Saturday, May 15, 2010

James Ibori and the Rest of Us

James Ibori


Nigeria is a country between the devil of corruption and the deep blue sea of hypocrisy.

Nigerians are ruled by their culture of corruption and their culture of hypocrisy.
We have the corrupt rulers and their beneficiaries and the masses of hypocrites who are even worse, they are the whited sepulchers.

Among those casting stones at Chief James Ibori on this topic are cheats, hypocrites and parasites.

You are not better than James Ibori if you are among those who have also stolen by over invoicing, doctoring documents, exploiting their poor employees and engaged in numerous vices.

A thief is a thief, whether you stole N1 or N1 billion.





The gambit President of Nigeria, Mr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is doing his best to evade the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) case of money laundering against his wife Mrs. Patience Jonathan and those of his sponsors in the monstrous and notorious ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the most corrupt political party in the history of Nigeria.



Press Conference by Commander of European Union Anti-Piracy Naval Force off Somalia Coast — Operation Atalanta

15 May 2010 11:28 Africa/Lagos


Press Conference by Commander of European Union Anti-Piracy Naval Force off Somalia Coast — Operation Atalanta


MOGADISHU, May 15, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- While pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden had fallen from 20 per month in the summer of 2009, to between 4 and 5 today, the tenacity of pirates and level of their violence against mariners had changed over the years, said Rear Admiral Peter Hudson, Operations Commander of the European Union Naval Force in Somalia (EU NAVFOR) — Operation Atalanta, expressing hope that other countries would share in the asset-sapping task of combating the problem.


At a Headquarters press conference, Mr. Hudson said European forces protected humanitarian aid arriving to Somalia on World Food Programme (WFP) vessels, ensured supply of African Union logistics lines into Mombasa, Kenya, and protected the 30,000 or so ships that passed annually through the Gulf of Aden, among the world's busiest trade arteries. Over the last six months, 32 WFP ships had been escorted into Somalia, delivering 350,000 tons of food to displaced persons. African Union troops had been safeguarded, and European forces had partnered with companies to provide security advice and coordinate activity.


In the Gulf of Aden, ship seizures — which had numbered nearly 25 in 2008 — had led to various Security Council resolutions and involved naval forces from China, the Russian Federation and Japan, he explained. Work in the Somali Basin was organized around monsoon season. Usually, the period between February and May saw a huge surge in the number of vessels put to sea for piracy. This year, European forces had dismantled over 60 pirate groups and processed some 400 suspects — three times the number seen last year.


As there were not many avenues for prosecution, he said European forces must destroy equipment and ensure that suspects were returned home. “It's a long progress,” he said, noting that work was done through cooperation, dialogue with industry and, from a European Union perspective, a comprehensive political and military solution to piracy problems in Somalia.


Fielding a question on Somali pirates set adrift in the Gulf of Aden after an attempted attack on a Russian vessel, Mr. Hudson called that type of situation challenging. Some occasions were appropriate for such action. The experience of the Russian vessel was not without precedent, he said, citing similar instances involving Dutch and Danish ships. He could not comment on the individual operation, but, from European Union perspective, ensuring that the pirates were treated appropriately would be at the forefront of any operation.


To a critique that international forces had not paid sufficient attention to illegal fishing, he said such concerns were often aired as justification for piracy. The European forces' joint action plan had been amended so that fishing vessels were identified 200 miles off the Somali coast, and that such information would be relayed. He did note, however, that very little fishing activity had been seen inside 200 miles of the Somali coast, whether by Japanese or Spanish boats, or by local subsistence fishing communities.


To a question on how many captured pirates had been released, he said that, of 400 captured over about three months, 40 had gone on to prosecution.


Asked how equipped the European forces were to collect evidence, especially in the push to prosecute people, he said the heart of the matter involved ensuring that institutions were prepared to exercise their duties. Not many European States were prepared to bring pirates back for prosecution and he was grateful for the efforts by Kenya and the Seychelles in that regard. European forces worked to ensure that any evidential package prepared was in line with what institutions could handle.


Responding to a query on the latest tactics, he said pirates were tenacious and fearless, as travelling 600 or 700 miles off the Somali coast took courage. Generally, between 60 and 70 pirate groups would flood an area. They had seized a significant number of Taiwanese fishing vessels, which he suspected would be used to launch other attacks. They had adapted and refined their methods, allowing them more flexibility on the high seas.


