In His Element: Top Ten Facts About Periodic Table Creator Dmitri Mendeleev.

Renowned Russian scientist Dmitri Mendeleev, best known as the founder of the Mendeleev periodic table, would have had his 182nd birthday on February 8. Sputnik compiled the top 10 generally unknown facts about Mendeleev.

Not everyone knows that besides being one of the greatest chemists in history, Mendeleev was also an expert in many other disciplines, including physics, economy, geology, meteorology and even an aeronautics, among other things. Here are a few other facts.

UK Gov’t Funded Outlet BBC Tries to Slander Russia in a New Propaganda Low

BBC inadvertently explains why Russia is no threat, why Latvia's genocidal policies towards its “noncitizens” pose a threat to Europe, and why NATO expansion is a folly.

The British government-funded broadcaster BBC Two aired on 3 February 2016 a show about a hypothetical Russian attack on Latvia, a NATO member. In the show, called World War Three: Inside the War Room, the conflict quickly escalated into a nuclear war as Nato forces became drawn in.

Accept Electricity Tariff Hike As Painful Pill – Fashola

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has appealed to Nigerians to bear the pains of the new electricity tariff hike, describing it as painful pill they must swallow in the interest of the country.

Fashola, who had a meeting with all stakeholders in power sector in Lagos on Monday, and inspected ongoing works at the Alagbon Local 2x15MVA, 33/11 KV injection substation in Ikoyi, told journalists that the right thing could have been to increase the power before the tariff but unfortunately it was not possible considering the rot the government met on ground.

Al-Nusra Front Confirms Deaths of 300 Terrorists in Syria's Aleppo

More than 300 members of the al-Nusra Front terrorist group were killed in clashes near the Syrian city of Retyan in the Aleppo province.

The death of the militants occurred as a result of heavy fighting near the city of Retyan in the province of Aleppo, a source told TV channel Al-Mayadin under condition of anonymity.
The Syrian armed forces were said to have eliminated 300 fighters during the fierce fighting in the area over the last few days.

Militants Ready to ‘Switch Sides’ as Syrian Army Advances on All Fronts

Daesh and other terrorist groups have pulled back from their positions as the Syrian army, backed by the country's aviation and popular forces, continues its advance in several key provinces of the county.  Government forces have regained control over several more areas in Dara'a, Deir ez-Zor, Hama, Homs and Aleppo provinces leaving dozens of militants dead and wounded, Iran’s Fars news agency reported on Friday.

In Dara’a province the Syrian Armed Forces clawed back more areas near Atman town, almost 4 kilometers north of Dara'a city, killing 30 terrorists and destroying their meeting centers equipped with heavy 23-mm machineguns.  In Deir ez-Zor several militant strongholds were destroyed by missile fire as Syrian Army jets targeted two Daesh outposts east of Deir ez-Zor airport.

Buhari Participated In Syrian Event As A Perfect Cover For His Medical Visit- SR

A statement on Monday by presidential spokesman Femi Adesina disclosed that he will travel on to London where he will reportedly attend an event on Syria. The trips follow closely on the heels of a just-ended state visit to Kenya, as well as to Ethiopia for a meeting of African leaders.

A SaharaReporters source said that during his visit to the United Kingdom, he will undertake a visit to medical doctors in a London hospital.

Our presidency source said President Buhari agreed to participate in the Syrian event because it provides a perfect cover for the medical visit.

Coming to a head in Syria

What started as a “War On Syria”, allowed to grow and fester unabated, fueled and sponsored by eighty three nations spearheaded by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Israel and NATO and all pro-NATO nations, is undoubtedly coming to a head.

Geneva III seems dead in the water, just like Geneva I and II were. This time however, Syria and its allies are calling the shots, and they are playing the cat-and-mouse game, and why not? After all, the ball is in their court and it wasn’t easy coming. It’s the spoil of blood and sacrifice.

Increase farming or risk Nigerians starving to death by 2050 - Minister of Agriculture says

Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh, says Nigeria will have to increase its input in farming or risk facing her citizens starve to death by 2050. Ogbeh said this during the defence of the Ministry of Agriculture's 2016 budget before the senate committee on Agriculture yesterday February 4th.
"We have written to state governments to encourage them to develop dams and canals so that agriculture becomes an all year round activity and it is not confined to the rainy season alone.
Besides, by 2050, Nigeria population will be very close to 500 million at the current rate of growth. This is just 34 years from now. If we carry on at the current rate of one crop per year, with very low mechanization, Nigerians run the risk of starving to death”he said

Turkey’s Gates To Europe

The story of refugees flocking into Europe, and the avalanche of repercussions that followed, remains to be a conundrum that many involved individuals, including some seasoned analysts, are at pains to unravel.

