Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Say goodbye to SMS



Hi, check out WhatsApp Messenger for Nokia, iPhone, Android and BlackBerry. Get it now from http://whatsapp.com/dl/ and say goodbye to SMS.



WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS. WhatsApp Messenger is available for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android and Nokia and yes, those phones can all message each other! Because WhatsApp Messenger uses the same internet data plan that you use for email and web browsing, there is no cost to message and stay in touch with your friends.




In addition to basic messaging iPhone, Android and BlackBerry WhatsApp Messenger users can send each other unlimited images, video and audio media messages.

The following video shows WhatsApp (beta) on Nokia N8. Try it and enjoy it!







Monday, February 21, 2011

Youngest Member Of Black Voiz Found Dead On UI Campus

The youngest member of the Black Voiz music group, Donald, is dead.
His corpse was dumped in front of his hostel on the campus of the University of Ibadan (UI).

Below is the video of the hit song "Kobontin" by Black Voiz.



May his soul rest in peace.



EU condemns the shooting of peaceful demonstrators in Libya



Amateur footage of supposed protests in Libya on YouTube uploaded day after deadly clashes.

© 2011 Reuters


Libya unrest. Photo Credit: Calgary

21 Feb 2011 12:46 Africa/Lagos


European Union / Declaration by the High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on behalf of the European Union on events in Libya

BRUSSELS, February 21, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Declaration by the High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on behalf of the European Union on events in Libya

"The European Union is extremely concerned by the events unfolding in Libya and the reported deaths of a very high number of demonstrators. We condemn the repression against peaceful demonstrators and deplore the violence and the death of civilians. We express our sympathy to the families and friends of the victims.
The EU urges the authorities to exercise restraint and calm and to immediately refrain from further use of violence against peaceful demonstrators. Freedom of expression and the right to assemble, as provided for in particular by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, are human rights and fundamental freedoms of every human being which must be respected and protected. The EU calls on the authorities to immediately cease the blocking of public access to the internet and mobile phone networks. The EU also calls
upon the authorities to allow media to work freely throughout the country.

The legitimate aspirations and demands of the people for reform must be addressed through open and meaningful Libyan-led dialogue.

The European Union expects full cooperation by the authorities in protecting EU citizens."


Source: European Union















































Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
21 Feb 2011
12:46European Union / Declaration by the High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on behalf of the European Union on events in Libya
12:45Urgent Appeal to Stop Atrocities in Libya sent by 23 NGOs to US President Obama, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, 20 February 2011
12:4324 rights groups urge US and EU to confront Libyan massacres in UN Security Council and Human Rights Council / NGOs demand Libya's suspension from UNHRC; UN Watch calls for urgent dispatch of medical supplies to hospitals
20 Feb 2011
17:20AJC Denounces Deadly Violence of Libyan Regime
18 Feb 2011
21:46Leahy Comments on Attacks on Protesters and Journalists in the Mideast
15:00Game-Changer Scenarios in the Middle East and North Africa
17 Feb 2011
15:55Libya urged to end protest crackdown




Sunday, February 20, 2011

Asghar Farhadi wins first Golden Bear at the 61st Berlinale




The accomplished Iranian screenwriter and film director Asghar Farhadi’s captivating drama Nader and Simin: A Separation won the Golden Bear for the Best Film at the 61st Berlin Film Festival and was elated to receive his coveted prize at the closing ceremony on Saturday February 19, 2011. This must really be fulfilling for him after winning the Silver Bear for Best Director for his film About Elly in 2009. This is the first time an Iranian film has won the Golden Bear. The male and female actors of "Nader and Simin, A Separation" were honored each with a Silver Bear for their performance.


Asghar Farhadi lifting up his Golden Bear at the 61st Berlinale.


