isis in Iraq and Syria. The purported killing could mark a shift in tactics for the Isis affiliate in Egypt, which until now has focused the majority of its attacks on the Egyptian military and security forces.

Tomislav Salopek, 30, was abducted by armed men early on the morning of 22 July about 50km from Cairo, according to an early official account of the kidnapping. The gunmen stopped the car on a desert road, pulled his Egyptian driver out and drove away, the account said. The car was later found nearby.

Salopek worked in Egypt as a subcontractor with the French geophysical services company CGG.

A spokesman from the Egyptian interior ministry’s press office said: “We have seen this news online but are currently making our own checks. If we

confirm that it is indeed true, we will inform the media through a statement.”

Croatia’s Foreign Ministry said it could not confirm Salopek’s death, but the country’s prime minister, Zoran Milanovic, will be addressing the nation later on Wednesday. President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic said in a statement that she is cancelling all her pre-arranged activities for the day.

A statement released with the still image accused Croatia of participating in “the war against the Islamic State”. It comes a week after the Isis affiliate, known as Sinai Province after the region in which it is based, threatened to kill Salopek within 48 hours unless Egypt’s government freed “Muslim women” from prison.

Salopek appeared in the video footage in a yellow jumpsuit, kneeling in front of a masked militant and articulating his captors’ demands in English.

The still image released on Thursday and shared by IS supporters on social media, appeared to show the body of Salopek, a married father of two, wearing a jumpsuit resembling the one he had worn in the previous video. A black flag used by the Islamic State and a knife were planted in the sand next to him.

The photo carried a caption in Arabic that said Salopek was killed “for his country’s participation in the war against the Islamic State,” and after a deadline had passed for the Egyptian government to meet his captors’ demands.

The picture also contained an inset of two Egyptian newspaper reports, with one headline declaring Croatia’s support for Egypt in its war against terrorism and another saying Croatia reiterated its support for the Kurds, who have been battling the IS group in Syria and Iraq. Croatian troops fought in the US-led coalition in Iraq and still serve in the NATO-led force in Afghanistan.

Sinai Province emerged in 2014 when an existing insurgent group called Ansar Beit al-Maqdis proclaimed its affiliation with Isis and its leaders in Iraq and Syria. The group has claimed responsibility for dozens of attacks that have killed hundreds of Egyptian soldiers and police.

Last year, the group claimed it had killed an American oil worker named William Henderson who disappeared in a carjacking in Egypt’s Western Desert. The group released images of Henderson’s passport and identification cards, but did not release any Isis-style footage purporting to show his death.

In February, Isis-backed militants in Libya executed 21 Coptic Christians. In response, Egypt launched airstrikes in Libya.

Spain arrests man for selling Isis T-shirts of executed hostage Alan Henning

2015-08-12T09:02:00.002-07:00

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Spanish police have arrested a man for selling T-shirts showing a British aid worker as he was about to be executed by Islamic State militants, as well as a range of clothing bearing Isis slogans, the government said on Wednesday.

The man, a Spanish citizen whose name was not released, was detained during a police operation on Tuesday night in Narón, in northwestern Spain.

From his shop and online store, the man sold a

range of clothes promoting Isis and another Islamist militant group, Harakat Sham al Islam, the interior ministry said.

They included T-shirts with a silk-screened image showing the hostage Alan Henning as he was about to be beheaded by Islamic State last year, together with his executioner and the Isis flag.

Pictures released by the Spanish government showed a range of items the man was marketing, including sweatshirts, T-shirts, bags and baby bodysuits bearing slogans in Arabic of Isis or Harakat Sham al Islam.

The man was selling the T-shirts to customers in Spain and Portugal for €14 (£10) each.

He is accused of using social networks to spread Islamist propaganda and to “belittle and humiliate victims of jihadi terrorism”, the ministry said in a statement.

So far this year, the ministry said, 47 people accused of having links to Islamist militancy have been arrested in Spain. Europe’s worst Islamist attack occurred in Spain in 2004 when 191 people were killed in bombings of Madrid commuter trains.

Drake becomes the first artist to go Platinum in 2015…

2015-08-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

Ghana:Reasons why Obrafour Pulled Out Of Sarkodie’s History In The Making Concert

2015-08-09T04:44:00.000-07:00

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Sarkodie’s history in the making concert happened last night in New York but without the legend Obrafour. Aside Obrafour who could not make it to the event, E.L, Pappy Kojo, Efya and other artistes also failed to appear on the Appollo Theater stage where the event happened on August 8 night.

