Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Update on the Allegation of $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion Fraud against Chevron and its Associated Companies 5
More documents of proof on The Untold Story of the $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion and Fraud By Chevron Nigeria Limited and Its Associated Companies
PROFNET EXPERT ALERTS: Offshore Drilling / Tax Planning / H-1B Filing
6 Apr 2010 15:14 Africa/Lagos
PROFNET EXPERT ALERTS: Offshore Drilling / Tax Planning / H-1B Filing
___________
TOPIC ALERT
Obama Reverses Ban on Most Offshore Drilling (9 responses)
_____________
EXPERT ALERTS
1. Bankruptcy: Company Quickly Reorganizes Through 'Pre-Pack' Bankruptcy
2. Business: How Greening is Gold for Business
3. Economy: U.S. to China: How About if We Ask You Nicely?
4. Economy: Markets Ignore U.S. Private-Sector Job Cuts
5. Finance: Financial Service Providers Face New Scrutiny
6. Labor: Waiting on H-1B Filing May Leave You Empty-Handed
7. Real Estate: Talented Real Estate Agents Are Still in High Demand
8. Tax Planning: If You Don't File Your Taxes, IRS May File Them for You
9. Tax Planning: How Americans Routinely Overpay Their Taxes
10. Technology: Data Security is Crucial in Today's Businesses
11. Technology: How To Stay Connected with Your Digital Camera
12. Workplace: How to Effectively Deal with Toxic Work Conditions
OBAMA REVERSES BAN ON MOST OFFSHORE DRILLING
The Obama administration plans to reverse a long-standing ban on most offshore drilling. The plan will allow oil drilling off Virginia's shorelines, and is being considered for a large chunk of the Atlantic seaboard. At the same time, the plan rejects some new drilling sites that had been planned in Alaska. Following are experts who can comment on whether this plan will help reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil and create jobs, and the environmental impact:
1. MARK ZUPAN, dean of the Simon Graduate School of Business, UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER, is an expert in energy/oil issues: "President Obama's move to lift the ban on offshore oil drilling is a concrete step in the right direction toward decreasing U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Non-renewable energy is still by far the dominant source of our nation's energy. Every president since Eisenhower has called for greater energy independence, yet we have grown progressively more dependent on foreign oil during each of their tenures. Today, over half the oil we use is imported (57 percent). Without government subsidies, alternative energy sources like ethanol, wind and geothermal are still not viable. Real questions remain about whether they are more helpful to the environment. Evidence remains mixed on the extent to which there is global warming. There is a definite question about the possibility of better ways of dealing with any global warming than those proposed by Obama and at the Kyoto/Copenhagen conferences. The estimated cost of cap and trade is $1.5 trillion per year. Much cheaper solutions have been proposed by Nathan Myhrvold of Microsoft (documented in the book "Super Freakonomics"), for example, to rely on chimneys to push sulfur dioxide into the upper atmosphere as an extra shield at a cost of $150 million a year." The university has an on-campus TV studio with satellite uplink through VideoLink in Newton, Mass. To book a satellite shot, call VideoLink at +1-617-340-4100. News Contact: Charla S. Kucko, charla.kucko@simon.rochester.edu Phone: +1-585-273-4806 (4/6/10)
2. JOSEPH PETROWSKI, chief of GULF OIL: "I applaud the current efforts to expand domestic oil supplies. This expansion can help eliminate the single choke point that currently makes us vulnerable to the vicissitudes of oil producers and, in turn, other nations." Petrowski is a board member of a number of influential organizations, including the New England Power Pool Board of Review, South Jersey Industries and the Financial Economic Institute of Claremont McKenna College. He has written numerous articles on energy and public policy, regulation and market development, and is a frequent guest on major business news networks. He has testified before Congress and several regulatory agencies on energy and international trade issues. Petrowski is based in Framingham, Mass. News Contact: Robert Minicucci, robert@warnerpr.com Phone: +1-603-488-5856 Web site: http://www.gulfoil.com/ (4/6/10)
3. LLOYD HEINZE, chairman of the Bob. L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering, TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY, is a drilling and production engineer and an instructor of a graduate course on oil field and the environment and an upcoming course on energy, environment and society: "In order for the U.S. to have sustainable energy self-sufficiency, all avenues of increasing energy production need to be investigated. Offshore U.S. East Coast has not been as actively explored as, for example, the Gulf of Mexico. There should be a large potential for oil and natural gas resource development in this huge area. The oil industry has dramatically improved its environmental efforts and is now able to explore and produce in safe and environmentally friendly methods." News Contact: Leslie Cranford, leslie.cranford@ttu.edu Phone: +1-806-742-6399, ext. 237 Web site: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/peWeb/facultystaff/bios/heinze.php (4/6/10)
4. SHEL HOROWITZ, lead author of the acclaimed book "Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green: Winning Strategies to Improve Your Profits and Your Planet": "As someone who works at the intersections of business and the environment, I see this announcement as at least the third major sell-out of progressives by the Obama administration on energy issues -- the other two were the watering down of goals for Copenhagen far below what most other participants were working toward, and the idiotic endorsement of nuclear power." Horowitz recently wrote a blog about this topic called "If Obama's Supposed to Be a Liberal, What's a Conservative?": http://tinyurl.com/yaafn93 He is based in Hadley, Mass. Horowitz: shel@principledprofit.com Phone: +1-413-586-2388 (4/6/10)
5. CHARLES O'HARA, senior counsel of THORP REED & ARMSTRONG, LLP's Corporate Department, based in Pittsburgh, can speak on the legal aspects that may affect Obama's plans for offshore drilling. O'Hara's practice is devoted primarily to oil and gas transactions and corporate transactions. His oil and gas transactional experience includes negotiation of leases, joint operating agreements, drilling program agreements and other instruments used in exploration activities. O'Hara also has extensive experience with regulatory negotiations with agencies such as the Department of Environmental Protection and Public Utilities Commission. News Contact: Leigh Sperun, leigh@gregoryfca.com Phone: +1-610-228-2108 (4/6/10)
6. VALSIN MARMILLION, managing director of AMERICA'S WETLAND FOUNDATION, takes a balanced approach to the development of comprehensive solutions to sustain this vital economic region and the environment on which it depends. He can specifically speak to the importance of expanded and increased sharing of offshore revenues from exploration and production in the Gulf of Mexico. Marmillion is based in New Orleans. News Contact: Michael Segner, ms@mcopr.com Phone: +1-202-387-8550 (4/6/10)
7. SIDNEY COFFEE, senior advisor of AMERICA'S WETLAND FOUNDATION, America's Energy Coast Initiative, takes a balanced approach to the development of comprehensive solutions to sustain this vital economic region and the environment on which it depends. She can specifically speak to the importance of expanded and increased sharing of offshore revenues from exploration and production in the Gulf of Mexico. Coffee is based in New Orleans. News Contact: Michael Segner, ms@mcopr.com Phone: +1-202-387-8550 (4/6/10)
8. BRUCE JEFFERIS, global CEO of AON ENERGY, can discuss the potential environmental, energy, and business risks connected to offshore expansion, including government oversight, environmental record of current offshore operators, and the risks and benefits associated with new exploration. Jefferis is based in Houston. News Contact: Cybil Rose, cybil.rose@kemperlesnik.com Phone: +1-312-755-3537 (4/6/10)
9. MAURICE GUNDERSON, senior partner, Energy and Materials, CMEA CAPITAL, has extensive knowledge and experience in energy, and can discuss emerging global trends in fuel efficiency, new areas for investment, how alternative energy startups can partner with energy industry incumbents, among other topics. Among CMEA Capital's portfolio companies include CFX Battery, Inc., and A123 Systems. News Contact: Sylvie Tongco, sylvie@atomicpr.com Phone: +1-415-593- 1400 (4/6/10)
EXPERT ALERTS
1. BANKRUPTCY: COMPANY QUICKLY REORGANIZES THROUGH 'PRE-PACK' BANKRUPTCY. MATTHEW S. COHEN of THOMPSON & KNIGHT recently helped Houston-based energy company Cross Canyon Energy Corp. get its Chapter 11 reorganization confirmed in less than six weeks through the use of a "pre-packaged" bankruptcy plan: "Transactions of this type involving publicly traded securities often take several months or more to go through the bankruptcy process, but after a brief hearing, we were able to obtain confirmation in 42 days after filing the case. Properly managed, pre-packs can be an efficient and cost-effective way to resolve balance sheet issues and help businesses restructure." News Contact: Barry Pound, barry@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534 (4/6/10)
2. BUSINESS: HOW GREENING IS GOLD FOR BUSINESS. THAYER STEWART, vice president of marketing and business development for OB10, a global e-invoicing provider: "Global corporations have long dabbled in green initiatives. However, more and more are taking significant measures to reduce paper and increase 'pre-cycling' efforts as a means to streamline operations, save money and reduce carbon footprints. As the 40th anniversary of Earth Day approaches, companies are looking to renew their commitment to going green and leveraging technology, such as e-invoicing, to help spearhead environmental initiatives." Stewart can speak to the ROI stemming from e-invoicing as more companies like HP, Motorola and Mohawk are greening their back-office accounting functions through e-invoicing programs. News Contact: Mousa Ackall, mackall@arketi.com Phone: +1-404-929-0091, ext. 203 (4/6/10)
