Wednesday, March 3, 2010
11 Year Old Youngest Ever to Be Nominated For a NY Emmy
2 Mar 2010 12:18 Africa/Lagos
Eleven Year Old Youngest Ever to Be Nominated For a NY Emmy
Jackson Murphy, host of "Light-Camera-Jackson", a popular, weekly movie review segment, has been nominated for two NY Emmy Awards. "Lights-Camera-Jackson" airs weekly in the Albany, Syracuse and Binghamton, N.Y. markets on Time Warner Cable's 24 hour news channels.
ALBANY, N.Y., March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Jackson Murphy, host of "Lights-Camera-Jackson", a popular, weekly movie review segment, has been nominated for two NY Emmy Awards.
"Lights-Camera-Jackson" airs weekly in the Albany, Syracuse and Binghamton, N.Y. markets on Time Warner Cable's 24 hour news channels.
Jackson, 11, is the youngest person ever to be nominated for a NY Emmy. He is nominated in the categories of Entertainment Program: Feature or Segment and On-Camera Talent: Commentator or Editorialist.
"I'm surprised and honored to be considered by my peers for these awards," said Jackson. "It is truly amazing just to be nominated and compete with such talented people."
Jackson's entries were selected by a Blue Ribbon Panel assembled by any of the 19 Academy Chapters from all over the U.S. Judges come from local television stations, networks, cable programming services and independent production facilities, and are often themselves Emmy and other industry award winners.
"The New York Market, the number 1 market in the country, continues to be the most competitive and most difficult market to be nominated and to win an Emmy Award. This year we received a total of 1519 entries and we honor 495 nominees in 104 categories," said The New York Chapter of National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Executive Director, Jacqueline J. Gonzalez.
Jackson is currently in talks with numerous shows to cover this week's Academy Awards from his unique perspective as a kid, and a movie critic.
Jackson is available for interviews or bookings all week long. Contact Dan Murphy (518) 256-5616 or lcj@light-camera-jackson.com.
Visit Jackson's website: www.lights-camera-jackson.com. You can view some of Jackson's work at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyzzXeMxzYU. Jackson's last year's Oscar picks http://www.youtube.com/lightscamerajackson#p/a/u/2/LJwMQLpnhls. Going four for four! Stay tuned for this years picks!
This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/.
Source: Lights Camera Jackson
CONTACT: Dan Murphy of Lights Camera Jackson, +1-518-256-5616,
lcj@light-camera-jackson.com, www.lights-camera-jackson.com
Web Site: Lights Camera Jackson
Entertainment Awards Season
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
2 Mar 2010
17:07
41st NAACP Image Awards Elevates the Art of Hospitality With 'The Backstage Experience'
16:26
And the Oscar Goes To...Wouldn't you like to Know? The nation's most respected psychic service makes their 2010 Oscar Predictions
16:15
'Everybody Wins at the Oscars(R)' Nominee Gift Baskets in Honor of the 82nd Annual Academy Awards
14:00
Get Red Carpet Ready With blinkx
14:35
ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AND THE HOME DEPOT(R) SELECT COUNTRY MUSIC ARTISTS MONTGOMERY GENTRY TO RECEIVE HUMANITARIAN AWARD
14:32
OFF-CAMERA NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 45th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS
14:29
NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 45th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC(R) AWARDS, COUNTRY MUSIC'S PARTY OF THE YEAR(TM)
14:05
'Academy Award' for Best Performance ... by an Animal?
12:18
Eleven Year Old Youngest Ever to Be Nominated For a NY Emmy
1 Mar 2010
18:22
Civil Rights Film Leads 2010 Wilbur Awards List
18:00
OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK Acquires Academy Award(R)-Nominated Box Office Hit PRECIOUS from Lionsgate
14:20
Sterling Vineyards Will Provide Wines for 82nd Academy Awards(R) Viewing Party to Benefit Elton John AIDS Foundation
11:00
CLIO Awards Extends Entry Deadline
25 Feb 2010
14:53
Platinum Recording Artists Rihanna and Justin Bieber to Perform Live at Nickelodeon's 23rd Annual Kids' Choice Awards Airing Saturday, March 27 from Los Angeles
12:18
Saturday Night Live's Guitarist Jared Scharff Wins Song of the Year
24 Feb 2010
07:00
Asprey / Orange British Academy Film Awards 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Stevie Wonder Joins Junior Blind of America's Board of Directors
Stevie Wonder inspires children who are blind, visually impaired or multi-disabled and their families at Junior Blind's annual Holiday Carnival. (PRNewsFoto/Junior Blind of America) LOS ANGELES, CA UNITED STATES
2 Mar 2010 14:00 Africa/Lagos
Stevie Wonder Joins Junior Blind of America's Board of Directors After Two Decades of Dedicated Involvement
Continuing His Commitment to Improving the Lives of Those with Disabilities, Wonder Joins Board of Nonprofit Dedicated to Helping Blind and Disabled
LOS ANGELES, March 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Junior Blind of America, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children and adults who are blind, visually impaired or multi-disabled achieve independence, today announced that legendary singer songwriter Stevie Wonder has joined the organization's Board of Directors.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100302/DC63167 )
"Stevie has been a dedicated friend and supporter of Junior Blind's children and families for two decades. We are thrilled he is taking this next step to build on his longstanding commitment to improving the lives of people who are living with visual impairments and other disabilities," says Miki Jordan, President of Junior Blind.
In December, 2009, the United Nations designated Mr. Wonder as a Messenger of Peace, with a special focus on people with disabilities, an honor that celebrates Wonder's commitment to inspiring people all over the world to achieve their dreams, despite any physical limitations.
For more than five decades, Junior Blind has been an innovative leader in providing support and services to hundreds of thousands of infants, children, teens and adults who are blind or multi-disabled blind and their family members. Through his commitment to Junior Blind, Mr. Wonder has inspired countless children and families, making special appearances at the organization's Children's Holiday Carnival and offering heartfelt donations on behalf of his We Are You Foundation.
Blind since birth and a star since childhood, Stevie Wonder has touched millions of lives worldwide not only through his musical genius, but also through his tireless contributions as a humanitarian, championing people with disabilities and basic human rights for people everywhere.
ABOUT JUNIOR BLIND OF AMERICA
Since 1953, Junior Blind has helped people of all ages who are blind, visually impaired or multi-disabled achieve independence. Each year, Junior Blind provides services to thousands of individuals and their families through programs that offer innovative and individualized methods of education, recreation, training and rehabilitation. These life-changing programs are designed to empower infants, children, teens and adults to reach their highest level of potential, independence and self-esteem. To learn more, please visit www.juniorblind.org.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100302/DC63167
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN13
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Junior Blind of America
CONTACT: Camille Wheatley, Junior Blind of America,
cwheatley@juniorblind.org, +1-323-290-6289, cell +1-408-921-7823
Web Site: http://www.juniorblind.org/
Blacks Do Not Sleep Like Whites
Photo Credit: NY Daily News
2 Mar 2010 13:00 Africa/Lagos
Poll Reveals Sleep Differences among Ethnic Groups
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: 12:01 A.M. ET, MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2010
National Sleep Foundation's Annual Sleep in America Poll Explores Sleep Issues among Asians, Blacks/African-Americans, Hispanics and Whites
Photo Credit: Ibnelert.com
The 2010 Sleep in America poll released today by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) reveals significant differences in the sleep habits and attitudes of Asians, Blacks/African-Americans, Hispanics and Whites. It is the first poll to examine sleep among these four ethnic groups.