Obrafour in a press statement has revealed the reasons which resulted his pull out

Contrary to reports making rounds that Obrafour pulled out of Sarkodie’s History in The Making concert because of money; Execution Entertainment will like to clarify that:

1. Obrafour agreed to play the show for FREE for

Sarkodie’s sake.

2. Obrafour was billed to perform on another show ‘Festival Dance’ in New York and it’s that organizer that flew him to New York.

3. Organizers of Sarkodie’s HiTM ‘TM Entertainmentz’ had accepted to pay for Obrafour’s flight into New York to play the show for FREE but later refused to.

4. The decision to cancel the performance was taken by management after all efforts to get TM Entertainmentz to fulfil their part of the agreement proved futile.

Signed Khan Mohammed (Execution Entertainment)

Unarmed College Football Player Shot by Trainee Officer

2015-08-09T03:16:00.001-07:00

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An unarmed college football player was shot dead at a suburban Dallas car dealership by a trainee police officer during a middle-of-the-night burglary call. The death of 19-year-old Christian Taylor has raised some of the same questions as other recent police shootings involving unarmed suspects.

Here are some things to know about the investigation:

———

THE POLICE ACCOUNT

Police were contacted by a company that manages security cameras at Classic Buick GMC in Arlington at about 1 a.m. Friday. Sgt. Paul Rodriguez, an Arlington police spokesman, told The Associated Press that police were advised that someone

had driven a car onto the lot, started to damage another car, then drove his own vehicle into the glass front of the showroom.

Officer Brad Miller and another officer entered the dealership and approached the subject as other officers set a perimeter around the dealership, Rodriguez said.

According to a police statement, an "altercation" of some kind ensued and Miller shot Taylor.

Police Chief Will Johnson said Miller fired four times, hitting Taylor with multiple gunshots. The other officer with Miller used his Taser, but not his gun.

———

THE ROOKIE OFFICER

Miller, 49, joined Arlington's police department in September. Although he had completed the police academy and was a fully licensed officer, he was still completing a 16-week field training program required of new officers, Rodriguez said. His training officer was with him at the time of the shooting, Rodriguez said.

Miller has no disciplinary record and had not fired his gun in the line of duty before Friday, Rodriguez said.

His work history before joining the Arlington police is unclear. State records show his name and address listed as an executive with two businesses, one of which was a web hosting service that is now dormant.

———

THE FOOTBALL PLAYER

Taylor graduated last year from Mansfield Summit High School in Arlington and was listed on Angelo State's roster as a 5-foot-9, 180-pound defensive back.

In his only known criminal charge, Taylor received six months' deferred adjudication on a drug charge after police found him with 11 hydrocodone tablets that were not prescribed to him, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. He completed that sentence and the case was dismissed.

His father, Adrian Taylor, told KTVT-TV in Dallas-Fort Worth that his son was "just a good dude" who would give the shoes off his feet to someone in need. He said he didn't know why Christian would have been at the car dealership at that time of night, but that he shouldn't have been killed.

"You know, it could have been too much drinking, he could have been wrong place at the wrong time, he could have gotten something and he didn't know what he was getting," Adrian Taylor said.

———

THE INVESTIGATION

Police say they are investigating Taylor's death both as a possible criminal case and to determine whether department rules were broken. Johnson said he's also asked the FBI's Dallas field office to investigate the case.

Police officials haven't yet decided whether they will release video of the incident. Rodriguez said he had not seen it, but that he believed it did not include the showroom where the shooting occurred.

credit:NOMAAN MERCHANT Associated Press

Photos: Apollo Center Bows For Sarkodie As History Was Indeed Made

2015-08-09T02:07:00.000-07:00

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Saturday August 8 2015 will go down in the history books of New York and the Apollo Center as BET Award winner Michael Owusu Addo aka Sarkodie and a number of top notch performers from Ghana, Nigeria and the USA including Lighter Tod, Jadiluc, Pappy Kojo, Joey B, Banky W, Efya, Ice Prince, Bisa K.Dei, Kwaw Kese, E.L, The Composerz and Shatta Wale delivered to a sold out crowd. With artists taking turns and delivering wonderfully to an energetic crowd that responded to almost every line of songs being performed, one could only tell that the concert was indeed history made. Ahead of the concert, Jesse Weaver Shipley, a professor of anthropology

at Haverford College in Pennsylvania and the author of “Living the Hiplife: Celebrity and Entrepreneurship in Ghanaian Popular Music” in an interview with the New York Times said described the event at the Apollo as a test for Ghanaian artists to reach a broader audience; “The Apollo is really like a test in an exciting way for the Ghanaian artists to reach out to broader audiences and to enter into the American mainstream musical consciousness.” The Apollo Center takes up to a 1500 capacity and has hosted several top class events including a concert with The Jacksons, A Night With Barack Obama and many others. Sarkodie, after the concert has taken turns to express his appreciation to fans who turned up to the venue and colleague musicians who joined for the concert. The surprise artist on the night was Shatta Wale. Sarkodie, History in the Making Concert was organized by TM Entertainment owned by a Ghanaian born New York based Terry Masson