3. ECONOMY: U.S. TO CHINA: HOW ABOUT IF WE ASK YOU NICELY? JAMES FRISCHLING, president and co-founder at NEWOAK CAPITAL, an asset management, advisory and capital markets platform: "Treasury Secretary Geithner is delaying a report on global currency policies scheduled to be released April 15 to give China more time to move toward a more flexible currency, but will not admit that such is the reason for the delay. Lawrence Summers, director of the White House's National Economic Council, wouldn't use the words 'currency manipulation' on the weekend TV circuit, yet everyone knew that's what he meant. Senator Schumer, along with four other senators, put forward a bill that would require the U.S. to impose tariffs and other penalties on countries that failed to address misaligned currencies. When all this is going on in the face of the single largest foreign holder of U.S. treasuries, you try to get ahead of the curve and ask them nicely, which is exactly what the administration is trying to do. Despite the tough talk from some, the currency problems between China and the U.S. will be best solved through negotiations, not legislation. Given the reliance on one another, any attempts to impose one's will on the other would be a classic example of biting one's nose to spite one's face. We may not like the pace at which changes are going to take place, but asking nicely may still be the only sensible option." News Contact: Marisa D'Vari, MDVari@newoakcapital.com (4/6/10)
4. ECONOMY: MARKETS IGNORE U.S. PRIVATE-SECTOR JOB CUTS AND LATCH ON U.S. NON-FARM PAYROLLS. RON D'VARI, CEO and co-founder of NEWOAK CAPITAL, an asset management and advisory firm in New York: "As global markets cheered the 162,000 non-farm payrolls increase, they ignored the 23,000 job cuts by the U.S. private sector in March. Wall Street analysts themselves had expected a turnaround on companies hiring, with an addition of 40,000 this month. If it wasn't because of temporary census employees, the job number would have been viewed as very disappointing. While manufacturing is shedding jobs, the service sector has had two consecutive increases. Nine months after the recession has been declared over, this has been one of the longest jobless recoveries. One would have expected the lower dollar and interest rate would have helped our competitive advantage, lifted U.S. exports, and turned around the private-sector job market." News Contact: Marisa D'Vari, MDVari@newoakcapital.com (4/6/10)
5. FINANCE: FINANCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS FACE NEW SCRUTINY. PAUL CORLEY of the Dallas office of THOMPSON & KNIGHT: "With financial reform a top priority for the Obama administration, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee has approved a legislative package that seeks to address the perceived regulatory failures that led to the financial crisis. The measure includes proposals to improve consumer protection, end 'too big to fail' bailouts and expand federal oversight of the financial sector, including banks, hedge funds and credit rating agencies. The Dodd bill has far-reaching implications for the daily operations at most banks and thrifts. While the Federal Reserve would remain responsible for bank holding companies with assets over $50 billion, many institutions would receive a new primary regulator, such as the FDIC or the Office of Comptroller of the Currency." News Contact: Barry Pound, barry@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534 (4/6/10)
6. LABOR: WAITING ON H-1B FILING MAY LEAVE YOU EMPTY-HANDED. IRINA PLUMLEE, Dallas immigration attorney at GARDERE WYNNE SEWELL LLP: "Two years ago, the annual quota of 65,000 H-1B visas was exhausted just a few days after the start of the petition acceptance period. However, the economic downturn slowed down filings so much that last fiscal year's quota was not reached until near the end of 2009. Though economic indicators might not have improved sufficiently to create a fierce competition for the upcoming H-1B visa allocation, it is impossible to predict how quickly the 2010 quota will be filled. In previous years, you knew that if you didn't have the application in on April 1, you would not receive a visa. That's no longer a certainty, but waiting too long to make your bid for an H-1B work permit could leave you without a visa." News Contact: Rhonda Reddick, rhonda@androvett.com Phone: +1- 800-559-4534 (4/6/10)
7. REAL ESTATE: TALENTED REAL ESTATE AGENTS ARE STILL IN HIGH DEMAND. LISA JOHNSON SEVAJIAN is an award-winning Realtor who specializes in selling and buying properties in North Andover, Mass. Johnson Sevajian can discuss a great need for hard-working energetic agents: "So many markets are still doing well in this economy and so many Realtors would love to hire more agents for their team. To sell in today's market, it takes perseverance and online savviness. The average age of the first-time Massachusetts homebuyer is 32. These buyers want immediate information; therefore, simply sticking with the traditional real estate approach often fails. A talented agent will combine texting and social media, with many of the traditional real estate approaches. If you can properly manage both approaches, you are the right person to work in this current real estate market." News Contact: Stacey Rudy, stacey@exposeyourselfpr.com Phone: +1-508-450-8405 (4/6/10)
8. TAX PLANNING: IF YOU DON'T FILE YOUR TAXES, THE IRS MAY FILE THEM FOR YOU. BRIAN COMPTON, president of TAX RESOLUTION SERVICES, and tax relief expert in Los Angeles: "Through mid-March, the IRS reportedly received 68.7 million returns, 3 percent fewer than at the same time in 2009. In this economy, many Americans may opt to not file because they don't have the funds to pay the taxes owed. If you're among these people, what you may not know is that the IRS will often file a substitute for return on your behalf if you fail to file your taxes. Additionally, the IRS prepares these substitute for returns in the best interest of the government, resulting in the IRS overstating what taxes you owe and, consequently, what you owe in penalties and interest. So it's important that you file your 2009 tax return, as well as any prior delinquent tax returns, as soon as possible to give yourself a chance to state what you truly owe, which will ultimately save you money and help you avoid significant long-term consequences." Editor's Note: Compton has a profile listed in the ProfNet Experts Database. To view the profile, go to http://www.profnet.com/ and, after logging in, click on "Search Expert." News Contact: Debbie Edwards, debbie@taxresolution.com Phone: +1-866-477-7762, ext. 326 Web site: http://www.taxresolution.com/ (4/6/10)
9. TAX PLANNING: HOW AMERICANS ROUTINELY OVERPAY THEIR TAXES. JOHN RAY, professor of accounting at STRAYER UNIVERSITY, is available to talk about a variety of taxation topics such as how Americans routinely overpay their taxes and how forgoing the advice of a tax advisor can be costly: "If people have questions about whether to itemize, how to document deductions or whether they qualify for some of the recently created tax breaks for new homebuyers or new car buyers, they should contact a tax advisor. These experts keep up with the latest tax law updates and revisions, and can save taxpayers money that is often lost through simple ignorance." Ray is based in Northern Virginia. News Contact: Dana Haydock, DHaydock@wrayward.com Phone: +1-704-926-1301 (4/6/10)
10. TECHNOLOGY: DATA SECURITY IS CRUCIAL IN TODAY'S BUSINESSES. ANDREW SROKA, CEO of FISCHER INTERNATIONAL, a leading data security provider: "There is no debate that data security is crucial in today's businesses plagued with cyber- security threats. Whether it is a healthcare organization protecting patient data from hackers (while also complying with the HITECH Act) or a financial institution preventing employees from inappropriately accessing classified information, companies of all types and sizes are facing threats from all entry points. Hackers are relentless and generally more innovative than the rest of us. It's a reality you have to come to grips with if you plan to develop a long-term and sustainable strategy for combating cyber-security threats. However, it's a proven fact that most cyber-security threats stem from insiders (i.e., employees). Whether it's the result of human error or deliberate criminal activity, a majority of data security breaches result from one of your own. Across all industries, too many people -- the wrong people -- have access to information that they should never be able to access. It is a privacy breach waiting to happen." Sroka is based in Naples, Fla. News Contact: Rebecca Maas, rmaas@peppercom.com Phone: +1-212-931-6126 (4/6/10)
11. TECHNOLOGY: HOW TO STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA. DAVID M. STONE, photographer and owner of PHOTOGRAPHIC SOLUTIONS, INC., has some suggestions that can help you stay connected with your digital camera: "Take a photo of your business card or a sheet of paper with your contact information. If your camera is lost and then found, the finder will be able to view your photos and see your contact information. Always remember to leave that image on your memory card. Travel with memory cards that are 2 to 4 GB because you will reduce the chance of losing all of your memories. Many camera users opt to purchase larger memory cards because those cards can store thousands of photos. If you opt for smaller memory cards, you'll only lose partial memories rather than all of them." Stone resides in Buzzards Bay, Mass. News Contact: Stacey Rudy, stacey@exposeyourselfpr.com Phone: +1-508-450-8405 (4/6/10)
12. WORKPLACE: HOW TO EFFECTIVELY DEAL WITH TOXIC WORK CONDITIONS. LINNDA DURRE, psychotherapist, business consultant, and author of "Surviving the Toxic Workplace," can discuss how to directly and effectively deal with toxic co-workers, bosses, and work conditions: "Many people feel helpless and hopeless in confronting problems at work. It's true that this can be frustrating and painful, and in a bad economy, most people don't want to rock the boat. So you have a choice -- keep quiet and put up with it, or say something and remedy it. Whether we're in a flourishing, abundant economy or a recession, good communication skills, assertiveness, and cooperation are crucial." In light of Workplace Conflict Awareness Month (April), Durre provides strategies for initiating direct conversations with toxic co-workers in order to reduce conflict, increase productivity, and avoid changing jobs or encountering potential workplace lawsuits. She is based in Orlando, Fla. News Contact: Julia Baxter, julia_baxter@mcgraw-hill.com Phone: +1-212-904-3020 (4/6/10)
PROFNET is an exclusive service of PR Newswire. To submit an Opportunity by e-mail: profnet@profnet.com To consult the ProfNet Experts Database:
http://www.prnewswire.com/profnet To contact ProfNet by phone: +1-800-PROFNET, ext. 1 To share a thought on ProfNet Expert Alerts: profnetalerts@prnewswire.com
PRNewswire -- April 6
Source: ProfNet
NOTE TO EDITORS: The following expert has provided direct contact information: Lloyd Heinze, Texas Tech University lloyd.heinze@ttu.edu Phone: +1-806-742-1801, ext. 236
PROFNET EXPERT ALERTS: Offshore Drilling / Tax Planning / H-1B Filing
___________
TOPIC ALERT
Obama Reverses Ban on Most Offshore Drilling (9 responses)
