Survey Shows Executives Frown on Office Pranks

18 Mar 2010 13:00 Africa/Lagos


Survey Shows Executives Frown on Office Pranks

MENLO PARK, Calif., March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Want to pull off an April Fools' joke that will go down in company history? Not so fast. Sixty-eight percent of advertising and marketing executives interviewed by The Creative Group consider April Fools' pranks unsuitable for the office.


The national study was developed by The Creative Group, a specialized staffing service providing creative, advertising, marketing and web professionals on a project basis, and conducted by an independent research firm. It is based on more than 500 telephone interviews -- approximately 375 with marketing executives randomly selected from companies with 100 or more employees and 125 with advertising executives randomly selected from agencies with 20 or more employees.


Advertising and marketing executives were asked, "How appropriate do you think it is to play April Fools' jokes in the office?" Their responses:


Very appropriate 3%
Somewhat appropriate 27%
Not very appropriate 27%
Not at all appropriate 41%
Don't know/no answer 2%
---
100%





"Many advertising and marketing teams are stretched thin, and there may be less acceptance of activities that are viewed as potential distractions," said Donna Farrugia, executive director of The Creative Group. "April Fools' jokes often have a target, too, which can make them hard to pull off without hurting someone's feelings."


A certain degree of levity, however, can have a positive impact on the workplace, noted Farrugia. "Humor that is inclusive and well-intentioned can be a morale booster, which is especially important when business conditions are difficult. Employees who can foster a more positive work environment are assets to any team."


The Creative Group offers three tips for adding levity to the workplace without crossing the line:


1. Honor office "superstars." Remember senior superlatives from high
school: most school spirit, friendliest, and best all around? Why not
recognize the MVPs at your firm? You can give awards for "best
penmanship," "tidiest workspace" or "most likely to tweet company news"
-- just be sure to keep it clean, not mean. If you want to go all out,
hold an awards ceremony, complete with red carpet walks, printed
certificates and short acceptance speeches.
2. Create some confusion. Pick a lesser-known holiday to celebrate, like
National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day (April 24) or Do Something Nice Day
(Oct. 5). Organize activities surrounding the event, such as a cook-off
or designated time when employees can surprise their coworkers with a
treat.
3. Have fun year-round. Office "play" needn't be restricted to April
Fools' Day. Periodically have employees come together to celebrate a
topic of their choice, like "flashback to the '80s" or "favorite
reality TV stars." Create costume or trivia contests to add to the
enjoyment.


About The Creative Group

The Creative Group specializes in placing a range of highly skilled creative, advertising, marketing and web professionals with a variety of firms on a project basis. The Creative Group's internal account managers typically have prior experience working within the creative industry, which helps them better understand their clients' needs and their freelancers' unique talents. Headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., the firm has offices in major markets across the United States and in Canada. More information, including online job-hunting services, candidate portfolios and The Creative Group's award-winning career magazine, can be found at www.creativegroup.com. For more workplace and career advice, follow The Creative Group at www.facebook.com/thecreativegroup or www.twitter.com/creativegroup.


Source: The Creative Group

CONTACT: Alison Hau of The Creative Group, +1-650-234-6277,
alison.hau@creativegroup.com


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

New iVillage Study Reveals That Majority of Women 18-34 Go Online First With Health Questions - Before Turning to Their Doctor or Other Family Members

Photo from FOTOSA

18 Mar 2010 05:00 Africa/Lagos

New iVillage Study Reveals That Majority of Women 18-34 Go Online First With Health Questions - Before Turning to Their Doctor or Other Family Members

82% of Women Say They Are Uncomfortable Discussing Health Concerns With Friends and Family

NEW YORK, March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- iVillage today announced the results of a new online survey conducted in February on its behalf by Harris Interactive®, which illustrates how heavily online women(1) rely on the Internet as a health resource - before turning to a family member or visiting a doctor. The survey findings were unveiled by Jennifer Barrett, Health Editor for iVillage, and coincide with the launch of iVillage.com/Health.

Anonymous peer networking and sharing common experiences is what drives women online for health matters, with 4 out of 5 (82%) saying there are reasons to feel uncomfortable when discussing health concerns or questions with friends or family members. Over half of women (59%) said that discussing health concerns with people they know can be embarrassing.
The study shows that the Internet is often women's first destination for insights and solutions for everyday health questions.
-- 62% were twice as likely to turn to a Website - over their own mothers
(32%) - with health concerns or questions that are not extremely
serious
-- 64% say they use online communities to discuss health concerns or
questions that they have not discussed with anyone else
-- 49% say online is the first place they would go to research a health
question, nearly double the number who say they would go to the doctor
first (25%), and significantly more than those who would first turn to
a family member (15%) or a friend with a similar condition/issue (6%)

"This research further demonstrates what iVillage has always known about women - they place tremendous value in the power of support from their online peers, as well as expert advice, to resolve the many demands they face," said Barrett. "One of the keys to living a healthier life is to be a more educated, informed patient. iVillage Health will be an invaluable resource to women in that respect," said Barrett.
The study also highlights how online health resources play a key role in educating patients prior to seeing a physician, with 30% of women saying that online community support allows them to better prepare for a doctor's visit.

Moms are the key decision-makers in managing the health needs of their families, and Web-based resources are more important than ever for this busy group of women. The study reveals that moms are more likely to turn to a Website with health concerns or questions that are not extremely serious than they are to turn to their own spouse (64% vs. 41% respectively), with more than half (53%) having discussed a health issue with an online peer.

About the Survey
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of iVillage between February 18 and 22, 2010 via the QuickQuery online omnibus service among 2,618 U.S. adults age 18+, of whom 1,342 are women ages 18+ and 310 are the mothers of a child(ren) ages 17 and under and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Mary Ellen Mooney, iVillage, 212-651-5198.
About iVillage

With approximately 30 million unique visitors per month, iVillage is the content-driven community for women on the web, where they can find the most meaningful content, real-life conversations and the tools they need for their busy lives. The site focuses on categories that best serve women's needs, including Food, Health, Entertainment, Family, Beauty & Style. Additional businesses and brand extensions within iVillage Networks include iVillage UK, NBC Digital Health Network, Astrology.com and GardenWeb. In addition, iVillage enjoys a strategic partnership with BlogHer, the leading participatory news, entertainment and information network for women online. iVillage Inc., acquired by NBC Universal, Inc. in May 2006, is based in New York City, and is part of the NBC Universal Women & Lifestyle Entertainment Networks Group. Join iVillage's Facebook group at www.facebook.com/ivillage and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ivillage.

About Harris Interactive
Harris Interactive is one of the world's leading custom market research firms, leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight. Known widely for the Harris Poll and for pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers expertise in a wide range of industries including healthcare, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant, and consumer package goods. Serving clients in over 215 countries and territories through our North American, European, and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms, Harris specializes in delivering research solutions that help us--and our clients--stay ahead of what's next. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.

NOTES:(1) The results of this survey have been weighted to represent the overall online population of adults using targets on the basis of Internet usage (hours per week) and connection type as well as by age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income even where not specified.

Source: iVillage
CONTACT: Mary Ellen Mooney of iVillage, +1-212-651-5198
Web Site: http://www.ivillage.com/
http://www.harrisinteractive.com/

Dog Bites now 4.5 million Per Year in America

Please, Frank N. Darras, will you take my case?


"Dog bites in America now tops 4.5 million per year," says Frank N. Darras, America's top insurance lawyer, quoting the Journal of American Medical Association.

"An overwhelming one-third of all homeowner's liability claims are now related to dog bites, equaling about $1 billion in damages, according to the Insurance Information Institute."

Radiation Breakthrough Gives Breast Cancer Patients Hope in Single Dose

Radiation Breakthrough Gives Breast Cancer Patients Hope in Single Dose
Never before offered in the U.S.

Radiation Breakthrough Gives Breast Cancer Patients Hope in Single Dose
Cancer crusader’s own sister is among first to receive Intraoperative Radiation Therapy on the Novac7

Philadelphia, Pa. (March 17, 2010) /PRNewswire/ — Technology never before offered in the U.S. that allows patients to receive one dose of radiation during surgery, as opposed to the current average of six weeks, was successfully delivered to several breast cancer patients last week – including the sister of the man responsible for bringing the technology from Italy.

The intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) Novac7 allows patients to receive radiation treatment, delivered with the same power and precision as other advanced radiation techniques, while still in the operating room undergoing surgery, often without any additional outpatient radiation treatment visits and with fewer side effects. IORT also offers patients better cosmetic results and improved quality of life as the need for additional radiation treatment is minimized or eliminated altogether.

After his mother passed away from breast cancer, Dr. Pablo Lavagnini, director of radiation oncology at CTCA, began fighting to bring the world’s best cancer-fighting options to patients. He became a crusader for IORT, a cost-effective treatment option widely used in Europe that helps patients get back to their daily activities sooner, with the same or better outcomes, fewer side effects and improved cosmetic results. Dr. Lavagnini celebrated the Novac7’s arrival at CTCA in October 2009. Since then he and his colleagues have overcome numerous logistical and licensing obstacles, remaining driven by the tremendous therapeutic and quality of life benefits that this treatment brings to breast cancer patients.

Since the Novac7 arrived in the United States, Dr. Lavagnini’s only sister, Asisé, discovered her own breast cancer diagnosis. She traveled from her home in Uruguay to seek a second opinion from her brother and, in a twist of fate, last week became the very first patient in the U.S. to receive IORT with the Novac7.

“It is as if my life’s work was leading up to this day,” said Dr. Lavagnini. “I never expected my sister to be my patient, but I am thankful that she was among the many women who will benefit from this technology, which is very different from the treatment that our mother received many years ago. I expect that IORT will change the standard of care for breast cancer over time.”

Other patients like Jackie Stevens, who traveled to CTCA from her home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, to receive treatment on Wednesday, decided that IORT was the best option based largely on the time savings that it offered. “As soon as my doctors told me that I could get my radiation at the same time as my lumpectomy, I thought ‘Wow! What a blessing,’” said Jackie.

Any patient who is having surgery to remove a tumor has a high likelihood of benefiting from IORT. While IORT will offer significant benefits for breast cancer patients, it will also be a valuable tool for many patients battling other cancer types including: stomach, pancreatic, rectal, prostate, gynecological, head and neck, and soft tissue sarcomas (especially retroperitoneal). For patients who must receive additional radiation therapy following surgery, they can receive a “boost” of radiation during IORT, shielding the surrounding tissues from radiation damage while delievering a higher dose to the area requiring treatment.

More information about IORT and what it means to patients is available in the attached patient stories and fact sheet. Additional content and animation illustrating what occurs during the procedure is also available on cancercenter.com. Patients interested in learning more can call 1.888.353.7687.

About Cancer Treatment Centers of America:
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) is a national network of hospitals providing a comprehensive, fully integrative approach to cancer treatment. CTCA serves patients with advanced cancer from all 50 states at facilities located in suburban Chicago, Philadelphia, Tulsa and suburban Phoenix. For more information about Cancer Treatment Centers of America, go to cancercenter.com.

Media Contact:
Julia Scherer
215.537.7469
Julia.scherer@ctca-hope.com

New Video Shows Radical Islamic Network in New England

17 Mar 2010 13:30 Africa/Lagos

New Video Shows Radical Islamic Network in New England

Video can be viewed at: www.peaceandtolerance.org

BOSTON, March 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Americans for Peace and Tolerance (APT) today released an 8-minute online video clip describing a network of Islamic radicals operating in New England. The video focuses on the October arrest - and the response to that arrest - of a Sudbury, Massachusetts resident who the FBI charged with planning to machine gun shoppers in a New England mall.


"The arrest of Tarek Mehanna was shocking," said APT President, Dr. Charles Jacobs. "It occurred just two weeks before the murder of 13 Americans at Fort Hood.


Jacobs said "What is especially disheartening, given the historical moderation and success of Boston Muslims, is the current groundswell of support for Tarek within a segment of the Boston Muslim community and its virulent response to his arrest."


Jacobs said "our video offers a glimpse into a loosely-coordinated web of radical Islamic individuals and organizations based in New England with ties to Islamic terrorist groups overseas." He added, "what we're witnessing is the radicalization of the next generation of American Muslims."


The video shows how Islamic radicals have been using the Internet to organize thousands of supporters and raise money for Tarek - a man who the FBI alleges had enjoyed gloating over propaganda videos of Al Qaeda terrorists disemboweling and burning the bodies of American GIs in Iraq. (Tarek and his friends mockingly called these mutilations "Texas BBQs.")


Jacobs noted that Tarek's Internet support groups are rife with anti-American and anti-Semitic sloganeering ("Close Guantanamo - Re-open Auschwitz") and support for violence in the name of Islam.


Jacobs said the decision to release the film now was precipitated by a campaign launched by Tarek's supporters against Aloke Chakravarty, the assistant U.S. attorney in Boston responsible for Tarek's prosecution.


Jacobs said, "We learned from the Jihadist Fort Hood massacre that our political leadership class, blinded by political correctness, has failed to deal effectively with the threat of radical Islam to American society. It will take a grassroots effort to break the silence about this threat."


APT is working to organize such a movement in order to compel our failed leaders to protect our communities, and in order to support those officials like Mr. Chakravarty who are seeking to do justice in the face of intimidation.


www.peaceandtolerance.org


Source: Americans for Peace and Tolerance

CONTACT: Dr. Charles Jacobs, President - Americans for Peace and
Tolerance, +1-617-835-3584, Charlesjacobs123@gmail.com


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

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17 Mar 2010

13:10
African Union High‐Level Implementation Panel (Sudan) / More Sudanese Political Parties Sign Electoral Code of Conduct
16 Mar 2010
09:42
Royal Dutch Shell Plc Updates on Strategy to Improve Performance and to Grow
15 Mar 2010
15:18
NAVTEQ Launches Intermediate Maps of Nigeria and Kenya

Public Issues Highlights
New Video Shows Radical Islamic Network in New England
U.S. Congress Recognizes World Social Work Day and Professional Social Work Month
27th Annual Shamrocks Against Dystrophy Sets $20 Million Fundraising Record
Take the Risk or Miss the Opportunity?
U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature
Justice Department Roundup
Health Care Reform

Alicia Keys and other Top Artistes to Perform at First-Ever FIFA World Cup(TM) Kick-Off Celebration Concert

17 Mar 2010 13:03 Africa/Lagos

Alicia Keys, Amadou & Mariam, Angelique Kidjo, Black Eyed Peas, BLK JKS, John Legend, Juanes, Shakira, The Parlotones, Tinariwen, Vieux Farka Toure and Vusi Mahlasela to Perform at First-Ever FIFA World Cup(TM) Kick-Off Celebration Concert


Alicia Keys


Tickets on Sale Now Online and via Telephone at Computicket

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE ARTISTES.


Angelique Kidjo


LOS ANGELES, March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Control Room, the world's leading producer of global music events, and FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association), the international governing body of football, announced the first group of legendary musicians confirmed to perform at the FIFA WORLD CUP KICK-OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT. Alicia Keys, Amadou & Mariam, Angelique Kidjo, Black Eyed Peas, BLK JKS, John Legend, Juanes, Shakira, The Parlotones, Tinariwen, Vieux Farka Toure and Vusi Mahlasela will perform at the historic event taking place the night before the first match at 8 p.m. local time (GMT+2) on June 10, 2010, at the newly-renovated Orlando Stadium in Soweto/Johannesburg.


"We in South Africa are blessed to be hosting two first-time events - the first FIFA World Cup held on the African continent and the first FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert - and I believe these historic events will go a long way towards uniting the people of our rainbow nation in South Africa, as well as further strengthening our relationships with our brothers and sisters on the African continent," said Lucas Radebe, former South African football international and participant in the Kick-Off Concert. "After all, this is an African World Cup being staged in South Africa. Music and sports are the lifeblood of African culture, so to combine those in this historic event will be a true celebration of African culture."


FIFA World Cup football tournament is the world's most watched sporting event, and is staged every four years. This is the first time the FIFA World Cup is being held on the African continent, with 32 national teams from all over the world playing matches in ten South African stadiums in the hope of being crowned World Champions. The last FIFA World Cup in Germany attracted a global cumulative television audience of 26.29 billion (24.2 billion in-home and 2.1 billion out-of-home viewers).


"We are thrilled to have a concert of such magnitude and performing talent raise the curtain on the first FIFA World Cup in Africa. It is testament to the universal and unifying power of football and music, and will start the competition off on the right note - of celebration," said FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke.


Executive-produced by Emmy Award-winning producer Kevin Wall and his company Control Room, in partnership with local promoter, Showtime Entertainment, the event will feature musical performances by major international superstars and popular African artists collaborating together, along with special appearances by past and present football legends with all proceeds to benefit "20 Centres for 2010," the Official Campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa(TM). Expected to be the greatest entertainment event to date on the African continent, the event will be televised to millions worldwide.


"2010 will mark the first time the FIFA World Cup will be played in Africa, so it seemed fitting to celebrate this momentous occasion with a festival of live music from Africa and beyond," said Kevin Wall, founder of Control Room. "We believe sports and music transcend cultural, language and geographic barriers, and through the official FIFA WORLD CUP KICK-OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT, Control Room will present the sights and sounds of unity and celebration for an unforgettable, must-see experience."


Public Tickets


Music fans around the world can purchase tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime concert today online at www.computicket.com or via phone on (27) 083 915 8000. Concert tickets are priced at R450 (Outer Circle standing), R650 (Inner Circle standing), R850 & R950 (Upper Level seated) and R1150 (Lower Level seated). Ticket prices include VAT, Computicket Charges and Park and Ride for all ticket holders.


Parking and Security


A comprehensive parking and security system has been put into place for the 2010 FIFA Kick-Off Celebration Concert.


All those attending will be able to make use of the comprehensive park & ride facilities at nearby Nasrec. Concertgoers will then use the free bus shuttle service to and from Orlando Stadium as no parking will be permitted on or nearby the stadium itself. A comprehensive safety and security plan will be implemented for both Orlando Stadium and the Nasrec park & ride hub.


South African Broadcast Partners


Local South African broadcast partners Kaya-FM, Talk Radio 702 and 94.7 Highveld Stereo are proud to be part of this first ever FIFA WORLD CUP KICK -OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT.


For more information about the official FIFA WORLD CUP KICK-OFF CELEBRATION CONCERT, please visit www.fifa.com/concert.


About Control Room


Founded by Emmy-award winning producer Kevin Wall and headed by company president and co-executive producer Aaron Grosky, Control Room is the world's leading producer of massive global events leveraging unparalleled expertise to deliver once-in-a-life time entertainment experiences to audiences around the world. Through a combination of expertise - event production, television production, media architecture design, artist and celebrity relationships, sponsorship development, and creative vision - Control Room evolves events into cultural phenomena.


Control Room is an end-to-end solution for brands, artists, broadcasters and sponsors committed to connecting global audiences with compelling entertainment. The company has built long-standing business relationships and successfully navigated the complexities of culture, government, and production in countries in every region of the world. Since 2005, Control Room has illustrated a history of measurable results through a comprehensive body of work including more than 100 live events ranging from single-artist concerts to worldwide movements.


About 94.7 HIGHVELD STEREO Joburg's No. 1 Hit Music Station.


94.7 broadcasts on 94.7 FM in the greater Gauteng metropolitan areas to almost 1.4 million listeners who love life and love to laugh. 94.7 targets an affluent audience, LSM 7 to 10 and age 25 - 49. The Station plays the best hot adult contemporary music with a blend of classic hits from the 80's to the present. The main focus is more music and less talk, with the inclusion of the latest breaking news and sporting stories. We simply play more of the hits that our listeners want.


Regular competitions and promotions provide entertaining, engaging radio and there is a strong emphasis on charity and giving back. Numerous events, such as the Joburg Day music festival, which attracts 15,000 fans, and the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge which is the second biggest cycling event in the Southern Hemisphere, provide opportunities for interaction with listeners.


