Fashola’s Parents Accompany Lagos State Delegation to 63rd Cannes Film Festival

Fashola’s Parents Accompany Lagos State Delegation to 63rd Cannes Film Festival

The parents of Babatunde Raji Fashola,SAN, the governor of Lagos state accompanied a delegation of top officials of the state government to the 63rd Cannes Film Festival from May 12-23, 2010. The Cannes Film Festival holds annually (usually in May) at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, in the resort town of Cannes, in the south of France.

The mission of the delegation is to meet with experts on the development of the proposed Lagos Film City in Bagagry. They met with top executives of KODAK at an exclusive dinner on a luxury yacht last Wednesday. The successful hosting of the 6th ION Film Festival in Port Harcourt by the Rivers state government last September, and to use the global popularity of Nollywood to boost tourism in Lagos motivated the state government to include a Hollywood style film city in the Eko Mega City Project.

There is already an active Lagos International Film Festival founded and organized by Nollywood top player Mr. Madu Chikwendu, Regional Secretary of the Pan-African Federation of Filmmakers (FEPACI), but poor funding and lack of government support have made it unattractive to most people in Nigeria and abroad. The poor management, poor mileage and patronage challenged Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, a Lagos based publisher and producer to create the new Eko International Film Festival (EKOIFF) last August and he got the support of M21 Entertainment of Italy as the media partner. M21 Entertainment publishes the leading Pro film and festival sites Fest21.com, Filmfestivals.com and the French online community cluster21.com. And Eko International Film Festival has been duly registered by Supple Communications Limited, a Lagos based media company owned by Mr. Hope Obioma Opara, the President/Co-founder of the film festival and Publisher of Supple mamgazine, the first African magazine covering film festivals since 2008 to date.

The Lagos state government can use any of the two film festivals in Lagos for the promotion of tourism and making Lagos the haven of filmmakers and lovers of movies in Africa and the rest of the world.

Are Igbo girls the most beautiful girls in Nigeria?

Three MBGN Contestants.

Are Igbo girls the most beautiful girls in Nigeria?


Most of the contestants in the 2010 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) beauty pageant are Igbo girls.

Igbo girls are even representing Kwara and other states in the Northern region of Nigeria.

Guinness World Records® Discovers New Tallest Man in America

(L-R) Guinness World Records adjudicator Danny Girton Jr. and Dr. Oz measure Igor Vovkovinskiy, the new Tallest Living Man in America at 7 feet, 8.33 inches on the set of The Dr. Oz Show. Credit: ZoCo Productions, LLC/ Jeffrey Niera/. (PRNewsFoto/Guinness World Records) NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES


21 May 2010 14:00 Africa/Lagos


Guinness World Records® Discovers New Tallest Man in America

27-Year-Old Igor Vovkovinskiy Claims Coveted Title at 7 feet 8.33 inches



NEW YORK, May 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Guinness World Records announced today that Igor Vovkovinskiy has been crowned the new Tallest Living Man in America. Measuring a staggering 7 feet 8.33 inches, the towering 27-year old traveled from Minnesota to New York City where Guinness World Record officials certified his claim on the set of The Dr. Oz Show. Igor beat out the previous record-holder, Virginia deputy sheriff George Bell, by a third of an inch. His record-setting moment will premiere on the Daytime Emmy nominated nationally syndicated talk show The Dr. Oz Show on Monday, May 24th (go to www.doctoroz.com/find-station or check local listings for time and channel).


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100521/NY08723 )



"Igor had been on our radar for a while, so we were eager to measure him and see if he was, in fact, the Tallest Living Man in America," said Guinness World Records adjudicator Danny Girton Jr. "Following stringent Guinness World Record guidelines on measurement, we're pleased to confirm that Igor is now a part of record-breaking history."


Upon accepting the Guinness World Record, Igor said, "It feels good to finally have proof that I am the Tallest Man in America. Everyone is always asking me if I'm certain that I'm the tallest and I was never able to prove it. Now that I have this certificate to hang on my wall, I could finally show it!"


Originally from the Ukraine, Igor moved to Minnesota with his mother Svetlana when he was 7-years old. With a size 24 10-E shoe, Igor faces challenges daily including fitting into cars, finding comfortable shoes and squeezing into desks at the Minnesota School of Business where he is pursuing a degree in paralegal studies. He's found solace in organizations like the Tall Club International where he's made lasting friendships with other tall people like himself.


