Great Immigrants, Great Stories: Carnegie Corporation of New York Celebrates What Immigrants Give Back to America

 Ilesanmi Adesida, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is one of the most accomplished immigrants in the United States of America.

3 Jul 2013 19:46 Africa/Lagos

Great Immigrants, Great Stories: Carnegie Corporation of New York Celebrates 

What Immigrants Give Back to America July 4th Public Service Ad, Website Honor Notable Immigrants  


NEW YORK, July 3, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Immigrants who become naturalized citizens are central to the story of America, and this July 4 ^th, Carnegie Corporation of New York once again celebrates immigrants whose achievements have helped enrich the fabric of our nation.

This Independence Day, as it has every year since 2006, the Corporation has commissioned a full-page public service ad in The New York Times saluting immigrants who have contributed to the strength of American democracy and the vitality of our national life.

"When immigrants take the oath to become American citizens, that is both a wonderful and a powerful act," said Vartan Gregorian, President of Carnegie Corporation of New York and himself a naturalized citizen. "Hence, it is fitting that on July 4 ^th, when we commemorate the birth of our nation, we also honor both the rights and responsibilities of citizenship: not only the freedom to pursue our personal goals but also our obligation to contribute to the collective good and participate in the progress of our society."
The 43 naturalized citizens featured in the ad include author Jamaica Kincaid and visual artist Shirin Neshat; philanthropy leader Aso Tavitian; journalists Doualy Xaykaothao and Mohamad Bazzi; scholars Shibley Telhami and Nina Khrushcheva; scientist Joanna Wysocka; jurist Sri Srinivasan, business and technology leaders Sebastian Thrun and Safra Catz, and U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono. Carnegie Corporation's founder, steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, an immigrant from Scotland, was committed to giving back to America and mankind.

This year, Carnegie Corporation is also launching a companion website, "Great Immigrants: The Pride of America," at greatimmigrants.carnegie.org, which includes this year's honorees and those celebrated in previous years. The site also features a timeline [http://greatimmigrants.carnegie.org/timeline/] highlighting Andrew Carnegie's experiences as an immigrant.

Everyone has stories of great immigrants, and on the website, the Corporation hopes people everywhere will become inspired to add their own—sharing how they or their families came to America, with an emphasis on their accomplishments and contributions as Americans. The Corporation also hopes the discussion will continue on Twitter with the hashtag #greatimmigrants.
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A list of the honorees and their country of origin is below:

Ilesanmi Adesida, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign  (Nigeria)
Ralph Alvarez, business leader (Cuba)
Kofi Appenteng, Chairman of the Africa-America Institute and the International Center for Transitional Justice  (Ghana)
Leonardo Balada, composer (Spain)
Liz Balmaseda, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist (Cuba)
Mohamad Bazzi, international journalist (Lebanon)
Carlos Tiburcio Bea, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit  (Spain)
Safra Catz, Co-President and CFO of Oracle (Israel)
John Cho, actor (South Korea)
Sheena Easton, singer (Scotland)
Milos Forman, film director (Czech Republic)
Osvaldo Golijov, composer, Vilcek Prize in the Arts (Argentina)
Mazie Hirono, U.S. Senator, Hawaii (Japan)
Jamaica Kincaid, author (Antigua)
Melikset Khachiyan, chess Grandmaster (Azerbaijan)
Nina Khrushcheva, scholar/editor (Russia)
Mila Kunis, actress (Ukraine)
George Walter Landau, former U.S. Ambassador to Paraguay, Chile, and Venezuela (Austria)
Chong-Moon Lee, business leader (South Korea)
John Albert Leguizamo, actor (Colombia)
Ranan Lurie, international political cartoonist (Israel)
Zhou Long, Pulitzer Prize winning composer (China)
Bernard Lown, physician/inventor (Lithuania)
Mee Moua, President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice  (Laos)
Shirin Neshat, visual artist (Iran)
André Previn, composer (Germany)
Helen Reddy, singer (Australia)
Nouriel Roubini, economist (Turkey)
Bapsi Sidhwa, author (Pakistan)
Dimitri Simes, President and CEO of the Center for the National Interest (Russia)
Sree Sreenivasan, Chief Digital Officer, Metropolitan Museum of Art  (India)
Sri Srinivasan, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit (India)
Aso Tavitian, business leader/philanthropist (Bulgaria)
Shibley Telhami, scholar, Anwar Sadat Professor for Peace and Development at the University of Maryland (Israel)
Robert Tjian, President of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (China)
Ham Tran, film director, Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Filmmaking (Vietnam)
Laurence Henry Tribe, constitutional law scholar (Russia)
Monique Truong, author (Vietnam)
Sebastian Thrun, CEO of Udacity, founder of Google X (Germany)
Padmasree Warrior, Chief Technology & Strategy Officer of Cisco Systems (India)
Joanna Wysocka, biochemist, Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science (Poland)
Doualy Xaykaothao, NPR journalist (Laos)
Paul Tiyambe Zeleza, Dean of the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts at Loyola Marymount University (Malawi)

About Carnegie Corporation of New York
Carnegie Corporation of New York was established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding. In keeping with this mandate, the Corporation's agenda focuses on the issues that Andrew Carnegie considered of paramount importance: international peace, the advancement of education and knowledge, and the strength of our democracy.

For Further Information:
Carnegie Corporation of New York
Office of Public Affairs
(212) 207-6273
Email: sb@carnegie.org
SOURCE Carnegie Corporation of New York
Web Site: http://www.carnegie.org

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Egypt: A Revolution is Not A Military Coup

What happened in Egypt was not a military coup and is wrong to call it a coup, because what happened is the second Egyptian revolution of the supremacy of democracy, the freedom of expression of the people who in majority trooped to the streets and to Tahrir Square in Cairo to demand a change of government and the only way they could achieve that so quickly as they wished was for the Egyptian army to intervene to restore peace and order. When two years ago the same Egyptian army watched as thousands thronged the same Tahrir Square to topple dictator Hosni Mubarak, was it a coup? The same majority of Egyptians have done it again to topple President Mohamed Morsi of the Islamic Muslim Brotherhood government. So, it is stupid and wrong to call it a military coup d'etat.

