Stand With Malala

Hi there,

Do you remember Malala Yousafzai? She's the 15-year-old that the Pakistani Taliban tried to assassinate last October because of her strong voice in the fight for women’s rights and youth education.

The Taliban gunmen shot her in front of her peers -- but she survived and she hasn’t stopped fighting. On July 12, she'll mark her 16th birthday by speaking at the UN. She’ll be delivering the first-ever set of education policy recommendations written for youth, by youth.

I just signed this letter to the UN Secretary-General telling him, and the world, that Malala does not stand alone in her fight for universal youth education.

 Will you sign it as well?
 https://secure.aworldatschool.org/malala-friend-share.

Thank you for supporting this cause with me.

 Every signature really does make a difference!

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Peace With The Beast? Say Mun Kawo Karshensu

Peace With The Beast? Say Mun Kawo Karshensu

Lawrence Anini was a bandit who terrorized Benin City in the 80s along with his second in command, Monday Osunbor. His band of terrorists began robbing busses, banks and stealing cars. Anini gradually expanded the activities of his syndicate to cities and states around Benin. On December 3^rd, 1986, Anini was captured at a house, while in the company of a girl friend. He was shot in the leg and transferred to a military hospital where the leg was amputated. Ibrahim Babangida, the president at the time had Anini tried expediently and as is the custom and law in Nigeria, he was killed by firing squad on March 29th, 1987. And that was the end of Lawrence Anini, Nigeria’s terror bandit, who left trails of death and sorrow in his path.

We could go on to review the story of Mohammed Marwa, aka, Maitatsine, a radical northern bandit, and how a successful military campaign succeeded in defeating and killing him in 1980. These are all stories of terrorism in Nigeria’s history that most of us are familiar with.

Today, the story of insane terrorism and evil is the Boko Haram, aka “western civilization is bad,” terrorist saga centered in Nigeria’s north east. Boko Haram terrorism, headed by a man who goes under the nickname, Abubakar Shekau, allegedly from Niger republic, has taken the lives of over 6000 innocent Nigerians, Muslims, Christians, Hausa, Kanuri, Yoruba, Igbo, old and young alike. The terrorists have never submitted to reason, never proposed a sensible agenda and have never abated in their campaigns of merciless murder. Well, up until June 26^th.

On June 26^th, a press release that appeared to come from Boko Haram top quarters, for the first time, asked for a cease fire with the Nigerian government. Ordinarily, this would read reasonable. But this is no ordinary situation. What prompted this demand for a ceasefire? We have to go back to May 14^th. The current administration, headed by president Goodluck Jonathan, on May 14^th, in response to a dangerous reality, that the northern extremist terrorists who had largely been left unchecked though years of rampage, had acquired so much arms, training, vehicles and guts, that they were attacking military barracks in Borno state and according to Nigeria’s PDP chairman, Bamanga Tukur, were even about to declare their first Nigerian state.

In addition to the declaration of a state of emergency, a full military deployment was rapidly made and war was declared against this malicious, terrorist insurgency. The president of Nigeria has conceded that he might be one of the most disliked leaders in the world. But with the engagement of Boko Haram in this total war, for once, many Nigerians said he had done something very right.

By June, Nigeria had turned over the tables on Boko Haram. And when we say Nigeria, we mean not only the brave men of the Nigerian army, but the brave men, women and youth of the federation. Nigeria’s civilians decided that it was time for them to decide and take control of their destiny. Against their safety, the youth of the North took up arms. Not the ammunition type, but sticks, cutlasses, catapults and the like. Now popularly known as the “civilian JTF,” youths set up more check-points in Borno and Yobe state, civilian check-points than the military had setup. Nigeria’s civilians joined the war in full force, routing out Boko Haram terrorists, exposing them. They even went as far as declaring government officials who they knew were linked to the terrorism, and going after these.

Northern parents were not left out. Many revealed and exposed their sons, wives, husbands, as the case may be. The people said, no. No, to terror. No, to banditry. No to Boko Haram, miscreants, murderers and robbers, destroying their native land.