Igor now joins the Tallest Living Man, Sultan Kosen (Turkey), who measures in at 8 feet 1 inch and the Tallest Man Ever, Robert Wadlow (US) who stood an amazing 8 feet 11.1 inches tall in the Guinness World Records pantheon.


Guinness World Records is also looking high and low in every corner of the globe to fill the coveted title of Tallest Living Woman. All legitimate contenders should register a proposal on www.guinnessworldrecords.com and follow the mandated instructions.



About Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records is the universally recognized authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the annual Guinness World Records book is published in more than 100 countries and 25 languages and is the highest-selling books under copyright of all time with more than 3 million copies sold annually across the globe. Guinness World Records celebrated its 50th anniversary edition in 2004, a year after the sale of its 100 millionth copy. Guinness World Records also annually publishes the Gamer's Edition; a records book devoted solely to the world of computer gaming and high score record achievements. The Guinness World Records website (www.guinnessworldrecords.com) receives more than 11 million visitors a year. Guinness World Records is part of the Jim Pattison Group, one of Canada's largest privately owned companies which is a conglomerate of interests, including advertising, broadcasting, grocery stores and automotive retailing.


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100521/NY08723
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN1
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Guinness World Records

CONTACT: For more information and/or artwork please contact:

BENDER/HELPER IMPACT: Brian Reinert, Brian_Reinert@bhimpact.com, or Shannon
Swaggerty, Shannon_Swaggerty@bhimpact.com, both at +1-212-689-6360, or
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS: US: Jamie Panas or Sara Wilcox, both at
+1-718-513-7263, press@guinnessworldrecords.com, or UK: Amarilis Espinoza,
+44-(0)-207-891-4516, press@guinnessworldrecords.com
Web Site: http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/

Sony and Google Launch First Internet TV

20 May 2010 19:05 Africa/Lagos

Sony to Introduce 'Sony Internet TV'

World's First TV Incorporating 'Google TV' Platform, Delivering Unprecedented TV-Internet Integration

TOKYO, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Corporation (hereafter "Sony") today announced the launch of "Sony Internet TV," the world's first TV to be based on the "Google TV" platform announced by Google Inc. (hereafter "Google"), Sony, Intel Corporation and Logitech today at Google I/O in San Francisco. "Sony Internet TV " combines the future growth potential and accessibility of the Android-based open Google TV platform with Sony's industry-leading expertise from product development to marketing. "Sony Internet TV" is scheduled to first launch in the U.S. in the Fall of 2010, with the lineup featuring both a standalone TV model and set top box-type unit incorporating a Blu-ray Disc drive.


As part of its ongoing efforts to introduce new business categories, Sony has proceeded to develop an "Evolving" TV that delivers new viewing styles exceeding conventional preconceptions, expandability through application downloads and other compelling features such as seamless operability and multitasking. "Sony Internet TV" realizes this vision, and is a new generation of TV that not only offers new forms of TV enjoyment through unprecedented Internet integration, but is also able to "evolve" through the download of applications. By leveraging the flexibility and growth potential of Google TV platform, Sony will be able to provide consumers with easy access to a range of rich and attractive content.


As the range of new internet content and services continues to grow and diversify, Sony's development of an "Evolving" TV will enable it to deliver this world of internet-based entertainment directly into consumers' living rooms. Furthermore, Sony will continue to apply its wealth of display technology expertise to create ever more compelling and attractive TV products.


Inquiries


Corporate Communications, Sony Corporation Tel: +81-3-6748-2200


Source: Sony Corporation

CONTACT: Corporate Communications of Sony Corporation, +81-3-6748-2200





Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
20 May 2010
19:05
Sony to Introduce 'Sony Internet TV'
19:02
Sony and Google Establish Strategic Alliance to Deliver Compelling New Cloud-based Products and Services With the Android Platform
18:23
Google and DISH Network Collaborate to Develop Integrated Multichannel TV and Web Platform

South African AIDS Film Draws Tears at Cannes World Premiere

Tears of empathy flowed copiously for heart broken Chanda, the 12 year old heroine of the South African AIDS film Life, Above All as viewers were gripped by the heartrending film Tuesday morning in the Salle Debussy at the world premiere as an official selection of the 63rd Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard category.




Allan Stratton, 59, the author of Chanda’s Secrets the young adult novel that was adapted for the film Life, Above All said he was already in tears when he saw only the rushes during the filming in South Africa.



Allan Stratton (centre) Thato Kgaladi (Soly, the boy) and Mapaseka Matheba (Iris, the girl) on the set of film Life, Above All in South Africa.


“I wrote Chanda’s Secrets to put a human face to the Sub-Saharan AIDS pandemic. It’s a visually charged story that reaches audiences of all ages. A film version, created on location by South African director Oliver Schmitz, is a dream come true,” Allan Stratton said.




Chanda’s Secrets has won many prizes since 2005, including the Africana Book Award, Michael L. Printz Honor Book award and a finalist for the Prix Sorciere of France and it has been translated into over ten languages.


Life, Above All was directed by Oliver Schmitz, the South African director whose apartheid films Mapantsula and Hijack Stories have also been screened at the Cannes in 1988 and 2001.


“I think Allan Stratton found a very good way of showing the impact of AIDS in South Africa,” said Schmitz.

“Although the main story remains the same, many little changes were made. Allan Stratton’s novel is located in Africa, but we have tried to remain very specific in terms of language and culture. For me, this sort of detail is crucial because I want to be sure that I’m faithfully representing our universal history.”




The author said he spent a month in Botswana to research for the facts.
“I knew what it felt like to lose a loved one and what AIDS panic looked like, but I did want to see what was different. In Africa, instead of attacking a subset of society, it’s attacked entire societies. Two things I didn’t expect: Internet cafés everywhere, and the joy in people. When you watch the news, you see people in postures of despair and flies buzzing around babies and glassy expressions. But the truth is that there is so much fire and laughter and joy. It made me think of how resilient people are and how, against probability, there are people who are able to grow and thrive — and that’s the story of Chanda, ”


Life, Above All was produced by German filmmaker Oliver Stoltz whose chance meeting with Allan Stratton during a reading tour in Germany in 2005 led to the film adaptation of the novel.




SYNOPSIS:
Nothing is more contagious than lies

Just after the death of her newly-born baby sister, Chanda, 12 years old, learns of a rumor that spreads like wildfire through her small, dust-ridden village near Johannesburg. It destroys her family and forces her mother to flee. Sensing that the gossip stems from prejudice and superstition, Chanda leaves home and school in search of her mother and the truth.

CREDITS

• Oliver SCHMITZ – Director
• Dennis FOON – Screenplay
• Bernhard JASPER – Cinematography
• Christiane ROTH – Set Designer
• Ali N. ASKIN – Music
• Dirk GRAU – Film Editor

ACTORS

• Thato KGALADI – Soly
• Keaobaka MAKANYANE – Esther
• Harriet MANAMELA – Mrs Tafa
• Khomotso MANYAKA – Chanda
• Mapaseka MATHEBE – Iris
• Tinah MNUMZANA – Aunt Lizbet
• Lerato MVELASE – Lillian
• Aubrey POOLO – Jonah

THE STORY:

Chanda, 16, is a smart and determined South African girl on track to win a scholarship – but she’s suddenly thrust into an impossible situation, forcing her to adopt maturity beyond her years. When we first meet her, she’s making funeral arrangements for her year-old sister, Sara. If people begin to suspect Sara’s death was due to more than a passing flu, Chanda will be faced with shame and stigma, not only for the victim, but also for their entire family.

When Lilian’s (Chanda’s mother) illness becomes impossible to hide, their nosy, eccentric next-door neighbor, Mrs. Tafa, engages a spirit doctor to perform a startling ritual. The spirit doctor determines that a curse is hanging over her and her children. In order to lift it,

Lilian must return to the village from where she was banished decades before, leaving Chanda alone to care for her siblings.

Meanwhile, Chanda’s best friend, Esther, has turned to prostitution in a desperate attempt to survive and reunite her own family. Though the community shuns Esther, Chanda refuses to reject her friend. To the horror of those around her, Chanda opens her house to Esther at her friend’s moment of greatest need. That’s just the beginning of Chanda’s fight against convention.

When Chanda discovers that her mother may have gone away to die in order to spare her children shame, she ignores the cautions of the meddling Mrs. Tafa, and embarks on a fateful journey to bring her mother home. And in doing so, challenges the people around her to reject their prejudices and embrace the truth.