 ~ Nigerians Report 

 The Tower Magazine's July Issue Takes On The Future Of Lebanon, Turkey's Brutal Attacks On Democratic Demonstrators, Israel's Revolutionary Oil Technology, And A Plan For Saving Syria By Redrawing Its Borders

The Tower Magazine (TheTower.org/MAGAZINE), The Only Digital Long-Form Dedicated to the Middle East, Launches its JULY issue, Featuring:

Michael J. Totten interviews leaders of Lebanon's Sunni, Christian and Druze movements, who say they believe in peace with Israel and ALL their neighbors

Claire Berlinski, Oxford-trained author of books on Europe and Margaret Thatcher, gives a stunning first-hand account of the brutality in Istanbul and shows how Turkey is descending into dictatorship

Middle-East Historian Gabriel Scheinmann argues that the key to stopping the bloodshed in the Middle East is to break it up according to ethnic lines—like Yugoslavia and the Former Soviet Union

Plus: Uncovering the Secret of Israel's 100 Billion Barrels of Untapped Oil; Photo Tour and exploration of the ancient-modern city of Acre, as a model of co-existence between Arabs and Jews; and an Exclusive Interview with Tel Aviv's Rising Literary Star, Ido Angel

WASHINGTON, July 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Tower Magazine—the ONLY long-form monthly focused exclusively on the Middle East—announced its July Issue featuring Michael Totten on "Dreaming of a Lebanon Without War," Oxford-trained scholar-journalist Claire Berlinksi on "The Gezi Diaries: Can We Still Call Turkey Civilized?" and the untold story of Israel's 100 billion barrels-worth of oil shale that stands to transform global energy. The July Issue is available for free at TheTower.org/MAGAZINE.

"The Tower Magazine pulls the curtain back on the Middle East, with top journalists and scholars delving into the region in long form," says The Tower magazine editor, David Hazony. "The result is fascinating, compelling and sometimes shocking reportage on the unseen sides of this region."
In the July Issue, award-winning journalist Michael Totten heads to Beirut for exclusive on-the-record sit downs with the country's most influential voices, including Samy Gemayel—son of former Lebanese president Amine Gemayel—who makes shocking revelations about Lebanon's prospects of peace with Israel.

"There is no excuse," Gemayel reveals to Totten, "why Egypt is allowed to have a peace treaty with Israel while we [in Lebanon] cannot negotiate for an armistice. Why can Jordan have a peace treaty while we also cannot negotiate for an armistice? Even Syria, without a peace treaty, has had peaceful relations with Israel since 1974. Why can't we?"

The Tower Magazine July Issue also features Oxford-trained scholar, journalist and Turkey expert Claire Berlinski with the full story on Turkey's Taksim Square protests, along with her own run-ins with the brutal Turkish security forces. Berlinski looks far beyond Gezi Park and all the way to Turkey's conflicting roots to explain where Turkey is today, and how it may be headed down the dark path of dictatorship.
Energy expert Daniel Fink reports on Israel's discovery of more than 100 billion barrels of oil shale beneath the Holy Land to explore what that means for global energy. Fink takes a glimpse into Israel Energy Initiatives, the cutting-edge company headed by former IDF generals and a former US Vice President, developing the world's most advanced oil shale technology.

The Tower July Issue also introduces US readers to Tel Aviv's rising literary star, Ido Angel, in an exclusive interview about the new generation of Israeli novelists, the death of the cultural old guard, and why only Israel could produce the show that led to the hit series "Homeland."

The Tower's photographer, leading Israeli fine art photographer Aviram Valdman, explores former Templar stronghold and modern-day city of Acre in a stunning photo, while Neri Zilber showcases the city's buzzed-about new boutique hotel, the Efendi—and shows how Acre can be a model of Jewish-Arab coexistence.

The Tower magazine has made waves with long-form pieces like National Magazine Award Winner Dahlia Lithwick's emotional exploration of raising children amid gun violence in America vs. terrorism in Israel, and Zvika Krieger's look at gay parenting in the Jewish State. Monocle's Tel Aviv correspondent Adi Schwartz blew open the report on Palestinian and Israeli school texts, and Liam Hoare has exposed Scandinavia's new anti-Semitism.

According to The Daily Beast/Newsweek, The Tower "is emerging as an indispensable new English-language source on Israel and the Middle East."
Each monthly issue of The Tower magazine includes a photo essay by leading Israeli fine art photographer, Aviram Valdman, whose work is exhibited at the Israel Museum and Tel Aviv Museum of Art.

About The Tower Magazine
The Tower magazine is a digital, long-form monthly published by the Washington-based Israel Project and devoted exclusively to Israel and the Middle East. With essays and exposés ranging from 2,500 to 6,000 words, The Tower's leading writers from around the globe explore the issues that are changing the world's most challenging and exciting region. The Tower magazine is led by Editor David Hazony.

TheTower.org/MAGAZINE.
SOURCE The Tower Magazine

CONTACT: Nicolla Hewitt, 1-917-770-3166, nh@nicollahewitt.com


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African Heads of States Declaration To End Hunger in Africa by 2025.

Photo Credit: Nigeria Intel>

 2 Jul 2013 13:51 Africa/Lagos  


2025: UNITED BEHIND THE AFRICAN AGENDA TO ERADICATE HUNGER 

High-level Meeting adopts Declaration for unified and focused action by all to end hunger and malnutrition by 2025  

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, 1 July 2013 / - Heads of State and Government of African Union Member States, together with representatives of international organizations, civil society organizations, private sector, cooperatives, farmers, youths, academia and other partners have unanimously adopted a Declaration to end hunger in Africa by 2025.

The declaration calls for a combination of policies to promote sustainable agricultural development with social protection, for a budgetary allocation focused on the poor and recognizes the importance of non-state actors to ensure food security.

The document also reaffirms their determination to accelerate the implementation of the Maputo Declaration (July 2003) on Agriculture and Food Security in Africa as outlined within the CAADP (Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme) framework.

African Heads of State and Government met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 1st July 2013 to decide on innovative and actionable measures to put an end to hunger in Africa. The High Level Meeting of African and International Leaders on a Renewed Partnership for a Unified Approach to end Hunger in Africa by 2025 within the CAADP Framework took place at the initiative of the African Union, FAO, and the Lula Institute along with broad non-state actors.

The decisions made at the High-Level Meeting will be discussed by the African Union Assembly said the African Union Commission Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
Steady progress and success stories


“To date, ten of the 54 AU Member States have reached the target of allocating at least 10% of public investment in agriculture. Among them are Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Malawi, Mali, Niger and Senegal who have already exceeded the target,” said AU Commission Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

“According to the New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad) Planning Agency, to date ten countries have exceeded the CAADP target of 6% growth in agricultural production (Angola, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, The Republic of the Congo, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania) and another four have achieved growth of between 5 and 6 per cent,” said Dr Dlamini-Zuma.
In June, the FAO's 38th Conference recognized 38 countries in the world, 11 from Africa, for achieving the Millennium Development Goal target of reducing hunger between 1990 and 2015 three years before the deadline. They are Algeria, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Djibouti, Ghana, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe and Togo
 
Three countries - Djibouti, Ghana, and Sao Tome and Principe - have also met the even more ambitious 1996 World Food Summit goal to reduce by half the total number of hungry.
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According to the CEO of the NEPAD Agency, Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, to date nine countries had exceeded the target of 6% agricultural production growth (Angola, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Republic of the Congo, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania) while and another four have achieved average growth of between 5 and 6 per cent.

The former President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, reinforced the importance of political commitment to end hunger: “Those people who are hungry are often not organized; they do not belong to unions, do not have the strength to protest and do not even have the strength to say they are hungry”.

“If the State does not take care of these people, the national budgets will be fully directed to the organized sectors of the society. Therefore, the government needs to earmark a part of the budget for the poor. If this is not done, the problem of hunger will not be solved today, or by 2025, or never.”

Harnessing Africa's great potential
The High Level Meeting of African and international leaders acknowledged that the African region is witnessing economic growth of unprecedented proportions, with a young population and vast natural resources, committed to a roadmap to be implemented primarily with our own resources and with technical assistance and called upon development partners to strengthen their partnerships.

Aligning with the Zero Hunger Challenge launched by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in 2012, the Heads of State and Government and non-state actors recognized the great potential for African agricultural development, the growing youth population and the availability of large land and water resources with agricultural production, crops, including livestock, fisheries and forestry.

Addressing the Addis Ababa meeting, FAO Director-General Jose Graziano da Silva highlighted the need for an integral approach to promote food security.

“To achieve food security in a sustainable way, we must work with small-scale producers, helping them increase production and productivity, but we also need to look at access to food, and ensure that poor families have the means to produce the food they need or earn the income needed to buy their food.”
“FAO is ready to rally behind African leadership to meet the goal of ending hunger in Africa,” affirmed Graziano da Silva
 
Roadmap
In line with this goal, the African Union has declared 2014 as the Year of Agriculture and Food Security. Every three years, countries that make significant progress and efforts toward eradicating hunger by 2025 will receive an Award during the African Union Summit.

In recognition of the role that agriculture, as a whole and family production in particular, plays in food security, 2014 has also been declared by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Year of Family Farming.

Dlamini-Zuma also welcomed the partnership between the African Union Commission, FAO and Lula Institute to promote food security in Africa.

"African Union Commission cherishes its collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Lula Institute in forging a renewed partnership to end hunger in Africa by 2025. This is not the first time the African Union is collaborating with the FAO," Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, told the Assembly today. 


"Africa also has long historical and cultural ties with Brazil, and in recent years these ties have been expanded to the scientific field, since we share some similar agro-ecological environments," she added.
SOURCE : African Union

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Story and directed by Jamie King WORLD PREMIERE EXCLUSIVELY AT MANDALAY BAY IN LAS VEGAS, JUNE 29

 Writer/Director of "Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil" Jamie King arrives at the world premiere of the show at THEhotel at Mandalay Bay on June 29, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Cirque du Soleil)

Cirque du Soleil & the Estate of Michael Jackson present
MICHAEL JACKSON ONE

Story and directed by Jamie King

WORLD PREMIERE EXCLUSIVELY AT MANDALAY BAY IN LAS VEGAS, JUNE 29

Las Vegas, June 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Cirque du Soleil and the Estate of Michael Jackson present tonight the world premiere of Michael Jackson ONE in Las Vegas, a new creation taking residency exclusively at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Directed by Jamie King, this entirely new show is the second creative project to be developed between Cirque du Soleil and The Estate of Michael Jackson after the top grossing Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour, currently playing arenas in Asia as it travels the world.

Model Claudia Barila and Cirque du Soleil founder and CEO Guy Laliberte arrive at the world premiere of "Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil" at THEhotel at Mandalay Bay on June 29, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Ci .

Celebrities joining the night’s red carpet event and after-party at Mandalay Beach included Guy Laliberté, Katherine Jackson, Prince Jackson, Blanket Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Tito Jackson, Justin Bieber, Neil Patrick Harris, Spike Lee, David Arquette, Allison Janney (The West Wing),Dulé Hill (The West Wing), Berry Gordy (founder of Motown Records), Ryan Kwanten (True Blood), Alfre Woodard, Roberto Cavalli (fashion designer), Pharrell Williams (GRAMMY Award winning musician/entrepreneur), Dot Jones (Glee), Rex Lee (Entourage), Ian Ziering (Beverly Hills 90210), Jon Secada (singer), Dj Ashba (Guns N’ Roses, SIXX AM), Tom Higgenson (Plain White), Richard MacDonald (sculptor), Robert Griffin (NFL Washington Redskins), Jennette McCurdy, Jamie King (ONE Story Creator and Director), Welby Altidor (Director of Creation), Kevin Antunes (Musical Director), Jonathan Deans (Sound Designer), Zaldy Goco (Costume Designer), Nathalie Gagné(Makeup Designer), Ivan “Flipz” Velez (Choreographer), Rich and Tone Talauega (Choreographers) and local entertainers including Carrot Top, Jeff Beacher, Jabbawockeez, Clint Holmes, Human Nature and Justin Mortelliti, Mark Shunock and Carrie St. Louis of Rock of Ages.
Creative Team: Jamie King (ONE Story Creator and Director), Welby Altidor (Director of Creation), Kevin Antunes (Musical Director), Jonathan Deans (Sound Designer), Zaldy Goco (Costume Designer), Nathalie Gagné(Makeup Designer), Ivan “Flipz” Velez (Choreographer), Rich and Tone Talauega (Choreographers).

