African Premiere of The Invocation at 2nd Eko International Film Festival

The African premiere of Emmanuel Itier's multiple award winning movie THE INVOCATION narrated by the famous Hollywood actress Sharon Stone will be at the 2nd Eko International Film Festival (EKOIFF) on Saturday July 9, 2011, at the prestigious Silverbird Galleria, 133 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.

THE INVOCATION is a thought provoking film about God and World Peace. An exploration of the notion of the Divine around the world and through Religion, Spirituality, Science, History, Politics and Arts.

It is an invitation to elevate our school of thought and to change the code of human interaction in relation to our perceptions of God. The film proposes answers to universal questions in both a religious and non-religious context: Who am I, where do I come from, and where am I going? Is there something beyond the here and now? What is the global idea of ‘God’ which has presented us with countless conflicts throughout human history? How can we live in Peace?

The project was filmed around the world by a team of talented religious and non-religious filmmakers, and challenges us to go beyond our differences in seeking the common goal of world peace. Without agenda, the film presents a message of global understanding, unity, and humanity. Featuring interviews with respected social and political lime lights, spiritual leaders, artists, entertainers and other influential figures, THE INVOCATION is a truly inspiring source of information that compels you to "be the change you want to see in the world."

Credited cast:

Karen Armstrong ...

Michael Beckwith ...

Mustapha Cherif ...

Deepak Chopra ...

Chaim Cohen ...

Stewart Copeland ...

Brian Cox ...

The Dalai Lama ...

Rosario Dawson ...

Veronica De Laurentiis ...

Amit Goswami ...

John Hagelin ...
Ervin Laszlo ...
Malcolm McDowell ...
Dean Radin ... (as Dean Radin Ph.D.)


Awards and Festivals:
LA International Film Festival 2010 - WINNER, Best Documentary
Bev.Hills Film, TV, & New Media Fest. 2010 - WINNER, Humanitarian Award
The Orlando Global Peace Film Festival
The Spiritual Festival of Mexico City
Tel Aviv Spirit Film Festival
Santa Fe Film Festival
Santa Barbara Film Festival


For Reservations and Tickets, call 08033036171, 07066379246.

Kanye West, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige headline 2011 ESSENCE Music Festival

2 Jul 2011 05:01 Africa/Lagos

The 2011 ESSENCE Music Festival Presented by Coca-Cola: Celebrating the "Roots of R&B" With Headline Performances by Kanye West, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Chaka Khan, Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz, Fantasia, Charlie Wilson, Jill Scott, Boyz II Men, El Debarge, Kem and New Edition.










Click here for the full report.

Uprisings in North Africa top 17th AU Summit Agenda

1 Jul 2011 19:41 Africa/Lagos


17th AU Summit / Opening of AU summit hears of need to heed lessons from North Africa

MALABO, July 1, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The African Union Commission Chairperson Dr Jean Ping today said the popular uprisings in North Africa should be seen as an opportunity for AU member states to renew their commitment to the AU agenda for democracy and governance and to implement socio economic reforms that are demanded by their people.


Furthermore, the Commission underscored the importance of achieving peace, saying there could be no development otherwise.


Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the 17th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Malabo, Dr Ping delivered an impassioned and powerful speech in which he exhorted Africa to speak with one voice in resolving conflicts such as the one in Libya. He stressed that it is the Libyans themselves who should take ownership of the democratic change. The Chairperson commended the efforts of the AU ad hoc committee seeking to find a solution to the Libyan situation. He underscored the role of the Commission in the peace process in Libya, saying the Union's adhoc committee had drawn up a roadmap before the passing of UN resolution 1973.


The Chairperson observed that Tunisia and Egypt had made remarkable progress over the past few months. The two countries, he said, witnessed a new climate of pluralistic debate and freedom, which allows the citizens to be aware and also allows for the consolidation of a democratic culture. He reported that he visited the two countries to assure them of the support of the AU. In addition, the Peace and Security Council of the AU remains seized with the issue. He thanked Tunisia and Egypt for hosting the thousands of refugees who are fleeing Libya.


Mr Ping, who was delivering a review of the situation in Africa from January to December this year, mainly focused on peace and security because the period under review was a difficult one.


He welcomed the impending birth of the new African state of South Sudan, the 54th member of the African Union on 9 July- this coming after the January referendum that confirmed the desire of South Sudan for independence. To applause from the delegates, the Chairperson introduced Mr Salva Kirr Mayardit of South Sudan, who was attending the meeting as an observer, but is to become the President of the new state.