Credit:Nydjlive

'#Empire' Marvin Gaye's Son Will Sue 'Those Son's of Riches!'

2015-08-09T01:45:00.000-07:00

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Marvin Gaye's son is the latest guy to claim "Empire" was his brainchild ... he's about to sue over it, and remember, the guy's got a good track record in court.

We've learned Marvin Gaye III claims he registered a treatment on a show called "Diamonds & Ballads" (aka "Those Sons of Riches!") with the Writers Guild of America back in 2010.

Gaye says the treatment describes a family in the music business -- "a music based 'black' and 'hip' version of 'Dynasty' ... with a little 'Sopranos.'"

We're told Gaye shopped the treatment around to TV execs and

said it was loosely based on the lives of his legendary family and the Berry Gordy family.

Gaye insists the people in the industry with whom Lee Daniel's associates received emails pitching his treatment.

And Gaye feels Daniels unwittingly fessed up in 2014 after "Empire" hit big, when he said, "I wanted to make a black 'Dynasty.'" He also said it was similar to "The Sopranos."

Gaye's lawyer tells TMZ he plans to file a lawsuit against Daniels, Fox and others. The lawyer tells TMZ, "We understand that three things can't be hidden for long: the Sun, the Moon and the Truth!"

Remember, the Gaye family successfully sued Robin Thicke and Pharrell over "Blurred Lines."

Credit:TMZ

New Reality Show: Dance with Peter to hold Auditions in Ghana

2015-08-09T01:20:00.000-07:00

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Peter Okoye, member of Nigeria’s biggest selling music group P Square has just launched a new reality TV show called Dance with Peter which is set to change the generally accepted perspective of dance. Conceived out of the need to redefine dance and its competitiveness, Dance with Peter is expected to be thrilling and at the same time engaging. The show will witness Peter Okoye make his debut as a judge/mentor in Reality TV series with assistance from Nigerian dance Queen Kaffy, Flex and an international superstar guest. The competition is open to solos, duets and groups of four (4) from different dance

backgrounds. Although auditions are set to hold primarily in Nigeria, Ghana will have its fair share as the 4th round of auditions will hold in Accra, Ghana on the 7th of September 2015. Exact venue is yet to be communicated.

FBI to Assist in Probe of Texas Football Player's Death

2015-08-09T00:43:00.002-07:00

The FBI has been asked to help investigate the death of a Texas college football player who was fatally shot by an officer during a burglary call at a car dealership, a suburban Dallas police chief said Saturday.

During a news conference Saturday night, Arlington Police Chief Will Johnson said he had spoken to the FBI's Dallas field office after the death early Friday of Christian Taylor, a 19-year-old African-American who was unarmed when shot by a white police officer. Johnson stressed the move "in no way diminishes my confidence" in local officers to

conduct the investigation.

Arlington officer Brad Miller has been placed on administrative leave. Police say the officer, who joined Arlington police last year and was still completing his department field training, had never before fired his weapon in the line of duty.

Taylor's death came two days before the one-year anniversary of the death of Michael Brown, an unarmed, black 18-year-old who was fatally shot by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. Brown's death galvanized the "Black Lives Matter" movement and sparked protests that at times turned violent.

Johnson mentioned the current climate during the news conference, noting that "our nation has been wrestling with the topics of social injustice, inequities, racism and police misconduct" and that his department would "pledge to act in a transparent manner."

Johnson said Miller and another officer found Taylor "freely roaming" inside the dealership's showroom when they arrived, sometime after 1 a.m. Friday.

The officers told Taylor to surrender and lie down on the ground, but he refused, the chief said. They saw him trying to escape the showroom and pursued him.

The incident ended with Miller shooting his service weapon four times at Taylor, hitting him at least twice, according to Johnson. The officer with Miller — his field training officer, a nearly two-decade veteran — used his Taser, but not a gun.

Johnson repeatedly refused to describe the confrontation or say how close Taylor got to either officer before Miller opened fire.

