Sunday, January 20, 2013

Wole Soyinka Speaks Of Africa in New Book


A member of the unique generation of African writers and intellectuals who came of age in the last days of colonialism, Wole Soyinka has witnessed the promise of independence and lived through postcolonial failure. He deeply comprehends the pressing problems of Africa, and, an irrepressible essayist and a staunch critic of the oppressive boot, he unhesitatingly speaks out.

In this magnificent new work, Soyinka offers a wide-ranging inquiry into Africa's culture, religion, history, imagination, and identity. He seeks to understand how the continent's history is entwined with the histories of others, while exploring Africa's truest assets: "its humanity, the quality and valuation of its own existence, and modes of managing its environment—both physical and intangible (which includes the spiritual)."


Fully grasping the extent of Africa's most challenging issues, Soyinka nevertheless refuses defeatism. With eloquence he analyzes problems ranging from the meaning of the past to the threat of theocracy. He asks hard questions about racial attitudes, inter-ethnic and religious violence, the viability of nations whose boundaries were laid out by outsiders, African identity on the continent and among displaced Africans, and more. Soyinka's exploration of Africa relocates the continent in the reader's imagination and maps a course toward an African future of peace and affirmation.



“The Nigerian 1986 Nobel Laureate (Literature) offers a slender, hopeful volume about his native continent’s potential for healing the world’s spiritual ills. . . . A brief but eloquent plea for peace.”—Kirkus Reviews
(Kirkus Reviews )

“A fascinating, urgent appraisal of Africa’s relationship to the world. . . . Pitched to a general reader but with implications for specialists as well, this is necessarily big thinking laced with the subtle insights and analogies of a gifted writer, and a stirring defense of the ‘spiritual aspirations’ of human beings for freedom and peace.”—Publishers Weekly
(Publishers Weekly )

"Of Africa is an intellectually robust, book-length essay that attempts to unravel the paradoxes and contradictions plaguing Nigeria and, by extension, Africa. . . . Soyinka’s motivation for writing Of Africa was his search for an African humanism that could counter the deadly consequences of religious fanaticism. He urges Africans to remember their continent’s traditions and recognize that tolerance is at the center of African spirituality.”—George Ayittey, Wall Street Journal
(George Ayittey Wall Street Journal 20121103)

“Among the Africans who deserve some kind of secular sainthood is Wole So­yinka. . . . Vast injustices remain [in Africa], but the continent is lucky to have fearless men and women of conscience, like Soyinka, who are so acutely aware of them.”—Adam Hochschild, New York Times Book Review
(Adam Hochschild New York Times Book Review 20121104)

 “Soyinka does not deceive himself about the profound problems that Africa faces today. But [the book’s] overall tenor . . . is optimistic, emphasizing Africa’s capacity to inspire authentic spirituality (the continent, he reminds us, is ‘filled with religions that point the way to the harmonization of faiths’) and resilient, life-embracing humanity.”—Booklist
(Booklist 20121115)

“The playwright and human rights activist defends Africa against its condescending critics, offering both sweeping reflections and clear-eyed assessments.”—Editors’ Choice, New York Times Book Review
(New York Times Book Review )

Of Africa offers a well-conceived vision for the potential healing of the continent. . . . Soyinka's inquiry arrives at one impassioned plea--tolerance. Africa's various sects, he tells us, must come to the collective bargaining table with an embrace of its tradition and innate differences in order to truly become whole.”—Nancy Powell, Shelf Awareness
(Nancy Powell Shelf Awareness )

Soyinka's perspective “is helpful in guiding readers to a different way of looking at much that is Africa, and, as such, Of Africa is an eloquent and useful starting point for readers.”—M. A. Orthofer, The Complete Review
(M. A. Orthofer The Complete Review )

“The Nobel laureate and Nigerian playwright tries to rescue Africa from racism, ignorance, and stereotype in this forceful manifesto.”—The Daily Beast
(The Daily Beast 20121112)










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Bing Brings More of Facebook to Search



Bing Brings More of Facebook to Search

Bing is the only search engine to bring your Facebook friends into your search.


REDMOND, Wash. — Jan. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — With every search that people do, Bing believes there is a person out there who can help you make a decision. This is why Bing lets you tap into the wisdom of friends and experts in the social sidebar. Starting today, you will see an average of five times more Facebook content in the sidebar, including status updates, shared links, comments and photos from your friends. Bing is the only search engine where you can find relevant search results along with the people who can help you make a decision – so you can spend more time doing and less time searching.

