NEWSWEEK Cover: I Got It Bad

In the February 2 issue of Newsweek (on newsstands January 26), "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)," Newsweek's Fareed Zakaria writes about the challenges President Obama will face in order to fix the economy and restore America's credibility. Plus: Daniel Gross on our "Yes, We Can" president in a "No, We Can't" economy; Somali-Americans recruited for jihad; what makes some people survive; what Obama's presidency means for racial equality; and Newsweek's Oscar Roundtable with six Hollywood stars.(PRNewsFoto/NEWSWEEK) NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES 01/25/2009

25 Jan 2009 17:04 Africa/Lagos

NEWSWEEK Cover: I Got It Bad

President Obama Needs To Act Quickly and on a Massive Scale To Fix the Economy

"We Have Not Turned the Corner. In Fact, We Can't Even See the Corner Right Now."

NEW YORK, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- In an essay opening the February 2 Newsweek cover package, "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)" (on newsstands Monday, January 26), Newsweek International Editor Fareed Zakaria writes that President Barack Obama will have to quickly start planning for a set of more extraordinary measures to pull the United States out of its current, unsustainable economic condition. "The American financial system is effectively broken. Major banks are moving toward insolvency, and credit activity remains extremely weak. As long as the financial sector remains moribund, American consumers and companies -- who collectively make up 80 percent of GDP -- will not have access to credit, and economic activity cannot really resume on any significant scale. We have not turned the corner. In fact, we can't even see the corner right now," he writes.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090125/NYSU001 )


"President Obama faces a terrible dilemma. He needs to act quickly and on a massive scale," Zakaria writes. Without large scale action, the financial system will keep bleeding, but the American public believes that we have already spent far too much on bailing out the banks. Zakaria argues that the economic fact is that we have not spent enough. Even worse, "this current crisis has resulted in a deep erosion of American power that we have not fully understood. Even in the depths of the Iraq War, when much of the globe was enraged by George W. Bush's unilateralism, people everywhere believed that the United States had the world's most advanced economy and that its capital markets in particular were the most sophisticated and developed." That system is now seen across the world as a sham, and the attitudes of officials and businessmen range from shock to rage at what they see in the United States.


"When he began his run for the White House, Barack Obama thought he could restore American power and leadership by righting our foreign policy, winding down the Iraq War, closing Guantanamo, ending torture. These are all important policies, and I am glad that he is pursuing them. But right now, the most important way for him to restore America's credibility and influence in the world is to rescue the American model," Zakaria writes.


Also in the cover package, Senior Editor Daniel Gross writes how more and more companies and firms are deciding to forgo the work of restructuring their finances, and instead selling off their inventory and closing. "Rather than soldier on, many operators have opted to simply fold, returning money to investors. Companies, homeowners and money managers willing to quit rather than fight is both a symptom of the nation's deep economic woes and emblematic of the challenge the Obama administration faces," Gross writes. "Our 'Yes, We Can' president is going to have to fix a 'No, We Can't' economy."


(Read cover package at www.Newsweek.com)

Cover: http://www.newsweek.com/id/181407

The Quitter Economy: http://www.newsweek.com/id/181264


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090125/NYSU001
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN1
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Newsweek

CONTACT: Katherine Barna, +1-212-445-4859, of Newsweek


Web site: http://www.newsweek.msnbc.com/

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Hope is Not a Strategy: A Letter to President Obama

By Benjamin Ola. Akande, dean, School of Business and Technology, Webster University, St. Louis, Mo.

22 Jan 2009 22:16 Africa/Lagos


Hope is Not a Strategy: A Letter to President Obama

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a letter by Dr. Benjamin Ola. Akande, dean of the School of Business and Technology at Webster University in St. Louis, Mo.:


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090122/DC61721)

Dear President Obama,


During the campaign, you offered America hope, and promised to restore a civility and practicality to the nation's highest office so that, together, we could rise to the challenges and opportunities that lay at our doorstep. Now it's time to make some wise choices.


In your acceptance speech on the evening of Nov. 4, 2008, you were pointed in your statement that, "while we breathe, we hope." As President, your greatest challenge will be effectively leading a cabinet of highly qualified and highly opinionated individuals who will undoubtedly have differing ideas on how best to resolve the major issues that we face. Your leadership will be tested early and often and while you have assured Americans that there will be setbacks and false starts, your willingness to make tough choices early on will set the tone for a revival of a shell-shocked economy and a battle-fatigued nation. Yet, the fact remains that hope will not reduce housing foreclosures. Hope does not stop a recession. Hope cannot create jobs. Hope will not prevent catastrophic failures of banks. Hope is not a strategy.


President Obama, I would like to offer you 10 priorities to consider:

1. The Deficit. Don't be concerned about increasing the deficit in the
short term. There is an urgent need to stimulate the economy now--not
at any price, but almost. Your recovery plan must combine tax cuts
and structured spending in areas that foster long-term economic growth,
specifically, energy, healthcare and education. This is one time when
we need to act for today to ensure that tomorrow will be much better.
2. The Auto Industry. I want to urge you to reject the possibility of
extending additional bailout monies to the Big Three. Chapter 11
bankruptcy is the best thing that can happen to these automakers. They
need help quickly, but not in the form of government largesse. This is
a time for displaying "tough love" and not enabling poor performance,
corporate arrogance and unwise decisions. They will thank you in the
long run.
3. The New New Deal. There is urgency to rebuild America's roads and
bridges, but the real opportunity is to anchor your recovery plan on a
renewed energy policy that is timely and targeted. The imperative
should entail a: 1) green bailout for U.S. automakers; 2) green
infrastructure; 3) tax credit for companies to produce alternative
energy; 4) construction program for a new smart electric grid; and 5)
increased investment in mass transit using green technology. The
projects must be shovel-ready to get people back to work immediately.
4. 2009 Homeowner Protection Act. President Obama, now is the opportunity
to change the bankruptcy laws to protect homeowners from the vagaries
of the marketplace. We have expedited Chapter 11 bankruptcy for
businesses to keep them from going under when they run into financial
turbulence, and we should do no less for homeowners. It does no one any
good to force poor and middle-income Americans out of their homes, and
we know that vacant houses destroy even the best neighborhoods. An
expedited homeowner protection plan would allow for the restructuring
of the mortgages of millions of Americans who are under water. Stemming
the flood of foreclosures will reinvigorate the confidence of banks and
provide a shot in the arm for the credit market, putting the economy
back on the right foot.
5. Strengthening Middle Class America. Your administration should push to
expand the earned income tax credit as a relief measure for the middle
class and give Americans making less than $150,000 a $500 tax credit
per person on the first $8,100 in income. This will increase the rate
of spending and the rate of savings by the middle class, which will be
a source of new capital to spur growth.
6. A Health Plan for All. The greatest fear among most Americans is the
possibility of losing their jobs and with the loss of jobs comes the
real possibility of loss of health insurance. President Obama, we need
to have a comprehensive program that provides health insurance to the
unemployed and to the uninsured and it must happen post-haste. For a
nation of our comparative wealth to have any of our citizens go without
heath care is nothing short of criminal.
7. Rewrite Financial Service Laws. One of the key reasons for the current
financial crisis has been weak regulation of the financial services
industry. There needs to be a comprehensive overhaul of enforcement
policies of the Securities Exchange Commission. Require disclosure and
stipulate new accounting requirements.
8. Restructure Bailout. The first $350 billion of the financial market
bailout has done very little to jump-start the economy. The next $350
installment must be directed at assisting homeowners and expanding
consumer credit.
9. Foster a Bipartisan Approach. Divisive politics got us into this mess.
Unifying politics can help get us out of it. The country can no longer
afford to see things in terms of red and blue or black and white. The
enduring solutions will emerge from the gray.
10. Caution to Consumers. President Obama, I urge you to use your
presidential pulpit to speak to Americans, to encourage them to be
cautious and prudent in their spending. While consumer spending is a
key to the economic revival, at times it may be wise to counsel
consumers to--in the words of former St. Louis Fed President Bill
Poole--"Put their foot on the brake way before they get to the stop
sign."


What America needs, more than ever, is your ability to give hope to America through your leadership. May you have the inner strength to move this nation from uncertainty to certainty. I wish you well.


My Best,

Benjamin Ola Akande
Dean, School of Business and Technology
Webster University
St. Louis, MO

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090122/DC61721
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Webster University -- Saint Louis Campus

CONTACT: Susan Kerth of Webster University, Office: +1-314-246-8232,
Cell: +1-314-220-9130, susankerth14@webster.edu


Web Site: http://www.webster.edu/


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President Barack Obama Visits White House Press

It was another busy day for the new president. Barack Obama reversed some of his predecessor's anti-terror policies, delivered a pep talk at the State Department, and dropped by the White House briefing room to chat with reporters. (Jan. 22)

Dreams Do Come True

17 Jan 2009 00:10 Africa/Lagos

Dreams Do Come True

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by Benjamin Ola. Akande, Dean of Webster University School of Business & Technology:


As a child growing up in Nigeria, I was a dreamer. My parents never dismissed my dreams. They were always encouraging. No matter how outright unbelievable my dreams were, they would assure me that dreams do come true. Dreams provide a glimpse of what the future will look like. I wish I could have recorded all those dreams.


Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream was recorded. It was a dream that was played out in front of thousands of people and like most dreams, no one really knew how it would play out. As the dream was recalled over the years, it became clear that this was a significant and compelling vision of the future. Martin's dream was in the form of a remarkable prose on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Most of us can hear him recite this dream in our subconscious. "I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together." It is a dream that visualizes a future where all those things that seemed impossible and improbable will happen despite overwhelming obstacles.


Barack Obama

The election of Barack Obama was a manifestation of Martin's dream. I would like to believe that Martin Luther King's dream highlighted how difficult it is to make change happen. Martin spoke about how mountains and hills (obstacles) shall be made lower and rough places (institutional changes) will be made straight. The recognition was that monumental changes of this magnitude take considerable time. Indeed, it takes the force of nature to break through the harsh reality of status quo and history.


Dreaming enables us to transcend the present and position us on the balcony for a better view of the future. And, because dreaming offers no restrictions, the greatest dreamers are often characterized as crazy and out of touch with reality. What history has shown us is that you may vilify them, you can criticize them, and you may even assassinate them. But, you can't kill a dreamer's dream. MLK's dream took a long time to come to fruition, with small significant steps and some big setbacks along the way. But on Nov. 4, 2008, the full realization of the great civil rights leader's dream came to pass with the election of a junior senator from Illinois as the first African American President of The United States of America..


Martin Luther King taught us that adversity is a lot easier to overcome than success. And that is the power of dreams. He knew it would happen. He even foresaw that his own demise may keep him from seeing his dream come true. "I've seen the promised land," he said. "I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the Promised Land." Forty-five years later, his vision is still unfolding. But one thing is crystal clear. Dreams do come true.


Source: Webster University School of Business and Technology

CONTACT: Susan Kerth of Webster University, +1-314-246-8232


Web Site: http://www.webster.edu/

Barack Obama Becomes the 44th President of the United States of America!

Barack Obama Becomes the 44th President of the United States of America!

He is the first African American to be elected as the President of America following his election to the presidency in the 56th consecutive quadrennial United States presidential election on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.

Text of President Barack Obama's inaugural address on Tuesday, as prepared for delivery and released by the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

OBAMA: My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. Those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers ... our found fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort — even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment — a moment that will define a generation — it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."

America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you.
God bless you. And God bless the United States of America

.



For a comprehensive report on the historic election of Barack Obama, read the new book Barack Obama and the American Dream by Orikinla Osinachi to be released soon in America.

Growing Optimism That Obama Will Improve US Relations: Global Poll

Barack Obama

20 Jan 2009 01:01 Africa/Lagos

Growing Optimism That Obama Will Improve US Relations: Global Poll

COLLEGE PARK, Md., Jan. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As President-elect Barack Obama prepares for the Inauguration to be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States, a new 17-nation poll conducted for the BBC World Service finds widespread and growing optimism that his presidency will lead to improved relations between the United States and the rest of the world.


The poll also shows people around the world are looking to President Obama to put highest priority on dealing with the current global financial crisis.


In 15 of the 17 countries polled, majorities think that the election of Barack Obama will lead to improved relations with the rest of the world. On average 67 percent express this upbeat view, while 19 percent think relations will stay the same and just 5 percent that relations will worsen. This is up sharply - by 21 points among tracking countries - from polling done for the BBC World Service six months ago, before Obama was elected


Asked to rate six possible priorities for the Obama Administration, the top priority in all 17 countries polled was the global financial crisis. On average 72 percent said that it should be a top priority.


This was followed by withdrawing US troops from Iraq - with 50 percent saying this should be a top priority - then addressing climate change (46%), improving America's relationship with the respondent's country (46%), brokering peace between Israel and the Palestinians (43%), and supporting the government of Afghanistan against the Taliban (29%).


The results are drawn from a survey of 17,356 adult citizens across 17 countries conducted for the BBC World Service by the international polling firm GlobeScan together with the Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) at the University of Maryland. GlobeScan coordinated fieldwork between November 24, 2008 and January 5, 2009.


"Familiarity with Obama seems to be breeding hope," commented Steven Kull, director of the Program on International Policy Attitudes. "But then again," he added, "he is starting from a low baseline, following eight years of an unpopular US president. Maintaining this enthusiasm will be a challenge given the complexities he now faces."


For more information, visit www.WorldPublicOpinion.org.


Source: Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) at the University of Maryland

CONTACT: Steven Kull of the Program on International Policy Attitudes at
the University of Maryland, +1-301-254-7500


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


20 Jan 2009
11:00
President Obama to Press Reset Button
03:09
Jamie Fox, Nas, Kerry Washington, Akon, T.I., Young Jeezy, Tatyana Ali and Jurnee Smollett Have Been Added to the Talent Line Up for Yes We Will! BET's Inauguration Celebration Premiering Tuesday, January 20 at 8:00 PM*
02:00
New Poll: Reagan, FDR Lead Presidential Role Models
01:01
Growing Optimism That Obama Will Improve US Relations: Global Poll
00:51
MLB.com to Stream Presidential Inauguration Live

Thousands Attend Pre-Inauguration Concert at the Lincoln Memorial

Thousands attend pre-Inauguration concert
January 19, 2009



President-elect Barack addressed an audience of tens of thousands at a star-studded concert at the Lincoln Memorial. He says the task confronting the nation is enormous but he's confident the country will endure hard times and prevail. (Jan. 18)

An Important Letter from President-Elect Barack Obama

Michael Chima --

I have some exciting news to share about the future of this grassroots movement.

I recorded a personal message for you. Please take a minute to watch the video:
The Future


What you built can't stop now. Together with our partners at the Democratic National Committee and its new chairman, Governor Tim Kaine, this movement will continue organizing and bringing new people into the political process.

The challenges facing our country are too great, and our journey to change America is just beginning.

I look forward to working side-by-side with you in the months and years ahead.

Thanks,

Barack

Guerilla Attack from Lebanese Soil Into Israel

Guerilla attack from Lebanese soil into Israel

January 14, 2009




Lebanese troops found and dismantled several rockets positioned to hit Israel after militants fired three earlier Wednesday. It may be a sign that Lebanon's government is determined to avoid being drawn into war with the Israelis. (Jan. 14)

HR Research Findings on Compensations‏

Nigeria: Mystical White Priestess of Black Goddess Buried in Sacred Shrine in Nigeria

Suzanne Wenger

Suzanne Wenger, 94, the legendary Austrian artist popularly known as "Adunni Olorisa", the White Priestess of the Ọsùn deity in the Osogbo, south-western Nigeria has been buried in her sacred shrine in Ọsùn Sacred Grove. She passed away at about 2.00 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2009.

Ms. Wenger spent over half a century of her life to preserve the cultural heritage of the Yoruba goddess Ọsùn of the sacred Ọsùn river in Ọsùn state. She and her ex-husband Uli Bier inspired the Osogbo Art School, famous for the discovery of such successful artists as Twins SEVEN-SEVEN, Jimoh BURAIMOH, Nike OLANIYI DAVIES and other in the late 1950s. She would be remembered for making Ọsùn Sacred Grove Unesco World Heritage Centre.


A part of the Ọsùn Sacred Grove

She has been immortalized in many writings such as the poem Who Will Dare To Love A Witch published in Scarlet Tears of London and in the short story Boy Adam Floats Headless in The Thames and other publications.

Here is an extract from one of the publications with references on the legendary White Priestess of Osun Oshobgo in Nigeria.

Baba Orogbo was waiting for her as she descended from the wings of Agbe.
Susan Wenger was sitting in her lotus pose before the kérégbe calabash bowl of salt water. Baba Orogbo gazed at the white witch as she sat with her eyes closed. But he knew she was seeing everything before her.
“Kabo Òmó mi, my enchanted child,” Susan Wenger said as the toes of Òmó Iya Osùn touched the earth.
Òmó Iya Osùn bowed to salute her mother.
“Kabo, Òmó Iya Osùn Òrìsà.,” Baba Orogbo welcomed her.
“Baba mi, peace be with you my father,” Òmó Iya Osùn said.
“Gba, here is your èko tutu,”Iya Osùn said, giving her a calabash of cooked pap.
Then Baba Orogbo brought out some Ibùje leaves , ìjòkùn leaves, èlú leaves and osùn- cam wood. “Òmó dúdú, Òmó Iya Osùn, Aláse igbá kejì òrìsà, listen. I have a message for you,” Baba Orogbo said as he put the different leaves and camwood before the feet of Òmó Iya Osùn. Then he started chanting.