NSF's Sleep in America poll found that more than three-fourths of respondents from each ethnic group agree that poor sleep is associated with health problems (76-83%). These new findings echo lessons learned by former President Bill Clinton who recently admitted that he has adopted a new lifestyle regimen to sleep seven or more hours on the advice of his doctors.
The poll also shows that all groups report disturbingly similar experiences missing work or family functions because they were too sleepy (19-24%). Among married people or couples living together, all ethnic groups report being too tired for sex frequently (21- 26% of the time).
"As the leading voice of sleep health, we are committed to better understanding people's sleep needs," says David Cloud, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation. "By exploring ethnic and family sleep practices we have gained new insight into why we sleep the way we do."
Blacks/African-Americans report the busiest bedtime routines
Blacks/African-Americans are the most likely to report performing activities in the hour before going to bed every night or almost every night, specifically watching TV (75%) and/or praying or doing another religious practice (71%). Whether on weekdays/workdays or non-workdays/weekends, Blacks/African-Americans spend much more time in bed without sleeping than the other ethnic groups (54 minutes on weekdays/workdays and 71 minutes on non-workdays/weekends).
-- Blacks/African-Americans and Hispanics (10% each) are ten times more
likely to report having sex every night than Asians (1%) and 2.5 times
more likely than Whites (4%).
-- Most Blacks/African-Americans report praying every night (71%); more
than four times the reported frequency of Asians (18%), twice the rate
of Whites (32%) and 1.5 times the rate of Hispanics (45%).
-- Blacks/African-Americans (17%) and Asians (16%) are more likely than
Whites (9%) and Hispanics (13%) to report doing job-related work in
the hour before bed, among those employed.
-- Blacks/African-Americans report losing sleep every night over personal
financial concerns (12%) and employment concerns (10%) at a higher
rate than Whites (6% and 7%) or Asians (1% and 4%). Hispanics are
almost equally concerned each night about these two issues (11% and
9%, respectively).
"The hour before bed is an important time to relax and wind-down before going to sleep," says Thomas J. Balkin, Ph.D., Chairman of the National Sleep Foundation. "For those who are having problems sleeping, it's a good idea to consider whether your bedtime routines may be too alerting."
Asians report getting the best sleep, report the least amount of sleep problems and infrequent use of sleep aids
Asians are the most likely ethnic group (84%) to say that they had a good night's sleep at least a few nights or more a week. In addition, Asians are about half as likely (14%) to discuss their sleep issues with a healthcare professional, and are half as likely (10%) to report having been diagnosed with a sleep disorder. Asians are the least likely to report using sleep medication at least a few nights a week (5% versus 13% Whites, 9% Blacks/African-Americans and 8% Hispanics).
-- Asians are the least likely (9%) to say that they "rarely" or "never"
have a good night's sleep, compared with 20% of Whites, 18% of
Blacks/African-Americans and 14% of Hispanics.
-- The poll shows that Asians are more than twice as likely to use the
Internet every night in comparison to any other group (51% versus 22%
Whites, 20% Blacks/African-Americans, 20% Hispanics). They are also
the least likely to watch TV an hour before sleep (52% versus 64%
Whites, 72% Hispanics and 75% Blacks/African-Americans).
-- Asians report the use of herbal and alternative therapies at rates
similar to Hispanics (2% each), but less than Whites (4%).
-- Asians report the lowest rates of losing sleep due to personal
financial concerns at least a few nights a week (9% versus 22%
Hispanics, 20% Whites and 19% Blacks/African-Americans).
While Blacks/African-Americans report the least amount of sleep, they also say they need less sleep
Blacks/African-Americans report getting the least amount of sleep on workdays/weekdays (6 hours and 14 minutes). Interestingly, they also say that they need only 7 hours and 5 minutes of sleep each night to perform at their best during the day, which is significantly less sleep than Asians and Hispanics (7 hours and 29 minutes each).
-- Blacks/African-Americans report getting an average of 34 minutes less
sleep on a work night/weeknight than Asians and 38 minutes less than
Whites.
"The finding that Blacks/African-Americans say they need less sleep and get less sleep is instructive for public health professionals," says Jose S. Loredo, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego. "Their total sleep time and attitudes regarding sleep may be associated with Blacks/African-Americans' higher rates of sleep apnea, hypertension and diabetes and provide sleep-related insight into how to improve awareness and education programs and, very importantly, how to improve therapy compliance rates."
Hispanics are the most likely to say they are kept awake by financial, employment, personal relationship and/or health-related concerns
Overall, at least one-third of Hispanics (38%) and Blacks/African-Americans (33%) report that any of these concerns disturb their sleep at least a few nights a week, compared to about one-fourth of Whites (28%) and/or Asians (25%).
-- Moreover, about two in ten Hispanics (19%) and
Blacks/African-Americans (19%) say their sleep is disturbed every
night or almost every night by at least one of these concerns.
-- Hispanics (16%) are more likely than Blacks/African-Americans (12%),
Asians (9%) and Whites (7%) to say that health-related concerns have
disturbed their sleep at least a few nights a week.
"So many people are suffering because of economic uncertainty," says Martica Hall, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. "If you find yourself lying awake worrying, write a note to yourself to work on these issues the next day so you can dismiss those ideas at bed time. Consider using relaxation techniques and focus on calming activities and thoughts. If your problems persist, you may want to seek out a sleep professional."
Whites are the most likely to report sleeping with their pets and/or their significant other/spouse
Among those married or partnered, Whites are much more likely (14%) than the other ethnic groups (2% each) to say they usually sleep with a pet.
-- Among those married or partnered, 90% of Whites report that they sleep
with their significant other compared to 84% of
Blacks/African-Americans, 76% of Hispanics and 67% of Asians.
-- Interestingly, among all respondents, Whites are the least likely to
say they sleep alone (21% versus 41% Blacks/African-Americans, 37%
Asians and 31% Hispanics).
Among those married or partnered respondents with children, Asians (28%) and Hispanics (22%) are the most likely to report that they sleep in the same room with their children (compared to 15% of Blacks/African-Americans and 8% of Whites).*
"Other studies support the findings that co-sleeping with children is prevalent with Asians," says Sonia Ancoli-Israel, Ph.D., chair of the National Sleep Foundation's Sleep in America Poll Task Force. "If you are having trouble sleeping, and you sleep with your spouse, your child, your pet or all three, remember that may be contributing to sleep disturbances that prevent you from getting a good night's sleep."
*Bed sharing/co-sleeping is a complex and controversial practice. This study did not specifically examine the issue of sleeping with infants, nor does the National Sleep Foundation wish to have these results misconstrued to suggest a position on the practice. Parental counseling about infant sleep environments is strongly suggested.
Sleep disorder diagnosis is uneven among the four ethnic groups.
The 2010 poll found that sleep disorders continue to be very common among the adults surveyed, with specific disorders occurring at different frequency among the four groups.
-- Whites report the highest rate of diagnosis for insomnia (10%), and
Blacks/African-Americans have the highest rate of diagnosed sleep
apnea (14%) among the four groups.
-- Among those experiencing sleep problems, Whites are the most likely to
report using over-the-counter sleep aids at least a few nights a week
(7%). Blacks/African-Americans are almost twice as likely to report
taking medications prescribed by a doctor (7%) rather than
over-the-counter sleep aids (3%). Asians are the least likely to
report using any form of sleep medication (5%).
"If you are experiencing problems sleeping," says Balkin, "take charge of your own sleep. You should critically examine your bedtime routines and pre-sleep activities and make time to ensure your bedroom is conducive to your sleep comfort. You will spend approximately a third of your life in bed, so it's worth it to take time to make sure your bed and bedtime routine are right for you. If you continue having problems sleeping for more than a few weeks, it's advisable to speak with your healthcare professional."