 

Prince Jackson and Katherine Jackson at Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil. (PRNewsFoto/Cirque du Soleil)

The show
Michael Jackson ONE is a sonic, tonic fusion of acrobatics, dance and visuals that takes the audience on an immersive journey through the music and spirit of Michael Jackson.
Driven by Michael’s powerful, multi-layered music – heard like never before in a riveting, state-of-the-art surround-sound environment – ONE takes the audience through a series of seamless visual and musical tableaux, at the heart of a world that is in turn majestic, playful, magical and heart-warming.
In Michael Jackson ONE, Michael’s artistry and spirit are expressed through the vibrant energy of the cast of 63 dancers and performers, underscored by aerial performance, driving acrobatics, and vivid choreographies that use the urban/hip hop idiom as a springboard for exploration.
ONE is a heartfelt tribute to the work, innovative spirit, and legacy of Michael Jackson – the King of Pop, the genius, the visionary, the One.

The name
Michael Jackson believed that all people are unique and equal, regardless of race or culture. His message was one of unity, harmony and hope for a better world. At once evocative and enigmatic, the name Michael Jackson ONE also presents a paradox: Michael was a multifaceted artist who strove to fuse together various musical styles and art forms.  It is a fitting title for a unifying journey into the world of the King of Pop, the genius, the visionary, the One.

Along with Jamie King—who started his career as a dancer on Michael’s Dangerous World Tour and also directed the arena touring show Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour by Cirque du Soleil— Michael Jackson ONE will bring together the creative minds behind the Michael Jackson Estate, John Branca and John McClain, and the diverse talents of the following creators:

Guy Laliberté – Creative Guide
Jean-François Bouchard – Chief Creative Content Officer
Jamie King – Writer and Director
Welby Altidor – Director of Creation
Carla Kama – Associate Director
Kevin Antunes – Musical Director
François Séguin – Set and Props Designer
Zaldy Goco – Costume Designer
Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon – Creators for the scene Man in the Mirror
Travis Payne – Choreographer
Rich and Tone Talauega – Choreographers
Parris Goebel – Choreographer
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui – Choreographer
Ivan « Flipz » Velez – Choreographer
Olivier Simola – Choreographer
Rob Bollinger – Acrobatic Performance Designer
Germain Guillemot – Acrobatic Performance Designer
Ben Potvin – Acrobatic Choreographer
Andrea Ziegler – Acrobatic Choreographer
Raymond St-Jean – Projections Designer
Jimmy Lakatos – Projections Designer
David Finn – Lighting Designer
Jonathan Deans – Sound Designer
Pierre Masse – Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer
Nathalie Gagné – Makeup Designer
Brian Drader – Dramaturge
Manon Beaudoin – Characters’ Guide
Henry Fong – Illustrator
Dago Gonzalez – Image Content Designer

CREATORS’ BIOS AND SHOW IMAGES: Creators’ bios and show images are available in our press room: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/press/kits/shows/michael-jackson-one.aspx

Preview performances for Michael Jackson ONE will begin on May 23 at Mandalay Bay.

PERFORMANCES SCHEDULE:

• Starting July 1, performances are Saturday to Wednesday at 7:00pm and 10:00pm.
• Starting September 3, performances are Saturday to Wednesday at 7:00pm and 9:30pm.
• There are no performances on Thursdays and Fridays.

TO RESERVE TICKETS:

• Call 877.632.7400 or 800-745-3000
• Go to www.cirquedusoleil.com/mjone or www.mandalaybay.com
• Visit the Michael Jackson ONE box office, the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office, or any of the MGM Resorts International box offices.

TICKET PRICES:

• $69, $99, $130, $140, $155, plus LIMITED Golden Circle seating.  Prices do not include tax or fees.
• Starting September 7, Saturday performance prices $69, $99, $130, $160, plus LIMITED Golden Circle seating.  Prices do not include tax or fees.
• Tickets are available 120 days in advance of the performance date.

Like Michael Jackson ONE on Facebook or Tweet us: @Cirque #MJOne.

Cirque du Soleil
Michael Jackson ONE is Cirque du Soleil’s 8th production in Las Vegas since Mystère in 1993. The company has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators in more than 300 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has 5,000 employees, including more than 1,000 performing artists from close to 50 different countries.
For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.
To find out more about the ONE DROP Foundation, visit www.onedrop.org.

Media contact:
Jeff Lovari
Cirque du Soleil
(702) 632-4712
jeff.lovari@cirquedusoleil.com

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Sub-Saharan Africa Continues Steady Progress on Millennium Development Goals

Because of improvements in health care, sub-Saharan Africa has brought down the number of children who die before the age of five by 22 per cent since 1990. Photograph: UNDP - See more at: http://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/august-2010/africa%E2%80%99s-hard-road-millennium-development-goals#sthash.fEgQeV54.dpuf

1 Jul 2013 15:39 Africa/Lagos

Sub-Saharan Africa Continues Steady Progress on Millennium Development Goals 

NEW YORKN, 1 July 2013 / PRNewswire Africa / - Building on impressive strides made, sub-Saharan Africa must continue to ramp up efforts towards achieving many of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by their 2015 target date, a new UN report says. The Millennium Development Goals Report 2013 launched today by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Geneva, finds that sub-Saharan Africa has made steady progress for its 1 billion people, with fewer mothers and children dying, growing numbers of women in power and broadened access to health and education services, alongside sharp drops in malaria and tuberculosis deaths.

The eight Millennium Development Goals, with a number of sub-targets covering a range of poverty, hunger, health, gender equality, education and environmental indicators, were agreed by all countries as an outgrowth of the UN Millennium Summit in 2000, most with a due date of 2015.

The MDG Report 2013 emphasizes that progress for all children in sub-Saharan Africa is “within our grasp.” The region doubled its average rate of reduction of child deaths from 1.5 per cent a year in 1990-2000 to 3.1 per cent a year in 2000-2011, although it still has the highest child mortality rate in the world. From 1990 to 2011 for children under age five, the mortality rate dropped by 39 per cent (from 178 deaths per 1,000 live births to 109) and the proportion of those who are underweight dropped from 29 to 21 per cent. Some countries with high under-five death rates, including Ethiopia, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger and Rwanda, reported reductions of at least 60 per cent.