Victory

Such communal effort and bravery can only result in one thing, victory. Boko Haram has since been severely decimated. The bandits have run into the mountains, only daring to come down to scavenge for food.  The terrorists have gotten so desperate, they have gone totally insane. They now attack school children, seeing them as the great enemy. Nigerians thanked their Lord and celebrated the victory over terror. We knew Boko Haram can never return, because terror can only exist where the people do nothing. The northern youth have woken up and will never, ever do nothing again. Everyone was doing something, policing their neighborhood. There will forever be no more room for Boko Haram terror. Perhapos even, Boko Haram had thought us something more—cooperation, love and peaceful coexistence.

And then the president slapped our faces

On July 8^th, the unbelievable happened. The Jonathan administration announced that they had agreed to a ceasefire with the beast. Cease fire with terrorists. The news sounded impossible to believe. Who were they ceasing fire with? But Boko Haram is being defeated. Why will the victor sign a ceasefire with the vanquished? What can this mean? Who is the government struggling to protect? Is the government trying to allow this wicked formation a chance to remain relevant, to regroup and to continue to be a potential terror threat to the good people of Nigeria?

As the civilian JTF began going for top level sponsors of Boko Haram, more names of possible senior official, government friends and current and ex-government officials have been thrown about in the streets and in the press. Elite have been getting scared. An ex governor pleaded with the current governor of Borno to halt his trip to China and quickly return to facilitate the release of a party chairman, currently arrested by the military JTF in concert with the civilian JTF on suspicion of Boko Haram sponsorship. Other top level sponsors were obviously getting uncomfortably warm, feeling the heat at their toes. It is only reasonable to suspect that these elite impressed it on the president to “cease fire,” so they can stay out of the fire.

In a news report last week, a former Nigerian president at a meeting of Nigerian presidents, said, “the security situation should be dealt with in house.” Whatever did this mean? But the question is, what do we the people say and what do we want?

If I may submit, on behalf of the brave civilian JTF of North Nigeria, whose shoe-laces, I am not fit to fasten. We the people reject any form of cease fire with the beast. We the people will never stop, we will never renege. We will never abate until all terrorists have been meted the judgment they deserve. We will never live with murderers. We will never forgive the sponsors of the murderers. For the sake of those who have died, for the sake of those who are injured, for those who have lost loved ones, for those who suffer, due to the hunger and poverty this insane terrorism has caused. For the sake of the brave military men, who have died saving Nigeria, not from external war as they signed up with the army to engage in, but rather in internal senseless terrorism. For the families of the soldiers. The only peace will be when Boko Haram have met their peace. We implore the government stay with us on the right side of history.

We the civilian JTF, say: Say Mun Kawo Karshensu — Not till we bring their end!

Dr. Peregrino Brimah

For http://ENDS.ng [Every Nigerian Do Something]

Movement of the March 18^th Kano Sabon Gari Bus stop bombing

Email: drbrimah@ends.ng

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Samsung Electronics Co-CEO President Boo-Keun Yoon Endorses TINO Electronics of Nigeria

Chief Timothy Ofoezie welcoming President Boo-Keun Yoon who has been the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. since March 15, 2013.
 

Co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, President Boo-Keun Yoon with hosts Chief and Barrister Mrs. Timothy Ofoezie, CEO of TINO Electronics at the corporate headquarters in Lekki during the visit of President Yoon.  


Samsung Electronics Co-CEO President Boo-Keun Yoon Endorses TINO Electronics of Nigeria


 The Co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, President Boo-Keun Yoon on Monday 8th July 2013 visited the show room of TINO Electronics Nigeria; this is a big endorsement for TINO Electronics that recently bagged many awards from Samsung Electronics, a market leader and one of the biggest brands in world Electronic market.

This all in one Electronics super store is located @ lekki – Epe Express Way by 3rd round is elated by this visit of President Boo-Keun Yoon.
Electronic Consumers living within Lekki, Ajah and Victoria Garden City (VGC) are happy and excited with TINO Electronics Show room in Lekki. The reasons behind their excitement is not far stretched, TINO Electronics has carved a great niche for itself over the years and remains the last bus stop for quality and durable electronics and general appliances. The Slogan of TINO over the years has been "ONE SHOP,  MANY POSSIBILITIES".
Tino electronics stocks all the ranges of Samsung products, from home theaters to Televisions, refrigerators to washing machines.

Admiring the biggest Samsung Smart TV.
 

A senior manager from Samsung Group in Korea stressing a point.

 

Chief and Barrister Mrs. Timothy Ofoezie, CEO of TINO Electronics presenting a gift to President Yoon.

