18 die in another River Niger tragedy

Barely six days after a boat mishap on River Niger claimed several lives in Malale village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, another mishap has occurred leaving no fewer than 18 persons dead. According eyewitness, the accident occurred when a boat conveying people from Kokoli to Ulakami capsized at about 4pm. The passengers were returning from a market in Kokoli, which holds every Thursday. The boat was said to be conveying about 80 people when it split into two, throwing the passengers into the river. A survivor, Umar Ibrahim, who spoke to our correspondent said, “We were in the middle of the 10 kilometre journey, when the boat split into two throwing all of us into the water. People started screaming and falling into the water.” Ibrahim stated that he was able to rescue about 10 women and children adding that the men could take care of themselves and most of them assisted in the rescue to reduce the casualty figure. He added that the intervention of the boat captains and some passengers who could swim also helped to reduce the number of victims. “I thank almighty Allah for using the boat driver and other good swimmers to come to our rescue fast, because the bank of the river was far away from us. The other boat drivers rushed towards us and put those of us that were rescued on their boats. Some people were also very tired,” he added. The village head, Mohammed Garba, confirmed that after the incident, he went round to find out how many people were missing and they recorded 18. Though some villagers, said, “The river is angry because it has not be given its yearly sacrifice,” some were of the opinion that the boat was too old and was not maintained. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Disaster and Emergency Management, Mohammed Saba, appealed to them to remain calm as people were blaming the boat operators for the deaths. Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency has attributed the high level of casualty in the last week’s boat mishap in Tunga Na’ Illo, Borgu Local Government Area of the state, to the lack of the state government’s presence in the area. Speaking at a one-day sensitisation workshop on liquid and solid waste management, organised by the agency in Minna, the Agency’s North Central Coordinator, Mr. Ishaya Isah Chinoko, said “About 70 people died when the boat which was carrying over 100 villagers to the market suddenly developed an engine problem and capsized mid way in the river”. The NEMA boss however maintained that the casualty figure would have been less if there were relevant state government agencies, like the police marine and organised local divers stationed there for rescue purposes in view of the heavy water transport activities in the area.

18 die in another River Niger tragedy

Barely six days after a boat mishap on River Niger claimed several lives in Malale village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, another mishap has occurred leaving no fewer than 18 persons dead. According eyewitness, the accident occurred when a boat conveying people from Kokoli to Ulakami capsized at about 4pm. The passengers were returning from a market in Kokoli, which holds every Thursday. The boat was said to be conveying about 80 people when it split into two, throwing the passengers into the river. A survivor, Umar Ibrahim, who spoke to our correspondent said, “We were in the middle of the 10 kilometre journey, when the boat split into two throwing all of us into the water. People started screaming and falling into the water.” Ibrahim stated that he was able to rescue about 10 women and children adding that the men could take care of themselves and most of them assisted in the rescue to reduce the casualty figure. He added that the intervention of the boat captains and some passengers who could swim also helped to reduce the number of victims. “I thank almighty Allah for using the boat driver and other good swimmers to come to our rescue fast, because the bank of the river was far away from us. The other boat drivers rushed towards us and put those of us that were rescued on their boats. Some people were also very tired,” he added. The village head, Mohammed Garba, confirmed that after the incident, he went round to find out how many people were missing and they recorded 18. Though some villagers, said, “The river is angry because it has not be given its yearly sacrifice,” some were of the opinion that the boat was too old and was not maintained. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Disaster and Emergency Management, Mohammed Saba, appealed to them to remain calm as people were blaming the boat operators for the deaths. Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency has attributed the high level of casualty in the last week’s boat mishap in Tunga Na’ Illo, Borgu Local Government Area of the state, to the lack of the state government’s presence in the area. Speaking at a one-day sensitisation workshop on liquid and solid waste management, organised by the agency in Minna, the Agency’s North Central Coordinator, Mr. Ishaya Isah Chinoko, said “About 70 people died when the boat which was carrying over 100 villagers to the market suddenly developed an engine problem and capsized mid way in the river”. The NEMA boss however maintained that the casualty figure would have been less if there were relevant state government agencies, like the police marine and organised local divers stationed there for rescue purposes in view of the heavy water transport activities in the area.

10 Tips for Preventing Acne

1. Keep your face clean.Whether or not you have acne, it's important to wash your face twice daily to remove impurities, dead skin cells, and extra oil from your skin's surface. Washing more often than twice daily is not necessarily better; it may do more harm than good. Use warm, not hot, water and a mild facialcleanser. Using a harsh soap (like deodorant body soap) can hurt the already inflamed skin and cause more irritation. Avoid scrubbing your skin harshly with a washcloth, exfoliating glove, or loofah (a coarse-textured sponge). Gently wash it with your clean hands or a very soft cloth. Always rinse well, and then dry your face with a clean towel. (Toss the towel in the laundry hamper, as dirty towels spread bacteria.) 2. Moisturize.Many acne products contain ingredients that dry the skin, so always use a moisturizer that minimizes dryness and skin peeling. Look for"noncomedogenic" on the label, which means it shouldnot cause acne. There are moisturizers made for oily, dry, or combination skin. 3. Try an over-the-counter acne product.These acne products don't need a prescription. They may have ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which curb bacteria and dry your skin. Start witha small amount at first. Then you can adjust how muchyou use and how often, depending on how much peeling or drying you have. Use these products with caution if you have sensitive skin. 4. Use makeup sparingly.During a breakout, avoid wearing foundation, powder, or blush. If you do wearmakeup, wash it off at the end of the day. If possible, choose oil-free cosmetics without added dyes and chemicals. Choose makeup that is labeled as"noncomedogenic," meaning it should not cause acne. Read the ingredients list on the product label before buying. 5. Watch what you put on your hair.Avoid using fragrances, oils, pomades, or gels on your hair. If theyget on your face, they can block your skin's pores andirritate your skin. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Oily hair can add to the oil on your face, so wash your hair often, especially if you're breaking out. Got long hair? Keep it pulled away from your face. 6. Keep your hands off your face.Avoid touching yourface or propping your cheek or chin on your hands. Not only can you spread bacteria, you can also irritatethe already inflamed facial skin. Never pick or pop pimples with your fingers, as it can lead to infection and scarring. 7. Stay out of the sun.The sun's ultraviolet rays can increase inflammation and redness. Some acne medications may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Limit your time in the sun, especially betweenthe hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a broad-brimmed hat. Whether you have pimples or not, always apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Look for"noncomedogenic" on the sunscreen label to make new pimples less likely. Read the ingredients on the product label to know what you're putting on your skin.

Nigerian woman Ajibola Obabiyi wins Muslim World Beauty Pageant

21 year old University of Lagos student Obabiyi Aisha Ajibola, beat 19 other beauty hopefuls to emerge Muslimah Queen 2013. Ajibola won the exclusive beauty pageant for Muslim women which took place today Wednesday September 18th in Jakarta, Indonesia. She received 25 million rupiah ($2,200) and trips to Mecca and India as prizes.

The contestants were all required to wear headscarves, covered from head to foot. They were judged on their looks, how well they recited Koranic verses and their views on Islam in the modern world, in front of an audience of mainly religious scholars and devout Muslims

This pageant was actually staged as a retort to the Miss World pageant holding in the same country. The organizers said they wanted to create an awareness within the muslim female community that there is a better form of beauty than the one being portrayed by the Miss World. They said the pageant is Islam's answer to the glamorous Miss World Pageant. Congrats to her!

Samsung Confirms BBM™ on Galaxy Smartphones

Samsung today confirmed that when BBM™, the mobile social network, launches for Android smartphones on the 21st September 2013, it will be available as a free download for Samsung Galaxy smartphones across Africa from the Google Play store.

“We are pleased to officially announce that BBM will be available for Samsung Galaxy smartphones across Africa,” said EmmanouilRevmatas, Director of Hand Held Products, Samsung Electronics West Africa. “We are focused on driving consumer experiences based on customisation to suit every lifestyle. By offering an additional messaging service through our Samsung Messaging Hub, it has never been easier to stay connected. This is another way that we are providing our customers with a more integrated lifestyle experience and a powerful new way of communicating and sharing. It’s really about giving the African market what they want – and what they want is choice.”

New Music: Kcee - Pull Over ft Wizkid

New music from Kcee featuring Wizkid. Listen to it  and tell us what you think...

Mourinho Takes ''Responsibility'' For Tuesday’s Loss, Says His Strikers Are Fine.