Moreover, he said that pirates were often only 14 or 15 years old. The allure of lucrative, life-changing ransom money was attractive. He had come across many pirate ships that were in mechanical failure and a perilous humanitarian situation, and who actually had to be rescued.


Asked about any interviews conducted with former captives, he said the European forces worked with major merchant trade organizations and international chambers of shipping to ensure that, when vessels were released, the events of the attack could be recorded. That dialogue was important to European and other maritime forces.


To a question on the level of humanitarian aid into Somalia, he said the Al‑Shabaab insurgent group had forced WFP to scale back its activities. WFP shipments had to travel north from the WFP distribution centre in Mombasa and the European forces were trying to work with the flag States of ships taking part, perhaps in placing military forces on humanitarian vessels.


As for Kenya's decision to stop prosecuting pirates, he said those pirates transferred to Kenya over the last year continued to be processed. Brussels had a team in the region and the High Representative of the European Union would tour both Kenya and the Seychelles, among other places, to discuss that issue.

Source: UNITED NATIONS



Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
15 May 2010
11:28
Press Conference by Commander of European Union Anti-Piracy Naval Force off Somalia Coast — Operation Atalanta
11:27
Conférence de presse sur la perspective africaine de la réforme du secteur de la sécurité
11:27
Conférence de presse du contre-amiral Peter Hudson, commandant de l'opération navale européenne « Atalante », destinée à lutter contre la piraterie au large de la Somalie
10:46
Unit 1 at Susquehanna Nuclear Plant Shuts Down Safely
10:02
Germany / Libya / Federal Minister Westerwelle sends messages of condolence following the plane crash in Tripolis
10:02
«Right to food gains ground, but there's still much to be done», says UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food
10:02
Free education becomes legally compulsory in Lesotho / UNICEF hails the Government of Lesotho's landmark enactment of the Education Act 2010
10:02
Kenya / Tanzania / Seychelles / High Representative Catherine Ashton to visit Kenya, Tanzania and the Republic of Seychelles
09:59
Sierra Leone / Speech delivered by Hon. Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, Minister of Information and communication at the launching ceremony of the resized bank notes
09:58
Commonwealth election officials to meet in Ghana / Election management bodies are pivotal institutions at heart of electoral process
09:52
African NGOs make a unified call to the 47th Ordinary Session of the ACHPR for the abolition of draconian media laws
09:51
RDC / MONUC / Actualités diplomatiques du ministère français des Affaires étrangères / Point de presse du 14 mai 2010
09:48
Niger / Otage / Actualités diplomatiques du ministère français des Affaires étrangères / Point de presse du 14 mai 2010
09:48
Sudanese man facing execution in Saudi Arabia over ‘sorcery' charges
09:48
Faim dans le monde / La FAO lance une pétition
09:47
FAO launches anti-hunger petition: Sign the Petition
09:47
International Maritime Piracy / Statement of the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Dr. Ali Abdussalam Treki, at the informal meeting of the General Assembly
09:47
La 15ème session ordinaire du Sommet de l'Union africaine (UA) se tiendra à Kampala, Ouganda, du 19 au 27 juillet 2010
08:00
Get Ready to Rock in Aid of Help for Heroes
06:10
Yanglin Soybean, Inc. Reports 2010 Q1 Quarterly Financial Results



Friday, May 14, 2010

LG Mobile Phones Celebrates Iron Man 2, the Launch of LG Ally and the Future of Mobile Technology




Event in NY showcased LG's new "Stark-worthy" Android device, futuristic concept phones and Iron Man 2 augmented reality applications


New York - May 12, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A, Inc. (LG Mobile Phones) and box office hit Iron Man 2 joined forces last night to celebrate the release of LG's first Android handset, LG Ally. The event showcased the new LG Ally handset, innovative futuristic concept phones from the LG Design of the Future Challenge, augmented reality experiences, and the chance to meet world-renowned prop master Russell Bobbitt, who created the props for Iron Man and Iron Man 2.

Industry executives and technology enthusiasts arrived at Twelve21 in New York City to attend the event and explore what makes LG Ally a truly "Stark-worthy" product. Featuring a full slide out QWERTY keyboard and front touch screen, Ally also boasts an optional augmented reality application. Consumers who purchase Ally will be able to download this exclusive application as well as never before seen Iron Man 2 content at www.lgim2.com or by texting 95173 from their mobile phone.

Guests at the event also experienced a 3-D prototype mock-up of the LG Design the Future Challenge Prop Master's Choice Award which was presented by Bobbitt. Additional film props, such as the futuristic Iron Man Mark VI suit, were also on hand at the event to engage attendees in a world of innovation and endless possibilities.

The culmination of yet another successful partnership between LG and the Iron Man franchise, other elements of the collaboration included a multi-faceted marketing campaign designed to highlight how technology can bring people together and make everyone a modern day Super Hero. Incorporating an advertising campaign featuring a super-hero-themed television commercial, in-store and gift-with-purchase promotions, and a movie-themed microsite, LG's multi-platform initiative inspires movie fans and gadget gurus alike to bring the power of an LG Android device and Augmented Reality to life.




###



About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 84,000 people working in 115 operations including 84 subsidiaries around the world. With 2009 global sales of USD43.4 billion, LG is comprised of five business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning and Business Solutions. LG is the world's leading producer of flat panel TVs, audio and video products, mobile handsets, air conditioners and washing machines. LG has signed a long-term agreement to become both a Global Partner and a Technology Partner of Formula One™. As part of this top-level association, LG acquires exclusive designations and marketing rights as the official consumer electronics, mobile phone and data processor of this global sporting event. For more information, please visit www.lgusa.com.

About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company
The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a leading global mobile communications and information company. With its cutting-edge technology and innovative design capabilities, LG creates handsets that provide an optimized mobile experience to customers around the world. LG is pursuing convergence technology and mobile computing products, while continuing its leadership role in mobile communication with stylish designs and smart technology. For more information, please visit www.lgmobilephones.com.

About LG Electronics USA
LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances and business solutions, all under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit www.LG.com.



Media Contact:
LG Electronics Inc.
LG MobileComm U.S.A., Inc
Demetra Kavadeles
(707) 328-5307
demetra.kavadeles@lge.com
LG-One
Erica Samadani
(310) 248-6115
Erica.Samadani@lg-one.com



Oprah Winfrey is Searching for the Next TV Star'




14 May 2010 13:00 Africa/Lagos


OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK Announces Advertising Partnership With Leading Retailer Kohl's Department Stores for the Original Series 'Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star'

Auditions can be uploaded at Oprah.com beginning May 14 and in person at select Kohl's Department Stores in Four Major U.S. Cities in June

Oprah Winfrey



LOS ANGELES, May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK has struck an advertising partnership with leading retailer Kohl's Department Stores for the original series "Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search For The Next TV Star." OWN's new competition series, presented by Kohl's and executive produced by Mark Burnett ("Survivor," "The Apprentice"), is a nationwide search to discover television's next big star. The winner of the competition will be awarded his or her own studio talk show for the OWN network. Online auditions to participate in the series begin May 14 at Oprah.com, as announced today on "The Oprah Winfrey Show."


"Kohl's is the perfect partner for OWN and 'Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search For The Next TV Star,'" said Kathleen Kayse, executive vice president, sales, OWN. "We're really looking for strategic partnerships that bring something special to our audience and Kohl's can do that."


"We are incredibly excited to partner with OWN for this debut television series, 'Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search For The Next TV Star,'" said Julie Gardner, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Kohl's Department Stores. "This multi-faceted integration will span across several mediums and is designed to reach our shared consumer in a way that is fresh, fun and relevant."


The partnership with Kohl's will include a "Presenting Sponsorship" position for Kohl's for "Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search For The Next TV Star," paid media, integrations, online and on-air exposure, tagged tune-ins and publicity. Unique to the partnership, a series of short, co-branded vignettes, specially created for the series, will air both within and outside of "Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search For The Next TV Star."


To audition online, May 14 to June 26, contestants (who must be 21 to participate) can make a three-minute audition video and upload it to Oprah.com. A user-friendly editing toolkit, as well as tips and techniques from celebrities will.i.am, Lisa Ling and Peter Walsh, will help contestants enhance their audition video. Online submissions will be voted on by the public and the five individuals who get the most online votes will be flown to Los Angeles to audition for Mark Burnett Productions. Audience voting takes place at Oprah.com where the public can watch contestants' videos and vote for their favorite.