~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima

R. Kelly and Soweto Spiritual Singers Set to Perform 'Sign Of A Victory' at FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony

R Kelly

18 May 2010 15:00 Africa/Lagos


R. Kelly and Soweto Spiritual Singers Set to Perform 'Sign Of A Victory' at FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony

The Uplifting Original Song Penned By Kelly Is Selected To Be The Official World Cup Anthem

NEW YORK, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- FIFA and Sony Music Entertainment announced today that "Sign Of A Victory" written and produced by R&B superstar R. Kelly has been selected as the official anthem of the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. One of three official songs for the event, the soaring ballad reflects the spirit of giving and will highlight the charitable aspect of the World Cup. R. Kelly and the Soweto Spiritual Singers will perform "Sign Of A Victory" (<-- click on link to listen) together at the opening ceremony on June 11th at the Johannesburg Soccer City Stadium. All proceeds from the song will benefit African charities including the official campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup "20 Centers for 2010."


"I feel blessed that 'Sign Of A Victory' was selected to be part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup," said Mr. Kelly. "The FIFA World Cup is an event that brings the world together and inspires us to be and do the best we can. It's this uplifting feeling that I tried to capture in the song."


"It's also a great honor to perform with the Soweto Spiritual Singers," he added. "They represent the best of South Africa and I'm proud to work with such a talented group." The Jive Records recording artist received a warm welcome to Africa last June, when he performed a sold-out six-concert tour in South Africa and Nigeria. The multi-Grammy-award winning star spent time with South African luminaries and was "overwhelmed by the beautiful continent."


The Soweto Spiritual Singers commented, "we share our exhilaration in working with R. Kelly on 'Sign of A Victory.' It is a testament to the talent and artistry we possess as South African artists that we can stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow international musicians. Our experience has been overwhelming and we are highly honoured to work with R. Kelly."


The rousing song is an uplifting message of triumph and victory, combining Mr. Kelly's soulful delivery with the sweet urgency of the Soweto Spiritual Singers choir. "Sign Of A Victory" blends American R&B/Pop with African musical influences and choral chants in Zulu. The anthem is as powerful and poignant as Kelly's three-time Grammy winning classic song "I Believe I Can Fly."


The Soweto Spiritual Singers is a versatile 27-member vocal ensemble comprised of indigenous talent from Soweto. Their repertoire consists of all forms of gospel genres and traditions.


"Sign Of A Victory" will be included on Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album set for release on May 31/June 1 by Sony Music Entertainment. Proceeds from the album will benefit FIFA's "20 Centers for 2010" initiative, whose aim is to achieve positive social change through football by building twenty Football for Hope centers for public health, education and football across Africa, and other African charities.


About R. Kelly


R. Kelly's remarkable career spans two decades filled with accomplishments and achievements including earning 19 Grammy nominations. The Chicago native has released fourteen albums total (including compilations and collaborations) and nine platinum-certified solo albums. He has sold over 34 millions records worldwide, released seven No. 1 albums, twelve platinum-plus selling albums and had eleven No. 1 singles. Most recently, R. Kelly made history when he obtained his 35th Top 10 hit on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart, surpassing Nat "King" Cole's record of having the most Top 10 hits on that chart.


He has collaborated and written songs for musical icons from all genres including: Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Pussycat Dolls, Usher and Celine Dion. After 18 years of stardom, Kelly continues to wear the crown as the King of R&B.


About Jive Records


Jive Records is a record label within the JIVE Label Group. The label represents a varied group of internationally renowned artists representing all genres of music including Justin Timberlake, R. Kelly, Usher (LaFace), Tool (Volcano), Ciara (LaFace), P!nk, Britney Spears, OutKast (LaFace), Kirk Franklin (Verity), Three Days Grace, T-Pain, Marvin Sapp (Verity) Jordin Sparks, JLS, Bullet For My Valentine, Buddy Guy, Anthony Hamilton and more. JIVE Label Group is a unit of Sony Music Entertainment.


About Sony Music Entertainment


Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. It is home to premier record labels representing music from every genre, including American Recordings, Arista Nashville, Arista Records, Aware, Battery Records, Beach Street Records, Black Seal, BNA Records, Cinematic, Columbia Nashville, Columbia Records, Epic Records, Essential Records, Flicker Records, Fo-Yo Soul, GospoCentric, Hitz Committee Entertainment, J Records, Jive Records, LaFace Records, Legacy Recordings, Masterworks, Polo Grounds, RCA Records, RCA Nashville, RCA Red Seal, RCA Victor, Reunion Records, Slightly Dangerous, Sony Classical, Sony Music Latin, Star Time International, Verity Records, and Volcano Entertainment. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corp., an Official Partner of FIFA and of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa(TM).