Say you’re thinking about making your first trip to Coachella and decide to research it online. When using Bing, you will find not only great search results about the festival, such as when it is and how to get there, but also pictures, posts, comments and more from your friends who attended the festival in the past. Now you know all there is to know about Coachella and which of your friends might have the inside scoop or, better yet, want to join you. Bing doesn’t stop there. It will also show you advice from experts across Twitter, Foursquare, Quora, Klout, Google+ and more to help you make the most of your trip.

Want to try it out? Getting a little help from your friends is only a step away. Visit Bing, click on Connect to Facebook, and you’re good to go! As you would expect, Bing lets you control what you share and respects your Facebook privacy settings.

What are you waiting for? Stop searching alone, and let Bing put your social network to work! Sign in to Facebook at http://www.Bing.com to experience the benefits of social search.

About Bing
Bing is the search engine from Microsoft, designed for people who do. For people like you who are always doing more and don’t have time to sit still. Now, only Bing brings together the best search and the best people from your social networks, like Facebook and Twitter, to help you spend less time searching and more time doing. So whether you’re on your PC or on your phone, Bing is designed not just to connect you to the information you are looking for, but also to help you get things done right on Bing.com.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

BOOKS WE LOVE.



Because the prophet lied
Thousands have died
And thousands more will follow
Because of the lies of this strange fellow
.

~ Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima


THE PROPHET LIED is a kaleidoscopic time capsule in poetry. From the first poem to the last one, Chima’s eclecticism runs like blood through the veins as he addresses all the issues of life on earth from the classic temporal to the spiritual in all existential circumstances with provocative thoughts and evocative figures of speech on every facet and aspect of what transpires in our contemporary world. He is an unapologetic historian of his beloved country Nigeria and a romantic philosopher of the vicissitudes of life. The power of his poetry is his compelling vocabulary and captivating imagery as he loses no sight of every human experience and so he misses nothing with a poetic sense of humour. The Prophet Lied may take Chima into the pantheon of modern poetry for the classical nature of his literature makes it a timeless...
Lulu Sales Rank: 57130
ISBN: 9781300523611







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Saturday, January 19, 2013

Nigeria’s Andrew Dosunmu’s Mother of George World Première at Sundance Film Festival


Nigeria’s Andrew Dosunmu’s Mother of George and seven other films sponsored by JustFilms (the Ford Foundation's social justice film fund) have been selected for competition and premiere at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, the world's leading showcase for independent filmmaking. The following are the details of Dosunmu’s film and the complete news release on all the eight films.



2012, 106 minutes, color, U.S.A., U.S. Dramatic
At long last, handsome Ayodele Balogun, owner of a small Nigerian restaurant in Brooklyn, will wed his beautiful fiancée, Adenike, and they will start a new life together in the United States. Their traditional Yoruba wedding culminates in a ceremony where Adenike is named for her yet-to-be-conceived son, George. But as the months pass without pregnancy, Ma George is torn between her Yoruba culture and her new life in America as she faces uncomfortable and unfamiliar choices in her struggle to save her marriage.

Director Andrew Dosunmu returns to the Sundance Film Festival (his film, Restless City, screened in 2011) with this astonishingly radiant portrait of Nigerian immigrant family life. Featuring soulful performances by Isaach De Bankolé and Danai Gurira, and opulent cinematography by the award-winning Bradford Young, Mother of George is a singular cinematic accomplishment that elevates this illustration of the complicated challenges of African immigrant life to a place of beauty and reverence. - S. F.

About the Director
Dosunmu’s first narrative feature, Restless City, premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival in the NEXT program. His documentary Hot Irons (1999) won the best documentary award at FESPACO, the Panafrican Film and Television Festival at Ouagadougou, and the Reel Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. Dosunmu has also directed episodes of the widely acclaimed South African television show Yizo Yizo and many music videos.

Cast and Credits:

Director: Andrew Dosunmu

Screenwriter: Darci Picoult

Producers: Lars Knudsen, Jay Van Hoy, Matt Parker, Carly Hugo, Darci Picoult, Chris Maybach, Saemi Kim, Patrick Cunningham, Tony Okungbowa
Cinematographer: Bradford Young
Editor: Oriana Soddu
Production Designer: Lucio Seixas
Composer: Philip Miller
Costume Designer: Mobolaji Dawodu
Principal Cast: Isaach De Bankolé, Danai Gurira, Tony Okungbowa, Yaya Alafia, Bukky Ajayi
Contact: Katelyn Bogacki / Strategy PR / katelyn.bogacki@strategypr.net

18 Jan 2013 18:10 Africa/Lagos

Ford Foundation JustFilms Supports Eight Films Set for World Premiere at Sundance Film Festival

Initiative supports works that address urgent social issues

NEW YORK, Jan. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- JustFilms, the Ford Foundation's social justice film fund, is providing major support to eight independent films selected for competition and premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, the world's leading showcase for independent filmmaking.