To audition in person, open casting calls (not part of the online voting process) will be held at four select Kohl's Department Stores in the following cities:


June 5: New York, NY
-------
June 12: Dallas, TX
--------
June 19: Los Angeles, CA
--------
June 26: Atlanta, GA
--------



For all details about auditioning for "Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search For The Next TV Star," please visit: www.Oprah.com.


About OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK


A joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications, LLC, OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK is a multi-platform media company designed to entertain, inform, and inspire people to live their best lives. OWN will debut on January 1, 2011 in approximately 80 million homes, on what is currently the Discovery Health Channel. The venture also will include the award-winning digital platform, Oprah.com. For more information, please visit www.oprah.com/own.


About Kohl's Department Stores


Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl's (NYSE:KSS) is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. Kohl's operates its 1,067 stores in 49 states with a commitment to environmental leadership. In support of the communities it serves, Kohl's has raised more than $150 million for children's initiatives nationwide through its Kohl's Cares for Kids® philanthropic program, which operates under Kohl's Cares, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kohl's Department Stores, Inc. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.kohls.com.


Source: OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK

CONTACT: Nicole Nichols, SVP, Communications & Strategy,
+1-323-602-5511, Nicole_Nichols@own.tv; Beth Gebhard, Director, Publicity &
Communications, +1-323-602-5516, Beth_Gebhard@own.tv; Janet Daily: OWN
Publicity, +1-323-602-5624, Janet_Daily-cw@own.tv, all of OWN: THE OPRAH
WINFREY NETWORK; or Vicki Shamion: Vice President of Public and Community
Relations of Kohl's Department Stores, +1-262-703-1464,
Vicki.Shamion@kohls.com


Web Site: http://www.oprah.com/own



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Thursday, May 13, 2010

Refinery Capacity Vital to the Petrochemicals Markets in South Africa and Nigeria, Finds Frost & Sullivan

13 May 2010 09:00 Africa/Lagos


Refinery Capacity Vital to the Petrochemicals Markets in South Africa and Nigeria, Finds Frost & Sullivan

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The petrochemicals market is the foundation of many chemicals industries, as it provides the building blocks for most chemical products. For instance, olefins (ethylene, propylene, butadiene) and aromatics (xylene, toluene, benzene) are used in end-user markets such as paints, plastics, explosives and fertilizers.


(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO )


New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.chemicals.frost.com/), Strategic Analysis of the South African and Nigerian Petrochemicals Markets, finds that the Nigerian petrochemicals market (excluding exports of crude oil) was worth $14.03 billion in 2008 and forecasts it to reach $29.7 billion by 2015. South Africa's petrochemicals market was worth $18.37 billion in 2008 and Frost & Sullivan forecasts it to increase to $24.5 billion by 2015.


If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an e-mail to Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications, at patrick.cairns@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country.


"The demand for petrochemicals products is highly driven by activities in the end-user segments," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Tatenda Zingoni. "South Africa has a well developed manufacturing sector, which provides a ready market for end products of the petrochemicals market."


South Africa's petrochemicals market is more developed than other sub-Saharan markets, with the capacities of the local refineries exceeding domestic demand. South African refineries operate at optimum capacity and this enables the country to export to other countries in the region.


"The South African market is unique in the region because of the production of petrochemicals from coal and gas feedstock using coal-to-liquid (CTL) and gas-to-liquid (GTL) technologies," Zingoni says.


On the other hand, Nigeria depends on imports of petrochemical products, despite the presence of large crude reserves. This is attributed to the country's low refinery-capacity utilization (approximately 40 per cent of the full capacity), which results in lower petrochemical yields, creating a need for imports.


"A restructuring of the operation of Nigerian refineries, with greater private sector participation, is likely to increase the capacity utilization of the refineries," notes Zingoni. "Once this is instituted, the cost structure of the Nigerian petrochemicals market is set to improve."


Crude is the main feedstock for the production of olefins and aromatics in Nigeria and South Africa. Although Nigeria has an abundance of crude oil deposits, the cost of production of petrochemicals is high. This is due to issues such as disruptions in supply of crude to the refineries due to militant activity, general corruption in the country and inefficiency in the way refineries operate. Steps by the Nigerian Government to increase the benefits derived by communities in the oil regions are expected to bring stability and minimize disruptions.


For the South African market, coal is a crucial feedstock for the country's unique synfuels and petrochemicals industry and it reduces the country's dependence on crude.


Despite the increasing global refinery capacity, sub-Saharan Africa has been reliant on imports. South Africa has plans to build another refinery by 2015 in the Coega Industrial Development Zone. The refinery could enable sub-Saharan Africa to become independent with regard to its petrochemical needs.


"Crude for the refinery will be supplied from Angola and Venezuela," Zingoni explains. "Debate is still however raging as to whether it is prudent to bring this refinery on stream given the spare refinery production capacities in the Middle East, India and South Korea."


Strategic Analysis of the South African and Nigerian Petrochemicals Markets is part of the Chemicals & Materials Growth Partnership Services programme, which also includes research in the following markets: South African Market for Chemical Solvents and Sub-Saharan African Biofuels Market. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.


About Frost & Sullivan


Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 40 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com/.


Strategic Analysis of the South African and Nigerian Petrochemicals Markets


M534



Contact:
Patrick Cairns
Corporate Communications - Africa
P: +27 18 464 2402
E: patrick.cairns@frost.com


http://www.frost.com/


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Frost & Sullivan

CONTACT: Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications - Africa of Frost &
Sullivan, +27 18 464 2402, patrick.cairns@frost.com


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


Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
13 May 2010

05:40
Human rights groups oppose U.N. Human Rights Council seats for Qaddafi's Libya, Angola, Mauritania, Qatar, Malaysia / 'Elections without competition don't make sense'

05:00
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05:53
Seoul Spearheads Efforts for Supporting the G20 Summit
05:41
Accident du vol Johannesburg- Tripoli de la compagnie vol la compagnie libyenne Al Afriqiyah (12 mai 2010)
05:40
Agenda prévisionnel de M. Alain Joyandet, Secrétaire d'Etat français chargé de la coopération et de la francophonie
05:40
Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D., on the crash of Afriqiyah Airlines flight 8U771
05:40
Minister Frattini sends condolences to his Libyan colleague Musa Kusa
05:40
Le Canada exprime des préoccupations au sujet de la prorogation de la loi d'urgence en Égypte
05:24
APRM can improve quality of governance in Africa, says Janneh
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U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for May 13
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Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D., on the crash of Afriqiyah Airlines flight 8U771

13 May 2010 05:40 Africa/Lagos

Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D., on the crash of Afriqiyah Airlines flight 8U771


TRIPOLI, May 12, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D., on the crash of Afriqiyah Airlines flight 8U771:


I regret to confirm the death of an Irish citizen in the Libyan air crash today. Afriqiyah Airlines flight 8U771 was travelling from Johannesburg when it went down on approach to Tripoli International Airport this morning, Wednesday, 12 May.


Officials from my Department learned this afternoon that an Irishwoman was on the passenger list for this flight. The Irish Ambassador to Libya (who is normally based in Rome) is in Tripoli with another consular official and is in close contact with the authorities in Libya in relation to the tragic loss of this flight. Arrangements are being made to inform the family and my Department is ready to provide all possible assistance at this difficult time.


I would ask that members of the media respect the privacy of the family and friends of the deceased in order that they be given time and space to come to terms with this terrible tragedy.


I would like to extend my sympathies to all those families who have suffered a bereavement in this tragic accident.

Source: Ireland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs



Video: Connection Between Brain, Body and Sexual Desire




When it Comes to Sparking a Woman's Sexual Desire, Most Men – and Even Women – May Not Know Where to Start


Actress Lisa Rinna kicks off campaign highlighting connection between brain, body and sexual desire


Washington, D.C., May 12, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — When it comes to sex, more than half of men and women don't recognize the brain as an important female sexual organ, according to a new survey.*

“The root of a woman's desire is complex, but it is thought to start with her brain. The brain is the center for thoughts and emotions, but it is also home to a complex system of nerves, hormones and other chemicals that can affect sexual desire,” said Laura Berman, LCSW, Ph.D., and sex and relationship expert.

Interestingly, the survey revealed that women and men's feelings about sex and sexual desire are more alike than people may think, as they both agree that sexual health is important for a woman's overall health and well being. Yet, while most women surveyed would be concerned if they experienced, and most men would be concerned if their partner experienced, a decrease in sexual desire, less than half of both women and men have ever discussed these issues with their partner.

Today, the Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR), along with actress and TV personality Lisa Rinna, launched “Sex Brain Body: Make the Connection,” a new educational campaign about female sexual health, particularly about the role the brain is thought to play in female sexual desire.

“As a woman, wife and mother, I know that women’s sexual desire can fluctuate. For some women that’s normal, but for others it may be something more,” Rinna said. “Everyone is entitled to a healthy sex life. That’s why I’m encouraging women to learn more about their sexual health and the brain's potential role in desire, so they can talk more openly about it with a partner and health care provider. By visiting www.SexBrainBody.com, I want to empower women to learn more about their sexual health and better understand sexual desire.”

Experts believe that chemicals in the brain may play a role in sexual response, impacting a woman's sexual desire. Women and men surveyed believe that desire is important for a healthy sex life, and that a decline in a woman’s desire would be distressing to the woman. Yet, few people realize that a lack of sexual desire accompanied by distress might be something more than stress from a demanding career or family commitments. It may be a medical condition known as Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, or HSDD.

By visiting www.SexBrainBody.com, women can learn more about HSDD, as well as find helpful tips for starting what may be an uncomfortable conversation with their partners or health care providers about their sexual health and any issues they may be experiencing.

“For 20 years, SWHR has provided resources and knowledge to empower women to take control of their health. We are proud to be supporting this campaign to help women understand their sexual health and give them the confidence to discuss their needs,” said Phyllis E. Greenberger, M.S.W., President and CEO of SWHR in Washington, D.C.

Survey Findings
The “Sex Brain Body: Make the Connection” survey included 1,300 women ages 30 to 55 years and 1,129 men ages 30 to 65 years. The survey was designed to explore the attitudes and behaviors of women regarding their sexual health, as well as men's perception of a woman's sexual health.

Highlights of the survey include the following:

Nearly 75 percent of women report experiencing a lack of sexual desire at least occasionally, with 20 percent reporting a lack of desire frequently
Both women and men believe a woman’s lack of desire for sex would cause distress in a relationship (78 percent women, 63 percent men); more than half of women and men say that a lack of desire would have a negative impact on their relationship
Most women (roughly 60 percent) say they would discuss low sexual desire with their health care provider, yet only 14 percent have actually done so
More women would rather discuss other health topics such as allergies, skin care, hair loss and weight issues with their health care provider than talk about their sexual health
Women are seven times more familiar with erectile dysfunction (66 percent) than Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) (9 percent)
About “Sex Brain Body: Make the Connection”
“Sex Brain Body: Make the Connection” is an educational campaign meant to help women recognize the potential links between the brain, the body and sexual desire, so they can better understand and address their own sexual health. The campaign is sponsored by the Society for Women’s Health Research and content was developed with the support of a sponsorship from Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. To learn more about the sex-brain-body connection, visit www.SexBrainBody.com.

Low sexual desire is the most commonly reported female sexual complaint. Approximately one in 10 women reported low sexual desire with associated distress, which may be HSDD. HSDD is a form of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and has been recognized as a medical condition for more than 30 years. As defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR), HSDD is the persistent or recurrent lack (or absence) of sexual fantasies or desire for any form of sexual activity causing marked distress or interpersonal difficulty and not better accounted for by another disorder (except another sexual dysfunction), direct physiological effects of a substance (including medications), or a general medical or psychiatric condition. Generalized, acquired HSDD is not limited to certain types of stimulation, situations or partners, and develops only after a period of normal functioning. There has been an unmet need for women as there is no FDA-approved treatment for HSDD. It can affect women of all ages and at any stage of life.

*About the Survey
A demographically representative national internet sample of 1,300 women between the ages of 30 and 55 and 1,129 men 30-65 were invited via email to participate in a 10-minute self-administered online survey. Women meeting any of the following criteria were eliminated from participating: had a full hysterectomy, currently take hormone replacement therapy, are post-menopausal and have already gone through menopause. The surveys were administered between February 8 and March 18, 2010. Data for these studies are tested for statistical difference at a confidence level of 95 percent. Data are weighted to reflect accurate representation of population.