Ethnic groups seek help for sleep problems differently
When experiencing a specific sleep problem, Blacks/African-Americans say they are more likely to speak with their doctor (16%) or research online (10%) than to get recommendations from friends or family (4%).
-- Asians (15%) are the most likely to say they get advice from family
and friends.
-- Respondents were also asked if their healthcare professional or doctor
had ever asked them about their sleep during a routine visit. At least
four in ten Whites (48%), Blacks/African-Americans (42%) and Hispanics
(40%) say yes; however, only 28% of Asians had been asked about sleep
by their doctor.
"We are making progress with physicians and patients discussing sleep issues in regular office visits," says Cloud. "But we still have a lot of work to do to make sleep a routine part of every physician-patient interaction."
Adds David G. Davila, MD, Medical Director of the Baptist Health Sleep Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, "Sleep is a vital sign for overall health, therefore, discussing sleep problems should be an important part of health check ups for doctors and patients, especially since sleep disorders can affect many other medical conditions."
For the most comprehensive source of information on sleep health, visit the National Sleep Foundation's website, www.sleepfoundation.org. The website also provides a directory of sleep professionals and sleep centers in your community. You can also read the complete "Summary of Findings" and "Highlights" from this year's Sleep in America poll and polls from prior years.
Healthy Sleep Advice
The National Sleep Foundation suggests the following to improve your sleep:
-- Go to sleep and wake at the same time every day, and avoid spending
more time in bed than needed.
-- Use bright light to help manage your "body clock." Avoid bright light
in the evening and expose yourself to sunlight in the morning.
-- Use your bedroom only for sleep to strengthen the association between
your bed and sleep. It may help to remove work materials, computers
and televisions from your bedroom.
-- Select a relaxing bedtime ritual, like a warm bath or listening to
calming music.
-- Create an environment that is conducive to sleep that is quiet, dark
and cool with a comfortable mattress and pillows.
-- Reduce or eliminate your intake of caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.
-- Save your worries for the daytime. If concerns come to mind, write
them in a "worry book" so you can address those issues the next day.
-- If you can't sleep, go into another room and do something relaxing
until you feel tired.
-- Exercise regularly, but avoid vigorous workouts close to bedtime.
Poll Methodology and Definitions
The National Sleep Foundation began surveying American sleep health and behaviors in 1991. The 2010 Sleep in America annual poll was conducted for the National Sleep Foundation by WB&A Market Research, using a random sample of 1,007 adults between the ages of 25-60 and identifying themselves as White, Black/African-American, Asian or Hispanic. This poll has adopted the group definition used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Census Bureau, and related public health groups; while NSF also acknowledges that this is an imperfect description of race and ethnic groups. No effort was made to verify the accuracy of the respondent's self-identification. Individuals from other ethnic groups were excluded from participating. The Sleep in America Poll Task Force did consider economic factors in analyzing the data. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.
2010 Sleep in America Poll Task Force
Sonia Ancoli-Israel, Ph.D. (Chair)
Professor of Psychiatry
Director, Gillin Sleep and Chronomedicine Research Center
Department of Psychiatry
University of California, San Diego
Daniel P. Chapman, Ph.D.
Epidemiologist
National Center for Chronic Disease
Prevention & Health Promotion
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Martica Hall, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychiatry
University of Pittsburgh
Kenneth L. Lichstein, Ph.D.
Professor
Director, Sleep Research Project
Department of Psychology
The University of Alabama
Jose S. Loredo, M.D., M.S., M.P.H., F.C.C.P.
Professor of Medicine
Medical Director, Sleep Medicine Center
University of California, San Diego
NSF released the poll findings as part of its 13th annual National Sleep Awareness Week® campaign, held March 7-13, 2010, that culminates with the change to Daylight Saving Time on March 14th. With the change of clocks, NSF wishes to remind Americans that losing sleep is an important health consideration.
The National Sleep Foundation hosts the Sleep Health and Safety conference March 5-6, 2010 in Washington to advance sleep health education for health professionals and public policy leaders.
NSF Background
The National Sleep Foundation is dedicated to improving sleep health and safety through education, public awareness, and advocacy. It is well-known for its annual Sleep in America poll. The Foundation is a charitable, educational and scientific not-for-profit organization located in Washington, D.C. Its membership includes researchers and clinicians focused on sleep medicine, professionals in the health, medical and science fields, individuals, patients, families affected by drowsy driving and more than 900 healthcare facilities throughout North America.
The National Sleep Foundation does not solicit nor accept corporate support for its annual Sleep in America polls; its polls are developed by an independent task force of sleep scientists and government representatives who provide guidance and expertise in developing the poll questionnaire as well as providing the analysis of the data.
Information about the National Sleep Foundation, the current and former polls and a database of sleep professionals and sleep centers who can be contacted to comment on this story or refer patients to be interviewed can be found online at www.sleepfoundation.org
CONTACT: Jennifer Cowher Williams of the National Sleep Foundation, +1-202-347-3471 ext. 211, JWilliams@sleepfoundation.org
/PRNewswire-USNewswire -- March 2/
Source: National Sleep Foundation
Web Site: National Sleep Foundation
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OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK Acquires Academy Award(R)-Nominated Box Office Hit PRECIOUS from Lionsgate
OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK, a joint venture between Discovery Communications and Oprah Winfrey. (PRNewsFoto/Discovery Communications) SILVER SPRING, MD UNITED STATES
1 Mar 2010 18:00 Africa/Lagos
OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK Acquires Academy Award(R)-Nominated Box Office Hit PRECIOUS from Lionsgate
Film Has Grossed More Than $45 Million At North American Box Office and Earned Six Academy Award® Nominations, Including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress And Best Director
LOS ANGELES, March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK has acquired television rights to the critically acclaimed, box office hit PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL PUSH BY SAPPHIRE from Lionsgate (NYSE:LGF) . OWN Chief Executive Officer Christina Norman and Lionsgate Television President of Programming & Production Kevin Beggs made the announcement today. OWN has licensed the first broadcast window behind pay television beginning Summer 2012.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091120/PH15283LOGO )
PRECIOUS has garnered more than $45 million at the North American box office, expanded to more than 650 theatres nationwide, and earned six Academy Award® nominations including Best Picture, Best Actress (newcomer Gabourey Sidibe), Best Supporting Actress (Mo'Nique), Best Director (Lee Daniels), Best Adapted Screenplay (Geoffrey Fletcher) and Best Editing (Joe Klotz).
The film has already won a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award® for Best Supporting Actress (Mo'Nique) along with the Darryl F. Zanuck Producer of the Year Award for the film (Lee Daniels, Gary Magness and Sarah Siegel-Magness), a Directors Guild nomination for Lee Daniels as Best Director and a Writers Guild nomination for Geoffrey Fletcher (Best Adapted Screenplay). Additionally, the film has been named to AFI's list of 10 best films of the year and dozens of year-end critics' 10 Best lists.
Set in 1987, PRECIOUS is a dramatic, vividly realized story of a Harlem teenager who overcomes tremendous obstacles to discover her own worth, beauty and potential. PRECIOUS is a Lee Daniels Entertainment/Smokewood Entertainment Group production presented by Lionsgate in association with Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry. The film is directed by Lee Daniels from a screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher based on the book Push, a novel by Sapphire. The film stars Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz and introduces Gabourey Sidibe. PRECIOUS was produced by Lee Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness. Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Lisa Cortes and Tom Heller are Executive Producers; Simone Sheffield serves as Co-Executive Producer; Mark G. Mathis is Co-Producer; and Andrew Sforzini and Asger Hussain serves as Associate Producers.