About Sony Corporation


Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and on-line businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $79 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/


Sony is also the industry leader in 3D innovation and implementation. With a wide range of consumer and professional products; content creation, editing and distribution; and 3D display solutions for the theater and the home, Sony is the only company with expertise in every part of the 3D environment.


About FIFA


The Federation Internationale de Football Association is the world governing body of football, comprising 208 football associations grouped into six confederations. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, FIFA's activities extend far beyond its broad spectrum of international competitions headed by the FIFA World Cup(TM). FIFA provides material, financial and promotional means to develop the game around the world, and offers underprivileged communities support through the Football for Hope movement. For the Game. For the World.


For more information on FIFA and its competitions, especially the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa(TM), please visit the official website at www.FIFA.com.


Source: Jive Records

CONTACT: Wendy Washington, Jive Label Group, +1-212-833-6886,
Wendy.Washington@sonymusic.com


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

Miss Michigan USA Crowned MISS USA® 2010 During Live NBC Telecast

Miss Michigan USA, Rima Fakih, as MISS USA® 2010


17 May 2010 03:11 Africa/Lagos

Miss Michigan USA Crowned MISS USA® 2010 During Live NBC Telecast

LAS VEGAS, May 16 /PRNewswire/ -- This evening, during one of the year's most watched live television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose Miss Michigan USA, Rima Fakih, as MISS USA® 2010. Internationally-renowned chef and current "Celebrity Apprentice" contestant Curtis Stone and "Today" show co-host and correspondent Natalie Morales hosted the 59th Annual MISS USA Pageant from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in one of the world's most electrifying cities, Las Vegas. The comedic mother-daughter duo Joan and Melissa Rivers were on hand providing backstage color commentary.



Rima Fakih in swimsuit.


Ms. Fakih, 24, is from Dearborn, Michigan where she was raised with her younger brother. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, with a minor in Business Administration. After completing her reign as MISS USA, she plans to attend law school. She enjoys traveling, running, dancing, kickboxing and especially likes playing football and watching the NFL.


The judging panel for the 2010 MISS USA® Pageant included: Carmelo Anthony of the NBA's Denver Nuggets and a two-time Olympic medalist; Miss USA 2006, Tara Conner; best-selling author, chef and host of four shows on The Food Network, Paula Deen, star of NBC's hit comedy series, "The Office," Oscar Nunez; American businessman and real estate mogul, Phil Ruffin; Executive Fashion Editor at Large of Glamour magazine, Suze Yalof-Schwartz; model, Melania Trump, who has appeared on the covers of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Vanity Fair and three-time National Champion figure skater and Olympian, Johnny Weir.


Boys Like Girls (BLG) performed their new song, "Heart Heart Heartbreak" for the first time ever during the swimsuit competition and Grand Ole Opry member Trace Adkins who had 27 charted singles and 14 Top Ten hits, debuted his latest single, "This Ain't No Love Song," during the evening gown portion of the competition


Throughout the two-hour event, the contestants competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. Kristen Dalton, MISS USA 2009, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the telecast, before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than 250 million.


Final Results:
--------------

Miss Oklahoma USA, Morgan Elizabeth Woolard, will
assume the duties of MISS USA 2010 if the
titleholder is named MISS UNIVERSE 2010 or if for
First Runner Up: some reason MISS USA cannot fulfill her duties.

Second Runner Up: Miss Virginia USA, Samantha Casey

Rest of Top Five: Miss Colorado USA, Jessica Hartman
Miss Maine USA, Katie Whittier

Rest of Top Ten: Miss California USA, Nicole Michele Johnson
Miss Tennessee USA, Tucker Perry
Miss Missouri USA, Ashley Strohmier
Miss Alabama USA, Audrey Moore
Miss Mississippi USA, Breanne Ponder

Rest of Top
Fifteen: Miss Arkansas USA, Adrielle Churchill
Miss Kansas USA, Bethany Gerber
Miss Wyoming USA, Claire Schreiner
Miss Pennsylvania USA, Gina Cerilli
Miss Nebraska USA, Belinda Wright



MISS PHOTOGENIC USA(TM) Award: Miss Alabama USA, Audrey Moore. The general public voted on www.nbc.com for the delegate who exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize as well as a Flip MinoHD Video Camcorder and jewelry from Diamond Nexus Labs.


