MALI HOTEL ATTACK

Menace: It seems like Islamic State are competing among themselves. Popularity is a crown to gain. It was a clear target to what it represents; international civilians were killed. The incident was bound to be global, and by doing so they want media attention.

MALI Hostage Siege: A Nine hour siege left at least 27 people dead. 140 guests and 30 staff were held hostages when heavily armed gunmen stormed the Luxurious Radisson Blu hotel in Bamoka Mali's capital on Friday.
*Two militants are among those killed.

"Like the heinous attack in Paris, and attacks we see all too often elsewhere; this is another reminder of the scourge of terrorism, " Barack Obama said, speaking in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday morning.

Chinese Foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei also expressed condolence for the victims and their families: "China expresses indignation and strongly condemns this atrocity."

Reuters Reports: Al Qaeda affiliated terrorists group claimed credit for the attack. The government of Mali declared a 10 day state of emergency, and a three-day mourning peroid which had began today.

Twitter Comment by David Berke@berkesaw said "Mourn #Mali too. They may not have a Tower, but now they too are victims of Islamic terrorism. And yes, I said it. What it is, it is."

AFP: Security source says authorities in Mali are reportedly searching for at least three suspects over hotel attack. 

By: Nelly Portia

Image&Source by Mali Info/News showing militants(outside)surrounding Radisson Hotel.

JONES CAUSED A STORM IN CAPE TOWN

It was uncertain, and now it's been confirmed that Eddie Jones is the new England Rugby coach.

Jones had only been in Cape Town for 8 days to begin his work as the Head Coach of the DHL Stormers, and with no less than 2 months after signing with Stormers Super Rugby.

The 55 year-old Australian succeeded Stuart Lancaster, who left England after disastrous 2015 RWC campaign. The former Australia and Japan coach will stay on till December to assist Western Province Director of Rugby Gert Smal with onfield preparation.

WP President Thelo Wakefield: "It's pity to lose Eddie before he make his mark but you can't keep someone against his will."

Western Province Rugby has agreed terms with the Rugby Football Union to release Jones from a three contract. "While I am excited about the opportunity to coach England, I'm very disappointed to be leaving the Stormers, " said Eddie Jones.

"When I was appointed at Western Province Rugby, there was no vacancy within the RFU and I never envisaged this opportunity to come forward, " he added.

Eddie Jones, (Image) who led Japan to the RWC by winning 3 matches became England's first foreign Head Coach.

RICHIE CALLS IT A DAY

After winning a successive two rugby world cups, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has announced his retirement with immediate effect on Thursday.

The announcement comes in the awakening news of former New Zealand rugby player's passing, Jonah Lomu on Wednesday. Lomu died of kidney disease at age 40.

Richie McCaw: "I sit here today with no regrets over what I have done as rugby player. I think I played some of my best rugby over those last couple of weeks."

The 34 year-old, flanker is the most capped international rugby player in history with this year when he surpassed a record of 148th test and captain 110 matches(all- time record). McCaw won three World Rugby Player of the Year awards in 2006, 2009 and 2010. He also led New Zealand to successive world cup victories in 2011 an 2015. Recorded 97 wins, 11 defeats and 2 draws

"I am going to be hanging up my boots. My last game for the All Blacks and as a professional rugby player was the World Cup final a couple of weeks ago, "McCaw told a news conference in Wellington on Thursday. He made his Test debut in 2001 and was appointed captain in 2004. After a 15 year glittering career he's been hailed as the greatest rugby player of all time, and leaving behind a remarkable memorable legacy.

"We are very proud of him. He made all New Zealanders proud. You couldn't pick the right time to do this, everyone knows that you got to wait for the right time, " said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.

Meanwhile in South Africa: Legendary Springbok centre John Gainsford passed away on Wednesday morning, at age 77 following a long battle with cancer.

Source: SS Blitz

Today: Richie McCaw (image)at the press conference.

JOHNSON BOWS OUT

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has retired from all forms of international cricket after today's second Test match against New Zealand at the WACA in Perth.

Johnson took two wickets on the final day as the 2nd Test match finished in a draw. "My career has certainly had its up and downs but I can honestly say I have given it all my all and am proud of everything I have achieved. To win an Ashes series and a World Cup is something I will treasure forever, "said Johnson.

He is the fourth leading wicket-taker for Australia with 313 wickets in 73 matches at an average of 28.52 and best of 8-81. Also 239 wickets in one- day internationals. The 34 year-old was named ICC Player of the Year in 2009 and 2014.

Source: SS Blitz and ABC media 

"I've given the decision a lot of thought....

Latest Updates: Paris Attacks

What started as an ordinary Friday night ended in blood bath.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for Paris attacks. Say,  "they've responded to airstrike attack in Syria". Death toll rises to 132 after three die in hospitals, and  99 are critically injured.

French Investigators have identified one of 7 attackers.
A Syrian passport was found near attacker, registered as refugee in October. Three terrorists arrested in Belgium and France. Meanwhile, six relatives of first identified attacker detained in France.

On Sunday, crowds gathered at Notre Dame Cathedral to remember those who lost their lives on Friday's attacks.

Worldwide Condemnation

Francois Hollande: "Nation must stand firm"
Vladimir Putin: "Attacks justify even stronger fight against jihadists"
Barack Obama: Outrageous attack, not just on people of France but this is an attack on all humanity"
Jacob Zuma: "SA stands with France"
UK: "We will do whatever we can to help"- David Cameron and Chinese President XI Junping offered condolences.
In Turkey: G20(Summit) to resolve differences on Syria to wipe out terrorism.

Nelly Portia 

Memorial Service: Crowds gathered at Notre Dame

PARIS TERROR ATTACKS

France is reeling from last night coordinated gunshots and bomb attacks across Paris.

Over 3 hour period, multiple shootings and bomb attacks were heard across the French capital. More than 128 people killed when gunmen opened fire at Bataclan concert hall where the US rock band was performing. While, 200 people injured and 80 butchered inside the concert hall alone. Eagles of Death Metal, band survived concert attack. 

Three suicide blast near Stade de France stadium

Several explosions went off at the National Sports Stadium where France was playing in a friendly match. France president Francois Hollande, was at the match when a bomb blast went. He was safely evacuated, and rushed to the Bataclan tragedy side. Attacks comes just after 10 months of Islamic Extremists in the country.

Hollande: "Will show no mercy to attack. We will not let you do this to us, we will deal with you in the French way". He described the attacks as an 'act of war' and unprecedented. State of emergency declared across country and 3 days of National mourning.

People shot dead at restaurants and bars in the city. The worst attack was at a Rock concert where gunmen were shooting hostages.

OFFICIALS STATS

Police: 4 attackers killed at Bataclan concert hall. Believe all 8 attackers are dead, but the hunt is on for accomplices. 7 killed by their suicide vests(blew themselves up)
*1,500 military personnel deployed in Paris.

Source: courtesy-France 24

Nelly Portia

Heart breaking- Images of the terror attacks at Bataclan Theatre and football stadium.

COMPONENTS OF THOUGHTS

Watch your thoughts carefully,  you become them. Whatever you're about to say today or tomorrow think first, it may affects others or destroy your reputation.

Bob Marley once said: "The good times of today, are the sad thoughts of tomorrow".

Remember, do more listening less talking- it helps to pay attention and stay focused in Life. "Character is a word that seems to define almost all human activity and some..."

Power is what you do and character is what you are" -Richard Reeves-