Jose Mourinho insist there is nothing wrong with his striking option despite having the trio of Samuel Eto’O, Fernando Torres and Demba Ba hit the back of the net just once out of the seven goals ‘The Blues’ have accrued in their opening six matches- £50m signing, Torres’ opener in the Uefa Super Cup defeat by Bayern Munich.

Put the Blame on Me: On the Back of Chelsea’s Worst Start to a Premier League Campaign in a Decade, They Lost to Basel.

Swiss champions Basel stunned Chelsea 2-1 in their opening Group E match at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. Mourinho named new £30m signing Willian, and Eto’O in his starting lineup, while Ba was a second-half substitute; Torres was not listed in a squad Mourinho personally described as “young eggs.”

“When we lose I don’t speak about the players or individuals. I speak about my responsibility,” the Portuguese manager said.

“I am happy with the three strikers for the rest of the season.”

Chelsea dominated possession in the opening hour of the game, but failed to create chances with only Oscar’s half-time strike evident from the team’s effort.

The home side forced six corners in the first-half, without being able to convert from one of those set pieces.

They paid for their lack of precision in front of the visitors’ goal when Mohamed Salah, who also scored on the same ground in the Europa Cup last season, leveled for the visitors.

Skipper Marco Streller escaped two Chelsea markers to head home the match winner with eight minutes to go.

But Mourinho believes Chelsea will have to return for pay back when they play Basel in the final group game of the campaign, stressing that the team now needs away victories as much as they must win their home games with matches against German side Schalke and Romanian champions Steaua Bucharest also forthcoming.

“We lost three points that we must get somewhere,” said Mourinho. “We must get them, in Basel, or Shalke, or Bucharest, or all of them or some of them.

“Normally you have to win the matches at home and get a few points away. Now we must win six points at home. Schalke and Steaua, but we have also to win points away.

“But the objective of finishing in the top two in the group phase and to go to the next stage of theChampions League is an objective that is not lost- far from it.

“It ‘s an objective we’re going to fight for and it’s an objective that I believe very, very much that we’re going to achieve.”

HOW TO DOWNLOAD FROM YOUTUBE ON ANY MOBILE DEVICE

here is a new way of saving you time and money.with this you can download any movie from youtube.all you have to do is to follow the following step
step1:goto to www.youtube.com...after click on the video that you want to watch.then copy the link.
step2:open another link and goto savefrom.net...and paste the link you copied earlier.anoda download 3gp or mp4 if it's for mobile

Jenifa 4 On The Way; Funke Akindele Confirms Part 4 of her Blockbuster Movie“Jenifa” Is In Works

Ronaldo notches another milestone

t was a historic night at Windsor Park, and Cristiano Ronaldo has always had a strong sense of history. As Northern Ireland prepared to get the bulldozers in and revamp their national stadium, Portugal's captain was aiming to equal Eusebio's record of 41 international goals -- as the country's second highest all-time scorer -- at the very ground where A Pantera Negra scored his final goal for his country in March 1973.

Ronaldo got his metaphorical garlands -- and his matchball -- in the end, with his hat-trick pulling his team out of a dangerous situation. This was, however, no mere procession. As has been the way of things in this qualifying campaign, Portugal did this with an acute sado-masochism. Arriving in Belfast, they had been through the wringer since October's game between the two, when they had been a shambles under torrential rain and against a steadfast green rearguard at the Dragao.

Late avoidance of defeat in Israel and a laboured win in Azerbaijan gave way to victory over Russia and Lisbon, and a surprise defeat in Belfast for Fabio Capello's men which gave a glimmer of opportunity for Paulo Bento's side. Portugal still had work to do here. By the time we were underway, Russia had already got back on track -- as foreseen -- with a routine 4-1 win over Luxembourg in Moscow.

There is resourcefulness in this Portugal as much as there is chaos, but they shouldn't have had to dig deep even at an appropriately noisy Windsor Park. Even at their nadir in Porto back in autumn, they had pulled a point from the bottom of a deep hole. Here, after a steady start, Bento's men managed to dig themselves a fresh one from scratch.

In a steady start, it looked as if Ronaldo might not need to be at full pelt for Portugal to get the win necessary to keep the pressure on Russia. He was a mere distraction for the home defence at Joao Moutinho's 21st minute corner, allowing the lurking Bruno Alves to finish deftly from the edge of the area and finished when a limp clearance came out to him.

Some sort of rhythm followed, and Vieirinha almost put the finishing touch to a flowing move from the left, with Roy Carroll down sharply to save. It was a cause for optimism, with Portugal never guaranteed to flow. In terms of selection, Bento is extremely loyal -- or unadventurous, depending on your point of view -- meaning he is often a hostage of fate. Yet his chosen ones were in good nick going into this, with his front three a particular case in point. Ronaldo had sharpened his shooting boots against Athletic last weekend, Vierinha continues to be influential for Wolfsburg and Helder Postiga put a pair past Barcelona last weekend to take his tally to three in three for new club Valencia. There was strength on the bench too, though Bento's hand had been forced a little through injuries, meaning the in-form Lica (Porto), Nelson Oliveira (Rennes) and Adrien Silva (Sporting) were drafted in after the initial list was released.

There were, however, questions at the other end. Fabio Coentrao's aborted late move to Manchester United had brought him back into the headlines after a spell on the periphery. He may well have proved an asset to David Moyes, as he habitually provides Portugal with an extra attacking dimension, but his lack of match sharpness began to show here when the home side attacked, as he was slipped a feint or two by an increasingly confident Niall McGinn.

PA PhotosCristiano Ronaldo celebrates after netting his second goal against Northern Ireland.

The goals either side of half-time which put Portugal into a losing position were predictable in their origin, with the excellent Gareth McAuley heading in Shane Ferguson's in-swinging corner and Rui Patricio then unable to hold onto a Jonny Evans header from another Ferguson delivery and (an admittedly offside) Jamie Ward bundling it into the net. Some might say that McAuley made a potentially crucial contribution between times as the protagonist in Postiga's red card, just before half-time, but the West Bromwich Albion man did his best to save the Portuguese, staying on his feet after the forward foolishly nodded his head into the defender's face.

At 2-1 down and a man down, Portugal were in real trouble. There were given a lifeline thanks to a moment of madness by Chris Brunt, whose lunging tackle on Joao Pereira earned him a second yellow right on the hour making in ten-a-side, but Ronaldo still emerged to make a difference on a night which seemed destined to be inauspicious. He had seemed close to losing it himself in the first half, taking a booking for his protests in the immediate aftermath of the Postiga sending-off and then unwisely hanging around to complain to the fourth official as the teams left the pitch for the interval, pointing to his calf conspiratorially as he complained of rough treatment.

He had been under the cosh in Belfast before, as a 20-year-old in a November 2005 friendly -- a 1-1 draw during which he was frequently whistled. He got the same treatment here from his very first touch here, drawing a hail of boos from the off, follow by a few rounds of 'Messi' before the Windsor stands swelled to a chorus of 'You're just a cheap Gareth Bale.' Being Cristiano, he wasn't disposed to turn the other cheek, pulling out his best flicks and drag backs like a footballing version of Eminem in '8 Mile'.

Despite ending the match on top, he spent much of the night here as the heaving-in-the-bathroom hopeful of the film's opening scenes, rather than the dextrous, strutting freestyler on a Detroit dive's stage in the climax. Yet he found a way, firstly with an imperious near-post header from a Moutinho corner, then with another from a central position from a Coentrao cross - with an overworked defence distracted by the significant presence of the impressive substitute Nelson Oliveira. The hat-trick followed with a driven free-kick through a flimsy defensive wall.

So Portugal continue to thrill under Bento, and Ronaldo continues to save. But for how long can they keep getting out of these scrapes?

#InCaseYouMissedIt: Rapper, MI Abaga named Lagos state ambassador for energy

Nigerian rapper, M.I is has been named the Lagos state ambassador for energy, by the Lagos state government. The good news was confirmed from his tweets which read:

MI is still holding the position as  the UN ambassador for the smuggling of migrants and is also a Glo ambassador.
To find out more about MI’s activities as Lagos State Ambassador for energy, follow him on Twitter (@MI_Abaga), Google + (MI Abaga), and Facebook (M.I). We say a big congratulations to the Chairman.
Read more tweets below:

Davido says Forbes Africa Is ‘Balu’

It looks like Nigerian bad boy, Davido has something to say to Forbes Africa  for making a list of the Top Ten Most bankable and richest African artists without adding his name to the list. He wrote posted the comments “Forbes Balu’ on twitter. Though I dont know what balu means it I’m sure it doesn’t mean ‘Forbes Rocks!”. The list was put together using factors such as endorsement value, popularity, show rates, sales, awards, YouTube views, appearance in newspapers, investment, social media presence, Influence and so many other factors besides being a rich kid. LOL.mayb because his name was not in the top ten.

