9 Mar 2010 18:39 Africa/Lagos
UN human rights chief says new approach needed to halt cycle of violence in Nigeria
GENEVA, March 9, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said Tuesday that she was appalled by the latest massacre of hundreds of villagers in the region around Jos in northern Nigeria, and urged the national and local authorities to make a concerted effort to tackle the complex underlying causes of the tension and violence in the region.
The High Commissioner extended her deepest sympathy to the families of the dead and to the wounded from both this weekend's attacks, which some reports suggest may have killed as many as 500 people in three mainly Christian Berom villages, and the earlier attacks in January which also resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people in the Jos region, mostly from the predominantly Muslim Hausa Fulana people.
“In both cases, women and children and elderly people were among those who were viciously slaughtered,” Pillay said. “After the January killings, the villages should have been properly protected.”
The High Commissioner noted the efforts of the authorities to put in place a comprehensive security strategy. “Better security is clearly vital,” she said, “but it would be a mistake to paint this purely as sectarian or ethnic violence, and to treat it solely as a security issue. What is most needed is a concerted effort to tackle the underlying causes of the repeated outbreaks of ethnic and religious violence which Nigeria has witnessed in recent years, namely discrimination, poverty and disputes over land. The Government needs to address these issues head-on.”
Pillay also noted allegations that local politicians may have exploited socio-economic, ethnic and religious divisions. “This is an aspect that needs be scrutinized, and if necessary acted upon, if further bouts of violence are to be deterred,” she said.
The High Commissioner stressed that it was essential that the forces of law and order in the Jos region act in a visibly even-handed fashion, and that justice is seen to be done by all sides.
“The job facing the security forces and the judiciary is extremely sensitive,” she said. “It is important to avoid stimulating new resentments, while at the same time ensuring that those responsible for these atrocious acts do not escape justice. This is the third round of deadly violence in the Jos region in three years, leading to a total number of deaths that may exceed 1,000. Clearly, previous efforts to tackle the underlying causes have been inadequate, and in the meantime the wounds have festered and grown deeper.”
Source: Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
9 Mar 2010
18:47
Platts Survey: OPEC Pumps 29.31 Million Barrels of Oil Per Day in February
18:39
UN human rights chief says new approach needed to halt cycle of violence in Nigeria
17:12
German Federal Minister Westerwelle voices concern about violence in central Nigeria
12:56
Remarks With Gabonese President Ali Bongo After Their Meeting
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Popular African Filmmaker Mahama Johnson Traore Dies in Paris
Director Mahama Johnson Traoré © Monique Phoba, 2009..
One of Africa’s foremost filmmakers, Mahama Johnson Traore of Senegal died Monday morning in Paris after a protracted illness. He was 68 years old.
Johnson Traore was one of the founders of the Pan-African Cinema Festival (FESPACO) held biennially in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. He was also the Secretary-General of the Pan-African Federation of Film-makers in the 1970s.
He was trained in France and shot his first film, “Diankha-bi” (The Maiden, in Wolof) in 1968.
~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
N.B:
You can read the report on the 82nd Academy Awards on Supple magazine and view the video coverage full screen.
Lady Gaga's Epic New Video for 'Telephone' Featuring Beyonce to Make Its Worldwide Debut Exclusively on E! News Thursday, March 11 at 11:30PM
Lady Gaga's Epic New Video for 'Telephone' Featuring Beyonce to Make Its Worldwide Debut Exclusively on E! News Thursday, March 11 at 11:30pm. (PRNewsFoto/Interscope Records) LOS ANGELES, CA UNITED STATES
9 Mar 2010 14:00 Africa/Lagos
Lady Gaga's Epic New Video for 'Telephone' Featuring Beyonce to Make Its Worldwide Debut Exclusively on E! News Thursday, March 11 at 11:30PM
ONLINE PREMIERE AT VEVO.COM AND LADYGAGA.COM Lady Gaga Also Set To Talk With E! News' Ryan Seacrest for an Exclusive One-on-One Interview After 'Telephone' Hits E!'s Air
LOS ANGELES, March 9 /PRNewswire/ -- From the moment Lady Gaga's "Telephone" danced through the radio airwaves, her millions of monsters worldwide have been eagerly and anxiously waiting for the music video debut of the hit single. The wait is finally over Thursday, March 11 when E! News exclusively premieres the epic video, which features pop superstar Beyonce, during the show's 11:30 PM broadcast. "Telephone" is the second single from Lady Gaga's platinum album The Fame Monster (Streamline/Konlive/Cherrytree/Interscope).
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100309/LA67280-a)
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100309/LA67280-b)
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100309/LA67280-c)
The video will also make its online debut at midnight that evening on VEVO.com and LadyGaga.com so fans can view it again right away. VEVO will also offer the ability to watch the video with lyrics. After the video premieres on E! News, Ryan Seacrest will conduct an exclusive interview with this enchanting artist to dissect the inspiration behind "Telephone" and learn how she has been able to out-do herself yet again.
"What I like about it is it's a real true pop event," Lady Gaga said about the "Telephone" video in a February interview with KIIS-FM and E!'s Ryan Seacrest. "When I was younger I was always excited when there was a big giant event happening in pop music and that's what I wanted this to be."