Any denial that those refugees had brought with them very bad elements is a denial of a truth that is so loud and clear. And when some highly competent authors wrote about this and were attacked and called Fascists and racists, those who made those accusations must be living in a dungeon that lives by rules that do not exist anywhere on this planet. Not that I wish any harm to anyone, but I would just wonder what would those critics do or say if it was their own sisters, girlfriends, daughters and mothers getting ganged raped in the streets!

Why I Use the Term ‘AngloZionist’, and Why It’s Important - Saker

One of the issues over which I am most vehemently criticized, even by well-meaning friends, is my use of the term “AngloZionist”.

After carefully parsing all the arguments of my critics, I wrote a special explanatory note on my blog two years ago, in order to make sure that my argument leaves no room for misunderstanding.

I reproduce it below as a (rather long) introduction to the article which follows, which is essentially a further development of the ideas in my 2014 post.

“To learn who rules over you, simply find out who you are not allowed to criticize“

– Voltaire

(The following quoted section is from the Saker’s blog (with slight modifications), from September 2014)

Court Orders Aluko’s Arrest Over ‘Ekitigate’

Adesoji Adegboye, a chief magistrate in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state, has ordered the state commissioner of police to arrest Temitope Aluko, former secretary of the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over alleged perjury. Aluko, who earlier testified before the election tribunal that the June 21, 2014 governorship election in Ekiti was free and fair, told journalists on Sunday that the PDP rigged the election. He said former President Goodluck Joanthan released $37 million to Ayo Fayose, governor of the state, and summoned top security chiefs to Aso Rock to strategise on how to deliver the state for the former ruling party.

Emergency landing at Mogadishu after an explosion

Oil rises after Russia ‘agrees’ to OPEC meeting

Oil rose on Wednesday, paring earlier losses, after fresh comments from Russia about its openness to talk with OPEC over output cuts helped revive hope of higher prices. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said if there is consensus among the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and non-OPEC members to meet, “then we will meet”.

This helped push the price of oil, which had been set for a third day of declines after data on Tuesday showed another big build in US inventories, off the day’s lows. Brent for April delivery rose 40 cents to $33.12 a barrel, pulling away from a session low of $32.30. US crude futures rose 46 cents to $30.34, off a session low of $29.40. “Is there going to be a meeting between Russia and OPEC? That is a supportive factor in this rally that we’ve seen in the last one hour,” PVM Oil Associates analyst, Tamas Varga said.

James Ibori released & Rearrested For Another £250 million Fraud

Former governor of Delta State, James Onanefe Ibori has completed his prison terms in the United Kingdom. But he is yet to be a free man, as he was immediately re-arrested. TheNEWS learnt that Ibori jailed 13 years in April 2012 by a Southwark Crown court in London was released by prison authorities on 22 January and then re-arrested again. He was released from Her Majesty’s Prison in Bedford, outside of London, where he finished his prison term.

Buhari’s Unnecessary Trips Bleeding Nigeria’s Economy – Fayose

* Says about $1 million spent per foreign trip
*Adds foreign countries won’t solve Nigeria’s problems
Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, on Tuesday, advised President Muhammadu Buhari to stay at home and govern the country instead of junketing from one country to the other, saying; “foreign countries won’t solve our problems for us and the President’s incessant foreign trips is already bleeding the economy with about $1 million being spent per trip.” The governor, who said most of the trips embarked by the President were unnecessary, added that ministers or at best the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo could have been made to attend most of the functions being attended abroad by the President.

2016 Budget: Buhari To Spend More On State House Clinic Than On All Federal Govt-Owned Teaching Hospitals

The Nigerian government is proposing to spend more on capital projects at the State House Medical Centre this year than it would provide for the 16 teaching hospitals belonging to it.
If the proposed budget is approved as presented to federal lawmakers, the State House Clinic will get N787 million more in capital allocation than all the 16 teaching hospitals combined.
The State House Medical Centre is a facility that provides healthcare for President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, their families and other employees of the Presidency, all possibly less than a thousand.
Federal teaching hospitals cater for the heath needs of millions of Nigerians, train medical doctors and other health professionals for the nation while also serving as top medical research centres.
A breakdown of the 2016 Appropriation Bill shows that a total of N3.87billion has been allocated for capital projects at the State House Clinic.