 President Yoon presenting a gift to Chief Timothy Ofoezie, the CEO of TINO Electronics.

Established in 1990, Tino Electronics Nigeria Limited has metamorphosed from a sister company 'Elodu & Sons Nigeria Limited with an initial workforce of four employees. Presently, the company boost of 58 employees and several contract staff. Tino Electronics is wholly indigenous Nigeria Company with its directors cast amongst a group of corporate and individual investors who posses complementary strengths and are totally committed to the long term corporate vision of the company with strict adherence to professionalism.

Mr. Chukwuma Ofoma, Project Manager of Samsung Electronics explaining some vital points to President Yoon and others.
 

President Yoon gives thumb up of endorsement to TINO Electronics.
 

President Yoon congratulates Barrister Mrs. Ofoezie.
 

President Yoon commends Chief Ofoezie.
 

The Board and Management of TINO Electronics posing with President Yoon and his team.
 

 A big farewell to President Boo-Keun Yoon and his team.

Tino has had a history of progression starting from a shop of about 44sq meter in 1989 in Edidi Lane, Idumota Lagos to its several outlets in Nnamdi Azikwe Street, Lagos to Alaba International Market and Abuja, FCT. The company's headquarters is presently located in a strategic market area in Ikoyi, Lagos. The company is dedicated to leveraging emerging competition to provide the highest level of quality products and services, customer service and satisfaction and functions in the organization are working enormously towards attainment of the goal and objectives.


~ By Mr. Ingram Adichie Osigwe
 MD/CEO Fullpage International Communications Limited.

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Every Local Council in Nigeria Should Have A Cinema - Ladi Ladebo

Every local council should be encouraged to construct a village/town/city center which should include at least a cinema hall depending on the size of the village and or town and city. Every local government chairman is busy building markets stalls as a revenue generating project for the council. Fine! There is also money to be made from properties that can be hired out to citizens for weddings, funerals, and other celebrations with a modern approach. Such can be achieved within a short period. That will give us some seven hundred and seventy potential outlets for films, well spread out to be accessible to all Nigerian citizens. 

~ Ladi Ladebo from FOR A VIABLE CINEMA INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA.

Global Nollywood: The Transnational Dimensions of an African Video Film Industry (African Expressive Cultures) 

"Reveals in fascinating detail the wild popularity, controversies, and complaints provoked by this film form as it has come to shape the media landscape of Africa." —Brian Larkin, Barnard College
(Brian Larkin, Barnard College)

"Offers original material with respect to the transnational presence of Nollywood." —Moradewun Adejunmobi, University of California, Davis
(Moradewun Adejunmobi, University of California, Davis)

About the Author

Matthias Krings is Professor of Anthropology and African Popular Culture at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany.
Onookome Okome is Professor of African Literature and Film Studies at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, Canada.

Viewing African Cinema in the Twenty-First Century: Art Films and the Nollywood Video Revolution

 

About the Author

Mahir Saul is a professor of anthropology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He is coauthor of African Challenge to Empire: Culture and History in the Volta-Bani Anticolonial War and author of many articles on West African anthropology and social and economic history. Ralph A. Austen is a professor emeritus of African history at the University of Chicago. He is the author of African Economic History and Trans-Saharan Africa in World History; coauthor of Middlemen of the Cameroon Rivers: The Duala and Their Hinterland, ca. 1600–ca. 1960; and editor of In Search of Sunjata: The Mande 


Epic as History, Literature and Performance

 

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Consumer Reports' Survey: Nine Of 10 Americans Who Haggled Saved Money

10 Jul 2013 11:00 Africa/Lagos

Consumer Reports' Survey: Nine Of 10 Americans Who Haggled Saved Money But, more than one-third of Americans refused to bargain for better deals on products and services; Plus, six savvy haggling tips


YONKERS, N.Y., July 10, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumers who don't haggle are leaving money on the table.  A new nationally representative survey of 2,000 Americans by Consumer Reports found that just 48 percent of shoppers tried bargaining for a better deal on everyday goods and services during the past three years, down from 61 percent in 2007.  And most of those who bothered to negotiate received a discount at least once during that period.

The full report on haggling is available in the August 2013 issue of Consumer Reports and online at www.ConsumerReports.org.