Gritty, erotic and wildly fierce, this nine-minute, visually stunning, cinematic masterpiece features the inimitable Beyonce and is helmed by famed music video director Jonas Akerlund. Rich with Gaga's unique dance stylings, iconic costume design and unworldly hair and make-up, this is far from your typical music video.
Since breaking out onto the music scene in 2008 with her Grammy Award-winning debut album, The Fame, Lady Gaga has consistently shocked and inspired. The Fame spawned four No. 1 singles "Just Dance," "Poker Face," "LoveGame," and "Paparazzi," making her the first artist in Billboard history to accomplish that feat on a debut album.
Released on November 23, 2009, The Fame Monster is the follow-up to The Fame, and already has produced a fifth No. 1 single for Gaga with "Bad Romance." Combined, The Fame and The Fame Monster have sold 10 million albums worldwide, while Lady Gaga's five singles have sold more than 17 million copies total. The video for "Bad Romance" has racked up more than 140 million online views.
Lady Gaga has said that the video for "Telephone" picks up where "Paparazzi" left off but will surpass its predecessor. In the new video, Gaga's on-screen chemistry with Beyonce transforms the song from a popular dance floor gem to a raw and explosive piece of art to be reckoned with. It is the second time the two entertainers have collaborated for a visual adventure, first on Beyonce's "Video Phone" and now on Lady Gaga's "Telephone."
Beyonce, who enjoyed a string of #1 hits on the dance charts in 2009, including "Diva," "Halo," "Sweet Dreams," which became her eleventh #1 single, and the Song of the Year at the 2010 Grammys, "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)," was thrilled to re-team up with Lady Gaga. "It was fun to work with Gaga again. This video was a unique opportunity to do something we think will surprise our fans in a creative, edgy way not always seen."
E!'s rich history of providing its audience with the latest breaking news in entertainment and pop culture makes it the perfect forum for this incredible, jaw-dropping premiere.
About Comcast Entertainment Group
Based in Los Angeles, Comcast Entertainment Group operates E! Entertainment Television, the 24-hour network with programming dedicated to the world of entertainment, and E! Online; The Style Network, the destination for women 18-49 with a passion for the best in relatable, inspiring and transformational lifestyle programming; and G4, offering the last word on gaming, technology, animation, interactivity and "geek culture" for the male 18-34 demo. E! is currently available to 97 million cable and satellite subscribers in the U.S. and the E! Everywhere initiative underscores the company's dedication to making E! content available on all new media platforms any time and anywhere from online to broadband video to wireless to radio to VOD. The Style Network currently counts 64 million cable and satellite subscribers and Mystyle.com
About Interscope Geffen A&M
Combining the legacies of three of the most influential record labels in modern music history, Interscope Geffen A&M Records embarked on a new tradition of musical achievement with its unification on January 1, 1999. Headed by Chairman Jimmy Iovine, Interscope Geffen A&M is a major force in global music, developing chart-topping artists across a wide range of musical genres including rock, rap, pop and alternative. Interscope Geffen A&M Records is part of Universal Music Group, the world's largest music company.
About VEVO
VEVO is the leading innovative online premium music and entertainment service for consumers, advertisers and content owners that blends the very best in musical content with cutting-edge video technology and a thriving user community powered by YouTube. The content is made available across the VEVO Network, which includes VEVO.com (the service's marquee destination site), on YouTube through a VEVO-branded channel, and through a VEVO-branded embedded player. The service also serves as a syndication platform for additional internet destination sites, expanding the reach of the VEVO Network across the worldwide web.
VEVO was created in partnership by Universal Music Group (UMG), Sony Music Entertainment (SME) and the Abu Dhabi Media Company. It is operated independently by a dedicated management team with offices in Los Angeles and New York. The VEVO Network features the most extensive catalog of premium music content found anywhere on the web thanks to deals with such leading music companies as Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, EMI Music, ABKCO, Big Machine Records, CBS Interactive Music Group, Concord Music Group, Hollywood Records, Lyric Street Records, Razor & Tie Entertainment, Walt Disney Records, Wind-up Records, Caroline Distribution, Fontana Distribution, INgrooves, IODA, RED and The Orchard, among many others. Explore VEVO at www.vevo.com
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100309/LA67280-c
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100309/LA67280-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100309/LA67280-b
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN9,10,11
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Interscope Records
CONTACT: Dennis Dennehy of Interscope Records, +1-310-865-7934,
d.dennehy@umusic.com, or Jennifer L. Press of VEVO, +1-212-331-2226,
jennifer.press@vevo.com, or Dave Tomberlin, davetomberlin@gmail.com, for Lady
Gaga, or Kira Wagner, +1-323-954-2516, kwagner@comcastnets.com, for E!
Web Site: http://www.interscope.com/
Laptops and Smart Phones - the Most Common Mobile Computing Products Used by CXOs in Europe, Finds Frost & Sullivan
Sony Ericsson Vivaz, a smart phone in vogue.9 Mar 2010 11:30 Africa/Lagos
Laptops and Smart Phones - the Most Common Mobile Computing Products Used by CXOs in Europe, Finds Frost & Sullivan
LONDON, March 9, 2010/PRNewswire/ --
Laptops and smart phones are the mobile computing products most commonly used by European chief executive officers (CXOs). However, web-based collaboration tools, valuable particularly for business travel, are gradually gaining importance. Mobile-based applications, both location-based and multimedia contents, are relatively new concepts offering significant potential for service providers.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO)
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.wireless.frost.com), 2009 European CXOs' Choice: Computing Products and Services, finds that the European CXOs expect the mobile communication as well as the computing products and services they use to be utilitarian rather than full of frills.
