Without doubt, Charlton Heston is one of the greatest American actors of all time. He was a living legend until he passed on to eternal glory in April 2008. He was world famous for his heroic roles of Moses in The Ten Commandments, Ben Hur and The Planet of the Apes among many other classic films. He remains my favourite American actor and when I got a gift of his bestselling In the Arena: An Autobiography from one of my clients I was glad to include it as one of the most treasured books in my private library. But I discovered some very disturbing errors in Charlton Heston’s information on Nigeria, one of the many countries he had visited as a culture ambassador for his beloved country the United States of America. From pages 354 -356, he recalled his dramatic experiences whilst visting Nigeria after the country gained independence from the colonial British Empire.
The Estate of Charlton Heston and his publishers must address the terrible errors of misinformation on Nigeria is his autobiography In The Arena published by Simon & Schuster in 1995.
It is unfortunate that he is not alive to make the corrections and really baffling that his editors could not correct them before the book was published. The mistakes were his erroneous name of President "Aziwiki" of Nigeria instead of President Nnamdi Azikiwe and if that was not bad enough, he also misinformed readers by saying President "Aziwiki" was assassinated by rival tribesmen from the north. But it was not the fact. It was not President Azikiwe that was assassinated, but the Prime Minister Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, KBE (December 1912 – January 15, 1966) who was murdered in the infamous Major Patrick Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, (1937–1967) military coup and his commandos of primarily junior officers of Igbo extraction on January 15, 1966.
Please, the above terrible mistakes on page 356 of In The Arena must be corrected before further damages are done by the misinformation of historical facts on the political history of Nigeria and Africa.
Citibank Sets New Standard for Digital Banking with Debut of Citibank for iPad® App One-of-a-kind app offers traditional ledger-style banking as well as rich graphics and visual representations of consumer accounts and transactions
NEW YORK – July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Furthering CEO Vikram Pandit’s vision to become the world’s digital bank, Citibank today unveiled its first-ever consumer banking app designed specifically for iPad. Citibank for iPad® provides U.S. consumer banking clients with an engaging, visually rich tool to track, analyze and plan their finances.
“Our iPad app is all about listening to our clients and understanding that they need their digital banking experience to be more engaging and dynamic – beyond the standard static tables you find with other iPad apps,” said Tracey Weber, Head of Internet and Mobile Banking, North America Consumer Banking, Citi. “We’re offering a whole new way of banking, with enhanced visuals and interactive tools. We’re focused on continually offering modern solutions that help put ease into our clients’ financial lives, wherever and whenever.”
Citibank for iPad is the first app from a major U.S. bank to depart from traditional ledger-style banking and offer graphs and visual representations of consumer accounts and transactions. The intuitive user interface makes it easy for customers to check balances, control their cash flow, pay bills, transfer funds, access rewards and find nearby Citibank ATMs and branches, all at the touch of their screen.
Unlike other banking apps for iPad that mirror the PC or mobile phone interface, the Citibank app takes advantage of the unique tablet experience to provide users with a visually revealing, insightful interface along with a host of interactive new features.
New way of banking – More than just an account management tool, the app allows consumers to more deeply engage with their experience, from basic banking to more in-depth financial management. Advanced features allow users to view information and take actions that will make managing their finances easier, including:
* Plan cash outflows with the help of a unique interactive chart of past and future payments and transfers * Analyze personal spending habits through automatically generated, customizable charts of payee spending * Compare personal spending habits with general consumer data, filtering by location, age group, income bracket and purchase category
Access to Resources – Citibank for iPad also offers access to resources and information that help users manage their financial lives, including direct access to exclusive, continually updated content from Citi Personal Wealth Management and Women & Co., a service of Citibank.
Real-time customer service – Consumers can also use the app to reach customer service directly. Citi is the only major U.S. bank to offer direct access to its Twitter customer support option via its tablet app. To Download or Learn More:
* Citibank for iPad is available free from the App StoreSM on iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. * View a demo of Citibank for iPad on YouTube at: http://citi.us/okRNbo. * To learn more about Citi, please visit www.citi.com.