"Don't expect your doctor, bank, or local appliance store to cut you a break simply because you have a nice face and smile.  It takes moxie and self-confidence," said Tod Marks, senior projects editor at Consumer Reports. "Having the guts to ask for a discount can result in hundreds of dollars in savings."
When it comes to haggling, nothing is off limits.  But those who don't take the risk, lose.  In Consumer Reports' survey, 35 percent of respondents said they won't bargain, period.  Men are more likely to haggle than women – 20 percent of women said that it makes them uncomfortable. But both genders were equally successful when they tried. Younger consumers, those 18 to 29, tend to enjoy the practice more than those over 60, who were particularly turned off by it.


Shoppers achieved the highest success haggling over the price of collectibles or antiques, furniture, and appliances according to Consumer Reports' survey.  Schmoozing with a salesperson was the favorite tactic for haggling over collectibles and antiques, where those who negotiated saved $100 on average.  Those who haggled over furniture and questioned a health-related charge saved an average of $300; those who bargained on washers, dryers, refrigerators, and the like, saved $200, on average.
Consumer Reports also found that those who were successful at challenging the cost of a cell-phone plan averaged savings of $80.


Six Haggling Do's
Savvy negotiators know that politeness, friendliness, and a smile are harder to resist than tough talk.  Consumer Reports has compiled the following tips to get to yes:

1. Give sellers a reason to negotiate.  Loyal  customers  should  remind  their  merchant  or service provider of their repeated business.  Offering discounts on products or services is a small price to pay to keep customers coming back. 
2.  Ask open-ended questions.  Retailers are more likely to turn down a customer who asks questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no.  Instead of asking for a specific dollar-amount or percentage off an item, ask what they are willing to offer as a discount. 
3.  Decide on a fair price.  Research the cost of any product before buying.  Print out or take screen shots of website pages or written quotes from competitors.  Fifty-seven percent of survey respondents told the salesperson they'd check competitors' prices.  Call the store to confirm that it will match a lower price.  Ask about a refund of the difference if there's a price-drop within a reasonable period of time.  If a discount on the item is out of the question, ask for free shipping, delivery, or installation. 
4. Seek a discount for cash.  Offering to pay with paper instead of plastic eliminates transaction fees sellers are required to pay to credit-card companies.
5. Find flaws.  Retailers are likely to offer discounts on products with cosmetic blemishes or slight defects such as clothing with snags, smudges or stains, and appliances or electronics with dings or scratches.  It's generally easier to negotiate such deals with independent stores than with chains and for private-label products than for big brands because sellers can't return flawed products to their makers for credit.
6. Be willing to walk away.  It's expensive for stores to attract new customers, so they're often willing to work hard to retain their existing ones.  But consumers who don't think they're getting a good deal should go elsewhere and try to negotiate a better bargain.

Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.


JULY 2013
The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves.  We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports®, ConsumerReports.org ® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent commercial use of its materials, its name, or the name of Consumer Reports®.

 
SOURCE Consumer Reports
CONTACT: Melissa Valentino 914.378.2432, Consumer Reports, mvalentino@consumer.org Web Site: www.ConsumerReports.org

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CHIME FOR CHANGE Storytelling Platform Releases Powerful Stories Of Courageous Girls And Women Around The World

9 Jul 2013 14:45 Africa/Lagos

CHIME FOR CHANGE Storytelling Platform Releases Powerful Stories Of Courageous Girls And Women Around The World

Mariane Pearl leads a dedicated team of journalists committed to bringing untold stories about girls and women to the world's attention

Powerful short films by acclaimed directors, and curated by Executive Producer Salma Hayek Pinault, highlight issues affecting girls and women around the world

LONDON, July 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- CHIME FOR CHANGE, the global campaign for girls' and women's empowerment founded by Gucci, has today announced the launch of its storytelling platform, designed to shine a light on stories celebrating and spotlighting courageous girls and women around the world. Through a combination of short films and journalistic content, the powerful stories are centered on the individuals who live them, and aim to inspire conversation and community participation by raising awareness among a global audience.