"Of the various mobile communication and computing products and services, all European CXOs surveyed in this research use or own laptops/notebooks," says Frost & Sullivan Research Manager Krishnendu Roy. "They perceive reliability as the core function of their laptop/notebook with all other features being secondary."
Smart phone ownership increased dramatically from 2008 to 2009, with the number of European CXOs now owning a smart phone doubling. This significant increase has directly affected standard feature phone ownership rates. Nearly all European CXOs perceive smart phones to be strictly business phones, while standard feature phones are seen as personal use phones. In either case, battery life and ease of use are perceived as the most important features.
"Overall, among those using web-based collaboration tools, 70 percent consider ease-of-use as the most important feature," concludes Roy. "Interestingly, having a powerful feature set is least important to European CXOs as few of them use mobile multimedia content applications or mobile location based applications."
If you are interested more information on this study, please send an e-mail to Joanna Lewandowska, Corporate Communications, at joanna.lewandowska@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country.
2009 European CXOs' Choice: Computing Products and Services is part of the Mobile & Wireless Growth Partnership Services programme, which also includes research in the following markets: Mobile Payments Markets, The Evolution of Mobile Location Based Services in Europe, Mobile Communications Markets in Eastern Europe, Mobile Communications Outlook, European Mobile Broadband - Melee between Mobile WiMAX and 3G LTE. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 40 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com.
2009 European CXOs' Choice: Computing Products and Services
M482-65
Contact:
Joanna Lewandowska
Corporate Communications - Europe
P: +48-22-390-41-46
E: joanna.lewandowska@frost.com
http://www.frost.com
Source: Frost & Sullivan
Joanna Lewandowska, Frost & Sullivan Corporate Communications - Europe, +48-22-390-41-46, joanna.lewandowska@frost.com
Hot Topics
Bankrate Releases 2010 Retirement Guide
CFOs Report on Second-Quarter Hiring Expectations; Survey Finds Most Executives Confident They Will See Business Growth Next Quarter
2010 Retirement Confidence Survey: Americans' Confidence Stabilizing, But Preparations for Retirement Continue to Erode
Lady Gaga's Epic New Video for 'Telephone' Featuring Beyonce to Make Its Worldwide Debut Exclusively on E! News Thursday, March 11 at 11:30PM
Global Manpower Employment Outlook Survey Reveals Optimism as Most Major Labor Markets Expect to Hire in 2Q at Equal or Stronger Pace as Same Time Last Year
Online Games Casually on Target for Huge Growth & Profits in 2010
Earthquake in Chile
Entertainment Awards Season
Hillary Clinton Speaks on Violence in Nigeria
9 Mar 2010 00:09 Africa/Lagos
Summary: Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on violence in Nigeria and the tragic loss of life. Urges all parties to exercise restraint.
Verbatim: "Before I comment on our meeting, I wish to express our concern for the tragic loss of life in Nigeria. We continue to urge all parties to exercise restraint and seek constructive means for addressing the cycle of violence in Plateau State. The Nigerian government should ensure that the perpetrators of acts of violence are brought to justice under the rule of law and that human rights are respected as order is restored."
Media Contact: Robyn Monblatt, +1-202-647-5160, monblattre@state.gov
Source: U.S. Department of State
Web Site: http://www.state.gov/
New Report Says Hispanics Are One and One-Half Times More Likely to Have Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Than Whites
9 Mar 2010 06:01 Africa/Lagos
New Report Says Hispanics Are One and One-Half Times More Likely to Have Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Than Whites
WASHINGTON, March 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- According to the Alzheimer's Association's® 2010 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures, Hispanics are about one and one-half times more likely than whites to have Alzheimer's and other dementias. The report also indicates African-Americans are about two times more likely than their white counterparts to have Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Although whites make up the great majority of the more than five million people with Alzheimer's and other dementias, Hispanics and African-Americans are at higher risk for developing the disease.
There are no known genetic factors that can explain the greater prevalence of Alzheimer's and other dementias in Hispanics and African-Americans than in whites. On the other hand, high blood pressure and diabetes, which are known risk factors for Alzheimer's and other dementias in all groups, are more common in Hispanics and African-Americans than in whites. Socioeconomic factors, such as having a low level of education and low income are also associated with greater risk for Alzheimer's and other dementias in all groups. Data from a federal survey of older Americans shows that African-Americans and Hispanics are disproportionately represented among socioeconomically disadvantaged people in this country. The Association's new report points out that these health and socioeconomic factors probably contribute to the greater prevalence of Alzheimer's and dementia in Hispanics and African-Americans.
"Alzheimer's disease is the single largest, looming unaddressed public health threat facing the nation, but we now know the threat is even more substantial in the Hispanic and African-American communities," said Harry Johns, Alzheimer's Association President and CEO. "These groups are more likely to have Alzheimer's, less likely to know it and, as a result, less likely to receive available treatments and supportive services that can help them cope with the disease."