About Talk Radio 702
Your No.1 News and Talk Station.


702 is an independent adult talk radio station broadcasting throughout Gauteng and surrounding areas. It attracts an influential audience including many of the country's business, political and community leaders. Listeners tune in for credible news and current affairs analysis as well as the latest business, traffic and sport stories of the day.


Experienced presenters, Eyewitness News reporters and respected correspondents keep listeners updated on all the important stories - locally, nationally and internationally.


Although it is a commercial station, 702 is rooted in the community, and considers itself solution-driven radio, advocating on behalf of listeners.


About KAYA FM


KAYA FM 95.9 reflects the lives of the upscale 25+ listener, living in South Africa's most progressive and exciting region. The station broadcasts both music and talk, and this makes it unique from other ICASA approved licenses. KAYA FM 95.9 launched in August 1997, and was one of the first new frequencies to be approved for private commercial radio.


KAYA FM 95.9 broadcasts on the FM frequency signal 95. (Dot) 9, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The current Listenership stands at 614 000 per average day and 1, 409 000 for the past seven days. The music format offers a diverse mix from Adult Contemporary Music to smoother sounds like R&B, Soul and Jazz. It also includes African Heritage Music. The music draws on the tradition of Africa, wherever this music has had its influence; from Africa to the Caribbean and into the heart of America.


For further information please contact:
South African Media:
Penny Stein/Dionne Domyan
011 8803211
Pro-file@yebo.co.za
prwork@iafrica.com

US Media:
Ehrin Cummings, (310) 550-3883, ecummings@controlroom.com
Nicole Okoneski, (213) 438-8793, nokoneski@golinharris.com

European Media:
Nadine Bibi, 0207 439 7222, Nadine.bibi@ldcommunications.co.
Alex Darling, 0207 439 7222, Alex.Darling@ldcommunications.co.uk

Source: Control Room

CONTACT: South African Media, Penny Stein or Dionne Domyan, 011 8803211,
Pro-file@yebo.co.za, prwork@iafrica.com; US Media, Ehrin Cummings,
+1-310-550-3883, ecummings@controlroom.com, Nicole Okoneski, +1-213-438-8793,
nokoneski@golinharris.com; European Media, Nadine Bibi, 0207 439 7222,
Nadine.bibi@ldcommunications.co., Alex Darling, 0207 439 7222,
Alex.Darling@ldcommunications.co.uk


Web Site: FIFA World Cup(TM) Kick-Off Celebration Concert

The Bloodhound Cell Phone Detector Goes Behind Bars to Uncover Contraband Cell Phones

Bloodhound Cell Phone Detector from Berkeley Varitronics Systems (BVS). (PRNewsFoto/Berkeley Varitronics Systems, Inc.) METUCHEN, NJ UNITED STATES

16 Mar 2010 13:00 Africa/Lagos

The Bloodhound Cell Phone Detector Goes Behind Bars to Uncover Contraband Cell Phones in Correctional Facilities and Prisons

Berkeley Varitronics Systems to showcase the Bloodhound Cell Phone Detector at the CTIA Wireless Show March 23-25 in Las Vegas & at the GovSec/U.S. Law Conference March 23-24 in DC

METUCHEN, N.J., March 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Berkeley Varitronics Systems, Inc. (BVS), a leading provider of advanced wireless solutions and products to the domestic and international wireless telecommunications industry, today announced the company has successfully field-tested the Bloodhound cell phone detector at one of the top ten largest county correctional facilities in the nation. The Bloodhound is a hand-held, wireless cell phone detector that does not employ the sledgehammer approach of cell phone jamming, currently prohibited under U.S. federal law.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100316/NY70529 )


BVS conducted the field-test at a national correctional facility that houses 1,300 inmates (both men and women) and employs more than 400 security officers as well as administration staff. Security officers and BVS discretely walked the halls of the correctional facility with the Bloodhound cell phone detector to pinpoint in real-time the exact location of contraband cell phones in use.