About Society for Women’s Health Research
The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR), a national non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. is widely recognized as the thought leader in research on sex differences and is dedicated to improving women’s health through advocacy, education, and research. SWHR was founded in 1990 by a group of physicians, medical researchers and health advocates who wanted to bring attention to the myriad of diseases and conditions that affect women uniquely. Women’s health, until then, had been defined primarily as reproductive health. Women were not routinely included in most major medical research studies and scientists rarely considered biological sex as a variable in their research.

About Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Ridgefield, CT, is the largest U.S. subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation (Ridgefield, CT) and a member of the Boehringer Ingelheim group of companies.

The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 142 affiliates in 50 countries and more than 41,500 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel products of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

In 2009, Boehringer Ingelheim posted net sales of US $17.7 billion (12.7 billion euro) while spending 21% of net sales in its largest business segment, Prescription Medicines, on research and development.

For more information, please visit http://us.boehringer-ingelheim.com

About GfK Healthcare
GfK Healthcare (www.gfkhc.com) is the largest provider of fully integrated custom health care marketing research in the United States. With the broadest range of custom, syndicated and proprietary research offerings, paired with expertise in managed markets and sales force effectiveness, GfK Healthcare is equipped to meet a product’s needs across its life cycle, through flexible marketing research resources, responsive to clients’ evolving challenges. GfK Healthcare is part of the GfK Group.


Media Contacts:
Mary Coyle
212-880-5258
mary.coyle@ogilvypr.com
Jo Parrish
202-496-5008
jo@womenshealthresearch.org
Lara Crissey
203-798-4740
lara.crissey@boehringer-ingelheim.com



Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Secure Mobile Wallet Solutions at AITEC Banking & Mobile Money West Africa Conference

12 May 2010 11:00 Africa/Lagos



CellTrust Corporation Showcases SecureSMS Messaging and Secure Mobile Wallet Solutions at AITEC Banking & Mobile Money West Africa Conference

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- CellTrust Corporation, the world's largest provider of SecureSMS for mobile phones (www.celltrust.com), announced today the company will showcase its SecureSMS messaging solution in the Mobile Money Hub at the AITEC Banking & Mobile Money West Africa conference, May 11-12, 2010 in Lagos, Nigeria. The company will also highlight the special features of its data-based and menu driven Secure Mobile Wallet.


CellTrust's SecureSMS platform has gained a strong foothold in Africa. The platform will enable banks and even other payment system providers to meet the stringent, new transmission channel security requirements of the Central Bank of Nigeria. In February of this year CellTrust launched its SecureSMS Mobile Banking and Payment Pilot for the African region through its partnership with Maxim-Pro Ltd. (www.maxim-pro.com), based in Lagos, Nigeria, to provide consumers the ability to make secure mobile cash transfers, payments and securely access other microfinance banking products.


"CellTrust's secure mobile banking platform is gaining significant momentum in Africa, where banks are cracking down on fraud and enforcing new security requirements for mobile financial management," said Sean Moshir, Chairman and CEO of CellTrust. "CellTrust's Secure Mobile platform brings significant value to the financial industry, as well as consumers in Africa, providing a secure and simple way to transfer money and make payments."


CellTrust SecureSMS provides end-to-end privacy on the mobile device via a highly encrypted, tamper-proof process while enabling message sizes up to 5,000 characters. CellTrust SecureSMS Appliance is the first global enterprise appliance to offer secure SMS communication for Handset to handset and enterprise applications to handsets with highly encrypted end to end security in compliance with HIPAA, FISMA, and Sarbanes-Oxley, ensuring that information is kept private and only delivered to the intended recipient. CellTrust's award winning SecureSMS(TM) Appliance and Gateway reaches 200+ countries and over 800 carriers.


