Nigerian filmmaker wins Best Film Prize at 14th Ecrans Noire Film Festival in Cameroun

Chike Ibekwe

Nigerian filmmaker wins Best Film Prize at 14th Ecrans Noire Film Festival in Cameroun

Chike Ibekwe’s Eternal shared the best film prize at the 14th annual “Ecrans noirs” Film Festival in Yaounde (Cameroon) last Saturday.
Chike Ibekwe’s Eternal was the only Nigerian film in competition with other outstanding features from France, Haiti, and other countries but it came out tops.

Eternal, the 94 minutes film tells the unforgettable story of Dozie and Chima, two faithful Nigerian friends who were soldiers with the ECOMOG mission in West Africa and after returning from the peacekeeping operation in Sierra Leone, they went to a social event. But on the way back, Chima was struck by a car and died on the spot. Dozie was heartbroken as he mourned the loss of his dearest buddy until one day the ghost of his faithful companion Chima inhabited his body to continue their eternal bond.

Chike got funding support from France to shoot Eternal. The film was selected and screened at Film festival d’armiens in France in 2008 and also at ZUMA Film festival in Nigeria in 2008. He is currently working on his second film Letter to the Professor featuring Prof. Wole Soyinka, the first African Nobel laureate in Literature.

Chike Ibekwe is a hardworking filmmaker/producer and writer. He created, produced and directed OFF CAMPUS a TV Sitcom series.

With Love from South Africa

Are you going to South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup?

The South African hotties are waiting for you. But please, do not forget your raincoat in this rainy and wet season when we really need warm bodies in the cold days and nights.

You can order for my NO SEX, NO VEX T-Shirts and vests.




2010 World Cup
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Scientists Give the Go-Ahead for Private Storage of Stem Cells From Umbilical Cord Blood

4 Jun 2010 10:09 Africa/Lagos


Scientists Give the Go-Ahead for Private Storage of Stem Cells From Umbilical Cord Blood

ZUTPHEN, Netherlands, June 4, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- Four world-renowned stem cell experts have recently given their full support to private cordblood banking. The four scientists supported the "Family Cord Blood Bank" which has just been established in the US by CORD:USE.


Cryo-Save (Euronext/AIM: CRYO), the largest stem cell bank in Europe, is very pleased with this positive development. "We expect that the merit of private storage of stem cells will also increase in Europe and that the sometimes unreasonable arguments, which prevent people from storing stem cells in a number of countries, will disappear", according to CEO Arnoud van Tulder, "combined storage seems to be the way of the future".


What is the merit of umbilical cord blood?


Umbilical cord blood contains very valuable cells; stem cells which can multiply and grow into cells which can cure serious and sometimes deadly diseases. They are used to combat more than 70 different diseases and research into new applications is continuously increasing; at present, more than 3,000 clinical studies are in progress. The blood and the stem cells are analyzed and processed using advanced technology and subsequently stored in the gas phase of liquid nitrogen. When needed, the cells can be used immediately.


Private versus public storage?


As a parent, you can have the umbilical cord blood with the stem cells of your child stored in the private or family blood bank. The stem cells are then available for later use and guarantee an exact match for the child concerned, and 25% chance that they are also an exact match for a brother or sister. Worldwide, hundreds of thousands of parents already decided to store the stem cells from the umbilical cord blood of their children in a private bank.


When the choice is public storage, the parents decide to make the stem cells available to others. The cells can then be utilized to save the life of another, unknown person, who shows a match with the donor blood. However, the donor parents do not have any guarantee that the stem cells remain available for their own child as well. In addition, it turns out that only 30 to 50% of all donations are indeed stored. The rest is destroyed. You will only get the guarantee that the stem cells are available if your child needs them by storing in a private or family bank.


Cryo-Save goes for combined storage


With more than 130,000 samples stored and activities in more than 38 countries, Cryo-Save is the largest stem cell bank in Europe.


The stem cells are taken from the umbilical cord and umbilical tissue. In Italy, Cryo-Save offers combined storage for both private as well as public use. This offers the guarantee that the blood is available for one's own child if it is ever needed, but is also available to help others. Pending approval of the authorities, Cryo-Save plans to introduce this "best-of-both worlds" combined-storage service in other countries as well.


