Why Apple's 2014 won't be like 2013

Hundreds of people await the iPhone 5S and 5C launch at Apple's Fifth Avenue store in Manhattan.

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

As 2013 draws to a close, Tim Cook is feeling good. The holiday quarter once again proved that Apple's products and stores can draw a crowd. Pent-up demand for new iPhones and iPads was satisfied once again, and Apple's reputation as a purveyor of objects of desire was reaffirmed. As a reward, Apple' stock price hit a 52-week high this month.
Apple's precision-engineered, meticulously designed, mass-produced objects of desire are not the most advanced or clever computing machines. Many Android devices are tricked out with more pixels and features. Nor is Apple the undisputed market share leader, which is not the company's first priority.

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Get Ur bustiers &canes ready, a Burlesque Soiree is coming to town

The Amarelis Burlesque Soiree,is happening from 3-8pm on the 15th of December 2013 @ the Ember Creek, 32 Awolowo Rd Ikoyi, Lagos...

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Sign language translator at Nelson Mandela's memorial was a fake!

e!

How embarrassing! Lol. According to South Africa's Deaf Federation, the sign translator who was seen by millions of people on TV translating at Nelson Mandela's Memorial Service yesterday was a fake, who was making up his own signs. SADF said the man, seen moving his hands beside world leaders as they gave their speech at FNB stadium, communicated nothing that made sense. 

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Brazil 2014: FIFA World Cup Finals Draw

The 2014 FIFA World Cup draw took place in Brazil today and Nigeria will play against Argentina, Iran and Bosnia-something...lol. Nigeria's opening game will be against Iran and even though Bosnia looks like it will be an easy game for us,

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How Nelson Mandela transcended race barriers to become a symbol of resistance and exemplar of human generosity of spirit

Symbol: Nelson Mandela, pictured at his South African home in 2010, 'triumphed as a symbol of national reconciliation between South Africa's races'

Nelson Mandela was the most famous black man in history.
He transcended race barriers to become an exemplar of human generosity of spirit. His towering personality made possible the peaceful transfer of power in South Africa from white minority to black majority rule.  
If he was less effective as president of his country than he had been as the symbol of resistance to apartheid, he demonstrated statesmanship unmatched in Africa.
He inspired love as much as respect, and became regarded by hundreds of millions of people as a secular saint.
More was asked of him, and sometimes claimed for him, than any mortal man could deliver. But the world has been a fractionally better place, because Nelson Mandela lived in it.
He was born into African aristocracy, a descendant of kings of the Thembu people, in Transkeiin 1918. 
His father had four wives, among whom his mother ranked third.
He was the first of his family to attend school, and it was his teacher who gave him the English name Nelson in place of his given name, Rolihlahla.
At 19, he attended Fort Hare University, where he soon became involved in student politics - or rather, in organising a boycott of them.
Rejecting a marriage arranged for him by his tribal elders, he became briefly a mine guard, then was articled to a Johannesburg law firm.
He began living in the Alexandra black township, and started law studies at Witwatersrand University, where he met fellow students and future political activists Ruth First, Joe Slovo and Harry Schwarz.
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Party time: Nelson Mandela celebrates his 94th birthday in July last year surrounded by his family

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Top Down Deals offers largest video game promotion in town

It's the most wonderful time of the year as Christmas draws close. Let Topdowndeals make your holiday shopping a cheer to your heart and relief on your wallets / purses by offering your favorite Video Games & consoles at the cheapest prices. Topdowndeals carries the largest selection of Play Station 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii, DS and 3DS products in Nigeria. 

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Paul Walker's cause of death revealed; he burned to death

The L.A County Coroners Office have revealed how Paul walker died. They say he was mortally wounded in the crash on Saturday November 30th, but was still alive. According to the report, he was burned alive. And the only way they could positively identify him was through dental records. This is such a horrible way to die. It's also been revealed that his friend was driving 90mph in a 15mph zone

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People come for Brandy for posting 'negative' pics of Africa

Africa

Quite a number of people from different parts of Africa blasted US singer Brandy for posting pics on her instagram page that they felt 'portrayed Africa in a bad light'. Brandy, who was in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire a few days ago to perform, posted the photo above and called it 'Beauty'. She posted another pic of three young boys in tattered clothing and called it 'depth'. 

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Pix Of Car Crash That Killed Fast & Furious Actor, Paul Walker

 

Actor Paul Walker, who found success starring in the popular car-racing franchise - Fast and Furious - has died in an automobile accident in Los Angeles, authorities have confirmed. He was aged 40. May his soul RIP!

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Terrifying image shows monster winter storm bearing down on U.S. as Thanksgiving travelers face massive cancellations on busiest travel day of the year

NASA has released a terrifying image of the monster storm bearing down on the country as Thanksgiving travelers using the East Coast's major airport face cancellations and massive delays. 
The photograph, taken from space by the Suomi satellite, shows the sprawling winter storm Boreas moving from the Midwest and bringing a messy mix of snow, rain and howling winds to the East.
By Wednesday morning, Boreas will impact the entire East Coast, likely creating havoc on the roads and in the air when as many as 43 million people are expecting to be traveling.

More than three million people are expected to filter through airports over the weekend, and high winds and low clouds could snarl takeoffs and landings at some of the busiest hubs on the East
By Wednesday morning, more than 300 flights had been canceled across the country and more than 600 were delayed, according to FlightStats.

Taking over: An image released by NASA shows the large winter system moving across the United States that's combining with cold air from Canada, bringing snow and travel chaos to some areas

NBC reported that there are already average delays of 93 minutes at La Guardia Airport in Queens, New York. Transportation officials advised travelers to check with their airlines before traveling.
The Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia, western Pennsylvania and northern New York could get six to 12 inches of snow on Wednesday before the storm moves into western Maine on Thursday.

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Do you guys agree that D'banj & Don Jazzy built the ent. industry we have today?

Don Jazzy was a year older yesterday and from D'banj's tweet, the two former Mo'Hits execs hung out. D'banj also made an interesting comment that I want to make a topic of discussion. D'banj tweeted that hanging out with Don Jazzy made him remember what they built, 'The Industry today'.

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Reps Speaker, Tambuwal, Says Members Can Now Join APC

The tsunami which swept through the political landscape in Abuja on Tuesday afternoon is set to hit the chamber of the National Assembly, with the House of Representatives as the starting point of the move.

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Babyface admits he was never in love with ex-wife Tracey Edmonds

In his Next Chapter interview with Oprah Winfrey, R&B singer and songwriter Kenneth 'Baby Face' Edmonds admits he and ex-wife Tracey were never really in love

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See Tiwa and Teebillz wedding cake...

More pics of the cake and a pic of the bride in her third outfit after the cut...

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Photos: Celebrities at Tiwa Savage's wedding

Funke Akindele and Agbani Darego above. See more beautiful ladies after the cut...

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Jennifer Hudson shows off her slender figure in skin-tight leggings and tank top as she promotes Black Nativity

When it comes to her sense of style, Jennifer Hudson always knows how to make a fashion statement.
The 32-year-old appeared at the SiriusXM Studios in New York City on Wednesday to promote her new film Black Nativity, a modern-day retelling of Langston Hughes' play.
The Dreamgirls star looked edgy and stylish in a pair of tight leggings, a white tank top and a long grey sweater.

Looking great: Singer Jennifer Hudson visits SiriusXM Studios on Wednesday in New York City

Afterwards, she took some time to sign autographs for her fans who were waiting outside.

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Class in session! Christina Aguilera steals the show as she strips down to see through bodysuit during sexy medley of Jackson tunes as The Voice field narrows to eight

The contestants on NBC's hit singing competition show The Voice faced a major milestone on Tuesday as the field was narrowed from 10 to only eight singers.
But - once again - it was 32-year-old coach Christina Aguilera who clearly stole the show.
On the night glam rocker Kat Robichaud and bearded Austin Jenckes saw their dreams end, Christina once again gave all the hopefuls a masterclass as she joined her team for an amazing medley of Jackson songs.

