Cars.com Announces "Best Of 2013" Award Nominees

17 Dec 2012 15:00 Africa/Lagos

Cars.com Announces "Best Of 2013" Award Nominees

CHICAGO, Dec. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cars.com, the premier online resource for buying and selling new and used vehicles, today announced its editors' nominees for the site's highest honor, the "Best Of 2013" Award. Nominees include the BMW 3-Series, Honda Accord, Honda CR-V, Ram 1500, Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ and the Toyota Prius.

"Each year, automakers roll out upwards of 70 brand-new or redesigned cars," said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com's Editor-in-Chief. "From those, we choose the very best new or fully-redesigned cars that represent change, innovation, forward thinking and a breath of fresh air."

Cars.com's editors' "Best of 2013" finalists include (in alphabetical order):

Best of 2013 Award Nominee

2013 BMW 328

Best New Luxury Sedan: It seems every time BMW updates its venerable 3 Series, auto publications laud it as the "best ever."

Best of 2013 Award Nominee

2013 Honda Accord

Best New Midsize Sedan: The 2013 Honda Accord might best the best redesign of the midsize sedan segment.

Best of 2013 Award Nominee

2013 Honda CR-V

Best New SUV: The carmaker's crossover has long been lauded as a benchmark and its redesign solidifies its status.

Best of 2013 Award Nominee

2013 RAM 1500

Best New Pickup: This new 1500 is that it now offers class-leading fuel economy, a segment-exclusive 8-speed transmission.

Best of 2013 Award Nominee

2013 Scion FR-S

Best New Sports Car: The Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ provide a driving experience that's tragically rare nowadays.

Best of 2013 Award Nominee

2013 Subaru BRZ

Best New Sports Car: The Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ provide a driving experience that's tragically rare nowadays.

Best of 2013 Award Nominee

2013 Toyota Prius c

Best New Hybrid: The Prius c ups the ante with an EPA-estimated 50 mpg in combined driving at about $5,000 less than its Prius sibling.

"There is no shortage of great cars on the market these days," said Olsen. "However, these seven cars, representing a variety of segments, buyers and lifestyles are what we consider to be the best of the best. Car shoppers can be assured that a Cars.com award nominee has our highest seal of approval and is a worthy investment."

For more information on Cars.com's Best of 2013 Awards and Lifestyle Awards, visit www.cars.com/awards. Winners will be announced on January 15, 2013 at the Cars.com Award Gala during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. To find these cars or any other car at your local dealer, click here.

ABOUT CARS.COM

Cars.com is an award-winning online destination for car shoppers that offers information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car. Cars.com offers thousands of new and used vehicle listings, consumer reviews, side-by-side comparison tools, photo galleries, videos, unbiased editorial content and many other tools. Cars.com put millions of car buyers in control of their shopping process with the information they need to make confident buying decisions. Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures LLC, which is owned by leading media companies, including A.H. Belo (NYSE: AHC), Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI), Tribune Company and The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO).

SOURCE Cars.com

CONTACT: Ethan Hertzberg, 312.601.5685

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

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17 Dec 2012
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Let Us Pray for America and Comfort Her

In memory of all the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre on Friday December 14, 2012, in Sandy Hook village of Newtown, Connecticut, U.S.A. The second-deadliest mass shooting in United States history, after the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre.

CHARLOTTE BACON, 6
DANIEL BARDEN, 7
RACHEL DAVINO, 29
OLIVIA ENGEL, 6
JOSEPHINE GAY, 7
ANA G. MARQUEZ-GREENE, 6
DYLAN HOCKLEY, 6
DAWN HOCHSPRUNG, 47
MADELEINE F. HSU, 6
CATHERINE V. HUBBARD, 6
CHASE KOWALSKI, 7
JESSE LEWIS, 6
JAMES MATTIOLI, 6
GRACE MCDONNELL, 7
ANNE MARIE MURPHY, 52
EMILIE PARKER, 6
JACK PINTO, 6
NOAH POZNER, 6
CAROLINE PREVIDI, 6
JESSICA REKOS, 6
AVIELLE RICHMAN, 6
LAUREN ROUSSEAU, 30
MARY SHERLACH, 56
VICTORIA SOTO, 27
BENJAMIN WHEELER, 6
ALLISON N. WYATT, 6

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Champions Of Our Time is the Best Family Movie in 20 Years Of Nollywood

Source: Uploaded by user via Re-Branding Nigeria on Pinterest

In the 20 years of Nollywood, since the phenomenal home video blockbuster Living in Bondage to date, no other Nollywood family themed movie has been as good as Champions of Our Time in content and context of film making in Nigeria. The screenplay was well written, the casting was excellent and the cinematography was better than previous Nollywood movies on the modern Nigerian family and thus making Champions of Our Time the best Nigerian family movie in the 20 years of Nollywood.

Champions of Our Time was sponsored by the Lagos State government and is the only Nollywood family movie that has won more local and international awards. In fact, it beat the highly rated award winning The Figurine of Kunle Afolayan to the much coveted ECOWAS Special Prize Prize For Integration For the Best West African Film [The first for a Nigerian film] and the Prix spécial du jury pour une œuvre de fiction TV/Vidéo (Special Jury Prize for TV/Video fiction) with a value of one million CFA francs at the highly competitive Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou ( FESPACO) in 2011.

Champions of Our Time tells the extraordinary story of two exceptionally brilliant young girls from opposing ends of the social spectrum. They both nurse ambitions of becoming the next winner of the prestigious St. Flairs Foundation Quiz Competition. However, their quest unravels a web of intrigue, high-stakes politicking, corruption in high places, and a culture of neglect and discrimination against the physically challenged amongst us. Suspense-wrapped scenes in the movie showed how far the players went to achieve their dreams in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.



The screenplay was written by the award winning screenwriter Chidi Nwokeabia and directed by award winning filmmaker Mak Kusare and Charles Inojie

The movie is a production of Macnuel Productions Limited in Nigeria and starring top Nollywood stars Segun Arinze, Joke Silva-Jacob, Ngozi Ezeonu, Ejike Asiegbu, Ayo Adesanya, Charles Inojie, (Introducing) Treasure Obasi and Feyisola Ewulomi, Paul Adams, Ejike Metu and others.

Champions of Our Time has won the following awards.

1. The Best Actress Award and Best Supporting Actress Award at Terracotta Film and Television Awards, 2010.

2. The Best Film award at the 2010 Zafaa International Film Festival.

3. Best Film and the Best Actress Award at 2010 Abuja International Film Festival.

4. Golden Mboni Award at 2010 Lola Kenya Screen Festival.

5. Official Selection of the African Movies Academy Awards (AMAA 2010).

6. Official Selection of the 2010 Zanzibar International Film Festival.

7. Finalist at the 2011 16th International Family Film Festival in Hollywood, USA.

8. Official Selection of Deep Fried International Film Festival, U.K.

9. Official Selection of Lucasfilm International Film Festival in Germany.

10. The Child Friendly Film Prize, Home Video Integrity Awards (HOMEVIDA) 2011.

11. ECOWAS Special Prize Prize For Integration For the Best West African Film [The first for a Nigerian film] and the Prix spécial du jury pour une œuvre de fiction TV/Vidéo (Special Jury Prize for TV/Video fiction), Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou ( FESPACO) in 2011.

DIRECTOR --- Mak Kusare
PRODUCERS --- Chidi Nwokeabia & Emeka Enyiocha
SCREENPLAY --- Chidi Nwokeabia

MUSIC --- Muhammed Musulumi

D.O.P --- Pindem Lot

EDITOR --- Eric Obinwa & Idi Nasiru

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER --- Macnuel Productions

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR --- Charles Inojie

CONTINUITY --- Ikechukwu Omenaihe

MAKE-UP --- Yemisi Ikotun

CUSTOMIER --- Chioma Okafor

LOCATION --- Macnuel Productions Ltd. & Simeone Owest

For more details on DVD copies, call Tel: 234 8035005391, 08023424770.

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"I AM A MIGRANT TOO" Poetry Book Launched in South Africa

14 Dec 2012 06:35 Africa/Lagos

"I AM A MIGRANT TOO" Poetry Book Launched in South Africa

GENEVA, December 14, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- IOM South Africa, in partnership with the City of Johannesburg and UNHCR, will today (14/12/12) launch a poetry book - ‘I AM A MIGRANT TOO' ahead of International Migrants Day on 18th December,

The event at the Uncle Tom Hall in Soweto, will mark the end of the month long ‘I AM A MIGRANT TOO' campaign launched at the beginning of November 2012.

The campaign was designed to sensitize the South African public to the fact that migrants are an integral part of society. It shows that we are all either migrants or are related to migrants.

As a part of the campaign, which is part of a broader effort to combat xenophobia in South Africa, IOM invited poets from across the country to submit poems on the subject: ‘I AM A MIGRANT TOO.'

The competition attracted over 200 poetry entries written by artists of all ages, backgrounds and diverse life experiences. The poems invite us to reflect on what migration means and how migration is part of human nature and a part of our lives.

“We thank all the poets, including young children, who submitted their artistic work to this competition, particularly young children who shared raw and vivid expressions of their life's experiences. Some of them won awards, some of them received honorary recognition but to us, everyone is a winner!” says Dr. Erick Ventura, IOM's Chief of Mission a.i. in South Africa.

All the poems were adjudicated and the award winners' poems and finalists were edited and published into a poetry book. The poems in the book celebrate migration and advance our understanding of migration. They celebrate the richness in the diversity that migration brings, but also share the similarities between migrants and host communities.

"The poems that are included in this book show just how diverse the migrant community is in South Africa, as well as how many South Africans are willing to welcome migrants into their communities. That is definitely something to celebrate," says Clementine Nkweta-Salami, UNHCR Regional Representative for Southern Africa.

The poetry book is available for download on the IOM South Africa website (www.iom.org.za ) and printed copies will be distributed to schools, universities and the UN Library in South Africa.


Source: International Office of Migration (IOM)

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Now Playing @ the Theatres in Town

14 Dec 2012 23:55 Africa/Lagos

Warner Bros. Consumer Products Unveils Worldwide Licensing Program For The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
The First Film in the Highly Anticipated THE HOBBIT Trilogy Hits Theaters Today, December 14



BURBANK, Calif., Dec. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Calling all fans of Middle-earth – Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) has teamed up with a slate of renowned global licensees to capture the adventure of the eagerly awaited blockbuster film The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM). From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is first in a trilogy of films based on the classic tale from J.R.R. Tolkien and has licensees from around the world lined up to support the epic saga.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121214/LA30249-a)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121214/LA30249-b)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121214/LA30249-c)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121214/LA30249-d)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121214/LA30249-e)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121214/LA30249LOGO-f)

As The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits theaters today, December 14, 2012, an array of products inspired by the film will be available at retailers worldwide, with several products also available at HobbitShop.com.

"The enduring popularity of the world of Middle-earth places The Hobbit Trilogy in a unique category of film franchises with the ability to delight fans for generations to come," said Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "We work closely with our impressive roster of licensees to create products that capture the spirit of this fantastically imagined world and give fans a chance to immerse themselves, once again, in Middle-earth with their favorite stories and characters off-screen."

With the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, WBCP is excited to unveil its vast licensing and merchandise program supporting this highly anticipated film. Co-master toy licensees The Bridge Direct and Vivid Group bring an assortment of highly detailed action figures, collector's figures, and role play toys in support of the film. Also lighting up the toy aisles is LEGO with a LEGO Games build-and-change construction game, as well as an array of construction sets inspired by key moments from the film; and global partner Rubie's Costume Co. with a detailed line of costumes and accessories based on the film's legendary characters.

Additional key licensees include collector-favorites such as Weta Workshop, with richly detailed prop replicas from the same studio responsible for props in the film; The Noble Collection with high-quality collectibles; and United Cutlery with collector weaponry replicas. In apparel, perennial favorite Bioworld, and niche retailer Jinx, offer classic and quirky styles to delight all fans, while Trevco brings fans fun print-to-order t-shirts, TV Mania features fantastical styles for all ages, and Elope offers a collection of apparel and accessories, among others.

Also supporting the tentpole adventure is Pressman Toy with exciting table games; Games Workshop with the leading tabletop strategy games; Cryptozoic Entertainment with film-inspired card and collectible games; Ravensburger with the creation of 2D and 3D puzzles and card games; figurine and chess partwork collections from global licensee Eaglemoss; and HarperCollinsPublishers and Houghton Mifflin publishing house with the official tie-in books to the films; with many other licensees rounding out the global licensing roster.

For The Hobbit Trilogy, Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, the character he played in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, with Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins, and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield. Also reprising their roles from The Lord of the Rings in The Hobbit Trilogy are: Cate Blanchett as Galadriel; Ian Holm as the elder Bilbo; Christopher Lee as Saruman; Hugo Weaving as Elrond; Elijah Wood as Frodo; and Andy Serkis as Gollum.

About The Hobbit Trilogy

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is the first of three films from filmmaker Peter Jackson, the Academy Award-winning director of "The Lord of the Rings" Trilogy. The screenplay for "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro. Jackson is also producing the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Boyens and Eileen Moran serving as co-producers.

New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Present a WingNut Films Production, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey." All three films in "The Hobbit" Trilogy, also including "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug," and the final film, "The Hobbit: There and Back Again," are productions of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), with New Line managing production. Warner Bros. Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television distribution being handled by MGM.

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" will be released on December 14, 2012, with the second film, "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug," releasing December 13, 2013, and the third film, "The Hobbit: There and Back Again," slated for July 18, 2014.

www.thehobbit.com

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

© Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved. THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG, THE HOBBIT: THERE AND BACK AGAIN and the names of the characters, items, events and places therein are trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Middle-earth Enterprises under license to New Line Productions, Inc.

(s12)

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and the names of the characters, items, events and places therein are trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Middle-earth Enterprises under license to New Line Productions, Inc.


SOURCE Warner Bros. Consumer Products

CONTACT: Janice Aguilar-Herrero, janice.aguilaro.herrero@warnerbros.com

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National Geographic Celebrates 125 Years With Exploration Issue And Anniversary Special

14 Dec 2012 16:03 Africa/Lagos

National Geographic Celebrates 125 Years With Exploration Issue And Anniversary Special

January 2013 Magazine Features Five Covers Highlighting The Superlatives Of Exploration

National Geographic Channels To Premiere Anniversary Program On 'New Age Of Exploration' In January

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a publishing first for National Geographic magazine, each copy of the January 2013 issue will feature five covers highlighting the Society's 125th anniversary theme, "A New Age of Exploration." The multiple covers will be included in the worldwide English-language edition and in 12 local-language editions and are exclusively supported by Rolex. These editions are read by more than 50 million people around the globe.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121214/DC28924)

The January covers highlight the superlatives of exploration — farthest, wildest, smallest, highest and deepest. The top cover spotlights the farthest reaches of space travel as it looks at "Why We Explore." The four additional covers profile other ways exploration is being pushed to the limits: The Wildest focuses on saving Ecuador's pristine rain forest; the Smallest looks at the invisible world of microbes; the Highest features mountaineer Cory Richards; and the Deepest highlights filmmaker James Cameron's solo dive to the Mariana Trench.

The "New Age of Exploration" theme will be marked Society-wide throughout 2013, including the National Geographic Channels, website, books, magazines, video and live events. The yearlong initiative has been made possible through a 125th anniversary partnership with Rolex.

National Geographic Channels will premiere a 125th anniversary special, "A New Age of Exploration: National Geographic at 125," on Friday, Jan. 11, in the United States and globally throughout the month. The program profiles the new superheroes of exploration — amazing people who are forging new ground as they square off against the latest frontiers. National Geographic Channels will dedicate more than 125 hours of programming to the theme of exploration throughout the year in its "Explorer Top 125" programming event.

A dynamic online hub at www.nationalgeographic.com/125 will include special features such as an interactive exploration timeline, videos, interviews and photo galleries updated regularly during the Society's 12-month focus on the future of exploration.

On June 13, 2013, the 125th anniversary will be celebrated at a "National Geographic Evening of Exploration" gala, where the Society's top medals and honors will be awarded to explorers and other recipients. All proceeds from the gala will go to National Geographic's Fund for Exploration.

"For 125 years, National Geographic has been at the forefront of discovery, driven by a passion and purpose to explore and illuminate the world. And there is so much more to know to help us reimagine not only our world but our place in it," said Claudia Malley, executive vice president and worldwide publisher, National Geographic Global Media. "I can think of no better partner than Rolex, which is at the forefront of innovation and exploration, to join us in this quest."

"With its shared passion for exploration, Rolex is delighted to partner with National Geographic on its 125th anniversary initiative. For decades, Rolex has supported pioneers of exploration, from the tallest mountain to the deepest ocean trench, and we look forward to being there, wherever man dares to venture next," said Arnaud Boetsch, communications & image manager of Rolex SA.

About the National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. National Geographic reflects the world through its magazines, television programs, films, music and radio, books, DVDs, maps, exhibitions, live events, expeditions, interactive media and merchandise. National Geographic magazine, the Society's official journal, is read by more than 60 million people each month. The National Geographic Channel reaches 440 million households in 171 countries in 38 languages. National Geographic Digital Media receives more than 20 million visitors a month. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geography literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/natgeo

About Rolex
Leading brand of the Swiss watch industry, Rolex, headquartered in Geneva, enjoys an unrivalled reputation for quality and expertise the world over. Its OYSTER watches, all certified as chronometers for their precision, are symbols of excellence, performance and prestige. Pioneer in the development of the wristwatch as early as 1905, the brand is at the origin of numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the OYSTER, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the PERPETUAL rotor self-winding mechanism introduced in 1931. Rolex has registered over 400 patents in the course of its history. A truly integrated manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house all the essential components of its watches, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Rolex is also actively involved in supporting the arts, sports, the spirit of enterprise, and the environment through a broad palette of sponsoring activities as well as philanthropic programmes.

Official website: www.rolex.com

SOURCE National Geographic Society

CONTACT: Heather Wyatt, +1-917-952-8679, ngtraveler@hwyattpr.com

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

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Genevieve Nnaji and other Celebrities at U.S. Consulate Dinner for Nollywood

Genevieve Nnaji.

The Consul General of the U.S. Consulate in Nigeria Mr. Jeffrey J. Hawkins hosted the Queen of Nollywood Genevieve Nnaji and other Nollywood celebrities at an exclusive dinner on Friday December 7, at his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.. At the dinner were top movie directors Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Bond Emeruwa, Andy Amenechi and fast rising Nollywood producer and actress Amaka Anioji. Other important guests included Benny Uche of the Public Affairs Section of the United States Embassy, Hope Obioma Opara, President of Eko International Film Festival, Uduak Oguamanam, Bobby Michaels, Rita Onwurah, CNN's Vladamir Duthiers and Bola Aduwo of Nollywood Uncut.

Mr. Jeffrey J. Hawkins, the U.S. Consul General with Bond Emeruwa and others.

Bola Aduwo, Genevieve Nnaji and Amaka Anioji

Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Genevieve Nnaji and Andy Amenechi.

Hope Obioma Opara, Keppy Ekpenyong Bassey, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Genevieve Nnaji and others.
 

Andy Amenechi and Genevieve Nnaji.

A special guest Genevieve Nnaji, CNN's  Vladamir Duthiers and Benny Uche.

The U.S Consul General appreciated participants of the capacity building/training workshop for practitioners in Nollywood called Nollywood UP, a program designed by Nollywood Workshops, the Coalition of Nollywood Guilds and Associations (CONGA) and backed by the Lagos State Government.


Photo Credits: Courtesy of Bola Aduwo of Nollywood Uncut.

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All-American Johnny Rockets Opens First Restaurant In Nigeria

13 Dec 2012 20:07 Africa/Lagos

All-American Johnny Rockets Opens First Restaurant In Nigeria

- Victoria Island Restaurant is the First of Five Slated for Africa's Most Populous Country

ALISO VIEJO, California, Dec. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnny Rockets' aggressive international expansion continued yesterday with the opening of its first location in Nigeria.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120112/LA35131LOGO)

Located on upscale Victoria Island – the commercial, financial and tourist hub of West Africa - the new 2,600-square-foot restaurant is the first of five Johnny Rockets franchise partner Christopher Nahman plans to develop in Nigeria over the next seven years. Additional locations are slated for the Lagos area, with Ikeja and Lekki being considered as future sites.

With seating for approximately 85, the new restaurant is located on one of four major roads on Victoria Island, directly across from the Eko Hotel and Suites, Nigeria's largest hotel and convention center. Along with hotel guests and meeting attendees, the restaurant's flavorful fare and fun dining ambiance will attract local residents and visitors to this exclusive community.

"Nigerians have long craved American products," explained Nahman, whose family's company, Nahman Construction Company Ltd., has specialized in high-end residential, commercial and government projects in Nigeria since 1969. "The classic decor will bring them in, and the delicious food, upbeat music, and family-friendly atmosphere will bring them back again and again."

The new Victoria Island Johnny Rockets restaurant offers tasty all-American fare along with regional favorites in a fun, timeless ambiance. Traditional menu items include juicy Hamburgers, crispy American Fries served with a ketchup smiley face, classic Sandwiches and hand-spun Shakes. Jollof Rice and Fried Rice have been added to appeal to local palates.

"As the most populous country in Africa, Nigeria represents a tremendous opportunity for our iconic, all-American brand," said Steve Devine, President of Johnny Rockets International. "With Chris' deep connection to the area and knowledge of what Nigerians are looking for in a dining experience, he's the ideal franchise partner to maximize the potential for us here in Lagos and throughout the rest of the country."

Johnny Rockets' new Victoria Island restaurant is the first of several restaurants planned in Africa, including future restaurants in Morocco, Tunisia and Libya. It is located at 1411 Adetokonbo Ademola in Lagos, and is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

For more information about Johnny Rockets and its franchising opportunities, go to www.johnnyrockets.com.

CONTACT: Cozette Phifer Koerber, Johnny Rockets, +1-949-643-6135, cphifer@johnnyrockets.com

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

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13 Dec 2012
20:07	All-American Johnny Rockets Opens First Restaurant In Nigeria
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07:07	Airtel Completes 4G LTE Trial in Nigeria
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Top 5 Christmas Presents People Hide Are...

1. Toys (42%)

2. Gadgets (24%)

3. Children's Bikes (21%)

4. Clothing (21%)

5. Jewellery (19%)

12 Dec 2012 10:00 Africa/Lagos

Brits Will Leave £2.4 Billion Worth of Presents at Risk in Cars This Christmas

LONDON, December 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

30% of Brits say they hide Christmas presents in cars because of 'Christmas Curiosity' by their children or partners, leaving themselves prey to thieves and festive misery

Brits will hide an astonishing £2.4 billion¹ worth of Christmas presents in their cars this year, according to new research from leading insurer, Allianz Your Cover.

The survey of 2,000 people showed that despite the increased risk of crime over the festive season, 30% said they hid Christmas presents in cars and 28% of those people will leave them unsecured or on display in their vehicles, making themselves even more at risk of theft. Sadly, 66% of people who have been a victim of this type of festive crime said that it 'ruined their Christmas'.

More than half of the people said they kept gifts in cars to hide them from their children, while 45% said they were keeping them out of sight of snooping partners. And it would seem that these suspicions are not entirely unfounded, with nearly one in five women confessing that they

hunt for hidden presents from their partner in the run-up to Christmas day, compared to only one in ten men.

The report also found that 30% of people who do find a hidden present meant for them will say nothing and then fake surprise when they open it on Christmas day.

Shockingly, men are more likely to use their hidden Christmas present and then put it back with 8% confessing to having done this before.

One third of motorists also admitted they either didn't lock their valuables away in the vehicle

or left them on display. The most common items that fall into these categories are:

Satnav (20%)
Smartphone (17%)
Wallet (14%)

Jon Lott of Allianz Your Cover comments:

"The fear of 'Christmas Curiosity' unearthing presents that are meant to be surprises for loved ones means that many people leave expensive presents in cars. We recommend motorists never leave items of value in vehicles but if they do, they should ensure their belongings are placed in a locked glove box or boot as leaving them on display could attract unwanted attention from thieves."

"People are taking a high risk by hiding presents in their cars. It's also possible that their insurance policy will not cover high value items left in the car."

For more information on how to protect your vehicle against crime, please visit the Allianz Your Cover website: http://www.yourcoverinsurance.co.uk/.

Notes for the Media

A survey of 2,000 people in the UK was carried out in November 2012 by One Poll on behalf of Allianz Your Cover.

[ 1 ] £2.4 billion (62.3m Brits in the UK http://www.statistics.gov.uk divided by 30% of people that have hidden presents in the car x £134.28 average price of hidden present.)

About Allianz Your Cover

Allianz Your Cover is a new breed of insurance product, offering cover that customers select to precisely match their own lifestyle and circumstances. Using an easy to use 'Quote and Buy' website, Your Cover makes it simple to design and, obtain a quote, and manage your insurance online.
The result of two years' research involving thousands of insurance buyers, Allianz Your Cover is a product from Allianz Insurance plc, which is a part of the global Allianz Group.
Your Cover insurance quotes are available online at http://www.yourcoverinsurance.co.uk.

CONTACT: Helen Braddock/Kate Mallett, Consolidated PR - Tel: +44(0)207-781-2360 / +44(0)207781-2375 Email: helenb@consolidatedpr.com/ katem@consolidatedpr.com

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Champions of Our Time: Get It On DVD From December 17

NOW YOU CAN HAVE YOUR OWN SPECIAL COLLECTION OF THE MULTIPLE AWARDS WINNING NIGERIAN MOVIE CHAMPIONS OF OUR TIME ON DVD!

The special DVD of Champions of Our Time will be selling at all public outlets from December 17, 2012. Don't miss it.

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