Eni sojú se mú
òrìsà ni máa sìn
Adá ni bó ti rí
Òrìsà ni maa sin”
Ó-s-enìkan-soso digba ènìyàn
So mí di rún
So mí digba
So mí di òtà-lé-légbèje ènìyàn
Òrìsà ni maa sin”
Olójú kára bíi ajere
Òrìsà ni maa sin”

Òjó kúrè, Alágada ogun
Òjó ò sí nílé, omo adìe dàgbà
Òjó wà nílé omo adìe kò kù kan
Òjó ún wè lódò
Gbogbo omoge yo wóse

Baba Orogbo swallowed two lumps of saliva and continued.

Ó mú’lé t’ará ojà
Ó so àgàn di alábiyamo,
àgàn tí ò rí’bí, ti ró sòó leyìn olúwa wà

Nigeria: Nigerian Banks in Trouble!

Can Nigerians trust Nigerian Banks when most of the banks belong to those who have links to money laundering schemes and corrupt practices?

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation(NDIC)should investigate the activities and accounts of the following Nigerian banks:

1. Bank PHB Plc
2. Zenith Bank Plc
3. Spring Bank Plc and
4. Skye Bank Plc.

Bank PHB Plc is about to acquire the majority shareholdings in Spring Bank Plc, but there is large scale sharp practices reported at the popular Bank PHB and the financial interests of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Umaru Yar'Adua in this bank should be open to the public. The NDIC should investigate the bank for large scale fraud. The source of income of every member of the Board of Directors of Bank PHB should be queried.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may have dropped the charges against Mr. Jim Ovia, the MD of Zenith Bank Plc, but there are still many unresolved issues that the NDIC must address if Mr. Ovia deserves the 'administrative bail,' while his managers are still being held over the N3.2 billion deposits by the Rivers State Government.

The NDIC should also investigate Skye Bank Plc and Spring Bank Plc, because they are not healthy.


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Bill Clinton: Promise

Mr. Bill Clinton

Thanks to you, 2009 is going to be an amazing year of progress for America. I know we will all feel a sense of pride and achievement as we watch the new Congress get sworn in and get to work with President Obama.

I'm so proud of the way Hillary, poured herself heart and soul into helping Barack Obama and so many other Democratic candidates last year.

And, like you, I'm looking forward to all the change and progress that those victories will lead to in the weeks and months ahead.

As historic as 2008 may have been, there is no time to rest. Now is the time to keep our momentum going by showing the new Congress that we're here to support them in 2009 right from the very beginning.

Contribute $5, $10, or more today to provide essential early support to translate the promise of 2008 into progress in 2009.

The reason we won so big last year is because House Democrats had the early support from people like you. That early strength we built together put our party on a trajectory for success, and we kept going!

With Barack Obama's inauguration fast approaching, we need to make the same powerful show of strength as the new Democratic Congress gets to work with the new Administration to solve the greatest challenges of our time.

Contribute $5, $10, or more today to provide essential early support to translate the promise of 2008 into progress in 2009.

All of us are anticipating what an emotionally powerful day January 20th is going to be. So many dreams will be fulfilled, so many barriers overcome, and so much history will be made. A bold new era of American leadership is about to begin. However, we shouldn't wait until Inauguration Day to get to work.

All the best,

Bill Clinton

P.S. January 20th is going to be a day like few others in the entire history of our nation. But it's going to take a strong show of early support to meet the deep and serious challenges that await in 2009. Contribute $5, $10, or more today to provide that essential early support and ensure fulfilling the promise of this moment.

150 Years After 'Origin of the Species', Science and Religion Remain as Conflicted as Ever

9 Jan 2009 11:20 Africa/Lagos

150 Years After 'Origin of the Species', Science and Religion Remain as Conflicted as Ever

GEORGETOWN, Texas, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When Charles Darwin published his landmark book On the Evolution of Species in 1859, his theories on evolution were quickly accepted by the vast majority of scientists. The general public, however, was not as eager to accept Darwin's ideas, due largely to the fact that they challenged established religious beliefs.


Today, 150 years after the publication of Darwin's book, science and religion remain as conflicted as ever when it comes to the subject of evolution.


"There is a real disconnect between what science says and what the public believes, at least in the United States," says Ben Pierce, holder of the Lillian Nelson Pratt Chair in Biology at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas.


Pierce is organizing one of the first events in 2009 that will mark the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Darwin book. The symposium, titled "Science and Religion: Conflict or Convergence," will be held at Southwestern University Feb. 5-6 as part of the university's annual Brown Symposium series.


Pierce points to Gallop Polls conducted between 1982-2004, which consistently found that 44 to 47 percent of Americans do not believe in evolution. Instead, they believe that humans were "created by God pretty much in their present form less than 10,000 years ago."


Meanwhile, a recent survey of more than 400 university professors in Texas, a largely conservative state, found that nearly 90 percent believe modern evolutionary biology is largely correct.


Pierce says there are four approaches to the conflict between science and religion. The "Warfare Model" presumes that one side is right, the other side is wrong, and the two are permanently conflicted. The "Separate Realms" approach -- which is taken by many scientists -- says there is no conflict between the two because they address very different questions. In the "Accommodation Model," science and religion each adjust their world views to accommodate findings from the other field. For example, some Biblical scholars reinterpreted the Genesis account of creation when science showed that the world is much older than previously thought.


The model Pierce plans to focus on at the February symposium is the "Engagement Model," which says that both fields can profit by understanding what is happening in the other fields.


For example, one of the conference speakers will be Dr. Andrew Newberg, director of the Center for Spirituality and the Mind at the University of Pennsylvania. Newburg has developed brain imaging techniques to determine what happens when people have a religious experience, and is co-author of the best-selling 2001 book Why God Won't Go Away: Brain Science and the Biology of Belief.


Pierce says students today are very interested in the subject of science vs. religion and are seeking ways to find a middle ground between the two fields. In his evolution course at Southwestern University last fall, four students wrote papers for their Biology Capstone project on ways science could be used to better understand religion. For example, one student wrote a paper on the health effects of prayer and meditation and another student wrote a paper on the genetics of spirituality.


"These students put into practice the notion that science and religion can indeed have something useful to say to each other," Pierce says.


Source: Southwestern University

CONTACT: Ellen Davis of Southwestern University, +1-512-863-1570

"Conspiracy of Lagos" Chronicles the Vicious Circle of Lagos Life

Bisi Daniels, the Author

Conspiracy of Lagos Chronicles the Vicious Circle of Lagos Life

“You don’t want the Hitler effect, do you?”

“No! The Bill Clinton effect,” she said, and shot him a knowing wink.

What is the Hitler effect in contrast to the Bill Clinton effect?

You have to read the Conspiracy of Lagos to find out.The latest novel of Bisi Ojediran (who is now writing as Bisi Daniels) is a clear departure from his thrilling novels on Peter Abel, the daring investigative journalist whose adventures have been chronicled in his previous novels. Conspiracy of Lagos is a romantic thriller, a political thriller and social documentary of Lagos rolled into one narrative novel.

Bisi Daniels’ novel, Conspiracy of Lagos is perhaps the first truly picaresque novel on the adventurous, dangerous and mysterious lives of those living in the mega city of Lagos, the New York of Nigeria. It is a socio-political romantic thriller that keeps you reading until the last word.Reading Conspiracy of Lagos is like watching a movie of the agonies and ironies of Lagos as experienced by Thomas Katta, the brilliant graduate of Sociology from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), who left his humble life as a teacher in his hometown of Moso in search of better financial prospects in Lagos. But Lagos would change the life of the Johnny Just Come (JJC) as we call every newcomer in this awesome city.

Thomas Katta’s 350 mile ride from the idyllic hinterland of his hometown Moso to the boisterous city of Lagos was not a smooth one as the bus he had taken broke down thrice on the way until he finally arrived Oshodi, the most dreaded motor park in Lagos at nightfall and thus began the nightmarish journey of his worst fears of the city that never sleeps. He was nearly lynched by a ferocious mob as he was mistakenly accused of stealing his own bag as he attempted to retrieve it from the thief. He ended up in a police cell that was like being cast in hell on earth as he was left at the mercy of the huge and terrifying thug, Kenny, a ruthless criminal with an existentialist philosophy of life. Kenny who was his terror later became his boss and mentor in political thuggery and robbery.

Thomas was later released from the police cell and he found his way to the ghetto of Ajegunle to stay with Mani Datatta, his buddy from university days. Mani was a promising guitarist who played at night clubs after his day job and he made Thomas comfortable and optimistic of the future until Mani was killed in a botched bus robbery. Thomas became homeless and had to become a bus conductor on the Ojota-Yaba route and slept in the motor park until the HomeCare Agency in Ikeja got him a job as a gardener in the palatial home of Chief Sola Adekunle in Victoria Island Extension. Chief Adekunle was a leading politician who later became the National Secretary of The True Nigeria Party (TNP). But Thomas did not stay long there, because he had to flee when the pretty and sexy Mrs. Moji Adekunle, the temptress became furious when he cleverly refused to sleep with her. He was later recruited by Kenny who had been hired by Chief Adekunle to kill him for lies Mrs Moji Adekunle framed against him. Thomas soon became a political asset to Chief Adekuinle’s party as the author of The New Lagos Manifesto that was instrumental in the election of Tunji Taylor as the new Governor of Lagos. Thomas Katta had to overcome the vicissitudes of the vicious circle of survival in Lagos in the midst of criminals and by unforeseen circumstances. He was a reluctant stooge of Kenny who was later killed during a bank robbery and later favoured by Mrs. Moji Adekunle who had become repentant and sober.