_____________
EXPERT ALERTS
1. Bankruptcy: Company Quickly Reorganizes Through 'Pre-Pack' Bankruptcy
2. Business: How Greening is Gold for Business
3. Economy: U.S. to China: How About if We Ask You Nicely?
4. Economy: Markets Ignore U.S. Private-Sector Job Cuts
5. Finance: Financial Service Providers Face New Scrutiny
6. Labor: Waiting on H-1B Filing May Leave You Empty-Handed
7. Real Estate: Talented Real Estate Agents Are Still in High Demand
8. Tax Planning: If You Don't File Your Taxes, IRS May File Them for You
9. Tax Planning: How Americans Routinely Overpay Their Taxes
10. Technology: Data Security is Crucial in Today's Businesses
11. Technology: How To Stay Connected with Your Digital Camera
12. Workplace: How to Effectively Deal with Toxic Work Conditions
OBAMA REVERSES BAN ON MOST OFFSHORE DRILLING
The Obama administration plans to reverse a long-standing ban on most offshore drilling. The plan will allow oil drilling off Virginia's shorelines, and is being considered for a large chunk of the Atlantic seaboard. At the same time, the plan rejects some new drilling sites that had been planned in Alaska. Following are experts who can comment on whether this plan will help reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil and create jobs, and the environmental impact:
1. MARK ZUPAN, dean of the Simon Graduate School of Business, UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER, is an expert in energy/oil issues: "President Obama's move to lift the ban on offshore oil drilling is a concrete step in the right direction toward decreasing U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Non-renewable energy is still by far the dominant source of our nation's energy. Every president since Eisenhower has called for greater energy independence, yet we have grown progressively more dependent on foreign oil during each of their tenures. Today, over half the oil we use is imported (57 percent). Without government subsidies, alternative energy sources like ethanol, wind and geothermal are still not viable. Real questions remain about whether they are more helpful to the environment. Evidence remains mixed on the extent to which there is global warming. There is a definite question about the possibility of better ways of dealing with any global warming than those proposed by Obama and at the Kyoto/Copenhagen conferences. The estimated cost of cap and trade is $1.5 trillion per year. Much cheaper solutions have been proposed by Nathan Myhrvold of Microsoft (documented in the book "Super Freakonomics"), for example, to rely on chimneys to push sulfur dioxide into the upper atmosphere as an extra shield at a cost of $150 million a year." The university has an on-campus TV studio with satellite uplink through VideoLink in Newton, Mass. To book a satellite shot, call VideoLink at +1-617-340-4100. News Contact: Charla S. Kucko, charla.kucko@simon.rochester.edu Phone: +1-585-273-4806 (4/6/10)
2. JOSEPH PETROWSKI, chief of GULF OIL: "I applaud the current efforts to expand domestic oil supplies. This expansion can help eliminate the single choke point that currently makes us vulnerable to the vicissitudes of oil producers and, in turn, other nations." Petrowski is a board member of a number of influential organizations, including the New England Power Pool Board of Review, South Jersey Industries and the Financial Economic Institute of Claremont McKenna College. He has written numerous articles on energy and public policy, regulation and market development, and is a frequent guest on major business news networks. He has testified before Congress and several regulatory agencies on energy and international trade issues. Petrowski is based in Framingham, Mass. News Contact: Robert Minicucci, robert@warnerpr.com Phone: +1-603-488-5856 Web site: http://www.gulfoil.com/ (4/6/10)
3. LLOYD HEINZE, chairman of the Bob. L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering, TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY, is a drilling and production engineer and an instructor of a graduate course on oil field and the environment and an upcoming course on energy, environment and society: "In order for the U.S. to have sustainable energy self-sufficiency, all avenues of increasing energy production need to be investigated. Offshore U.S. East Coast has not been as actively explored as, for example, the Gulf of Mexico. There should be a large potential for oil and natural gas resource development in this huge area. The oil industry has dramatically improved its environmental efforts and is now able to explore and produce in safe and environmentally friendly methods." News Contact: Leslie Cranford, leslie.cranford@ttu.edu Phone: +1-806-742-6399, ext. 237 Web site: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/peWeb/facultystaff/bios/heinze.php (4/6/10)
4. SHEL HOROWITZ, lead author of the acclaimed book "Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green: Winning Strategies to Improve Your Profits and Your Planet": "As someone who works at the intersections of business and the environment, I see this announcement as at least the third major sell-out of progressives by the Obama administration on energy issues -- the other two were the watering down of goals for Copenhagen far below what most other participants were working toward, and the idiotic endorsement of nuclear power." Horowitz recently wrote a blog about this topic called "If Obama's Supposed to Be a Liberal, What's a Conservative?": http://tinyurl.com/yaafn93 He is based in Hadley, Mass. Horowitz: shel@principledprofit.com Phone: +1-413-586-2388 (4/6/10)
5. CHARLES O'HARA, senior counsel of THORP REED & ARMSTRONG, LLP's Corporate Department, based in Pittsburgh, can speak on the legal aspects that may affect Obama's plans for offshore drilling. O'Hara's practice is devoted primarily to oil and gas transactions and corporate transactions. His oil and gas transactional experience includes negotiation of leases, joint operating agreements, drilling program agreements and other instruments used in exploration activities. O'Hara also has extensive experience with regulatory negotiations with agencies such as the Department of Environmental Protection and Public Utilities Commission. News Contact: Leigh Sperun, leigh@gregoryfca.com Phone: +1-610-228-2108 (4/6/10)
6. VALSIN MARMILLION, managing director of AMERICA'S WETLAND FOUNDATION, takes a balanced approach to the development of comprehensive solutions to sustain this vital economic region and the environment on which it depends. He can specifically speak to the importance of expanded and increased sharing of offshore revenues from exploration and production in the Gulf of Mexico. Marmillion is based in New Orleans. News Contact: Michael Segner, ms@mcopr.com Phone: +1-202-387-8550 (4/6/10)
7. SIDNEY COFFEE, senior advisor of AMERICA'S WETLAND FOUNDATION, America's Energy Coast Initiative, takes a balanced approach to the development of comprehensive solutions to sustain this vital economic region and the environment on which it depends. She can specifically speak to the importance of expanded and increased sharing of offshore revenues from exploration and production in the Gulf of Mexico. Coffee is based in New Orleans. News Contact: Michael Segner, ms@mcopr.com Phone: +1-202-387-8550 (4/6/10)
8. BRUCE JEFFERIS, global CEO of AON ENERGY, can discuss the potential environmental, energy, and business risks connected to offshore expansion, including government oversight, environmental record of current offshore operators, and the risks and benefits associated with new exploration. Jefferis is based in Houston. News Contact: Cybil Rose, cybil.rose@kemperlesnik.com Phone: +1-312-755-3537 (4/6/10)
9. MAURICE GUNDERSON, senior partner, Energy and Materials, CMEA CAPITAL, has extensive knowledge and experience in energy, and can discuss emerging global trends in fuel efficiency, new areas for investment, how alternative energy startups can partner with energy industry incumbents, among other topics. Among CMEA Capital's portfolio companies include CFX Battery, Inc., and A123 Systems. News Contact: Sylvie Tongco, sylvie@atomicpr.com Phone: +1-415-593- 1400 (4/6/10)
EXPERT ALERTS
1. BANKRUPTCY: COMPANY QUICKLY REORGANIZES THROUGH 'PRE-PACK' BANKRUPTCY. MATTHEW S. COHEN of THOMPSON & KNIGHT recently helped Houston-based energy company Cross Canyon Energy Corp. get its Chapter 11 reorganization confirmed in less than six weeks through the use of a "pre-packaged" bankruptcy plan: "Transactions of this type involving publicly traded securities often take several months or more to go through the bankruptcy process, but after a brief hearing, we were able to obtain confirmation in 42 days after filing the case. Properly managed, pre-packs can be an efficient and cost-effective way to resolve balance sheet issues and help businesses restructure." News Contact: Barry Pound, barry@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534 (4/6/10)
