Showing posts with label 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2011. Show all posts

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Rihanna is third sexiest woman alive!


Rihanna

The ultra sexy black, bold and beautiful singer Rihanna has been rated the third sexiest woman alive by FHM on the list of the selected 100 sexiest women alive in the world. The second on the list is Katy Perry and the number one is Rosie Huntington-Whiteley,


Rosie Huntington Whiteley

The problem with all these fake ratings is the fact that these dumb American magazines totally ignore the beautiful and wonderful women in Africa and Asia where we have the most beautiful and sexiest women on planet earth.

You can check out the so called Top 99 women by Ask Men, the Esquire magazine voted Minka Kelly as the sexiest woman alive, but Ask Men disagreed. Then the gallery of sexiest black women is full of only black American celebrities without anyone chosen from Africa or other continents.


Katy Perry


Minka Kelly

You can also see the sexiest babes on hottest Play Boy Covers. But any list of the most beautiful or sexiest women alive today without including women from Africa and Asia is absolute bollocks.



~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima

FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World 2011

• 100. Izabel Goulart
• 99. Lady Gaga
• 98. Andrej Pejic
• 97. Bar Refaeli
• 96. Chelsy Davy
• 95. Gisele Bundchen
• 94. Leona Lewis
• 93. Christine Bleakley
• 92. Malin Akerman
• 91. Zoe Saldana
• 90. Angelina Jolie
• 89. Miley Cyrus
• 88. Olivia Munn
• 87. Genevieve Morton
• 86. Christina Aguilera
• 85. Hannah Tointon
• 84. Ana Beatriz Barros
• 83. Elizabeth Banks
• 82. Christina Hendricks
• 81. Dianna Agron
• 80. Natasha Alam
• 79. Jessica Lowndes
• 78. Jessica Biel
• 77. Charlize Theron
• 76. Eva Longoria
• 75. Doutzen Kroes
• 74. Avril Lavigne
• 73. Christian Serratos
• 72. Billie Piper
• 71. Jennifer Metcalfe
• 70. Kylie Bisutti
• 69. Keira Knightley
• 68. Emma Stone
• 67. Zoe Salmon
• 66. Olga Kurylenko
• 65. January Jones
• 64. Belinda Stewart-Wilson
• 63. Rachel McAdams
• 62. Candice Swanepoel
• 61. Taylor Swift
• 60. Alessandra Ambrosio
• 59. Lindsay Lohan
• 58. Elle Liberachi
• 57. Holly Willoughby
• 56. Dannii Minogue
• 55. Jessie J
• 54. Anne Hathaway
• 53. Amy Childs
• 52. Rachel Bilson
• 51. Kylie Minogue
• 50. Jorgie Porter
• 49. Rachel Stevens
• 48. Kara Tointon
• 47. Lea Michele
• 46. Nadine Coyle
• 45. Beyonce Knowles
• 44. Miranda Kerr
• 43. Shakira
• 42. Karen Gillan
• 41. Una Healy
• 40. Diora Baird
• 39. Kate Middleton
• 38. Eliza Dushku
• 37. Summer Glau
• 36. Sarah Harding
• 35. Gemma Arterton
• 34. Amber Heard
• 33. Eva Mendes
• 32. Scarlett Johansson
• 31. Pixie Lott
• 30. Kaya Scodelario
• 29. Daisy Lowe
• 28. Abbey Clancy
• 27. Audrina Patridge
• 26. Michelle Keegan
• 25. Britney Spears
• 24. Elisabetta Canalis
• 23. Emma Watson
• 22. Frankie Sandford
• 21. Hayden Panettiere
• 20. Vanessa Hudgens
• 19. Natalie Portman
• 18. Emily Atack
• 17. Ashley Greene
• 16. Mila Kunis
• 15. Kim Kardashian
• 14. Adriana Lima
• 13. Kristen Stewart
• 12. Cheryl Cole
• 11. Jessica Alba
• 10. Irina Shayk
• 9. Nicole Scherzinger
• 8. Kelly Brook
• 7. Marisa Miller
• 6. Brooklyn Decker
• 5. Olivia Wilde
• 4. Megan Fox
• 3. Rihanna
• 2. Katy Perry
• 1. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley







Monday, April 18, 2011

An Astonishing 2,564 Miles Per Gallon Achieved At Shell Eco-Marathon® Americas 2011



AN ASTONISHING 2,564 MILES PER GALLON ACHIEVED AT SHELL ECO-MARATHON® AMERICAS 2011

Quebec's Université Laval Defends Title Winning Shell Eco-marathon Americas for Third Consecutive Year



Houston , April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Going the farthest distance might sound like a foot race. But this past weekend, it meant stretching the boundaries of fuel efficiency as student teams competed in the fifth annual Shell Eco-marathon® Americas, a challenge for students to design, build and test fuel-efficient vehicles that travel the farthest distance using the least amount of energy. High school and university students from Canada and the United States competed in the two-day street course challenge in downtown Houston.

For the third year in a row and beating last year's mileage by 77 mpg, the student team from Université Laval in Quebec, Canada took home the Internal Combustion First Prize with an astonishing best run of 2,564.8 miles per gallon in the Prototype class. And in the UrbanConcept class, the team from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La. took First Prize by achieving a best run of 646.7 mpg. For the complete list of all Shell Eco-marathon Americas 2011 winners for both on-track and off-track awards, please visit www.shell.com/ecomarathon.

"Every year, the competition at Shell Eco-marathon Americas gets a little tougher," said Anthony Bernier of Université Laval. "With more teams participating this year, there are a lot of really smart and innovative fuel-efficient ideas to be seen on and off the track. We put a lot of time and hard work into our vehicle this year and are very proud of how we did. We are excited to be Shell Eco-marathon Americas champions for the third year in a row and to have beat our mileage achieved last year!"