Thomas Katta’s most defining moment was when he returned the expensive wedding ring he had stolen to Mr. Ralph Mordy and broke down in repentance and then facing Mrs. Halle Mordy. He was now at the mercy of the couple he had joined Fanni to rob in Ikeja after the gruesome night of their botched heist in Ogba. Receiving the forgiveness of the Mordys marked the turning point for the redemption of Thomas Katta as they offered him a foreign scholarship to fulfill his academic ambition. And thank God for his rescue angel, Nancy Ojo whose commonsense and Christian faith reformed and transformed the life of Thomas Katta.

I have read Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel on sin and redemption, Resurrection and Bisi Daniels novel Conspiracy of Lagos has some precious moments of sublimity reminding me of the sober reflections invoked in Tolstoy’s last work.

The long testimonial sermon of the charismatic tall and handsome Pastor Peter Olutobi had echoes of the popular urbane and suave Lagos pastor, Paul Adefarasin.

I was wondering if a naturalistic depiction of Lagos would be realistic without the inclusion of the lingua franca of Pidgin English and the typical Yoruba lingo spoken by the Area Boys and fringe elements seen on the streets and motor parks in Lagos. It would be contradictory for them to speak good English as they were portrayed by the author of Conspiracy of Lagos. The author told me that he deliberately did not use Pidgin English and the typical Yoruba lingo, because most of his foreign readers do not understand Pidgin English or the Yoruba lingo.

Conspiracy of Lagos would be more appreciated when adapted for film production.

You can post your comments and reviews on Discuss "Conspiracy of Lagos".

The novel is available at the following bookshops:

1. Books4Everyone, Ikeja. Lagos.

2. CSS Bookshops

3. THIS DAY Media Centres

4. Glendora Bookshops and other major bookshops and hotels in Nigeria.

~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Nigerians Report.

Popular Nigerian Celebrity Blogger and Publisher Escapes From Armed Robbers in Lagos

Linda Ikeji, the popular Nigerian celebrity blogger and publisher escaped from being robbed Friday afternoon at the Finicky restaurant and bar at the Kilo Bus stop in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria.

She was having her meal with a close friend from Bonny Island when four armed robbers on motorbikes attacked customers at the fancy restaurant and bar and robbed them of their valuable possessions. She and her friend had to hide upstairs whilst the armed robbers robbed customers on the ground floor. The robbers later came upstairs and left when they did not see any customer or staff there. She and her friend thanked God for their narrow escape and vowed never to patronize the Finicky at the Kilo Bus stop again.

"It's an embarrassment to hide in the toilet," said one of the lucky customers who said he was among the customers who had to hide in the toilets upstairs.




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Obama to meet congress leaders on economic plan

Obama to meet congress leaders on economic plan

January 05, 2009




Barack Obama is heading to Capitol Hill to push for quick action on a broad economic stimulus package congressional leaders are saying won't be ready until mid-February at the earliest. That's almost a month later than the president-elect wanted. (Jan. 5)

All Political Parties Side with Israel in Israeli/Palestinian Conflict after Viewing Video

All Political Parties Side with Israel in Israeli/Palestinian Conflict after Viewing Video

Business Report: China Precision Steel Files Universal Shelf Registration Statement

31 Dec 2008 15:00 Africa/Lagos

China Precision Steel Files Universal Shelf Registration Statement

SHANGHAI, China, Dec. 31 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- China Precision Steel, Inc. (NASDAQ:CPSL) ("China Precision Steel" or the "Company"), a niche precision steel processing company principally engaged in producing and selling high precision cold-rolled steel products, today announced that it has filed a universal shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), on December 30, 2008. The shelf registration, when declared effective, will permit China Precision Steel to issue up to an aggregate of $40 million in securities.


The shelf registration provides the Company with flexibility to publicly offer and sell securities from time to time, in one or more separate offerings or other transactions, with size, price and terms to be determined at the time of issuance, and at times when the Company believes that market conditions make such an offering attractive. The Company does not have any commitments or current intentions to sell securities under the registration statement at this time.