2. BUSINESS: HOW GREENING IS GOLD FOR BUSINESS. THAYER STEWART, vice president of marketing and business development for OB10, a global e-invoicing provider: "Global corporations have long dabbled in green initiatives. However, more and more are taking significant measures to reduce paper and increase 'pre-cycling' efforts as a means to streamline operations, save money and reduce carbon footprints. As the 40th anniversary of Earth Day approaches, companies are looking to renew their commitment to going green and leveraging technology, such as e-invoicing, to help spearhead environmental initiatives." Stewart can speak to the ROI stemming from e-invoicing as more companies like HP, Motorola and Mohawk are greening their back-office accounting functions through e-invoicing programs. News Contact: Mousa Ackall, mackall@arketi.com Phone: +1-404-929-0091, ext. 203 (4/6/10)
3. ECONOMY: U.S. TO CHINA: HOW ABOUT IF WE ASK YOU NICELY? JAMES FRISCHLING, president and co-founder at NEWOAK CAPITAL, an asset management, advisory and capital markets platform: "Treasury Secretary Geithner is delaying a report on global currency policies scheduled to be released April 15 to give China more time to move toward a more flexible currency, but will not admit that such is the reason for the delay. Lawrence Summers, director of the White House's National Economic Council, wouldn't use the words 'currency manipulation' on the weekend TV circuit, yet everyone knew that's what he meant. Senator Schumer, along with four other senators, put forward a bill that would require the U.S. to impose tariffs and other penalties on countries that failed to address misaligned currencies. When all this is going on in the face of the single largest foreign holder of U.S. treasuries, you try to get ahead of the curve and ask them nicely, which is exactly what the administration is trying to do. Despite the tough talk from some, the currency problems between China and the U.S. will be best solved through negotiations, not legislation. Given the reliance on one another, any attempts to impose one's will on the other would be a classic example of biting one's nose to spite one's face. We may not like the pace at which changes are going to take place, but asking nicely may still be the only sensible option." News Contact: Marisa D'Vari, MDVari@newoakcapital.com (4/6/10)
4. ECONOMY: MARKETS IGNORE U.S. PRIVATE-SECTOR JOB CUTS AND LATCH ON U.S. NON-FARM PAYROLLS. RON D'VARI, CEO and co-founder of NEWOAK CAPITAL, an asset management and advisory firm in New York: "As global markets cheered the 162,000 non-farm payrolls increase, they ignored the 23,000 job cuts by the U.S. private sector in March. Wall Street analysts themselves had expected a turnaround on companies hiring, with an addition of 40,000 this month. If it wasn't because of temporary census employees, the job number would have been viewed as very disappointing. While manufacturing is shedding jobs, the service sector has had two consecutive increases. Nine months after the recession has been declared over, this has been one of the longest jobless recoveries. One would have expected the lower dollar and interest rate would have helped our competitive advantage, lifted U.S. exports, and turned around the private-sector job market." News Contact: Marisa D'Vari, MDVari@newoakcapital.com (4/6/10)
5. FINANCE: FINANCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS FACE NEW SCRUTINY. PAUL CORLEY of the Dallas office of THOMPSON & KNIGHT: "With financial reform a top priority for the Obama administration, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee has approved a legislative package that seeks to address the perceived regulatory failures that led to the financial crisis. The measure includes proposals to improve consumer protection, end 'too big to fail' bailouts and expand federal oversight of the financial sector, including banks, hedge funds and credit rating agencies. The Dodd bill has far-reaching implications for the daily operations at most banks and thrifts. While the Federal Reserve would remain responsible for bank holding companies with assets over $50 billion, many institutions would receive a new primary regulator, such as the FDIC or the Office of Comptroller of the Currency." News Contact: Barry Pound, barry@androvett.com Phone: +1-800-559-4534 (4/6/10)
6. LABOR: WAITING ON H-1B FILING MAY LEAVE YOU EMPTY-HANDED. IRINA PLUMLEE, Dallas immigration attorney at GARDERE WYNNE SEWELL LLP: "Two years ago, the annual quota of 65,000 H-1B visas was exhausted just a few days after the start of the petition acceptance period. However, the economic downturn slowed down filings so much that last fiscal year's quota was not reached until near the end of 2009. Though economic indicators might not have improved sufficiently to create a fierce competition for the upcoming H-1B visa allocation, it is impossible to predict how quickly the 2010 quota will be filled. In previous years, you knew that if you didn't have the application in on April 1, you would not receive a visa. That's no longer a certainty, but waiting too long to make your bid for an H-1B work permit could leave you without a visa." News Contact: Rhonda Reddick, rhonda@androvett.com Phone: +1- 800-559-4534 (4/6/10)
7. REAL ESTATE: TALENTED REAL ESTATE AGENTS ARE STILL IN HIGH DEMAND. LISA JOHNSON SEVAJIAN is an award-winning Realtor who specializes in selling and buying properties in North Andover, Mass. Johnson Sevajian can discuss a great need for hard-working energetic agents: "So many markets are still doing well in this economy and so many Realtors would love to hire more agents for their team. To sell in today's market, it takes perseverance and online savviness. The average age of the first-time Massachusetts homebuyer is 32. These buyers want immediate information; therefore, simply sticking with the traditional real estate approach often fails. A talented agent will combine texting and social media, with many of the traditional real estate approaches. If you can properly manage both approaches, you are the right person to work in this current real estate market." News Contact: Stacey Rudy, stacey@exposeyourselfpr.com Phone: +1-508-450-8405 (4/6/10)
8. TAX PLANNING: IF YOU DON'T FILE YOUR TAXES, THE IRS MAY FILE THEM FOR YOU. BRIAN COMPTON, president of TAX RESOLUTION SERVICES, and tax relief expert in Los Angeles: "Through mid-March, the IRS reportedly received 68.7 million returns, 3 percent fewer than at the same time in 2009. In this economy, many Americans may opt to not file because they don't have the funds to pay the taxes owed. If you're among these people, what you may not know is that the IRS will often file a substitute for return on your behalf if you fail to file your taxes. Additionally, the IRS prepares these substitute for returns in the best interest of the government, resulting in the IRS overstating what taxes you owe and, consequently, what you owe in penalties and interest. So it's important that you file your 2009 tax return, as well as any prior delinquent tax returns, as soon as possible to give yourself a chance to state what you truly owe, which will ultimately save you money and help you avoid significant long-term consequences." Editor's Note: Compton has a profile listed in the ProfNet Experts Database. To view the profile, go to http://www.profnet.com/ and, after logging in, click on "Search Expert." News Contact: Debbie Edwards, debbie@taxresolution.com Phone: +1-866-477-7762, ext. 326 Web site: http://www.taxresolution.com/ (4/6/10)
9. TAX PLANNING: HOW AMERICANS ROUTINELY OVERPAY THEIR TAXES. JOHN RAY, professor of accounting at STRAYER UNIVERSITY, is available to talk about a variety of taxation topics such as how Americans routinely overpay their taxes and how forgoing the advice of a tax advisor can be costly: "If people have questions about whether to itemize, how to document deductions or whether they qualify for some of the recently created tax breaks for new homebuyers or new car buyers, they should contact a tax advisor. These experts keep up with the latest tax law updates and revisions, and can save taxpayers money that is often lost through simple ignorance." Ray is based in Northern Virginia. News Contact: Dana Haydock, DHaydock@wrayward.com Phone: +1-704-926-1301 (4/6/10)
10. TECHNOLOGY: DATA SECURITY IS CRUCIAL IN TODAY'S BUSINESSES. ANDREW SROKA, CEO of FISCHER INTERNATIONAL, a leading data security provider: "There is no debate that data security is crucial in today's businesses plagued with cyber- security threats. Whether it is a healthcare organization protecting patient data from hackers (while also complying with the HITECH Act) or a financial institution preventing employees from inappropriately accessing classified information, companies of all types and sizes are facing threats from all entry points. Hackers are relentless and generally more innovative than the rest of us. It's a reality you have to come to grips with if you plan to develop a long-term and sustainable strategy for combating cyber-security threats. However, it's a proven fact that most cyber-security threats stem from insiders (i.e., employees). Whether it's the result of human error or deliberate criminal activity, a majority of data security breaches result from one of your own. Across all industries, too many people -- the wrong people -- have access to information that they should never be able to access. It is a privacy breach waiting to happen." Sroka is based in Naples, Fla. News Contact: Rebecca Maas, rmaas@peppercom.com Phone: +1-212-931-6126 (4/6/10)