In Somalia, Dr Ping applauded the “sense of sacrifice and commitment” of the troops of the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

He also applauded the end of the crisis in Cote D'Ivoire and welcomed its President to the African Union. He also commended the President for the truth and reconciliation process and said the African Union was one of the first institutions to recognise Mr Outarra's victory.

Mr Ping commended the normalisation of relations between Sudan and Chad, and noted the return of peace to the Comoros, Burundi, Liberia, and Guinea Bissau.


He however lamented the continuing stalemate in Western Sahara and the lack of progress in the normalisation of relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea and the difficulties with Madagascar and Djibouti. “The situations require the attention of the African Union”, he said.


The Chairperson's delivery also gave great importance and recognition to the role played by the African Union and African leaders in the resolution of conflicts. Of note he highlighted the following:

The conclusion of the agreement on security arrangements in Abyei, Sudan, with the facilitation of the AU High Implementation Panel led by former president Thabo Mbeki, and which includes former presidents Abdulsalami Abubakar and Pierre Buyoya.

The offer by Ethiopian Prime Minister Mr Meles Zenawi to make Ethiopian troops available as part of the Interim Force Security for Abyei to facilitate implementation of the agreement

The role played by President Yoweri Museveni in facilitating the Kampala agreement which aims to resolve disputes that pitted Somali leaders against each other

The contribution of the Chairperson of the Inter Governmental Authority on Development Mr Meles Zenawi and his peers in IGAD, in promoting a programme of peace, stability, democracy in Somalia

President Muhamed Ould Abdel Aziz, Yoweri Museveni, Ahmadu Toumani Toure, Denis Sassou Nguesso, and Jacob Zuma were commended for their efforts on Libya as the high level ad hoc committee on Libya.


Deepening of Democracy in Africa

Dr Ping also noted progress on the continent in terms of the elections that have been held in some member states in the past six months, in spite of difficulties and short comings in some instances. These elections, he said, bear witness to a “deepening pluralistic democracy” on the continent. In this respect, he acknowledged Presidents Elhadj Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger, Alassane Outarra of Cote D'Ivoire; Yayi Boni of Benin, Goodluck Jonathan Ebele of Nigeria, Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, Yoweri Museveni Yussef of Uganda, James Alix Michel of the Seychelles, and Idriss Deby of Chad.


Work being done in fulfilment of other priority areas of the Commission

On economic integration, Mr. Ping applauded the joint action undertaken by the Community of Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (ECA) to create “the biggest free trade area on the continent”.


He referred to the Pan African University as a flagship project. Its formation was approved last May and the first three faculties should be launched in September, the Chairperson said. He also said the Campaign for the Reduction of Maternal Mortality (CARMMA) is picking up, with 29 AU member states having launched the campaign in their countries. With regard to agriculture and the environment, the Chairperson pointed to the progress made in the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), to help ensure food security. 25 member states have signed the CAADP compact. In terms of infrastructure development, Dr Ping said the Commission will continue to give full attention to the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) programme.


Commission's financial situation

With reference to the financial situation of the Commission, Mr. Ping said the Commission continues to ponder over the issue. The AU, he said, needs to be strong and to be provided with the resources it needs to ensure stability and development.


Theme of the summit

Addressing the theme of the summit “accelerating youth empowerment for development”, Mr. Ping said the theme was timely at this crucial moment given their role in the Arab spring. He said the youth should be capacitated so that they can contribute meaningfully to the development of the continent.


Youth are an asset: guest speakers

Deputy United Nations Secretary General Ms Asha Rose Migiro; Mr. Ahmed Ben Helty Deputy Secretary General of the League of Arab States; and Mr. Lula Da Silva, former President of Brazil and special envoy of the Brazilian President also addressed the opening session.

Ms Migiro dwelt on the UN role in support of the AU's efforts in peace and security, democracy and empowerment of African youth.

Mr Ben Helty talked about the great importance of attending to issues of the youth, citing their power to effect change, as evidenced by their central role in the “Arab spring”.

Mr Lula Da Silva motivated the summit by explaining that youth are an asset rather than a problem. He gave concrete examples of the policies he implemented when he was Brazil's President to uplift the youth and the disadvantaged.