The report says steady progress has been made in expanding access to primary education in the region, with primary school enrolment rates increasing from 60 per cent to 77 per cent between 2000 and 2011.
Efforts to combat diseases are paying off in lives saved, as the region is on its way to halting the spread and reversing the incidence of tuberculosis and is making substantial progress battling malaria. One-third of children were sleeping under insecticide-treated nets in 2011, up from less than 5 per cent in 2000. Among developing regions, sub-Saharan Africa has the second highest access to HIV treatment – 56 per cent of people living with HIV received antiretroviral therapy in 2011.

However, sub-Saharan Africa remains the most severely affected area by HIV. Indicators for women are also improving. Despite having the highest maternal mortality ratio among all regions, sub-Saharan Africa saw mortality ratios fall by 41 per cent over the past two decades, from 850 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 500 in 2010.The report says the proportion of parliamentary seats held by women increased from 13 per cent in 2000 to 21 per cent in 2013, the second highest among all developing regions. Globally, one of the highest electoral gains for women in 2012 was seen in Senegal, where women took 43 per cent of parliamentary seats.

The proportion of the region's population using an improved water source increased from 49 per cent to 63 per cent between 1990 and 2011, according to the report. New sanitation policies adopted in recent years throughout the developing world have shown remarkable success in ending open defecation, a practice that poses serious health and environmental risks to individuals and entire communities. In almost 100 countries, many in sub-Saharan Africa, new approaches to sanitation have taken root and the number of declared ‘open-defecation-free villages' is rising .The proportion of the world's population resorting to open defecation declined from 24 per cent in 1990 to 15 per cent in 2011.

Building MDG momentum
Work to boost MDG achievement must continue to tackle some of the greatest challenges for the region, the report says. That includes bolstering development efforts to further reduce the poverty rate, which fell only 8 percentage points over the last two decades, and addressing the needs of 414 million people still living on less than $1.25 a day. Accelerated efforts are also needed to continue gains in combating HIV and to build on the momentum in fighting malaria through the use of insecticide-treated nets. The region had the world's highest child mortality rate and the second highest prevalence of underweight children among all regions in 2011. That year, one in nine children died before age five, more than 16 times the average for developed regions, accounting for 3.4 million of the 6.9 million under-five deaths worldwide.

The pace of change must accelerate even further if the MDG target is to be met, the report says, and efforts must concentrate on countries with the highest number of under-five deaths, such as Nigeria, and countries with the highest under-five death rates, such as Sierra Leone and Somalia, with rates of 180 or more per 1,000 live births.

With the region continuing to face rising demands for education from a growing population, the report says 32 million more children were of primary school age in 2011 than in 2000. Sub-Saharan Africa is also home to more than half the world's outof- school children of primary school age (32 million out of 57 million) and it has the highest rate worldwide of children leaving school early. Slightly more than two out of five students who started primary school in 2010 will not make it to the last grade. The report also calls for action to improve access to sanitation and the lives of slum dwellers. Between 1990 and 2011, the proportion of the population using an improved sanitation facility increased marginally from 26 per cent to 30 per cent, and the high proportion of slum dwellers dropped slightly—from 65 per cent in 2000 to 62 per cent in 2012.


At a time when renewed sets of commitments to the MDGs are being made, the report says aid is unfortunately lagging. The report states that bilateral net official development assistance to sub-Saharan Africa amounted to $26.2 billion in 2012, an 8 per cent drop from 2011. The current shift in aid away from the poorest countries and Africa, and towards middle-income countries, will continue, the recent survey suggests, with a greater share of aid being offered in the form of soft loans rather than grants.

The Millennium Development Goals Report, an annual assessment of global and regional progress towards the Goals, reflects the most comprehensive, up-to-date data compiled by over 27 UN and international agencies and is produced by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. A complete set of the data used to prepare the report is available at mdgs.un.org

SOURCE : United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund（UNTCEF）

Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
2 Jul 2013
13:00	Regulatory Approvals, New Facilities and Contracts Boost Outlook for Oil & Gas Equipment and Services Companies - Research Report on Schlumberger, Halliburton, Oil States, FMC, and Oceaneering
1 Jul 2013
15:39	Sub-Saharan Africa Continues Steady Progress on Millennium Development Goals
15:20	IFC Launches Enterprise Governance Training for SMEs in the Africa Region

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Everything Big Happened At The BET Awards

Kendrick Lamar, Best Male Hip Hop Artist

1 Jul 2013 13:00 Africa/Lagos


Everything Big Happened At The BET Awards '13

CHRIS TUCKER HOSTS BLOCKBUSTER SHOW WITH ALL-STAR LINE-UP OF PERFORMERS, PRESENTERS AND SPECIAL APPEARANCES

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, JAMIE FOXX, SNOOP DOGG, STEVIE WONDER, PHARRELL AND INDIA.ARIE SALUTE CHARLIE WILSON IN THE CADILLAC LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT TRIBUTE

ACADEMY AWARD-WINNERS FOREST WHITAKER, JAMIE FOXX AND STEVIE WONDER ATTEND BET AWARDS '13

MARIAH CAREY PERFORMS HIT NEW SINGLE #BEAUTIFUL FEATURING MIGUEL AND YOUNG JEEZY

KENDRICK LAMAR, DRAKE AND OLYMPIC MEDALIST GABRIELLE DOUGLAS EACH WIN TWO BET AWARDS

MIAMI HEAT STAR DWYANE WADE RECEIVES HUMANITARIAN AWARD PRESENTED BY STATE FARM

LOS ANGELES, July 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Live from Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 30 ^th, the BET AWARDS '13 kicked off with an electrifying performance by Chris Brown .  Brown performed a medley of hits including his current single "Fine China" and a special performance of "Don't They Know" with vocals from Aaliyah.   Nicki Minaj made a surprise performance by flying onto the stage and joining Brown for an energizing performance of "Love More." BET AWARDS '13 nominees Kendrick Lamar, Drake and Olympic medalist Gabrielle Douglas all took home two awards. This year marked Chris Brown's fourth year in a row winning the Fandemonium Award.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20070716/BETNETWORKSLOGO )

"House of Lies" and "Iron Man" actor Don Cheadle presented the evening's first award for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist to Miguel. Miguel played double duty as he performed his solo number "How Many Drinks" with Kendrick Lamar and joined Mariah Carey during her performance of #Beautiful featuring Young Jeezy.

