Captures Norwegian, Chinese men
Islamic State claims it has taken Grimsgaard-Ofstad, a Norwegian, and Fan, a freelance consultant from Beijing, hostage. The Dabiq online magazine posts photos of the men wearing yellow prison outfits, but does not say where or when they were captured. The magazine lists a telegram number for:
whoever would like to pay the ransom for his release and transfer.
Norwegian Prime Minister Solberg says Grimsgaard-Ofstad was captured at the end of January.
The kidnappers have presented a series of demands and significant amounts of ransom money,. We cannot give in and won’t give in to pressure from terrorists and criminals. Norway does not pay ransom…Our goal is to get our citizen home. But let me be very clear, this is a very demanding case.
Chinese officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
U.S.: Russia building military in Syria
The U.S says that Russia is continuing its military buildup in Syria. Aerial imagery shows Russia two tank-landing ships have recently arrived at Tartus and about a dozen Russian armored personnel carriers are now at the Bassel al-Assad airport, named after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s older brother. An Antonov-124 Condor military transporter had flown into the airport, bringing the total number of transport flights to at least four in recent days. Despite the buildup of military equipment, officials noted there was no immediate indication Russia had sent in any ordnance or heavy weaponry. A US military official says “under 50” Russian troops had arrived in Syria in recent days. The Russian naval infantry that are already in Syria say their mission is to protect their military hardware rather joining the war. U.S official:
There’s not consensus in the intelligence community about what it means. You have to take what Russia says with a grain of salt because they haven’t always been transparent and honest about their intentions.
Used banned IV before Pacquiao fight
SB Nation reports that Mayweather took saline and vitamins injections which had been banned under World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines. Although the substances contained in the IV were not banned by WADA, whose standards United States Anti-Doping Agency says it follows, the fact that they were given intravenously was not allowed. WADA rules do not allow intravenous infusions or injections of more than 50 milliliters per six hours “except for those legitimately received in the course of hospital admissions, surgical procedures, or clinical investigations” because they can be used to “dilute or mask the presence of another substance.” Three weeks after the fight Mayweather received exemption from the USADA, however Nevada State Athletic Commission said such an exemption could not be granted, unless by them. USADA statement:
Although Mr. Mayweather’s application was not approved until after his fight with Mr. Pacquiao and all tests results were reported, Mr. Mayweather did disclose the infusion to USADA in advance of the IV being administered to him. Furthermore, once the TUE [therapeutic use exemption] was granted, the NSAC and Mr. Pacquiao were immediately notified even though the practice is not prohibited under NSAC rules.
Mayweather:
Let’s not forget that I was the one six years ago who insisted on elevating the level of drug testing for all my fights. As a result, there is more drug testing and awareness of its importance in the sport of boxing today than ever before. I am very proud to be a clean athlete and will continue to champion the cause.
While Mayweather was given an exemption three weeks after the fight, Pacquiao was denied a request to be injected with the legal painkiller Toradol on fight night to ease pain in his injured rotator cuff, which he had surgery on after the bout. The commission declined Pacquiao’s request because it was not made in a timely manner, and he had not previously disclosed the injury.
Homo naledi announcement
Two years after a tip off by cavers who found bones in limestone tunnels in the Rising Star Cave outside Johannesburg, Berger and his team announce the discovery of a new species of human relative, Homo naledi, that appears to have buried its dead. Berger’s team comes up with the theory a few days after reaching an isolated chamber where the fossils — consisting of infants, children, adults and elderly individuals — were found. Homo naledi stood about five feet tall, had long legs, and its feet are almost identical to humans, although its fingers are longer and curved.
There is no damage from predators, there is no sign of a catastrophe. We had to come to the inevitable conclusion that Homo naledi, a non-human species of hominid, was deliberately disposing of its dead in that dark chamber. Why, we don’t know. Until the moment of discovery of ‘naledi,’ I would have probably said to you that it was our defining character. The idea of burial of the dead or ritualized body disposal is something utterly uniquely human. We have just encountered another species that perhaps thought about its own mortality, and went to great risk and effort to dispose of its dead in a deep, remote, chamber right behind us. It absolutely questions what makes us human. And I don’t think we know anymore what does.
Buys $7.7m Hidden Hills mansion
Drake buys a $7.7 million Hidden Hills mansion that he had previously been renting. The compound was originally listed for $27 million in January 2009. It dropped to $9.95 million in November 2011. The 12,500-square-foot house in the gated community has seven beds and nine baths. The interior has a wine cellar/tasting room, built-in library, game room, spa/massage room, master suite with his-and-hers bathrooms, and a 24-seat theater. The interior is fully designed with soaring ceilings and arched wood beams. The plot also contains commercial bathrooms, five-stall horse facilities with riding area, a mechanical bull, tennis court, a sand volleyball court, and viewing pavilions. It also features a large pool with grotto and wet bar.
Shows African mansion
Despite his bankruptcy, Jackson posts an Instagram of an African mansion he is building. bankruptcy. He doesn’t mention the location.
My crib is almost finished in AFRICA. I’m gonna have the craziest House warming party ever…I’ll explain later. I got a good life Man.
https://instagram.com/p/7QMLYQsL04/
England 2-0 Switzerland
England beat Switzerland in the European Championship Qualifiers. Kane scores in 67 minutes. Skipper Rooney scores a penalty with six minutes to go, breaking Bobby’s Charlton’s record with 50 goals in 107 matches. Manager Hodgson:
I wasn’t at all satisfied with the first half. But Wayne is the story of the night. I’m still happy too that despite not playing anywhere near our best we were still able to win the game against a good team. We are so delighted for Wayne. We made a small presentation in the dressing room to Wayne, a football shirt with 50 on the back. He gave a very good speech in accepting that. I don’t think Sir Bobby Charlton will be too disappointed.
Possible Watford move
Balotelli says he wants to stay in England and is drawing interest from Watford.