Institutionalisation of the AU Youth Charter

Mr. Teodoro Ibiang Nguema, and President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and Chairperson of the African Union placed emphasis on the need for Africa to fully finance the African Union. In keeping with the summit theme, he proposed the institutionalisation of the AU Youth Volunteer Corp and offered Malabo as the headquarters for such an institution.


Respect for two former presidents

The opening session observed a minute of silence in memory of two former Heads of State: i.e. Ange-Felix Patasse, former President of the Central African Republic and Frederick Chiluba, former President of the Republic of Zambia.


Launch of PATTEC, Central Africa

The session also saw the launching of the Pan African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC) activities in the Central African region. (see separate press release)


Laying of foundation stone for the African Observatory

There was also a ceremony of the laying of the foundation stone for the African Observatory for Science, Technology and Innovation. (see separate press release)



Source: African Union Commission (AUC)


Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time

1 Jul 2011

19:41 17th AU Summit / Opening of AU summit hears of need to heed lessons from North Africa

17:42 Equatorial Guinea Offers to Host African Union Youth Corps Headquarters

15:26 13 African Nations at “Power Kick for Africa” Conference in Abuja / “Women should be at the Forefront of the Energy Revolution”

14:09 ECOWAS ministers to discuss implementation of African convention on internally displaced persons

Nollywood Star Olu Jacobs wins life achievement award in Cameroun

Olu Jacobs receiving his award from the administrator and officials of the Écrans Noirs.

Accomplished Nigerian actor and Nollywood star Olu Jacobs was given a standing ovation at the closing ceremony of the 15th Écrans Noirs Film Festival, Saturday night of June 25, 2011 in Yaoundé, Cameroun. He was greeted with applause by the ecstatic audience as he mounted the stage to receive the Prix Charles Mensah (Ecran d’Honneur) for his outstanding life achievement as an actor of local and international success, especially for the great impact of Nollywood in Africa.


Olu Jacobs thanking the the administrator, officials and the audience at the 15th Écrans Noirs.

"African cinema and its actors" the theme of 15th edition of the Écrans noirs was a noble tribute to those who work in the continent to advance the seventh art according to the administrator Bassek Ba Kobhio. It attracted thousands of people from June 18-25, 2011.

Present at the closing ceremony were Nigerian filmmaker Chike Ibekwe who was a co-winner of the best film prize at the 14th Écrans Noirs and one of the appointed presidents of the jury in 2011 and Mr. Madu Chikwendu, Regional Secretary of the Pan-African Federation of Filmmakers (FEPACI), co-founder and member of the Board of Trustees of Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP), and the sole Nigerian representative in the International Federation of Film Producers (FIAPF).

Click here for details of the film festival.


~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima

Video of When Michelle Obama meets Nelson Mandela

U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama kicks off her trip to Africa with a visit to former South African President Nelson Mandela. Deborah Lutterbeck reports.

© 2011 Reuters

From Universal Studios Home Entertainment: "The Office" Season Seven

1 Jul 2011 13:30 Africa/Lagos


From Universal Studios Home Entertainment: "The Office" Season Seven

JOIN INCREDIBLE GUEST STARS INCLUDING JIM CARREY, WILL ARNETT, AMY RYAN AND RAY ROMANO IN STEVE CARELL'S FAREWELL SEASON AS THE ICONIC MICHAEL SCOTT WHEN THE LATEST SEASON OF TV'S FAVORITE WORKPLACE COMEDY ARRIVES ON BLU-RAY™ AND DVD ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

Stream Each All-New Episode of the Highly Anticipated Eighth Season Straight to Your TV the Day After it Airs on NBC, Available Exclusively on Blu-ray™



PR Newswire

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., July 1, 2011

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., July 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hailed as "TV's Funniest half-hour," by Variety Magazine, The Office, Season Seven marks the momentous departure of Steve Carell as Michael Scott - the slightly clueless, often politically-incorrect, but always loveable office manager – an iconic role that earned him a Golden Globe® and five Emmy® nominations. With Michael on his way out, the coveted position as "the boss" opens up in this hilarious game-changing season that features guest stars like Jim Carrey (Mr. Popper's Penguins, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), James Spader ("Boston Legal," Secretary), Will Arnett (Despicable Me, "Saturday Night Live"), Ray Romano ("Men of a Certain Age," "Everybody Loves Raymond,"), Warren Buffet (Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps) and Catherine Tate ( Monte Carlo , "The Catherine Tate Show"), among others.