Bruce Culpepper, Shell Oil Company Executive Vice President Americas Operations, kicked off the challenge on Saturday, April 16, by waving the green start flag and asking the teams to "Start your fuel-efficient engines!" The competition was steep with a record number of 62 student teams and their 68 vehicles competing.

Shell Eco-marathon continues to grow and challenge students to push the boundaries with their innovative fuel efficiency solutions. In that spirit, an e-mobility category was added to the 2011 competitions. This category includes both Prototype and UrbanConcept vehicles powered by electric motors using hydrogen, solar or, for the first time, 'Plug-in' battery energy sources. Other fuels in the internal combustion powered vehicles include gasoline, diesel, GTL, biodiesel or ethanol.

Shell Eco-marathon is an inspiring part of Shell's "Smarter Mobility" program, which is aimed at meeting the needs of today's drivers as society faces an increasing demand on energy for transport. While alternative energies such as hydrogen and advanced biofuels have real potential, there will not be enough of these energy sources to make a measureable difference for another decade or more. With an eye on the future of transportation, the students and their innovative designs at Shell Eco-marathon are competitively focused on smarter use.

The 62 teams who participated in Shell Eco-marathon Americas 2011 entered 56 Prototype entries and 12 UrbanConcept entries (Note: some teams have multiple vehicle entries in different categories).

* The Prototype entries consisted of 39 vehicles powered by Internal Combustion engines included 32 by gasoline, three by ethanol, three by diesel fuel and one by biodiesel.
* The 17 Prototype vehicles powered by e-mobility included nine by 'Plug-in' electricity, three by fuel cell/hydrogen technology and five by solar.
* The UrbanConcept entries consisted of nine vehicles powered by Internal Combustion engines including seven by gasoline and two by diesel fuel.
* The three UrbanConcept vehicles powered by e-mobility included one by 'Plug-in' electricity, one by fuel cell/hydrogen and one by solar.

For more information on the Prototype and UrbanConcept classes and energy categories as well as complete results, please visit www.shell.com/ecomarathon. For event photos, click here. For video, click here.

Shell Eco-marathon Americas 2011 event sponsors included SKF USA Inc., Autodesk, Southwest Research Institute, Michelin and Pennzoil ULTRA.

Shell Eco-marathon Americas energy challenge will return to the streets of Houston in March 2012.
About Shell Oil Company

Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Royal Dutch Shell plc, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies with 93,000 employees in more than 90 countries. We deliver a diverse range of energy solutions and petrochemicals to customers worldwide. These include transporting and trading oil and gas, marketing natural gas, producing and selling fuel for ships and planes, generating electricity and providing energy efficiency advice.

We also produce and sell petrochemical building blocks to industrial customers globally, and we are investing in making renewable and lower-carbon energy sources competitive for large-scale use. In the U.S., we operate in 50 states and employ more than 20,000 people delivering energy in a responsible manner.


Contacts:
Shell US Media Line · 713-241-4544



Saturday, April 2, 2011

African Union observer mission to Nigeria's 2011 Elections



1 Apr 2011 20:37 Africa/Lagos

African Union observer mission to Nigeria's 2011 Parliamentary and Presidential elections / Arrival statement

ABUJA, April 1, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- African Union observer mission to Nigeria's 2011 Parliamentary and Presidential elections / Arrival statement

1. In response to the invitation of the Independent National Electoral

Commission of Nigeria (INEC), H. E. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African

Union (AU) Commission, dispatched an Observer Mission to Nigeria to

observe the country's National Assembly (House of Representatives and

Senate) and Presidential Elections, which will be conducted on the 2 and 9

April, 2011 respectively

2. The AU Observer Mission is led by Mr. Ahmed Issack Hassan, the

Chairperson of the Interim Independent Electoral Commission of Kenya

(IIEC). The Mission is composed of 40 members drawn from Elections

Management Bodies (EMBs), National Parliaments, the Pan African

Parliament, Ambassadors, eminent persons and members of civil societies

from various African countries. Egypt, Kenya, Malawi and Uganda also

sponsored delegates to the Mission. The Mission is assisted by a team of

technical staff from the AU Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia.

3. The Mission Observers are from Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya,

Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Uganda,

Zambia and Zimbabwe.

4. The AU Observer Mission arrived in Nigeria on March 27, 2011 and will

remain in the country until April 13, 2011.

5. The purpose of the Mission is to make an objective, independent and impartial

observation of the National Assembly and Presidential elections. In particular,

the Mission is expected to:

i. Determine whether the National Assembly and Presidential Elections

are conducted in accordance with the country's constitution, electoral

laws, other appropriate laws and the guidelines governing the conduct

of such elections.

ii. Determine whether the election environment is conducive for voters to

participate and exercise their fundamental rights;

iii. Establish whether the participating political parties, agencies and

groups are satisfied with the preparations for and conduct of the

elections;

iv. Evaluate the level of voters' awareness and whether the voters' right to

choose freely and in secrecy are guaranteed, upheld and protected;

v. Identify and record electoral malpractices, if any;

vi. Assess whether the media coverage and conduct are in conformity with

the laid down rules and guidelines;

vii. Evaluate transparency and adequacy of the voting, counting and

collation processes; as well as the announcement of the results; and

viii. Establish whether the results of the elections are a true reflection of

the democratically expressed will of the people of Nigeria.

6. The Mission will be guided by the AU Declaration on the Principle Governing

Democratic Elections in Africa and the 2002 AU Guidelines for Elections

Observation and Monitoring Missions.