MISS CONGENIALITY USA(TM) Award: Miss Nebraska USA, Belinda Wright. The award reflects the respect and admiration of the contestant's peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize as well as a Flip MinoHD Video Camcorder and jewelry from Diamond Nexus Labs.


The MISS USA® 2010 prize package includes: a custom diamond tiara and jewelry designed by Diamond Nexus Labs; a shoe wardrobe from Nina Footwear; a one year scholarship (including housing) from the New York Film Academy; hair care products and tools from Farouk Systems; eveningwear wardrobe by Sherri Hill; a Flip MinoHD Video Camcorder; a collection of fashion-fresh Heys USA luggage; luxury accommodations in a New York City apartment for the duration of her reign, including living expenses; a year-long salary as Miss USA; personal services including membership to Gravity Fitness and hair services from John Barrett Salon; modeling portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; dermatology and skincare services provided by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher; professional health and nutrition consultation by Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD and dental services by Dr. Jan Linhart, D.D.S.; casting opportunities and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization; extensive travel opportunities representing sponsors and charitable partners; year long consultation with a fashion stylist and access to a personal appearance wardrobe and the opportunity to represent the USA at the 2010 Miss Universe pageant this summer in Las Vegas.


The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® pageants are a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing awareness of breast and ovarian cancers. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education, such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Gilda's Club. For more information, visit: www.missusa.com.


Follow Miss USA®:
-- Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialMissUSA
-- YouTube: www.youtube.com/OfficialMissUSA
-- Twitter: TheRealMissUSA
-- Blogs: www.missusa.com/blogs/index

Source: The Miss Universe Organization

CONTACT: The Miss Universe Organization, Lark-Marie Anton,
+1-212-373-4982, lanton@missuniverse.com, or Meagan McCutcheom,
+1-212-373-4983, mmccutcheon@missuniverse.com, or Dara Busch, +1-212-843-8079,
dbusch@rubensteinpr.com, NBC Universal, +1-818-777-3006,
Kellie.Kulikowsky@nbcuni.com


Web Site: MISS USA®

The UK has Europe's Most Mature and Dynamic Online Job Market

17 May 2010 09:45 Africa/Lagos


The UK has Europe's Most Mature and Dynamic Online Job Market

BARCELONA, May 17, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- The UK is the European country with the most online vacancies per worker, with a number 6 times higher than Spain, double the vacancies of France and nearly three times as many jobs as Italy. The UK has 26 jobs per thousand workers, while France has 12, Italy 10 and Spain 4. In terms of growth, it's the country with the second highest increase in the number of jobs posted online after France.


The United Kingdom is the European country with the most mature and dynamic online job market. Even for mid-level or high-level professions, the Internet is often recruiters' first choice when it comes to finding a suitable candidate; something that is not replicated in other European countries, such as Italy. For example, in the first four months of 2010 the top four vacancies on offer were for team managers, sales, developers and technical support.


In the first four months of 2010 the number of vacancies published on the Internet increased around 10% month-on-month. The market experienced an increase of 7% from January to February, with an added increase of 10% between February and March. From March to April, the number of vacancies increased by 15%.


London centralizes around 60% of the job vacancies in the UK - in April the number of vacancies in London was ten times higher than in the second city with most offers, Manchester. The cities that complete in the top five with the most vacancies on offer are Birmingham, Liverpool and Leeds. The growth in London is an indicator of growth in the rest of the country. The growth trend, however, is not reflected in the number of offers in Leeds and Liverpool, where the number of online vacancies has decreased from February onwards.


Trovit, the leading search engine for classifieds in Europe, has a large volume of vacancies from the most important job boards and portals in eleven European countries, which allows it to compare between the different markets.


For further information, please contact Claudio Capitani at c.capitani@trovit.com, +34-93-209-2556


Source: Trovit

For further information, please contact Claudio Capitani at c.capitani@trovit.com, +34-93-209-2556





Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time

16 May 2010
09:37
Somalia / SRSG calls for show of unity in memory of Founders of Somali Youth League
05:21
Top Caribbean Musician Says Gospel Music is Growing
15 May 2010
10:02
«Right to food gains ground, but there's still much to be done», says UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food
10:02
Kenya / Tanzania / Seychelles / High Representative Catherine Ashton to visit Kenya, Tanzania and the Republic of Seychelles
09:52
African NGOs make a unified call to the 47th Ordinary Session of the ACHPR for the abolition of draconian media laws
09:48
Sudanese man facing execution in Saudi Arabia over ‘sorcery' charges

Digital Policy Council Identifies Prime Minister of Malaysia as a Role Model for Good Governance on the Net

17 May 2010 09:50 Africa/Lagos


Digital Policy Council Identifies Prime Minister of Malaysia as a Role Model for Good Governance on the Net

The Digital Policy Council latest research investigates the potential of new media technologies to advance good governance in Muslim-majority nations.