Follow my lead: Christina Aguilera showed the singing hopefuls how to do it on Tuesday as she performed on The Voice

And her skimpy outfit showing off her amazing new shape was also a lesson in grabbing viewers' attention.
While fellow coach Adam Levine was officially named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive during the show, it was Christina's daringly low-cut top that stole his thunder.

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BREAKING NEWS:Nigeria Police Invade Headquarters Of New PDP In Abuja

NEW PDP OFFICE SEALED BY NIGERIA POLICE

A detachment of armed policemen has sealed up the secretariat of the new faction of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja. The office building located at Plot 320, off Onyi River Crescent, Maitama, was opened by the Kawu Baraje-led new PDP that broke away last week during the special convention of the party.
An Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) and police Hilux vehicles were stationed around the building to prevent anyone from entering or leaving the building.
The leadership of the breakaway faction of the party last week told the media that the office of the new PDP would open but refused to give details on the date and the location of the office for security reasons.
But this afternoon the secretariat with the inscription New Peoples Democratic Party was covered, ready for launch, when policemen invaded the area. All the access roads leading to the building were cordoned off by the security operatives in uniform and mufti.
Earlier this week, Bamagda Tukur, the chairman of the PDP warned that he was fully in charge and threatened to declare the seats of those that joined the new PDP vacant.
“We shall leave no stone unturned to ensure that such persons and indeed any other individual who attempts to subvert the leadership of the PDP shall reap in full, the consequences of such actions,” he said.

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Anglican Bishop Kidnapped In Rivers

Anglican Bishop Kidnapped In Rivers HE Dean of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Ignatius Kattey, was abducted at about 10.30pm on Friday, as he journeyed in the company of his wife, Beatrice, from Eleme to Port Harcout

   It was gathered that the abductors later freed the cleric’s wife, following a chase by the police.
   The Bishop was taken to an unknown destination.
  The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Angela Agape, who confirmed the incident, said it was the chase by policemen that forced the hoodlums to let go the cleric’s wife.
  She said that the Command has intensified efforts to rescue the bishop unhurt and arrest the perpetrators.
   “It was the hot pursuit by the police that forced the kidnappers to abandon the wife. The police are still combing the axis. Very soon, he will be secured unhurt. I mean very soon. I believe God will assist us and we will rescue him.”
    A senior member of the Anglican Church said no contact has been established with the suspects, adding that the whereabouts of the cleric remain unknown.
   “We will meet in the evening (Saturday) at the Cathedral in Port Harcourt, in respect of the incident,” he said.
    As at press time, no ransom demand has been made by the abductors.
  Church members said they are praying for the victim’s unconditional release and would not think of paying any ransom.
   The abduction of Kattey, who is also the Bishop of the Niger Delta North Province, has cast a mournful shadow on the state.  Many residents and Anglican faithful denounced the kidnappers as people who have no regard for God and his ministers.
   Michael Udoh, a resident, blamed the security challenge on failure of the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu. According to him, the police have remained clueless on rising incidences of abduction in the state.

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Syria crisis: Obama could call off any US strikes if Assad hands over chemical weapons

President Barack Obama said he was prepared to call off US strikes on Syria last night if the Assad regime agreed to hand over its chemical weapons arsenal – even as he expressed scepticism that Damascus would take such an offer seriously.

Barack Obama took part in a series of interviews ahead of Congress deciding on whether the US should launch military action in Syria Photo: CNN

By Raf Sanchez and Peter Foster in Washington

Mr Obama said the US would give serious examination to a Russian proposal to put Syria's chemical stockpiles "under international control" a move which – if it happened – he said would represent a "significant breakthrough" that would avert the prospect of American strikes.

The rapid developments in Washington open the door to a diplomatic solution to the international crisis over how best to respond to the August 21 chemical weapons attacks that the US says were carried out by the Assad regime, leaving more than 1,400 dead.