The film is about a middle-class couple Nader and Simin married for fifteen years and live with their eleven-year-old daughter Termeh in Tehran. The family belong to the urban upper middle-class and the couple are on the verge of separation. Simin wants to leave the country with her husband and daughter, as she does not want Termeh to grow up under the prevailing conditions. Her desire is not shared by the stubborn Nader. He has concerns for his father, who lives with the family and suffers from Alzheimer's disease. When Nader decides to stay in Iran, Simin files for a divorce.




Bela Tarr took home the Jury Grand Prix of the Silver Bear for being the runner-up for his film "The Turin Horse".

The other winners emerged in the following order:


Silver Bear - Best Director
Ulrich Köhler
for Schlafkrankheit (Sleeping Sickness)


Silver Bear - Best Actress
to the actress-ensemble in
Jodaeiye Nader az Simin (Nader And Simin, A Separation)
by Asghar Farhadi

Silver Bear - Best Actor
to the actor-ensemble in
Jodaeiye Nader az Simin (Nader And Simin, A Separation)
by Asghar Farhadi

Silver Bear - Outstanding Artistic Achievement
Wojciech Staron for the camera in
El premio (The Prize)
by Paula Markovitch

ex aequo

Barbara Enriquez for the production design in
El premio (The Prize)
by Paula Markovitch

Silver Bear - Best Script
Joshua Marston and Andamion Murataj for
The Forgiveness Of Blood (The Forgiveness Of Blood)
by Joshua Marston

Alfred Bauer Prize
Awarded in memory of the Festival founder, for a work of particular innovation.

Wer wenn nicht wir (If Not Us, Who)
by Andres Veiel

Click here for more details.



Saturday, February 19, 2011

IMF Executive Board Concludes 2010 Article IV Consultation with Nigeria

18 Feb 2011 05:16 Africa/Lagos


IMF Executive Board Concludes 2010 Article IV Consultation with Nigeria

ABUJA, February 17, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- On February 11, 2011, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Nigeria.1

Background

Nigeria has weathered the global economic recession and its own domestic banking crisis reasonably well. Economic growth in the first half of 2010 remained above 7½ percent and is expected to reach about 8½ percent for the whole year on the back of a recovery in oil production and continued strong growth in other sectors. However, inflation has been stuck in the low double digits for the past two years and foreign reserves have been falling as the Central Bank of Nigeria has focused on maintaining exchange rate stability and low interest rates.

The fiscal stimulus intensified in 2010, notwithstanding the already solid growth performance and high inflation. After rising by 10 percent in 2009, consolidated public spending increased by 37 percent in 2010. The non-oil primary deficit has increased by 5 percentage points to 32 percent of non-oil GDP. Despite world oil prices well in excess of the budget benchmark price, the government spent all current oil revenues and drew on savings in the Excess Crude Account, at a time when stabilization called for a rebuilding of buffers. Despite high inflation, the CBN reduced the rate on its standing deposit facility. In response to pressure on the currency, the CBN sold reserves rather than raise interest rate or let the exchange rate depreciate. The CBN recently raised interest rates, but short-term real interest rates remain negative.

The economic outlook remains positive and risks are generally balanced. Nigeria's economy is projected to grow by 7 percent in 2011, moderating gradually in subsequent years. Inflation is projected to decline to 9 percent by the end of 2011. Near-term risks to growth mostly relate to domestic factors. On the upside, a shift in government spending towards capital formation and planned reforms in the power sector could boost growth, and passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill could unlock additional investments in the oil sector. On the downside, there is a greater risk of lower rather than higher oil production. The inflation risk hinges crucially on the 2011 budget. The National Assembly could pass a more expansionary budget for 2011 than was submitted, undermining the CBN's ability to deliver on inflation. Finally, speculation against the naira could become intense should reserves continue to fall.

Executive Board Assessment

Executive Directors noted that Nigeria's strong external position and low debt helped mitigate the impact of the global financial crisis. However, a pro-cyclical fiscal stance and an accommodative monetary policy have resulted in high inflation and a loss in international reserves.

