Duke Medicine's IPIHD Seeking to Support Innovators in Healthcare Delivery

5 Apr 2012 21:24 Africa/Lagos

Duke Medicine's IPIHD Seeking to Support Innovators in Healthcare Delivery Across the World

DURHAM, N.C., April 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The International Partnership for Innovative Healthcare Delivery (IPIHD), a support corporation of Duke Medicine, invites healthcare innovators and entrepreneurs globally with operational healthcare delivery models to apply to join the IPIHD Network for support in scaling and expanding.

IPIHD believes that the achievement of global access to cost-effective and high-quality healthcare is a critical component to reducing healthcare delivery inequities in the world. As such, membership is free to healthcare innovators.

Innovators with active operations can apply to join here: http://www.ipihd.org/joining-ipihd/innovators

Innovators who apply and are accepted into the Network are eligible for support and mentoring programs through IPIHD, including IPIHD's Innovator-Investor Conference. The inaugural Conference will be held on April 15th in Washington DC, and links healthcare innovators with investors in a one-day session including lightning-round pitches, interactive panels, success stories on attracting funding, and networking opportunities. Innovators around the world, including established operations such as Narayana Hrudayalaya, Vaatsalya, and LifeSpring, are attending.

The Conference is one of four core programs for innovators at the heart of IPIHD. Each program addresses one of the four challenges in scaling businesses identified through extensive research: access to knowledge and networks, organizational expertise, access to funding and capital, and regulatory barriers.

Hosted at Duke University and chaired by Victor J. Dzau, MD, the Chancellor for Health Affairs at Duke University and President and CEO of the Duke University Health System, IPIHD supports healthcare innovators in scaling and replicating their innovations through a select Network of healthcare innovators, industry leaders, and global organizations.

IPIHD was catalyzed by a two-year project at the World Economic Forum, supported by Duke University and McKinsey & Company, that studied transformative examples of healthcare delivery globally, examining both success factors and challenges to scaling and replication.

In addition to Duke, IPIHD is supported by organizations around the world including Apax Partners, AstraZeneca, Cisco, Medtronic, Rio de Janeiro Municipal Secretary for Health, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Current innovators engaged with IPIHD include LifeSpring (India), Sproxil (Nigeria), One Family Health (Rwanda), LifeQube (South Africa) and Medicall (Mexico).

"Although still in an early phase of development, IPIHD has achieved great momentum in its first year, and I believe it will have a real impact on healthcare delivery," said Dr. Dzau.

Since launching the application, innovators operating in over twenty countries have applied.

"The diversity and number of innovators interested in this unique opportunity to collaborate with IPIHD has been impressive. It's clear innovators see much value in establishing a network like this. We are excited to begin working with them closely," says Krishna Udayakumar, MD, MBA, Executive Director of IPIHD.

• Explore the Innovator-Investor Conference site, which includes participating innovators and investors.
• Individuals can join the IPIHD Community and follow @IPIHD on Twitter or find IPIHD on Facebook.
• Learn more about IPIHD here.

SOURCE Duke Medicine
CONTACT: Richard Bartlett, Associate Director of IPIHD, info@ipihd.org, +1-919-681-5411

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4 Principles of Online Learning for HR Managers

Photo Credit: CommLab.



Reach More Trainees, More Effectively with Tips from this White Paper

Online training makes sense. You can reach more people in more places in less time. But how can you ensure that this training is truly effective? Read this white paper for the experts' top tips for scalable, effective training. From content to your online "room" setup, there's a wealth of online training knowledge here.

>> Learn more

This white paper covers:
Creating compelling content
Your online classroom
Promoting your training sessions effectively
And much more










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The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Apple, Google, Sony, Microsoft and Amazon.com

4 Apr 2012 14:30 Africa/Lagos

The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Apple, Google, Sony, Microsoft and Amazon.com

CHICAGO, April 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL), Google Inc. (Nasdaq: GOOG), Sony Corp (NYSE: SNE ), Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) and Amazon.com Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN).