About CellTrust Corporation


CellTrust is a leading provider of secure mobile messaging and applications. CellTrust's patent pending SecureSMS Gateway(TM) featuring the SecureSMS(TM) Appliance and a suite of mobile applications provide advanced secure mobile messaging and information management across 200+ countries and over 800 carriers. CellTrust ensures the secure and trusted exchange of information on mobile devices to the financial services, healthcare, government, education, energy, information technology, marketing, and travel, among other global industries. For more information about CellTrust's Global, African, North American and Australian operations: www.celltrust.com www.africa.celltrust.com www.celltrust.com.au


Media Contact:
Lora Friedrichsen
Global Results Comms (GRC) for CellTrust
+1 949-608-0276
celltrust@globalresultspr.com


Source: CellTrust Corporation

CONTACT: Media, Lora Friedrichsen of Global Results Comms (GRC),
+1-949-608-0276, celltrust@globalresultspr.com, for CellTrust


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




Gordon Brown Bows Out and David Cameron becomes New PM of UK

Happy Birthday to Quenn Inih Ebong, the First Lady of Nigerians Report

Gordon Brown Bows Out and David Cameron becomes New PM of UK




Gordon Brown, the former PM of the United Kingdom

Without much ado, Gordon Brown bowed out for David Cameron who moved into 10 Downing Street Tuesday as the New British Prime Minister and marking the end of the 13 years reign of the Labour Party.


David Cameron, the new PM of the United Kingdom

David Cameron who is 43 years old is the youngest British Prime Minister since 1812 and the first to lead a coalition government for seven decades

Mr. Cameron, the leader of the Conservative Party will head the coalition government with the Liberal Democrats.

You can read more on the Mail Online.

I ignored the British elections, because I do not have much interest in British politics. My heart beats more for America and I reported the last U.S. Presidential Campaign and Election 24/7 and the detailed reports have resulted in my new book that is a historical documentary of the circumstances and events surrounding the phenomenal emergence of Barack Obama from 2007 to his nomination and election as the first ever black President of the United States of America.


I wish the new PM of the United Kingdom a better reign and I hope Mr. Cameron loves immigrants.


~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima


Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Victims of Jihad Will March at Times Square Terror Attack Site




11 May 2010 23:37 Africa/Lagos



Victims of Jihad Will March at Times Square Terror Attack Site

NEW YORK, May 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following event advisory is being issued by Human Rights Coalition Against Radical Islam:


Time: 4:45
Place: 42nd St and 7th Ave, Manhattan


On Tuesday, May 11 in Times Square, the Human Rights Coalition Against Radical Islam (HRCARI) will hold a protest, rally, and march against radical Islam in the vicinity of the site of the failed Times Sq bombing. HRCARI is a rainbow coalition of Hindus, Sikhs, Christians from Sudan, Egypt and Iraq, moderate Muslims and Jews -- who are victims and targets of radical Islam around the globe.


Charles Jacobs, a HRCARI board member, said, "We are demanding that the media and elected officials stop the politically correct obfuscation of the investigation of the Times Square bomber. The people who seek our destruction are not "lone wolves," and this incident was not a "one-off," as Janet Napoletano, chief of Homeland Security misinformed us. Those who want to kill us are not simply unhappy people with mortgage delinquencies and bad marriages. They are warriors for radical Islam and are intent on imposing Koranic rule upon this free nation. We demand "Stop the Politically Correct Cover Up!"


Bhupinder Singh Bhurji, a Sikh whose NAMDHARI SIKH FOUNDATION is part of HRCARI said, "Radical Islamists are killing people in India, trying to dominate that nation. And here too they come with violence against "infidels." We are "infidels united," standing together, brown, black and white, against this epoch's fascist movement.


Narain Kataria, a Hindu who was driven away by Islamists from Pakistan to India 60 years ago said, "Radical Islamists wiped out Hindus and Sikhs in Pakistan who were 25% of their population in just 60 years, driven away 350,000 Hindus from Kashmir in India and are now targeting United States.


Arish Sahani, HRCARI board member said, "Mayor Bloomberg's first concern was preventing an outbreak of prejudice against Muslims. His primary concern should be the safety of New Yorkers. Americans are not biased against all Muslims. We are angry at the radicals who attack us. No one is trying to kill Muslims here. It's radical Muslims who are trying to blow up the city."


HRCARI, has held several demonstrations in New York, notable for their extraordinary banners depicting jihadist attacks on "infidels" from London to Mumbai, from Nigeria to Tel Aviv showing that from 9/11 to Aug 2009 alone, Islamists killed 75,038 , injured 115, 255 in 11,961 attacks across 20+ countries.


Source: Human Rights Coalition Against Radical Islam

CONTACT: Charles Jacobs, Human Rights Coalition Against Radical Islam,
+1-617-835-3584