Directors supported the authorities' planned fiscal consolidation to rebuild fiscal space and contain price pressures. They welcomed efforts underway to strengthen nonoil revenues, as well as the draft budget for 2011, which aims to reverse the expansion in real public spending in 2010. Directors also saw the need for a strong oil-revenue rule to prevent policy pro-cyclicality going forward. In this regard, they welcomed the authorities' intention to establish sovereign wealth funds under the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to shield the budget from oil-revenue volatility and enhance the management of oil wealth. However, noting that one of the NSIA funds would finance infrastructure projects, they encouraged the authorities to channel such expenditures through the budget in order to safeguard the stabilization function of the NSIA and the quality of public investment.

Directors considered the central bank's recent increase in policy rates appropriate. Further monetary tightening may be needed should inflation pressures continue. Directors took note of the staff's assessment of an overvaluation of the naira, and stressed that greater exchange rate flexibility would prevent one-way bets in the foreign exchange market and cushion external shocks.

Directors expressed concerns about potentially conflicting objectives of monetary policy and advised that the policy framework should focus more clearly on price stability. They generally agreed that moving gradually toward an inflation-targeting regime, once the necessary institutional underpinnings are in place, would help anchor inflation expectations. Directors generally supported scaling back the central bank's development finance initiatives as soon as feasible while protecting the central bank's balance sheet and pursuing reforms to deepen capital markets.

Directors commended the authorities for their actions to stabilize the financial sector. They welcomed the establishment of an asset management corporation to clean up bank balance sheets and encouraged the authorities to maintain full transparency in bank resolution.


Source: International Monetary Fund (IMF)


Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
18 Feb 2011
18:19 Tunisia / Europe should do more for development, says Frattini
05:16 IMF Executive Board Concludes 2010 Article IV Consultation with Nigeria
17 Feb 2011
18:44 Le Nord-ouest du Tchad: la prochaine zone à haut risque?
18:41 Chad's North West / The Next High-Risk Area?
16:49 Rotary Clubs Light up the World to End Polio
16:00 UNAMID Joint Special Representative Ibrahim Gambari's statement to the press




Thursday, February 17, 2011

Arianna Huffington, David Brookson and others debate American politics



"Basically, the two-party system is like a stale marriage. Democrats and Republicans need something to spice it up. They need to go on Craigslist and find a third party."
~ Arianna Huffington


16 Feb 2011 19:07 Africa/Lagos


'America's House Divided'

Intelligence Squared Debates Examines America's Two-Party System

Arianna Huffington & David Brooks Square Off Against P.J. O'Rourke & Zev Chafets to Debate: America's Two-Party System is Making America Ungovernable
Debate to broadcast on NPR stations nationwide and telecast on Bloomberg TV globally beginning February 21 at 9PM EST

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2011

NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The latest round in America's premier debate series, Intelligence Squared Debates, pitted President and Editor-in-Chief of Huffington Post Media Group, Arianna Huffington and New York Times columnist David Brooks, against America's premier political satirist P.J. O'Rourke, and Zev Chafets, contributor to the New York Times Magazine and founding editor of the Jerusalem Report.

The controversial resolution at Intelligence Squared Debates' (IQ2US) latest intellectual matchup was the second in their themed season, "America's House Divided." The debate was moderated by ABC News Nightline's John Donvan.

Key excerpts from the debate include:

ARIANNA HUFFINGTON

"Basically, the two-party system is like a stale marriage. Democrats and Republicans need something to spice it up. They need to go on Craigslist and find a third party."

DAVID BROOKS

"So they're weird social creatures [politicians]. Nonetheless, I would say in general, they are better people than one would anticipate. Most of them are in it for the right reason, but they're stuck in a rotten system. They're stuck in our current two-party system which forces them to behave in ways that are worse than they are. It's a mind suck."