Sparks fly when Holly Flax (Amy Ryan, Gone Baby Gone, "In Treatment") returns to the office, causing Michael Scott to question if she was the one that got away. Plus, executive producer Ricky Gervais (The Invention of Lying, "The Ricky Gervais Show") makes surprise cameo appearances as Michael Scott's British counterpart David Brent. Timothy Olyphant ("Justified") also guest stars as Danny Cordray, Pam's (Jenna Fischer, Solitary Man) ex-flame and Dunder Mifflin's newest traveling salesman.

Fans can catch up on all the inter-office power plays from Steve Carell's final season when "The Office" Season Seven debuts on Blu-ray™ and DVD September 6, 2011 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Both the Blu-ray™ and DVD feature hours of bonus material including Steve Carell's extended farewell episode "Goodbye Michael Scott," over an hour of never-before-seen deleted scenes, the unaired extended version of Michael Scott's film "Threat Level Midnight," bloopers, webisodes and more.

The stellar ensemble cast includes Rainn Wilson (The Rocker, Juno), John Krasinski (It's Complicated, Away We Go), Jenna Fischer (Solitary Man, Walk Hard), B.J. Novak (Inglourious Basterds), Ed Helms (The Hangover Part II, Cedar Rapids), Leslie David Baker ("Malcolm in the Middle"), Brian Baumgartner ("Arrested Development"), Creed Bratton (former member of The Grass Roots), Kate Flannery (The Heir Apparent), Mindy Kaling (No Strings Attached), Ellie Kemper (Bridesmaids, Get Him to the Greek), Angela Kinsey (Tripping Forward), Paul Lieberstein (writer, "King of the Hill"), Oscar Nunez (The Proposal), Craig Robinson (Hot Tub Time Machine) Phyllis Smith (Bad Teacher), and Zach Woods (The Other Guys).

"The Office" Season Seven is based on the award-winning BBC hit of the same name and developed for American television by Primetime Emmy® Award-winner Greg Daniels ("King of the Hill," "The Simpsons"). Ben Silverman ("Ugly Betty'), Ricky Gervais (The Invention of Lying, "The Office"), Stephen Merchant ("Extras"), Paul Lieberstein ("King of the Hill"), Howard Klein ("Parks and Recreation"), and series star B.J. Novak join Daniels as Season Seven executive producers.

Also exclusively available on "The Office" Season Seven Blu-ray™ is a groundbreaking feature allowing viewers to access content like never before. Through BD-Live™, fans eager to keep up with "the most influential show since Seinfeld" (Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone) can catch the latest episodes of "The Office" without ever setting their DVR. Through an Internet-connected Blu-ray™ player, viewers have the option to watch the latest episodes of "The Office" Season Eight right from their TV screen the day after they air on NBC beginning this fall. Season Eight episodes will be available in HD, pending individual Internet connection speeds and will be offered with limited commercial interruptions.

Each season since its 2005 premiere, "The Office" has garnered prestigious television honors, including the 2006 Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series, Peabody Award, AFI Honors, Producers Guild Award, Writers Guild Award, SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy, Ace Eddie Award for editing and a Television Critic's Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy. "The Office" is a production of Universal Media Studios, Reveille LLC and Deedle Dee Productions.

BONUS FEATURES AvaILABLE ON BLU-RAY™ and DVD: "The Office" Season Seven on Blu-ray™ and DVD comes with hours of bonus features, including:

* "Threat Level Midnight: The Movie (A Michael Scott Joint)" Featurette: See the never-before-aired, extended version of the film that Michael Scott wrote, directed and starred in. "Threat Level Midnight," Michael stars as Michael Scarn as he and a cast made up of Dunder Mifflin employees try to prevent Goldenface from blowing up the NHL All-Star Game.
* "The 3rd Floor" Webisodes:
o Moving On: Kelly (Mindy Kalling) and Erin (Ellie Kemper) find a new way to get famous.
o Lights, Camera, Action!: Filming for Ryan's (B.J. Novak) horror film begins.
o The Final Product: With most of the office pitching in, filming wraps on Ryan's slasher horror film "The 3rd Floor."
* Episode Commentary:
o Nepotism: Featuring commentary with executive producer and series star B.J. Novak, writer and producer Charlie Grandy, series editor and producer David Rogers, as well as series stars Craig Robinson and Creed Bratton.
o PDA: Featuring commentary with executive producer Greg Daniels, series stars Ellie Kemper, Angela Kinsey and Brian Baumgartner, editor Claire Scanlon, assistant director Kelly Cantley and episode writer Robert Padnick.
o Threat Level Midnight: Featuring commentary with executive producers and cast members Paul Lieberstein and B.J. Novak, writer and producer Daniel Chun, as well as series stars Creed Bratton and Craig Robinson.
o Goodbye Michael: Featuring commentary with writer and executive producer Greg Daniels, series stars Ellie Kemper, Angela Kinsey, Brian Baumgartner, as well as series editor and producer David Rogers.
o Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager: Featuring commentary with co-executive producer and series star Mindy Kaling, as well as Ellie Kemper, Angela Kinsey, producers Steve Hely and Justin Spitzer.
* Over 100 Minutes of Deleted Scenes Including 60 Minutes of Never-Before-Seen Footage
* Extended Episodes
* Blooper Reel


BONUS FEATURES EXCLUSIVE TO Blu-ray ™ : Unleash the power of your HDTV with perfect picture and the purest digital sound available.

* BD-LIVE™ : Access the BD-Live™ Center through your Internet-connected player to view the latest episodes of “The Office” Season Eight the day after they air beginning this fall, plus watch exclusive content, the latest trailers all right from your own television!
* pocket BLU™: The groundbreaking pocket BLU™ app uses iPad®, iPhone®, iPod® touch, Android™, PC and Mac® to work seamlessly with a network-connected Blu-ray™ player. Plus iPad® owners can enjoy a new, enhanced edition of pocket BLU™ made especially to take advantage of the tablet's larger screen and high resolution display. Consumers will be able to browse through a library of Blu-ray™ content and watch entertaining extras on-the-go in a way that’s bigger and better than ever before. pocket BLU™ offers advanced features such as:
o “THE OFFICE” SEASON SEVEN BONUS FEATURES: Access the hilarious blooper reel and all three “The 3rd Floor” webisodes from “The Office” Season Seven, anytime, anywhere with pocket BLU™
o ADVANCED REMOTE CONTROL : A sleek, elegant new way to operate your Blu-ray™ player. Users can navigate through menus, playback and BD-Live™ functions with ease.
o VIDEO TIMELINE: Users can easily bring up the video timeline, allowing them to instantly access any point in the film.
o MOBILE-TO-GO: Users can unlock a selection of bonus content with their Blu-ray™ discs to save to their device or to stream from anywhere there is a Wi-Fi network, enabling them to enjoy content on the go, anytime, anywhere.
o BROWSE TITLES: Users will have access to a complete list of pocket BLU™-enabled titles available and coming to Blu-ray™ Hi-Def. They can view free previews and see what additional content is available to unlock on their device.
o KEYBOARD: Entering data is fast and easy with your device’s intuitive keyboard.


SEASON SEVEN SYNOPSIS

In the seventh season of this Primetime Emmy® Award-winning series, inappropriate behavior is business as usual, but big surprises are in store! Dwight (Rainn Wilson) is now the owner of the building and he may be letting this power go to his head; Andy (Ed Helms) is courting Erin (Ellie Kemper), who is dating Gabe (Zach Woods); Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) are struggling with being new parents; and a parade of ghosts of girlfriends past haunt Michael (Steve Carell), leading to his final days at Dunder Mifflin.

Catch the antics of all 24 laugh-out-loud Season Seven episodes of "...TV's funniest half-hour" (Rick Kissell, Variety), developed for American television by Primetime Emmy® Award winner Greg Daniels. This memorable season features guest appearances from Amy Ryan (Gone Baby Gone ), cameos from Ricky Gervais (The Invention of Lying) and an unforgettable hour-long season finale with Jim Carrey (Bruce Almighty), Will Arnett ("Arrested Development"), Ray Romano ("Everybody Loves Raymond"), James Spader ("Boston Legal"), Warren Buffett and Catherine Tate ("Doctor Who"), all vying for Michael Scott's old post. Plus, see hours of bonus features, including extended episodes, deleted scenes, bloopers, webisodes and more, in this must-own five-disc collection.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BLU-RAY ™

Street Date: September 6, 2011

Copyright: 2011 Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Selection Number: 61115413

Layers: BD-50

Aspect Ratio: Widescreen (1.78:1)

Rating: Not rated

Technical Info: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, English SDH and Spanish Subtitles

TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD

Street Date: September 6, 2011

Copyright: 2011 Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Selection Number: 61115414

Layers: Dual

Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1)

Rating: Not rated

Technical Info: English Dolby Digital 5.1, English SDH and Spanish Subtitles

http://www.nbc.com/the-office/

For artwork, please log on to our website at www.ushepublicity.com

Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is a part of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.