###
Citi, the leading global financial services company, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com.
Women & Co. is a vehicle from Citibank for insightful women to build their financial knowledge, bolster their confidence and create financial strategies that will help them achieve their goals. Through access to education, resources, and a community of financially minded women, Women & Co. is Where Wisdom, Wealth and Women Meet.sm Sign up for free today at womenandco.com.
The Celine Dion Signature print advertising campaign was shot by renowned photographer Peter Lindbergh.
Introducing Celine Dion Signature
New York, NY (July 28, 2011) /PRNewswire/ — Coty Inc. announces an iconic new fragrance, Celine Dion Signature, launching worldwide in September 2011. Developed as an ode to Celine’s power to connect and inspire through her music, this timeless scent is the latest addition to the Celine Dion portfolio of fragrances. Since its introduction in 2003, the Celine Dion Fragrance House has continually remained a top performer in major markets across North America and Europe.
“Celine Dion is a signature icon. Her extraordinary ability to move and connect emotionally with her fans has played a major role in the global success of her fragrance franchise,” says Steve Mormoris, Senior Vice President Global Marketing at Coty Beauty. “This fragrance is the ultimate olfactive expression of Celine’s inspiring presence and innate charisma that continue to captivate audiences all over the world.”
Celine Dion’s iconic, powerful music crosses generations and transcends language, forming lasting bonds with people around the world. Through her power to connect and inspire, she holds a singular place in her fans’ hearts which is reflected in her classic new scent, Signature.
“My music provides me with a wonderful creative outlet to express my feelings and share these emotions with my fans,” explains Celine. “Creating the Signature fragrance allows me to reach my fans in a completely different, yet very personal way.” A SIGNATURE SCENT
Celine Dion Signature is an elegant, classic scent with modern appeal by Firmenich perfumer Ilias Ermenidis.
Top Notes: Mimosa Blossom, Pink Lady Apple, Juicy Guava Middle Notes: Indian Jasmine, Rose Essence, Magnolia Blossom Bottom Notes: Sensual Musk, Amberwood, Sandalwood ICONIC PACKAGING
Celine’s iconic silhouette is etched into the bottle in relief, creating a stunning visual signature that evokes her everlasting appeal. The packaging is a reflection of Celine’s own classic elegance. Celine Dion Signature will be available in September 2011 at mass merchandisers and drug outlets in the United States and Europe.
www.celinedionbeauty.com
About Coty Inc.
Coty was created in Paris in 1904 by François Coty who is credited with founding the modern fragrance industry. Today, Coty Inc. is a recognized leader in global beauty with annual net sales of nearly $4 billion. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, passion, innovation and creativity, Coty Inc. has developed an unrivaled portfolio of notable brands and delivers its innovative products to consumers in 90 markets worldwide.
For additional information about Coty Inc., please visit www.coty.com.
Glasses-free 3D phone, LG Thrill 4G™, creates first-of-its-kind entertainment experience for next-generation technology enthusiasts
NEW YORK – July 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — LG Mobile and alternative rock pioneers, Jane’s Addiction, made innovation history last night at the world’s first 3D user-generated concert broadcasted live on YouTube to be later broadcasted on YouTube 3D. At a packed Terminal 5 with 1,500 guests in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, more than 100 ticket holders selected by LG and Jane’s Addiction received a rare opportunity to be the first to experience LG Thrill 4G™ and capture live, 3D footage of the exclusive Jane’s Addiction performance. Equipped with a stunning 360° stage that allowed for surround-sound and panoramic viewing, the concert also featured LG CINEMA 3D TVs throughout the venue to help put every attendee directly into the action. This unique concert experience was part of LG’s “Bring Your World Alive” campaign empowering consumers to experience the benefits of mobile 3D entertainment by creating content that is unique and personal.