 Notable performances of the evening were Robin Thicke , who performed his new hit single "Blurred Lines" with Pharrell and T.I.  Ciara and Nicki Minaj debuted their new single "I'm Out" on the BET Awards '13 stage. BET Networks surprised the audience with a Caribbean music tribute featuring reggae artists Beenie Man who performed his hit "Who Am I," Dawn Penn's club anthem "No, No, No" and reggae classic "Murder She Wrote" by Chaka Demus and Pliers. As if that wasn't enough, Elephant Man jumped on stage for the finale singing "Pon Di River," which had Nicki Minaj jumping out her seat to dance.
Best New Artist and Best Hip Hop Artist winner Kendrick Lamar hit the stage three times performing his songs "M.A.A.D City" and "B*tch Don't Kill My Vibe" featuring Erykah Badu and "Problems" with A$AP Rocky and 2 Chainz.

One of the most unforgettable performances of the night began with Justin Timberlake presenting R&B legend Charlie Wilson with the Cadillac Lifetime Achievement Award.  India. Arie opened the moving tribute to Wilson with "There Goes My Baby" while Jamie Foxx blessed the crowd with the favorite "Yearning For Your Love."  The legendary Stevie Wonder then took the stage and energized the audience with the funky "Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)." Wilson joined Timberlake, Snoop Lion and Pharrell for 2003's "Beautiful," a hit that reintroduced Wilson to a new generation of fans along with knock-out renditions of "Signs," "You Dropped A Bomb On Me" and "Girl You Knock Me Out," bringing the crowd to its feet.

This year's show brought out nine Oscar-nominated actors, including winners, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker and Stevie Wonder . Hollywood showed up for the BET Awards '13, including the cast members of the upcoming "The Best Man Holiday," Morris Chestnut, Nia Long, Sanaa Lathan, Terrence Howard, Regina Hall, Melissa De Sousa and Harold Perrineau . Forest Whitaker and Michael B. Jordan presented the award for Best Collaboration and spoke about their Sundance Film Festival winning, "Fruitvale Station." Kevin Hart , Taraji P. Henson, Meagan Good and Gabrielle Union , stars of the highly anticipated "Think Like A Man 2" also hit the BET Awards '13 stage.
The moving In Memoriam tributes during the live BET Awards '13 broadcast included Kris Kross' member Chris Kelly and blues singer Bobby "Blue" Bland.

The King of R&B, R. Kelly, surprised fans with a choir singing his hits acapella along the aisles of the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live. He sang a medley of his songs including "I Wish," "When a Woman's Fed Up," "Ignition (remix)" and more.

Q.U.E.E.N. of the night, Janelle Monae closed the show with a hot performance of her hit single with sultry singer Erykah Badu for a black and white fantasy, accompanied by a snow-white poodle.

In addition to all of these spectacular moments, the full list of BET AWARDS '13 winners are:

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Rihanna

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Miguel

Best Group
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Best Collaboration
A$AP Rocky f/ Drake, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar – Problems

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Kendrick Lamar

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Nicki Minaj

Video of the Year
Drake – Started From The Bottom

Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom

Best New Artist
Kendrick Lamar

Best Gospel Artist
Mary Mary

Best Actress
Kerry Washington

Best Actor
Jamie Foxx

YoungStars Award
Gabrielle Douglas

Best Movie
Think Like A Man

Subway Sportswoman of the Year
Gabrielle Douglas

Subway Sportsman of the Year
LeBron James

Coca-Cola Viewers Choice Award
Drake – Started From The Bottom

Centric Award
Tamar Braxton – Love and War

Best International Act: Africa
Ice Prince (Nigeria)

Best International Act: UK
Emeli Sande

 

BET.com/BETAwards (http://www.bet.com/shows/bet-awards.html) is the official site for the BET Awards '13 and features content on nominees and award recipients. The microsite site will feature exciting interactive consumer elements and include information for ticket purchase, events, schedules and registration.
BET Mobile's official BET AWARDS app is now available on iPhone and Android devices with exclusive photo, video and interactive content. To download the app, visit:

http://www.bet.com/shows/bet-awards/2013/bet-awards-app.html .
Join the conversation on social media by following BET's multiple social media platforms, dedicated to the BET Awards:
On Twitter & Instagram: @BETAwards, Use hashtag: #BETAwards 
On Facebook: facebook.com/TheBETAwards
On Tumblr: betawards.tumblr.com
The BET Awards '13 will premiere  Tuesday, July 2 ^nd at 8 pm BST on BET's international network in the UK and Africa, reaching more than 13 million households in 50+ countries.
Encore times for the BET Awards '13
BET Encore #1:
Tuesday, July 2, 6:30 pm – 10 pm
BET Awards Encore #2:
Saturday, July 6, 8 pm – 11:30 pm
BET Awards Encore #3:
Thursday, July 11, 7:30 pm – 11 pm
Stephen G. Hill , BET's President of Music Programming and Specials, and Lynne Harris Taylor , BET's Vice President of Specials, will serve as Executive Producers for the BET AWARDS '13, in conjunction with Jesse Collins , CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.

*All times are ET/PT.

About BET Awards:
Established in 2001, the BET AWARDS continues to be one of the most watched awards shows on cable television according to the Nielsen Company reaching an average of 7.5 million viewers annually. The franchise remains the #1 program in cable television history, among African-Americans. Each year, the BET AWARDS recognizes the distinguished achievements of artists, entertainers and athletes in a number of diverse categories, including film, music and sports.

About Jesse Collins Entertainment:
Jesse Collins Entertainment is a full service film and television production company founded by entertainment industry veteran Jesse Collins.  Over the past decade, Collins, the company's CEO, has played an integral role in producing some of television's most memorable moments in the music entertainment arena.  Formerly Executive Producer/Executive Vice President of Cossette Productions, Collins has produced award winning television programming including the Grammy Awards, the BET Awards, BET Honors and BET's Rip the Runway and has worked with superstar talent such as Will Smith, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, Kid Rock, Lil Wayne and many more.