7. The Mission is situated at the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre, Tamarind B Room,

Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, the Federal Republic of Nigeria.


Source: African Union Commission (AUC)

Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
1 Apr 2011
20:53 CAMAC Statement on Events in the Congo
20:37 African Union observer mission to Nigeria's 2011 Parliamentary and Presidential elections / Arrival statement
14:30 Breast Health Global Initiative Offers Unprecedented Tools for Developing Nations
14:19 Agenda des actions africaines en région parisienne de avril 2011
14:00 World Autism Day: Launch of the Global Autism Alliance and the Premiere of Their First International Video on Autism
31 Mar 2011
20:40 The African Union sends an observer mission to Nigeria




Saturday, March 26, 2011

Apple Wins The Business Journals' Top 2011 American Brand Excellence Award

25 Mar 2011 14:30 Africa/Lagos

Apple Wins The Business Journals' Top 2011 American Brand Excellence Award

PR Newswire

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 25, 2011

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Business Journals today named Apple, Inc. the 2011 Grand Award winner as part of its eighth-annual American Brand Excellence Awards, which recognize brands that best meet the needs of small- to mid-sized businesses.

The Business Journals also awarded Brand Excellence Awards to companies in six additional business categories:

Business Services: UPS
Financial/Insurance: Visa
Retail: Staples
Technology: Apple
Telecommunications: Verizon Wireless
Travel: Southwest Airlines

"The American Brand Excellence Awards are unique in that they represent how business owners and managers feel about the companies that best support their businesses and help them succeed," said Michael Olivieri, Chief Revenue Officer of American City Business Journals. "This year's winners are true brand leaders and The Business Journals congratulates them on being recognized by the important small and mid-sized business market."

Over 250 business brands were rated and over 2,000 SMB owners and managers participated in The Business Journals' annual proprietary study. The winning companies were chosen as the brands who best met the needs of small and mid-sized business owners and managers. The criteria used to select the American Brand Excellence Award winners include "easy to do business with," "industry leader," "forward thinking," "for growing companies," "behaves ethically," "growing in popularity" and "has a good price for what you get."

"Apple has become the premier business brand, and as the leader of the tablet category with the iPad, Apple is redefining how we work," said Godfrey Phillips, VP of Research for The Business Journals. "Our study found that nine percent of business owners currently use an iPad for business."

Portfolio.com, the national business news site for small and mid-sized business executives and a sister outlet to The Business Journals, has published a special feature (http://bit.ly/hDDLOM ) and in-depth interactive component (http://bit.ly/gjcZ27) on the American Brand Excellence Award winners and the overall top 25 brands named as part of The Business Journals' annual study today:

For more information regarding The Business Journals proprietary brand study, please contact Natasha Bullard, Research Analyst (212) 500-0620 nbullard@bizjournals.com.

About The Business Journals

The Business Journals is the premier media solutions platform for companies strategically targeting business decision makers. We deliver a total business audience of more than 10 million people via our 42 websites, 64 publications and more than 700 annual industry leading events.

Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, The Business Journals has sales offices in Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. It is a subsidiary of American City Business Journals, a unit of Advance Publishing, Inc., whose properties include Conde Nast Publications and the Fairchild and Golf Digest Companies.

For more information:
Jeff Sauls
SVP, Marketing & Business Development
(704) 973-1847
jsauls@bizjournals.com

SOURCE The Business Journals

Web Site: http://www.thebusinessjournals.com




Top Topics

CVS Caremark Research Finds "Dispense as Written" Prescriptions May Add $7.7 Billion to Annual Health Care Costs

AAA Provides Checklist for Consumers Looking for the 'Right' New Car

Apple Wins The Business Journals' Top 2011 American Brand Excellence Award

Distressed Homeowners' Top Priorities: Food Assistance and Help With Heating Costs

New Sendak Picture Book to Publish in Fall 2011

Earthquake in Japan

Turmoil in Libya

Elizabeth Taylor Dies at 79





Tuesday, March 8, 2011

International Women's Day, 2011: Time to Make the Promise of Equality a Reality



(In memory of my beloved mother Gladys Eke, one of the greatest women God created.)

100th Anniversary of International Women's Day



7 Mar 2011 11:00 Africa/Lagos

International Women's Day, 2011: Time to Make the Promise of Equality a Reality

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, March 7, 2011

NEW YORK, March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a message by Michelle Bachelet, Executive Director, UN Women:

A hundred years ago today, women across the world took an historic step on the long road to equality. The first ever International Women's Day was called to draw attention to the unacceptable and often dangerous working conditions that so many women faced worldwide. Although the occasion was celebrated in only a handful of countries, it brought over one million women out onto the streets, demanding not just better conditions at work but also the right to vote, to hold office and to be equal partners with men.

I suspect those courageous pioneers would look at our world today with a mixture of pride and disappointment. There has been remarkable progress as the last century has seen an unprecedented expansion of women's legal rights and entitlements. Indeed, the advancement of women's rights can lay claim to be one of the most profound social revolutions the world has seen.

One hundred years ago, only two countries allowed women to vote. Today, that right is virtually universal and women have now been elected to lead Governments in every continent. Women, too, hold leading positions in professions from which they were once banned. Far more recently than a century ago, the police, courts and neighbors still saw violence in the home as a purely private matter. Today two-thirds of countries have specific laws that penalize domestic violence and the United Nations Security Council now recognizes sexual violence as a deliberate tactic of war.

But despite this progress over the last century, the hopes of equality expressed on that first International Women's Day are a long way from being realized. Almost two out of three illiterate adults are women. Girls are still less likely to be in school than boys. Every 90 seconds of every day, a woman dies in pregnancy or due to childbirth-related complications despite us having the knowledge and resources to make birth safe.

Across the world, women continue to earn less than men for the same work. In many countries, too, they have unequal access to land and inheritance rights. And despite high-profile advances, women still make up only 19 per cent of legislatures, 8% of peace negotiators, and only 28 women are heads of state or government.

It is not just women who pay the price for this discrimination. We all suffer for failing to make the most of half the world's talent. We undermine the quality of our democracy, the strength of our economies, the health of our societies and the sustainability of peace. This year's focus of International Women's Day on women's equally access to education, training, science and technology underscores the need to tap this potential.

The agenda to secure gender equality and women's rights is a global agenda, a challenge for every country, rich and poor, north and south. It was in recognition of both its universality and the rewards if we get this right that the United Nations brought together four existing organizations to create UN Women. The goal of this new body, which I have the great privilege to lead, is to galvanize the entire UN system so we can deliver on the promise of the UN Charter of equal rights of men and women. It is something I have fought for my whole life.

As a young mother and a pediatrician, I experienced the struggles of balancing family and career and saw how the absence of child care prevented women from paid employment. The opportunity to help remove these barriers was one of the reasons I went into politics. It is why I supported policies that extended health and childcare services to families and prioritized public spending for social protection.

As President, I worked hard to create equal opportunities for both men and women to contribute their talents and experiences to the challenges facing our country. That is why I proposed a Cabinet that had an equal number of men and women.

As Executive Director of UN Women, I want to use my journey and the collective knowledge and experience all around me to encourage progress towards true gender equality across the world. We will work, in close partnership, with men and women, leaders and citizens, civil society, the private sector and the whole UN system to assist countries to roll out policies, programs and budgets to achieve this worthy goal.

I have seen myself what women, often in the toughest circumstances, can achieve for their families and societies if they are given the opportunity. The strength, industry and wisdom of women remain humanity's greatest untapped resource. We simply cannot afford to wait another 100 years to unlock this potential.

About the author: Michelle Bachelet is the first Executive Director of UN Women, a newly formed UN organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. She is the former President of Chile.



SOURCE UN Women
NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos available upon request.

CONTACT: Gretchen Luchsinger, +1-212-906-6506, Cell: +1-201-736-2945, gretchen.luchsinger@unwomen.org

Web Site: http://www.unwomen.org



Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
8 Mar 2011
14:30 Flight Attendant Union Honors 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day
14:05 ChildFund Supports Women's Roles in Africa as Part of International Women's Day
14:00 CARE Supporters Rally to Mark 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day and Speak Out on Development Issues
14:00 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day Celebrated with 100 Events Across the Country
13:37 Leading Women ChangemakeHERS Reveal Blueprints for Action
13:02 Bare Escentuals Launches Spring Foundation Campaign
7 Mar 2011
20:00 On 100th Anniversary of Women's Day, Chai Ling Reminds U.S. Businesses, Leaders and Citizens to Remember History and Current Plight of China's Women
19:11 For International Women's Day, Honor the Inspirational Women in Your Life by Helping Other Women Around the World
19:09 InterCasino Promotions Lead the Slots Revolutions
18:44 Record 128 Million of World's Poorest Received a Microloan in 2009
13:21 International Women's Day, 2011 / Time to Make the Promise of Equality a Reality / Message by Michelle Bachelet, Executive Director, UN Women
16:01 Deloitte International Women's Day Poll: Targets Necessary to Accelerate Advancement of Professional Women
12:37 Reese Witherspoon Launches the Avon Women's Empowerment Bracelet to Honor the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day
12:31 Zambian Women Celebrated on Special Day of Equality
11:00 International Women's Day, 2011: Time to Make the Promise of Equality a Reality




Thursday, January 20, 2011

iJET Outlines Risk Landscape in Nigeria and other countries for 2011

19 Jan 2011 18:22 Africa/Lagos


iJET Outlines Risk Landscape for 2011

Intelligence Firm Issues Recommendations for Protecting Travelers, Operations and Supply Chains

PR Newswire

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Jan. 19, 2011

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- iJET Intelligent Risk Systems, a leading provider of global intelligence and business resiliency services, today outlined the major risks and trends that it anticipates will most significantly affect business travel, risk management and resiliency planning in 2011.

"As businesses continue to expand globally, it becomes increasingly important for organizations to understand, track and plan for a myriad of risks that can jeopardize their success," said Steve Hoffman, CEO of iJET. "Leveraging our team of world-class intelligence experts, iJET has provided a critical look at the year ahead and forecasts events that could have the greatest impact on our clients' day-to-day operations, enabling them to better survive and thrive amidst a growing threat landscape."

iJET's analysts predict that many of the issues faced by businesses in 2010 will continue to remain a concern in the coming year. These include economic volatility in Europe, Latin America and Africa , drug-related violence in Mexico and neighboring Latin American countries, and the ongoing challenges surrounding airline passenger security. iJET also warns organizations to watch for a number of developing risks that could threaten business operations and travel around the globe.

A regional breakdown of the forecasted areas of concern for 2011 include:


* The Americas: 2011 will be a critical year for Guatemala as it combats a surge in drug cartel-related violence spilling over from Mexico. Increased government instability could materialize in Nicaragua and Honduras resulting in civil unrest, while important elections in Argentina , Peru , Ecuador and Bolivia could perpetuate political instability and violent protests.

* Europe : Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is expected to announce early in 2011 whether he will run for president in elections slated for 2012. There are fears that civil unrest would grow more common if Putin makes a run for the office he previously held for the maximum allowable term limit. He undoubtedly enjoys more de jure power as prime minister, but many suspect he won't be able to help himself, and that he will attempt to replace incumbent Dmitry Medvedev, who many view as a "placeholder" until Putin returns.