Diabetes and high blood pressure are potentially modifiable conditions. Better management of these conditions could help to reduce the prevalence of Alzheimer's and other dementias, especially if treatment were begun in people who have these conditions in midlife. Since diabetes is more common in Hispanics than in whites and both diabetes and high blood pressure are more common in African-Americans than in whites, effective treatments for these potentially modifiable conditions can be especially beneficial for these groups.
Socioeconomic disparities, such as lower income, translate into reduced access to health care and therefore, reduced opportunities to avoid or better manage diabetes and high blood pressure that in turn increase Alzheimer risk.
Under diagnosis of Alzheimer's and Dementia in Hispanics and African-Americans
Although Hispanics and African-Americans are more likely than whites to have Alzheimer's and other dementias, the report reveals that Hispanics and African-Americans are less likely than whites to have a formal diagnosis of their condition. National data show that Hispanics and African-Americans with Alzheimer's and dementias are less likely than whites to report that a doctor has told them they have a "memory related disease" (45 percent of whites with Alzheimer's and dementias compared with 34 percent of Hispanics and 33 percent of African-Americans with these conditions).
Although family members and others may notice early symptoms of possible Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, there are often long delays between this first recognition of symptoms and the scheduling of a medical evaluation. The resulting delays in diagnosis mean that Hispanics and African Americans are not getting treatment in the earlier stages of the disease, when the available treatments are more likely to be effective and do not have an opportunity to make legal, financial and care plans while they are still capable.
"The Association is committed to increasing awareness about risk factors for Alzheimer's and other dementias among all Americans," said Johns. "Greater understanding about the importance of proper management of diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes will allow individuals to make more informed health care decisions and adopt healthy life style behaviors that can also help to reduce Alzheimer and dementia risk."
Growing Impact of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
According to the report, there are 5.3 million Americans living with the disease and every 70 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer's disease. By mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer's every 33 seconds. In 2010, there will be a half million new cases of Alzheimer's, and there will be more new cases in each subsequent year. In 2050, there will be nearly a million new cases.
Alzheimer's was the seventh leading cause of death in the country in 2006, the latest year for which final death statistics are available. It was the fifth leading cause of death among individuals 65 and older. From 2000-2006 death rates have declined for most major diseases - heart disease (-11.1 percent), breast cancer (-2.6 percent), prostate cancer (-8.7 percent), stroke (-18.2 percent) and HIV/AIDS (-16.3) while Alzheimer's disease deaths rose 46.1 percent.
"Strategic investments in research for diseases such as heart disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer, stroke and HIV/AIDS have all resulted in declines in deaths. We have not seen the same type of significant strategic investment in Alzheimer's and because of that, deaths from Alzheimer's disease continues to soar," said Johns. "Discovering effective treatments that prevent onset or delay disease progression takes on an all encompassing urgency as the nation braces for an onslaught of aging baby boomers. This disease, unlike any other, has the power to undermine all of our best efforts to control health care costs."
People with Alzheimer's and other dementias are high users of hospital, nursing home and other health and long term care services, translating into high costs for all payers. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that total payments for health and long-term care services for people with these conditions will amount to $172 billion from all sources in 2010. Medicare costs are almost three times higher for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias than for other older people, and Medicaid costs are almost nine times higher. Most people with Alzheimer's also have one or more additional serious medical conditions, such as diabetes or coronary heart disease. Their Alzheimer's greatly complicates medical management for these other conditions, resulting in more hospitalizations and higher costs.
Impact of Alzheimer's and Dementia on Caregivers
According to the new report, in 2009, nearly 11 million family members and other unpaid caregivers provided 12.5 billion hours of care for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias, an amount of unpaid care valued at $144 billion. In fact, Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers provided care valued at more than $1 billion in each of 36 states, and nine states saw an Alzheimer and dementia caregiver contribution valued at $5 billion or more per state.
"Alzheimer's disease often progresses in a slow, unrelenting pace exacting a tremendous emotional, physical and financial toll on caregivers. Every day these caregivers rise to meet the challenges of Alzheimer's," said Robert J. Egge, Alzheimer's Association Vice President of Public Policy. "The uncompensated care they provide is valued at $144 billion, which is more than the Federal government spends on Medicare and Medicaid combined for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias."
More than 40 percent of family and other unpaid Alzheimer and dementia caregivers rate the emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high, compared with 28 percent of caregivers of other older people. Caregivers often report a decline in their own health as they try to balance the demands of caregiving with their own work responsibilities. In 2009, 60 percent of Alzheimer and dementia caregivers were employed full-time or part-time and among those employed, two-thirds said they had to go in late, leave early or take time off because of caregiving; 14 percent had to take a leave of absence and 10 percent had to reduce their hours or take a less demanding job. Juggling the demands of caregiving, particularly in these financially difficult times, has placed additional stress on caregivers as their caregiving duties threaten their own job security.
Ultimately solving the Alzheimer crisis - with its far-reaching impact on families, Medicare, Medicaid and the health care system - will mean addressing the chronic underinvestment in research. A rapidly aging population and dramatic increases in the number of Alzheimer cases in coming years should catapult the government into action. "We know what the future will bring if we do nothing - more lives lost, overloaded nursing homes, overworked caregivers and an overwhelmed health care system," said Egge. "Our country must increase our investment in research and scientific innovation if we hope to soon live in a world together with Alzheimer survivors."