Launched in 2011, JustFilms fosters film and media makers who are creating passionate and purposeful narratives. Film is an ideal medium to present a wide range of complex issues in a way that engages and inspires. Over the course of two years, JustFilms has given grants totaling $20 million to hundreds of exceptionally talented individuals and has partnered with numerous organizations such as the Sundance Institute, ITVS, HBO, Tribeca Film Institute, the Princess Grace Foundation and many others.

One of the five JustFilms-funded projects that premiered at last year's Sundance Film Festival, "How to Survive a Plague," has been nominated for a 2013 Academy Award in the category of Best Documentary Feature. This powerful, inspiring movie exemplifies film's ability to educate and motivate.

"We are constantly thinking of ways to inspire and bring attention to the intractable issues of our time," said Darren Walker, vice president of Ford's Education, Creativity and Free Expression program. "Our JustFilms initiative seeks inventive ways to creatively, financially and programmatically support underrepresented and deserving filmmakers who highlight courageous people confronting difficult issues and actively pursuing a more just, secure and sustainable world."

The Ford Foundation works with many partners in an effort to lift up worthy films during the long cycle of production. In addition to the films that received major support from the Ford Foundation, twelve films premiering at this year's festival were produced by the foundation in collaboration with the Sundance Documentary Film Program. A partnership with ITVS yielded "Fallen City" by Qi Zhao, furthering the international perspective of JustFilms. And the film "When I Walk," a moving chronicle of filmmaker Jason DaSilva's experience of learning to live with multiple sclerosis, received a finishing grant from the Princess Grace Foundation in support of South East Asian American filmmakers, funded by the Ford Foundation for this very purpose.

"Through collaboration with our valued partners we endeavor to find support for under-represented and deserving filmmakers," said Orlando Bagwell, director of Ford's JustFilms initiative. "The fruits of those labors are on display at International Festivals like Sundance, in creative and dramatic films that bring social justice issues to the forefront."

The Ford Foundation's JustFilms initiative builds on the foundation's longtime support for scores of documentaries, including such landmark productions as "Eyes on the Prize," "State of Fear" and "Why Democracy" It also leverages the foundation's global network of 10 regional offices to identify and lift new talent from around the world and to strengthen emerging communities of documentary filmmakers.

The eight films premiering at the Sundance Film Festival with major financial support from JustFilms are:

American Promise (US Documentary Competition)
Directors: Joe Brewster and Michele Stephenson
As two African-American boys journey from kindergarten through high school graduation at an elite prep school, they encounter hurdles both in and out of the classroom.

Citizen Koch (US Documentary Competition)
Directors: Carl Deal and Tia Lessin
Following the 2010 Supreme Court decision Citizens United, corporate money played a political role during a contentious decision on organized labor in the state of Wisconsin.

Gideon's Army (US Documentary Competition)
Director: Dawn Porter
Three young public defenders in the Deep South face long hours, heavy caseloads and minimal resources in their efforts to ensure that justice is served.

God Loves Uganda (US Documentary Competition)
Director: Roger Ross Williams
With values imported from America's Christian Right, missionaries in Uganda attempt to eliminate "sexual sin" and advance anti-gay legislation.

Mother of George (US Dramatic Competition)
Director: Andrew Dosunmu
One immigrant struggles to balance the expectations of her native Basotho culture and the opportunities of her new life in America.

Outlawed in Pakistan (Shorts Competition)
Directors: Habiba Nosheen and Hilke Schellmann
Pakistani teenager Kainat Soomro, accuses four men from her village of gang-raping her. She takes her case to the Pakistani courts and faces a deeply flawed criminal justice system.

Valentine Road (US Documentary Competition)
Director: Marta Cunningham
In 2008 a 8th grader's murder of his classmate shocked the nation. But both the murderer and the victim had troubled lives that complicate our very notion of justice.