Minutes after Mr Obama spoke the Senate seized on the Russian proposal as an opportunity to delay a planned vote on attacking Syria and avoid the possibility of a humiliating defeat for the White House which struggled to persuade Congress of its case for punitive military action.

Mr Obama's decision to explore the Russian proposal came hours after John Kerry, the US secretary of state, made an off-the-cuff remark at a London press conference, saying hypothetically America would hold off on strikes if Bashar al-Assad surrendered his chemical weapons.

The comment was picked up by Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, who urged Syria to agree to the handover and "subsequent destruction" of their arms. Syria responded by "welcoming" – but not explicitly accepting – Russia's idea.

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Cleric: Archbishop's kidnapping 'shows disrespect for God'

Nsukka - Bishop Aloysius Agbo of Nsukka Anglican Diocese on Monday criticised the kidnapping of Archbishop Ignatius Kattey, describing the action as an abomination and lack of respect for God.
Agbo made the criticisms in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nsukka.
He said, "no matter what happened and hunger for money, how somebody can contemplate to abduct such dedicated servant of God, it is an abomination.
"What can the abductors say the archbishop has done to be a target for kidnap. It is a kidnap too many.
"It is clear that the kidnappers do not have the fear of God in them, but all the same, we shall continue to assist them with prayers.
"They should remember the biblical quotation that, "Touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm,’’ he said.
The cleric said that Nsukka diocese had intensified prayers to ensure Kattey’s release, stressing  that every power belongs to God who had the heart of everybody in his hand.
"Since we heard the unfortunate incident, we have been praying ceaselessly that God should touch the hearts of the abductors so that they will release him.
"He is a servant of God and I know the God he has been working in His vineyard will free him, after all, when God says yes, nobody has the power to say no,’’ he said.
The bishop said the rate evil things were happening in the country suggest that there was the need for more prayers.
According to him, it is unfortunate that many people now engaged in evil, all in the name of making money and acquiring political powers.
"The only solution to numerous problems facing the country is for leaders and citizens to seek the face of God, since it is only God’s intervention that can deliver this country.
"We should always remind ourselves that we are on pilgrimage in this world and one day we must account for our stewardship before God, the creator of the universe.’’
NAN reports that Kattey, the Archbishop of Niger Delta North, Anglican Communion of Nigeria, was abducted on Sept. 6 on his way back to Port Harcourt.

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EXCLUSIVE: Aga Khan's son gets divorced from his American wife - as she buys $2.2million Manhattan apartment to start her new single life

EXCLUSIVE: Aga Khan's son gets divorced from his American wife - as she buys $2.2million Manhattan apartment to start her new single life
The stunning wife of the billionaire Aga Khan’s son Prince Hussain has confirmed their divorce after snapping up a $2.2 million Manhattan apartment to start a new life, MailOnline can reveal.

Princess Khaliya Khan, 36, bought the property in her maiden name, Kristin White, just weeks before her ex-husband’s elder brother Prince Rahim Aga Khan celebrated his wedding to American supermodel Kendra Spears.

Princess Khaliya, a New York-born blonde, married Prince Hussain, 39, in the fairtytale setting of the Chateau of Chantilly in September 2006. She adopted the name Khaliya upon converting to Islam for her marriage.

The couple met when they were both were studying at New York’s Columbia University, from where they graduated with masters degrees.

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Split: Prince Hussain, the younger son of the Aga Khan, on his wedding day to Kristin White in September 2006 in Chantilly, northern Paris. The couple are now divorced

Home, posh, home: Princess Khaliya has bought a Manhattan apartment for $2.2 million in her maiden name

Held at the 14th-century French chateau which was used as a backdrop for the James Bond film A View To A Kill, the lavish ceremony made a five-page spread in Hello! Magazine with the photographs supplied by the groom’s father, racehorse owner the Aga Khan, who is now said to be worth in excess of $9billion.