* Middle East/ North Africa : Presidential elections taking place November 2011 in Egypt have the potential to spur civil unrest before, during and after voting, especially in light of the overthrow of Tunisia 's regime, which many unfavorably compare to Hosni Mubarak's decades-old autocratic regime. Continued violence can be expected in Yemen , further exacerbated by the release of diplomatic cables by WikiLeaks in late 2010. In addition, Saudi Arabia may face issues with succession that could bring uncertainty and instability. Lebanon awaits on tenterhooks the verdict in the death of Rafik Hariri, and the controversy will keep regional politics – already perennially unstable - particularly unsettled.

* Africa : The ongoing battle for the presidency of Cote d'Ivoire will strongly influence a number of key political referendums and elections that will take place throughout Africa in 2011, including: Zimbabwe , Southern Sudan , Nigeria , Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo . If Cote d'Ivoire's incumbent president refuses to resign, leaders in other African nations could follow suit and threaten the positive governance trends across the continent. The outcome of the coming divorce between Sudan and South Sudan will also resonate strongly across Africa and beyond and could embolden less worthy separatist movements elsewhere.

* Asia : Succession issues could arise in Thailand leading to another wave of violent protests and riots, and uncertainty and animosity between the two Koreas will keep the region unsettled. Pakistan and Afghanistan will continue to pose grave challenges for the region and the world.


In addition to regional threats, recent events such as Haiti's category 7.0 earthquake and the Eyjafjallajokull ash cloud crisis reveal that other unforeseeable events such as natural disasters and terrorist incidents continue to remain a threat to business operations in 2011.

Finally, with outbreaks of H1N1 on the decline, pandemic-sized health threats are not expected for 2011. However, iJET cautions organizations to monitor seasonal influenzas and other health risks – such as the recent Cholera outbreak in Haiti – closely as epidemics are also unpredictable.

For more information, including tips for mitigating risks and additional resources to help your organization, please visit iJET's Resiliency Resource Page at www.ijet.com/tips.

About iJET Intelligent Risk Systems

iJET Intelligent Risk Systems (iJET) is an intelligence-driven provider of business resiliency and risk management solutions to nearly 500 multinational corporations and governments – helping them survive and thrive amidst global threats to their people, facilities and supply chain assets.

iJET's services, team of world-class intelligence analysts and patented Worldcue® Global Control Center technology solutions equip decision-makers and organizations with real-time information to anticipate, respond to and emerge from business disruptions with a competitive edge. iJET's Worldcue solutions provide decision makers with timely, actionable intelligence on potential disruptions and emerging threats to employees, operating assets and suppliers.

iJET®, Travel Intelligence and Worldcue® are registered trademarks of iJET Intelligent Risk Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=85674

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=85259

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=85260

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=85252

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SOURCE iJET Intelligent Risk Systems

CONTACT: Marisa Hagerman, DBC PR+New Media, +1-202-292-4570, Marisa@dbcpr.com

Web Site: http://www.ijet.com

Africa/Lagos time 19 Jan 2011

19:49 Itzhak Perlman and Chicago Symphony Orchestra Join Rotary's Effort to End Polio Now
18:22 iJET Outlines Risk Landscape for 2011
10:00 Political Risk Rising: 2011 Aon Political Risk Map

14 Jan 2011
17:51 Educators Teach Next Generation of Entrepreneurs at Price-Babson Symposium for Entrepreneurship Educators



Tuesday, January 18, 2011

11 Hot Jobs for 2011

Jan 18, 2011 03:55 ET



Eleven Hot Jobs for 2011

LONDON, January 18, 2011/PRNewswire/ --
- New Robert Half Salary Guides Identify Finance, Accounting and Financial Services Roles Poised for Growth

The New Year brings new hopes of continued economic recovery and job creation and new research may provide clues as to the positions in demand within the finance, accounting and financial services industries. According to the 2011 Robert Half Salary Guides, many roles show promise for the coming year with salaries returning to pre-recessionary levels.

"With companies focused on growth initiatives, accounting and finance continues to remain at the forefront as a means to manage expenditures, improve efficiencies and favourably position organisations for the upswing," said Phil Sheridan, managing director for Robert Half UK. "Despite high unemployment figures, companies report difficulties sourcing highly skilled professionals, particularly in regulatory compliance, audit and general accounting. Job candidates who bring multiple skill sets, a track record of success and a strong sense of accountability will see compensation gains in the year ahead."

Following is an overview of 11 top finance and accounting jobs for 2011:
Commerce & Industry:


1) Financial Accountant - The downturn provided the finance function a seat at the decision-making table, with companies turning to sound financial processes to weather the unstable economic environment. As we emerge, businesses continue to seek candidates who can perform fundamental duties, such as maintaining the general ledger, compiling financial reports and managing cash flow. A qualified financial accountant with 6-9 years of experience in a small or medium sized enterprise (SME) in London can expect to see a salary range between GBP50,000 and GBP55,000.

2) Financial Analyst - As companies are increasingly seeking professionals with strong commerciality and business savvy, financial analysts who can assess borrowing structures to ensure competitive funding costs will be in demand. Individuals with expertise in evaluating financial plans, forecasts and budgets while also displaying exceptional communication skills will be in greatest demand. A financial analyst with 3-5 years of experience at a large company in the Midlands can expect to earn between GBP35,000 and GBP45,000.

3) Credit Controller - Companies need professionals who can contribute to the bottom line by reducing inefficiencies and enhancing profitability. As a result, credit specialists who can assist in the evaluation of credit risk, manage delinquent payments and help improve cash flow are seeing increased opportunity. Base compensation for credit controllers with 3-5 years of experience working at an SME in South Wales will average between GBP14,000 and GBP18,000.