To mark the launch of the storytelling platform, CHIME FOR CHANGE, led by a founding committee comprised of Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini, Salma Hayek Pinault and Beyonce Knowles-Carter, has released five original short films, told through the lens of creative filmmakers who have been inspired to share previously untold compelling stories with the world. The films first premiered earlier this month during THE SOUND OF CHANGE LIVE concert event on June 1, which gathered together some of the world's most talented artists and renowned activists to raise funds and awareness for girls' and women's empowerment. The films are available to view and download through the CHIME FOR CHANGE homepage www.chimeforchange.org and www.youtube.com/chimeforchange
 
"We will shine a spotlight on those who are fighting for education, health and justice for girls and women by sharing stories about real people who are speaking out and rising up to change the course of history," said Salma Hayek Pinault, Executive Producer of the CHIME FOR CHANGE film unit.  "These films tell intimate, personal stories – but these stories represent universal themes.  And now we can all play a part by turning inspiration into action."

In addition, Mariane Pearl, Managing Editor of CHIME FOR CHANGE, has assembled a team of international journalists who will document the pivotal time in history we are currently experiencing as girls and women courageously stand up to demand that their voices and stories are heard. Ms. Pearl will work with independent journalists from all over the world and with the support of content partners including the International Herald Tribune and the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Ms. Pearl said: "Journalism is about holding those in power accountable and giving a voice to the voiceless. We will do both, denouncing the violence and discrimination women are facing because of their gender and giving a voice to those who may have never spoken out until now."

Ms. Pearl added: "One by one these individuals' stories demonstrate that women everywhere are ready to stand up for themselves and for one another, ready to live to their full potential."
The journalism platform will serve as an inspiration for women and girls everywhere to connect and learn each others' stories, using the power of narrative and storytelling to create a global network, and support those working individually to transform their environments.

The five short films released this week illustrate some of the many critical issues faced by girls and women around the world, and focus on real life stories connected to the three pillars of CHIME FOR CHANGE: Education, Health and Justice.  The films include:

• SEPIDEH: LETTERS TO EINSTEIN directed by Berit Madsen, the story of Sepideh, a young Iranian astronomer who dreams of becoming an astronaut.  The film tells the story of a young woman who dares to pursue her dream despite the many societal pressures and familial obligations that threaten to block her path.
• REACHING FOR THE SUN by Jehane Noujaim, which follows the journey of 30 grandmothers chosen from remote corners of the globe who are trained as solar engineers, enabling them to return home and solar power their own villages.
• Dan Reed's #SHOUTINGBACK, which tells the story of Laura Bates, a UK journalist and activist who uses social media to highlight the issue of sexual harassment and objectification of women.
• DYNAMIQUE DES FEMMES JURISTES by Hi-Sim Studios, an animated film about a group of female lawyers in eastern Congo fighting for women's rights.
• JESSICA'S STORY by Libby Spears profiles Jessica as she shares her story of being sex trafficked as a child. Artist Lydiaemily Archibald paints a large mural in Los Angeles's infamous Skid Row to capture Jessica's spirit and resilience.

In addition, a special version of Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy's HUMAIRA: THE DREAM CATCHER with a voiceover from Madonna has been released this week by CHIME FOR CHANGE.  All of the new films on the storytelling platform join the extended trailer of THE SUPREME PRICE by Joanna Lipper, the first short film to be released by CHIME FOR CHANGE to coincide with the launch of the campaign in February.

The launch of the CHIME FOR CHANGE storytelling platform follows The SOUND OF CHANGE LIVE held at Twickenham Stadium on 1^st June. The concert event was headlined by CHIME FOR CHANGE co-founder Beyonce, along with an incredible line-up of all-star performers and presenters who brought girls' and women's empowerment to the world's stage.

Immediately prior to THE SOUND OF CHANGE LIVE concert event, Ms. Pearl hosted a five-day 'Reporting Women' journalism summit, in partnership with the Thomson Reuters Foundation. The course explored topics ranging from the safety of female journalists, to female stereotypes and narratives in the media. Participating journalists were recruited from all parts of the world, and will have their work featured as a part of the storytelling platform on the CHIME FOR CHANGE website.

The funds raised through the CHIME FOR CHANGE campaign will be donated to projects presented by more than 80 non-profit organizations in over 70 countries through CHIME FOR CHANGE partner Catapult, the first crowdfunding platform solely dedicated to advancing the lives of girls and women. 
Many of the CHIME FOR CHANGE short films are represented by an associated project on Catapult, so that viewers can become personally engaged in the individual stories of the girls and women in the films.  These include: helping Humaira Bachal build her Dream Model Street School on the outskirts of Karachi; supporting Laura Bates's Everyday Sexism project; helping survivors of human trafficking, with stories like Jessica's, through organizations such as the Nest Foundation; and training the next generation of women leaders through the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND) in Nigeria as illustrated through Hafsat Abiola's story in THE SUPREME PRICE.