CONTACT:
Jennifer Black
Executive Director, Publicity
Universal Studios Home Entertainment
818-777-0546
jennifer.black@nbcuni.com

SOURCE Universal Studios Home Entertainment

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

Consider Medical Treatment Options

New ad campaign urges patients to consider medical treatment options

Washington DC., June 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — “Explore Your Treatment Options,” a new multimedia ad campaign announced today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Ad Council, encourages patients to become more informed about their options before choosing a treatment for a health condition or illness.

The goal of this campaign is to increase consumers’ involvement in their care by providing easy access to unbiased information about treatment options and tools to encourage patients to work with their doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other clinicians to make health care decisions. It features television, radio, print, web and outdoor ads that encourage consumers to visit AHRQ’s Effective Health Care Program website to find plain-language guides that summarize the scientific evidence on treatments for numerous medical conditions, including diabetes, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and more.

“We see the best outcomes when doctors and patients work together to come up with a treatment plan that takes into account the patient’s quality-of-life concerns,” said AHRQ Director Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D. “Information is power in health care, and this campaign will provide patients with the information they need to become partners with their doctors in their health and health care.”

Since 2005, AHRQ’s Effective Health Care Program has compared the outcomes and effectiveness of different treatments and communicated findings to providers and consumers to help them make informed decisions about health care. For example, Treating High Cholesterol: A Guide for Adults, provides easy-to-understand information about different kinds of cholesterol medicines, including how they work and their side effects. The guide also includes a list of questions that patients can ask their doctors to help them choose their best treatment option.

As part of the campaign, AHRQ’s Effective Health Care Program website features personal stories from patients with chronic conditions who achieved better health results by exploring their treatment options. In addition, a new Health Priorities Snapshot tool features questions about common daily activities and allows users to rate the importance of quality-of-life concerns. Patients can print out a list of their own health priorities and share it with their clinicians during medical appointments. As part of the campaign, AHRQ’s Effective Health Care Program website features personal stories from patients with chronic conditions who achieved better health results by exploring their treatment options. In addition, a new Health Priorities Snapshot tool features questions about common daily activities and allows users to rate the importance of quality-of-life concerns. Patients can print out a list of their own health priorities and share it with their clinicians during medical appointments. These features are available at http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/options.

Created pro bono for the Ad Council by Grey New York, the new television, radio, print, outdoor and web ads highlight the fact that consumers have options when buying clothing, dining out, watching a movie or buying a car and should expect options when it comes to their health care.

“This new campaign is a wonderful extension of our ongoing efforts with AHRQ to encourage Americans to take a more active role in their health care,” said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “These ads speak to a compelling insight--we look for options in nearly every aspect of our lives, but we’re not always exploring all treatment options available when it comes to our health care. It’s a very important message, as these decisions can affect the length and quality of our lives.”

The new public service advertisements are being distributed to approximately 33,000 media stations nationwide. Per the Ad Council's donated media model, all of the new public service advertisements will air and run in advertising time and space donated by the media.

“People expect options when it comes to the most mundane things in life like shopping, dining and wallpaper,” said Rob Baiocco, EVP, Managing Partner, Grey Worldwide. “This campaign pushes them to demand the same options when it comes to the most critical thing in life, their health.”

###

AHRQ

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (http://www.ahrq.gov) is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. AHRQ's mission is to improve the quality, safety, efficiency and effectiveness of health care for all Americans. AHRQ's research helps people make more informed decisions and improve the quality of health care services.
The Ad Council

The Ad Council (http://www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies.