Who is Dayani Cristal? (US Documentary Competition)
Director: Marc Silver
After one migrant finds himself in a deadly stretch of Arizona desert known as "the corridor of death," his life becomes testimony to the tragic results of the U.S. war on immigration.

JustFilms will also host two panel discussions at the Sundance Festival, at which filmmakers and others will focus on the medium's ability to foment change.

Turning the Tide (Friday, January 18, 1-2:30 pm)

Changing the direction of national discourse can seem an impossible task, but sometimes film can inspire a sea change. From immigration to health to the economy, this year's films suggest that political dialogue is inextricably bound to cultural expression. Artists and activists Pablo Larrain (No), Gael Garcia Bernal (Who Is Dayani Cristal?, No), Jehane Noujaim (The Square) and Robert Reich (Inequality for All) join moderator Orlando Bagwell (Ford Foundation JustFilms) to explore the ways film can activate grassroots campaigns that alter the course of history.

OP-DOCS (Tuesday, January 22, 4-6 pm)

Op-Docs is The New York Times editorial department's forum for short, opinionated documentaries, created by both renowned and emerging filmmakers, and produced with wide creative latitude and a range of artistic styles, covering current affairs, contemporary life and historical subjects. Filmmakers Heidi Ewing (Detropia), Laura Poitras ( The Oath), Dawn Porter (Gideon's Army) and Roger Ross Williams ( God Loves Uganda ) join Orlando Bagwell (Ford Foundation JustFilms) and Jason Spingarn-Koff (The New York Times) to discuss the new frontiers of online documentaries and the intersection of filmmaking and opinion journalism.

MORE INFORMATION

To view the films the Ford Foundation has supported over its history, visit the foundation's Film Collection.

Learn more about JustFilms' strategy and partners, and explore its grant making.

The Ford Foundation is an independent, nonprofit grant-making organization. For more than 75 years it has worked with courageous people on the frontlines of social change worldwide, guided by its mission to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. With headquarters in New York, the foundation has offices in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

SOURCE Ford Foundation

CONTACT: Joshua Cinelli, j.cinelli@fordfoundation.org, +1-212-573-5128, www.fordfoundation.org

Web Site: http://www.fordfoundation.org







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Friday, January 18, 2013

2013 U.S. Presidential Inauguration Celebrates a President and a King


16 Jan 2013 18:32 Africa/Lagos

2013 U.S. Presidential Inauguration Celebrates a President and a King

Visitors to Washington, DC will celebrate two important African American leaders in one weekend with commemorative events, parades and community service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For only the second time in U.S. history, the 2013 Presidential Inauguration will coincide with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Jan. 21. Since 1986 when the third Monday of January was designated as a federally recognized holiday for Martin Luther King, Jr., only President Bill Clinton's second term inauguration has landed on the same day.

The visitors expected to arrive in Washington, DC this weekend will have the opportunity to celebrate two significant African American leaders at once. As President Barack Obama, the first African American to hold the Oval Office, is sworn in for his second term and the nation commemorates the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., visitors to DC have a chance to participate in a number of historic and community service events, while exploring the city.

Visitors can pay tribute to both President Obama and Dr. King in a number of ways. See where the President lives with a stroll past the White House; have a photo taken with Barack and Michelle Obama's wax figures at the President's Gallery at Madame Tussauds; or sit in the "Oval Office" at White House Gifts - and pick up a few commemorative items while there. Visit the new Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial on the National Mall, the first ever dedicated to a non-president and an African American; walk down the Lincoln Memorial steps where Dr. King delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, or stop by The Willard Intercontinental Hotel where he finished writing the speech the night prior.

The nation's capital will honor both men by hosting a variety of events, parades and community service projects throughout the weekend including:

Saturday, Jan. 19:
  • Volunteers will participate in more than 1,300 service projects throughout Washington, DC's eight wards during Martin Luther King's Day of Service from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • This National Day of Service will kick off with a Service Summit on the National Mall featuring Honorary Chair Chelsea Clinton, Presidential Inaugural Committee Co-chair Eva Longoria, singer-songwriter Ben Folds, Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, television personality Star Jones, actress Angela Bassett and many more.
  • The 35th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace and Freedom Walk will take place at three different sites – the Southwest, Southeast and Shepard Park – to symbolize King's march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala.
  • The Kids' Inaugural Concert, hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, will feature performances by Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, Katy Perry, Usher and Stevie Wonder at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Sunday, Jan. 20:
  • President Obama will participate in a small private swearing-in ceremony as mandated by law.
  • The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University will host a musical celebration called "Let Freedom Ring" featuring Smokey Robinson and the Let Freedom Ring choir in a free Millennium Stage concert at 6 p.m.
  • The Music Center at Strathmore will host a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Tribute and Celebration and will announce the recipients of the Children of the Dream Award, The Literary Arts Award and the Humanitarian Award at 3 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 21:
  • Federal offices and many public and private businesses across the nation will close in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
  • President Obama will participate in a public Swearing-in Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Building at 11:30 a.m. EST.
  • The 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade will escort President Obama from the Capitol to the White House along Pennsylvania Avenue at 2:30 p.m. EST. Participants will include representatives from each of the five branches of the Armed Services, all 50 states and a variety of national groups.
  • The Inaugural Ball, held across all 700,000 square feet of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center's five exhibit halls, is expected to draw more than 35,000 revelers including A-list performances by Smokey Robinson, Marc Anthony, John Legend, Nick Cannon and the cast of "Glee."
  • The Commander In Chief's Ball will draw more than 4,000 active-duty and reserve military troops, Medal of Honor recipients and wounded warriors. This gala will take place at the third-floor ballroom of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Tuesday, Jan. 22:
  • The Inaugural National Prayer Service will take place at 10:30 a.m. EST at the Washington National Cathedral with the President and Vice President. The private service will include prayer, readings and musical performances.
For more information, please visit www.washington.org.
About Destination DC
Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation's capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of more than 800 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. www.washington.org 
SOURCE Destination DC
CONTACT: Robin McClain, Destination DC, +1-202-789-7099, Robin.Mcclain@destinationdc.com, Alicia Malone, Destination DC, +1-202-789-7053, Alicia.Malone@destinationdc.com
Web Site: http://www.washington.org







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Sluggish Productivity Growth Holding Back World's Economies


17 Jan 2013 15:00 Africa/Lagos

Sluggish Productivity Growth Holding Back World's Economies
Slowdown in Productivity Felt Across the Globe in 2012, Little Improvement Projected for 2013

NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second straight year, productivity growth weakened substantially across the globe in 2012, according to a new report from The Conference Board. The 2013 Productivity Brief , based on data from The Conference Board Total Economy Database™ , reports that productivity grew by 1.8 percent worldwide in 2012, down from 2.3 percent in 2011 and 3.6 percent in 2010. With the exception of the 2008–9 recession, this represents the slowest productivity growth in a decade.

Labor productivity growth — that is, additional output per unit of labor — relates output growth to changes in the employment market. In 2012, world GDP growth fell to 3.1 percent from 3.8 percent in 2011, while employment growth fell only slightly from 1.4 to 1.3 percent. "What makes this year's Brief so unique is that poor productivity performance has been so widespread that there are very few countries or regions in 2012 that showed any productivity improvement at all," said The Conference Board Chief Economist Bart van Ark. "Facing slow global demand, companies are using labor and capital less efficiently, in turn forcing further cutbacks."

Productivity growth is expected to remain anemic — 1.9 percent — this year.

"In 2013 and beyond, productivity will be key to the performance of the global economy," van Ark said. "Even if labor markets recover more strongly than predicted, GDP growth is unlikely to accelerate past projections without a turnaround that makes jobs more productive, rather than simply more numerous. The situation is clearly resonant in The Conference Board CEO Challenge® 2013 , our recent global survey that found CEOs intensely focused on the internal capabilities of their organizations. For such business leaders, the urgency of the productivity challenge means investing in the training, innovation, and operational excellence necessary to shape a more efficient workforce."

Stagnant Output Undermining Productivity of Mature Economies

On average, the productivity slowdown across the advanced economies in 2012 was to a much greater extent attributable to declining output growth, rather than labor market performance.

In the United States , total hours worked grew 2 percent in 2012, doubling the previous year's 1 percent growth. This renewed traction in the labor market was offset, however, by GDP growth that only rose from 1.8 to 2.2 percent. As a result, labor productivity growth fell dramatically to 0.2 percent —one of the slowest growth rates observed in the post-World War II period. Output per hour grew slower than 2012's 0.2 percent just twice: in 1974 (-1.0 percent) and 1982 (-0.8 percent).

In the Euro Area, output and total hours worked both contracted in 2012. With the former decline outstripping the latter, growth in labor productivity in 2012 fell to 0.6 percent from 1.2 percent in 2011. At 2.3 percent, Spain posted the highest labor productivity growth within the currency bloc, driven by a large contraction (−3.7 percent) in hours worked. In Greece, at the other extreme, labor productivity fell at −1.3 percent. In Germany and France, the productivity growth rates also fell considerably in 2012. In Germany, output per hour increased 0.4 percent, down from 1.6 percent in 2011, and in France it dropped to −0.2 percent down from 1.4 percent in 2011.

Conditions in the wider European Union-27 largely mirrored those of the smaller 17-member bloc. Some Eastern and Central European economies were exceptions: Labor productivity in Poland grew 2.2 percent in 2012 and, with output per hour still just 38.7 percent that of the U.S., maintains substantial scope for improvement. In the United Kingdom, by contrast, a much larger than anticipated GDP contraction, coupled with stable increases in hours worked, turned labor productivity growth dramatically negative in 2012, at −1.3 percent. Output per hour worked in the U.K. now stands at just 80 percent of the U.S. level, some 10 percentage points lower than its French and German rivals.

In Japan , tepid recovery from the March 2011 tsunami — both GDP and total hours worked grew just 0.6 percent — left productivity growth stalled at 0 percent.

Silver Linings Harder to Find in Emerging Economies

In recent years, stagnant gains in the mature economies offered an opening for other economies to rapidly make up productivity gulfs that remains yawning in absolute terms. In 2012, however, emerging and developing economies — where labor productivity growth fell from 4.7 to 3.8 percent — contributed as much to the overall slowdown as their mature counterparts.

China still boasts among the largest productivity gains in the world. But after falling from 8.8 to 7.4 percent (largely on the basis of slowing GDP growth), labor productivity growth in 2012 was the lowest since 1999. As China maneuvers to climb the value chain, incremental efficiency gains will likely be harder to come by than the previous decade; the next leap will require investments in technology and innovation that take a significantly longer time to come to fruition. Likewise driven by slowing output growth as well as unique structural challenges, labor productivity in India grew at the slowest rate since 2002, falling to 3.7 percent in 2012 from 4.2 percent in 2011 (and 6.2 percent in 2010).

The only region in Asia — or, indeed, the world — to see widespread productivity acceleration in 2012 was the ASEAN countries in Southeast Asia , where strengthening domestic sectors offset the global slowdown in exports. Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam all saw labor productivity growth rates rise. Indonesia experienced a minor slowdown to 4.2 percent, still historically high.

A dramatic slowdown continued in Latin America , where labor productivity grew at just 1.2 percent in 2012, down from 2 percent in 2011 and 3.1 percent in 2010. Sputtering global demand has revealed serious underlying weaknesses in Brazil, where deteriorating output turned the productivity growth rate negative (−0.3 percent), compared to 4.1 percent in 2010. Mexico has held up much better; though its labor productivity growth fell to 0.7 percent in 2012, the decline was predicated on stable output growth and rapid expansion of employment.

Weakening oil prices and continued political unrest also slowed productivity growth in much of the Middle East . Meanwhile, labor productivity across Africa grew a modest 0.8 percent in 2012, tamped down by rapidly expanding workforces in many countries. In Russia , the growth rate fell slightly from 3.8 to 3.4 percent in 2012. Because employment only grew 0.3 percent, most of Russia's output growth last year was driven by productivity gains.

Searching for a More Productive 2013?

At 1.9 percent, the Productivity Brief projects labor productivity growth will be nearly unchanged overall in 2013 – but rest on a slightly reordered constellation of regional trends. U.S. labor productivity should rise slightly, from 0.2 to 0.6 percent, while the Euro Area moves in precisely the opposite direction, from 0.6 to 0.2 percent. Within Europe, last year's large discrepancies between countries are projected to narrow: Productivity will likely be flat in the U.K., with positive gains returning to France (0.2 percent) and ticking up in Germany (0.8 percent). But Spain's impressive productivity growth is expected to plummet to 0.4 percent in 2013, as continued GDP contraction meets a labor market already pared to the bone.

Meanwhile, productivity growth is poised to soften further in China and, especially, India — where gains in labor productivity may fall to just 2.9 percent. Brazil's situation remains fraught, but a modest strengthening of output combined with more cautious hiring plans should return Brazilian labor productivity to positive growth in 2013, at perhaps 1.2 percent. Likewise, the struggling Turkish economy is projected to see productivity growth improve from 1.0 to 1.6 percent, because of a labor market likely to decelerate even faster than GDP. Surprisingly, it may be Africa that offers the best hope in 2013 for substantial productivity gains driven by strong, accelerating output growth; several countries in the region — the world's least productive in absolute terms — are positioned for burgeoning exports to other emerging markets and a rising middle-class consumer segment at home.

See 2013 Productivity Brief: Key Findings for additional data and detailed analysis at http://www.conference-board.org/pdf_free/economics/TED2.pdf

About The Conference Board
The Conference Board is a global, independent business membership and research association working in the public interest. Our mission is unique: To provide the world's leading organizations with the practical knowledge they need to improve their performance and better serve society. The Conference Board is a non-advocacy, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. www.conference-board.org

Follow The Conference Board
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SOURCE The Conference Board

CONTACT: Peter Tulupman, +1-212-339-0231, peter.tulupman@conference-board.org; Jonathan Liu, +1-212-339-0257, jonathan.liu@conference-board.org

Web Site: http://www.conference-board.org







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Call for Entries & Invitation To the 2013 Irepresent International Documentary Festival


CALL FOR ENTRIES & INVITATION TO THE 2013 IREPRESENT INTERNATIONAL
DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL 21ST-24TH MARCH, 2013 IN LAGOS.


The I-REPRESENT INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FILM FORUM cordially invites you to its the 2013 documentary fiesta holding on March 21st-March 24th 2012 at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island and Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos, Nigeria.

FESTIVAL THEME
The THEME of the IREPRESENT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2013 is conceptualized on the framework: AFRICA IN SELF CONVERSATION and it would explore the theme: “RECONNECTIONS”

Rationale:
In its years of existence, Africa has worn many faces and has assumed many identities most of them imposed by outsiders looking in. What then is the true definition of an African, what parameters can be used to define the African? Is it our values, cultures or our religion?

How do Africans at home and in the Diaspora see or think about themselves and their identity? What impact does western education, religious and economic value systems have on African socio-cultural life — for instance in creating in the African a conflict of identity?

The Festival will feature over 30 screenings of films addressing different aspects of its core theme from filmmakers from across the diapora. It will also feature panel discussions, a session on Project Pitching and a Producers Round-table.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
PROFESSOR AWAM AKPAM, Dean of African Studies New York University has graciously accepted our invitation to be the KEY NOTE SPEAKER at iREP 2013.

CALL FOR FILM ENTRIES
Entries for the 2013 edition of iREPRESENT International Documentary Film Festival is now OPEN. Please find attached to this email a NOTICE for film entries. We’ll be grateful if you would circulate same in your sphere of influence and amongst your colleagues who may wish to submit their films for entries into the screening schedule of the festival.

CRITERIA FOR DOCUMENTARY FILM ENTRIES:
• Films must reflect the African story or experience.
• Films not shot in Standard English language must be subtitled in English.
• There is no age limit for filmmakers.
• Copyright of films must belong to entrants.
• Entries can be submitted in miniDV, DVD, and Blu-ray disc format.
• Entries should be accompanied with synopsis, duration, and the filmmaker’s profile.

• Deadline for submission is March 5, 2013.
• Films submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

*Please note that the selection of films would be done by a body of jury, and iREPRESENT International Documentary Film Forum reserves the right to show a film or not based on the recommendation of the jury.

Entries should be submitted in a sealed envelope to:
iREPRESENT International Documentary Film Forum,
13, Oguntona Crescent, Gbagada Phase1, Lagos.
Tel: +234.8051702004, +234.8092927502, +234.8034251963,

We hope you will kindly save the dates of the Festival in your diary and that you make plans to participate. I look forward to an engaging and exciting celebration of African Documentaries and to your presence.

Kind regards,
Femi Odugbemi
Executive Director/Co-Founder
IREPRESENT INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FILM FORUM LAGOS.
Twitter: @femiodugbemi
+234.8034251963, +234.7043281253







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Thursday, January 17, 2013

Books For Africa and Little Free Library Form Partnership to Ship "Little Libraries" to Africa


16 Jan 2013 19:45 Africa/Lagos

Books For Africa and Little Free Library Form Partnership to Ship "Little Libraries" to Africa

ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Books For Africa and Little Free Library, two area nonprofits, have formed a unique partnership to build and send more than 2,000 "Little Free Libraries" to Africa over the next several years.

The two groups ask local organizations, businesses, schools and individuals to help sponsor the effort. Each $1,000 covers the costs to build and ship a one-of-a-kind Little Free Library and $1,000 worth of books.

Little Free Library, based in Hudson, Wisconsin, will design and build the miniature book exchanges that look like small cottages or schoolhouses on a post. Thousands are already located in neighborhoods throughout the U.S., and the movement has spread to 36 countries around the world. Books For Africa, based in St. Paul, will supply the books.

A distributor for Little Free Libraries has already been established in Ghana, West Africa. Other Little Free Libraries will be distributed across Ghana, Nigeria and the rest of Africa using the network established by Books For Africa.

"We believe this is a terrific partnership between two groups whose mission is to spread education through books and reading," said Patrick Plonski, executive director of Books For Africa. "Making free books available will help both students and parents."

"Our goal is to ship more than 2,510 libraries to Africa, a total that would surpass the number of libraries sponsored by the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie," said Todd Bol, co-founder and executive director of Little Free Library. "These libraries will belong to the people who use them, and sponsoring each one is a gift that can endure for years."

Little Free Library was started in 2009 by Bol and University of Wisconsin-Madison instructor Rick Brooks at Bol's yard in Hudson. Its mission is to promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide. To learn more and participate: http://www.littlefreelibrary.org/books-for-africa.html

Books For Africa, founded in 1988 by Tom Warth, has a simple goal: to end the book famine in Africa. Books For Africa remains the largest shipper of donated text and library books to Africa, shipping over 27 million books to 48 different countries since 1988. For more information: http://www.booksforafrica.org/success-stories/books-for-africa-and-little-free-library-form-partnership-to-ship-little-libraries-to-africa.html

Contact: Pat Plonski, Books For Africa, 651.291.2713 or 651.491.3391 (mobile)
Doug Stone, 651.336.9907 (mobile)
Todd Bol, Little Free Library, 715.338.2223 (mobile)

SOURCE Books for Africa

Web Site: http://www.booksforafrica.org







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A Crash Course in Piracy

Music, Movies, Programs & Piracy
Created by: www.OnlineGraduatePrograms.com







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Wednesday, January 16, 2013

German Newspaper Mistakenly Reports former President George H. W. Bush Dead

Former President George H.W. Bush receiving a kiss from his beloved wife, former First Lady Barbara Bush. Photo Credit: Charles Krupa/AP.

German Newspaper Mistakenly Reports Former President George H. W. Bush Dead

A link on The Huffington Post, the popular American Internet newspaper quoted a source that said that German newspaper Der Spiegel mistakenly reported last week that former U.S. president George H.W. Bush died when in fact he has just been released Monday from a Houston hospital after almost two months of admission for bronchitis. But why would the highly esteemed Der Spiegel make such a terrible goof?
Achtung!
How do you say STUPID in German?







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Anna Karenina, Les Miserables, Life of Pi, Lincoln and Skyfall Make ASC Nominations


Seamus McGarvey, ASC, BSC (Anna Karenina), Danny Cohen, BSC (Les Misérables), Claudio Miranda, ASC (Life of Pi), Janusz Kaminski (Lincoln) and Roger Deakins, ASC, BSC (Skyfall) have been nominated in the feature film category of the 27th Annual American Society of Cinematographers Awards for Outstanding Achievement. The winner will be announced at the ASC Awards celebration on February 10 at the Hollywood & Highland Grand Ballroom.

“The films our members have nominated are visually distinctive, and very diverse: a theatrical epic, a grand musical, an imaginative 3-D fable, a sweeping biographical drama, and a stylish spy thriller,” notes ASC President Stephen Lighthill. “What they all have in common is that each project’s cinematographer contributed captivating visuals that enhanced and elevated the storytelling.”
This year’s nod brings Deakins’ total to 11. He won ASC Awards for The Shawshank Redemption (1995) and The Man Who Wasn’t There (2002). His other nominations were for Fargo (1997), Kundun (1998), O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2001), No Country for Old Men (2008), The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2008), Revolutionary Road (2009), The Reader (2009) and True Grit (2011). He was also the recipient of the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.
This is Kaminski’s fifth nomination. His prior nominations were for Schindler’s List (1994), Amistad (1998), Saving Private Ryan (1999) and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2008). Cohen, McGarvey and Miranda have all been recognized once previously – Cohen for The King’s Speech (2011); McGarvey for Atonement (2008); and Miranda for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2009). The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) invites you to attend its Annual ASC Open House In attendance will be ASC Award Honorees, Nominees and Esteemed Members. Saturday, February 9, 2013 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. There will be no onsite or validated parking. Please use the lots at Hollywood and Highland. submit to reddit