The feature length films of SEPIDEH: LETTERS TO EINSTEIN, REACHING FOR THE SUN and THE SUPREME PRICE are past recipients of the Spotlighting Women Documentary Award, presented by the Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund in partnership with the Kering Foundation and  administered by Tribeca Film Institute.

CHIME FOR CHANGE comes at a historic and pivotal moment for girls and women globally, as the world's attention is drawn to international stories ranging from the fight for girls' education in Pakistan to headlines of violence against women in all corners of the world.  The campaign brings together a coalition of organizations and individuals to effect meaningful change for girls and women worldwide. The campaign's strategic partners include the Kering Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Facebook, Hearst Magazines and Catapult.

The Advisory Board of CHIME FOR CHANGE includes Hafsat Abiola, Muna AbuSulayman, Valerie Amos, Jimmie Briggs, Gordon and Sarah Brown, Lydia Cacho, David Carey, Joanne Crewes, Minh Dang, Juliet de Baubigny, Waris Dirie, Helene Gayle, Yasmeen Hassan, Arianna Huffington, Musimbi Kanyoro, Alicia Keys, Yang Lan, John Legend, Madonna, Pat Mitchell, Alyse Nelson, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Francois-Henri Pinault, Julia Roberts, Jill Sheffield, Alison Smale, Jada Pinkett Smith, Caryl Stern, Meryl Streep, the Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Mpho Tutu, and Monique Villa.

To stay informed, visit www.chimeforchange.org
and join our community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chimeforchange .
To read the stories published on the CHIME FOR CHANGE storytelling platform click below:
www.chimeforchange.org/stories.

To watch and download the films please go to
www.chimeforchange.org or www.youtube.com/chimeforchange
To download the imagery, logos, biographies and press releases for the CHIME FOR CHANGE campaign please click http://www.chimeforchange.org/
 
CHIME FOR CHANGE Founding Committee
Frida Giannini, Beyonce Knowles-Carter and Salma Hayek Pinault.
The full line-up of artists and performers at THE SOUND OF CHANGE LIVE included:
Aishwarya Rai * Abhishek Bachchan * Archbishop Desmond Tutu * Beyonce * Blake Lively * Ellie Goulding * Florence + the Machine * Freida Pinto * Frida Giannini * Gloria Steinem * HAIM * Humaira Bachal * Iggy Azalea * Jada Pinkett Smith * James Franco * Jay-Z * Jennifer Lopez * Jessica Chastain *John Legend * Laura Pausini * Leymah Gbowee * Madonna * Mary J Blige * Mpho Tutu * Rita Ora * Ryan Reynolds * Salma Hayek Pinault * Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy * Simon Le Bon * Timbaland * Zoe Saldana *

GUCCI
Founded in Florence in 1921, Gucci is one of the world's leading luxury fashion brands. Alongside the values of quality, creativity and Italian artisanal craftsmanship, for which the brand is renowned, Gucci also believes in the importance of a responsible attitude towards people, the environment and the communities in which it operates. Corporate citizenship is a fundamental part of the mission and operating philosophy of the company. For more information about Gucci, please visit www.gucci.com
 
The Kering Foundation
The Kering Corporate Foundation combats violence against women and promotes their empowerment. Launched in January 2009, the Foundation supports community-based projects and encourages employee involvement to sustain women's causes around the world. Through four programmes, it supports local and international NGOs as well as social entrepreneurs, helps raise awareness and establishes joint projects with the Kering brands. In 2012, more than 80,000 women benefited from its support in 16 countries. www.keringfoundation.org @KeringForWomen

Facebook
Founded in 2004, Facebook's mission is to make the world more open and connected. People use Facebook to stay connected with friends and family, to discover what's going on in the world, and to share and express what matters to them.

Catapult
Catapult is the first crowd-funding platform solely dedicated to advancing the lives of girls and women around the world. Catapult connects trusted organizations with a new global audience to increase funds and engagement. Organizations can post projects online, and donors can browse and fund the issues that speak to them most. Every dollar donated goes to the organization and donors receive reports about the project's progress. Catapult beta-launched on October 11, 2012, with the support of notable partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Global Fund for Women and the United Nations Population Fund.For more information go to www.catapult.org, and follow Catapult on Twitter: @wecatapult and Facebook at facebook.com/catapult.org. Catapult is a project of WOMEN DELIVER, a 501c(3) organization. Invest in girls and women. It pays!