The full text of the Alzheimer's Association's 2010 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures can be viewed at www.alz.org after the embargo lifts. The full report will also appear in the March 2010 issue of Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association (volume 6, issue 2).
Alzheimer's Association's Facts and Figures
The Alzheimer's Association's Facts and Figures report is a comprehensive compilation of national statistics and information on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The report conveys the impact of Alzheimer's on individuals, families, government, and the nation's health care system. Since its 2007 inaugural release, the report has become the most cited source covering the broad spectrum of Alzheimer issues. The Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report is an official publication of the Alzheimer's Association®.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's.
Source: Alzheimer's Association
CONTACT: Toni Williams of Alzheimer's Association, +1-202-638-8666;
toni.williams@alz.org, or Alzheimer's Association media line, +1-312-335-4078
Web Site: http://www.alz.org/
New Report Says Hispanics Are One and One-Half Times More Likely to Have Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Than Whites
WASHINGTON, March 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- According to the Alzheimer's Association's® 2010 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures, Hispanics are about one and one-half times more likely than whites to have Alzheimer's and other dementias. The report also indicates African-Americans are about two times more likely than their white counterparts to have Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Although whites make up the great majority of the more than five million people with Alzheimer's and other dementias, Hispanics and African-Americans are at higher risk for developing the disease.
There are no known genetic factors that can explain the greater prevalence of Alzheimer's and other dementias in Hispanics and African-Americans than in whites. On the other hand, high blood pressure and diabetes, which are known risk factors for Alzheimer's and other dementias in all groups, are more common in Hispanics and African-Americans than in whites. Socioeconomic factors, such as having a low level of education and low income are also associated with greater risk for Alzheimer's and other dementias in all groups. Data from a federal survey of older Americans shows that African-Americans and Hispanics are disproportionately represented among socioeconomically disadvantaged people in this country. The Association's new report points out that these health and socioeconomic factors probably contribute to the greater prevalence of Alzheimer's and dementia in Hispanics and African-Americans.
"Alzheimer's disease is the single largest, looming unaddressed public health threat facing the nation, but we now know the threat is even more substantial in the Hispanic and African-American communities," said Harry Johns, Alzheimer's Association President and CEO. "These groups are more likely to have Alzheimer's, less likely to know it and, as a result, less likely to receive available treatments and supportive services that can help them cope with the disease."
Diabetes and high blood pressure are potentially modifiable conditions. Better management of these conditions could help to reduce the prevalence of Alzheimer's and other dementias, especially if treatment were begun in people who have these conditions in midlife. Since diabetes is more common in Hispanics than in whites and both diabetes and high blood pressure are more common in African-Americans than in whites, effective treatments for these potentially modifiable conditions can be especially beneficial for these groups.
Socioeconomic disparities, such as lower income, translate into reduced access to health care and therefore, reduced opportunities to avoid or better manage diabetes and high blood pressure that in turn increase Alzheimer risk.
Under diagnosis of Alzheimer's and Dementia in Hispanics and African-Americans
Although Hispanics and African-Americans are more likely than whites to have Alzheimer's and other dementias, the report reveals that Hispanics and African-Americans are less likely than whites to have a formal diagnosis of their condition. National data show that Hispanics and African-Americans with Alzheimer's and dementias are less likely than whites to report that a doctor has told them they have a "memory related disease" (45 percent of whites with Alzheimer's and dementias compared with 34 percent of Hispanics and 33 percent of African-Americans with these conditions).
Although family members and others may notice early symptoms of possible Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, there are often long delays between this first recognition of symptoms and the scheduling of a medical evaluation. The resulting delays in diagnosis mean that Hispanics and African Americans are not getting treatment in the earlier stages of the disease, when the available treatments are more likely to be effective and do not have an opportunity to make legal, financial and care plans while they are still capable.
"The Association is committed to increasing awareness about risk factors for Alzheimer's and other dementias among all Americans," said Johns. "Greater understanding about the importance of proper management of diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes will allow individuals to make more informed health care decisions and adopt healthy life style behaviors that can also help to reduce Alzheimer and dementia risk."
Growing Impact of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
According to the report, there are 5.3 million Americans living with the disease and every 70 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer's disease. By mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer's every 33 seconds. In 2010, there will be a half million new cases of Alzheimer's, and there will be more new cases in each subsequent year. In 2050, there will be nearly a million new cases.
Alzheimer's was the seventh leading cause of death in the country in 2006, the latest year for which final death statistics are available. It was the fifth leading cause of death among individuals 65 and older. From 2000-2006 death rates have declined for most major diseases - heart disease (-11.1 percent), breast cancer (-2.6 percent), prostate cancer (-8.7 percent), stroke (-18.2 percent) and HIV/AIDS (-16.3) while Alzheimer's disease deaths rose 46.1 percent.
"Strategic investments in research for diseases such as heart disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer, stroke and HIV/AIDS have all resulted in declines in deaths. We have not seen the same type of significant strategic investment in Alzheimer's and because of that, deaths from Alzheimer's disease continues to soar," said Johns. "Discovering effective treatments that prevent onset or delay disease progression takes on an all encompassing urgency as the nation braces for an onslaught of aging baby boomers. This disease, unlike any other, has the power to undermine all of our best efforts to control health care costs."