11. TECHNOLOGY: HOW TO STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA. DAVID M. STONE, photographer and owner of PHOTOGRAPHIC SOLUTIONS, INC., has some suggestions that can help you stay connected with your digital camera: "Take a photo of your business card or a sheet of paper with your contact information. If your camera is lost and then found, the finder will be able to view your photos and see your contact information. Always remember to leave that image on your memory card. Travel with memory cards that are 2 to 4 GB because you will reduce the chance of losing all of your memories. Many camera users opt to purchase larger memory cards because those cards can store thousands of photos. If you opt for smaller memory cards, you'll only lose partial memories rather than all of them." Stone resides in Buzzards Bay, Mass. News Contact: Stacey Rudy, stacey@exposeyourselfpr.com Phone: +1-508-450-8405 (4/6/10)
12. WORKPLACE: HOW TO EFFECTIVELY DEAL WITH TOXIC WORK CONDITIONS. LINNDA DURRE, psychotherapist, business consultant, and author of "Surviving the Toxic Workplace," can discuss how to directly and effectively deal with toxic co-workers, bosses, and work conditions: "Many people feel helpless and hopeless in confronting problems at work. It's true that this can be frustrating and painful, and in a bad economy, most people don't want to rock the boat. So you have a choice -- keep quiet and put up with it, or say something and remedy it. Whether we're in a flourishing, abundant economy or a recession, good communication skills, assertiveness, and cooperation are crucial." In light of Workplace Conflict Awareness Month (April), Durre provides strategies for initiating direct conversations with toxic co-workers in order to reduce conflict, increase productivity, and avoid changing jobs or encountering potential workplace lawsuits. She is based in Orlando, Fla. News Contact: Julia Baxter, julia_baxter@mcgraw-hill.com Phone: +1-212-904-3020 (4/6/10)
PROFNET is an exclusive service of PR Newswire. To submit an Opportunity by e-mail: profnet@profnet.com To consult the ProfNet Experts Database:
http://www.prnewswire.com/profnet To contact ProfNet by phone: +1-800-PROFNET, ext. 1 To share a thought on ProfNet Expert Alerts: profnetalerts@prnewswire.com
PRNewswire -- April 6
Source: ProfNet
NOTE TO EDITORS: The following expert has provided direct contact information: Lloyd Heinze, Texas Tech University lloyd.heinze@ttu.edu Phone: +1-806-742-1801, ext. 236
Update From Massey Energy on Upper Big Branch Explosion
6 Apr 2010 07:06 Africa/Lagos
.
Update From Massey Energy on Upper Big Branch
JULIAN, W.V., April 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Massey Energy Company (NYSE:MEE) is confirming twenty-five fatalities at its Upper Big Branch Mine, resulting from a tragic explosion. Additionally, two miners were transported earlier to hospitals and four miners are still missing at this time. Rescue efforts are currently suspended due to conditions underground. Rescue efforts will resume as soon as conditions allow.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071031/MASSEYENERGYLOGO )
Massey Chairman and CEO Don Blankenship is on site at the Upper Big Branch mine. Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Chris Adkins and Vice President of Safety & Health, Elizabeth Chamberlin are coordinating Massey's search and rescue efforts with State and Federal officials.
"Tonight we mourn the deaths of our members at Massey Energy," said Don Blankenship. "I want to offer my condolences to the miners' families who lost loved ones at Upper Big Branch. And I want to thank the rescue teams and the Massey members who continue to work hard on behalf of our miners and their families."
Massey Energy Company, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, with operations in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia, is the largest coal producer in Central Appalachia and is included in the S&P 500 Index.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071031/MASSEYENERGYLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Massey Energy Company
CONTACT: Jeff Gillenwater of Massey Energy Company, +1-304-369-8500
Web Site: Massey Energy Company
.
| First Report: 01:32 | Statement From Massey Energy on Upper Big Branch |
Update From Massey Energy on Upper Big Branch
JULIAN, W.V., April 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Massey Energy Company (NYSE:MEE) is confirming twenty-five fatalities at its Upper Big Branch Mine, resulting from a tragic explosion. Additionally, two miners were transported earlier to hospitals and four miners are still missing at this time. Rescue efforts are currently suspended due to conditions underground. Rescue efforts will resume as soon as conditions allow.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071031/MASSEYENERGYLOGO )
Massey Chairman and CEO Don Blankenship is on site at the Upper Big Branch mine. Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Chris Adkins and Vice President of Safety & Health, Elizabeth Chamberlin are coordinating Massey's search and rescue efforts with State and Federal officials.
"Tonight we mourn the deaths of our members at Massey Energy," said Don Blankenship. "I want to offer my condolences to the miners' families who lost loved ones at Upper Big Branch. And I want to thank the rescue teams and the Massey members who continue to work hard on behalf of our miners and their families."
Massey Energy Company, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, with operations in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia, is the largest coal producer in Central Appalachia and is included in the S&P 500 Index.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071031/MASSEYENERGYLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Massey Energy Company
CONTACT: Jeff Gillenwater of Massey Energy Company, +1-304-369-8500
Web Site: Massey Energy Company
Abubakar Rimi: The Nigerian Political Vicious Circle Has Claimed Another Victim
Alhaji Abubakar Rimi
Abubakar Rimi: The Nigerian Political Vicious Circle Has Claimed Another Victim
The news making headlines in Nigeria is; Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, an ex-governor of Kano State died last Sunday from heart failure after surviving an armed robbery attack on his way home from Bauchi to Kano. His heartbroken driver Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi blamed the medical staff at the emergency ward of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano for failing to save his life, because they were too slow in responding to him. But the medical staff replied that he was brought in dead.
The late Abubakar Rimi lost a wife in 2006 when gunmen attacked and murdered her at home and reports said he also lost a son the following year in questionable circumstances.
The unfortunate death of Abubakar Rimi is another evidence of the insecurity in every part of Nigeria since the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) rigged its way into the corridors of power in 1999. The state of Nigeria that was already bad from decades of tyrannical military dictatorship became worse as many of the former military dictators returned to power as retired generals in a civilian regime. The past head of state, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was a former military head of state in the late 1970s and many of the ministers and state governors were ex-military officers. So, they were not really bona fide civilians and came into power by snatching and stuffing ballot boxes and gerrymandering and imposing themselves on the helpless electorate who never gave them their mandate.
What millions of people have witnessed in the most populous country in Africa since 1999 to date is the rape of democracy and the bastardization of governance. The ruling party has unleashed terrible demons on the populace and the grave consequences have left tens of thousands dead in bloody political clashes, ethno-religious riots, sea piracy, banditry, extrajudicial killings, etc. Excluding the unrecorded casualties in broken down horrific health centres, clinics, hospitals, hellish police cells, prisons, collapsed educational institutions, plundered host communities of multinational oil companies, ravaged villages, badly damaged roads and bridges, distressed companies, ghost offices of ghost workers in the government ministries and other places in the failed state.
Read the following analyses of the various crises plaguing Nigeria.
ORIKINLA TAKES ON OBASANJO, THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA (PART ONE).