Media Contact:
AHRQ Public Affairs
(301) 427-1855
(301) 427-1892

President Obiang Urges Unity and Solidarity in Africa

Equatorial Guinea's president Teodoro Obiang Nguema (R) and wife Constancia Mangue de Obiang arrive for the inauguration of South Africa's fourth President Jacob Zuma in Pretoria on May 9, 2009. AFP Photo/POOL/Jerome Delay (Photo credit should read JEROME DELAY/AFP/Getty Images) >

30 Jun 2011 19:31 Africa/Lagos


President Obiang Urges Unity and Solidarity in Africa

PR Newswire

MALABO, Equatorial Guinea, June 30, 2011

AU Chairman Stresses the Need to Further Strengthen the Continent's Youth

MALABO, Equatorial Guinea, June 30, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a speech which called on all Africans to work together to solve problems facing the continent, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, addressed leaders from Africa's 54 nations and around the world. President Obiang, who is also chairman of the African Union, told member countries that even though they are "often exposed to pressures created by external nations," they must work together to strengthen the resolve and influence of the union.

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea continues to host leaders from across the African continent and around the world at the 17th African Union Summit in Malabo. Following the theme "Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development," the conference held a Symposium on Youth Employment, organized by the World Health Organization in collaboration with the Department of Social Affairs and other institutions. The conference's goal is to highlight the steps recommended by the African Youth Forum held in Addis Ababa on the African Union Summit held earlier this year.

Building upon the theme of strengthening youth to foster positive growth on the continent, President Obiang stressed in his speech to the delegations, that the Union must invest in its young people to build the capacity of the continent. In such, President Obiang proposed hosting the new headquarters of an African Union Voluntary Youth Corp in Equatorial Guinea's new Sipopo development project.

The African Union Voluntary Youth Corp would work expeditiously to address development deficiencies and to overcome the limitations of Africa's leadership evolution and transition among the continents growing youth population.

President Obiang stressed the need for young people to play an active part in the betterment of the entire continent. The involvement of youth in the institutions of government, the economy and culture must be embraced.

Regarding the Arab Spring, "with revolutions claiming their rights against regimes in power," President Obiang said, "these claims cannot be considered as an negative force of youth, when the claims are just and necessary."

"The African Union Summit should be a new starting point that drives Africans together and strengthens the Union," concluded Obiang. This can only be achieved "through the unity of Africa and solidarity of African governments and their people."

President Obiang also participated in the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), at the 25th Orientation Committee of Heads of State and Government.

Heads of State and of Government continued to the 15th meeting of the forum of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) led by the Ethiopian Prime Minister and Chairman of the Forum of the APRM, as well as Jean Ping, Chairman of the African Union Commission.

About Equatorial Guinea

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea (Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial) is the only Spanish-speaking country in Africa, and one of the smallest nations on the continent. In the late-1990s, American companies helped discover the country's oil and natural gas resources, which only within the last five years began contributing to the global energy supply. Equatorial Guinea is now working to serve as a pillar of stability and security in its region of West Central Africa. The country will host the 2011 Summit of the African Union. For more information, visit http://www.guineaecuatorialpress.com.

SOURCE Republic of Equatorial Guinea
NOTE TO EDITORS: This has been distributed by Qorvis Communications, LLC on behalf of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. More information on this relationship is on file at the United States Department of Justice, Washington, DC.

CONTACT: Matt Lauer, +1-703-463-1841


Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time

30 Jun 2011

19:44 Tempus Jet Centers Receives a FAA Part 145 Repair Station Certificate

19:31 President Obiang Urges Unity and Solidarity in Africa

19:00 Niger / Big improvement in media freedom seen since end of Tandja regime

19:00 International Paper to Release Second-Quarter 2011 Earnings on Thursday, July 28th

18:06 Unilever's Paul Polman and Other Top Global Executives Will Advise the Leaders of Tomorrow at One Young World, the Planet's Premier Youth Leadership Forum

16:18 World Movement for Democracy Steering Committee Makes Recommendations on Democracy Assistance

16:13 How to Cut the Defense Budget?

16:00 Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and United Nations Foundation Announce $45 Million Campaign to Fight Malaria

15:55 Great Basin Gold Q2 2011 Results Conference Call and Webcast: Tuesday, August 16, 2011

15:30 Spill Center Opens Kenya Branch for Spill Response in East Africa

15:25 PR Newswire's New White Paper, XBRL Process: The Brass Tacks, Helps Filers Navigate the XBRL Implementation Process

15:00 Discovery Familia Brings Kids the Best of Summertime Fun With Special Episodes of Hi-5

15:00 SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Grant More Than $1 Million to Protect Animals in Need

14:08 17th AU Summit / The Executive Council Calls for a more United Caring and Integrated Africa