P.J. O'ROURKE

"Now, I would argue in favor of America's two-party system not because of America's two political parties but because America doesn't really have political parties at all … Republicans and Democrats don't have ideologies. They just have these vague platform planks made of rotten wood of political expediency. If American party platforms were backyard tree forts, you would not let your children climb in them. Anyone can join an American political party, even a witch!"

ZEV CHAFETS

"In multi-party systems, there are many people who also don't feel that they're represented by any of the parties. And I, having lived in a country [Israel] that has 14 parties, I can tell you that I didn't find any that represented me -- that's sort of an inherent problem of democracy. If you have a party that fits the taste of every person or every group of people, you'll have hundreds or a multiplicity of parties that makes it impossible to govern."

For this specific debate, the audience not only voted on the resolution, but also identified their political party affiliation – Republican, Democrat, Independent – at the top of the evening. Before the debate, the IQ2US audience voted with the following:

* 46 % of audience agreeing with the resolution
* 24 % of audience against the resolution
* 30 % undecided


After carefully considering the points, P.J. O'Rourke and Zev Chafets won the debate -- the team that moves the most votes at the end of the evening is determined the winner.

* 50 % of audience agreeing with the resolution
* 40 % of audience against the resolution
* 10 % undecided


The showdown at NYU's Skirball Center in New York City (566 LaGuardia Place) put the leading public intellectuals in the limelight in front of a live sold-out audience of 800 for nearly two hours of heated debate.

To learn more about the debate and review a detailed breakdown of how Republicans, Democrats, and Independents in the audience voted pre- and post-debate, please visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/Think2Twice

ABOUT INTELLIGENCE SQUARED DEBATES (IQ2US)

Rethink your point of view with Intelligence Squared U.S. (IQ2US), Oxford-style debates live from New York City. Based on the highly successful debate program based in London, Intelligence Squared, Intelligence Squared U.S. has presented 46 debates on a wide range of provocative and timely topics. From global warming and the financial crisis, to Afghanistan/Pakistan and the death of mainstream media, Intelligence Squared brings together the world's leading authorities on the day's most important issues.

Since its inception in 2006, the goals have been to provide a new forum for intelligent discussion, grounded in facts and informed by reasoned analysis; to transcend the toxically emotional and the reflexively ideological; and to encourage recognition that the opposing side has intellectually respectable views.

The Rosenkranz Foundation initiated the Intelligence Squared U.S. Debate Series and continues to provide major support.

SOURCE Intelligence Squared Debates
NOTE TO EDITORS: To view transcripts and videos, download audio or video clips or learn more about Intelligence Squared U.S. please visit: http://intelligencesquaredus.org/index.php/debates/america-divided-us-politics/ --- Bloomberg TV will air the debate on February 21, 22, and 23 at 9:00pm EST with additional repeats ongoing throughout the weekend. To find Bloomberg TV in your area, please visit: www.bloomberg.com/intelligence-squared-debates --- NPR will air the debate on stations nationwide and provide podcast availability to download (need exact language from NPR). Please check with your local NPR stations for additional details or visit: www.npr.org/intelligencesquared --- John Donvan, correspondent for ABC News Nightline, is moderator of Intelligence Squared Debates. Dana Wolfe is the executive producer. --- 2011 marks Intelligence Squared Debates fifth series and is themed, "America's House Divided." IQ2US' first debate of the spring season featured health care reform. Upcoming debates this season will focus on: clean energy, America's global reach and immigration. IQ2US' 2010 fall season highlighted issues including: the treatment of captured terrorists, whether Islam is a religion of peace, big government, the war in Afghanistan and airport profiling.