Dear Nigerians, Only The Best Is Good Enough For Us
It is a pity that Alhaji Abubakar Rimi died in an unfortunate manner. But he was one of the founders and master planners of the notorious and monstrous ruling party that has done more damages to the polity and society than Nigerians have ever witnessed in the history of Nigeria since 1960 to date.
~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
Monday, April 5, 2010
Only Seven Percent of Americans to Use Tax Refunds on 'Fun' Activities
5 Apr 2010 13:00 Africa/Lagos
Only Seven Percent of Americans to Use Tax Refunds on 'Fun' Activities
New Bankrate poll reveals how the American consumer is planning to use tax refunds this year
NEW YORK, April 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A new study released by Bankrate, Inc. shows that, with economic uncertainty still lingering, many Americans plan to use their tax refunds in a fiscally conservative fashion, with 84 percent intending to pay down debt, save or invest, or use it for everyday necessities. The poll, conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International, can be seen in its entirety here: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/how-americans-will-spend-their-tax-refun d-1.aspx.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040122/FLTHLOGO )
Among the findings:
-- Fifty-five percent of Americans polled expect to get, or have
received, a tax refund this year while 24 percent expect to owe;
-- While 84 percent plan on using their money to pay down debt, save,
invest, or use the refund for everyday necessities, only seven percent
plan on using their money on "fun" activities like shopping or taking
a vacation;
-- Within that 84 percent of fiscally conservative Americans, 30 percent
intend to pay down debt, 28 percent say they will save or invest, and
26 percent anticipate spending their refund on food or utility bills;
-- While just three percent of those getting a refund took a refund
anticipation loan, among people with incomes under $30,000 that number
is doubled at six percent;
-- Only 19 percent of Americans plan to adjust their paycheck withholding
to avoid a big refund next year while 71 percent plan on keeping their
withholding the same;
-- Among those who anticipate owing money, 63 percent plan on paying
their taxes straight from their bank accounts. Only 6 percent
anticipate borrowing money to pay off their tax bill;
-- Additionally within those who owe money, 17 percent plan on setting up
an installment plan with the IRS. But be warned, setting up a plan
with the IRS includes interest, late fees, and a user fee to begin
installment payments.
"Since a tax refund is often the biggest windfall many Americans receive all year, it is imperative to use it wisely," said Greg McBride, CFA, senior financial analyst for Bankrate.com. "Padding emergency savings, establishing or boosting an IRA, and paying down high interest rate debt are all great uses. But go one step further and adjust your paycheck withholding so you're not giving an interest free loan to the government in 2010 also."
This national random-digit-dialed phone study of 1,002 adults 18 or older was conducted for Bankrate by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. The sample was weighted by demographic factors including age, gender, race, education and census region to ensure reliable and accurate representation of adults in U.S. households. The overall margin of error for the survey is +/- 4 percentage points based on the total sample.
About Bankrate, Inc.
The Bankrate network of companies includes Bankrate.com, Interest.com, Mortgage-calc.com, Nationwide Card Services, Savingforcollege.com, Fee Disclosure, InsureMe CreditCardGuide.com and Bankaholic. Each of these businesses helps consumers to make informed decisions about their personal finance matters. The company's flagship brand, Bankrate.com is a destination site of personal finance channels, including banking, investing, taxes, debt management and college finance. Bankrate.com is the leading aggregator of rates and other information on more than 300 financial products, including mortgages, credit cards, new and used auto loans, money market accounts and CDs, checking and ATM fees, home equity loans and online banking fees. Bankrate.com reviews more than 4,800 financial institutions in 575 markets in 50 states. In 2008, Bankrate.com had nearly 72 million unique visitors. Bankrate.com provides financial applications and information to a network of more than 75 partners, including Yahoo! (NASDAQ:YHOO) , America Online (NYSE: AOL) , The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times (NYSE:NYT) . Bankrate.com's information is also distributed through more than 500 newspapers. Bankrate, Inc. was acquired by Apax Partners, one of the world's leading private equity investment group, in September 2009. Apax operates across the United States, Europe and Asia and has more than 30 years of investing experience. For more information on Apax, visit: www.Apax.com.
For more information contact:
Chris Spagnuolo
Public Relations Manager
cspagnuolo@bankrate.com
(917) 368-8671
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040122/FLTHLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Bankrate, Inc.
CONTACT: Chris Spagnuolo, Public Relations Manager,
cspagnuolo@bankrate.com, +1-917-368-8671
Web Site: Bankrate
HOT TOPICS OF THE WEEK:
Update on the Allegation of $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion Fraud against Chevron and its Associated Companies. 3
Update on the Allegation of $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion Fraud against Chevron and its Associated Companies 2
The Untold Story of the $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion and Fraud By Chevron Nigeria Limited and Its Associated Companies
Only Seven Percent of Americans to Use Tax Refunds on 'Fun' Activities
New Bankrate poll reveals how the American consumer is planning to use tax refunds this year
NEW YORK, April 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A new study released by Bankrate, Inc. shows that, with economic uncertainty still lingering, many Americans plan to use their tax refunds in a fiscally conservative fashion, with 84 percent intending to pay down debt, save or invest, or use it for everyday necessities. The poll, conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International, can be seen in its entirety here: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/how-americans-will-spend-their-tax-refun d-1.aspx.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040122/FLTHLOGO )
Among the findings:
-- Fifty-five percent of Americans polled expect to get, or have
received, a tax refund this year while 24 percent expect to owe;
-- While 84 percent plan on using their money to pay down debt, save,
invest, or use the refund for everyday necessities, only seven percent
plan on using their money on "fun" activities like shopping or taking
a vacation;
-- Within that 84 percent of fiscally conservative Americans, 30 percent
intend to pay down debt, 28 percent say they will save or invest, and
26 percent anticipate spending their refund on food or utility bills;
-- While just three percent of those getting a refund took a refund
anticipation loan, among people with incomes under $30,000 that number
is doubled at six percent;
-- Only 19 percent of Americans plan to adjust their paycheck withholding
to avoid a big refund next year while 71 percent plan on keeping their
withholding the same;
-- Among those who anticipate owing money, 63 percent plan on paying
their taxes straight from their bank accounts. Only 6 percent
anticipate borrowing money to pay off their tax bill;
-- Additionally within those who owe money, 17 percent plan on setting up
an installment plan with the IRS. But be warned, setting up a plan
with the IRS includes interest, late fees, and a user fee to begin
installment payments.
"Since a tax refund is often the biggest windfall many Americans receive all year, it is imperative to use it wisely," said Greg McBride, CFA, senior financial analyst for Bankrate.com. "Padding emergency savings, establishing or boosting an IRA, and paying down high interest rate debt are all great uses. But go one step further and adjust your paycheck withholding so you're not giving an interest free loan to the government in 2010 also."
This national random-digit-dialed phone study of 1,002 adults 18 or older was conducted for Bankrate by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. The sample was weighted by demographic factors including age, gender, race, education and census region to ensure reliable and accurate representation of adults in U.S. households. The overall margin of error for the survey is +/- 4 percentage points based on the total sample.
About Bankrate, Inc.
The Bankrate network of companies includes Bankrate.com, Interest.com, Mortgage-calc.com, Nationwide Card Services, Savingforcollege.com, Fee Disclosure, InsureMe CreditCardGuide.com and Bankaholic. Each of these businesses helps consumers to make informed decisions about their personal finance matters. The company's flagship brand, Bankrate.com is a destination site of personal finance channels, including banking, investing, taxes, debt management and college finance. Bankrate.com is the leading aggregator of rates and other information on more than 300 financial products, including mortgages, credit cards, new and used auto loans, money market accounts and CDs, checking and ATM fees, home equity loans and online banking fees. Bankrate.com reviews more than 4,800 financial institutions in 575 markets in 50 states. In 2008, Bankrate.com had nearly 72 million unique visitors. Bankrate.com provides financial applications and information to a network of more than 75 partners, including Yahoo! (NASDAQ:YHOO) , America Online (NYSE: AOL) , The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times (NYSE:NYT) . Bankrate.com's information is also distributed through more than 500 newspapers. Bankrate, Inc. was acquired by Apax Partners, one of the world's leading private equity investment group, in September 2009. Apax operates across the United States, Europe and Asia and has more than 30 years of investing experience. For more information on Apax, visit: www.Apax.com.
For more information contact:
Chris Spagnuolo
Public Relations Manager
cspagnuolo@bankrate.com
(917) 368-8671
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040122/FLTHLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Bankrate, Inc.