A private ceremony was followed by a ball for family and friends at the Aga Khan’s lavish estate, Aiglemont, in Gouviex, France. This was followed by a civil marriage ceremony.

In 2011, the Daily Mail’s Richard Kay reported there was trouble in the marriage and that the couple were parting ways – but neither Prince Hussain nor Princess Khailya ever publicly confirmed the report and it is as yet unknown where the couple actually filed for divorce.

However, at a conference earlier this year in Las Vegas to announce the launch of her new foundation, Princess Khaliya was asked about her royal links. Pausing for a moment, she said: ‘I married somebody who is a Prince by honorary decree through the British system because of the aid that they gave to the Indian state during the Battle of Independence…it’s kind of complicated, it’s more of a title that’s connected to a people than to a land.

‘Technically it’s my husband’s domain - my ex-husband’s domain.’  And when asked if she was royal, she replied: ‘I am and I’m not!’

Smiles: Prince Hussain Aga Khan and Kristin White were married in a traditional Muslim ceremony followed by a civil service in France in September 2006

Single life: Princess Khaliya (left) enjoys Coachella Music Festival in April with fashion editor Indira Cesarine (right) in Palm Springs, California, in a photo taken by British socialite Lady Victoria Hervey

Stunning: Princess Khaliya Aga Khan at the Gabrielle's Angel Foundation Angel Ball in New York in October 2012

Newlyweds: Prince Rahim Aga Khan followed in the footsteps of his brother by marrying an American, model Kendra Spears. The couple tied the knot in Geneva, Switzerland, on August 31

It is understood that Princess Khaliya lived for a time after the split at 666 Greenwich Street, an apartment building also once home to Monica Lewinsky.

However, just weeks ago, she sealed the deal on a sprawling two-bedroom apartment in a modern Condo building on the Lower East Side, featuring gorgeous views overlooking the city, paying $2,240,150 in total.
And she has most definitely been seen living the single life after being pictured at trendy Palm Springs musical festival Coachella in April, joining friends British socialite Lady Victoria Hervey and fashion editor Indira Cesarine.
The Princess’s father Professor Norman White is an IT specialist, and his wife, Dr Margaret White, is a psychologist - and they live a rather more modest life than the Aga Khan in Montclair, New Jersey.

Speaking at Catalyst Week in Las Vegas, Princess Khaliya said: ‘My story is one of listening to your heart and following your intuition and taking paths that are not always the most obvious or the easiest ones - or the most intelligent ones. And I think there’s a lesson to be learned in that.'
She discussed her time in the Peace Corps and meeting her ex-husband, which led her to setting up her own foundation, adding: ‘Every time I followed my heart, my intuition and my consciousness led me down another path.’

Her foundation, she said, aims to ‘harness technology in Silicon Valley and use it in the developing world.’

Last photo: Princess Khaliya and Prince Hussain Aga Khan pose for one of the last-known pictures of the couple together at the Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, NYC, in October 2008

Single life: Princess Khaliya looks sombre as she poses for a stunning photo in the sun with her dogs

Blissful: Princess Khaliya posted a picture of herself at the Coachella festival in California

Going it alone: Princess Khaliya announces the launch of her new foundation in Las Vegas in April - where she also confirmed her divorce

The striking blonde only completed the deal on her new home just weeks before her ex-brother-in law Prince Rahim, 41, married 25-year-old Kendra Spears.
The eldest son of Aga Khan IV and one of the 10 richest royals in the world, who is now said to be worth an estimated $800 million, married Seattle-born model Kendra - now rechristened Princess Salwa Aga Khan - on August 31 in a Muslim ceremony at a palace in Geneva, Switzerland.

But the couple then celebrated again in lavish style again on Saturday night at Manhattan’s Museum of Natural History.