Hearst Magazines
Hearst Magazines is a unit of Hearst Corporation, one of the nation's largest diversified communications companies. Hearst Magazines is the largest publisher of monthly magazines in the U.S. (ABC 2012), reaching 83 million adults (Fall 2012 MRI) with its 20 titles. In addition the company published more than 300 editions around the world. Hearst Magazines Digital Media, dedicated to creating and implementing Hearst Magazines' digital strategy, has more than 28 websites and 14 mobiles sites for brands such as Cosmopolitan, Popular Mechanics, ELLE, ELLE DECOR, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Marie Claire and Seventeen, as well as digital only sites such as Delish.com, a food site in partnership with MSN; MisQuinceMag.com; and RealBeauty.com. Hearst Magazines has published more than 150 apps and digital editions. In addition, the company includes iCrossing, a global digital marketing agency.

SOURCE Gucci

CONTACT: For information about the CHIME FOR CHANGE campaign, Caroline.Preston@freud.com, or Jana.Kapeller@freud.com, or +44 (0) 20 3003 6300
Web Site: http://www.gucci.com

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Sony's Elysium Lands In IMAX® Theatres Worldwide Starting August 9

9 Jul 2013 18:30 Africa/Lagos

Sony's Elysium Lands In IMAX® Theatres Worldwide Starting August 9 

LOS ANGELES, July 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --


IMAX Corporation (NYSE:IMAX; TSX:IMX), along with TriStar Pictures and Media Rights Capital today announced that Elysium, filmmaker Neill Blomkamp's (District 9) futuristic action film starring Matt Damon and Jodie Foster, will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX® format and released in IMAX® theatres worldwide beginning August 9.



(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111107/MM01969LOGO )


"Neill Blomkamp is the kind of innovative, creative storyteller that moviegoers seek out, and we are thrilled to bring this highly anticipated film to IMAX audiences worldwide," said Greg Foster, CEO of IMAX Entertainment and Senior Executive Vice President IMAX Corp.


"Elysium is one of the most highly anticipated films of the summer, so we're pleased that audiences will have the chance to see Neill Blomkamp's vision for the future in IMAX's immersive format," said Rory Bruer, president, Worldwide Distribution for Sony Pictures.


The IMAX release of Elysium will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology.  The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

For more information about Elysium, please visit Sony's official website at http://www.itsbetterupthere.com/site/.


About Elysium
In the year 2154, two classes of people exist: the very wealthy, who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined planet. The people of Earth are desperate to escape the crime and poverty that is now rampant throughout the land. The only man with the chance to bring equality to these worlds is Max (Matt Damon), an ordinary guy in desperate need to get to Elysium. With his life hanging in the balance, he reluctantly takes on a dangerous mission – one that pits him against Elysium's Secretary Delacourt (Jodie Foster) and her hard-line forces – but if he succeeds, he could save not only his own life, but millions of people on Earth as well.  Written and directed by Neill Blomkamp.  The QED International / Alphacore Studios / Kinberg Genre production is produced by Bill Block, Neill Blomkamp, and Simon Kinberg.


About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX theatres to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, and, as such, IMAX's network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.


IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, with offices in London, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing.  As of March 31, 2013, there were 738 IMAX theatres (606 commercial multiplexes, 19 commercial destinations and 113 institutions) in 53 countries.


IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMR®, Experience It In IMAX®, An IMAX 3D Experience®, The IMAX Experience® and IMAX Is Believing® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imax) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).


This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on IMAX management's assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in IMAX's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and most recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
 
For additional information please contact:
 

Media: IMAX Corporation - New York Ann Sommerlath 212-821-0155 asommerlath@imax.com Entertainment Media: Principal Communications Group - Los Angeles Melissa Zukerman/Paul Pflug 323-658-1555 melissa@pcommgroup.com paul@pcommgroup.com

Investors: IMAX Corporation – New York Teri Loxam 212-821-0110 tloxam@imax.com Business Media: Sloane & Company – New York Whit Clay 212-446-1864 wclay@sloanepr.com

SOURCE IMAX Corporation

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


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Allegiant Air Tops Annual Performing Airline Rankings

9 Jul 2013 15:30 Africa/Lagos

Aviation Week Releases Top-Performing Airline Rankings  

Allegiant Air Ranks #1 Overall

NEW YORK, July 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Aviation Week has announced the results of its annual Top-Performing Airlines (TPA) study, featuring ranking lists that are the most comprehensive guide to the relative strength of the world's airlines.


