I'm Flattered That You Are All So Interested in My Vagina

Republicans ban Democrat for saying "vagina"

Michigan Republicans think it’s okay to legislate vaginas – but not talk about them. During a debate over one of the most restrictive anti-choice bills yet, Michigan state Rep. Lisa Brown read a letter from a voter that concluded, "Finally Mr. Speaker, I'm flattered that you are all so interested in my vagina, but no means no."

In response, Republican Speaker of the House Jase Bolger banned Rep. Brown from speaking on the state House floor the next day.

Send Jase Bolger an email telling him that if he is uncomfortable with lawmakers using the word "vagina," then he should stop legislating vaginas.

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Miss Universe Leila Lopes On Cover of MAXIM Portugal

Exotic African beauty Leila Lopes, the Miss Universe 2011 on cover of Maxim Portugal, June 2012.



Click here for more photographs.

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Atiq Mahenti In Dubai Wants To Contact Nigerian Friend Peace

Atiq Mahenti is based in Dubai, but lost contact with his Nigerian friend Peace who visited Dubai in April and May 2010 and stayed at the Blue Diamond Hotel in Deira near Gold Souk, Dubai. He wants Peace to contact him asap.


The following is the message from Atiq Mahenti.

Dear Peace,
Where are you?
Please contact me by my email id atiq_dxb@hotmail.com or call my mobile telephone number 00971 50 8800215.

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Commerzbank Study: Africa's Economies Continue to Gain Ground

27 Jun 2012 07:05 Africa/Lagos

Commerzbank Study: Africa's Economies Continue to Gain Ground

FRANKFURT, June 27, 2012/PRNewswire via African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Countries benefit from the commodity boom and political stability

- Growth impulses above all in the Sub-Saharan region


After the crises of the past, the economies of many African countries are clearly heading for growth. Political and economic stability has increased above all in the countries of the Sub-Saharan region. "Medium-term growth potential in Sub-Saharan Africa ought to be about six per cent per annum in the years ahead", a new study by Commerzbank, the second largest bank for private and corporate customers in Germany, reveals. According to the study, countries which manage to attract foreign investors could actually see even higher growth, since investments like these frequently initiate or boost growth momentum. With an economic growth forecast of 5.4 per cent for 2012, the region is now already ranking directly behind front-runner Asia.

The commodity boom and the turnaround to stability-oriented economic policy have increased the crisis-resistance of many countries in this region. Some of the states have thus already recorded notable surpluses in current account and government budget. The prerequisites for further economic growth, according to the study, are a stable political framework and a large population which allow higher economies of scale with fixed investment costs, plus good availability of commodities. Countries which meet these criteria include in particular Nigeria, Ghana, Angola and Mozambique. "The greatest challenge for Sub-Saharan Africa is the demographic development. The labour force potential, which is growing strongly because of the high population growth, can only be absorbed by the creation of additional jobs", says Florian Witt, head of the Africa department in Commerzbank's corporate banking. He remarks that this can only succeed if the depth of value added is decisively increased - and that, specifically, prevailing conditions call for such an increase mainly in the commodity-processing industry and in the processing of agricultural products.

The signs point to a sustained positive development: "In the larger cities a middle class is forming with a demand for increasingly higher-quality products. The services sector and in particular finance will also benefit from this", adds Rainer Schaefer, head of Commerzbank's Country Risk Analysis and one of the authors of the study. He expects both the development of the infrastructure and housing construction to give the building industry special momentum, and sees opportunities above all in renewable energies, as well as in information and communication technology.

However, in addition to the pleasing developments the study also reveals a whole series of negative aspects. For instance, in some Sub-Saharan states - such as Sudan and Somalia - civil war and economic chaos still prevail. Moreover, bureaucratic obstacles and corruption often curb economic development. Overall, 26 African countries have benefited from the debt relief initiative of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund since 2004. In return for the debt relief, these countries had undertaken to follow an economic policy based on fixed criteria. This was also backed by the turnaround in development aid, away from loans and towards non repayable grants, after the assistance loans in the eighties and nineties had led to the over-indebtedness of many African countries

With 6 representative offices between Cairo and Johannesburg, and 500 bank customers and 250 institutional customers, Commerzbank is the no. 1 German-speaking bank for corporate customer transactions in Africa. It has now been active there for 60 years, maintaining business relations with banks and state institutions in 50 of the 53 countries on the African continent. It cooperates above all with governments, local banks and central banks.

The study can be downloaded under: https://www.commerzbank.de/media/research/economic_research/2012/0620/afrika.pdf

or: http://ots.de/E7yOJ



Press contact:

Martin Halusa: Tel. +49-69-136-85331

Kirsten Böddeker: Tel. +49-69-136-85466



Source: Commerzbank AG


Source: Commerzbank AG

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DDB Worldwide Wins 79 Cannes Lions

26 Jun 2012 14:30 Africa/Lagos

DDB Worldwide Wins 79 Cannes Lions

NEW YORK, June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- DDB Worldwide has won 79 Lions at the Cannes Lions 59th International Festival of Creativity, placing the network among the top three vying for Network of the Year for the sixth consecutive year. These wins were by 27 offices in 23 countries across the DDB global network.

Chuck Brymer, President and CEO of DDB Worldwide, said, "Cannes Lions represent the epitome of creativity in our industry, and are a measure of not only our success but our clients' as well. A special congratulations goes to our client Mars for being named Cannes Lions 2012 Advertiser of the Year. We are proud to be associated with them."

The Lions were won across numerous industries and brands, including McDonald's, Volkswagen, Harvey Nichols, C&A, Henkel, State Farm, Swedish Armed Forces, Tourism Australia, and Lion Nathan, as well as other local brands throughout Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Latina, and North America.

Amir Kassaei, Chief Creative Officer for DDB Worldwide, said, "To have 46 offices win Lions or be shortlisted is a massive achievement for us as a worldwide network. Each and every one of our regions contributed to our haul, clearly demonstrating the power of DDB's creativity across the entire globe."

About DDB
DDB Worldwide Communications Group Inc (www.ddb.com) ranks among the top five consolidated advertising and marketing services global networks, according to Advertising Age. DDB emphasizes Social Creativity to grow the value and influence of brands around the world by creating ideas that people want to play with, participate in and pass along. The agency is consistently one of the most awarded at the Cannes Festival of Creativity and was recognized by The Gunn Report as one of the Top 3 Global Networks for 10 of the last 12 years. DDB was also recently named the Spikes Asia Network of the Year for the second consecutive year and the Eurobest Network of the Year for the third consecutive year. DDB Worldwide is part of Omnicom Group Inc. (OMC) and consists of more than 200 offices in over 90 countries.

Contact
Kaya Lobaczewski
kaya.lobaczewski@ny.tribalddb.com
212-515-8348

SOURCE DDB Worldwide

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

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Disruptive Advertising Technology - Adcquire -Breakthrough in Mobile Advertising

26 Jun 2012 16:00 Africa/Lagos

Disruptive Advertising Technology - Adcquire -Breakthrough in Mobile Advertising

The startup's psychology studies leads to the revolutionary Immersive Product Discovery Platform which provides unprecedented Consumer Engagement through reversed-targeting

LONDON, Ontario, June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Adcquire's new revolutionary marketing platform is making waves throughout the marketing industry. The platform, which connects brands and consumers through an innovative mobile app, generates physical interactions with products and is a first-of-its-kind positive experience engine.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120614/FL24925LOGO )

This new approach to digital advertising bridges the gap between traditional marketing methodologies while completely revolutionizing mobile marketing that until now has been much sought after yet elusive, especially in consumer goods.

Adcquire's technology leverages on decades of data and research in social psychology by focusing on compliance and persuasion, as well as current research into the neurochemistry of the reward circuitry in the human brain.

"We looked into some of the most powerful concepts and created a unique platform to help brands create positive experiences for consumers and at the same time, for consumers to discover information about brands and products," says Babak Motamedi, co-founder and COO of Adcquire.

The startup's Immersive Product Discovery Platform takes a new approach to digital marketing using a method that was previously mostly used in direct response marketing.

"Most forms of advertising use blunt delivery methods that only manage to interrupt in the desired activity or event of their target consumer. This creates negative experiences, sometimes to such an extent that the ad not only failed to serve its purpose but perhaps caused unwanted negative associations with the ad content," David Snir, co-founder and CEO explains. "Video, print and digital advertising, especially pop-ups such as currently exercised in mobile advertising can be causing more harm to a brand than good. Adcquire takes on an entirely different approach – one that actively invites people to participate in discovering products, letting them target ads instead of them being the target – it's a reversed targeted advertising technique."

The system engages people to physically interact with products by scanning them via a mobile app and answering one question about them. If they answer it right the system then rewards them.

"Our platform offers an unparalleled opportunity to marketers to create positive experiences with their brand through direct engagement with their product. Rewards have always been used in video games in the form of points, trophies and achievements to create a hook. We simply take this approach to create physical engagement with products," says Mr. Motamedi.

About Adcquire

Adcquire Inc. is the pioneer of Pay-Per-Grab Advertising, the revolutionary Immersive Product Discovery Platform. Adcquire's mobile advertising technology provides brands with an unprecedented digital-to-physical engagement between consumers and consumer goods that is then converted into unique market intelligence data. Adcquire reverses how digital marketing works by placing an emphasis on physical product discovery and a reward mechanism for which the consumer stands to benefit the most. The platform is not only proven to produce 1:1 marketing ROI, but is also a first-of-its-kind positive experience engine.

Video Introduction

www.adcquire.com

CONTACT: David Snir, 1-800-680-4640, PR@adcquire.com

SOURCE Adcquire

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

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75% Of Women Are Unlikely To Date Jobless Men

Women are scared of dating jobless men. Photo Credit: Catholic Match.

26 Jun 2012 16:00 Africa/Lagos

Social Stigma For Unemployed Men: 75% Of Women Are Unlikely To Date Them

SAN DIEGO, June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As if being unemployed isn't bad enough for the recently announced 8.2% of the population without jobs, a new survey performed by specialty dating service It's Just Lunch may have just added to the woes of unemployed men: 75% of women say they are unlikely to date them. When the dating company asked 925 single women, "Would you go out on a date with someone whom you knew was unemployed?" 33% of women said "No." Another 42% answered "Maybe" with the stipulation that "I wouldn't want to throw a lot of time into it unless they had a game plan for getting back on track."

Only 4% of women answered with an unreserved "Of course" while another 21% responded with "Yes. But I'd be curious to see how they're keeping occupied in the meantime."

"Not having a job will definitely make it harder for men to date someone they don't already know," says Irene LaCota, spokesperson for It's Just Lunch. "This is the rare area, compared to other topics we've done surveys on, where women's old-fashioned beliefs about sex roles seem to apply."

Many women fear that there will be a financial obligation if they date someone who is out of work. "While my heart goes out to people who are unemployed or under-employed in this economy," says Carole Bartholomeaux, president of Bartholomeaux PR in Phoenix, Arizona, "I will not have a relationship with someone whom I need to support."

Others are worried about having their activities constricted by an unemployed man's financial limitations. "I like to be able to do certain things and they will not be able to afford it," says Abbi Samuels, a software developer from Santa Cruz, California.

Women of all ages seem to feel the same way. And it's not just about money—according to life coach and filmmaker Patricia Weaver, it's also about being with a man who is engaged in some kind of activity. "Even at my age, 75, and dating if you can believe it," she says, "if a man is not employed, volunteering, involved in life it's a deal breaker."

Men seem to understand the phenomenon.

Ben Nettleton, a social media director for Global Healing Center of Houston, Texas, was unemployed for two out of five years in San Francisco. He and several other jobless buddies attended social events together. They noticed that when it came to women, "Basically every other dude in the room who [got] a bank injection every two weeks [had] the leg up. No 27 year old career-building woman has [an] interest in telling her parents about the guy she met who doesn't have a job."

But according to Vincent Turner, of San Francisco, women are subtle in how they reject you when they discover you are living off your savings. "No one's going to say, 'I'm not going to date you because you don't have a job.' You usually get the first date. But you don't get a lot of callbacks." But it's clear to him the issue is a steady paycheck. Though he's not technically unemployed, he's the unsalaried CEO of his own financial start-up, Planwise.com. "I've had it intimated to me that 'That's not what I signed up for.'"

Unemployment can even pave a rockier road for men who are considering marriage. That was a speed bump Brandon Garrett, of Draper, Utah, had to face last September. His jobless status was uncomfortable for his girlfriend – and also for him. "I had to ask her, 'Does this give you any qualms about my ability to provide for the family in the future?'"

They did wind up planning the wedding while he was unemployed, but he didn't officially propose until he got a job offer. "That's when I could afford a ring," he says. Garrett is now a marketing executive for The Ready Store.

Though joblessness is a social stigma for men, unemployed women have much better odds of meeting someone. Almost two out of every three men are open to dating a woman who is out of work. 19% say they have no reservations at all and 46% were positive, but interested in knowing how unemployed women spend their time.

Though romance may be a bit tougher if you're unemployed, LaCota says it's just like any other personal trait. "We're human, so we all have characteristics that certain people see as negatives," she says. "But you'll eventually find someone who doesn't have a problem with those issues at all."

It's Just Lunch is a personalized dating service for busy professionals. The company has coordinated over two million dates for clients since opening in 1991. IJL minimizes the stress and maximizes the efficiency of dating by sending people on casual, no-pressure dates over lunch, brunch or drinks after work. IJL's team of dating specialists, not a computer, perform the matchmaking. The company has over 150 locations in the US, Canada and internationally.

SOURCE It's Just Lunch

CONTACT: Irene LaCota, +1-760-779-0101 ext. 129, Irene.LaCota@IJLCorp.com

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Sony Mobile Unveils National Campaign for Xperia ion Smartphone Launch in US

25 Jun 2012 14:49 Africa/Lagos

Sony Mobile Unveils National Campaign for Xperia ion Smartphone Launch in US

-- Campaign showcases Sony's first 4G LTE smartphone - Xperia ion - now available on AT&T, allowing you to experience HD everywhere

-- Fully integrated campaign demonstrates Xperia features and capabilities

-- TV spot features unique Sony entertainment experiences, including Spider-Man and new music from Matt & Kim



ATLANTA, June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Sony Mobile Communications (USA) Inc. launches a campaign featuring its first-ever national television commercial introducing the Xperia ion as Sony's first LTE smartphone now available exclusively on AT&T. The TV spot is just one part of a fully integrated campaign which includes television, digital, out-of-home, social media and print components. The campaign emphasizes Sony's connected entertainment and the unique HD everywhere experience that is brought to life by the Xperia ion.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120625/NY29757 )

The launch of Xperia ion makes its mark as the launch of the first Sony -branded LTE smartphone in the U.S. and delivers on the company's strategy to offer premium entertainment experiences across multiple screens. The campaign behind it is designed to build awareness for Sony's mobile offerings that will appear under the Xperia name.

Peter Farmer, Vice President of Marketing for North America at Sony Mobile Communications said, "The Sony brand has long been synonymous with entertainment and innovation, and this campaign shows how the Xperia ion continues this tradition by providing consumers with a truly connected entertainment experience that only Sony can offer."

An Integrated Campaign

The Xperia ion national advertising campaign was developed by McCann Worldgroup and is an extension of Sony's global 'Made of Imagination' campaign platform. It kicks off with a television spot, directed by Emmy-nominated music video director Paul Hunter. The spot also includes familiar and timely Sony brand assets such as The Amazing Spider-Man and new music by Sony/RED distributed music artist Matt & Kim. Phase one of the campaign, which will be deployed across television, print, digital, out-of-home and retail will roll out over the next couple months.

"To launch the Made of Imagination platform for Sony Mobile in the US, we wanted to show how the Xperia ion can unlock amazing entertainment experiences that totally immerses users," said Mat Bisher, Creative Director at McCann New York. "We wanted to bring it to life in a way that felt exciting and imaginative."

The 60 and 30-second launch commercials, takes viewers on an entertaining, imaginative journey following an Xperia ion user walking to his apartment, as the experiences on his phone come to life around him. Artist Matt & Kim play their latest single "Let's Go," Spider-Man stops a thief, and a full-scale military assault takes place, all on one block. The TV spot can be viewed on Sony Mobile's US YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/sonyxperiaus.

To augment the TV spot to online, digital agency LBi conceived of and created microsite Xperia World (http://www.sonymobile.com/xperiaworld) demonstrating the Xperia ion's promise of immersive entertainment. LBi shot the same scene captured for the TV commercial from multiple angles and repurposed it for the microsite as a massive high-definition photo, creating a virtual city street with Sony entertainment properties including movies, TV shows, bands, songs and games. Users are encouraged to share their experience through social channels like Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest with a challenge to find all the different Sony entertainment properties contained in the single block.

TV spot Credits:
Title: "One Block"
Agency: McCann New York
Chairman: Linus Karlsson
Vice Chairman: Andreas Dahlqvist
Co-Chief Creative Officers: Tom Murphy, Sean Bryan
Creative Directors: Jason Schmall, Mat Bisher
Executive Producer: Greg Lotus
Production Company: Prettybird
Director: Paul Hunter
DP: Larry Fong
Executive Producer: Ali Brown
Head of Production: Leslie Evers
Line Producer: Tom Meloth
Editorial: Final Cut
Editor: Stephen Berger
Visual Effects: Mass Market, Full Scale Effects
FX Supervisor: David Peterson

Pricing and Availability

Xperia ion is now available exclusively through AT&T and costs just $99.99 with a two-year agreement. The new Xperia ion is ideal for creating and showcasing premium entertainment with video, photo, gaming and music. For more information on this all-new 4G LTE Android smartphone, visit www.sonymobile.com/Xperiaion.

About Sony Mobile Communications (USA) Inc.

Sony Mobile Communications (USA) Inc. is a subsidiary of Sony Mobile Communications AB which is part of the Tokyo-based Sony Corporation Group of Companies, a leading global innovator of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for both the consumer and professional markets. Through its Xperia™ smartphone portfolio, Sony Mobile Communications delivers the best of Sony technology, premium content and services, and easy connectivity to Sony's world of networked entertainment experiences. For more information: www.sonymobile.com

About McCann New York

McCann Erickson New York is the flagship and largest office of McCann Erickson Worldwide, with operations in more than 115 countries and a client roster that includes preeminent global marketers and many of the world's most famous brands. The agency is a unit of McCann Worldgroup, a leading global marketing solutions network, comprised of a collaborative roster of best-in-class agencies that emphasize creativity, innovation and performance.

About The Amazing Spider-Man™

One of the world's most popular characters is back on the big screen as a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy is revealed in The Amazing Spider-Man™. Focusing on an untold story that tells a different side of the Peter Parker story, the new film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, with Martin Sheen and Sally Field. The film is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay written by James Vanderbilt and Alvin Sargent and Steve Kloves from a story by James Vanderbilt, based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the film in association with Marvel Entertainment for Columbia Pictures, which will open in theaters everywhere in 3D on July 3, 2012. The Amazing Spider-Man is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents' disappearance – leading him directly to OsCorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father's former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors' alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 159 countries. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com/

© "Sony" is the registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Corporation and its subsidiaries. © "XPERIA" is the registered trademark of Sony Mobile Communications AB. © All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Sony Mobile Communications

CONTACT: Vinti Bhatnagar, Burson-Marsteller for Sony Mobile Communications, +1-212-614-5036, vinti.bhatnagar@bm.com; or Bruce Stockler, McCann Worldgroup, +1-646-865-2643, Bruce.Stockler@mccann.com, Product images: http://www.sonymobile.com/cws/corporate/press/pressreleases/latestnews/

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

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Survey Shows Most Couples Discuss Money Before Marriage

Black couple struggling over money. Photo Credit: Popular Critic.

Survey shows most couples discuss money before marriage

Supermajority discuss debts and dreams before saying “I do,” according to Northwestern Mutual’s “Marriage & Money” poll



MILWAUKEE, June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — June and July are the most popular months for weddings according to U.S. Department of Health & Human Services¹. Before saying “I do,” 78 percent of couples say they discussed personal finances before marriage, according to a new Northwestern Mutual poll. Half (53%) of American couples say they talked about their personal financial situations prior to getting engaged and 25 percent had the conversation after their engagement, but before the wedding.

In a poll on Northwestern Mutual’s Facebook page, 1,003 respondents selected the point at which they discussed personal finances with their significant other. While the vast majority of respondents addressed personal finances with their partner before they were married, 12 percent waited until after marriage and 11 percent never had a formal conversation about financial planning, even after marriage.

“The topic of finances can be a sensitive subject between couples,” says Bill Taylor, Northwestern Mutual vice president – planning & sales. “However, there is great value in starting a financial plan early together. With honest discourse, a solid financial plan and an eyes-wide-open approach, couples can start their lives together with more confidence.”

Taylor recommends that couples consider some key items to ensure financially healthy relationships:

Should we combine assets or keep them separate?
Should we maintain a joint or separate bank account?
What are our joint financial goals?
What if an illness or injury prevents one of us from working?
What is our budget?

Taylor suggests that couples looking for additional guidance should consult a financial professional.

“Financial representatives can offer helpful, non-biased recommendations regarding financial planning and strategy, and help uncover solutions and compromises that helps to ensure the financial health of a relationship,” says Taylor.

About Northwestern Mutual
The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company – Milwaukee, WI (Northwestern Mutual) – among the "World’s Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2012 according to FORTUNE® magazine – has helped clients achieve financial security for more than 155 years. As a mutual company with $1.2 trillion of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual has no shareholders. The company focuses solely and directly on its clients and seeks to deliver consistent and dependable value to them over time. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a holistic approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability insurance, annuities, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company; and Russell Investments.

###

¹ “National Vital Statistics Report, Volume 58, Number 25, Births, Marriages, Divorces, and Deaths: Provisional Data for 2009.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr58/nvsr58_25.pdf.

For further information, contact:

Shawn Rolland
1-800-323-7033
mediarelations@northwesternmutual.com


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