"PRECIOUS is the perfect film for OWN," said Norman. "It's a powerful film of self-discovery and empowerment, and I know it will resonate deeply with our audience."
"OWN's licensing of PRECIOUS epitomizes our strategy of supplying quality content to cable networks hungry for fresh programming to build their brands and serve their target audiences," said Beggs. "We are pleased to be in business with OWN, and we are very proud of PRECIOUS and confident that, as its commercial success and critical recognition continue to grow, it will become an icon of our culture."
The deal includes several films from Lionsgate's vast library of more than 12,000 motion picture and television titles.
About OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK
A joint venture between Oprah Winfrey and Discovery Communications, OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK is a multi-platform media company designed to entertain, inform, and inspire people to live their best lives. OWN will debut in January 2011 in approximately 80 million homes, on what is currently the Discovery Health Channel. The venture also will include the award-winning digital platform, Oprah.com. For more information, please visit www.oprah.com/own.
About Lionsgate
Lionsgate (NYSE:LGF) is the leading next generation studio with a strong and diversified presence in the production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment, video-on-demand and digitally delivered content. The Company has built a strong television presence in production of prime time cable and broadcast network series, distribution and syndication of programming through Debmar-Mercury and an array of channel platform assets, including TV Guide Network in partnership with JPMorgan's One Equity Partners, the Epix multiplatform channel with partners Viacom and MGM, the FEARnet branded horror channel with partners Comcast and Sony, and the KIX and Thrill branded action and horror channels in Asia. Its feature film business has generated more than $400 million at the North American box office in the past year, including such recent hits as PRECIOUS, which has grossed more than $45 million at the North American box office and earned six Academy Award nominations, DAYBREAKERS and BROTHERS. The Company's home entertainment business has grown to more than 7% market share and is an industry leader in its box office-to-DVD revenue conversion rate. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 12,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate brand remains synonymous with original, daring, and quality entertainment in markets around the world.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091120/PH15283LOGO
Source: OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK
CONTACT: Nicole Nichols, SVP, Communications & Strategy Communications,
OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK, +1-310-602-5511, or Peter D. Wilkes, SVP,
Investor Relations & Executive Communications, Lionsgate, +1-310-255-3726,
pwilkes@lionsgate.com
Web Site: OWN
Authoritative Study of Domain Name Data Accuracy Released
Accuracy of WHOIS registrant contact information. (PRNewsFoto/National Opinion Research Center) CHICAGO, IL UNITED STATES
1 Mar 2010 15:10 Africa/Lagos
Authoritative Study of Domain Name Data Accuracy Released
CHICAGO, March 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An authoritative study on the accuracy of information provided by those who register Internet domain names - registrants - finds that 23 percent of the records are fully accurate, eight percent are patently false, and the remainder fall somewhere in between these two extremes. About 75 percent of all records examined eventually led back to the registrant but the majority of records contained at least some missing or inaccurate information. The attached chart shows the range of accuracy levels identified in the study.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100301/DC62151)
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has released for public comment a study conducted by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago, which examined the records of the WHOIS service. WHOIS provides free public access to information about the people and organizations who register domain names.
The study was designed to provide a baseline measurement of the accuracy of WHOIS records in five top level domains (.com, .org, .net, .info and .biz) using an internationally representative sample of 1,419 records. NORC researchers applied three criteria to each record selected in order to verify the mailing address, the association between the name and the mailing address, and to confirm that the registrant had in fact provided information for the domain name.
The study also identified several barriers to registrant data accuracy, including concerns about privacy, confusion about the information required, lack of clarity in the standard to which information should be entered, no requirement for proof of identity or address, and differences in the approaches used by different registrars.
"The Internet community has been aware of issues with WHOIS data accuracy for some time," Jennifer A. Kelly, lead investigator for the study, said. "Many good proposals have been put forward to address them but consensus on how best to proceed has been difficult due to uncertainty about the extent of the problem. This study provides a solid basis for moving forward," she went on to say, "and it will help stakeholders determine the level of investment required to improve the WHOIS service."
The public comment period runs through April 15, 2010. To view and download the report, go to:
http://www.icann.org/en/compliance/reports/whois-accuracy-study-17jan10-en .pdf.
ABOUT ICANN
ICANN is a nonprofit, private sector led corporation based in California and created in 1998 to coordinate key functions of the global Internet. The work if ICANN is for the public benefit, specifically the benefit of domain name registrants and the global community of an estimated one billion Internet users. ICANN is the place for stakeholder driven policy development on the management of the DNS and issues surrounding it. Learn more at: http://www.icann.org/.
ABOUT NORC
NORC conducts high-quality social science research in the public interest. To learn more about NORC, visit our website http://www.norc.org/.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100301/DC62151
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: National Opinion Research Center
CONTACT: Cathleen Savage of National Opinion Research Center,
+1-301-634-9411
Web Site: http://www.norc.org/
1 Mar 2010 15:10 Africa/Lagos
Authoritative Study of Domain Name Data Accuracy Released
CHICAGO, March 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An authoritative study on the accuracy of information provided by those who register Internet domain names - registrants - finds that 23 percent of the records are fully accurate, eight percent are patently false, and the remainder fall somewhere in between these two extremes. About 75 percent of all records examined eventually led back to the registrant but the majority of records contained at least some missing or inaccurate information. The attached chart shows the range of accuracy levels identified in the study.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100301/DC62151)
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has released for public comment a study conducted by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago, which examined the records of the WHOIS service. WHOIS provides free public access to information about the people and organizations who register domain names.
The study was designed to provide a baseline measurement of the accuracy of WHOIS records in five top level domains (.com, .org, .net, .info and .biz) using an internationally representative sample of 1,419 records. NORC researchers applied three criteria to each record selected in order to verify the mailing address, the association between the name and the mailing address, and to confirm that the registrant had in fact provided information for the domain name.
The study also identified several barriers to registrant data accuracy, including concerns about privacy, confusion about the information required, lack of clarity in the standard to which information should be entered, no requirement for proof of identity or address, and differences in the approaches used by different registrars.
"The Internet community has been aware of issues with WHOIS data accuracy for some time," Jennifer A. Kelly, lead investigator for the study, said. "Many good proposals have been put forward to address them but consensus on how best to proceed has been difficult due to uncertainty about the extent of the problem. This study provides a solid basis for moving forward," she went on to say, "and it will help stakeholders determine the level of investment required to improve the WHOIS service."
The public comment period runs through April 15, 2010. To view and download the report, go to:
http://www.icann.org/en/compliance/reports/whois-accuracy-study-17jan10-en .pdf.
ABOUT ICANN
ICANN is a nonprofit, private sector led corporation based in California and created in 1998 to coordinate key functions of the global Internet. The work if ICANN is for the public benefit, specifically the benefit of domain name registrants and the global community of an estimated one billion Internet users. ICANN is the place for stakeholder driven policy development on the management of the DNS and issues surrounding it. Learn more at: http://www.icann.org/.
ABOUT NORC
NORC conducts high-quality social science research in the public interest. To learn more about NORC, visit our website http://www.norc.org/.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100301/DC62151
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: National Opinion Research Center
CONTACT: Cathleen Savage of National Opinion Research Center,
+1-301-634-9411
Web Site: http://www.norc.org/
Journalist Beaten By Guards in Semi-Autonomous Somalia Region of Puntland
2 Mar 2010 12:32 Africa/Lagos
Journalist Beaten By Guards in Semi-Autonomous Somalia Region of Puntland / IPI Calls on Puntland Authorities to Punish Anyone who Assaults a Journalist
MOGADISHU, March 2, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- A Somali correspondent was allegedly beaten by court security guards last Wednesday in Puntland, the semi-autonomous region of Somalia, according to a 25 February statement by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ).