People with Alzheimer's and other dementias are high users of hospital, nursing home and other health and long term care services, translating into high costs for all payers. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that total payments for health and long-term care services for people with these conditions will amount to $172 billion from all sources in 2010. Medicare costs are almost three times higher for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias than for other older people, and Medicaid costs are almost nine times higher. Most people with Alzheimer's also have one or more additional serious medical conditions, such as diabetes or coronary heart disease. Their Alzheimer's greatly complicates medical management for these other conditions, resulting in more hospitalizations and higher costs.
Impact of Alzheimer's and Dementia on Caregivers
According to the new report, in 2009, nearly 11 million family members and other unpaid caregivers provided 12.5 billion hours of care for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias, an amount of unpaid care valued at $144 billion. In fact, Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers provided care valued at more than $1 billion in each of 36 states, and nine states saw an Alzheimer and dementia caregiver contribution valued at $5 billion or more per state.
"Alzheimer's disease often progresses in a slow, unrelenting pace exacting a tremendous emotional, physical and financial toll on caregivers. Every day these caregivers rise to meet the challenges of Alzheimer's," said Robert J. Egge, Alzheimer's Association Vice President of Public Policy. "The uncompensated care they provide is valued at $144 billion, which is more than the Federal government spends on Medicare and Medicaid combined for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias."
More than 40 percent of family and other unpaid Alzheimer and dementia caregivers rate the emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high, compared with 28 percent of caregivers of other older people. Caregivers often report a decline in their own health as they try to balance the demands of caregiving with their own work responsibilities. In 2009, 60 percent of Alzheimer and dementia caregivers were employed full-time or part-time and among those employed, two-thirds said they had to go in late, leave early or take time off because of caregiving; 14 percent had to take a leave of absence and 10 percent had to reduce their hours or take a less demanding job. Juggling the demands of caregiving, particularly in these financially difficult times, has placed additional stress on caregivers as their caregiving duties threaten their own job security.
Ultimately solving the Alzheimer crisis - with its far-reaching impact on families, Medicare, Medicaid and the health care system - will mean addressing the chronic underinvestment in research. A rapidly aging population and dramatic increases in the number of Alzheimer cases in coming years should catapult the government into action. "We know what the future will bring if we do nothing - more lives lost, overloaded nursing homes, overworked caregivers and an overwhelmed health care system," said Egge. "Our country must increase our investment in research and scientific innovation if we hope to soon live in a world together with Alzheimer survivors."
The full text of the Alzheimer's Association's 2010 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures can be viewed at www.alz.org after the embargo lifts. The full report will also appear in the March 2010 issue of Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association (volume 6, issue 2).
Alzheimer's Association's Facts and Figures
The Alzheimer's Association's Facts and Figures report is a comprehensive compilation of national statistics and information on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The report conveys the impact of Alzheimer's on individuals, families, government, and the nation's health care system. Since its 2007 inaugural release, the report has become the most cited source covering the broad spectrum of Alzheimer issues. The Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report is an official publication of the Alzheimer's Association®.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's.
Source: Alzheimer's Association
CONTACT: Toni Williams of Alzheimer's Association, +1-202-638-8666;
toni.williams@alz.org, or Alzheimer's Association media line, +1-312-335-4078
Web Site: http://www.alz.org/
Monday, March 8, 2010
Sandra Bullock and Kathryn Bigelow Win Historic Oscars!
Sandra Bullock and Kathryn Bigelow Win Historic Oscars!
~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
Sandra Bullock with her Oscar for Best Actress and having won two "Razzies" the day before for her role in All About Steve, she became the only performer to be named both "Best" and "Worst" for the same year. Wow!
Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win an Oscar for Best Director.As I predicted on Supple magazine, Sandra Bullock and Jeff Bridges went home with the Oscars for the Best Acting in a leading role. And Kathryn Bigelow proved that her directing was the best as she won the Oscar for the Best Director and her film The Hurt Locker won a total of six Oscars for the following:
Directing
Film editing
Best picture
Sound editing
Sound mixing
Original screenplay
Mo’Nique was happy that she won an Oscar for her role as an abusive mother in “Precious.”
“I would like to thank the Academy for showing that it can be about the performance and not the politics,” Mo’Nique said.
Jeff Bridges accepts the Academy Award for Best Actor while Kate Winslet applauds him during the 82nd Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA, on Sunday, March 7, 2010.
Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz arrives at the Governors Ball after the 82nd Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, March 7, 2010.