14:00 'Natural Gas and LNG Storage Market Set to Reach $18.57bn in 2011' Says Visiongain Report

14:00 JetBlue and Qatar Airways Announce Partnership

14:00 MMA Debuts Invitation-Only Annual Mobile CEO and CMO Summit

13:10 Steve Smolinsky to Speak at United Nations - Nippon Foundation Africa Alumni Fellows Annual Conference in July

13:00 Trina Solar Announces Sales Agreement with Gestamp Solar to Power Renault's Manufacturing Sites in France

12:52 flydubai Boasts Impressive Growth as it Celebrates Second Anniversary

Christy Essien, Nigeria's Queen of Soul has Passed On

Christy Uduak Essien-Igbokwe
11th November, 1960 - 30th June, 2011.




Nigeria has lost one of her greatest women, the "Queen of Soul", Christy Uduak Essien-Igbokwe, who passed away at about 9.15a.m. Thursday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos.

Popularly known by her maiden name Christy Essien before she got married, she was a great singer who was like a sister to millions of her fans in Nigeria.

She was the first Nigerian Queen of Soul music admired and loved by millions of music lovers in Nigeria and other countries.

I have been one of her countless fans since her successful acting career as a colourful TV actress in the popular TV comedy series Masquerade of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), playing the drama queen as "Apeno", the wife of "Jegede", played by the late Claude Eke.
The television series was created by James Iroha who played the role of "Gringory", one of the houseboys of "Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo, alias 4:30." played by Chika Okpala.

Christy Uduak Essien-Igbokwe was born on the 11th November, 1960, Her talents as an actress and singer were discovered in her teenage years in secondary school, acting and singing at various clubs until she passed the audition for one of the leading roles in the Masquerade in 1976. Christy was an instant hit and became a household name in Nigeria. In 1977 at only 17, she began her professional musical career and released several top selling albums and her 1981 hit album "Ever Liked My Person" produced by Lemmy Jackson was rated the best.

She was the first female President of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the Chairman and Managing Director of Soul Train Entertainment Limited. She was honoured with many laurels incuding the Nigerian Lady of Songs award, Africa Music Mother award, International Special Achievement award in Mexico, World Song Festival Award in Los Angeles, Queen of Music International award, Association of Theatre Arts Practitioners award and Outstanding Achievement in Female Uplifting award.

Click here for the discography of Christy Uduak Essien-Igbokwe

May God grant her peace in her transition to eternal glory and comfort her bereaved family, relations, friends, associates and millions of fans in Nigeria and abroad.


~ Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima

IFRA Issues Fragrance Standards Update

International Fragrance Association (IFRA) issues standards update


The 46th amendment to the IFRA code of practice has been issued by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), as part of the industry’s ongoing safety program.
IFRA, along with the industry’s scientific centre, the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) makes sure fragrance standards in accordance with scientific recommendations, are being put in to practice by member companies.

RIFM’s scientific information is evaluated by an independent panel consisting of an international group of dermatologists, pathologists, toxicologists and environmental scientists, none of whom have any ties with the industry.

Code of Practice


As part of the code of practice, six new restrictive standards have been set in to place and one new standard of prohibition; the new standards have been based on the Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA).

The following chemicals have been placed under restrictive use in fragrances:

alpha-butylcinnamaldehyde;
2-Heptylidene cyclopentan-1-one;
o-methoxycinnamaldehyde;
3-methyl-2-(pentyloxy) cyclopent-2-en-1-one;
2-nonyn-1-al dimethyl acetal;
1(2,4,4,5,5-pentamethyl-1-cyclopenten-1-yl)ethan-1-one.
The chemical 2,4-octadienal has been prohibited from use in fragrances, due to a lack of adequate data.

Safety program


The safety program consists of testing fragrance materials and either establishing safe use levels or prohibiting their use based on studied potential effects of people and the environment.

Currently, the safety program has 186 standards, restricting or prohibiting the use of selected fragrance materials.

Furthermore, the IFRA has a compliance program – every year 50 products, chosen at random from stores in ten different countries are tested, to ensure the fragrance industry complies with safety standards.

Quantitative Risk Assessment

Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) was introduced in 2005 by IFRA in order to restrict materials which have a potential of inducing contact sensitization.

This approach apparently provides more precise guidance on use levels of materials depending on the situation and product in which they are used; thus better protecting the consumer from being sensitized to a specific material.