Armed with LG Thrill 4G devices, Jane’s Addiction’s fans enjoyed the band’s most famous songs -- including their new tracks “Irresistible Force” and “End To The Lies” from their upcoming album The Great Escape Artist (Capitol Records)-- while capturing 3D video of the concert that will help create a 60-minute documentary of the “World’s First 3D User-Generated Concert.” Premiering on LG Thrill YouTube 3D channel (youtube.com/comealive) on August 4, 2011, the 3D documentary will tell the story of how technology has changed the way we create, view and share life’s most memorable moments.
“Tonight’s Jane’s Addiction concert was not only a great show from a visual and performance standpoint, it also illustrated the benefits of capturing life’s remarkable experiences in 3D,” said Tim O’Brien, vice president of marketing for LG Mobile. “When LG and YouTube premier the world’s first 3D user-generated concert, music and technology fans as well as the general public will see that 3D enabled mobile devices are the next step in the evolution of entertainment.”
In addition to the Jane’s Addiction concert, the “Bring Your World Alive” campaign will also challenge consumers to battle it out in a 3D Gaming Tournament with LG partner Gameloft at the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco on August 10, 2011. Using LG Thrill 4G devices, teams of gamers will battle it out in “Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance (N.O.V.A.) 3D,” Gameloft’s 3D action game, during this exclusive 3D event experience. After multiple timed battles, top scorers will go head-to-head in a projected 3D main event for the chance to be crowned the N.O.V.A. Intergalactic Gaming Champion.
The “Bring Your World Alive” campaign kicked off earlier this summer at the 3D Entertainment Summit in New York on June 22 with a keynote speech delivered by Tim O’Brien, vice president of marketing for LG Mobile, encouraging all consumers to experience barrier-free, LG 3D mobile technology.
The ideal handset for on-the-move entertainment enthusiasts, LG Thrill 4G allows users to do it all in 3D – create, share and enjoy content in 3D. LG Thrill 4G will be available for pre-order on and in AT&T company owned stores in the coming weeks for $99.99 with a two-year contract. For more information on the LG Thrill 4G, please visit www.thrillbylg.com.
# # #
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 93,000 people working in over 120 operations around the world. With 2010 global sales of 55.8 trillion Korean won (USD 48.2 billion), LG comprises four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning & Energy Solutions. LG is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines, and refrigerators. LG has signed a long-term agreement to become both a Global Partner and a Technology Partner of Formula 1™. 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.lg.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 http://www.lgmobilephones.com.
About Jane’s Addiction Forming in 1985 in L.A., JANE’S ADDICTION has been firmly embedded in the collective pop culture consciousness for 25 years now. Perry Farrell stands out as one of music’s most forward-thinking and enigmatic frontmen. Dave Navarro remains a veritable guitar god. Drummer Stephen Perkins’ tribal stomp has also influenced a generation of percussionists. The hugely influential Los Angeles-based band has sold in excess of seven million records in the U.S. alone. When lead singer Perry Farrell created the traveling Lollapalooza festival, it galvanized the alternative rock movement and brought it to a whole new level. JANE’S ADDICTION have written the rule book for alternative music and culture through a combination of genre-defying classic songs and a cinematic live experience. For THE GREAT ESCAPE ARTIST, their new album due out fall 2011 on Capitol Records, JANE’S ADDICTION are working with producer Rich Costey (Muse, Franz Ferdinand, Interpol), with TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek on the team. Sitek, best known for his production work on TV on the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the Foals, is writing, programming, and playing bass on the album. The band, with Chris Chaney on bass, will be touring throughout 2011. Great bands break rules, but legends write their own. www.janesaddiction.com; www.facebook.com/janesaddiction; www.twitter.com/janesaddiction.
Media Contacts: LG Electronics, Inc. LG MobileComm U.S.A., Inc Elizabeth Latham (858) 805-6701 Elizabeth.Latham@lge.com LG-One Erica Samadani (310) 280-2456 Erica.Samadani@lg-one.com
Sudan Tribune Sudanese female journalist in a protest against censorship (FILE)
25 Jul 2011 16:01 Africa/Lagos
Sudan / Another woman journalist jailed for reporting rape allegations
PARIS, July 25, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Amal Habani, a woman reporter for the daily Al-Jarida, was today sentenced to a fine of 2,000 pounds (600 euros) or a month in jail for reporting a woman activist's claims that she was raped by members of the security forces. As Habani refused to pay the fine, she was immediately taken to Omdurman women's prison, northwest of the capital, to begin serving the jail sentence.