CONTACT: Robert Pini, +1-212-918-2048, or +1-917-674-6575, Robert@high10media.com

Web Site: http://intelligencesquaredus.org

Quarterly Earnings Reports

Federal Budget

Political Upheaval in Egypt

Borders Group Files for Reorganization Relief Under Chapter 11

Highest Rates of Leisure-Time Physical Inactivity in Appalachia and South

LendingTree Weekly Mortgage Rate Pulse Reports 30-Year Fixed Rates Averaging 5.25%

From Universal Studios Home Entertainment: 'The Bionic Woman' Season Two


Former Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher J. Dodd to Give Keynote Address at 2011 fi360 Conference

National Security Leaders, CEOs Call for Action to Reduce California Oil Dependence

NCOA Awards Grants to 10 Organizations to Help Seniors, People with Disabilities Access Benefits



Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
16 Feb 2011
15:18 Djibouti / Call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Jean-Paul Noel Abdi, President of the Ligue Djiboutienne des Droits Humains (LDDH)
10:28 IIUM Confers Honorary Doctorate on His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al-Nuaimi
14 Feb 2011
18:26 African Union / Provisional Programme of Work of the PSC for February 2011
16:09 US $ 5 million from BADEA to Zimbabwe
12 Feb 2011
04:59 Uganda / Head of EU Delegation, EAC Deputy Secretary General meet
11 Feb 2011
16:19 Das erste Jahr des neuen ukrainischen Pr?sidenten ist ein Erfolg - Pr?sident des Projekts f?r den ?bergang zur Demokratie
14:50 The First Year of the New Ukrainian President is a Success - President of the Project for Transitional Democracies
05:10 Secretary-General's Panel on the Referenda in the Sudan / Statement to the Security Council
10 Feb 2011
14:51 US Ambassador Rice at U.N. Security Council Briefing on Sudan
05:04 South Sudan votes for independence
04:52 South Sudan votes for independence
04:46 South Sudan votes for independence
17 Feb 2011
12:18 The deVere Group Sponsors Alex Flynn in 10 Million Metres Challenge for Charity
12:12 Rosoboronexport to Present a Unique Combat Vehicle at IDEX 2011
12:12 Viktor Yanukovych: Yulia Tymoshenko Should be Allowed to Move With no Restrictions
12:10 Exclusive: $Billions Diverted in Waste & Fraud to Save California? Full Disclosure Network® Interview
12:04 Changing Opinions About President Obama
11:30 MarketsandMarkets: Worldwide Smartphones Market Worth US$258.9 Billion by 2015 and Mobile Phone Market Worth US$341.4 Billion by the Same Year
11:20 Love: It's Not Just for Valentine's Day!
11:00 New York Readies to Celebrate Scottish-American Heritage April 3rd - 10th, a Full Week of Events, Topped off With a Parade
09:00 Cutting the Green Tape
08:30 Does Online Flirting Predict Offline Revolution?




Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Facebook's secret Facephone is ready?







Believe it or not, but there is nothing new under the sun. If Google could break into the competitive cell phone industry like Apple and others, then do not be surprised if Facebook joins the competition to cash in on the endless demands for new gadgets in the world. That is why we should not dismiss Michael Arrington’s whistle that an insider revealed that Facebook is developing the software for a Facebook phone. The news circulated since last September.



“Two high level Facebook employees – Joe Hewitt and Matthew Papakipos – are said to be secretly working on the project, which is unknown even to most Facebook staff. Both have deep operating system experience,” said Michael Arrington, the Founder & Co-Edito of TechCrunch.

Now here is the latest scoop on the secret Facebook phone. But will the phone be attractive enough to compete with the best from Nokia, BlackBerry and others?


~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima



An endangered species of Nigerian men


Pastor Paul Adefarasin


An endangered species of Nigerian men in romance are the few good men who are;

1. Very faithful and they practice conjugal fidelity.
2. Very committed to the fulfillment of their sweethearts. They are proud partners in progress in both the academic and professional goals of their beloved. They do not treat women as sex objects, but as mutual HELP MATES and PLAYMATES
3. Very ambitious from the bedroom to the boardroom, that is to say, they are very good faithful lovers and very good faithful leaders.
4. Very bold and brave in the protection of the leadership of the family, community and society.
They are bridge builders and nation builders.