Ahmed Ibrahim Nor from Mogadishu-based Radio Simba was recording proceedings in the high court of Bosaso, capital of Puntland, when he was allegedly attacked by the court's chief security officer and other guards, NUSOJ reported. Nor and other journalists were reportedly told to stop recording, but were attacked even after they had turned off their equipment.
“IPI condemns the attack on Ahmed Ibrahim Nor,” said IPI Director David Dadge. “The Puntland authorities must take action against anyone who attacks a journalist. In doing so, they will be ensuring that no one is above the law. If security guards are found to have been involved in an assault on a journalist, they should be prosecuted. Attacks on journalists should never be tolerated.”
This is the second courtroom attack on a journalist in Puntland in a year. Last July, Aweys Sheikh Nur, a reporter for the Netherlands-based broadcaster, Horseed Media, was allegedly attacked by five guards at a Bosaso courtroom, who beat the journalist with the butts of their AK-47 rifles. Nur was beaten for having taken photographs despite an order not to do so, which was reportedly given while the journalist was outside the courtroom. The judge and other guards failed to intervene during the beating, and Nur subsequently checked himself into a local hospital for treatment.
“The problem in Puntland is that the armed forces have absolute protection,” NUSOJ Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman told IPI by phone. “They do whatever they want, and no one talks to them,” he added, citing as an example an attack on a senior Radio Galkayo reporter that occurred in December, when a well-known Puntland police officer allegedly fired shots at Hassan Mohamed Jama as he arrived at the local airport to pick up a friend.
Jama managed to escape unharmed. The police officer has not faced any disciplinary proceedings for his actions.
Several Puntland journalists were attacked, arrested, jailed or suspended last year under criminal defamation and other laws, as a result of their critical reporting. In November 2009, Voice of America (VOA) reporter Mohammed Yasin Isak was shot in the shoulder in Galkayo while exiting a Puntland police checkpoint, IPI reported at the time.
Elsewhere in Somalia, kidnapped radio correspondent Ali Yusuf Adan, who was detained on 21 February by Al Shabab militia soldiers, continues to be held incommunicado.
For more information, please contact:
Anthony Mills
Press & Communications Manager
International Press Institute (IPI)
Tel: + 43 1 512 9011
Fax: + 43 1 512 9014
E-mail: amills@freemedia.at
Source: International Press Institute (IPI)
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
2 Mar 2010
12:32
Government of Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement Negotiate Agreement
12:32
Transition Government in Guinea
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Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
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Journalist Beaten By Guards in Semi-Autonomous Somalia Region of Puntland / IPI Calls on Puntland Authorities to Punish Anyone who Assaults a Journalist
12:32
European Commission allocates more than €375 million in humanitarian aid to help vulnerable people from Afghanistan to Sudan
Journalist Beaten By Guards in Semi-Autonomous Somalia Region of Puntland / IPI Calls on Puntland Authorities to Punish Anyone who Assaults a Journalist
MOGADISHU, March 2, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- A Somali correspondent was allegedly beaten by court security guards last Wednesday in Puntland, the semi-autonomous region of Somalia, according to a 25 February statement by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ).
Ahmed Ibrahim Nor from Mogadishu-based Radio Simba was recording proceedings in the high court of Bosaso, capital of Puntland, when he was allegedly attacked by the court's chief security officer and other guards, NUSOJ reported. Nor and other journalists were reportedly told to stop recording, but were attacked even after they had turned off their equipment.
“IPI condemns the attack on Ahmed Ibrahim Nor,” said IPI Director David Dadge. “The Puntland authorities must take action against anyone who attacks a journalist. In doing so, they will be ensuring that no one is above the law. If security guards are found to have been involved in an assault on a journalist, they should be prosecuted. Attacks on journalists should never be tolerated.”
This is the second courtroom attack on a journalist in Puntland in a year. Last July, Aweys Sheikh Nur, a reporter for the Netherlands-based broadcaster, Horseed Media, was allegedly attacked by five guards at a Bosaso courtroom, who beat the journalist with the butts of their AK-47 rifles. Nur was beaten for having taken photographs despite an order not to do so, which was reportedly given while the journalist was outside the courtroom. The judge and other guards failed to intervene during the beating, and Nur subsequently checked himself into a local hospital for treatment.
“The problem in Puntland is that the armed forces have absolute protection,” NUSOJ Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman told IPI by phone. “They do whatever they want, and no one talks to them,” he added, citing as an example an attack on a senior Radio Galkayo reporter that occurred in December, when a well-known Puntland police officer allegedly fired shots at Hassan Mohamed Jama as he arrived at the local airport to pick up a friend.
Jama managed to escape unharmed. The police officer has not faced any disciplinary proceedings for his actions.
Several Puntland journalists were attacked, arrested, jailed or suspended last year under criminal defamation and other laws, as a result of their critical reporting. In November 2009, Voice of America (VOA) reporter Mohammed Yasin Isak was shot in the shoulder in Galkayo while exiting a Puntland police checkpoint, IPI reported at the time.
Elsewhere in Somalia, kidnapped radio correspondent Ali Yusuf Adan, who was detained on 21 February by Al Shabab militia soldiers, continues to be held incommunicado.
For more information, please contact:
Anthony Mills
Press & Communications Manager
International Press Institute (IPI)
Tel: + 43 1 512 9011
Fax: + 43 1 512 9014
E-mail: amills@freemedia.at
Source: International Press Institute (IPI)
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
2 Mar 2010
12:32
Government of Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement Negotiate Agreement
12:32
Transition Government in Guinea
12:32
Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
12:32
Journalist Beaten By Guards in Semi-Autonomous Somalia Region of Puntland / IPI Calls on Puntland Authorities to Punish Anyone who Assaults a Journalist
12:32
European Commission allocates more than €375 million in humanitarian aid to help vulnerable people from Afghanistan to Sudan
IP Video Networks (IPVN) Bridges Gap Between Laptop and TV
2 Mar 2010 04:10 Africa/Lagos
IP Video Networks (IPVN) Bridges Gap Between Laptop and TV
Laptop to TV technology allows cable subscribers to share and enjoy media from a laptop on a TV without an additional set-top-box or hardware component
SAN DIEGO, March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- IP Video Networks, Inc., a video over IP technology company, introduces a new concept and equipment for cable TV providers that allows subscribers to send video, audio and pictures from a netbook, laptop, or mobile device for immediate viewing on a TV. From a standard web browser the subscriber can identify a video on the web, select "Send to TV," and the cable network delivers the selected content for viewing on the TV. The technology does not require the subscriber to install any additional devices.
IP Video Networks, Inc. developed this technology (patent pending) in 2009 and believes the ubiquitous "TV remote" will migrate to an intelligent but low cost device, such as a netbook or laptop, which will enhance interactive television and simplify content sharing and discovery.
IPVN is offering this technology to selected partners in the cable industry and expects to be a leader in the drive for users to view any content from any source on any cable connected screen. The elegance of the design allows cable network operators to explore new business models around a new service for existing subscribers.
"This new capability solves the nagging technical issues that always come up while trying to share video content, viewable on PC devices, with the home TV," said Bob Coackley, IPVN's Chief Executive Officer. "Customers will be able to select any content from the Web and push movies, clips or other rich media to the TV. This technology is part of our commitment to help cable companies stay at the forefront in offering their subscribers the best entertainment offerings that technology can support."