This year's overall top performer is Allegiant Air, which also wins the small carrier division. Ryanair is the best of the large carriers, and Copa Airlines is the top mid-size company. Others to excel are All Nippon Airways, which is the best large airline that is not a low-cost carrier, and Australia's Regional Express, which scores second overall despite having the smallest revenues in the study.


The annual TPA study is based primarily on financial data from the last full calendar year. Carriers are scored in six categories – such as financial health, capital efficiency and business model performance – and then ranked by total score. Only publicly traded airlines are included.


Overall, the study presents a picture of an airline industry gradually becoming healthier, with better fiscal management throughout the sector. Of the 71 airlines tracked in the TPA study, 35 improved their total score through the end of 2012. This is much better than in the previous TPA study, when only 15 carriers improved their scores.


The results are featured in the July 1, 2013 issue of Aviation Week & Space Technology, with deeper data, analysis and expanded rankings tables available to AWIN (Aviation Week Intelligence Network) subscribers. Links to the basic rankings can also be found on our Things With Wings blog:  http://www.aviationweek.com/Blogs.aspx?plckBlogId=Blog:7a78f54e-b3dd-4fa6-ae6e-dff2ffd7bdbb&plckPostId=Blog:7a78f54e-b3dd-4fa6-ae6e-dff2ffd7bdbbPost:e8e9c929-ef76-46b9-9120-0cbec9dc8dc1
"Our airline rankings are not based on arbitrary selections or surveys, but on carefully constructed formulas with a wide range of data inputs," says Aviation Week Air Transport Editor Adrian Schofield . "The TPA study and rankings are unique, in that they compare airlines from all global regions in a truly objective manner."


Aviation Week's Top-Performing Airlines study provides a precise measure of airline strengths, weaknesses, and financial viability. It is reviewed by an advisory panel of prominent airline analysts, who also provide insights into the broader trends revealed by the study. They discuss how the data and rankings indicate which carriers are flourishing and those that are still vulnerable based on business models and geographic regions.
Airlines are ranked in three size groups, as well as overall. Despite a marked improvement among the large carriers, it's still the smaller niche airlines – such as Allegiant, Regional Express and AirAsia – that are the star performers. Four of the top six airlines overall are from the small category, and eight of the top 15.


Top 10 airline scores (all size categories)

1. Allegiant Travel Co.                    (U.S.)
2. Regional Express Holdings         (Australia)
3. AirAsia                                     (Malaysia)
4. Copa Holdings                           (Panama)
5. WestJet Airlines                        (Canada)
6. Spirit Airlines                            (U.S.)
7. Ryanair Holdings                       (Ireland)
8. EasyJet                                    (U.K.)
9. All Nippon Airways                    (Japan)
10. Alaska Air Group                       (U.S.)

 

About Aviation Week:
Aviation Week is the largest multimedia information and services provider for the global aviation, aerospace and defense industries. Industry professionals rely on Aviation Week for analysis, marketing and intelligence. Customers include the world's leading manufacturers, suppliers, airlines, militaries, governments and other organizations that serve this global market. Aviation Week produces data and analytics services including the Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN), industry-leading events around the world, as well as ShowNews and Business & Commercial Aviation.

 
About McGraw Hill Financial:
McGraw Hill Financial (NYSE: MHFI), a financial intelligence company, is a leader in credit ratings, benchmarks and analytics for the global capital and commodity markets. Iconic brands include: Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, S&P Capital IQ, S&P Dow Jones Indices, Platts, CRISIL, J.D. Power, McGraw Hill Construction and Aviation Week. The Company has approximately 17,000 employees in 27 countries. Additional information is available at www.mhfi.com.


SOURCE Aviation Week

CONTACT: Joe D'Andrea, Director of Communications, Aviation Week, +1 212-904-3780, joseph.dandrea@aviationweek.com
Web Site: http://www.mhfi.com

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