Police had gone to the Classic Buick GMC in Arlington, about 10 miles west of Dallas, after being contacted by a company that manages security cameras at for the car dealership. Police were advised that someone had driven a car onto the lot, started to damage another car, then drove his own vehicle into the glass front of the showroom. Johnson said Taylor appeared to have kicked out the windshield of a car.

Some of the nationwide criticism of police use of force in the last year has happened online, and Taylor's death resonated on social media, with some posts questioning the official account and calling for video to be released.

Police say they are investigating Taylor's death both as a possible criminal case and to determine whether department rules were broken.

Taylor graduated last year from Mansfield Summit High School in Arlington and was listed on Angelo State's roster as a 5-foot-9, 180-pound defensive back.

credit:NOMAAN MERCHANT Associated Press

Lol. Illinois jail guard caught watching porn with 2 prisoners

2015-08-09T00:39:00.000-07:00

Oscar Taylor is the one in the middle

An Illinois jail guard has resigned after 22 years on the job and it's all because of porn.

Investigators said surveillance video shows Oscar Taylor, 53, watching a porn video on his cellphone with 2 inmates inside the Cook County Jail's barbershop.

An internal investigation was launched at the jail, after authorities received word that contraband was being brought into the Division 6 barbershop. Taylor was supposed to be monitoring inmates while they had their hair cut, the sheriff's office said.

Sheriff's investigators caught Taylor watching the

pornographic videos with inmates 39-year-old Tyrone Noel and 27-year-old William Taylor. Oscar Taylor and William Taylor are not related.

Investigators also found a firearm in Officer Taylor's car. His FOID card is currently revoked because of an incident that occurred when he wasn't on duty.

Taylor, of Oak Park, was charged with three counts of unauthorized bringing of contraband into a penal institution, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon for carrying an uncased revolver in close proximity of ammunition.

Tyrone Noel and William Taylor were both charged with possession of contraband.

Oscar Taylor resigned shortly after being charged and he was released on electronic monitoring after his bind hearing on Wednesday.

credit:ABC news

Nigeria:3 die as thugs loyal to monarchs clash in Ogun State

2015-08-06T22:06:00.001-07:00

3 people were killed during a clash between hoodlums reportedly loyal to 2 rival monarchs in the Ijoko, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The two monarchs, Oba Abdulfatahi Matanmi and Oba Lasisi Ogunseye, had been at loggerheads for years over who had sovereignty over the community, with both sides attacking each other.

It was learnt that the community was thrown into turmoil around 3pm on Wednesday by the thugs, who reportedly wielded guns, cutlasses among other weapons.Policemen from Sango-Ota Police Division were said to have intervened and restored

peace in the area.

It was learnt that 2 tricyclists were injured in the fracas which lasted for about two hours.One of them, Tajudeen Adeleye, who was admitted in a hospital in the community, said he had taken some passengers to the Railway area ─ the scene of the clash ─ around 6pm when he was attacked.

He said

“I shuttle between Abule and Ijoko-Ogba Ayo. I decided to go on a last trip around 6pm. I was trying to park at our bus stop in Railway bus stop when I was attacked.”

When Punch correspondent visited the community on Thursday, they observed that residents were still living in fear, as most of them declined to comment on the mayhem.Armed policemen were also seen patrolling the neigbourhood.An eyewitness, who identified himself only as Rasaq, said the clash was fuelled by supremacy claim as the thugs belonged to rival cult groups.

He said:

“The rate at which Matanmi and Ayatu’s (Ogunseye’s) boys attack one another is very disturbing. On Monday, I saw them hanging around and I sensed that they wanted to cause trouble again. They started around 3pm and three persons were killed, but I don’t know their identities.”

Another eyewitness, Segun Ogunleke, said he saw 2 lifeless bodies on the ground while he was running to safety.

“There was confusion everywhere because of gunshots. I saw two corpses on the ground. They were taken away by the police,” he said.

When contacted, the monarch, Matanmi, directed inquiries and questions to the other Monarch, saying he had nothing to say about the killings.

He told Punch correspondent:

“Go and meet Ogunseye and his son who are attacking and killing people at Ijoko. I have nothing to say.”

Oba Ogunseye’s son, Mohammed, who spoke on behalf of his father, said the attack was between Eiye and Aiye confraternities, adding that it had nothing to do with the kingship tussle.

“For about 3 months now, the battle between two cult groups has been on. They have been killing one another and that was what happened yesterday (Wednesday) too. It was not an attack between us and Matanmi,” he said.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, DSP Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the clash.