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101027/ZIRLOGO)

Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5513

Here are highlights from Tuesday's Analyst Blog:

Apple's New iPad Shines

Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL) proved its popularity yet again as the Consumer Reports' list adjudged the "new iPad" to be number one in the tablet market. Apple won over the allegations of the third generation 4G enabled device emitting excess heat to snatch the top rank.

Consumer Reports noted that the heat emission issue was rampant among other tablets such as Google Inc.'s (Nasdaq: GOOG) Android based Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Asus Transformer Prime when put through similar working conditions as the iPad while "playing a demanding game with the screen fully bright".

Alongside the "new iPad" in the popularity list, Toshiba's ultra-light, Excite 10LE tablet version and Sony Corp's (NYSE: SNE )Tablet P were also included, both Android-based tablets.

Since its launch earlier last month, the "new iPad" has been performing exceedingly well with 3 million units being sold in the first four days of its release. The "new iPad" is touted as the next catalyst for Apple to drive home the advantage it already enjoys in the tablet market with two-thirds of market share.

The distinguishable factor that has come across for the product is its state-of-the-art Retina display, 4G connectivity, faster processing speeds and a long battery life. With enhanced visual capabilities and faster processing speeds, the "new iPad" is expected to lure avid gamers away from traditional console gaming platforms from the likes of Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) and Sony.

iPads constitute a significant portion of Apple's total revenue, with sales of approximately 32.4 million units in fiscal 2011, a massive 334.0% growth from the year ago. The momentum continued in the first quarter of 2012, selling more than 15.4 million units, almost double that of the 7.4 million units sold during the year-ago period. Recognized revenues from iPad and accessories during the quarter shot up 99.0% year over year to $9.2 million.

We expect the "new iPad" to boost revenues for the current quarter and retain Apple's dominance (62.0% market share in the FY11) in the tablet market. We believe that the latest variant will help Apple storm ahead of its nearest competitors in the tablet market, including the likes of Samsung Electronics and Amazon.com Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN), which are slowly but surely making headways in the tablet market.

We conclude that Apple remains the biggest growth story, based on its superior product pipeline, Apps, iCloud and iPhone 4S, the "new iPad" and Apple TV. Apple is also well positioned to gain from its loyal customer base and international expansion, in our view.

Despite the impending patent lawsuits in various countries, which might be an overhang on the stock in the near term, we are optimistic about the company's long-term growth prospects.

Thus, we have an Outperform rating on Apple over the long term. Currently, Apple has a Zacks #1 Rank, implying a short-term 'Strong Buy' rating.

Want more from Zacks Equity Research? Subscribe to the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5515.

About Zacks Equity Research

Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.

Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.

Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5517

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leon Zacks. As a PhD from MIT Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5518.

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Media Contact
Zacks Investment Research
800-767-3771 ext. 9339
support@zacks.com
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SOURCE Zacks Investment Research, Inc.

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

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TITANIC: The Tragedy That Shook the World By the Editors of LIFE

5 Apr 2012 14:00 Africa/Lagos

TITANIC: The Tragedy That Shook the World By the Editors of LIFE

The dramatic stories behind history's most famous disaster continue to captivate, 100 Years Later

NEW YORK, April 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- When the RMS Titanic –the ultimate symbol of a hopeful and ambitious time when anything seemed possible -- struck an iceberg and sank during her maiden trans-Atlantic voyage on April 15, 1912, the world was stunned and a legend was born that continues to fascinate and enthrall a century later. The remarkable stories of the Titanic -- moving tales of heroism, cowardice, tragedy and triumph -- as well as vivid photos that bring these resonant real-life dramas to life are featured in TITANIC: The Tragedy That Shook the World (Time Home Entertainment, Inc.; Hardcover; $29.95), available in bookstores everywhere or at life.com/books/titanic.

The saga of the ill-fated luxury liner unfolds in photos and narrative in over 140 pages in this deluxe book. It begins with the construction of a behemoth, one of three enormous sister ships built by the White Star line to usher in a new era of sea-going luxury. The Titanic offered the finest accommodations to its first-class passengers, who included some of New York's most notable social figures, from Astor to Guggenheim. Also on board, in the lower decks, were commoners and crew whose onboard experience was far less glamorous. Just four days into their voyage, that segregation would end as all were brought together in tragedy.

TITANIC: The Tragedy That Shook the World chronicles the ship's rapid descent into the icy Atlantic, botched distress communications and the horror as thousands of passengers and crew realized that there were not nearly enough lifeboats to save them all. It also looks at the dramatic rescue of hundreds of passengers by the nearby ship Carpathia, whose captain emerged as one of the most visible heroes of this great tragedy.

Although there are no photographs of the Titanic disaster, there is a remarkable record of images of the ship's final days thanks to Irish cleric and vocational photographer Father Frank Browne. His photos as a passenger aboard the doomed vessel, many of which are featured in the book, offer an intimate depiction of what life was like aboard the Titanic before it met its ultimate fate.

A flurry of published remembrances from survivors of the Titanic disaster were just the beginning of what would be a continuous stream of journalistic and artistic interpretations of the Titanic tragedy. TITANIC: The Tragedy That Shook the World looks at how the Titanic has been depicted in books, plays, Broadway musicals and films, from A Night to Remember to the upcoming release of James Cameron's Titanic in 3-D.

The final chapter, "At Rest," features recent images of the ship in its final resting place at the bottom of the Atlantic, a remote memorial to a tragedy that somehow still feels entirely immediate.


SOURCE Time Home Entertainment, Inc.

CONTACT: Adam Pockriss, +1-212-843-8286

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

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Honda Unveils 2013 Crosstour Concept at New York Auto Show

Honda Unveils 2013 Crosstour Concept at New York Auto Show

Next Crosstour to feature more capable-looking styling, more efficient V-6 drivetrain along with host of new safety and visibility features.



NEW YORK, April 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Honda unveiled the 2013 Crosstour Concept today at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), providing the first official glimpse of a more capable looking exterior styling direction for the luxurious mid-size CUV. Set to go on sale this fall, the Crosstour’s defined lines will resonate more clearly with the active consumers that form the largest portion of the premium crossover segment. The 2013 Crosstour V-6 will feature improved fuel economy thanks to its new 6-speed automatic transmission, while both four-cylinder and V-6 versions will benefit from a host of safety and visibility upgrades.

“Fueled by a combination of versatility, luxury, and efficiency, owners have demonstrated remarkable devotion to the Honda Crosstour,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. “The 2013 Crosstour Concept shows how Honda will strengthen the styling and add even more content to one of the most efficient offerings in the class.”




Concept Design
The Crosstour Concept features a more capable, SUV-like styling direction for Honda’s mid-size crossover. A more aggressive and athletic front end, new contrasting moldings on the lower door garnish, and cleaner front and rear fascias anchored by the rugged look of finished sill plates provide more visual strength to the Crosstour Concept. Adding to the SUV-like stance, new rear-fender finish helps give the Concept a more solidly planted appearance.

Up front, the new integrated foglamp treatment is complemented by a slotted finish beneath the headlights, which helps integrate the new, bolder grille. The revised tailgate sports a more horizontal design to add visual width to the sculpted lines at the rear of the Crosstour.

The Crosstour Concept is coated in a fresh hue, similar to one of two new shades that will appear on the 2013 Crosstour. Anchoring the Crosstour Concept are unique 5-spoke 19-inch wheels, while the 2013 Honda Crosstour will feature new 18-inch alloy wheels.

Though not on display in the Crosstour Concept, the luxurious interior of the Honda Crosstour will see even further refinement for 2013, including heavily revised trim materials, the addition of an 8-inch, in-dash information display, keyless ignition, and steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters on V-6 models.


Advanced and Efficient Powertrains
The Crosstour will offer two powertrains for the 2013 model year: a re-engineered and more powerful 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine, or a 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline four-cylinder engine. The 2013 Crosstour V-6 models will feature a 6-speed automatic transmission and utilize Honda Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology to achieve class-leading V-6 fuel economy¹ along with an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model. Also available on Crosstour EX-L V-6 models is Honda’s Real Time 4WDTM system, which sends power to all four wheels when front-wheel slippage is detected.

The four-cylinder Crosstour models are powered by a 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® engine producing 192 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 RPM. To maximize efficiency, a 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control is standard equipment.

Safety and Technology Innovations
The 2013 Crosstour will introduce numerous new safety features, and is targeted to earn top scores in the federal government’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). The next Crosstour will be available with Honda’s Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) technology. Both systems use a camera mounted behind the windshield to alert drivers if the car is moving out of its lane or to warn drivers of a potential collision in front of them.

The 2013 Crosstour will provide a host of visibility enhancements, and will be one of the first models to receive the Honda-exclusive LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. Standard equipment to further enhance visibility on the 2013 Crosstour will also include re-shaped rear headrests, a rearview camera and an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror.

Standard Crosstour convenience features include an automatic dimming rearview mirror, auto-on/off headlights, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and USB audio interface. Other available features on the 2013 Crosstour will include a hard-drive based navigation system, Pandora internet radio interface, XM satellite radio and an SMS text-to-speech function.

Sales, Accolades and Manufacturing History
First launched in 2009, and now available with both V-6 and four-cylinder engines, the Crosstour remains one of the most versatile choices in the midsize crossover segment, and earned the distinction of J.D. Power and Associates' "Highest Ranked Midsize Crossover/SUV in Initial Quality" in their 2011 Initial Quality Study SM (IQS). The Crosstour is produced² at Honda’s East Liberty Auto Plant in East Liberty, Ohio.

High resolution photography and video of the 2013 Crosstour Concept is available on the Honda Media Newsroom at www.hondanews.com. More information about the Honda Crosstour, including high resolution photos and video, is available at www.hondanews.com.
Connect with Honda:

Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Website: http://automobiles.honda.com/crosstour/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hondacrosstour
YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Honda on Google+

For more information:
Alicia Jones (Torrance) (310) 783-3163
Chuck Schifsky (Detroit) (313) 202-3150
Chris Naughton (New York) (212) 707-9920
Sara Pines (Atlanta) (678) 339-1385


¹Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing.
²Honda products are produced using domestic and globally sourced parts.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.


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Help Wanted: Optimistic Small Business Owners Plan Hiring Amid Expectations for More Sales and Capital Spending

Optimistic Business Owners Plan Hiring Amid Stronger Outlook for Sales. (PRNewsFoto/PNC Financial Services Group)

5 Apr 2012 12:30 Africa/Lagos

Help Wanted: Optimistic Small Business Owners Plan Hiring Amid Expectations for More Sales and Capital Spending
- PNC Survey Findings Show Brightest Outlook Since Start of Great Recession; Plans for Price Hikes Could Lead to Increased Risk of Inflation -

PITTSBURGH, April 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- An upbeat outlook on sales will prompt nearly one in three U.S. small business owners to add employees over the next six months as their optimism returns to positive levels unseen since before the 'Great Recession' of 2008-2009, according to the PNC Economic Outlook survey's newest findings.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120405/NE82112 )

The spring findings of PNC's biannual survey, which began in 2003, show expectations for sales and profits have rebounded from near-historic lows last fall and that owners have growing optimism about the U.S. economy, and their own company's prospects. Nearly three in four (70 percent) plan to invest in their business in the next six months.

Despite the good news, inflation expectations remain elevated, as two in five owners (40 percent) plan to raise their selling prices, while only 7 percent intend to cut prices, indicating a significant rise in pricing pressures. Two-thirds (69 percent) plan to increase prices by more than 2 percent, which is Federal Reserve's inflation "goal."

"With the start of the baseball season, the economic recovery is on base, but heading home, but rising energy prices, elevated unemployment and a recession in Europe could still prevent it from scoring the winning run," said Stuart Hoffman, chief economist at PNC. "These findings show a significant improvement in business expectations and optimism, and thus strongly support PNC's baseline forecast that the U.S. economic and jobs recovery will continue to play ball in 2012-2013."

Highlights: Outlook Brightens on Sales, Profits

The survey, which gauges the mood and sentiment of small and medium sized business owners, found that nearly six in 10 (58 percent) expect their sales to increase in the next six months, up sharply from last fall (40 percent). Just 10 percent expect them to decrease, which is significantly lower than last fall (20 percent). Profits are also on the rebound, as 43 percent expect an increase compared to 29 percent in the fall.

Other findings about the next six months include:

Federal Actions to Create Jobs: Three-fourths (75 percent) believe Federal action would positively influence their hiring plans. Reduced regulation is the most desired (non) action.
About Those Jobs…: Potential skills gaps could pose a threat to owners' hiring plans, as almost half (45 percent) say requirements for employees' skills and background are higher than in the recent past. Computer/technical abilities, experience "in the field" and communication skills are the top three priorities.
Growing Demand for New Loans: One quarter (23 percent) will probably or definitely take out a new loan or line of credit in the next six months, compared to just 15 percent last fall and the most since Spring 2009 (29 percent). 18 percent say credit is easier to obtain than three months ago, which is higher than last fall (10%)
Optimism for Local Economy: Owners are positive on the local level, with 65 percent optimistic about their own local economy (compared to 57 percent in the fall).
National View Gets Even Brighter: Pessimism about the national economy is significantly reduced compared to six months ago, with 58 percent of owners reportedly optimistic about the U.S. economy's prospects during the next six months (compared to 31 percent in the fall).

An online media kit containing national and regional survey results is available on PNC's website at www.pnc.com/pncpresskits.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (www.pnc.com) is one of the nation's largest diversified financial services organizations providing retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. Follow @PNCNews on Twitter for breaking news and announcements from PNC.

Methodology

The PNC Economic Outlook survey was conducted between Jan. 25 to February 17, 2012, by telephone within the United States among 1,697 owners or senior decision-makers of small and mid-sized businesses with annual revenues of $100,000 to $250 million. The results given in this release are based on interviews with 508 businesses nationally, while the remaining interviews were conducted among businesses within the states of Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Sampling error for the national results is +/- 4.3 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. The survey was conducted by Artemis Strategy Group (www.ArtemisSG.com), a communications strategy research firm specializing in brand positioning and policy issues. The firm, headquartered in Washington D.C., provides communications research and consulting to a range of public and private sector clients.

This report has been prepared for general informational purposes only and is not intended as specific advice or recommendations. Information has been gathered from third party sources and has not been independently verified or accepted by The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. PNC makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of the information, assumptions, analyses or conclusions presented in the report. PNC cannot be held responsible for any errors or misrepresentations contained in the report or in the information gathered from third party sources. Any reliance upon the information provided in the report is solely and exclusively at your own risk.

CONTACT:
Tim Rice
(412) 762-8033
timothy.rice@pnc.com

SOURCE PNC Financial Services Group

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


Recommended:

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IFJ Condemns Bomb Blast at Media Event in Somalia

5 Apr 2012 13:12 Africa/Lagos

IFJ Condemns Bomb Blast at Media Event in Somalia

DAKAR, April 5, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today strongly condemned the bomb attack which killed eight people and left many more injured, including at least seven journalists. The Islamic group Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the blast which went off at the National Theatre building where a ceremony was taking place to mark the first anniversary of the re-launch of the Somali public television.


“This is an appalling attack on unsuspecting innocent people which shows Al-Shabab's total disregard to human life,” said Gabriel Baglo, IFJ Africa Director. “The militants will gain nothing from the mindless violence and senseless loss of life which only serve to further alienate the Somali people.”


According to the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), an IFJ affiliate, the attack was carried out by a female attacker who blew herself up at the event in Mogadishu attended by Somali dignitaries, including the Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali. He was unhurt but the President of Somali Football Federation (SFF), Said Mohamud Nur (Said Mugambo) and the President of National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Somalia , Adan Haji Yabarow (Wiish) were among the people who lost their lives.


NUSOJ said that the seven journalists who were injured in the attack were Deqo Mohamed Ahmed (Radio Mogadishu), Ahmed Ali Kahiye (Radio Kulmiye), Mohamed Nur Sharif (Bar Kulan Radio), Ayan Abdulle Gure (S24 TV), Hamdi Mohamed Hassan (Somali Channel TV), Mulki Hassan Hayle (Royal TV), and Said Shire Warsame (Shabelle TV).


The Union condemned the bombing which it described as an attack on press freedom in Somalia .


“This was essentially a media event and we therefore view this as a direct attack on the media and journalists,” said NUSOJ Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman.


Source: International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)

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Fintel Brings Famous Celebrity Salon To Nigeria

Fintel Brings Famous Celebrity Salon To Nigeria

Lagos, Nigeria, April 5, 2012/Nigerians Report Newswire/ --


Fintel Universal Services Limited of Nigeria in partnership with (JK-INC, Ireland) having secured the Franchise of the famous Celebrity reality TV show titled, Celebrity Salon from Straywave is bringing the show to Nigeria and the whole of Africa in 2012.

The Celebrity Salon is a 12 part reality TV series that will challenge 6-8 top Nigerian celebrities cut across various industries (Nollywood, music, comedy, fashion and modeling, sports and broadcasting) to enter a "beauty boot camp" to learn many of the skills needed to become a top beauty therapist.

It will be a fun filled and entertaining look into the beauty world, which with a new twist, will see our celebrities on the road touring the best salons across the country where they will be mentored and trained in a new skill in every episode as they compete to impress their mentor and beauty guru and a series of expert judges.

Skills varying from facial treatment, nail and hair treatment, skin, massage techniques and photo shoot will be the main focus.

The show comes with a top foreign celebrity presenter, foreign and local directors, producers and crew to support the Nigerian cast and crew to produce a world class Celebrity Salon Nigeria.

The Celebrity Salon Nigeria will be aired in major TV stations across the country, cable TV channels and previewed in the foreign media for the global audience.

The celebrities would be paid appearance fees aside from prizes to be won based on their performances in various tasks given by the brands that would be represented.

The celebrities will travel, live and learn together over an intensive 2-4 week period.

The Celebrity Salon Nigeria for this first season would be pre recorded and not a live show and it is billed to be aired between the third and last quarter of 2012.

The choice of celebrities will be based on the following:

-Strength of their fan base in comparison to their contemporaries
-The type of corporate brand they are able to attract and secure for the show.
-Their availability for the total duration of the production
-Their acceptance to comply with the rules that would guide the show.
-Their oral capability, communication skills and humor which is needed to make the show a top notch.
-Their fashion flair and taste.

The related tasks that would be given to the contestants will see them perform on the most demanding celebrities, sport stars, models and most demanding members of the public.

At the end of the show, the celebrities would have acquired unique beauty skills, increased their fan base, go away with a lot of gifts and remuneration, command global respect and recognition, secured brand deals with major multinationals, etc.
Why Celebrity Salon Nigeria?

• We intend to create a platform to show case the essence of beauty in an African way/style
• We intend to use celebrities who are like idols and mentors to majority of the targeted audience to further drive the importance of beauty care, health care, fun and excitement among Nigerians
• We intend to use the platform to sensitize the target audience on necessary skill acquisition and drive them to seek the top most position in the beauty world
• It is a show for relaxation, skill acquisition, education, fun, entertainment, learning and association

About Fintel Universal Services Limited (FUSL)

FUSL is a company duly incorporated in Nigeria and carries on business as movie producers, distributors and marketers of home video and movies. And also helps independent producers secure distribution rights across Africa.
FUSL is currently in partnership with African Films TV in Senegal in South Africa, and id mage of France as a business ambassador for cinema distribution rights through video on demand distribution and mobile cinemas across Francophone countries.
FUSL represents the interest of Xpand Cinema (Slovenia), a leading 3D Global Entertainment Company and a major player in 3D glasses, accessories, equipments and installation.

Contact:
Fintel Universal Serv.Nig Ltd
1, Fola Agoro Street,
Shomolu, Lagos, Nigeria.
Tel: 08033046502, 08191136293
E-mail: info.finteluniversal@gmail.com

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"TITANIC" in RealD 3D Sneak Preview Movie Events Set for Next Week

A limited-edition TITANIC movie art lithograph. (PRNewsFoto/Paramount Pictures Corporation)

"TITANIC" in RealD 3D Sneak Preview Movie Events Set for Next Week
PARAMOUNT OFFERS FANS A CHANCE TO SEE THE NEWLY RE-MASTERED MOVIE EARLY, WHILE ALSO RECEIVING A LIMITED EDITION MOVIE PACK WITH PURCHASE OF TICKET
ADVANCE EVENT TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW



HOLLYWOOD, Calif., March 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Moviegoers across the U.S. and Canada will be among the first audiences anywhere to experience TITANIC in 3D at the exclusive "sneak preview" fan screening events, set for this Monday, April 2nd in Canada and Tuesday, April 3rd in the U.S. Presented exclusively in RealD®, these one-night only special advance screenings will take place at 6:30pm at select 3D movie theaters across N. America.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120330/LA79853-a)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120330/LA79853-b)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/19991206/PARLOGO)

Each TITANIC in 3D Sneak Preview Pack includes:

One ticket to the movie sneak preview
A collectors edition pair of TITANIC RealD® 3D glasses
A limited-edition TITANIC movie art lithograph

*While supplies last

Tickets for next week's "sneak preview" events are on sale now both on-line, and at participating theatres. For event locations around the country, to purchase tickets, or to learn more about this exclusive event, please go to: WWW.TITANICMOVIE.COM/FANSNEAKPREVIEW

James Cameron, who also directed the breakthrough 3D epic AVATAR, will bring TITANIC to life as audiences have never seen it before, digitally re-mastered and harnessing the innovative technology of StereoD. The re-release of TITANIC also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Titanic setting sail on April 10, 1912. Written, directed and produced by James Cameron, TITANIC is the second highest grossing movie of all time. It is one of only three films to have received a record 11 Academy Awards® including Best Picture and Best Director; and launched the careers of stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

Called "A spectacular demonstration of what modern technology can contribute to dramatic storytelling" by Variety upon its release in 1997, the long in the works 3D conversion was overseen by Cameron and his Lightstorm producing partner Jon Landau who produced the hit movie.

Released by Paramount Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox, TITANIC returns to theaters for a limited engagement beginning April 4th in 2D, RealD 3D and IMAX 3D.

Learn more about TITANIC in 3D at HTTP://WWW.TITANICMOVIE.COM/

About Paramount Pictures Corporation

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

About Twentieth Century Fox

One of the world's largest producers and distributors of motion pictures, Fox Filmed Entertainment produces, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the world. These motion pictures are produced or acquired by the following units of FFE: Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Animation and FoxInternational Productions.

About Lightstorm Entertainment

Lightstorm Entertainment is a film production company founded by Academy Award-winning filmmakers James Cameron and film producer Jon Landau. The company has produced blockbuster hits including "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," "True Lies," as well the Academy Award-winning "Titanic" and most recently "Avatar," which stands at the biggest grossing movie of all time.

SOURCE Paramount Pictures Corporation

CONTACT: Katie Martin Kelley of Paramount Pictures, +1-323-956-2821

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New York Forum Africa's Special Taskforce on Chinese Investment in Africa

Photo Credit: Columbia University.


4 Apr 2012 16:23 Africa/Lagos


New York Forum Africa Will Feature Special Taskforce on Chinese Investment in Africa

NEW YORK, April 4, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

Taskforce announced at Boao Forum by chairman Richard Attias; Forum will take place the June 8-10, 2012 in Libreville, Gabon and will host a major Chinese delegation

Building on the momentum of the New York Forum, launched in June 2010 by former Davos producer and Clinton Global Initiative and Nobel Laureates Conference co-founder Richard Attias, the first "New York Forum AFRICA" will take place in Libreville, the capital of Gabon, from June 8-10, 2012. The New York Forum AFRICA is being hosted by President of Gabon, Ali Bongo.

This Forum aims to become the largest conference for economic leaders, young entrepreneurs, sovereign and investment funds, political and media leaders, experts and economists who are looking for new business and investment opportunities in Africa.

A corner stone to the NYF AFRICA will be a special taskforce centered on Chinese investment in Africa and a plenary on fostering valuable business and investment partnerships for the future. Key to this will be a delegation of high-ranking government representatives and Chinese business leaders headed by Mr. Chonghui Yang, Vice Chairman of the China Economic and Social Council and Mr. Jianguo Wei, Secretary-General of the China Center for International Economic Exchange and former Vice Minister of Commerce.

In line with its origins and DNA, the New York Forum AFRICA aspires to provide a basis for the development of substantial solutions and propositions in order to propel Africa up to the ranks of the fastest-developing emerging nations.

Taskforces will be created, with an eye towards the establishment of clear development road maps, on a wide array of topics including job creation, education, natural resources, energy, health care, women empowerment, entrepreneurship, promotion of African youth and brains, co-operation with Asia, the US, Europe, the Gulf region, Latin America, sports and the like.

Gabon was retained as the host of the NYF AFRICA in light of its geographic situation at the heart of the continent, its sturdy political stability, and the quality of its infrastructures, as the country will soon be hosting one of the world's most important sport events: the African Cup of Nations (ACN).

"Gabon is honored to host this prestigious international gathering of financial and economic decision-makers," said Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of Gabon, "Africa has demonstrated steady growth in the past several years and will be the source of much future global prosperity, so it is important that international business leaders begin to pay close attention to it."

The NYF AFRICA will partner with the NYF Institute and the Omar Bongo Foundation and China Alliance Communications, whose mission echoes the continent's determination to spur wide ranging initiatives favoring a modem Africa, and a serene, fulfilled and hopeful African youth.

NYF founder Richard Attias has commented: "In 2012, at a moment when multiple nations, such as the US and European countries are trying to re-ignite their economies, prior to multiple presidential elections, and at the dawn of an Arab Spring that radically transformed the northern part of the African continent, revealing the disarray of millions of young Africans, it appeared to us that is was essential to shed as much light as possible on Africa." Attias added, "Africa is a continent comprised of over a billion individuals, and which through a renewed vitality and an expected growth of about 5% which attracts the focus of an increasing number of investors, has the potential to become the solution to the world's economic woes, from being a mere additional problem."

The NYF Africa will intertwine the IT innovations and interactive potential that have rendered the now widely known NYF so unique to its participants.

The findings of the NYF Africa will be presented to the G20 in Los Cabos, Mexico on June 20, 2012.


For more information please contact:

Richard Attias & Associates
555 Madison Avenue, 17th Floor
NY 10022, New York
Josh Harris
Josh.harris@richardattiasassociates.com
+1-212-794-8802, +1-917-822-1631

Victoria Vincent
Victoria.vincent@richardattiasassociates.com
+1-212-794-8801, +1-917-860-2592


Source: Richard Attias & Associates

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