"There are many additional opportunities that this technology offers," said Jarrod Hammes, Vice President of Marketing at IPVN. "As IPVN's technology does not require the cable operator or user to deploy a new set-top-box, it simplifies interactive television by enabling a laptop to provide a great user interface, while leveraging the existing HD capabilities and network capabilities built by the cable operators."
About IP Video Networks, Inc.
IP Video Networks, Inc. provides IP video transport products to broadcasters, satellite operators, cable MSOs, and telecom operators. At the core of the company's capabilities is expertise in IP Video, supported by patented technology and deep knowledge of digital video transport. IPVN's Path 1 division produces long-haul Vx, Cx, and Ax product families that guarantee broadcast quality for contribution and distribution of professional real-time video over public or private IP networks, including the Internet. The VIDx product family easily integrates into legacy networks to support Video on Demand, HDTV, and digital simulcast applications, while significantly reducing capital expenditure and extending the useful life of operators' core networks. IP Video Networks, Inc., based in San Diego, California, is a privately held company. More information about IP Video Networks, Inc. can be found online: www.ipvn.com.
Source: IP Video Networks, Inc.
CONTACT: Jarrod Hammes of IP Video Networks, +1-858-366-4391,
jarrod.hammes@ipvn.com
Web Site: http://www.ipvn.com/
IP Video Networks (IPVN) Bridges Gap Between Laptop and TV
Laptop to TV technology allows cable subscribers to share and enjoy media from a laptop on a TV without an additional set-top-box or hardware component
SAN DIEGO, March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- IP Video Networks, Inc., a video over IP technology company, introduces a new concept and equipment for cable TV providers that allows subscribers to send video, audio and pictures from a netbook, laptop, or mobile device for immediate viewing on a TV. From a standard web browser the subscriber can identify a video on the web, select "Send to TV," and the cable network delivers the selected content for viewing on the TV. The technology does not require the subscriber to install any additional devices.
IP Video Networks, Inc. developed this technology (patent pending) in 2009 and believes the ubiquitous "TV remote" will migrate to an intelligent but low cost device, such as a netbook or laptop, which will enhance interactive television and simplify content sharing and discovery.
IPVN is offering this technology to selected partners in the cable industry and expects to be a leader in the drive for users to view any content from any source on any cable connected screen. The elegance of the design allows cable network operators to explore new business models around a new service for existing subscribers.
"This new capability solves the nagging technical issues that always come up while trying to share video content, viewable on PC devices, with the home TV," said Bob Coackley, IPVN's Chief Executive Officer. "Customers will be able to select any content from the Web and push movies, clips or other rich media to the TV. This technology is part of our commitment to help cable companies stay at the forefront in offering their subscribers the best entertainment offerings that technology can support."
"There are many additional opportunities that this technology offers," said Jarrod Hammes, Vice President of Marketing at IPVN. "As IPVN's technology does not require the cable operator or user to deploy a new set-top-box, it simplifies interactive television by enabling a laptop to provide a great user interface, while leveraging the existing HD capabilities and network capabilities built by the cable operators."
About IP Video Networks, Inc.
IP Video Networks, Inc. provides IP video transport products to broadcasters, satellite operators, cable MSOs, and telecom operators. At the core of the company's capabilities is expertise in IP Video, supported by patented technology and deep knowledge of digital video transport. IPVN's Path 1 division produces long-haul Vx, Cx, and Ax product families that guarantee broadcast quality for contribution and distribution of professional real-time video over public or private IP networks, including the Internet. The VIDx product family easily integrates into legacy networks to support Video on Demand, HDTV, and digital simulcast applications, while significantly reducing capital expenditure and extending the useful life of operators' core networks. IP Video Networks, Inc., based in San Diego, California, is a privately held company. More information about IP Video Networks, Inc. can be found online: www.ipvn.com.
Source: IP Video Networks, Inc.
CONTACT: Jarrod Hammes of IP Video Networks, +1-858-366-4391,
jarrod.hammes@ipvn.com
Web Site: http://www.ipvn.com/
100 Amazing Futuristic Design Concepts We Wish Were Real
100 Amazing Futuristic Design Concepts We Wish Were Real
Such as the extra cool iPhone 4G Concept
This fantasy iPhone mimics both the look of Mac OS/X and the aluminum case of a MacBook Pro. We couldn’t suss out the real name of the designer but you can see more pictures from this designer under his handle “youngSpace” at Flickr. The video capability in this design preceded the one in the iChat, above. The removable battery is also tantalizing.
Click here for the rest.
Porsche Reveals High-Performance 918 Spyder Concept
Porsche 918 Spyder Concept Car. (PRNewsFoto/Porsche Cars North America) ATLANTA, GA UNITED STATES
1 Mar 2010 20:39 Africa/Lagos
Porsche Reveals High-Performance 918 Spyder Concept
Highly Efficient and Ultra-Fast Plug-in Hybrid Super Sports Car Unveiled in Geneva
ATLANTA, March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show, Porsche unveiled an ultra-efficient, low-emission, mid-engine super sports car featuring hybrid and electric drive technology.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100301/CL62654-a)
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100301/CL62654-b)
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100301/CL62654-c)
The 918 Spyder concept combines high-tech racing features with electric-mobility to offer a fascinating range of qualities. For example, it is planned to provide an emission level of just 70 grams of CO2 per kilometer on fuel consumption of only three liters/100 kilometers (equal to approximately 78 mpg U.S.), which is truly outstanding, even for an ultra-compact city car. This car, however, is intended to offer the performance of a super sports car with acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in just under 3.2 seconds, top speed of 320 km/h (198 mph), and a lap time on the Nordschleife of Nurburgring in less than 7:30 minutes, faster than even the Porsche Carrera GT.
The 918 Spyder is one of three Porsche models with hybrid drive making their world debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. This trio - made up of Porsche's new Cayenne S Hybrid SUV with parallel full-hybrid drive, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car with electric drive on the front axle and a flywheel mass battery, and the two-seater high-performance 918 Spyder mid-engined sports car with plug-in hybrid technology - clearly demonstrates not only the great bandwidth of this new drive technology, but also the innovative power of Porsche as a genuine pioneer in hybrid drive.
The highly-innovative 918 Spyder concept car combines Porsche's Intelligent Performance philosophy with the high-technology from motorsport, with classic but modern design to make a truly convincing statement.
Innovative powertrain combines race-bred V8 engine with electric drive
This open two-seater is powered by a high-revving V8 developing more than 500 horsepower and a maximum engine speed of 9,200 rpm - as well as electric motors on the front and rear axle with overall mechanical output of 218 horsepower (160 kW).
The V8 combustion engine is the next step in the evolution of the highly successful 3.4-liter power unit already featured in the RS Spyder racing car and positioned mid-ship, in front of the rear axle, giving the car excellent balance and the right set-up for supreme performance on the race track.
Power is transmitted to the wheels by a seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission that feeds the power of the electric drive system to the rear axle. The front-wheel electric drive powers the wheels through a fixed transmission ratio.
The energy reservoir is a fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery positioned behind the passenger cell. The big advantage of a plug-in hybrid is that the battery can be charged on the regular electrical network. A further point is that the car's kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy fed into the battery when applying the brakes, thus providing additional energy for fast and dynamic acceleration.
Driver's choice of four distinct driving modes
A button on the steering wheel allows the driver to choose among four different running modes: The E-Drive mode is for running the car under electric power alone, with a range of up to 25 km or 16 miles. In the Hybrid mode, the 918 Spyder uses both the electric motors and the combustion engine as a function of driving conditions and requirements, offering a range from particularly fuel-efficient all the way to extra-powerful.