Guests including Naomi Campbell, who introduced the couple at a party, Leonardo DiCaprio, Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis, actors Edward Norton and Rashida Jones toasted the prince and his beautiful bride, Page Six reported.
The newlyweds and their guests partied until the early hours under the Central Park West museum’s famous 94-foot-long fiberglass replica of a blue whale. Billionaires Ron Burkle, Vivi Nevo and Prince Vincent of Liechtenstein were said to be in attendance, as well as a host of top models, including Karlie Kloss, who is close friends with the bride.

Animal lover: Princess Khaliya beams as she poses with a horse in the countryside

The morning after: Prince Rahim Aga Khan and his new wife, Kendra Spears, are seen the day after their lavish wedding in Geneva, Switzerland, on August 31

The 250 guests were treated to performances by British rockers Band of Skulls and American indie band the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, who were seen performing at the bash in a picture posted on Twitter today.

Prince Rahim is the heir to the title and fortune of Aga Khan IV, who is the Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslims and is considered a descendant of Prophet Muhammad.

Kendra – or Princess Salwa - is a regular on the catwalks of Paris and Milan. She was touted as the “next Cindy Crawford” after launching her career in 2008 and became a face of Escada, Prada, Diane von Furstenberg and other top brands.

Prince Hussain’s divorce from Princess Khaliya is just one of a string of marital breakdowns that have blighted the family of the leader of the world’s 12 million Ismaili Muslims.

Happier times: Prince Hussain and Princes Khaliya at their September 2006 wedding

Meet the family: The Aga Khan and his family at the wedding of Prince Hussain and Princess Khaliya in September 2006 in France

The Aga Khan has been married twice — his first wife and Rahim and Hussain’s mother is the former English model Sally Croker-Poole.

He has been separated from his second wife, Gabriele Thyssen, otherwise known as Begum Inaara, since 2004, but they are still not divorced after a French court quashed a £54million divorce settlement ruling from 2011.

The couple, who have a 13-year-old son, Aly, are now expected to face a retrial in around a year's time in what has already been an eight-year legal battle fought in Switzerland, Britain and now France.

Meanwhile, the Aga’s daughter, Princess Zahra, 41, wed Dorset farmer’s son and former male model Mark Boyden, but that union ended in 2005 after seven years and two children.

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Becks loves Cherie: As David Beckham lets slip a crush on Mrs Blair, do these photos show the reason why?

Becks loves Cherie: As David Beckham lets slip a crush on Mrs Blair, do these photos show the reason why?

Cherie Blair is known as many things: a high-flying barrister, the wife of a former Prime Minister and a mum-of-four . . . but a pin-up?

This week it was claimed that ex-footballer David Beckham is nursing a secret crush on the 58-year-old.

According to Beckham’s former England team-mate Danny Murphy, the heart-throb once confessed to team-mates that he carried a torch for Cherie — who is 20 years older than his fashion designer wife Victoria.

Although Cherie may seem an unlikely object for Becks’s affections, these pictures may reveal the secret reason . . . she bears a surprising resemblance to Posh!

Those teeth, those lips . . . and even the same tortured grin — the likeness between Cherie and Victoria is truly uncanny

The answer to Becks’ prayers: Cherie and Posh are both heavenly to David

Jaw-dropping: Posh gives Cherie’s famously big mouth a run for its money

Mwah, mwah: Tender kisses for the care Blairs — and Posh and Pecks

 

Hat’s familiar: Cherie and Victoria share a penchant for black fascinators

Wannabe: Cherie could be the sixth Spice Girl — Scarier Spice, perhaps?

All smiles: Cherie and Posh posing  with little Kirsty Howard at the 2001 Children Of Courage awards ceremony

Going hell for leather: Both Cherie Blair and Mrs Beckham go racy in biker jackets

Shades of similarity: Looking glaringly alike in the sunshine

Pirate look: Bandanas like these should only be allowed in the Caribbean - walk the plank!

Colour of love: They’re both a bit of all-white, at least according to Becks

Snout and about: Both Cherie and Posh can to an uncanny Miss Piggy impression

Bad Blair day: Don’t fret Cherie dear, you are not alone - fashion designers have hair horrors too

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