Nominees & Winners for the 82nd Academy Awards
View by Category View by Picture
Actor in a Leading Role
Jeff Bridges in “Crazy Heart” -Winner
George Clooney in “Up in the Air”
Colin Firth in “A Single Man”
Morgan Freeman in “Invictus”
Jeremy Renner in “The Hurt Locker”
Actor in a Supporting Role
Matt Damon in “Invictus”
Woody Harrelson in “The Messenger”
Christopher Plummer in “The Last Station”
Stanley Tucci in “The Lovely Bones”
Christoph Waltz in “Inglourious Basterds” -Winner
Actress in a Leading Role
Sandra Bullock in “The Blind Side” -Winner
Helen Mirren in “The Last Station”
Carey Mulligan in “An Education”
Gabourey Sidibe in “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
Meryl Streep in “Julie & Julia”
Actress in a Supporting Role
Penélope Cruz in “Nine”
Vera Farmiga in “Up in the Air”
Maggie Gyllenhaal in “Crazy Heart”
Anna Kendrick in “Up in the Air”
Mo’Nique in “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” -Winner
Animated Feature Film
“Coraline” Henry Selick
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” Wes Anderson
“The Princess and the Frog” John Musker and Ron Clements
“The Secret of Kells” Tomm Moore
“Up” Pete Docter-Winner
Art Direction
“Avatar” Art Direction: Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Kim Sinclair-Winner
“The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” Art Direction: Dave Warren and Anastasia Masaro; Set Decoration: Caroline Smith
“Nine” Art Direction: John Myhre; Set Decoration: Gordon Sim
“Sherlock Holmes” Art Direction: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
“The Young Victoria” Art Direction: Patrice Vermette; Set Decoration: Maggie Gray
Cinematography
“Avatar” Mauro Fiore-Winner
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” Bruno Delbonnel
“The Hurt Locker” Barry Ackroyd
“Inglourious Basterds” Robert Richardson
“The White Ribbon” Christian Berger
Costume Design
“Bright Star” Janet Patterson
“Coco before Chanel” Catherine Leterrier
“The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” Monique Prudhomme
“Nine” Colleen Atwood
“The Young Victoria” Sandy Powell-Winner
Directing
“Avatar” James Cameron
“The Hurt Locker” Kathryn Bigelow-Winner
“Inglourious Basterds” Quentin Tarantino
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” Lee Daniels
“Up in the Air” Jason Reitman
Documentary (Feature)
“Burma VJ” Anders Østergaard and Lise Lense-Møller
“The Cove” Louie Psihoyos and Fisher Stevens-Winner
“Food, Inc.” Robert Kenner and Elise Pearlstein
“The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers” Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith
“Which Way Home” Rebecca Cammisa
Documentary (Short Subject)
“China’s Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province” Jon Alpert and Matthew O’Neill
“The Last Campaign of Governor Booth Gardner” Daniel Junge and Henry Ansbacher
“The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant” Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert
“Music by Prudence” Roger Ross Williams and Elinor Burkett-Winner
“Rabbit à la Berlin” Bartek Konopka and Anna Wydra
Film Editing
“Avatar” Stephen Rivkin, John Refoua and James Cameron
“District 9” Julian Clarke
“The Hurt Locker” Bob Murawski and Chris Innis-Winner
“Inglourious Basterds” Sally Menke
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” Joe Klotz
Foreign Language Film
“Ajami” Israel
“The Milk of Sorrow (La Teta Asustada)” Peru
“A Prophet (Un Prophète)” France
“The Secret in Their Eyes (El Secreto de Sus Ojos)” Argentina-Winner
“The White Ribbon (Das Weisse Band)” Germany
Makeup
“Il Divo” Aldo Signoretti and Vittorio Sodano
“Star Trek” Barney Burman, Mindy Hall and Joel Harlow-Winner
“The Young Victoria” Jon Henry Gordon and Jenny Shircore
Music (Original Score)
“Avatar” James Horner
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” Alexandre Desplat
“The Hurt Locker” Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders
“Sherlock Holmes” Hans Zimmer
“Up” Michael Giacchino-Winner
Music (Original Song)
“Almost There” from “The Princess and the Frog” Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
“Down in New Orleans” from “The Princess and the Frog” Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
“Loin de Paname” from “Paris 36” Music by Reinhardt Wagner Lyric by Frank Thomas
“Take It All” from “Nine” Music and Lyric by Maury Yeston
“The Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Heart)” from “Crazy Heart” Music and Lyric by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett-Winner
Best Picture
“Avatar” James Cameron and Jon Landau, Producers
“The Blind Side” Gil Netter, Andrew A. Kosove and Broderick Johnson, Producers
“District 9” Peter Jackson and Carolynne Cunningham, Producers
“An Education” Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey, Producers
“The Hurt Locker” Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Nicolas Chartier and Greg Shapiro, Producers-Winner
“Inglourious Basterds” Lawrence Bender, Producer
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” Lee Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness, Producers
“A Serious Man” Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, Producers
“Up” Jonas Rivera, Producer
“Up in the Air” Daniel Dubiecki, Ivan Reitman and Jason Reitman, Producers
Short Film (Animated)
“French Roast” Fabrice O. Joubert
“Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty” Nicky Phelan and Darragh O’Connell
“The Lady and the Reaper (La Dama y la Muerte)” Javier Recio Gracia
“Logorama” Nicolas Schmerkin-Winner
“A Matter of Loaf and Death” Nick Park
Short Film (Live Action)
“The Door” Juanita Wilson and James Flynn
“Instead of Abracadabra” Patrik Eklund and Mathias Fjellström
“Kavi” Gregg Helvey
“Miracle Fish” Luke Doolan and Drew Bailey
“The New Tenants” Joachim Back and Tivi Magnusson-Winner
Sound Editing
“Avatar” Christopher Boyes and Gwendolyn Yates Whittle
“The Hurt Locker” Paul N.J. Ottosson-Winner
“Inglourious Basterds” Wylie Stateman
“Star Trek” Mark Stoeckinger and Alan Rankin
“Up” Michael Silvers and Tom Myers
Sound Mixing
“Avatar” Christopher Boyes, Gary Summers, Andy Nelson and Tony Johnson
“The Hurt Locker” Paul N.J. Ottosson and Ray Beckett-Winner
“Inglourious Basterds” Michael Minkler, Tony Lamberti and Mark Ulano
“Star Trek” Anna Behlmer, Andy Nelson and Peter J. Devlin
“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers and Geoffrey Patterson
Visual Effects
“Avatar” Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham and Andrew R. Jones-Winner
“District 9” Dan Kaufman, Peter Muyzers, Robert Habros and Matt Aitken
“Star Trek” Roger Guyett, Russell Earl, Paul Kavanagh and Burt Dalton
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
“District 9” Written by Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell
“An Education” Screenplay by Nick Hornby
“In the Loop” Screenplay by Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” Screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher-Winner
“Up in the Air” Screenplay by Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner
Writing (Original Screenplay)
“The Hurt Locker” Written by Mark Boal-Winner“Inglourious Basterds” Written by Quentin Tarantino
“The Messenger” Written by Alessandro Camon & Oren Moverman
“A Serious Man” Written by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
“Up” Screenplay by Bob Peterson, Pete Docter, Story by Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, Tom McCarthy
'Mummy and I'
'Mummy and I' is the second Single from Rodo's Debut Album, Dare to Differ.