Davido Shows Off His New Girlfriend

The dude wants you guys to know he has upgraded with a new babe. I hear her name is Funmi Aboderin.

Funmi is said to be a student of University of Durham, and she is also said to be madly in love with the young musician. Hope they are for real sha....Cute!

 

Winners emerge in 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards

The 8th edition of Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA) took place recently, in New York, United States of America and it was hosted by Basket Mouth.
The event focused on recognising the contributions of African entertainers to the global entertainment industry, and it is also aimed at promoting the image and culture of Nigeria.
Opening the event was Sean Tizzle performing on stage, Dammy Krane, Olamide & Phyno and more.
Below is the full list of nominations and their winners:
Best Album Of The Year
YBNL – Olamide
Hottest Single Of The Year
Kukere – Iyanya
Best New Act Of The Year
Burna Boy
Gospel Artiste/Group Of The Year
Sammy Okposo
Best Pop/R&B Artist Of The Year
Davido
Best Rap Act Of The Year
Ice Prince
Music Producer Of The Year
Spellz
Most Promising Male Act
Endia
Most Promising Female Act To Watch
Emma Nyra
Best International Artist
JJC
Best Indigenous Artist/Group
Olamide
Best Collabo
Ghost Mode – Phyno & Olamide
Best Lead Actress In Film
Rita Dominic
Best Supporting Actor In Film
Ali Nuhu
Best Film Director
Tunde Kelani (Maami)
Best TV Show
Big Brother Africa
Pan African Actor
John Dumelo
Pan African Actress
Nadia Buhari
World DJ
DJ Bayo (UK)
Best Comedian
Basket Mouth
Entertainment Promoter
Coko Bar
Radio On Air/TV Personality
Freeze – Cool FM
TV Personality
Labi Layori
Entertainment Blog
NotJustOk

Don Jazzy, P-Square, D’Banj top Forbes Africa richest artistes lists •Winners emerge in 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards

Channel O and Forbes Africa has presented the top 10 most bankable/richest artistes in Africa. This list was put together using factors such as endorsement value, popularity, show rates, sales, awards, YouTube views, appearance in newspapers, investment, social media presence, influence and so many other factors. The list shows the African artistes making the most money in Africa.

Below are the top10 list:
1. AKON – CEO of Konvict Music, opened doors with other African artistes
2. Don Jazzy – Producer. CEO Mavin Records, MTN, Samsung and Loya Milk endorsement. D’Banj, Kanye West, Beyonce and Jay Z on production credits.
3. P-Square – Music Duo. Featured on Forbes Africa twice, sold out concerts, presidential guest in at least five African countries, they fly private jets.
4. D’Banj – Music Artiste. G.O.O.D Music deal, Sony Entertainment deal
5. Wizkid – Music Artiste. EME artiste, Starboy CEO, affiliation with Disturbing London, several international collaborations, highest paid Pepsi ambassador in Africa, ambassador of MTN
6. 2FACE Idibia – Music Artiste. Ten million CDs and at least seven million digital sales, one campaign… associated with Guinness, Haven Homes, Airtel Worldwide and philantropist – 2face foundation
7. Anselmo Ralph – Musically Artiste Samsung and Coca Cola ambassador, Perfume line, clothing label, multimillion dollar tour bus, Sony artiste.
8. Sarkodie – Rapper. Youth ambassador Ghana, Sark clothing, Samsung ambassador, Fan Milk Ghana ambassador.
9. Ice Prince – Artiste. Six million downloads, two studio owner, one foundation member, Plug N Play ambassador, Zamani foundation.
10. Banky W – Artiste. Co owner EME, Samsung Ambassador, philanthropist, multiple award winner.