WASHINGTON, May 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Digital Policy Council (DPC), an international, non-partisan "think tank" on 21st Century Governance, has compiled some ground breaking research investigating the use of social media by heads of state and political activist within Muslim-majority nations.


The DPC is the research and public advocacy arm of Digital Daya ('digital influence'), a new generation strategic consultancy that empowers leaders in the public sectors to leverage the new media of the Internet to communicate their message, build public influence, and execute high-impact programs to reshape governance and public policy.


According to The Digital Policy Council's most recent research, there are 225 million Muslims online today and with a compound annual growth rate of 30%, that Internet population is expected to swell to one billion by 2015. Encouragingly, the research identifies many Islamic leaders who recognize the Internet and its ever growing online community as a tool for better governance, more effective citizen engagement, and highly impactful politicking.


A Role Model of Leadership


One such progressive leader is the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who strives to be connected with the people though his Facebook and Twitter accounts along with his blog www.1malaysia.com.my. Prime Minister Najib's 1Malaysia program has a goal to preserve and enhance racial unity in among the many ethnic groups that make up the diverse population of the Muslim-majority nation of Malaysia. The DPC research shows that the 1Malaysia Facebook profile has already attracted over 50,000 fans and furthermore ranks the Prime Minister among the top ten heads of state who use Twitter for citizen engagement.


Prime Minister Najib's 1Malaysia program is an assurance of new leadership for the nation and an inspirational model on next generation governance for the Islamic World.


Malaysia is regarded as a role model in the governance of Islamic banking and finance holding $86 billion in banking assets, 152 fund managers, and 63% of the global sukuk ('Islamic bond') market. Similarly, Malaysia commands a pivotal leadership role in the governance of the Islamic Halal certifications for food and consumer products establishing a globally recognized trust mark and the standard to beat for this trillion dollar industry.


Malaysia has also played as a bridge between the Islamic World and the West; moreover with Prime Minister Najib's productive bi-lateral talks with the U.S. President in Washington D.C. there is a growing recognition of Malaysia as an "increasingly successful nation".


At a time when governments around the world desperately need new solutions to deal with the immense challenges of social unrest and "citizen engagement", there is a window of opportunity for Malaysia to similarly take the pole position on 21st Century governance to provide the leadership necessary to deal with the many important aspects of social changes that will affect both Malaysia and the rest of the Islamic world in the near future.


Download the reports at www.digitaldaya.com/the_gathering_storm and www.digitaldaya.com/the_ilham


About The Digital Policy Council(TM)


The Digital Policy Council (DPC) is an international, non-partisan 'think tank' that promotes good governance and policy-making. The research and policy arm of the management consultancy firm Digital Daya(TM), DPC's mission is the advancement of open discourse on issues of inclusive governance through the use of the Internet and Web 2.0.


http://www.digitaldaya.com/


Source: The Digital Policy Council

CONTACT: Raana Hasnat of The Digital Policy Council, U.S.,
+1-202-379-4787, UAE, +971-4-313-2086, Malaysia, +60-3-2168-4201,
public_relations@digitaldaya.com


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

ILO Client Choice Awards 2011

ILO Client Choice Awards 2011

Established in 2005, the International Law Office Client Choice Awards recognize, and therefore encourage, those law firms and partners around the world that stand apart for the excellent client care they provide and the quality of their service. Uniquely, law firms and individuals can only be nominated for these awards by corporate counsel.


We are now updating our confidential research for the awards and would very much appreciate it if you could please complete the following short questionnaire. Last year we received over 2,000 responses from corporate counsel worldwide.

Please be assured that any information provided by you will be kept strictly confidential and not disclosed to any third parties. Once you have completed the nomination form and clicked "Save", you will be able to nominate additional partners and/or law firms. There is no limit on the number you may nominate.

Further information on last year's awards and a full electronic copy of the Client Choice Guide 2010 are available online at www.clientchoiceawards.com.

Thank you in advance for your help and support.

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