Official Release date: 8th of March 2010. Available on itunes 8th of March 2010.
'Written for the best mum in the world'.
Produced by Calvin Gudu. 2010 Heartcut Records. All rights reserved.
Speechless: Horror On Lagos - Benin Expressway ... Don't Look Away
SPEECHLESS: HORROR ON LAGOS - BENIN EXPRESSWAY ... Don't look away
~ From Correspondent in Lagos, Nigeria.
Please let us avoid night travels where possible.
If I were God, I will make sure the perpetrators of this heinous act are lynched.
Man's inhumanity to man. A bus was ambushed by armed robbers, the passengers were robbed and raped, those that had nothing to give were asked to lie down on the road face down and the driver on gun point was commanded by the robbers to drive the bus over them!!!!
WHO IS THE WICKED ONE. THE ARMED ROBBERS OR THE DRIVER?
the driver is wicked. the driver drove over them not the robbers.....pls lets avoid nite travelling.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
iPad Available in US on April 3
5 Mar 2010 14:30 Africa/Lagos
iPad Available in US on April 3
Pre-Order on March 12
CUPERTINO, Calif., March 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Apple® today announced that its magical and revolutionary iPad will be available in the US on Saturday, April 3, for Wi-Fi models and in late April for Wi-Fi + 3G models. In addition, all models of iPad will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April.
Beginning a week from today, on March 12, US customers can pre-order both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G models from Apple's online store (www.apple.com) or reserve a Wi-Fi model to pick up on Saturday, April 3, at an Apple retail store.
"iPad is something completely new," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We're excited for customers to get their hands on this magical and revolutionary product and connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before."
Starting at just $499, iPad lets users browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more. iPad is just 0.5 inches thick and weighs just 1.5 pounds--thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook--and delivers battery life of up to 10 hours.*
iPad's revolutionary Multi-Touch(TM) interface makes surfing the web an entirely new experience, dramatically more interactive and intimate than on a computer. You can read and send email on iPad's large screen and almost full-size "soft" keyboard or import photos from a Mac®, PC or digital camera, see them organized as albums, and enjoy and share them using iPad's elegant slideshows. iPad makes it easy to watch movies, TV shows and YouTube, all in HD, or flip through the pages of an ebook you downloaded from Apple's new iBookstore while listening to your music collection.
The App Store on iPad lets you wirelessly browse, buy and download new apps from the world's largest app store. iPad includes 12 new innovative apps designed especially for iPad and will run almost all of the more than 150,000 apps on the App Store, including apps already purchased for your iPhone® or iPod touch®. Developers are already creating exciting new apps designed for iPad that take advantage of its Multi-Touch interface, large screen and high-quality graphics.
The new iBooks app for iPad includes Apple's new iBookstore, the best way to browse, buy and read books on a mobile product. The iBookstore will feature books from the New York Times Best Seller list from both major and independent publishers, including Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Macmillan Publishers, Penguin Group and Simon & Schuster.
The iTunes® Store gives iPad users access to the world's most popular online music, TV and movie store with a catalog of over 12 million songs, over 55,000 TV episodes and over 8,500 films including over 2,500 in stunning high definition. All the apps and content you download on iPad from the App Store, iTunes Store and iBookstore will be automatically synced to your iTunes library the next time you connect with your computer.
Pricing & Availability
iPad will be available in Wi-Fi models on April 3 in the US for a suggested retail price of $499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB, $699 for 64GB. The Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available in late April for a suggested retail price of $629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB and $829 for 64GB. iPad will be sold in the US through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple's retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers.
iPad will be available in both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G models in late April in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. International pricing will be announced in April. iPad will ship in additional countries later this year.
The iBooks app for iPad including Apple's iBookstore will be available as a free download from the App Store in the US on April 3, with additional countries added later this year.
*Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.
© 2010 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, Multi-Touch, iPhone, iPod touch, iTunes and Apple Store are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Source: Apple
CONTACT: Natalie Harrison, +1-408-862-0565, harri@apple.com, or Natalie
Kerris, +1-408-974-6877, nat@apple.com, both of Apple
Web Site: Apple
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)