The Sport Hybrid mode uses both drive systems, but with the focus on performance. Most of the drive power goes to the rear wheels, with Torque Vectoring serving to additionally improve the car's driving dynamics.
In the Race Hybrid mode the drive systems are focused on pure performance with the highest standard of driving dynamics on the track, running at the limit to their power and dynamic output. With the battery sufficiently charged, a push-to-pass button feeds in additional electrical power (E-Boost), when overtaking or for even better performance.
With the hybrid drive system offering this wide range of individual modes and applications, the 918 Spyder is able either to achieve lap times comparable to those of a thoroughbred racing car, or the extremely low emissions and high fuel economy figures of a plug-in hybrid.
Advanced body structure and design offer more than just good looks
Like the drivetrain, the lightweight body structure of the Porsche 918 Spyder also bears out the car's DNA carried over directly from motorsport: The modular structure with its monocoque bodyshell made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFP) and liberal use of magnesium and aluminum not only reduce weight to below 1,490 kg, or 3,285 lb, but also ensure supreme driving precision thanks to a high level of torsional stiffness.
Reminiscent of highly successful, legendary racing cars such as the Porsche 917 and the current Porsche RS Spyder, the 918 Spyder, with its design concept so typical of Porsche arouses powerful emotions. The combination of racing car dimensions, clearly structured design with perfectly balanced surfaces, and innovative details throughout, creates an ideal synthesis of form and function - following Porsche's design DNA.
The smooth balance of tradition and progress gives the car a powerful stance on the road. Variable aerodynamics, typical of Porsche, ensures both visionary and traditional highlights especially around the rear spoiler. The striking rear hoods extending out of the headrests, in turn, not only fulfill an aerodynamic function on the 918 Spyder, but also accommodate retractable air intakes with a ram air function.
High-tech interior provides glimpse into the future
The driver and passenger are not only embedded in contoured sports bucket seats but also form part of the cockpit, which provides a synthesis of efficient functionality and ergonomic high-tech operation. Additionally, the cockpit offers a glimpse at the potential interior architecture of future Porsche super sports cars. The three free-standing circular dials for road speed (left), engine speed (middle) and energy management (right) would appear to come directly from a racing car in the '60s, bearing out that unique philosophy of driver orientation so characteristic of Porsche.
The center console rises up towards the front in the 918 Spyder and houses a touch screen for intuitive control of the car's functions, serving to reduce the number of visible controls and maintain the principle of direct operation.
The control units relevant to the driver are mainly concentrated on the three-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel, while the variable driving modes are supplemented by a switch enabling the driver to call up various drive programs and serving as the push-to-pass button for E-boosting. Instrument illumination, finally, varies from green for the consumption-oriented running modes to red for the performance-oriented driving programs.
The Porsche 918 Spyder concept also comes with further innovative functions such as the Range Manager. After being activated in the Center Display, the Range Manager uses the map in the navigation system to present the remaining range the car is able to cover, naturally allowing the driver to influence that range through the appropriate choice of power and performance.
In cities with environmental alert areas the Range Manager also states whether the driver is able to reach a certain destination on electric power alone.
Applying this information and using further info on the availability and location of special energy filling stations, the driver is then able to choose his personal style of driving as well as the right battery charge and filling strategy.
Offering a unique combination of extremely low fuel consumption, supreme performance and long electric range, the Porsche 918 Spyder concept represents an essential milestone in Porsche's strategy on the way to genuine electric-mobility.
About Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. PCNA employs approximately 180 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 200 dealers. The dealers, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service. Throughout its 61-year history, Porsche has developed numerous technologies that have advanced vehicle performance, improved safety and spurred environmental innovations within the automotive industry. The company continues to celebrate its heritage by adding to its long list of motorsports victories dating back to its first 24 Hours of Le Mans class win in 1951. Today, with more than 28,000 victories, Porsche is recognized as the world's most successful brand in sports car racing. PCNA, which imports the iconic 911 series, the highly acclaimed Boxster and Cayman mid-engine sports cars, high-end Cayenne sport utility vehicles and the four-passenger Panamera Gran Turismos, strives to maintain a standard of excellence, commitment and distinction synonymous with its brand.
Follow us: www.twitter.com/PorscheNewsWire and www.facebook.com/Porsche
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100301/CL62654-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100301/CL62654-b
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100301/CL62654-c
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN10,11,12
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Porsche Cars North America
CONTACT: Steve Janisse, Manager, Media Relations, +1-770-290-3419,
steve.janisse@porsche.us; Dave Engelman, Product Communications Manager,
+1-770-290-3617, dave.engelman@porsche.us, both of Porsche Cars North America
Web Site: www.press.porsche.com
IBM 2010 Global CFO Study: Sixty Percent of Finance Organizations Plan Significant Changes to Adapt to New Economic Demands
2 Mar 2010 06:01 Africa/Lagos
IBM 2010 Global CFO Study: Sixty Percent of Finance Organizations Plan Significant Changes to Adapt to New Economic Demands
Findings Indicate Decision-Making Role of CFOs in the Boardroom More Important Than Ever; Point to Large Gap in Effectiveness
ARMONK, N.Y., March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IBM (NYSE:IBM) today announced the findings of a major new study of over 1,900 Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and senior finance executives from 81 countries and 35 industries worldwide, which reveals that more than 60 percent of CFOs plan major changes to respond to the new economic climate.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO )
CFOs and senior finance executives believe the already intense pressure on three fronts -- reducing the enterprise cost base, making faster, more accurate decisions and providing more transparency to external stakeholders -- will increase dramatically over the next three years.
The IBM study is the largest sample of CFO sentiment during the worst economic downturn in decades. As part of the impetus for change, Study participants ranked "providing inputs into enterprise strategy" number one when asked what was most important. Surprisingly, cost reduction was not at the top of the CFO agenda. However, they also revealed a major gap in organizational effectiveness, as only 50 percent feel their Finance organizations are currently effective in providing the necessary business insight to support these broader enterprise priorities.
"Never before has the importance of strong Finance capabilities been highlighted more than during the recent global economic downturn," said William Fuessler, global leader, financial management, IBM Global Business Services. "Our study shows that CFOs are expected to provide fact-based leadership and strategic decisions grounded in sophisticated analyses to help navigate the enterprise through these new economic waters."
Since IBM's first CFO study in 2003, CFOs have continually stated their aspirations to shift more focus to analysis and decision support, however few have made significant progress shifting the workload. Among Finance's effectiveness gaps, the largest is in the area of driving integration of information. CFOs' responses indicate this is a major enabler for practically every area of business insight, but, at the same time, show just how difficult this kind of integration is to accomplish.
One group of CFOs, dubbed "Value Integrators," were found to consistently outperform their peers in all key financial metrics by driving two key qualities across their organization:
-- Finance efficiency - The degree of common process and data standards
across the organization
-- Business insight - The maturity level of Finance talent, technology
and analytical capabilities dedicated to providing business
optimization, planning and strategic insights.
Value Integrators have found a way to excel and navigate an uncertain economic climate. The study indicates that enforcing process and data standards, integrating information and applying business analytics are key capabilities that enable improved business insight and risk management.
In fact, when compared to their peers, their enterprises outperform on every financial measure assessed, including return on invested capital (ROIC), revenue growth and EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization).
Since Value Integrators enjoy proportional representation across various dimensions of the data sample, their performance signals better practices and is not just a consequence of industry, geography or company size. Their Finance operations reflect a pervasive corporate philosophy that encourages integration across functions to make smarter decisions that lead to better overall performance.