4) Assistant Accountant - With hiring freezes lifting and organisations adding headcount to over-stretched accounting teams, companies are recognising employees by promoting from within. The result is additional opportunity for entry-level roles for individuals displaying exceptional data entry skills and an attention to detail. Assistant accountants are required to match invoices to purchase orders and assist with accounts payable and receivable. Those looking to enter the field with an SME on the South Coast can expect remuneration between GBP17,000 and GBP19,000.

5) Financial Controller - Commerciality and a greater understanding of how the finance function fits within the strategic decision-making process has prompted the need for financial controllers who can plan and direct operational accounting functions, improve efficiencies, evaluate controls and develop business performance metrics while also moving the business forward. A financial controller with 6-9 years of experience at a large company in Northern England will see a base salary between GBP47,000 and GBP55,000.

6) Purchase Ledger Clerk - Challenges in managing cash flow has prompted companies to increasingly rely on credit to ensure business processes remain on track. Purchase ledger clerks have seen increased demand as organisations carefully monitor business records and ensure that they do not default on payments. London-based purchase ledger clerks with 6-9 years of experience at an SME can expect basic compensation in the GBP26,000-GBP27,000 range.

Financial Services & Banking (London City)

7) Regulatory Accountant - A more stringent regulatory environment and greater need for operational transparency has prompted the adoption of consolidated and harmonised compliance controls. While demand for regulatory accountants has increased, supply remains scarce - 16% of UK CFOs report challenges securing compliance skills, well above the global average. Regulatory accountants with 4-7 years of experience should expect to earn between GBP70,000 and GBP90,000 in 2011.

8) Internal Auditors - Audit continues to be in strong demand in the post-recessionary environment, however a shortage of skilled talent exists - one in four UK CFOs report challenges finding audit professionals who can prepare reports, evaluate business processes, improve procedures and perform project management of audit teams. Internal auditors with 1-3 years of post qualification industry experience can expect remuneration in the range of GBP55,000 - GBP65,000.

9) Financial Planning Analyst - With a focus on maximising profitability and identifying emerging trends, financial planning analysts are required to analyse product lines and organisational costs, prepare profit and loss models and perform budget variance and forecasting analysis. Nearly four in 10 (37%) financial services CFOs are challenged in finding qualified accounting and finance staff and a competitive job market means that managers can expect to see base salary in the range of GBP80,000 to GBP90,000.

10) Assistant Management Accountant - The financial services sector is also looking for assistant management accountants with industry experience to help analyse budgets and forecasts as well as provide detailed information and reporting to allow management to make informed business decisions. The role is often held by part-qualified ACCA and CIMA candidates, and with 3-5 years experience, professionals should expect to earn between GBP30,000 and GBP40,000.

11) Client Services - Throughout the banking crisis, the need to provide exceptional client service was never more apparent. As organisations now turn their attention to growth initiatives and revenue generation, client onboarding is increasingly important and demand exists for professionals with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills. Professionals with 4-6 years of experience will be compensated with a base salary between GBP40,000 and GBP55,000.

About the Robert Half 2011 Salary Guides
The Robert Half salary surveys include the 2011 Robert Half Salary Guide for accounting and finance and the 2011 Robert Half Financial Services Group Salary Guide for the banking and capital markets sector. Together, the guides contain salary data for more than 300 positions segmented by company size, geography and level of experience. Since 1950, companies have consulted the yearly guides from Robert Half to determine starting compensation levels for their employees. To download the guides, visit http://www.roberthalf.co.uk/salary-guide.

About Robert Half
Robert Half pioneered specialised staffing services and today is the world's leader in the field. Founded in 1948, the company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: RHI) and operates five separate divisions in the UK, each serving distinct markets. They include: Robert Half Finance & Accounting and Robert Half Management Resources, for temporary, full-time and project professionals, respectively, in the fields of accounting and finance; OfficeTeam, for administrative support, Robert Half Financial Services Group, for finance and banking professionals and Robert Half Technology, for IT professionals.

There are more than 350 Robert Half locations in North America, South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. For more information about Robert Half please visit: http://www.roberthalf.co.uk
http://www.roberthalf.co.uk
http://www.twitter.com/roberthalfuk
Source: Robert Half

Phil Sheridan, Managing Director of Robert Half UK, is available for further comment. In order to arrange an interview, please contact Kristie Perrotte on +44(0)20-7331-2222 or email kristie.perrotte@rhi.net



Thursday, December 30, 2010

Call for Entries for 2011 Poster Design Competition




The Art Institutes and Americans for the Arts Issue Call for Entries for 2011 Poster Design Competition

Eighth Annual Competition Asks High School Seniors to Demonstrate Why “Life is Better With Art in It”




PITTSBURGH, PA (DECEMBER 29, 2010) /PRNewswire/ — The Art Institutes and Americans for the Arts today announced they are seeking entries for their eighth annual Poster Design Competition. The Competition challenges entrants to submit a poster that addresses the theme, “Life is better with art in it.” The national winners will earn up to a full-tuition scholarship to one of The Art Institutes schools.

In partnership with Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts, The Art Institutes annual Poster Design Competition provides design-minded students an opportunity to study at one of the more than 45 Art Institutes schools.

The competition is open to high school seniors in the U.S., Canada (excluding Quebec) and Puerto Rico. The deadline to submit entries is February 4, 2011. Full entry requirements can be viewed at www.artinstitutes.edu/postercompetition.

According to John Mazzoni, president of The Art Institutes, “The Poster Design Competition provides a venue for high school seniors to channel their design talents into an opportunity to earn a tuition scholarship.” With every year of the competition, Mr. Mazzoni says, “students’ entries become more creative and inspired.”