For more information: Cryo-Save Group +31(0)575-548-998, Arnoud van Tulder, CEO, Marc Waeterschoot, Executive Director


For more information about this press release, surf to http://www.cryo-savegroup.com/investor_news.html and http://www.cryo-savegroup.com/company_news.html


Source: Cryo-Save Group

For more information: Cryo-Save Group +31(0)575-548-998, Arnoud van Tulder, CEO, Marc Waeterschoot, Executive Director

EKOIFF Unveiled at Cannes, Gets KODAK Support

Hope Obioma Opara, the president and co founder of the forthcoming Eko International Film Festival (EKOIFF), just returned from the recently held 63rd edition of the annual Cannes International Film Festival, France. He shared his experience with us and further spoke on his plans and preparations for EKOIFF, which he also unwrapped at the global film gathering. “I attended this year’s Cannes in my capacities as the president of EKOIFF and also as the publisher of Supple magazine. But unlike last year’s, Nigeria did not have a pavilion and only a few Nigerian journalists were there.





The Lagos state government sent the Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Inter-Governmental Affairs and the Censors Board. Also Mr.
and Mrs. Fashola, the amiable parents of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State were there. The Lagos state delegation came to Cannes to promote the Lagos Film City project, which is to be located in Badagry.

The Lagos Film City will be the Hollywood of Nigeria when completed. And we met with top executives of KODAK at an exclusive party on a luxury yacht, where the Lagos state delegation publicized the Lagos Film City project and I also informed the international guests about the EKOIFF, coming up in Lagos this July. I had a very important meeting with KODAK executives on how we can improve the quality of Nollywood cinematography.

We also talked about them supporting EKOIFF.” Speaking on the major attractions at Cannes, Opara said Senegal and South Africa competed for the top prizes and one of the most moving and touching films was “Life, Above All", a movie on the stigma and trauma of AIDS in South Africa. “Many of the viewers left the theatre in tears after seeing it. But the big question at the festival was where is Nollywood? We need to work harder to compete with the best in the film world. I am very confident that we have all it takes in terms of ambitious directors, daring producers, outstanding actors and actresses to pitch in every film festival in the world. And that is why we want to use EKOIFF to bring the film world to Lagos every July and attract thousands of tourists to Nigeria.” On the number of films that had been submitted so far for EKOIFF, Opara further disclosed thus: “We have received over 33 films so far and 21 of them are by filmmakers from Europe and other parts of the world, including a Spanish film that has won over 100 awards, and one film called “Made in Japan”. We are excited that many foreign filmmakers are willing to come to Nigeria for EKOIFF.

We are doing our best with able members of the Organizing Committee and our European media partners who have publicized EKOIFF to over 4,000 filmmakers and over 77, 000 film festival media agencies in the world. We need the cooperation and support of the Lagos state government since this is the host state, the federal government, the local and multinational companies and everyone to do their best to join us to make the inaugural outing a success. Nigerian filmmakers and others should go to our website for accreditation details.”

The International Law Office Global Counsel Awards 2010

The International Law Office Global Counsel Awards 2010 - in association with the Association of Corporate Counsel




Top winners Tom Newcomb Hyde, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company; Lise Monette, Ogilvy Renault LLP


Winners

June 02 2010


The International Law Office (ILO) is delighted to announce the shortlist for the fourth annual Global Counsel Awards in association with the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC).


With the help of the ACC, we have conducted in-depth analysis of in-house lawyers and legal departments worldwide. Over 3,000 individual nominations from corporate counsel and law firm partners make the awards unique in clearly identifying those in-house counsel, both teams and individuals, who excel in their specific roles.


The full shortlist can be accessed here.


The winners will be announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony to be held in New York on Wednesday June 23.

Kind regards
Tom Gillett
Research Manager
Tel: +44 20 7234 0606
Fax: +44 20 7234 0808
Email: tgillett@internationallawoffice.com
www.internationallawoffice.com


About ILO
Launched in 1998, ILO is the nexus where global corporate counsel engage with the world's pre-eminent law firms, and each other.

The ILO brand encompasses:
• A multifaceted online resource for senior international corporate counsel, which provides tailored, quality-assured updates on global legal developments, a database of the world's major deals and the legal advisers involved, and a comprehensive directory of firms and partners. www.InternationalLawOffice.com
• An awards programme recognizing and rewarding those law firms and partners that have been commended exclusively by corporate counsel for their client service. www.ClientChoiceAwards.com
• A European and global awards programme that identifies in-house corporate counsel, both teams and individuals, who excel in their specific roles. The awards culminate each year in two of the largest annual gatherings of senior corporate counsel, with prestigious ceremonies in London and New York. www.EuropeanCounselAwards.com and www.GlobalCounselAwards.com
In recognition of its unique relationship with global corporate counsel, ILO became an International Online Media Partner to the ACC in 2005. Many other leading legal associations around the world have also chosen to partner with ILO. www.InternationalLawOffice.com/Associations.

About the ACC
The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is the world’s largest organization serving the professional and business interests of attorneys who practice in the legal departments of corporations, associations and other private-sector organizations around the globe. ACC promotes the common interests of its members, provides resources to help save time, money and effort, contributes to their continuing education and provides a voice on issues of global importance. With more than 25,000 members in over 70 countries, employed by over 10,000 organizations, ACC's community connects its members to the people and resources necessary for both personal and professional growth. By in-house counsel, for in-house counsel.® For more information, visit the ACC website at www.acc.com.

About the Global Counsel Awards
In January 2007 ILO, in association with the ACC, launched the Global Counsel Awards to uniquely recognize the excellent work done by corporate in-house legal teams and individuals. The primary aim is to reward lawyers for demonstrable achievements across the full spectrum of in-house responsibility, and not simply those who have acted on high-profile transactions. Winners will have performed above and beyond the usual requirements of their profession and position. The ILO research team will focus on criteria such as effective communication, legal understanding, commercial awareness, depth and strength of team, and management skills, in addition to any significant projects or transactions. While based on thorough and coherent research, the results will remain the subjective views of the ILO team.

Will There Really Be 50 Billion Connected Devices on the Internet?

2 Jun 2010 17:45 Africa/Lagos

Will There Really Be 50 Billion Connected Devices on the Internet?

-- Harbor Research Releases New Study On The Internet of Things & People -- Smart Machine-To-Machine (M2M) Systems To Drive Connected Economy

SAN FRANCISCO, June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Harbor Research is pleased to announce the publication of our 2010 forecast report on M2M and smart systems: The Emergence of Smart Business. The report is an expansive update of Harbor's views on the market size and growth rates and the current state of adoption of intelligent device networking technologies and managed services.


"Many IT equipment suppliers and wireless carriers have made recent pronouncements concerning the scale of the Internet of Things," states Glen Allmendinger, President of Harbor Research. "While we don't question that this will certainly happen, there are many structural elements that need to be in place to support such growth."


"We have certainly entered an era where people, businesses and social organizations are beginning to understand the profound impacts awareness, collaboration, and intelligence will bring. In the not too distant future, hundreds of millions, then billions, of individuals and businesses, with potentially billions of smart, communicating devices, will stretch the boundaries of today's business and social systems and create the potential to change the way we work, learn, entertain and innovate.... we call this Smart Business."


Harbor's analysis points to the many challenges in realizing such growth:

-- Challenges in adopting new business models;
-- Complex value creation eco-systems that require businesses to relate
in new and different ways;
-- New modes of product, service and systems innovation that are not
widely adopted today



"Peer-to-peer information and network integration are combining to create new modes of collaboration and value creation. People, information, and technology are becoming more connected, distributed and pervasive enabling the convergence of physical and virtual worlds. Social networking technologies are moving into the business world and will be utilized and experienced in new innovative ways. Networks will integrate knowledge, people and things into systems that enable awareness, creativity, better decision making, and, ultimately, higher value solutions."


Harbor's analysis indicates that the number of sensors and machines [intelligent devices] being connected to the Internet in 2010 will reach 10% of the volume of IT and telephony devices and will grow at three times the pace of traditional IT and telephony systems over the next several years. Harbor expects Smart Systems, driven by the networking of non-IT devices, will reach 10% of all information and communications technology investment in five years.


With the focus in the Smart Business arena rapidly shifting towards smart 'connected' services, a major part of the report covers the rapidly growing network and managed service opportunities enabled by Smart Systems technologies.


"It is clear from these forecasts that the market is now poised for higher growth and mass adoption - there is substantially greater recognition of the technology capabilities and the potential benefits of connecting devices to the Internet. The market will begin now to move forward into more complex higher value applications where the need for new business models and new modes of systems design innovation are much more evident."


About Harbor Research


Harbor Research is a research, consulting and venture advisory firm that drives innovation and value creation - we bring together a unique combination of knowledge, processes and skills that enable our clients to succeed in a connected economy.


www.harborresearch.com


Source: Harbor Research

CONTACT: Mark Ritorto of Harbor Research, 1-800-595-9368, ext. 21, or
+1-415-615-9400, ext. 21, Mritorto(at)harborresearch.com


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


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Prince Harry Returns to New York To Play in the Third Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

Prince Harry and Nacho Figueras at the 2009 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on Governors Island in New York City. The two will go head-to-head on the polo field once again this June 27, 2010. www.vcseason.com PHOTO CREDIT: Clint Spaulding/Patrick McMullan. (PRNewsFoto/Veuve Clicquot, Patrick McMullan) NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES


2 Jun 2010 11:30 Africa/Lagos


Prince Harry Returns to New York To Play in the Third Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on Governors Island on June 27th

The Star-Studded Social Event Once Again Will Benefit Prince Harry's Charity, American Friends of Sentebale

NEW YORK, June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Veuve Clicquot Champagne is delighted to welcome back HRH Prince Henry of Wales to play in the third annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, taking place on New York's historic Governors Island on Sunday, June 27, 2010. One of New York's most unique and glamorous daytime social events, the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic once again benefits the American Friends of Sentebale, the U.S. arm of the global charity founded by Prince Harry of the British Royal Family and Prince Seeiso of the Lesotho Royal Family, which aims to better the lives of the underprivileged, at-risk children of Lesotho, Southern Africa.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100602/NY13959-a )
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100602/NY13959-b )


Prince Harry returns to New York to play in the third annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on New York City's Governors Island June 27, 2010 PHOTO CREDIT: Clint Spaulding/Patrick McMullan. (PRNewsFoto/Veuve Clicquot, Patrick McMullan) NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES

Bringing the thrilling world of polo to New Yorkers for this one day event, the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic offers spectators the chance to watch Nacho Figueras, captain of the Black Watch team and face of Ralph Lauren's Polo Fragrances, go head-to-head once again with Prince Harry in this much-anticipated match. There are two ways to join the VIP experience at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic: purchase a table in the VIP Marquee or buy a picnic ticket for a champagne lunch on the lawn. The event will also feature an area that is free and open to the public. In reverence to the long-time tradition, classic polo style is requested: women in hats; men in summer suits.


"We're honored to welcome back Prince Harry to the 2010 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic," states Christine Kaculis, Director of Communications for Veuve Clicquot. "We're very pleased to once again support Prince Harry's charity, Sentebale, through this unique and memorable New York occasion."


"We are delighted that the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic will once again be supporting the American Friends of Sentebale and our work with the most vulnerable children in Lesotho," says Kedge Martin, CEO of Sentebale. "Every day, at least 100 more children in this beautiful country have their lives devastated by the loss of a parent - having to drop out of school to become caretakers of their relatives, getting exposed to abuse, vulnerable to exploitation - the utter devastation of their childhood. Iconic events such as this are crucial to raising awareness and supporting our mission to make a real difference in the lives of the most needy children."


"I'm honored to meet Prince Harry on the field once again for this spectacular New York event," says Nacho Figueras. "This is a unique opportunity to bring my passion for the sport of polo together with the worthy cause of Sentebale, a charity very close to my heart."


In the historic setting of Governors Island, this month's Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic promises to attract a fashionable crowd from around the globe and feature the glamour and excitement of polo - 'the sport of kings.' Certain to be as stylish and star-studded as years past, last year's Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic drew over 6,000 public spectators and a VIP line-up of guests including, Madonna, Kate Hudson, Marc Jacobs, Chloe Sevigny, LL Cool J, Donna Karan, Lucy Sykes, Rachel Roy, Hilary Rhoda and Alex Wek, all cheering on Prince Harry and Nacho Figueras as they went pony-to-pony for a worthy cause.


"The Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic is a great celebration of the Island's historic connection to polo," says Leslie Koch, president of the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation. "We are honored to welcome the event back to the island and thrilled that thousands more visitors will be able to enjoy a free afternoon of polo here."


This year, Veuve Clicquot partners with Union Square Hospitality Group, to turn spectator snacking into an unmatched dining experience. Michael Romano, chef/partner of Union Square Cafe and culinary director for Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) has designed a multi-course champagne lunch for the guests in the VIP Marquee along with a gourmet picnic luncheon for picnic ticket holders developed by USHG's catering arm, Union Square Events. In addition, an upscale snack cart will offer innovative mid-game snack options such as gourmet mini lemon whoopie pies, fudge cupcakes with orange buttercream frosting, Green Market famous pretzels and the famous Union Square Cafe mixed nut blend.


Spectators sitting on the public side can expect plenty of Veuve Clicquot champagne bars and premium concessions from Union Square Hospitality Group's Blue Smoke and El Verano Taqueria, marking the first time Chef Floyd Cardoz's irresistible tacos will be available outside of Citi Field, home of the New York Mets.


"We are very excited to partner with Veuve Clicquot. Our team looks forward to bringing our culinary viewpoint to this well-established, highly-visible and cherished New York summer event," says Michael Romano, chef/partner of Union Square Cafe and Culinary Director for Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG).


Veuve Clicquot is excited to welcome back Piaget as the official timekeeper of the polo match. This year, the Swiss luxury watchmaker is creating a special limited-edition version of its Piaget Polo FortyFive Chronograph, inspired by the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. A favorite of celebrities and many of the world's top polo players, the specially-designed watch will feature the iconic 'Clicquot Yellow' on its signature sub-dials and will be designated 'New York' to celebrate the location of the world's most glamorous polo tournament. Only 10 will be produced and Piaget will award one to the winning polo team on June 27th. The remaining models will be sold exclusively at Piaget boutiques.


"Piaget has a long history with polo, so we are proud to commemorate our partnership with the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic by creating this very special timepiece," says Larry Boland, president of Piaget NA. "It's certain to become a collector's item."


The official luxury automotive sponsor of the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic is the Ferrari California. The newest V8 grand-tourer in the Ferrari product line up, the California, offers features that make this model the ultimately versatile sports car, from the retractable hard-top to its back seats, while being true to Ferrari's extreme performance and technological innovation. Ferrari is thrilled to offer VIP guests attending the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic luncheon the unique opportunity to participate in an exclusive driving experience program.


Veuve Clicquot is delighted to have The Standard, New York as the official hotel partner of the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. The Standard, New York is located in New York City's thriving Meatpacking District and is Andre Balazs' most recent property in his expanding collection of Standard hotels which includes The Standard, Hollywood, The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, and The Standard, Downtown LA. All 337 guestrooms and suites at The Standard, New York have breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline. The Standard Grill, the hotel's acclaimed restaurant with Chef Dan Silverman at the helm, will be featuring a Veuve Clicquot champagne cocktail, The Near Side, in celebration of the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic for the month of June. Guests can book their room today at www.standardhotels.com. More information on event-themed hotel packages will be available on both the hotel's website and www.vcseason.com.


To ensure this year's polo fashion over-delivers on the glamour and red carpet drama, Veuve Clicquot has also teamed up with Ellen Christine Colon-Lugo, leading 'milliner to the stars' to get the women of New York 'hat ready' for this stylish event. Ellen Christine has had the pleasure of 'hat dressing' the likes of Penelope Cruz, Demi Moore, Beyonce Knowles, Johnny Depp and Harrison Ford and will be consulting and fitting of-the-moment polo appropriate hats out of her Chelsea boutique leading up to this year's Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic.


In addition to purchasing a table in the exclusive VIP Marquee, Lunch on the Lawn picnic tickets to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic are currently available for purchase. They are $250 per person and will provide access to all of the glamorous action, unlimited Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, a custom Polo picnic blanket, picnic basket and champagne flute, and a gourmet picnic lunch developed by Chef Michael Romano, chef/partner of Union Square Cafe and Culinary Director of Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group and its catering business, Union Square Events. In addition, picnickers will have access to custom Petanque courts, the famous French game made popular in the U.S. by Veuve Clicquot.


For additional event information, b-roll and/or still images of Prince Harry and/or previous Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic events, background on event partners (The Standard Hotel, USHG, Ferrari, Piaget and fashion experts Lucy Sykes and Ellen Christine Millinery), Sentebale and/or to arrange an interview with participating Veuve Clicquot representatives, Nacho Figueras, Chef Michael Romano and Ellen Christine Colon-Lugo, please contact clicquot@lsagency.com.


Always sip responsibly.

ABOUT VEUVE CLICQUOT

Veuve Clicquot has a long association with polo in England with the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup and now in the United States of America with the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, which kicks-off the Veuve Clicquot Season summer opening. The champagne house was established in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot, and began to thrive when Widow Madame Clicquot took the helm 1805. Today its eponymous Yellow Label continues to be one of the world's most beloved champagnes. The Veuve Clicquot Season is an essential guide to the most exclusive social events and parties of the year across the country. For more information, please visit www.vcseason.com or www.veuve-clicquot.com.


ABOUT SENTEBALE


Founded in 2006, Sentebale's mission is to transform the lives of Lesotho's orphans and vulnerable children. Sentebale was founded by Prince Harry of the British Royal Family and Prince Seeiso from the Lesotho Royal Family. Lesotho is a unique and beautiful country, but with extreme poverty and the third highest rate of HIV/AIDS in the world, it is a country in desperate need of help. With an estimated 400,000 orphans and vulnerable children in Lesotho, Sentebale works with grass roots organizations to identify, support and empower these children. Sentebale's name means, "forget me not," and is a reminder of all the children who need help in Lesotho. American Friends of Sentebale is a U.S. charity that promotes the health, welfare and education of the people of Lesotho, particularly its orphans and vulnerable children and supports Sentebale in its charitable work in Lesotho. For more information, please visit www.sentebale.org.


ABOUT GOVERNORS ISLAND AND THE GOVERNORS ISLAND PRESERVATION AND EDUCATION CORPORATION (GIPEC)


One of the most historic and iconic locations in New York, Governors Island sits roughly 800 yards off the southern tip of Manhattan. Polo was played regularly on Governors Island when it was an Army base and matches were played throughout the early part of the 20th century, with the last match being played just before World War II in September 1941. Veuve Clicquot brought polo back to Governors Island in May 2008, almost 70 years since it was last played on the island. The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) is responsible for the planning, redevelopment, and ongoing operations for 150 acres of Governors Island. GIPEC seeks to bring life to Governors Island, making this island at the center of New York Harbor a destination with great public open space, as well as future education, not for profit and commercial facilities. Governors Island is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June 5 through October 10. For more information please visit www.govisland.com.


ABOUT BLACK WATCH


Black Watch is a world-class polo team which has won numerous tournaments throughout the United States. In 2007, Black Watch was the champion of the Mercedes Benz Polo Challenge and the winter champion of the Palm Beach Hall of Fame Cup. The team is captained by Nacho Figueras, professional polo player, face of Ralph Lauren's Polo Fragrances and model for Ralph Lauren's Black Label Collection. For more information, please visit http://www.facebook.com/NachoFigueras.


MEDIA CONTACT:
Meryl Weinsaft Cooper
LaForce+Stevens
212.242.9572
clicquot@lsagency.com


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100602/NY13959-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100602/NY13959-b
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN8,9
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Veuve Clicquot

CONTACT: Meryl Weinsaft Cooper, LaForce+Stevens, +1-212-242-9572,
clicquot@lsagency.com


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

Study Shows 1 in 5 U.S. Veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan has PTSD

U.S. Marine in the Middle East

2 Jun 2010 15:06 Africa/Lagos


Study Shows 1 in 5 U.S. Veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan has PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), Depression

Author Paul Huljich-the Bipolar man who cured himself-speaks out

NEW YORK, June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- This past Memorial Day honored those Americans who have died in military service including over 4,000 in Iraq and 1,000 fallen soldiers in Afghanistan. According to the latest Pentagon study, released in April this year, nearly 20 percent--or one in five returning war veterans--reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depression. The study also reports that approximately half of them sought treatment.


Memorial Day this year not only paid tribute to Americans who have died in military service but also marked final day of Mental Health Month. Paul Huljich chose that same month to share his own story of struggling with mental illness in order to help others like him. In Betrayal of Love and Freedom (www.betrayalofloveandfreedom.com), Paul Huljich shows that contracting mental illness conditions such as PTSD do not have to incapacitate you for life. He believes that--through awareness and 30 day regiment of diet, exercise, sleep and stress reduction techniques--anyone can free themselves from the chains of mental illness. And moreover rediscover their purpose in life outside of a chemical strait jacket and other consequences that befall the victims of mental illness.


Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a terrifying or life-threatening event, or a series of events causing extreme levels of stress. PTSD is a complex anxiety disorder that displays myriad symptoms of depression, aggression and emotional detachment. Often doctors choose to prescribe a number of given antidepressant drugs to victims of PTSD, including Paxil, Seroquel and Klonopin. According to Paul Huljich, "[the] taking of these drugs without exploring other healthier, more holistic alternatives is extremely dangerous in the long term. These drugs only offer a band aid to the time bomb waiting to go off at any second."


The New England Journal of Medicine in 2009 reported on a series of cases involving veterans who died in their sleep after taking a cocktail of various prescribed medications. Its study noted that antipsychotic drugs doubled the risk of sudden cardiac death, a fact that adds to the growing concern about existing speculations on serious adverse effects of psychiatric medications commonly prescribed to emotionally disturbed or traumatized soldiers.


Paul Huljich overcame his mental illness without the use of any medication. Through a basic 30 day regiment based on diet, exercise, sleep and stress reduction techniques, he beat the odds and won. For the past decade he has been symptom-free of the debilitating disorder. He has done what so many of the experts have said couldn't be done, finding a natural, drug-free way to overcome Bipolar disorder and avoid the pain suffered daily by millions.


Now he wants to share his story to help inspire others to fight back! As featured in CNN, New York Times Book Review, Psychology Today, Harper's, Forbes.com, Organic Food News Today, and interviews in over 30 radio shows across the country, Paul Huljich's message is beginning to change the way in which we regard mental illness and its stigmas. In publishing Betrayal of Love and Freedom (www.betrayalofloveandfreedom.com), Paul states "I hope that people will pause for a moment and reflect on where they are in their lives - and where they are headed. But most of all, I wish for my story to give them hope."


Proceeds from the sale of Betrayal of Love & Freedom will be donated to his newly founded non-profit organization, The MWellA foundation (www.mwella.com), which focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle of mind, body, and spirit.


Source: MWellA

CONTACT: Bruce Mason, +1-917-541-9014, bruce.a.mason@gmail.com


Web Site: http://www.betrayalofloveandfreedom.com/
http://www.mwella.com/

World's Most Famous Car Comes to Market for First Time in History

London, UK - June 1, 2010 (RM Auctions) James Bond's actual Aston Martin DB5 as driven by Sean Connery in the enormously famous Goldfinger and Thunderball movies is for sale for the first time in history by RM Auctions - the world's largest collector car auction house, 27th October in London, UK where it is expected to achieve in excess of $5 million. (PRNewsFoto/RM Auctions) LONDON ENGLAND

1 Jun 2010 11:00 Africa/Lagos



World's Most Famous Car Comes to Market for First Time in History

James Bond's actual Aston Martin DB5 as driven by Sean Connery in Goldfinger and Thunderball to be auctioned by world's largest collector car auction house, 27th October in London, UK

LONDON, June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- PAY ATTENTION, BOND FANS! RM Auctions announces the consignment of one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century - the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 James Bond movie car - to its annual 'Automobiles of London' event at the Battersea Evolution in London on 27th October, where it is available for sale for the first time in history and expected to achieve in excess of $5 million. The car is being offered by RM in association with Sotheby's, with whom RM has worked in the past.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100601/NY13053 )


Well-known around the world by its original UK registration number, FMP 7B, this Aston Martin is one of only two, and the sole remaining, of the original '007' DB5s as featured on screen with Sean Connery behind the wheel in the enormously popular Goldfinger and Thunberball movies. With its 'rather interesting modifications' originally conceived by Oscar-award-winning special effects expert, John Stears, this authentic Bond movie car is factory-fitted with the full complement of operational 'Q-Branch' gadgets, including machine guns, bullet-proof shield, revolving number plates, tracking device, removable roof panel, oil slick sprayer, nail spreader and smoke screen, all controlled from factory installed toggles and switches hidden in the center arm-rest.


"Like 'Q', we never joke about our work, which is why RM is consistently entrusted with the sale of the world's most significant collector cars like the REAL 007 Aston Martin DB5 movie car," said Max Girardo, Managing Director, RM Europe. "RM is known for world-record-setting results and we expect nothing less for 007's iconic DB5."


The DB5 was originally loaned to EON Productions for the filming of the two Bond movies, and returned to the Aston Martin Lagonda factory after its subsequent promotional tour. Mr. Jerry Lee, an American radio broadcaster based in Philadelphia, PA, convinced the factory to sell FMP 7B to him for $12,000 in 1969, thereby becoming its first and only ex-factory owner. It has remained in his possession and has rarely been seen publicly over the past 40+ years.


Mr. Lee plans to use the proceeds from the sale of FMP 7B to further the charitable work of The Jerry Lee Foundation, a multi-national initiative dedicated to solving social problems associated with poverty, with an emphasis on crime prevention. The Foundation supports programs at the University of Pennsylvania and Cambridge University (UK), as well as in Australia, Norway and Washington, DC. It is also responsible for the establishment of the Stockholm Prize in Criminology, for which Mr. Lee received a Swedish knighthood in 2008. (http://jerryleefoundation.com/)


"The James Bond car has brought me much enjoyment for some 40 years," said Jerry Lee. "Even as I sell it and use the proceeds to fund the Jerry Lee Foundation, the car will continue to give me great pleasure as it furthers the mission of the Foundation to do good around the world."


Today, FMP 7B is presented in highly original condition and recently underwent a careful re-commissioning program by RM Auto Restoration, returning it to running condition after the many years of static display in Mr. Lee's home.


In advance of its auction debut at RM's Automobiles of London sale on 27 October, the car is set to make its first 21st century public appearance at the Bond-themed Midsummer Classic/Thunderball concours and black-tie reception scheduled for 26 June at the Stoke Park Club located outside of London. Bond fans will recognize the Stoke Park Club as the site of the first confrontation between 007 and Mr. Goldfinger. For event and ticket information, visit: http://www.midsummerclassic.co.uk/


About RM


RM Auctions is the world's largest collector car auction house and specializes in investment-quality automobiles, holding four of the top five world record prices for motor cars sold at auction.


With over three decades of experience in the collector car industry, RM's vertically integrated range of services, coupled with an expert team of car specialists and international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM's restoration division has achieved unprecedented accolades earning "Best of Show" honors at the world's top concours events. (www.rmauctions.com)


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100601/NY13053
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN6
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: RM Auctions

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


NOTE TO EDITORS: Media Contacts High resolution photography and broadcast-quality b-roll of the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 'James Bond Movie Car' is available for download on the RM media site: http://www.rmauctions.com/presslogin/media-center.cfm /CONTACT: Kerrey Kerr-Enskat, kkerrenskat@rmauctions.com, +1-519-437-3053, Amy Christie, achristie@rmauctions.com, +1-519-437-3047, Peter Haynes, phaynes@torquepr.co.uk, +44 (0) 7738 883259 all of RM; or Lauren Gioia of SOTHEBY'S, lauren.gioia@sothebys.com, +1-212-606-7176.