Predictive Insight
Many CFOs feel their Finance organizations are more comfortable providing "tail lights" rather than "headlights." With the appropriate analytical capabilities spanning process, technology and talent, results of the study indicate Finance can turn this wealth of financial and operational information into business insights, where decisions are no longer made on intuition, but are fact based.
Many respondents indicated that these capabilities can help Finance uncover correlations among seemingly unrelated pieces of information and find patterns nearly impossible to detect manually. In many ways, Finance's persuasiveness as strategic advisor hinges on having superior business insight capabilities.
Businesses and governments need more advanced data analyses, scenario planning and even predictive capabilities to contend with rising complexity, uncertainty and volatility and, in certain regions, sustained lower growth.
Becoming a Value Integrator
The study findings indicate that CFOs are increasingly playing a significant role on strategic and operational matters to help the business make better decisions faster. Value Integrators, at their core, integrate both efficiency and insight. "Value" conveys Finance's contribution to helping manage the Enterprise, while "Integrator" conveys the importance they place on standardizing and integrating information and processes, necessary enablers to partner effectively with the business.
Value Integrators are more than just information clearinghouses. Finance's mission should be helping the company think as an overall business instead of individual areas. Not surprisingly, Value Integrators indicated that a top priority was attracting and retaining the right talent and developing people in Finance in support of these increased demands.
Value Integrators - more than any other group - are equipped to advise at an enterprise level. They are positioned to evaluate business opportunity and risk in an end-to-end context and recommend difficult trade-offs among units, markets and business functions.
About the Global CFO Study
The findings of this report are based upon a survey conducted in the spring and summer of 2009 by IBM Global Business Services' Financial Management practice and the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV). Over 1,900 Chief Financial Officers and senior Finance executives from 81 countries and 35 industries participated in structured interviews or online surveys designed to capture insights on how Finance professionals are affected by and deal with performance, risks, operational levers and governance. The majority of these interviews were conducted in person by IBM practitioners, with the remainder interviewed online. Participants represent organizations across a variety of industries, geographic locations and revenue size.
For access to the full study findings and case studies, please visit: www.ibm.com/cfostudy
To join the conversation about smarter leadership, please visit: http://smarterleaders.tumblr.com/
Contact:
Steve Tomasco
IBM Media Relations
917-687-4588
stomasc@us.ibm.com
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO
Source: IBM
CONTACT: Steve Tomasco, IBM Media Relations, +1-917-687-4588,
stomasc@us.ibm.com
Web Site: IBM
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IBM 2010 Global CFO Study: Sixty Percent of Finance Organizations Plan Significant Changes to Adapt to New Economic Demands
Findings Indicate Decision-Making Role of CFOs in the Boardroom More Important Than Ever; Point to Large Gap in Effectiveness
ARMONK, N.Y., March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IBM (NYSE:IBM) today announced the findings of a major new study of over 1,900 Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and senior finance executives from 81 countries and 35 industries worldwide, which reveals that more than 60 percent of CFOs plan major changes to respond to the new economic climate.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO )
CFOs and senior finance executives believe the already intense pressure on three fronts -- reducing the enterprise cost base, making faster, more accurate decisions and providing more transparency to external stakeholders -- will increase dramatically over the next three years.
The IBM study is the largest sample of CFO sentiment during the worst economic downturn in decades. As part of the impetus for change, Study participants ranked "providing inputs into enterprise strategy" number one when asked what was most important. Surprisingly, cost reduction was not at the top of the CFO agenda. However, they also revealed a major gap in organizational effectiveness, as only 50 percent feel their Finance organizations are currently effective in providing the necessary business insight to support these broader enterprise priorities.
"Never before has the importance of strong Finance capabilities been highlighted more than during the recent global economic downturn," said William Fuessler, global leader, financial management, IBM Global Business Services. "Our study shows that CFOs are expected to provide fact-based leadership and strategic decisions grounded in sophisticated analyses to help navigate the enterprise through these new economic waters."
Since IBM's first CFO study in 2003, CFOs have continually stated their aspirations to shift more focus to analysis and decision support, however few have made significant progress shifting the workload. Among Finance's effectiveness gaps, the largest is in the area of driving integration of information. CFOs' responses indicate this is a major enabler for practically every area of business insight, but, at the same time, show just how difficult this kind of integration is to accomplish.
One group of CFOs, dubbed "Value Integrators," were found to consistently outperform their peers in all key financial metrics by driving two key qualities across their organization:
-- Finance efficiency - The degree of common process and data standards
across the organization
-- Business insight - The maturity level of Finance talent, technology
and analytical capabilities dedicated to providing business
optimization, planning and strategic insights.
Value Integrators have found a way to excel and navigate an uncertain economic climate. The study indicates that enforcing process and data standards, integrating information and applying business analytics are key capabilities that enable improved business insight and risk management.
In fact, when compared to their peers, their enterprises outperform on every financial measure assessed, including return on invested capital (ROIC), revenue growth and EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization).
Since Value Integrators enjoy proportional representation across various dimensions of the data sample, their performance signals better practices and is not just a consequence of industry, geography or company size. Their Finance operations reflect a pervasive corporate philosophy that encourages integration across functions to make smarter decisions that lead to better overall performance.
Predictive Insight
Many CFOs feel their Finance organizations are more comfortable providing "tail lights" rather than "headlights." With the appropriate analytical capabilities spanning process, technology and talent, results of the study indicate Finance can turn this wealth of financial and operational information into business insights, where decisions are no longer made on intuition, but are fact based.
Many respondents indicated that these capabilities can help Finance uncover correlations among seemingly unrelated pieces of information and find patterns nearly impossible to detect manually. In many ways, Finance's persuasiveness as strategic advisor hinges on having superior business insight capabilities.
Businesses and governments need more advanced data analyses, scenario planning and even predictive capabilities to contend with rising complexity, uncertainty and volatility and, in certain regions, sustained lower growth.
Becoming a Value Integrator
The study findings indicate that CFOs are increasingly playing a significant role on strategic and operational matters to help the business make better decisions faster. Value Integrators, at their core, integrate both efficiency and insight. "Value" conveys Finance's contribution to helping manage the Enterprise, while "Integrator" conveys the importance they place on standardizing and integrating information and processes, necessary enablers to partner effectively with the business.
Value Integrators are more than just information clearinghouses. Finance's mission should be helping the company think as an overall business instead of individual areas. Not surprisingly, Value Integrators indicated that a top priority was attracting and retaining the right talent and developing people in Finance in support of these increased demands.
Value Integrators - more than any other group - are equipped to advise at an enterprise level. They are positioned to evaluate business opportunity and risk in an end-to-end context and recommend difficult trade-offs among units, markets and business functions.
About the Global CFO Study
The findings of this report are based upon a survey conducted in the spring and summer of 2009 by IBM Global Business Services' Financial Management practice and the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV). Over 1,900 Chief Financial Officers and senior Finance executives from 81 countries and 35 industries participated in structured interviews or online surveys designed to capture insights on how Finance professionals are affected by and deal with performance, risks, operational levers and governance. The majority of these interviews were conducted in person by IBM practitioners, with the remainder interviewed online. Participants represent organizations across a variety of industries, geographic locations and revenue size.
For access to the full study findings and case studies, please visit: www.ibm.com/cfostudy
To join the conversation about smarter leadership, please visit: http://smarterleaders.tumblr.com/
Contact:
Steve Tomasco
IBM Media Relations
917-687-4588
stomasc@us.ibm.com
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO
Source: IBM
CONTACT: Steve Tomasco, IBM Media Relations, +1-917-687-4588,
stomasc@us.ibm.com
Web Site: IBM
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