“The Poster Design Competition brings out and showcases a diverse pool of remarkably talented high school students,” says Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “The entry pieces are not only vibrant and exciting, but also a great reminder of how much art can touch us in our everyday lives.”

To learn more about The Art Institutes and Americans for the Arts Poster Design Competition, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/postercompetition.

The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu) is a system of more than 45 education institutions located throughout North America. The Art Institutes system is America’s Leader in Creative Education providing an important source for design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals. Several institutions included in The Art Institutes system are campuses of South University.

Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. With offices in Washington, D.C. and New York City, it has a record of 50 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.

Media Contacts:
Jacquelyn P. Muller
Vice President – Communications/Public Relations

The Art Institutes
Office: 412.995.7262
jpmuller@aii.edu

Devra Pransky
Sr. Director of Communications
The Art Institutes
Office: 412.995.7685
dpransky@aii.edu



Top 10 Mobile Industry Execs to Watch in 2011


Sanjiv Ahuja


Top 10 Mobile Industry Execs to Watch in 2011

Here are our picks for the people to watch in mobile in 2011 -- folks that may not be your radar now, but definitely should be (in alphabetical order):

1. Sanjiv Ahuja, chairman and CEO, LightSquared
This Long Term Evolution (LTE) startup operator has the potential to shake up the US mobile broadband scene with its wholesale, hybrid terrestrial/satellite model. Ahuja is no stranger to the C-level -- as a former CEO of France Telecom SA (NYSE: FTE)'s Orange mobile operation from 2004 to 2007 -- but can he deliver the promise of LighSquared? (See Harbinger Hatches LTE Challenger in US, LightSquared Lands $850M for LTE Build , and LightSquared Names LTE Suppliers.)

2. Tony Bates, CEO, Skype Ltd.
Why? Well, the first LTE networks are live now and none of them can deliver voice services. Until operators resolve how to deliver voice over LTE (VoLTE), there is an opportunity for over-the-top voice providers like Bates's Skype to step in and fill that service gap. So will they, or can they, do it next year? (See LTE Voice Lag Leaves Operators Vulnerable , Operators Rally Round IMS for LTE Voice, Voice Over LTE & the 'IMS Gap', and MetroPCS Plots LTE Smartphones, VoLTE Trials.)

3. Bill Huang, general manager, China Mobile Communications Corp. 's Research Institute
Huang is the public face of Long Term Evolution Time Division Duplex (LTE TDD), which is the version of LTE championed by China Mobile. Next year is critical for LTE TDD as China Mobile expands its user trials and the mobile broadband technology is expected to take root in India. So what Huang says will be an important indication of the technology's maturation. (See Teeing Up LTE TDD and China Mobile Opens Up on LTE TDD Trials .)

4. Alexander Izosimov, group CEO, VimpelCom Ltd. (NYSE: VIP)
Izosimov is leading the charge to create a new emerging market mobile operator powerhouse through a $6.5 billion deal to merge VimpelCom with Weather Investments, which owns Orascom Telecom and Wind Telecomunicazioni SpA . (See Telenor Opposes VimpelCom Acquisition and VimpelCom Gets Wind.)

5. Manoj Kohli, CEO (International) and joint managing director, Bharti Airtel Ltd. (Mumbai: BHARTIARTL)
This is the exec tasked with taking Bharti Airtel's success in India and repeating it across Africa. As the world's fifth-largest mobile operator since it acquired Zain Group 's mobile operations in Africa for $10.7 billion, 2011 will be a big year as Kohli embarks on Bharti's African ambitions. (See Bharti Secures $10.7B African Acquisition, Bharti Shows Off New Physique, Airtel Rebrands Across Africa, Bharti's African Adventure, and Top 10 Movers & Shakers.)

6. IIja Laurs, CEO and founder, GetJar Networks Inc.
The mobile app market is hot, and Laurs founded and still leads the largest independent app store that is second only to Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL)'s App Store. His moves in 2011 will be exciting as he navigates his company through the intense market for mobile apps. (See AT&T Adds GetJar for App Attack and Pyramid: Mobile Apps on the Upswing.)

7. Paul Palmieri, CEO, Millennial Media
Palmieri's mobile advertising firm has reportedly caught the eye of Research In Motion Ltd. (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; Toronto: RIM), which wants its own mobile ad network. So, Palmieri has dealmaker potential in 2011. (See RIM Wants Ads, Apple Doesn't, Apple: Ads Get the i Treatment, and Google Buys AdMob for $750M.)

8. Bhaskar Roy, co-founder and senior VP of product, Qik Inc.
Roy is one of the founders of mobile video chat specialist Qik and remains at the heart of the company's strategy and product development. So with competitors like ooVoo and fring emerging, how can Roy keep up the momentum for the company's mobile video app? We'll watch to find out! (See Top 10 Apps LTE Will Super-Charge, Leading Lights: Mobile Services/Apps Finalists, and Qik Touts Video Chat Explosion on Sprint's EVO.)

9. Rajeev Suri, CEO, Nokia Siemens Networks
In 2011, Suri's management skills will be tested as he contends with the integration of the Motorola Inc. (NYSE: MOT) wireless infrastructure business as well as reportedly dealing with a new ownership structure with the addition of private equity investors. How he executes the Motorola acquisition will affect to what extent the company can boost its position in the North American market, which it so longs to do. (See Might NSN Choke on Its Moto Morsel?, NSN to Buy Moto's Wireless Biz for $1.2B , Rumor: NSN Stake Sale Near, NSN CEO: Don't Write Our Obituary, and NSN Revamps SPIT Unit.)