About BET Networks:
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET operates in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

SOURCE BET Networks

CONTACT: Marcy Polanco, BET Networks, marcy.polanco@bet.net, 212.975.4048; Zabrina Horton, BET Networks, zabrina.horton@bet.net, 310.481.3737; Simone Smalls / Danny Astoria, Simone Smalls PR, Inc., simone@simonesmallspr.com / danny@simonesmallspr.com, 917.388.3890; Michelle Huff / Kelley Jackson, HUFF Events & PR, michelle@huffent.com / kelley@huffent.com, 212.239.1732
Web Site: http://www.bet.com


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Tribune To Acquire Local TV, Creating Content and Distribution Powerhouse

1 Jul 2013 12:00 Africa/Lagos

 Tribune To Acquire Local TV, Creating Content and Distribution Powerhouse

Company Adds 19 Stations in 16 Markets, Making Tribune the #1 Local TV Affiliate Group in America

CHICAGO and NEWPORT, Ky., July 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Tribune Company and Local TV Holdings, LLC, today jointly announced they have entered into a definitive agreement for Tribune to acquire all of Local TV's 19 television stations in 16 key markets for $2.725 billion in cash.  Coupled with Tribune's current 23 television stations, superstation WGN America, Tribune Studios, Tribune Digital Ventures and its eight major market newspapers, the transaction makes Tribune a multi-platform content and distribution powerhouse.  Local TV is principally owned by Oak Hill Capital Partners.

Upon closing, the acquisition will immediately transform Tribune into the country's largest commercial TV station owner, with a total of 42 stations from New York to Los Angeles and Miami to Seattle.  Importantly, because most of Local TV's stations are ranked #1 or #2 in revenue share in their respective markets, the transaction will generate significant free cash flow and be immediately accretive to Tribune's earnings.   
Tribune's acquisition of Local TV is a key strategic step, providing Tribune with significant scale to drive its principal business objectives and create substantial shareholder value. The scale provided by the Local TV acquisition will enable Tribune to maximize national and local advertising opportunities and take advantage of a larger footprint, across which it will distribute its video and digital content, especially that created by the recently launched Tribune Studios and Tribune Digital Ventures, as well as its best-in-class journalism. The acquisition will also lead to more meaningful conversations with affiliates about distribution, which is especially important to the future of WGN America. The benefits of the Local TV acquisition will translate into increased cash flow and, ultimately, greater shareholder value. 

For Tribune, the transaction will deliver significant advantages, including:

• Providing unparalleled opportunities for delivering compelling news and entertainment to millions of consumers nationwide
• Strengthening local news coverage and programming by adding heritage stations with local news broadcasts consistently ranked #1 or #2 in the morning and evening  
• Creating new advertising opportunities in key political battleground states 
• Extending the distribution platform for original content generated by Tribune Studios and the digital offerings to be created by Tribune Digital Ventures into new large, growing markets
• Diversifying geographies and network affiliations, including the addition of 7 Fox, 5 CBS, 2 ABC and 2 NBC stations, while strengthening its relationships with cable operators and satellite providers
• Delivering better economies of scale and strategic operating efficiencies 

"Since joining Tribune in early 2013, we have been setting the strategic foundation to transform Tribune and help chart the path forward—building our multimedia capabilities and asset portfolio to become the country's leading independent content creator and distributor," said Peter Liguori, Tribune's President and Chief Executive Officer.  "This is a transformational acquisition for Tribune—it makes us the #1 local TV affiliate group in America, expands the distribution platform for our high-quality video content, and extends the reach of our digital products to new audiences across the country.  We couldn't be more excited about Tribune's future as America's leader in creating and distributing original content and local news programming."   
Bobby Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer of Local TV, said, "Local TV and Tribune have had a long, successful relationship over the last five years.  Our cultures and operating philosophies are very similar, and we share a strong commitment to news and local programming excellence.  My management team will dearly miss working with some of the most talented and dedicated people in broadcasting, but we know we leave our employees in good hands.  I am grateful to our partners at Oak Hill Capital, who acquired the finest stations in the industry and helped us build this great company."

Jonathan Friesel and Benjamin Diesbach, Partners at Oak Hill Capital, jointly said, "We thank Bobby, President and COO Pam Taylor, and the entire Local TV family for their outstanding dedication and performance.  During our partnership together, Local TV has delivered extraordinary growth and become a world-class broadcaster known for its quality programming, technological innovation and strong community service.  We wish Tribune well as they build on the history of success these stations have."

Tribune's broadcast portfolio will increase from 23 to 42 stations, and include 14 CW affiliates, 14 Fox affiliates, 5 CBS affiliates, 3 ABC affiliates, 2 NBC affiliates and 4 independents.  Tribune will own 14 stations in the country's top 20 markets. It will become the #1 Fox affiliate group, expand its position as the #1 CW affiliate group, and add market-leading stations in prime cities such as Denver, Cleveland, St. Louis, Kansas City, Salt Lake City and Milwaukee.

Tribune anticipates the combination with Local TV will generate more than $100 million in annual run-rate synergies within five years after closing.  The transaction will be structured to deliver to Tribune a step-up in the tax basis of the acquired assets. Taking into account Tribune's estimate of run-rate synergies and the present value of this tax asset, the effective purchase price multiple on a pro forma basis is approximately 7x 2011 and 2012 average EBITDA.

Tribune has received committed financing of up to $4.1 billion from JPMorgan Chase, BofA Merrill Lynch, Citigroup, Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse, including a new $300 million revolving credit facility and the capacity to allow Tribune to refinance its existing debt. Tribune will finance the transaction through a combination of debt financing and a portion of its cash on hand.

Additional Transaction Details
The transaction has been approved by the boards of both Tribune and Local TV and is expected to close by the end of 2013, subject to antitrust and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Guggenheim Securities acted as financial advisor to Tribune, and Debevoise & Plimpton and Covington & Burling acted as legal advisors to Tribune on the transaction.  Moelis & Company LLC; Wells Fargo Securities, LLC; and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. acted as financial advisor to Local TV, and Dow Lohnes PLLC acted as legal advisors to Local TV, on the transaction.

Investor Call:
Tribune will hold a conference call with investors and analysts to discuss this announcement today at 9 a.m. (Eastern Time). To access the call, please use one of the following dial-in numbers: 1-866-674-6591 (U.S. and Canada) and 1-937-502-2254 (International), and enter the Conference ID number: 13911824.
A live webcast will be accessible through the Tribune website, www.tribune.com, or at http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=653759&s=1&k=DEA64C31A72800E0DDD283359717346B. To listen to the live webcast, click on the link to the webcast provided on the site's homepage. Allow at least 10 minutes to access the home page and complete the link before the webcast begins.

A telephone replay of the call will be available until July 31, 2013. The replay dial-in numbers are 1-800-585-8367 (U.S. and Canada) and 1-404-537-3406 (International), and the Conference ID number is 13911824. In addition, the webcast will be archived on Tribune's web site in the "Financial Info" section.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements 
This press release contains certain forward looking statements that are based largely on Tribune's current expectations and reflect various estimates and assumptions by Tribune.  These statements may be identified by words such as "expect," "anticipate," "will," "implied," "assume" and similar expressions.  Forward looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results and achievements to differ materially from those expressed in such forward looking statements.  Such risks, trends and uncertainties, which in some instances are beyond Tribune's control, include Tribune's ability to maintain relationship with cable operators, satellite providers and other key commercial partners of the acquired business, the ability to retain employees of the acquired business, the ability to successfully integrate the acquired business into its operations; and the ability to realize the expected benefits and synergies from the acquisition, including the expected accretion in earnings.  Tribune is subject to additional risks and uncertainties described in Tribune's quarterly and annual financial statements, related management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations and the information contained therein, which are made publicly available via its website, www.tribune.com.  Any forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated in light of these important risk factors.  This press release reflects management's views as of July 1, 2013.  Except to the extent required by applicable law, Tribune undertakes no obligation to update or revise any information contained in this press release beyond the published date, or for changes made to this press release by wire services, Internet service providers or other media, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Tribune Company
TRIBUNE is one of the country's leading multimedia companies, operating businesses in publishing, digital and broadcasting. In publishing, Tribune's leading daily newspapers include the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The Baltimore Sun, Sun Sentinel (South Florida), Orlando Sentinel, Hartford Courant, The Morning Call and Daily Press. The company's broadcasting group operates 23 television stations, WGN America on national cable, the national multicast network Antenna TV and Chicago's WGN-AM. Popular news and information websites complement Tribune's print and broadcast properties and extend the company's nationwide audience.

About Oak Hill Capital Partners
Oak Hill Capital Partners is a private equity firm with more than $8 billion of initial capital commitments from leading entrepreneurs, endowments, foundations, corporations, pension funds and global financial institutions.  Over a period of more than 25 years, the professionals at Oak Hill Capital and its predecessors have invested in more than 70 significant private equity transactions across broad segments of the U.S. and global economies.  Oak Hill Capital applies an industry-focused, theme-based approach and engages experienced operating consultants to work directly with management teams to implement strategic and operational initiatives.   For more information about Oak Hill Capital, visit www.oakhillcapital.com.

SOURCE Tribune Company

CONTACT: Tribune Media contact, Gary Weitman, SVP/Corporate Relations, +1-312-222-3394, gweitman@tribune.com, or Oak Hill Capital Partners and Local TV Media contacts, Jeremy Fielding or James David, Kekst and Company, +1-212-521-4800
Web Site: http://www.oakhillcapital.com


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44% Of Nigerians Give President Goodluck Jonathan Two Thumbs Up

President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria.


Abuja, Nigeria. July 2nd, 2013

Governance poll results released by NOI Polls Limited for the month of June have revealed that slightly more than 4 in 10 Nigerians (44%) approve the performance of President Goodluck Jonathan for the month of June 2013. This rating has remained constant when compared to last month’s ratings. The results also indicate that 47% of Nigerians rate the performance of the current administration as average. These were the two key findings from the poll conducted in the week of June 24th 2013.

The results presented are the sixth in the monthly series of governance polls conducted by NOI Polls to gauge the opinions and perceptions of Nigerians regarding three crucial elements – the approval rating of the president, the performance of the current administration, and the situation of power supply in the country.

Averages over a six month period show the following statistics; an average of 47% of Nigerians approve of the president’s job performance over the six month period, however GEJ’s approval ratings have declined by 6 points over this period (Jan: 50%, Jun:44%). His approval ratings have been most affected in the months where power supply have been perceived as bad, showing a correlation between how Nigerians perceive his performance and their power supply. His ratings peaked in February at 54% when Nigeria won the African Cup of Nations and dipped at an all-time low to 42% in April, a month where 51% of Nigerians reported their power situation as bad.

Full details only on http://noi-polls.com/index.php?s_id=3&p_id=240&p_pt=5&pd=1&poll=38#.UdKbrju-pMc

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CALL FOR ENTRIES: 10th Abuja International Film Festival in Nigeria

This is an official Call for Entries for the 10th Abuja International Film Festival scheduled for the 24th-27th September 2013 at the Silverbird Cinemas Abuja, Nigeria.

The festival will screen over 60 indigenous and foreign movies in the following genres: Short, Feature, Animation, Documentary and Experimental. All entries must have been produced within the past 24 months and you can download the entry form from our website: www.abujafilmfestng.org.

The festival shall give awards in the following categories:

1. Best Feature Film

2. Best Short Film

3. Most Outstanding Male Act

4. Most Outstanding Female Act

5. Best Experimental Film

6. Best Animation Film

7. Best Documentary Film

8. Golden Jury Award

All entries should be submitted in DVD FORMAT. Deadline for submission of entries is July 31st, 2013.

For further enquiries you can call 08023217673, 07055773560 or 08023260448

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Happy Birthday Uncle Jimi Solanke!

"Take me away from performance and in a week I'll be sick -- and I've never been sick because I've been performing all the time.

I feel I am doing what God has asked me in life -- am I doing it well, I want to do it better still, I'm trying. I feel fulfilled when it comes to performing in front of audiences." 

 ~ Jimi Solanke. 

Uncle Jimi Solanke is 71 today and Nigerians Report Online is thanking our Almighty God JEHIVAH for his beautiful and wonderful life as celebrated on stage, press, TV, film and radio over the decades and his interview on CNN's African Voices is worth seeing again and again.

It was a great honour that he came with my mentor Dame Taiwo Ajai-Lycett to celebrate with us at the maiden launching of our Screen Naija One Village, One Cinema Project, that will be the biggest and largest cinema venture in Africa before 2016.

We wish uncle Jimi Solanke many more happier returns of the day and may God grant him more grace to continue to shine wherever he goes as a blessing to us.


 Faithfully,
 Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
Publisher/Editor, Nigerians Report Online
Founder, Eko International Film Festival
Founder/CEO, Screen Outdoor Open Air Cinema  
A member of the Projection Foundation

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