"We have no current plans to raise additional capital," commented Dr. Wo Hing Li, China Precision Steel's Chairman and CEO, "but we believe that it is prudent to have a shelf registration statement in place to ensure financing flexibility should the need arise."


This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Any offering may be made only by means of the prospectus and a related prospectus supplement.


About China Precision Steel, Inc.


China Precision Steel, Inc. is a niche precision steel processing Company principally engaged in the production and sale of high precision cold-rolled steel products and provides value added services such as heat treatment and cutting medium and high carbon hot-rolled steel strips. China Precision Steel produces high precision ultra-thin, high strength (7.5 mm to 0.05 mm) cold- rolled steel products primarily for automotive components, food packaging materials, saw blades and textile needle manufacturing companies in the People's Republic of China. China Precision Steel is expanding its penetration in overseas markets such as Nigeria, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. China Precision Steel was incorporated in 2002 and is headquartered in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. Additional information can be found at the Company's website http://chinaprecisionsteelinc.com/ .


Safe Harbor Statement


This press release contains certain statements that may include "forward looking statements." All statements other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects" or similar expressions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company's periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website ( http://www.sec.gov/ ). All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.


For more information, please contact:

China Precision Steel, Inc.
Dan Carlson, Director
Email: DanielCarlson@comcast.net

Elite IR
Leslie J. Richardson, Partner
Tel: +852-3183-0283
Email: Leslie.richardson@elite-ir.com


Source: China Precision Steel, Inc.

CONTACT: Dan Carlson, Director of China Precision Steel, Inc.,
DanielCarlson@comcast.net; Or Elite IR - Leslie J. Richardson, Partner, +852-
3183-0283, or Leslie.richardson@elite-ir.com


Web site: http://chinaprecisionsteelinc.com/

Pope Benedict Calls Homosexual Behavior a Violation

~ By Adeleke Adeyemi


Pope Bebedict XVI

Pope Bebedict XVI spoke out recently against homosexual behavior, calling it a violation of the natural order. In an address to the Vatican hierarchy, the pope called for an "ecology of man" to protect man from "the destruction of himself."

He added, "The rain forests deserve our protection, but man as a creature indeed deserves no less." The Vatican, in keeping with Bible teaching, opposes same-sex marriage and considers homosexual acts sinful.

Pope Benedict said saving humanity from homosexual or transsexual behaviour was just as important as saving the rainforest from destruction.

The Church "should also protect man from the destruction of himself. A sort of ecology of man is needed," the pontiff said in a holiday address to the Curia, the Vatican's central administration.
"The tropical forests do deserve our protection. But man, as a creature, does not deserve any less."

The Catholic Church teaches that while homosexuality is not sinful, homosexual acts are. It opposes "gay marriage". In October, a leading Vatican official called homosexuality "a deviation [that needs straightening out], an irregularity, a wound [that needs healing]."

The pope said humanity needed to "listen to the language of creation" to understand the intended roles of man and woman. He compared behavior beyond traditional heterosexual relations as "a destruction of God's work."
"The Church is contrary to legislation that criminalises homosexuality," Holy See (Vatican) spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi said as debate raged over the Vatican statement.

Fr Lombardi said the Catholic Church is clearly against considering homosexuality a crime, but is wary of international declarations that use the issue to promote a political agenda based on sexual orientation.

In early December, Vatican nuncio to the United Nations, Archbishop Celestino Migliore drew criticism from "gay" rights groups when he said the Vatican opposed a proposed UN declaration to endorse the universal decriminalisation of homosexuality.
Archbishop Migliore said such a declaration might be used to put pressure on or discriminate against countries that do not recognise same-sex marriage.
Fr Lombardi, in his latest comments to reporters, said the Vatican was not conducting a battle against the United Nations or weakening its opposition to discrimination against homosexuals, which is clearly stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

"There is no question that the Church is contrary to legislation that criminalises homosexuality," Fr Lombardi said.
The Church's position stems from its respect for the rights and dignity of every person and explicitly excludes "any unjust discrimination on the basis of homosexuality," he said.

He noted that Archbishop Migliore's comments were made in response to a question about a draft declaration that had yet to be presented at the United Nations or in any public forum.

He said Archbishop Migliore's point was that it's one thing to argue against discrimination and criminalisation regarding homosexuality, but another to contend that anyone who makes a distinction based on sexual orientation is considered an adversary of human rights.

Specifically, Archbishop Migliore expressed the fear that the draft declaration could lead to a situation in which "states that do not recognise same sex unions as 'marriage' will be pilloried and put under pressure" to do so.