CONTACT: Chris Spagnuolo, Public Relations Manager,
cspagnuolo@bankrate.com, +1-917-368-8671
Web Site: Bankrate
HOT TOPICS OF THE WEEK:
Update on the Allegation of $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion Fraud against Chevron and its Associated Companies. 3
Update on the Allegation of $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion Fraud against Chevron and its Associated Companies 2
The Untold Story of the $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion and Fraud By Chevron Nigeria Limited and Its Associated Companies
Update on the Allegation of $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion Fraud against Chevron and its Associated Companies 4
10 more documents of proof on the Update on the Allegation of $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion Fraud against Chevron and its Associated Companies.
Update on the Allegation of $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion Fraud against Chevron and its Associated Companies. 3
Update on the Allegation of $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion Fraud against Chevron and its Associated Companies 2
The Untold Story of the $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion and Fraud By Chevron Nigeria Limited and Its Associated Companies
Update on the Allegation of $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion Fraud against Chevron and its Associated Companies. 3
Update on the Allegation of $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion Fraud against Chevron and its Associated Companies 2
The Untold Story of the $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion and Fraud By Chevron Nigeria Limited and Its Associated Companies
Sunday, April 4, 2010
SC Johnson Grows Sustainability Around the World
2 Apr 2010 16:52 Africa/Lagos
SC Johnson Grows Sustainability Around the World
New Ad Stems from a Flower
RACINE, Wis., April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- SC Johnson believes a flower can change a community. The company's latest ad, titled "Flower," highlights the company's work with partners in Rwanda. For more than 40 years, SC Johnson, A Family Company, has purchased pyrethrum (py), a botanical insecticide that is extracted from chrysanthemums, from East Africa for use in some of its pest control products sold around the world under the Raid® and Baygon® brands.
At one time, the East African region produced over 70 percent of all py traded in the world* and was a major source of cash for many of the farmers. In 2000, 90 percent of the Rwandan workforce earned their living from agriculture and exported crops accounted for approximately 40 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).** Pyrethrum farming has met a lull due to inconsistent harvests and lack of stable business processes.
"We're working together to develop sustainable agriculture and business practices that will strengthen these communities," said Chairman and CEO Fisk Johnson, the fifth generation leader of SC Johnson. "As a family company we're motivated to do our part to make the world better."
SC Johnson is one of the world's largest purchasers of pyrethrum. Through the company's partnership with py farmers, SC Johnson hopes to improve the consistency of the py crops which will lead to significant returns for the farmers, their families and their communities. Pyrethrum is also a sustainable resource. In keeping with SC Johnson's commitment to sustainability and the Earth's resources, the company prefers to use botanical pyrethrum if an adequate supply can be reliably sourced.
Production of the dried flowers was approximately 300 tons in 2008; the company hopes to increase the yield to 1,200 tons this year in Rwanda, so that it can introduce more Raid® and Baygon® products formulated with py.
Approximately 300,000 jobs in the East African regions are attributable to the growth and stabilization of the natural pyrethrum industry, with an increasing number of women in management. Working with the local schools, SC Johnson offers the farmers and their families education in business planning, organization and sustainability. And with the income derived from consistent, reliable py farming and more effective business processes, SC Johnson helps hundreds of children to attend school each year.*
Johnson and citizens of Rwanda are featured in "Flower." The story of recent trips to the py fields is captured in the dialogue. "Behind this flower," Johnson says in the ad, "is a powerful story." The story is one of helping families around the world, that reinforces the company's commitment to developing sustainable solutions for the future.
For more than 120 years, one of SC Johnson's founding principles has been to work to make the world a better place for our families. The company's py work is part of the company's overall sustainability efforts. Among the other ways the company is making a difference:
-- Malaria education support for families and communities from Brazil to
South Africa, including three South African provinces with endemic
malaria
-- Member of the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and
Malaria (GBC), and sharing business expertise, infrastructure and
reach to help improve public health
-- Dengue exposure prevention and awareness programs in Thailand,
Indonesia, the Philippines and India
-- Partnerships with Base of the Pyramid (BOP) communities in Kenya on a
shared-toilet cleaning program to provide families with more sanitary
bathrooms
-- Founding member of Conservation International's Team Earth movement
and focusing on climate change and reducing the company's carbon
footprint
-- Sets aside 5 percent of pre-tax profits globally for corporate giving
- nearly four times the corporate average - and works with partners,
such as Conservation International, Clinton Global Initiative and the
United Way
-- Subsidiary companies around the world contribute an average of 2
percent of pre-tax profits and partner with local foundations
"Flower" will run on several cable networks, including Animal Planet, ABC Family, NBC, CBS, Discovery Health, The Weather Channel, Hallmark, HGTV, National Geographic and various print publications beginning April 3.
To view the new ad and to learn more about SC Johnson's environmental history, visit www.scjohnson.com
About SC Johnson
SC Johnson is a family-owned and managed business dedicated to innovative, high-quality products, excellence in the workplace and a long-term commitment to the environment and the communities in which it operates. Based in the USA, the company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household cleaning products and products for home storage, air care, and insect control. It markets such well-known brands as GLADE®, OFF!®, PLEDGE®, RAID®, SCRUBBING BUBBLES®, SHOUT®, WINDEX® and ZIPLOC® in the U.S. and beyond, with brands marketed outside the U.S. including AUTAN®, BAYGON®, BRISE®, ECHO®, KABIKILLER®, KLEAR®, and MR. MUSCLE®. The 124-year old company, with more than $8 billion in sales, employs approximately 12,000 people globally and sells products in virtually every country around the world. www.scjohnson.com
* World Business Council for Sustainable Development "Dedicated to Making A Difference" Case Study, 2004
** U.S. Department of State Background note on Rwanda, December 2009, http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2861.htm
Source: SC Johnson
CONTACT: Jenny Taylor, Director - Global Public Affairs of SC Johnson,
+1-262-260-2440
Web Site: SC Johnson
SC Johnson Grows Sustainability Around the World
New Ad Stems from a Flower
RACINE, Wis., April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- SC Johnson believes a flower can change a community. The company's latest ad, titled "Flower," highlights the company's work with partners in Rwanda. For more than 40 years, SC Johnson, A Family Company, has purchased pyrethrum (py), a botanical insecticide that is extracted from chrysanthemums, from East Africa for use in some of its pest control products sold around the world under the Raid® and Baygon® brands.
At one time, the East African region produced over 70 percent of all py traded in the world* and was a major source of cash for many of the farmers. In 2000, 90 percent of the Rwandan workforce earned their living from agriculture and exported crops accounted for approximately 40 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).** Pyrethrum farming has met a lull due to inconsistent harvests and lack of stable business processes.
"We're working together to develop sustainable agriculture and business practices that will strengthen these communities," said Chairman and CEO Fisk Johnson, the fifth generation leader of SC Johnson. "As a family company we're motivated to do our part to make the world better."
SC Johnson is one of the world's largest purchasers of pyrethrum. Through the company's partnership with py farmers, SC Johnson hopes to improve the consistency of the py crops which will lead to significant returns for the farmers, their families and their communities. Pyrethrum is also a sustainable resource. In keeping with SC Johnson's commitment to sustainability and the Earth's resources, the company prefers to use botanical pyrethrum if an adequate supply can be reliably sourced.
Production of the dried flowers was approximately 300 tons in 2008; the company hopes to increase the yield to 1,200 tons this year in Rwanda, so that it can introduce more Raid® and Baygon® products formulated with py.
Approximately 300,000 jobs in the East African regions are attributable to the growth and stabilization of the natural pyrethrum industry, with an increasing number of women in management. Working with the local schools, SC Johnson offers the farmers and their families education in business planning, organization and sustainability. And with the income derived from consistent, reliable py farming and more effective business processes, SC Johnson helps hundreds of children to attend school each year.*
Johnson and citizens of Rwanda are featured in "Flower." The story of recent trips to the py fields is captured in the dialogue. "Behind this flower," Johnson says in the ad, "is a powerful story." The story is one of helping families around the world, that reinforces the company's commitment to developing sustainable solutions for the future.
For more than 120 years, one of SC Johnson's founding principles has been to work to make the world a better place for our families. The company's py work is part of the company's overall sustainability efforts. Among the other ways the company is making a difference:
-- Malaria education support for families and communities from Brazil to
South Africa, including three South African provinces with endemic
malaria
-- Member of the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and
Malaria (GBC), and sharing business expertise, infrastructure and
reach to help improve public health
-- Dengue exposure prevention and awareness programs in Thailand,
Indonesia, the Philippines and India
-- Partnerships with Base of the Pyramid (BOP) communities in Kenya on a
shared-toilet cleaning program to provide families with more sanitary
bathrooms
-- Founding member of Conservation International's Team Earth movement
and focusing on climate change and reducing the company's carbon
footprint
-- Sets aside 5 percent of pre-tax profits globally for corporate giving
- nearly four times the corporate average - and works with partners,
such as Conservation International, Clinton Global Initiative and the
United Way
-- Subsidiary companies around the world contribute an average of 2
percent of pre-tax profits and partner with local foundations
"Flower" will run on several cable networks, including Animal Planet, ABC Family, NBC, CBS, Discovery Health, The Weather Channel, Hallmark, HGTV, National Geographic and various print publications beginning April 3.