He said:

“There was a clash between two groups, but we cannot link it to kingship rivalry. Policemen have been deployed in the area and investigation has commenced on the attack. One person was hacked to death and his corpse has been deposited in a mortuary.”

Credit:Punch

'#Empire' Spin-off Is 'Without Question,' Says Co-Creator

2015-08-06T19:08:00.004-07:00

Lee Daniels says there will be a spin-off of his smash hit "Empire."Without question, the series' co-creator and executive producer said to a panel of TV critics Thursday. "There's so much ripe story that we've talked about already, about Cookie's family, what makes her her. That in itself is fascinating to me."

Executive producer Brian Grazer told The Associated Press the agenda before a spin-off can happen is to "never get corny. Completely stay authentic. ... As long as it stays dangerous, we're cool. As long as we can stay that way for this season, these guys

can think about a spin-off, we'll be OK."

It was also announced that Pitbull will guest star in the second season of the soap about the music business, which returns Sept. 23 at 9 p.m. EDT.

The rapper will play himself and perform with Jussie Smollet, who plays Jamal.

Other guest stars confirmed to appear when "Empire" returns include Chris Rock, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Alicia Keys, Kelly Rowland and Marisa Tomei. An appearance by Mariah Carey is also in the works.

Despite the casting announcements, Daniels said producers are being careful to not go into guest-star overload.

"When you start a television show, you don't really know what you're doing, and so you think you'll get your friends together and everything, and I find that the more celebrities, the more stars I put on this show, the more it takes away from the (Lyon) family. The family, the family, the family is the most important thing."

Two Additonal Executives Pull Out Of Music Streaming Company; TIDAL

2015-08-06T18:28:00.001-07:00

Jay Z continuously hints that there is nothing wrong within the walls of the TIDAL streaming service. However, executives’ quit exits tell another story.

Peter Tonstad, TIDAL’s second CEO in six months, had decided to leave the business venture behind him; and now two additional executives pull out of the music streaming company.

Senior Vice President of Label and Artist Relations, Zena Burns decided to leave TIDAL in June, after her bid of only two months. Following right behind was Roc Nation’s Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Geisler. Word it that Geisler will be making his way over to Saatchi & Saatchi; the company will be giving him

a similar role.

While a slew of celebrities – Madonna, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, etc. – joined in on the 2015 relaunch, the tactic didn’t work. It’s been reported that Jay himself was trying to hurry on out of the company before the big flop. If no one is talking, only the future can tell.

SOURCE: Vlad TV

NY Workers Building Altar, Lectern for Pope Francis' Visit

2015-08-06T18:02:00.000-07:00

Carpenter Hector Rojas tried to explain the emotion behind cutting, sanding and assembling a wooden chair that Pope Francis will use during a Mass at Madison Square Garden in his first U.S. visit.

"It's a beautiful feeling, when people count on you," said Rojas, who is from Mexico but lives in Port Chester, north of New York City.

Rojas, 30, Francisco Santamaria, 61, of Nicaragua and Fausto Hernandez, 51, of the Dominican Republic are day laborers from Don Bosco Workers and Obreros Unidos de Yonkers, chosen by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New
York to build the chair.

"They could have called a large company, but they called us," Rojas said. "We are very happy to help them."

"It is a great pleasure to do this. The pope is our idol," Santamaria said.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, visited the workers Thursday at the garage where they were working and congratulated them. He also visited Lincoln Hall Boys Haven in Lincolndale, where young men are building a lectern and alter for the Mass at the Garden.

"We are very proud of you," Dolan told the three men.

The trio has spent more than a week so far working on the chair. It will be light brown with a white backing and mahogany trim. They were assisted Thursday by Brother Sal Sammarco, a member of the Salesians order who traveled from Florida to coordinate the project.

During his visit to the United States in September, Francis will travel to Washington, New York and Philadelphia. He will meet some of the laborers from Don Bosco and Obreros Unidos during his visit to a Catholic school in East Harlem on Sept. 25.

Some of the workers are in the U.S. illegally, but Dolan defended them.

"They are allies, hard-working people," the archbishop said.

Francis also will meet some of their wives, who are weaving and embroidering 10 white tablecloths for the pontiff's visit. Tablecloths with images of a heart and a dove will be used on the altar for the Mass. Others will be placed on tables at the Harlem school.

"I will ask many blessings for my family," said craftswoman Agueda Zavaleta of her plans when she meets the pope.

credit:CLAUDIA TORRENS Associated Press