Habani was convicted by Judge Modather Al-Rasheed of the Khartoum media court, who fined her editor, Saadeldin Ibrahim, 5,000 pounds (1,500 euros). Agence France-Presse quoted her lawyer as saying they were found guilty of publishing false information and violating journalistic ethics.
She is the second woman journalist working for Al-Jarida to be tried in the past three weeks for reporting human rights activist Safia Ishag's rape allegations. Fatima Ghazali was convicted on 5 July and was taken to Omdurman prison the same day. She was released two days later after paying her fine.
Seven other journalists and media contributors are due to be tried or are still the subject of judicial investigations for the same reason. They are Faisal Mohamed Salih, Babikir Omer Al-Garrai, Abdalla Al-Shaik, Mohamed Latif, Faiz Al-Selaik, Mohamed Osman and Dr. Nahid Al-Hassan.
More information: http://en.rsf.org/sudan-ten-journalists-hounded-and-18-06-2011,40485.html
Source: Reporters without Borders (RSF)
26 Jul 2011 07:40 Africa/Lagos
Regional Conference On Migration In Africa Promotes Circular Labour Migration
GENEVA, July 26, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Migration experts are meeting this week in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, to discuss how Africa and the European Union can benefit from organized labour migration.
The conference which opened yesterday, 25 July, 2011, has been organized by the IOM through funds from the EU's AENEAS 2006 programme, which provides financial and technical support for countries on migration and asylum. It is attended by officials from EU, Africa and Canada as well as major international bodies, such as the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Southern African Development Commission (SADEC)
The conference builds on a previous event which took place in 2008, during which IOM with funds from the AENEAS 2006 programme, launched a Labour Migration Project for West Africa (LAMIWA). The project aimed at reversing the negative trends of increased irregular migrations from Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal to Europe, with Libya as the main transit country.
The conference is assessing the overall benefits of the LAMIWA programme on the participating countries, namely Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and Italy. It also aims to gain understanding of different approaches taken by regional bodies to labour mobility.
One of the key areas for discussion is circular migration - a scheme whereby migrant workers from Africa enter the European labour market for a limited period of time in line with specific country entry quotas and then return home once their contracts are over.
This scheme will benefit migrants and both origin and the host countries. The countries of origin will benefit from the skills and knowledge acquired by the migrant workers, technology transfer, unemployment reduction and the remittances. Host countries will have access to migrant workers willing to fill short-term labour market needs.
Through LAMIWA project, a pilot scheme for circular migration scheme is taking place between Ghana and Italy. As part of the scheme, an initial group of twenty selected Ghanaian migrant workers will depart later this week for Italy where they will spend three months working in the agricultural sector. IOM will provide pre-departure counselling, including information on contract and working conditions as well as return and reintegration assistance in Ghana upon completion of the contract.
Apart from initiating circular migration scheme between Ghana and Italy, the funds provided by EU's AENEAS 2006 programme, have enabled IOM to provide assistance to the governments of Ghana and Nigeria in drafting labour migration policies, and support for the two governments' efforts to reduce irregular migration in the region.
In addition, AENEAS 2006 funding facilitated IOM to conduct national assessment of labour migration policies, legislation and practices in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and Libya.
NEW YORK, July 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- First Lady Michelle Obama stays cool in the Summer heat while wearing CHRIS BENZ' Resort Nelda Dress for her appearance on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in Fayetteville, North Carolina on Thursday, July 21st, 2011.
The episode, which is set to air in October, focuses on redesigning and expanding a North Carolina community resource center for homeless female veterans.
ABOUT CHRIS BENZ
The CHRIS BENZ collection is a reflection of Chris' Seattle upbringing and his ability to transform his influences to create a unique American style. His collection reflects the ease and carefree attitude one can expect from a true American Sportswear collection, which is made in the USA. In February 2007, Chris Benz presented his first ready-to-wear collection to high acclaim from fashion press and retailers during New York Fashion Week.
Chris grew up in Seattle, before arriving in New York City at the age of seventeen to study at Parsons School of Design. He graduated in 2004 winning the prestigious CFDA Emerging Designer Award. While at Parsons, Chris interned with Marc Jacobs where he reinforced his Parsons curriculum with the fundamentals of design. After graduation, Chris joined the dynamic J. Crew team as Designer of Dresses and Special Occasion.
Chris Benz is fascinated by innovation, proportions, refined tailoring and finishing details. The Seattle color palette prevails, with its deft blend of muted and neutral tones, shaken to life with an infusion of color. Classic silhouettes incorporate specialty details and elements of surprise. With an emphasis on layers, sheerness and directional color palette, the result is a beautifully crafted collection with a modern spirit. Chris Benz' vision is one of meticulous but effortless design: vintage and surplus elements, retooled in classic luxury fabrics that set the temperature of new American sportswear.
www.chris-benz.com
SOURCE CHRIS BENZ
CONTACT: PUBLICITY: Sidney Prawatyotin of Krupp Group, +1-212-462-4192, sidney@kruppgroup.com; or SALES: Eugene Migliaro of CHRIS BENZ, +1-212-244-2020, gene@chris-benz.com
Nigeria security forces in random killing following bomb blast
LONDON, July 25, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Nigerian authorities must immediately put a stop to unlawful killings by security forces, Amnesty International said today after at least 23 people were killed by police following a bomb blast on Saturday in the north-eastern city of Maiduguri.
The bomb, allegedly set off by the Islamist group Boko Haram, went off in the Budum market in central Maiduguri and injured three soldiers. According to reports received by Amnesty International, the Nigerian Joint Military Task Force (JTF) responded by shooting and killing a number of people, apparently at random, before burning down the market.
“President Goodluck Jonathan must get a grip on the Nigerian armed forces and immediately prevent them from carrying out further human rights violations and unlawful killings,” said Tawanda Hondora, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for Africa.
“The government must now investigate these heinous crimes and put on trial those found to be responsible for the killings. Allowing troops to go on the rampage will not bring to justice those who carry out these terrible bomb attacks on civilians,” he said.
“While staying within the law, the government must step up efforts to bring to justice members of Boko Haram who wreck untold suffering on people in the middle belt.”
One wing of Boko Haram has reportedly disowned the bomb blast, saying it may have been carried out by a splinter group.
The JTF was set up by the federal government in June 2011 to restore order in Borno state. In recent months, Amnesty International has received numerous reports that security forces in Borno state have resorted to unlawful killings, dragnet arrests, arbitrary and unlawful detentions, extortion, and intimidation.
One human rights defender told Amnesty International “Soldiers went on the rampage. They shot several people and burned all their shops and properties and burned their cars.”
Following a bombing in Maiduguri two weeks ago, members of the JTF reportedly threatened to shoot residents if they failed to report planned attacks.
“House to house searches, brutalisation, unlawful arrests, killings and disappearances have been the operating practice in Maiduguri for some months now. Unless steps are taken to ensure security forces operate within the law and respect human rights at all times, the next time Boko Haram attacks or kills a soldier, we are likely to see the same thing happen again,” said Tawanda Hondora.
Thousands of people living in Maiduguri have already left the city; and many more continue to do so.
The JTF have also been accused of raping women during their operations in recent months.
“Allegations of rape of women by members of the JTF have to be investigated and perpetrators brought to justice, “Tawanda Hondora said.
“Survivors of rape and sexual violence must be provided with appropriate support and aftercare,” he added.
Since July 2010, attacks by people believed to be members of the religious sect Boko Haram have increased. More than 250 people have been killed in such attacks, many of which have targeted police officers and government officials.
Several religious leaders have been killed and churches have also been targeted.
Since June 2011, Boko Haram has also attacked bars and beer-gardens, killing scores of people.