To view the new ad and to learn more about SC Johnson's environmental history, visit www.scjohnson.com
About SC Johnson
SC Johnson is a family-owned and managed business dedicated to innovative, high-quality products, excellence in the workplace and a long-term commitment to the environment and the communities in which it operates. Based in the USA, the company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household cleaning products and products for home storage, air care, and insect control. It markets such well-known brands as GLADE®, OFF!®, PLEDGE®, RAID®, SCRUBBING BUBBLES®, SHOUT®, WINDEX® and ZIPLOC® in the U.S. and beyond, with brands marketed outside the U.S. including AUTAN®, BAYGON®, BRISE®, ECHO®, KABIKILLER®, KLEAR®, and MR. MUSCLE®. The 124-year old company, with more than $8 billion in sales, employs approximately 12,000 people globally and sells products in virtually every country around the world. www.scjohnson.com
* World Business Council for Sustainable Development "Dedicated to Making A Difference" Case Study, 2004
** U.S. Department of State Background note on Rwanda, December 2009, http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2861.htm
Source: SC Johnson
CONTACT: Jenny Taylor, Director - Global Public Affairs of SC Johnson,
+1-262-260-2440
Web Site: SC Johnson
A Different Kind of Religious War
2 Apr 2010 15:00 Africa/Lagos
A Different Kind of Religious War
WACO, Texas, April 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Who do you say that I am?" asked Jesus of his disciples. And the rest of humankind has been struggling to answer that question ever since.
Nowhere has answering this question been more divisive and more of a struggle than in resolving the tension between two seemingly rival claims: Jesus was both fully human and fully divine, and Jesus was only fully divine. This schism was central to Christianity during the Church Councils of the fifth century, when it seemed inevitable that the church would abandon its belief in the humanity of Jesus.
It also is a schism that led directly to the collapse of Roman power in the east, to the rise of Islam, to the destruction of Christianity throughout much of Asia and Africa, and to the strengthening of Christianity in Europe. The mainstream Christian church kept the belief that Jesus was fully human - but at the cost of losing half the world.
This battle to "keep" Jesus human is recounted in "Jesus Wars: How Four Patriarchs, Three Queens and Two Emperors Decided What Christians Would Believe for the Next 1,500 Years," written by Philip Jenkins and published this month by HarperOne. Jenkins, a religious historian with joint appointments at Baylor University's Institute for Studies of Religion and Penn State University, explores the violent and bloody controversy that erupted between the Western and Eastern churches. These battles, says Jenkins, had enormous impact on the future of Christianity and the world.
It was the Council of Chalcedon, near Istanbul in 451, that seemingly settled the matter, formulating the statement that eventually became the official theology of the Roman Empire. This acknowledged Christ in two natures, joined together in one person. This Chalcedonian definition stands today as the official view of Jesus for the vast majority of Christians.
"During the fifth century there were two sides, both of which thought Christ was God," Jenkins says. "What varied was the idea of how much humanity he held. The view that won and became orthodoxy was the view that Christ was both fully human and fully divine. The view that lost was the 'One Nature' view - the idea of Christ in which the human nature was wholly overwhelmed by divinity.
"But Chalcedon was not the only possible solution, nor was it an obvious or, perhaps, a logical one," Jenkins writes. "Only the political victory of Chalcedon's supporters allowed that council's ideas to become the inevitable lens through which later generations interpret the Christian message."
And, the "official victory of Chalcedon," as Jenkins terms it, came with a cost. Violence, bloodshed and death occurred, driven both by the quest for the "right belief" and the secular concept of honor prevailing at the time, which fostered vendettas and feuds. People of the fifth century had no qualms in justifying violence to support their view of the Christ they worshipped.
The struggles recounted in "Jesus Wars" remind us today that beliefs form and reappear throughout time - and must be engaged and confronted. While the violence prevalent then is abhorrent in today's world, the church must still explore new ideas - or risk extinction.
Writing in "Jesus Wars," Jenkins says, "...dialogue can itself be a positive thing, a way in which Christian thought develops its own self-understanding. A religion that is not constantly spawning alternatives and heresies has ceased to think and has achieved only the peace of the grave."
About Philip Jenkins
Dr. Philip Jenkins, one of the world's leading religion scholars, is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at Baylor University's Institute for Studies of Religion, a position he has held since 2009. He is also is the Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of Humanities at Pennsylvania State University, where he has taught since 1980. An historian by training, Jenkins' work has been lauded in many different disciplines including sociology, criminology, and religious studies. Jenkins earned his bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. in History from Cambridge University. He is the author of 24 books, more than 100 book reviews and approximately 100 book chapters and refereed articles.
Provided by Newswise, online resource for knowledge-based news at www.newswise.com
Media Contacts: Jill Scoggins, 254.710.1964, jill_scoggins@baylor.edu
Source: Baylor University
CONTACT: Jill Scoggins, +1-254-710-1964, jill_scoggins@baylor.edu
Web Site: http://www.baylor.edu/
Re: I Am Ashamed Of Naija Retarded Music
Nigerian Hip-hop artistes. Photo Credit: Ikuku Records
Re: I Am Ashamed Of Naija Retarded Music
The street music of a failed state cannot be different from the warped psyche of the people.
The Nigerian music industry is not booming.
Majority of the artistes are suffering since the industry collapsed years ago.
The few people who are posing and posturing as "I have made it" hip hop artistes are living in Fools Paradise.
Bankers can afford to live in Ikoyi and (not in the BQs) and young Turks of the Nigerian business world can afford condos in the US.
But can you mention only 10 of the hip hop Nigerian artistes who can afford to live in a N150 million house in Park View Estate or any of the GRAs?
The highest paid actor in Nollywood was only paid about N3 million (less than $30, 000) and their biggest pay was when Globacom contracted some of them to promote their products and services. Over 90% of them are poor struggling actors and actresses.
The fact is most people in Nigeria love fooling themselves in desperation to catch up with the Joneses while the few who belong to "The real McCoy" class are not noise makers on air.
Many young hip hop artistes in Nigeria or what they call rap wannabes in the US come to our office looking for opportunities.
One of them suddenly collapsed and died last month whilst online and that was the end of all his efforts. Rumours circulated that he was into Yahoo-Yahoo Internet scams for a sponsor who makes his millions from scams.
Studio engineers and DJs who do not know what a chord is are now producers.
The result is the "try your luck" hip hop music of retards on air in Nigeria.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Do You Know that You Pay More Tax than General Electric?
Do you know that you pay more to the IRS than General Electric?
This is the revelation made by Forbes on April 1, 2010, and it was not meant to spin you on April Fools' Day.
Read the following extract from the report.
How did this happen? It's complicated. GE's tax return is the largest the IRS deals with each year--some 24,000 pages if printed out. Its annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission weighs in at more than 700 pages.
Inside you'll find that GE in effect consists of two divisions: General Electric Capital and everything else. The everything else--maker of engines, power plants, TV shows and the like--would have paid a 22% tax rate if it was a standalone company.
It's GE Capital that keeps the overall tax bill so low. Over the last two years, GE Capital has displayed an uncanny ability to lose lots of money in the U.S. (posting a $6.5 billion loss in 2009), and make lots of money overseas (a $4.3 billion gain). Not only do the U.S. losses balance out the overseas gains, but GE can defer taxes on that overseas income indefinitely. The timing of big deductions for depreciation in GE Capital's equipment leasing business also provides a tax benefit, as will loan losses left over from the credit crunch.
But it's the tax benefit of overseas operations that is the biggest reason why multinationals end up with lower tax rates than the rest of us. It only makes sense that multinationals "put costs in high-tax countries and profits in low-tax countries," says Scott Hodge, president of the Tax Foundation. Those low-tax countries are almost anywhere but the U.S. "When you add in state taxes, the U.S. has the highest tax burden among industrialized countries," says Hodge. In contrast, China's rate is just 25%; Ireland's is 12.5%.
Corporations are getting smarter, not just about doing more business in low-tax countries, but in moving their more valuable assets there as well. That means setting up overseas subsidiaries, then transferring to them ownership of long-lived, often intangible but highly profitable assets, like patents and software.
Continue reading.In Pictures: What The 25 Top U.S. Companies Pay In Taxes
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