"The field-test was successful as we noted illegal cell phone activity rather quickly," said Scott Schober, President and CEO of Berkeley Varitronics Systems. "Utilizing the cell phone detector's high-speed scanning receiver and Direction Finding Antenna, the Bloodhound detected cell phone activity in areas where it was strictly forbidden. Surprisingly there were even cell phones detected in the cafeteria, which is prohibited."


To combat the escalating number of contraband cell phones smuggled into prisons and correctional facilities, some prison officials have imposed fines of up to $5,000 and extended sentences up to five years when an inmate is caught using a contraband cell phone. Recently, Steve Largent, CEO of the CTIA, released a statement in support of the Cell Phone Contraband Act of 2009 (S. 1749), introduced by U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), advocating the Senate to severely penalize prison inmates who use wireless services to conduct unlawful activities or harass and intimidate the public. According to Senator Feinstein, the bill would classify cell phones and wireless devices as contraband material, and anyone who provides, or attempts to provide, an inmate with a cell phone could face imprisonment of up to one year.


"BVS has sold a significant number of Bloodhound cell phone detectors to federal and state correctional facilities and numerous government agencies since its release on December 14, 2009. Of the hundreds of correctional facilities that have contacted BVS, the majority are frustrated with the number of cell phones that continually make their way behind bars and are desperate for a solution like BVS' cell phone detector," added Schober. "According to some correctional officers, cell phones are smuggled in through criminal defense lawyers, family members, food service staff, maintenance contractors and even corrupt security guards looking to make some extra cash."


Prior to the release of the Bloodhound cell phone detector, correctional facilities have had to battle the widespread use of contraband cell phones with specialized K-9 units that are trained to smell the batteries in cell phones. In the state of New Jersey, for example, the cost to purchase a trained dog is $5,000 plus the trainer's salary for a comprehensive ten-week course the dog and trainer are required to complete by the New Jersey Attorney General. Couple these costs with regular vet and food bills and the solution is costly. The inmates make the K-9 units' job even more challenging by hiding the cell phones in strong smelling foods such as peanut butter.


In addition, the FCC has been petitioned to allow cell phone jamming in prisons, currently prohibited under Section 333 of the Communications Act that specifically forbids any willful or malicious interference with licensed radio signals and prohibits the manufacture, importation or sale of any device intended to jam or disrupt wireless communications. Critics of cell phone jamming, including the CTIA, have expressed concern that cell phone jamming technology could interfere with emergency response and legitimate cell phone use near prisons.


As an alternative to cell phone jamming and K-9 units, The Bloodhound cell phone detector is a safe, legal, quick and cost-effective way to monitor and pinpoint unauthorized cell phones within correctional facilities 24 hours a day. The complete Bloodhound unit costs $1,800 and can also be utilized by government agencies that want to enforce a 'no wireless policy'.


BVS will be showcasing the Bloodhound cell phone detector at the International CTIA Wireless show in Las Vegas March 23-25th at booth #2400, as well as at the GovSec/U.S. Law Conference in Washington DC March 23 - 24th at booth #609.


About Berkeley Varitronics Systems


Berkeley Varitronics Systems, located in Metuchen, New Jersey, has been providing advanced wireless solutions and products to the domestic and international wireless telecommunications industry for over 35 years. Since 1995, BVS has introduced over 50 unique wireless test devices for a variety of applications including the popular Cellular, iDEN, PCS, CDMA, RFID, LTE, Mobile WiMAX, FIXED WiMAX, 802.11b/a/n/g & Bluetooth specifications. For more information about BVS, visit www.bvsystems.com.


The Berkeley Varitronics Systems logo, names and logos and combinations thereof, are trademarks of Berkeley Varitronics Systems, Inc. All other names are for informational purposes and may be trademarks of their respective owners.


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100316/NY70529
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Berkeley Varitronics Systems, Inc.