Channel O Award 2013… Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid others battle for honours

AHEAD of this year’s edition of the Channel O Africa Music Award, which marks the 10th anniversary of the project, organisers have released the list of nominees in Lagos, revealing an open field in the race to claim Africa’s most prestigious music awards.
  Nominees in the 14 categories included multiple double nods for over 10 artists, from East, West and Southern African, reflecting the outpouring of world-class music videos on the continent over the past year. It’s now up to fans to vote for their favourites in this public-voted event, with more than two months for the continent’s music fans to have their say.
  The list features many longstanding members of the African music scene such as South Africa’s Oskido (TsaMandebele for Most Gifted African Southern), Zimbabwe’s Buffalo Souljah (Basawine for Most Gifted Ragga Dancehall Video), and Mozambique’s Lizha James (VaisRochar with Anselmo Ralph for Most Gifted Female).
  The list of nominees is also has new faces, including the five contenders in the Most Gifted Newcomer category – South Africans Moneoa (Is’Bhanxa) and Idols Season 8 winner KhayaMthethwa (Move), Nigeria’s Lola Rae (Watch My Ting Go), Burna Boy (Tonight) and Kenya’s Victoria Kimani (Mtoto). The multiplicity of genres emerging in this highlight category of the 10th Annual Channel O Africa Music Video Awards – from Dance Pop to contemporary Afrobeat and Afro-fusion – provides a brilliant glimpse into the diversity of sounds that currently define Africa’s music scene.
  To celebrate a decade of recognising the best African contemporary music talent, the 10th Annual Channel O Africa Music Awards has expanded the prestigious Most Gifted Video of the Year category to 12 nominees, increasing the pressure on nominees in the most fiercely fought category at the awards. The category again reveals the mix of newcomers and established artists at this year’s event – a signal of the growing maturity of Africa’s music scene.
  South African duo Mafikizolo’s Khona is up for Most Gifted Video of the Year as well as Most Gifted Dance Video, and Nigeria’s P-Square proves their ongoing popularity with the nomination of Alingo for the Most Gifted Video of the Year as well as Most Gifted African West. 
  But the Most Gifted Video of the Year category also includes hotshot newcomers, among them Kenya’s Xtatic whose track with Priddy Ugly and AKA, Hit ‘Em Up is making a strong bid for the title (as well as Most Gifted Duo Group or Featuring). AKA himself is making his presence felt at this year’s awards: featuring spots with Xtatic and Zeus, his video Jealously is in the running for Most Gifted Video of the Year and Most Gifted Hip Hop Video. 
  Another nominee in the Most Gifted Video of the Year category is Kenya’s STL whose Stella StellaStella has also put her in contention for Most Gifted Female where she’s up against Lizha James (VaisRochar), South Africa’s Zonke (Feelings) and ToyaDeLazy (Heart) as well as Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage (Without My Heart featuring Don Jazzy).
  Most Gifted Male includes Botswana’s Zeus featuring AKA and Tumi, Datswasup (also in the running for Most Gifted Video of the Year) along with Nigeria’s Iyanya (Flavour) and Wizkid (Azonto), South Africa’s Donald (Over The Moon) and Tanzania’s Ay featuring Marco Chali (Party Zone).
  Whether it’s in the heavy hitting categories, or the genre and regional categories, there’s no doubting that the 10th Annual Channel O Africa Music Video Awards has all the makings of a thrilling affair when the live event takes place on Saturday, November 30 at Walter Sisulu Square, in Kliptown, Soweto, South Africa.

10 things you must tell your teenage girl

1. The truth about spots

Tell your daughter that spots or blackheads are not caused by these things: greasy food; not exfoliating; not washing enough or properly; not drinking enough water; germs on the skin; chocolate; bad karma.
Spots and blackheads are caused by blockages caused by sebum, which you often have much more of when you're a teenager, because of certain hormone misbehaviour. Sebum blocks the pores from underneath, and then bacteria or inflammation causes the spot.
Good spot creams take a few weeks to work because they stop new ones from forming, so she has to be patient. She should ask her doctor or pharmacist about which ones might work for her.

2. Body changes are natural

Don't say to your daughter: "you're getting fat", "that's a worry, you've gone up a size", or "you can't fit into that uniform any more". She is supposed to be growing and going up sizes in her teenage years - her skeleton doubles in size during these years, for a start.
Always say clothes are too small - don't make it seem that she is too big. Frame any comment about bodies in terms of health and what she can do with her body (run, play sport, dance, walk up stairs without puffing.) Tell her sizes are all mixed up depending on the brand. If you're a woman, explain that in your wardrobe you have different label sizes on your clothes but they all fit you.
Talk with your girl about things she can say when somebody comments on her body shape and size, or is mean and insulting to her. Responses could include: "Go away, you're boring me"; "I'm the right shape for me"; "Mind your own body image"; "Oh, get a grip"; "Who made you the Body Police?"; "Don't worry about me changing my size - can you change your attitude?"
Bullies, and even siblings and other relatives, will often use mean words like "fat" or draw attention to new breasts and other changes. Girls who filled in the survey for my book, Girl Stuff, told me they could remember, even years later, the comment that set them on the road to an eating disorder.

3. Alcohol should be taken seriously

New research shows that girls who are given alcohol before the age of 18 by their parents are more likely to develop a drinking problem. Explain to her that alcohol has a stronger effect on the teenage brain because her brain is still forming properly. This doesn't make her more "stupid" than adults (after all, many grown-ups with "finished" brains make bad decisions); it just means she needs to be smarter than the people who don't realise that their binge drinking could lead to embarrassment and, in severe cases, brain damage.
So many girls told me (even though I didn't even ask this question) that they regretted their first sexual experience because it happened when they were drunk and out of control, and instead of being a moving experience they chose to have, it was a horrible experience that they can't even remember properly. If you possibly can, make sure you pick up your daughter from parties and other events so you can assess her state. Lots of girls sleep at their friends' place where the supervision may not be the same as at home.

4. Talk openly about family problems

If you're in a family that is separating, it can be a turbulent time in which a teenager's questions and feelings are accidentally overlooked. I consulted a few experts about the ways families can keep up communication, and there are also some useful websites. Teens can try sites such as divorceaid.co.uk (click on teens) and itsnotyourfault.org. Parents can get help from caffcass.gov.uk (the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service).

5. It's OK to say no to sex

Have a talk with your daughter that allows the possibility that she has gone further than she wanted to in terms of sexual experience. Reassure her that she can always "go backwards". There are lots of things she can do and say to make herself feel better about this. Make her understand that she still gets to say no to everything she wants to even though she may have said yes in the past, or have been pressured into something.
Be aware that if your teenager is going out with an older partner, the older he is, the more likely he will want sex, expect sex, and even have picked up a sexually transmitted infection. Obviously you don't want to paint him as a sex-crazed predator, as this may make her more protective of him. Some parents will immediately forbid contact, while others will urge the use of condoms.

6. There's nothing wrong with body hair

Even though your daughter will hear a lot about needing to take off all her body hair (in magazines, on websites and from friends), you can help counter this. Explain that it's partly because companies that sell hair removal products spend millions of pounds on advertisements and influence magazine and website editors to say it's a good idea. One product in the USA is aimed at 10- to 13-year-olds.
You can let her know that even though people talk about it, only a minority of girls and women remove all their pubic hair. Some of the possible problems she can expect to get if she does remove her pubic hair include: pain from waxing; cuts from shaving; sore rashes and other skin conditions; uncomfortable itching as it grows back; ingrown hairs; spending too much money as she can't really do it herself in such an awkward place; the embarrassment of a stranger looking at her private parts up close; and a weird bald look that makes her seem like a little girl.

7. Helping others will help you

One of the great things about girls is they're often keen to do charity or other community work. See if there's an organisation that you can join together, or one that she can be involved in with her friends. This could be environmental or political, or something to work towards as a gap year later on. It's a cliché but it's true: busy people are less likely to get into trouble. It also means there's something you can praise her for, which she will really appreciate.

8. Life doesn't always go to plan

Make sure your daughter knows that you understand the occasional necessity for a Plan B, C, or even further down the alphabet. If she doesn't pass the exam, or doesn't make the team, help her with back-up ideas that makes life seem like a series of choices rather than just a matter of "making it" or "failing". Tell her life is all about choices and changes.

9. There are smart ways to stay safe

When you talk to her about safety - on the computer, on the street, on public transport or out and about at parties or clubs - frame it in a way that praises her for being smart enough to outwit potential dangers and problems. Don't just give her a set of rules. Role play will help her know what to say or do in real situations.
Sometimes girls will put themselves in danger rather than risk embarrassment - offer to be the "bad guy", and have a code. For example, if she rings you while with a group of friends and says don't be mad, she'll feed the cat when she gets home, it secretly means she needs you to come and get her straight away. You can be the "mean parent" who insists it was your idea, and she gets to save face.

10. How to manage money

Talk to her about the tricks that advertisers and shops use to pretend she's getting a bargain or must have an "essential item". When she's old enough, show her the household budget so she knows how much it can cost for food, rent and so on. She'll understand why you keep banging on about budgeting.