Nigerian Men like Pastor Paul Adefarasin.



How do French entrepreneurs see Africa?

15 Feb 2011 14:20 Africa/Lagos


How do French entrepreneurs see Africa? / Results of a survey commissioned by the organisers of the Africa France Business Meetings

BORDEAUX, February 15, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The results of the qualitative study of French entrepreneurs' perceptions of doing business with Africa have just been presented by the organizers of the AFRICA FRANCE BUSINESS MEETINGS. The purpose of the study was to check that the event corresponded to the expectations of French entrepreneurs. From 23 to 25 May 2011, on the occasion of the 3rd edition of the event, it will be the turn of African entrepreneurs to give their view of doing business with France.


The study of the perception of business relations with Africa, conducted among French entrepreneurs by the organisers of the Africa France Business Meetings, reveals that doing business in Africa is a question of human relations above all else: the spoken word comes before the contract. Having a local partner therefore seems essential to establish efficient relations.

Most of the entrepreneurs surveyed added that it is easier to work with North Africa (except Algeria) and with West Africa, thanks to their common history and language. They also say, however, that the language barrier is tending to disappear in the English-speaking countries.


The entrepreneurs are familiar with the growth rates (5% on average in Africa) of the countries they are working with. They consider that the level of training of Africans is excellent among management, but that qualified technicians are harder to find.

Among the prerequisites for doing business with Africa, in addition to having a trusted partner locally, they recommend that companies should be sufficiently well structured and should be familiar with exporting before they start. The only real obstacle is the insecurity of people and property.


On the subject of payment risks or instability, the entrepreneurs with the most extensive experience of business in Africa play these issues down considerably. For them, it is much easier to get paid in Africa because the goods are dispatched once payment has been made. Finally, they also emphasise the role of the media which often give certain events greater importance than they actually merit.


West Africa comes out top among the zones where French businesspeople want to work. Then come North Africa, Southern Africa, Eastern and finally Central Africa.


This survey has given the Bordeaux CCI a better understanding of the factors that prevent French entrepreneurs from doing business with Africa, and of their needs and expectations to develop their activities in this part of the world.


An edition focused on 5 sectors of activities and on target African countries

In the light of these results, the Africa France Business Meetings 2011 have been focused on 5 sectors of activity: ICT, Eco-Industry, Agriculture and Food, Health and Capital Goods.

Among the African countries, prospecting will be intensified in Algeria and Libya for the North-African countries, in the French-speaking countries of West Africa, in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa for the English-speaking nations and finally in Angola and Mozambique for Portuguese-speaking Africa. The business meetings that form the backbone of the event will be held over 3 half days, with each one-on-one appointment lasting 30 minutes.


A survey backed by collaboration between French CCI

The survey was commissioned by the organisers of the AFRICA FRANCE BUSINESS MEETINGS and carried out by Bordeaux firm Quota Sud (Stratégir Group). The survey was conducted in December 2010 on a sample of 20 companies selected in collaboration with several French CCIs.

The sample comprised establishments of different sizes - half of them SMEs - based in 8 cities in France and working in 9 different sectors of activity.


The only “multisector” French-African event of its kind held nationally, the Africa France Business Meetings will be held for the 3rd consecutive year in Bordeaux on 23, 24 and 25 May 2011. Over 200 entrepreneurs are expected, of whom half from Africa.


* AFRICA FRANCE BUSINESS MEETINGS partners: Bordeaux Africa Business Club, Bordeaux City Authority, Aquitaine Regional Council, DIRECCTE Aquitaine, CIAN, MEDEF international, Aquitaine Foreign Trade Advisors, Ubi France, Total, Fayat, Le Moci, Young Africa Group, African Press Organization.


Preliminary programme available on www.africa-france-business.com


Media contacts:

PRESS CONTACTS:

Philippe GARCIA / Florence RICO-FAYAD

pgarcia@bordeaux.cci.fr / +33 5 56 79 52 48

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