CONTACT: Scott Schober, President and CEO, Berkeley Varitronics Systems,
+1-732-548-3737, snschober@bvsystems.com; or Kelly Gorychka, The Bernard
Group, Office: +1-512-617-6354 Cell: +1-512-922-8059,
kgorychka@bernardgroup.com, for Berkeley Varitronics Systems


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

U.S. Policy in Somalia

Nigeria / State radio reporter nearly killed by angry crowd

12 Mar 2010 12:57 Africa/Lagos

Nigeria / State radio reporter nearly killed by angry crowd


ABUJA, March 12, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- An angry crowd of mourners attending a mass funeral in Dogo Nahawa, central Nigeria, assaulted state radio reporter Murtala Sani on Monday. Sani, a reporter for the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, was assigned to cover the funeral of more than 40 people killed during a bloody March 7 attack on four villages in central Nigeria.


Sani and other journalists told CPJ that the state governor's adviser on religious matters, Pastor Choji, demanded Sani hand over his identification card and told nearby men that the reporter was an ethnic Hausa-Fulani. One man struck Sani and enlisted the crowd to join in the assault. “He was inches from losing his life,” said Wall Street Journal reporter Will Connors, who covered the funeral. “They wanted to kill him and throw his body in the mass grave with the others.”


Police fired in the air to disperse the assailants and then took Sani to a military hospital in the nearby city of Jos, the journalist told CPJ. He was treated for multiple injuries to his head and body. He was moved to a secure location today, journalists said. Sani's car was destroyed and his equipment was stolen, they told CPJ.


Conflicts between Yoruba and Igbo Christians and Hausa-Fulani Muslims have occurred intermittently in central Nigeria for nearly a decade. Hundreds of Christians were killed on Sunday in four villages near Jos, Plateau state, in an attack seen as reprisal for a January assault on Muslims. Although the conflict has evident religious and ethnic dimensions, it is also centered on land, resources, and political posts, local journalists told CPJ.


“The terrible violence in central Nigeria needs in-depth local and international coverage,” said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Tom Rhodes. “Local authorities must do everything in their power to protect journalists in this environment—not instigate further violence.”


State Commissioner of Information Gregory Yenlong met Sani after the incident and pledged to cover his medical expenses. “[Sani] is a responsible, committed journalist. But he must take precautions in these tense times; he should ask for security coverage when covering these events.”


The crowd at the funeral also accosted Agence France-Presse reporter Aminu Abdulla and demanded that he prove “that he was a Christian” by reciting the Lord's Prayer, the journalist told CPJ. Abdulla managed to escape with the help of other journalists but lost equipment that he had kept in Sani's car, he said.



Source: Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)


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Nneka’s Concrete Jungle Tour in the USA

Nneka is 2010’s First Breakout Artist to perform on “The Late Show with David Letterman” on February 3rd.

“…righteously bold and heartbreakingly fragile.”-SPIN, 10 To Watch in 2010

“Nneka…is pure hotness.”-Rolling Stone

Nneka had a successful US tour from January 27th to Valentine’s Day. It was called the Concrete Jungle Tour and launched her stateside debut album that was released on February 2nd.The tour took her to 14 cities across the US, including New York, Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles.
Nneka made her US late night television debut on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” on February 3rd.

Rolling Stone selected her as an Artist to Watch in 2010, and her video for “The Uncomfortable Truth” has been getting regular spins on both BET and MTV.

Shot throughout the course of her recent November 2009 visit to the US, the Who Is Nneka? video is an intimate look at the artist. See it HERE.

“My main message is to wake people up,” Nneka said. “To make them feel themselves; to make them feel their spirit; to be in touch with their innermost.”
From the critical acclaim of her recent collaborative mixtape The Madness (Onye-Ala) with DJ and producer extraordinaire J.Period to her sold-out performances with The Roots in NYC, Nneka’s certainly only just getting started.

“There’s so much that I, myself, have to learn in my life…and there’s still much that I do not know. At the same time I’m sharing my music with people, [I’m] learning from that sharing.”

For more information or to interview Nneka, give us a ring!

Pam Nashel Leto (212) 989-2222 x 111 pam@Girlie.com

Kabeer Malhotra (212) 989-2222 x 123 kabeer@Girlie.com

Vickie Starr (212) 989-2222, x101 vickie@girlie.com

Alexandra Dunne (212) 833-5429 alexandra.dunne@sonymusic.com
www.myspace.com/nnekaworld

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