10. Juan Villalonga
Yes, that Villalonga: the former Telefónica SA (NYSE: TEF) CEO who left the Spanish giant in the summer of 2000 amid allegations of insider trading and an investigation into his stock dealings by the Spanish securities and exchange commission. Now he's back and this time has a role as chairman of Switzerland-based mobile infrastructure software company Sunbay. What will he get into next?

— Michelle Donegan, European Editor, Light Reading Mobile



Friday, December 24, 2010

A Short List of Money-Minded Resolutions for 2011

23 Dec 2010 00:02 Africa/Lagos

A Short List of Money-Minded Resolutions for 2011


PR Newswire

CHICAGO, Dec. 22, 2010

CHICAGO, Dec. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At year's end we often find ourselves faced with good intentions that just never happened. Something we wanted to do, but never got around to it. The Illinois CPA Society suggests it's not too late. Make the financial move you planned on making in 2010 your New Year's resolution for 2011. Check this short list from the Society for things you might want to do in the year ahead:

* Find a way to save. Could you take the $50 you just spent on that sweater and save it instead? Cut back on downloads or dining out? Look at what you spent this year for ideas.
* Set a reachable goal. Whether it's getting out of debt or buying a home, plan to accomplish something with your money in 2011. Put away a small amount each month towards your goal.
* Start a rainy day fund. Prepare for a layoff or health emergency by working towards having three to six months worth of living expenses socked away.
* Make a will. Not pleasant to think about, but you want to make things easier on your family and protect your assets. State rules may apply if you don't have a will. And who would have custody of your children?
* Check your credit report. You've been meaning to check it, but perhaps afraid to look. Use it as a starting point to get your credit in good shape. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com for a free report.
* Take steps toward retirement. Begin to contribute to your 401K plan at work - at least enough to get the match if one's available. If you're already contributing, consider an increase of 1 or 2 percent.


Need a little support? Turn to the Society's Find a CPA Directory online at www.icpas.org to locate a CPA in your community and to Twitter, @thriftitude, for money management tips from the Illinois CPA Society.

About the Illinois CPA Society

The Illinois CPA Society, founded in 1903, is the fifth largest state CPA society in the nation, with more than 24,000 members. It is the premier professional organization that represents CPAs in Illinois. During its over 100 years of existence, the Society has advanced the highest ethical and financial standards of the profession, and has been a leader in educating the public on financial issues.

SOURCE Illinois CPA Society

CONTACT: Judi Kulm, Communications/Media Manager, Illinois CPA Society, +1-312-993-0407 ext. 251, kulmj@icpas.org

Web Site: http://www.annualcreditreport.com



Saturday, September 18, 2010

President Goodluck Jonathan is the Trump Card of the PDP

Goodluck Jonathan Declaration of Intent For The 2011 Presidential Race

Dear compatriots, four months ago, providence placed me at the leadership of our dear country, following the untimely death of our dear former President, my brother and leader, President Umaru Musa Yar’adua. It was a very solemn and trying moment for me personally and for the country as a whole. …
~ President Goodluck Jonathan


Over 40, 000 people from all the 36 states of Nigeria are presently at the Eagle Square in Nigeria to witness the declaration of President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2011 Presidential Election.


Governors, legislators and other party stalwarts of the notorious rulingPeople’s Democratic Party (PDP) have endorsed Mr. Jonathan who upon the death of the former President Yar’Adua on 5 May 2010 succeeded him to the Presidency, taking the oath of office on 6 May 2010.


The centrist ruling party has been in power since May 29, 1999. But the party has failed to deliver on its promises to improve the living conditions of the most populous country in Africa plagued by rampant corrupt practices and ethno-religious conflicts. The top leaders of the notorious party have been implicated in the Halliburton Bribery Scandal, Siemens Bribery Scandal and other financial crimes and indicted by Amnesty International.


The PDP has exploited the gullibility and hypocrisy the populace to perpetuate its misadministration of the nation. Therefore, most of the citizens will not be surprised if Mr. Jonathan wins the next presidential election in January 2011, because of his power of incumbency and the billion naira budget of his presidential campaign sponsored by Machiavellian political machinery of his sponsors.


The whole scenario reminds me of the exclamation of “It is ‘déjà vu’ all over again!” by Mobolaji Aluko, Ph.D. on April 3, 2002 in his “How A Self-Succession Bid has Turned Nigeria into “Animal Farm” published by Dawodu.Com.


The mammoth crowd at the Eagle Square is reminiscent of the infamous pro-Sani Abacha ‘Two Million Man March’ and seeing the popular Nigerian singer Onyeka Owenu performing her campaign song “Goodluck Jonathan Run” completes the nostalgia, because she did the same for General Sani Abacha at the ill-fated pro-Sani Abacha ‘Two Million Man March’ in the company of many popular musicians and other entertainers from March 2-3, 1998.


The status quo of the corrupt ruling class has not changed and they are desperate to use all means possible to retain power at all costs. And President Goodluck Jonathan is the trump card of the PDP to win the January 22 presidential election in Nigeria.


The only opposition party that can stop the notoriety of the PDP is Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), but it is yet to present any formidable presidential candidate. None of the other political parties can beat the ruling party no matter the credibility of their notable presidential aspirants like former military head of state Gen. Muhammad Buhari (retd) whose strict Islamic ideology makes him unpopular among millions of Christians and liberals in Nigeria.


Nigeria is a country ruled by political gangsters, their proxies and stooges and supported by their legions of beneficiaries and sycophants whose culture of corruption and hypocrisy will continue to plague them until we have a revolution like the one led by Jerry Rawlings of Ghana from 7 January 1993 – 7 January 2001. Only a transformational revolutionary leader can liberate our beloved Nigeria from these kleptomaniacs and their dogs.


God save Nigeria.


~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima