- New Research Suggests Young People Want to be Smarter Savers and New Year's Priorities Differ by Region
An online poll of over 2000 British men and women released today from PopCap Games revealed Britain's top new year's resolutions for 2011.
While some of the resolutions may not come as a surprise, what is surprising is that, of those who plan to make a new year's resolution in 2011, the top resolutions are almost exactly identical for both men and women:
1. To lose weight/keep fit - 38% (35% men; 41% women)
2. To reduce stress and enjoy life more/have more fun - 23% (24% men; 23% women)
3. To save money - 15% (15% men; 15% women)
AGE DIFFERENCE
While men and women are agreed on these three resolutions, there is a marked point of difference among the age groups when it comes to their top priority resolution. Of those polled who plan to make resolutions, young people aged 18-24 are Britain's most committed savers (29%) but they are least committed to reducing their stress or having more fun (16%); while people aged 55+ are the most committed to reducing stress or having more fun (31%) and those over 55 least concerned with saving (9%). In fact, across all age groups who are planning to make resolutions, the research revealed a rough trend that as people get older they are less concerned with saving money as their top priority resolution and more committed to reducing stress and enjoying their lives:
Here are our picks for the people to watch in mobile in 2011 -- folks that may not be your radar now, but definitely should be (in alphabetical order):
10. Juan Villalonga Yes, that Villalonga: the former Telefónica SA (NYSE: TEF) CEO who left the Spanish giant in the summer of 2000 amid allegations of insider trading and an investigation into his stock dealings by the Spanish securities and exchange commission. Now he's back and this time has a role as chairman of Switzerland-based mobile infrastructure software company Sunbay. What will he get into next?
Nigeria / Italy / Minister Frattini expresses concern over episodes of religious intolerance in Nigeria
ROME, December 27, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Foreign Minister Franco Frattini is following with great concern the dramatic news from Nigeria, where the recent serious episodes of religious intolerance have produced a sad toll of bloodshed.
“As the violence is linked to the profession of a religious creed, those universal principles of peace and goodwill which are the essence of each and every religion are being painfully undermined”, stated Fratttini.
“The firm condemnation of all forms of violence and intolerance is a crucial element of Italy's commitment to freedom of religion and religious tolerance”.
Minister Frattini concluded: “My profound sadness for the victims goes hand in hand with a strong appeal for moderation and peaceful co-existence between different faiths to prevail in Nigeria”.
Ivory Coast, Italian Development Cooperation sends kits
Foreign Minister Franco Frattini is following the situation in Ivory Coast very closely. His concern can be set against the effort by the international community, and the European Union in particular, to ensure that the grave tensions sweeping the country are dampened down. The only legitimate solution to achieve this end is the unconditional acceptance, without further delay, of the outcome of the presidential election held on 28 November.
The humanitarian crisis that has emerged in the wake of the political turmoil and which affects those who have sought refuge in the neighbouring countries of Liberia, Ghana and Guinea is a source of great concern. To make a concrete contribution to tackling the emergency, Minister Frattini has issued instructions to Italy's Development Cooperation to send medical kits to the region. These will support the response plan currently at an advanced state of preparation by the World Health Organisation.
The Development Cooperation medical kits were delivered recently to the United Nations Humanitarian Depot in Brindisi, and from there were shipped to the Depot in Accra. They will be distributed over the next few days to relieve the hardships of the local populations. The operation is worth about 300,000 euros in total.
When Moabong Oku left Nigeria 16 years ago, one beauty aid she brought with her was shea butter. It’s made from the nut of Africa’s karite tree, indigenous to some 20 countries in the dry savannah belt, called the Sahel, which stretches from West Senegal to Sudan.
LG Mobile Phones revs up parents with final LG Text Ed video, promoting safe mobile phone use behind the wheel
SAN DIEGO, December 23, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — With recent studies citing that mobile distractions such as texting can be even more dangerous than drinking and driving, parents are looking for answers on how to best educate and promote responsible mobile phone use to their teens. As part of her role in the LG Text Ed campaign, an educational program aimed at parents, Jane Lynch shot a series of entertaining and educational viral videos for LG Mobile Phones about mobile phone misuse. With the goal of educating parents about the importance of talking to their kids about responsible mobile phone use, the LG Text Ed video series addresses issues such as “sexting,” mobile harassment and text etiquette, while helping parents learn how to use mobile phones to communicate better with their kids. In the series finale, Jane drives right to the point and addressees the potentially damaging consequences of texting while driving.
In an eye-opening study conducted by LG Mobile Phonesi, 70 percent of teens accuse their parents of texting while driving, while only 44 percent of parents actually admitted to the behavior. In a similar study conducted by the Pew Research Center, presented during the Federal Communication Commission’s recent Generation Mobile Forum, 40 percent of teens said they’ve been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put themselves or others in danger. In the texting while driving video, Lynch confronts a classroom of parents about their own texting and driving bad habits and urges parents to model good behavior for their children. Using humor to get to the heart of the issue, Lynch helps parents help themselves by putting the phone away in the car and encouraging their kids to do the same.
“With 45 percent of teens admitting to texting and driving, it’s more important than ever that we provide parents with the tools to educate and promote safe and responsible driving habits,” said Tim O’Brien, vice president of consumer and trade marketing. “Through LGTextEd.com, parents have a centralized resource they can use to help keep their children safe when it comes to mobile phone use.”
Through the LG Text Ed Web site, www.lgtexted.com, parents can educate themselves about the dangers of texting while driving as well as learn strategies to use to help protect their children. Parents can also view the full Jane Lynch series including the newest Texting While Driving video on the Web site. LG also encourages parents to visit the LG Text Ed Facebook page, www.facebook.com/LGTextEd, where users can talk to one another, post questions and check up on Lynch’s latest classroom lessons.
LG Text Ed with Jane Lynch Bringing her trademark intensity and flair to the LG Text Ed campaign, award-winning actress Jane Lynch is working with LG Mobile Phones to raise awareness about risky mobile phone behavior. In a series of comedic vignettes, which can be viewed on www.LGTextEd.com, Lynch tackles issues such as sexting, texting while driving, mobile bullying, and other questionable teen behaviors. At the end of each video, Lynch directs parents to LGTextEd.com where they can find professional advice and guidance to help promote safe and responsible mobile usage among their text- and tech-savvy families. Lynch, a new mom herself, masterfully employs her artistic abilities and the result is a video series that is both humorous and thought-provoking.
LG Text Ed The LG Text Ed program, which was launched in early 2010, offers parents a number of articles, tips, videos and other content so they can educate themselves on the dangers of mobile phone misuse, employ strategies to help protect their children from potential problems, and discover how they might be modeling their children’s mobile phone behavior. Parents can find additional information on the LG Text Ed initiative and mobile phone misuse by visiting www.lgtexted.com.
About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a leading global mobile communications and information company. With its cutting-edge technology and innovative design capabilities, LG creates handsets that provide an optimized mobile experience to customers around the world. LG is pursuing convergence technology and mobile computing products, while continuing its leadership role in mobile communication with stylish designs and smart technology. For more information, please visit www.lgmobilephones.com.
About LG Electronics, Inc. LG Electronics, Inc. is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 80,000 people working in over 115 operations around the world. With 2009 global sales of $43.4 billion, LG comprises four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning/Energy Solutions. LG is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, audio and video products, mobile handsets, air conditioners and washing machines. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.
Media Contacts: Demetra Kavadeles LG MobileComm U.S.A., Inc. (707) 328-5307 demetra.kavadeles@lge.com Analisa Schelle LG-One (510) 292-5410 analisa.schelle@lg-one.com
i The LG Text Ed Survey, conducted by TRU Research and sponsored by LG Mobile Phones, is a national snapshot of texting behaviors among 13 to 17 year olds and parents of 13 to 17 year olds. The study was conducted online within the United States among 1,017 teens and 1,049 parents of teens.
Cote d'Ivoire / ECOWAS give a final warning to Mr. Laurent Gbabgo
ABUJA, December 26, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Following a press statement isssued by ECOWAS on 20th December, 2010 which urges Mr. Laurent Gbagbo, the former President of Cote D'Ivoire to hand over power to Mr. Allassan Outarra, a request which Mr. Gbagbo has refused to adhere to caused ECOWAS Heads of State and Government to convene an extra-ordinary meeting in Abuja, Nigeria to find ways by which Mr. Gbagbo can be forced out of office.
11 Heads of State assembled in Abuja on Friday on the invitation of the Chairman of ECOWAS, H.E Goodluck Egbele Jonathan and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Victor Gbeho to give a final warning to Mr. Laurent Gbabgo with the firm position that if Mr. Gbagbo continues to hold on to power illegally, ECOWAS will have no choice but to remove him forcefully, in an effort to allow the winner of the elections Mr.Allassan Outarra to assume office.
Sierra Leone's delegation to the Abuja extra-ordinary meeting on Cote D'Ivoire was led by President Ernest Bai Koroma and was accompanied by the Foreign Minister, Mr. J.B Dauda and the Information and Communication Minister, I.B Kargbo.
The Christmas eve meeting on Cote D'Ivoire was treated by the Heads of State seriously, because according to the Chairman Mr. Goodluck Jonathan, the international community expects ECOWAS to provide leadership in resolving the political impasse in Cote D'Ivoire.
The ECOWAS Heads of State believe that it is unacceptable for a country within the sub region to be ruled by two Presidents and two Prime Ministers.The same ECOWAS Authority also believes that Mr. Laaurent Gbagbo lost the elections and should therefore allow Mr. Allassan Outarra to take over power.
the United Nations Secuirty Council earlier in a Press Statement of 20th December, 2010 condemned in the strongest possible terms President Laurent Gbagbo's attempt to usurp the will of the people and undermine the integrity of the electoral process and any progress in the peace process in Cote D'Ivoire.
The Chairman of the African Union on 6th December, 2010 circulated a Press Release from the African Union to support the United Nations by suspending the participation of Cote D'Ivoire from all African Union activities untill the democratically elected President, Allassan Outarra effectively assume State Power.
Although Mr. Laurent Gbagbo still attempts to perform Presidential duties by usurping the State radio and television, bribing the military to support him and import mercenaries into Cote D'Ivoire to help him stay in office, the international community including ECOWAS believes that he should not continue to stay in office which lead to the imposition of sanctions and travel ban on him and his close allies.
The Heads of State of ECOWAS at their meeting in Abuja on Friday said that Mr. Gbagbo be given one final chance to make up his mind to vacate office.
In the spirit of brotherliness in Africa, three Presidents have been nominated by their colleagues to confront Mr. Gbagbo in Abidjan to encourage him to leave office without delay. The three Presidents can fly back with Mr. Gbagbo, as all ECOWAS countries are prepared to grant him assylum.
Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma who played a pivotal role in the discussions supports the ECOWAS,United Nations and Europpean Union positions that Mr. Laurent Gbagbo should hand over power to the man who actually won the elections, Mr. Allassan Outarra.
Source: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
Join me to thank the Almighty God JEHOVAH for seeing us through victoriously from the beginning of 2010 to rejoice with us as we celebrate another merry Christmas and prosperous New Year!
My new news and information portal 24/7 Nigeria launched only five months ago has become so popular that it has attracted both desperate spammers and hackers and ruthlessly hacked thrice and now being revamped after the last HACK-ATTACK.
May the good Lord and God of mercy forgive them, but may they repent and turn a new leaf of positive change in the coming year.
Cheers and God bless you all.
Faithfully, Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima The Publisher/CEO International Digital Post Network (IDPN) Limited The largest Nigerian Online News and Information Media Network
Côte d'Ivoire / Human Rights Council debates situation of Human Rights in Côte d'Ivoire
NEW YORK, December 23, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Human Rights Council this morning opened a Special Session on “The situation of human rights in Côte d'Ivoire since the elections on 28 November 2010”.
Kyung-wha Kang, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, speaking on behalf of High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, reiterated the deep concerns of the High Commissioner, regarding the violations of human rights in Côte d'Ivoire. United Nations human rights officers were deployed across the country and were doing their utmost to monitor the situation and provide protection where they could. It had been impossible to investigate all the allegations of serious human rights violations, including reports of mass graves, due to restriction of movement of United Nations personnel. The current restrictions imposed by security forces and youth groups loyal to Mr. Gbagbo, which had hindered the capacity of the United Nations to deliver much-needed services and humanitarian assistance, must be lifted immediately. The Security Council had urged all Ivorian parties to respect the will of the people and the outcome of the election. The human rights violations must cease and the United Nations must be granted unfettered access to the population and perpetrators must be held accountable.
Member States of the Council and Observer States then took the floor. Most expressed their deep concerns about the human rights situation in Côte d'Ivoire, in relation to the results of the 2010 presidential elections, and the violence which had led to loss of lives and property. It was imperative for the Human Rights Council to pronounce itself on the situation in the country and address the issue. The Council could not remain silent when there was growing evidence of massive violations of human rights. States underlined the importance for the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire to implement its protection mandate. States also expressed support for the action of the United Nations and the efforts of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States in Côte d'Ivoire.
Speakers further called for an immediate end to violence and expressed concerns at the alarming reports of press harassment, arbitrary arrests and detentions, formation of armed militia groups and extrajudicial killings. Former President Gbagbo's persisting intransigence to the will of the Ivorian electorate threatened to cast the country back into conflict. The presidential elections had been deemed fair and their results must be accepted by all Ivorian parties. It was imperative to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and to restore democracy immediately. The renewing of the mandate of the United Nations' mission in Côte d'Ivoire was indispensable for enabling the United Nations and the international community at large to continue supporting the peace process and monitoring the increasingly alarming human rights situation
CHICAGO, Dec. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At year's end we often find ourselves faced with good intentions that just never happened. Something we wanted to do, but never got around to it. The Illinois CPA Society suggests it's not too late. Make the financial move you planned on making in 2010 your New Year's resolution for 2011. Check this short list from the Society for things you might want to do in the year ahead:
* Find a way to save. Could you take the $50 you just spent on that sweater and save it instead? Cut back on downloads or dining out? Look at what you spent this year for ideas. * Set a reachable goal. Whether it's getting out of debt or buying a home, plan to accomplish something with your money in 2011. Put away a small amount each month towards your goal. * Start a rainy day fund. Prepare for a layoff or health emergency by working towards having three to six months worth of living expenses socked away. * Make a will. Not pleasant to think about, but you want to make things easier on your family and protect your assets. State rules may apply if you don't have a will. And who would have custody of your children? * Check your credit report. You've been meaning to check it, but perhaps afraid to look. Use it as a starting point to get your credit in good shape. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com for a free report. * Take steps toward retirement. Begin to contribute to your 401K plan at work - at least enough to get the match if one's available. If you're already contributing, consider an increase of 1 or 2 percent.
Need a little support? Turn to the Society's Find a CPA Directory online at www.icpas.org to locate a CPA in your community and to Twitter, @thriftitude, for money management tips from the Illinois CPA Society.
About the Illinois CPA Society
The Illinois CPA Society, founded in 1903, is the fifth largest state CPA society in the nation, with more than 24,000 members. It is the premier professional organization that represents CPAs in Illinois. During its over 100 years of existence, the Society has advanced the highest ethical and financial standards of the profession, and has been a leader in educating the public on financial issues.