Anyaoku Proposes Reduction Of Nigeria’s 36 States Into 6 Units

Conversion of thirty-six states in Nigeria to six federating units will make thrive and get a better result.
The Former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku who called the National Assembly to convert the existing six-geo political zones into federating units said the present thirty-six states were not viable.
With the new proposal, the present thirty-six states would serve as development zones.
Chief Anyaoku made the call at the Inaugural Conference organised by Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy, ISGPP held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

London's Dirty Secret: UK Capital 'Global Center' for Money Laundering

London offers every possible service to individuals wanting to launder money, Peter Lilley, author of 'Dirty Dealing: The Untold Truth About Global Money Laundering,' told Sputnik.

London and New York are both popular destinations for money laundering because they are major international financial centers that offer sophisticated financial products and well-versed legal and accountancy services, Peter Lilley, author of 'Dirty Dealing: The Untold Truth About Global Money Laundering,' told Sputnik.

Why I Did Not Pick Aluko As My Cos - Ekiti kete gov. Fayose

EkitiState Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has said the allegation by the former Ekiti State Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tope Aluko, that the military was used to influence the outcome of the June 21, 2014 governorship election in the state was another ploy in the fruitless efforts by the All Progressives Congress to rubbish the mandate freely given him by the people of the state.

He also said such a wild allegation could only have come from a questionable character like Aluko who he refused to appoint his Chief of Staff because he could not be entrusted with such sensitive position.

I Got A Job Today

I have been offered a job today by one of the prestigeous company in Uyo. Glory be to God who made it possible. To job seekers, don't lose hope God is working things for you. Soon it will be urs.
Ase

Don't Combine National Service And Law School - NYSC Warns

ABUJA—The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has warned that participation in the National Service and attendance of Law School simultaneously is illegal and unacceptable.


This is part of resolutions at 2016 Annual Management Conference of the Scheme, in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

The conference noted that “the NYSC Act provides for uninterrupted service year, and advised prospective Corps members to choose which one to defer between National Service and Law School attendance instead of attempting to combine both. Parents of prospective Corps members have also been advised by the conference to allow their children take decisions as adults and avoid discouraging them from accepting postings to any locations in the country.

Dasuki’s Trial Stalled Again, Case Adjourned Till February 26

Ade Adesomoju, Abuja

The trial of the immediate past National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), and his co-defendants for alleged diversion of N13bn, part of funds said to be meant for procurement of arms, was stalled before Justice Peter Affen of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday.

Tuesday’s proceedings could not go on due to the failure of the operatives of the Department of State Service to produce the ex-NSA in court ‎on time and the need for the other co-defendants to respond to an application by Dasuki to stop the trial.

Bayelsa Bombing & Water Pollution: When Did Nigerians Become This silly?

With Heavy Heart I Ask When Did Nigerians Become This silly? Multiple bombings of Agip oil pipelines have caused thousands of barrels of oil to pollute waterways, farms and fishing grounds in southern Bayelsa state, residents said. Fishermen say oil flowed unchecked for two days. A spokesman for Italian parent company ENI says 16,000 barrels of oil per day were lost and the company Monday began working to resume production. The rules of the official’s job do not allow him to be quoted by name. Community leader Eke-Spiff Erempagamo says the spill is “massive — the biggest in years” in the Brass local government area. Residents blamed the explosions on Thursday and Friday on militants who want a bigger share of oil revenues for the producing states. The government said similar attacks last week are costing $2.4 million a day.

Surprise, Surprise: ‘Russia’s Military More Advanced Than People Thought’

The Western media seems to be acknowledging the might and capability of Russia’s military, admitting that the country's strategy and tactics outmatch those of its adversaries, and Syria has only “allowed it to showcase” this to the world.


A New York-based online magazine, Business Insider, has published a video which is more explicit than a thousand words, entitled “Russia's military is more advanced than people thought.” It summarizes the recent achievements of the Russian air campaign in Syria.

Week Sixteen of the Russian Intervention in Syria: a US invasion of Syria next?

This article was written for the Unz Review: http://www.unz.com/tsaker/week-sixteen-of-the-russian-intervention-in-syria-a-us-invasion-of-syria-next/

This week was marked by major successes for the Syria military the Sheikh Miskeen region of the Daraa Province in the south of the country. In the meantime in the north, the Syrian Army continues its offensive north of the strategic Kuweires air base. But these military successes were eclipsed by rumors that the US was setting up and air base in northern Syria, possibly near Rmeilan, a town in the al-Hasakah Governorate in the northeast of Syria, and that this might be the preparation for a US ground intervention. Interestingly, the US media also began circulating rumors that the Russian were setting up a 2nd air base in northern Syria. Erdogan even declared that he “would not tolerate” a 2nd Russian air base in Kurdish Syria. And then, of course, there was the statement of Joe Biden who spoke of a US ‘military solution’ in Syria if no negotiated solution could be found. Listen to him claim that the US is capable of “taking out” Daesh: