Madam Patricia Etteh, the first female Speaker of Nigeria's House of Representatives, resigned Tuesday, following her indictment over the misappropriation of public funds in multiple contracts of N628m (US$5 million)for the renovation of her official residence and the purchase of 12 official cars.
The Representatives had exchanged blows as they fought over the case and Dr. Aminu Safana, the House Committee Chairman on Health, slumped during the pandemonium. He was rushed to National Hospital in Abuja where he died shortly after and the Speaker was accused of causing his sudden death. She ignored and dismissed calls for her resignation until Tuesday.
"Following advice from family, friends and colleagues and in the interest of democracy, I tender my resignation," She said in a press statement in Abuja.
Her deputy, Hon. Babangida Nguroje also resigned, because of his complicity in the case.
The Lower House has appointed Hon. Perngu Tsengba as the Speaker Pro Tempore.
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Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Ask Yourself… Will You Help Us Survive?
Dear Orikinla Osinachi,
Ask Yourself… Will you help us survive?
If you think information can transform the way you see the world, if youhave faith in helping people to help each other, if you believe in askingquestions (and seeking answers), in all humility, we ask you now to help us save dropping knowledge.
We appeal to every one of you who has admired anything we’ve achieved(from our question ads to our films to our web-magazines to our Table ofFree Voices) to open your hearts, your minds and your wallet, purse orpocketbook, to donate online now via Paypal, debit or credit card.
We ask this of you, dear dropping knowledge user, even though weunderstand your money would be better spent helping to provide food,shelter and medicines to those in need, to checking the spread ofpreventable disease, to educating the world’s children and to plantingtrees. Even so, we appeal to you (yes, you), here and now, to help us too.
Help us to continue sharing questions, dialogue and meaning. Help us tocontinue communicating awareness and understanding. Help us tocontinue generating and distributing information that challenges you tosee yourself and your world anew.
Please help us to continue dropping knowledge. Every contribution, nomatter how small, is a huge help.
Click here to donate or to become a member.
Thank you.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
dropping knowledge summercampIn June of this year, around 100 film makers, editors, photographers, designers, bloggers,programmers and project managers came together to report and reflecton the events surrounding the G8 Summit in Heiligendamm, Germany.
The content (videos, photographs and editorial coverage representing a diversity of experiences and opinions) was organized, edited anduploaded daily to the G8 section of www.droppingknowledge.org/g8
The best of this content is now being assembled into a feature-length filmthat will capture what we experienced and witnessed during this year'smost important political event.
"Schatten auf Berlin"An honest and moving look at the social face of the German capital. AsBerlin continues its modern renaissance, many of its social problems areforgotten and conveniently hidden behind a facade of hipness andnouveau bourgeois mentality.
After two months of research, interviews, filming and editing, the resultingexperience was presented last month in Berlin during an evening of discussion and films. To coincide with the event, we launched www.schattenaufberlin.de,a multimedia platform containing a collection of approximately 50 shortfilms and an interactive 'book' that takes a look at social issues in the cityof Berlin 100 years ago and today.
The film of The Table of Free Voices
A volunteer team of over 20 dedicated, young assembly editors havebeen absorbing, selecting and translating material from the over 1,000hours of video recorded at the Table of Free Voices.
This seed-materialwill prove the basis for a new kind of film about the timeless and epicmultilogue that took place on September 9 2006-- not one movie, butmany thousand -- from one-minute portraits of the speakers to montagesof answers for each of the 100 questions to a new feature film forinternational cinema release.
The endgame of this work will be a new website that fulfils the democraticpromise of the Table of Free Voices, first, by making all the high-resolution footage generated that day available for free, for all users todownload, mix, translate and recreate, and, second, by inviting users toparticipate in all aspects of the ongoing evolution and cultivation of thisabundant and astonishing wealth of human perspective, reflection andconscious thought.
Ask Yourself… Will you help us survive?
If you think information can transform the way you see the world, if youhave faith in helping people to help each other, if you believe in askingquestions (and seeking answers), in all humility, we ask you now to help us save dropping knowledge.
We appeal to every one of you who has admired anything we’ve achieved(from our question ads to our films to our web-magazines to our Table ofFree Voices) to open your hearts, your minds and your wallet, purse orpocketbook, to donate online now via Paypal, debit or credit card.
We ask this of you, dear dropping knowledge user, even though weunderstand your money would be better spent helping to provide food,shelter and medicines to those in need, to checking the spread ofpreventable disease, to educating the world’s children and to plantingtrees. Even so, we appeal to you (yes, you), here and now, to help us too.
Help us to continue sharing questions, dialogue and meaning. Help us tocontinue communicating awareness and understanding. Help us tocontinue generating and distributing information that challenges you tosee yourself and your world anew.
Please help us to continue dropping knowledge. Every contribution, nomatter how small, is a huge help.
Click here to donate or to become a member.
Thank you.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
dropping knowledge summercampIn June of this year, around 100 film makers, editors, photographers, designers, bloggers,programmers and project managers came together to report and reflecton the events surrounding the G8 Summit in Heiligendamm, Germany.
The content (videos, photographs and editorial coverage representing a diversity of experiences and opinions) was organized, edited anduploaded daily to the G8 section of www.droppingknowledge.org/g8
The best of this content is now being assembled into a feature-length filmthat will capture what we experienced and witnessed during this year'smost important political event.
"Schatten auf Berlin"An honest and moving look at the social face of the German capital. AsBerlin continues its modern renaissance, many of its social problems areforgotten and conveniently hidden behind a facade of hipness andnouveau bourgeois mentality.
After two months of research, interviews, filming and editing, the resultingexperience was presented last month in Berlin during an evening of discussion and films. To coincide with the event, we launched www.schattenaufberlin.de,a multimedia platform containing a collection of approximately 50 shortfilms and an interactive 'book' that takes a look at social issues in the cityof Berlin 100 years ago and today.
The film of The Table of Free Voices
A volunteer team of over 20 dedicated, young assembly editors havebeen absorbing, selecting and translating material from the over 1,000hours of video recorded at the Table of Free Voices.
This seed-materialwill prove the basis for a new kind of film about the timeless and epicmultilogue that took place on September 9 2006-- not one movie, butmany thousand -- from one-minute portraits of the speakers to montagesof answers for each of the 100 questions to a new feature film forinternational cinema release.
The endgame of this work will be a new website that fulfils the democraticpromise of the Table of Free Voices, first, by making all the high-resolution footage generated that day available for free, for all users todownload, mix, translate and recreate, and, second, by inviting users toparticipate in all aspects of the ongoing evolution and cultivation of thisabundant and astonishing wealth of human perspective, reflection andconscious thought.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Breaking News: Genarlow Wilson Freed!
Dear Orikinla,
On Friday afternoon, just hours after the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that his sentence amounted to cruel and unusual punishment, Genarlow Wilson was released from prison.
In 2005, Genarlow Wilson, a 17-year-old star athlete and top student, was convicted of aggravated child molestation for having consensual oral sex with a 15-year-old classmate. The NAACP has been involved in the Wilson case since 2003, when the youth was initially charged with sex-attack, working with both the Georgia legislature and the judicial system to free Genarlow.
He had been incarcerated for almost three years of a ten-year sentence, even though only months after his conviction, a "Romeo and Juliet" law was passed that would have had a maximum allowable sentence of 12 months. Genarlow remained incarcerated until Friday in spite of June decision by a Monroe County Superior Court judge to void the original sentence on constitutional grounds and reduce it to one year.
Cases like Genarlow Wilson, Marcus Dixon, and the Jena 6 highlight the rampant discrimination against African-American youth that exists in our criminal justice system.
The NAACP is committed to doing whatever is necessary to see justice served in these cases and the hundreds of others, as well as working to reform the judicial system so that our youth are afforded the dignity, respect and equal treatment they deserve under the law.
Sincerely,
Dennis Hayes
Interim President & CEO
Prince Arthur Eze and Atlas Petroleum International Offer 2.2 Billion Barrels of Resource Potential in the Offshore Niger Delta
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
29 Oct 2007
Atlas Petroleum & Partner eye sale of Niger Delta block
Prince Arthur Eze and Atlas Petroleum International Offer 2.2 Billion Barrels of Resource Potential in the Offshore Niger Delta(Full text of a statement. Contact details below.)
Houston and Lagos (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) -
Atlas Petroleum International Ltd and partner Summit Oil and Gas Worldwide are evaluating the sale of up to 40 per cent of the working interest in Block OML 109, located just 12 miles offshore in the shallow waters of the Niger Delta.
"Following on the heels of our recent success with Noble Energy on Block I in Equatorial Guinea, we believe now is the time to explore opportunities with prospective new partners in this as yet under-explored block, OML 109," said Prince Arthur Eze, owner and chairman of Atlas Petroleum International Ltd.
Recently, a complete review of OML 109 was conducted and the results revealed an exploration potential of 2.2 billion barrels of oil in the under-explored block.
Encompassing 191,000 acres or 773 square kilometers, the OML 109 block has only been addressed with three exploration wells in its entire history, the first in 1966.
Extensive oil and gas infrastructure exists in and around the block including that of the Ejulebe Field currently producing 1,300 barrels of oil a day with remaining 2P reserves of 6.4 million barrels. OML 109 is adjacent to Chevron's Sonam discovery and near such noteworthy fields as Okan and Mefa.
Prince Eze and Summit Oil and Gas Worldwide are working with Simco in London and Bunker Hill in Houston in discussions with investors.
Atlas Petroleum International Ltd is a privately owned, independent Nigerian oil company.
Launched more than 10 years ago by its owner and chairman, the Nigerian entrepreneur Prince Arthur Eze, the company has oil and gas interest throughout West Africa, including Equatorial Guinea, the Ivory Coast and Nigeria.
SOURCE: Atlas Petroleum International Ltd
CONTACT: Tricia Coghlan of Richards Carlberg,+1-713-9643606,
Tricia_coghlan@richardscarlberg.com, or
Mack Fowler of Bunker Hill Associates,+1-713-223-5730,
mmf@bunkerh.com,
both for Atlas Petroleum International Ltd.
Copyright © 2007 ANTARA
09:30
Prince Arthur Eze et Atlas Petroleum International offrent 2,2 milliards de barils de ressource potentielle offshore dans le delta du Niger
09:30
Prinz Arthur Eze und Atlas Petroleum International bieten 2,2 Milliarden Barrel Ressourcenpotenzial im Offshore-Niger-Delta an
14:00
Mahindra's Farm Equipment Sector To Accept Deming Prize Of The 2007 Japan Quality Medal
12:00
Environmental Protection is Profitable: Biotherm Technologie AG Dries Up Lakes of Oil and Turns Them Into Fuel
25 Oct 2007
11:06
Royal Dutch Shell plc: 3rd Quarter 2007 Results
22 Oct 2007
14:15
The 2007 Globalization Index: Hong Kong, Jordan, and Estonia Debut Among the Top 10 in Expanded Ranking of the World's Most Globalized Countries
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The Declaration of Hon. Rotimi Amaechi As Governor of Rivers State Is Wrong
The Supreme Court of Nigeria was right in the judgment to nullify the Election of Mr. Celestine Omehia as the governor of Rivers State in Southern Nigeria, but was wrong to install the former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as the new governor of the state.
There is no need to write a thesis on this matter, because even a layman with common sense should be able to know that the Supreme Court of Nigeria has no constitutional or legal right to install someone who never contested the gubernatorial election as the governor of Rivers state.
The installation of Hon. Rotimi Amaechi contradicts the jurisprudence of the Rule of Law and democracy.
If the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) erred in law by the selection of Mr. Celestine Omehia to contest for the post of governor and he actually contested, then the proper judgment would be to nullify his election and not the installation of Hon. Rotimi Amaechi who never contested the gubernatorial election.
The PDP rigged the last April elections in Rivers State and should have been disqualified for fielding Mr. Celestine Omehia.
The governorship candidate of the Action Congress party, Mr. Tonye Princewill has already taken his case to the Election Petition Tribunals and asking for the nullification of the last April gubernatorial election in Rivers state. The nullification of the election of Mr. Celestine Omehia should be enough evidence to nullify the gubernatorial election in accordnace with section 45 of the Electoral Act and sections 15(2), 17(2) (19) and 42 of the 1999 Constitution.
The Nigerian Supreme Court erred by declaring Hon. Rotimi Amaechi the winner.
The right constitutional judgment should be to conduct another gubernatorial election in Rivers state.
The installation of Hon. Rotimi Amaechi as the new governor of Rivers state is unconstitutional and undemocratic.
Who is fooling whom?
There is no need to write a thesis on this matter, because even a layman with common sense should be able to know that the Supreme Court of Nigeria has no constitutional or legal right to install someone who never contested the gubernatorial election as the governor of Rivers state.
The installation of Hon. Rotimi Amaechi contradicts the jurisprudence of the Rule of Law and democracy.
If the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) erred in law by the selection of Mr. Celestine Omehia to contest for the post of governor and he actually contested, then the proper judgment would be to nullify his election and not the installation of Hon. Rotimi Amaechi who never contested the gubernatorial election.
The PDP rigged the last April elections in Rivers State and should have been disqualified for fielding Mr. Celestine Omehia.
The governorship candidate of the Action Congress party, Mr. Tonye Princewill has already taken his case to the Election Petition Tribunals and asking for the nullification of the last April gubernatorial election in Rivers state. The nullification of the election of Mr. Celestine Omehia should be enough evidence to nullify the gubernatorial election in accordnace with section 45 of the Electoral Act and sections 15(2), 17(2) (19) and 42 of the 1999 Constitution.
The Nigerian Supreme Court erred by declaring Hon. Rotimi Amaechi the winner.
The right constitutional judgment should be to conduct another gubernatorial election in Rivers state.
The installation of Hon. Rotimi Amaechi as the new governor of Rivers state is unconstitutional and undemocratic.
Who is fooling whom?
Video Report: BP Fined $373 Million for Fatal Texas Explosion
US has fined oil giant BP, $373 Million for fatal Texas Refinery explosion and price-fixing charges.
Click here to Watch the video news report
Click here to Watch the video news report
The Nigerian Political Quote Of 2007
"We shall form a government of the rich, the poor, the handsome, the ugly, the young and the old."
~ Honourable Rotimi Amaechi, the new governor of Rivers State.
~ Honourable Rotimi Amaechi, the new governor of Rivers State.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Chevron Commits $500,000 to California Wildfire Relief Efforts
Chevron Commits $500,000 to California Wildfire Relief Efforts
SAN RAMON, Calif., Oct. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) , today committed $500,000 to support relief efforts in the communities affected by the Southern California wildfires.
The commitment includes a $400,000 contribution to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund that will support wildfire relief efforts across Southern California and a $100,000 contribution that will be directed towards local charities and relief efforts in the communities where Chevron operates. In addition to the $500,000 contribution, Chevron is also providing immediate in kind support to those communities that have been evacuated with the provision of 20,000 bottles of water and 11,500 meals.
"Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by these devastating fires," said Peter Robertson, Chevron vice chairman. "We are very grateful to the American Red Cross for their efforts in providing critical aid and we owe a deep debt of gratitude to those firefighters risking their lives by tackling the wildfires."
Chevron is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies. The company has about 58,000 employees, and Chevron's subsidiaries conduct business in approximately 180 countries. Chevron operates across the entire energy spectrum -- exploring for, producing and transporting crude oil and natural gas; refining, marketing and distributing fuels and other energy products; generating power; designing and marketing large-scale energy efficiency solutions and commercializing the energy resources of the future, including biofuels and other renewables. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More information on Chevron is available at http://www.chevron.com/.
Source: Chevron Corporation
CONTACT: Alex Yelland, Chevron media relations, +1-925-842-0456
Web site: http://www.chevron.com/
Global Appeal:
* California Wildfires: How You Can Help from Anywhere
SAN RAMON, Calif., Oct. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) , today committed $500,000 to support relief efforts in the communities affected by the Southern California wildfires.
The commitment includes a $400,000 contribution to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund that will support wildfire relief efforts across Southern California and a $100,000 contribution that will be directed towards local charities and relief efforts in the communities where Chevron operates. In addition to the $500,000 contribution, Chevron is also providing immediate in kind support to those communities that have been evacuated with the provision of 20,000 bottles of water and 11,500 meals.
"Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by these devastating fires," said Peter Robertson, Chevron vice chairman. "We are very grateful to the American Red Cross for their efforts in providing critical aid and we owe a deep debt of gratitude to those firefighters risking their lives by tackling the wildfires."
Chevron is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies. The company has about 58,000 employees, and Chevron's subsidiaries conduct business in approximately 180 countries. Chevron operates across the entire energy spectrum -- exploring for, producing and transporting crude oil and natural gas; refining, marketing and distributing fuels and other energy products; generating power; designing and marketing large-scale energy efficiency solutions and commercializing the energy resources of the future, including biofuels and other renewables. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More information on Chevron is available at http://www.chevron.com/.
Source: Chevron Corporation
CONTACT: Alex Yelland, Chevron media relations, +1-925-842-0456
Web site: http://www.chevron.com/
Global Appeal:
* California Wildfires: How You Can Help from Anywhere
Congressional Hearing to Examine Why Many of the World's Poorest Countries Are the Richest in Natural Resources
Congressional Hearing to Examine Why Many of the World's Poorest Countries Are the Richest in Natural Resources
WASHINGTON, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
The following is being issued by Publish What You Pay United States:
WHAT: Public Hearing -- House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services Hearing entitled "Transparency of Extractive Industries: High Stakes for Resource-Rich Countries, Citizens and International Business"
WHERE: 2128 Rayburn House Office Building
WHEN: Thursday, October 25th, 10 a.m.
BACKGROUND:
Natural resource-dependent countries almost always develop more slowly than non-resource-dependent countries, are more susceptible to the outbreak of civil war (i.e., blood diamonds) and experience a high incidence of corruption. This is often known as the "resource curse." The natural resource sector, including diamonds, oil, gas and other minerals, is one of the most secretive sectors, with citizens of many countries (typically the legal "owners" of a nation's natural resources) routinely left to wonder how much money is being generated and where the money flows while public officials accumulate vast fortunes.
SPEAKERS:
The House Financial Services Committee will examine this issue of how better financial disclosure and transparency in the extractive industry sector may be able to help reverse this "resource curse" and to discuss potential avenues for Congressional involvement. Speakers include Ian Gary, Senior Policy Advisor for Extractive Industries at Oxfam America; Father Patrick Lafon of the Bishops' Conference in Cameroon; Terry Lynn Karl from Stanford University, David A. Baker, Vice President, Environment and Social Responsibility, Newmont Mining Corporation and Paul Mitchell, President, International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM).
Publish What You Pay U.S. is a coalition of U.S. human rights, development and environmental organizations seeking to ensure that extractive industry companies, international financial institutions and governments publish all natural resource payments, revenues, and contracts.
For more information, visit http://www.pwypusa.org/
Source: Publish What You Pay United States
CONTACT: Sarah Pray of Publish What You Pay United States,
+1-202-721-5623
WASHINGTON, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
The following is being issued by Publish What You Pay United States:
WHAT: Public Hearing -- House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services Hearing entitled "Transparency of Extractive Industries: High Stakes for Resource-Rich Countries, Citizens and International Business"
WHERE: 2128 Rayburn House Office Building
WHEN: Thursday, October 25th, 10 a.m.
BACKGROUND:
Natural resource-dependent countries almost always develop more slowly than non-resource-dependent countries, are more susceptible to the outbreak of civil war (i.e., blood diamonds) and experience a high incidence of corruption. This is often known as the "resource curse." The natural resource sector, including diamonds, oil, gas and other minerals, is one of the most secretive sectors, with citizens of many countries (typically the legal "owners" of a nation's natural resources) routinely left to wonder how much money is being generated and where the money flows while public officials accumulate vast fortunes.
SPEAKERS:
The House Financial Services Committee will examine this issue of how better financial disclosure and transparency in the extractive industry sector may be able to help reverse this "resource curse" and to discuss potential avenues for Congressional involvement. Speakers include Ian Gary, Senior Policy Advisor for Extractive Industries at Oxfam America; Father Patrick Lafon of the Bishops' Conference in Cameroon; Terry Lynn Karl from Stanford University, David A. Baker, Vice President, Environment and Social Responsibility, Newmont Mining Corporation and Paul Mitchell, President, International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM).
Publish What You Pay U.S. is a coalition of U.S. human rights, development and environmental organizations seeking to ensure that extractive industry companies, international financial institutions and governments publish all natural resource payments, revenues, and contracts.
For more information, visit http://www.pwypusa.org/
Source: Publish What You Pay United States
CONTACT: Sarah Pray of Publish What You Pay United States,
+1-202-721-5623
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Special Podcast of the California Wildfires for October 24, 2007
24 Oct 2007 09:00 Africa/Lagos
PR Newswire Broadcast Minute Special Edition: California Wildfires for October 24, 2007
To hear a Podcast of the PR Newswire Broadcast Minute and other MultiVu radio content, cut and paste this URL into your podcast application (e.g. iTunes, iPodder): http://feeds.feedburner.com/prnewswire_bcm
Southern California Wildfires Bring Out Massive Movement of Red Cross ResourcesWith the wildfires still escalating, Red Cross supplies and volunteers are en route to Southern California by the thousands. More than 500 American Red Cross workers have been hard at work since Sunday morning and the Red Cross is expanding its services rapidly as the needs change and escalate.
Here's what the Red Cross has on the way:
-- 25-thousand cots
-- 50-thousand blankets
-- 50-thousand pre-packaged meals
-- 25-thousand comfort kits filled with toiletry items
-- 75 mobile feeding trucks and 2 Southern Baptist Kitchens
-- one-thousand shelter workers
-- one-thousand workers to help with feeding, distribution of supplies, mental health and first aid support.
Full story at: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-23- 2007/0004688147&EDATE=
Wildfire Expert Says Fire Storms Inevitable Without New Policy; Action Needed NowAward-winning wildfire expert Doctor Reese Halter says that fire storms like the ones now engulfing Southern California forests are inevitable without new policies to address the central problem: a dangerous cocktail of historic drought, global warming and millions of bark-beetle killed trees. Doctor Halter is president and co-founder of Global Forest Science.Only months ago Doctor Halter publicly cited new research indicating Southern California has reached unprecedented levels of vulnerability to major forest fires given drought conditions that haven't been seen in the state for 130 years. With 16 million people in the Los Angeles basin surrounded by mountain forests and a million beetle-killed trees as kindling, residents of Los Angeles are facing imminent risk to their properties, families and themselves.
Full story at: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-23- 2007/0004688390&EDATE=
State Farm Mobilizes to Respond to Southern California FiresIn response to the fires raging across Southern California, State Farm has mobilized its company resources to assist in the recovery effort. State Farm, the largest homeowners insurance carrier in California and the nation, has dispatched its claims force and are on site in the affected areas and are available to customers to begin the claim process.State Farm policyholders, whose home or car has been damaged, should contact their State Farm agent; or call 1-800-SF CLAIM to reach State Farm catastrophe operators.
Full story at: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-23- 2007/0004688300&EDATE=
Supermarket Partners Ralphs and Food 4 Less Donate Truckload of Food and Supplies to Wildfire VictimsSupermarket partners Ralphs and Food 4 Less have donated more than ten-thousand dollars in food and supplies to the American Red Cross for wildfire victims evacuated to Qualcomm Stadium.Ralphs and Food 4 Less are providing food, infant formula, milk, fruit, diapers, and toothbrushes and toothpaste for wildfire victims displaced to Qualcomm Stadium. The product was delivered in a Ralphs refrigerated trailer, which will remain on site at the stadium.The company's charitable arm, The Ralphs/Food 4 Less Foundation, has pledged 200-thousand dollars to the American Red Cross for wildfire relief in Southern California.
Full story at: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-22- 2007/0004687384&EDATE=
Verizon Keeps Southern California Wildfire Evacuees Connected With Free Call-Forwarding.
Verizon customers who have evacuated their homes because of the Malibu wildfire can add call forwarding to their account at no charge as part of the company's efforts to help those in need cope with the disaster.Verizon customers who have been forced to evacuate, can opt
-- at no charge
-- to have their telephone calls automatically forwarded to a working phone number at another location where they are staying, or to a wireless number.
Customers will not be billed the one-time set-up fees or monthly charges for call-forwarding, although customers will be responsible for any toll charges on forwarded calls and wireless airtime charges.
Full story at: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-22- 2007/0004687116&EDATE=
US Airways Waives Change Fees for Customers Affected by Southern California FiresUS Airways is relaxing certain fees for customers who may have to change travel plans as a result of the Southern California wildfires.The airline is offering the following revised policies, which apply to all customers flying October 22nd through October 26th on any U-S Airways or U-S Airways codeshare flight to or from the following airports in Southern California: Santa Barbara, Burbank, Los Angeles International, Long Beach, Ontario, Santa Ana/Orange County, Carlsbad and San Diego.Customers are strongly encouraged to check flight status at usairways.com or by calling 800-428-4322 before arriving at the airport and to allow plenty of driving time to the airport.
Full story at: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-23- 2007/0004688246&EDATE=
The PR Newswire Broadcast Minute is available by email at no charge to members of the media who sign up for PR Newswire for Journalists, http://www.prnewswire.com/media.
For more information, contact Rob Fisher at 408-365-8793 or email rob.fisher@prnewswire.com .
PRNewswire -- Oct. 24First Call
Analyst: FCMN Contact:
Source: PR Newswire
N.B:
Photographs from the BBC News Coverage of the California Wildfires.
Outrage in South Africa: Man Rapes A 3 Year Old Baby Girl
Outrage in South Africa
Last week a 3 year old girl in South Africa was beaten and raped. She is still alive. The man
responsible was released on bail yesterday. He is walking the streets.
If you are too busy to read this, then just sign your name and forward this on.
The Government is planning to close the child protection unit and this is a petition against it. This is a very important petition. It is an essential part of the justice system for children.
You may have already heard that there's a myth in South Africa that having sex with a virgin will cure AIDS.
The younger the virgin, the more potent the cure. This has led to an epidemic of rapes by infected males, with the correspondent infection of innocent kids. Many have died in these cruel rapes.
Recently in Cape Town , a 9-month-old baby was raped by 6 men.
Please think about that for a moment. The child abuse situation is now reaching catastrophic proportions and if we don't do something, then who will?
Please pass this on to as many people as you know.
Send your petition to childprotectpca@saps.org.za
Please don't be complacent, do something about the kids of South Africa . You can make a difference. That child is fighting for ife.
This is just 1 of the million cases of child abuse, so please pledge your support and help keep CPU (CHILD PROTECTION UNIT) open.
Please give your support to the petition and ensure that it goes to as many people as possible. Please don't just leave it, make a difference.
By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
Publisher/Editor
Nigerian Times International Online Media Network
Last week a 3 year old girl in South Africa was beaten and raped. She is still alive. The man
responsible was released on bail yesterday. He is walking the streets.
If you are too busy to read this, then just sign your name and forward this on.
The Government is planning to close the child protection unit and this is a petition against it. This is a very important petition. It is an essential part of the justice system for children.
You may have already heard that there's a myth in South Africa that having sex with a virgin will cure AIDS.
The younger the virgin, the more potent the cure. This has led to an epidemic of rapes by infected males, with the correspondent infection of innocent kids. Many have died in these cruel rapes.
Recently in Cape Town , a 9-month-old baby was raped by 6 men.
Please think about that for a moment. The child abuse situation is now reaching catastrophic proportions and if we don't do something, then who will?
Please pass this on to as many people as you know.
Send your petition to childprotectpca@saps.org.za
Please don't be complacent, do something about the kids of South Africa . You can make a difference. That child is fighting for ife.
This is just 1 of the million cases of child abuse, so please pledge your support and help keep CPU (CHILD PROTECTION UNIT) open.
Please give your support to the petition and ensure that it goes to as many people as possible. Please don't just leave it, make a difference.
By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
Publisher/Editor
Nigerian Times International Online Media Network
Monday, October 22, 2007
"The Most Dangerous Nation in the World Isn't Iraq. It's Pakistan"
The October 29 issue of Newsweek (on newsstands Monday, October 22), "The Most Dangerous Nation in the World Isn't Iraq. It's Pakistan" looks at how Pakistan has become a safe haven for Taliban and Al Qaeda jihadists and what this means for the war on terror. Plus: a comparison between the 1972 film, "Deliverance," the Bush administration and the war in Iraq. And, a look at how antibacterial products have led to the outbreak of strong staph infections. (PRNewsFoto/NEWSWEEK) NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES 10/20/2007.
PRNews Release
I agree with the summation of the analyst.
Every Islamic nation is a breeding ground for terrorists. You may say I am making a sweeping remark, but the fact cannot be denied. Terrorism is an Islamic ideology as enshrined in their Jihad manifesto. They preach it in their mosques and they unleash their terrorist hounds on their targets and they careless if the innocent are murdered by the lunatic fringe elements of their sectarian terrorism.
There are passive ones and the active ones.
The fact is, most Muslims smirked and nodded in approval when the Al Qaeda attacked the US on September 11, 2001. As I have mentioned earlier, many of them named their sons after Osama bin Laden. Osama bin Laden is the hero of the Islamic world.
South Africa Beat England To Lift Rugby World Cup
- Retiring South Africa prop Os Du Randt is carried by teammates Butch James,left,and Bobby Skinstad after the Rugby World Cup final match between England and South Africa at Stade de France in Saint Denis,France, on Saturday.
South Africans are jubilating over the victory of their Springboks who defeated the defending champions, England, in a tight 15-6 win in the rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France outside Paris last Saturday.
Watch the video.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Shell Implicated in The Crimes of Ex-Governor James Ibori of Nigeria
Shell is implicated in the crimes of misappropriation of public funds and large scale money laundering committed by Chief James Ibori, the ex-governor of Delta state in southern Nigeria.
The following report by Sahara Reporters is an important evidence againt Chief James Ibori, Shell and others implicated, as his accomplices.
If investigations confirm that Shell aided and abetted Chief James Ibori in the crimes he perpertrated and committed against Delta state and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I may have to launch a campaign to attack and sack Shell from the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
The following report by Sahara Reporters is an important evidence againt Chief James Ibori, Shell and others implicated, as his accomplices.
October 21, 2007
How James Ibori bought a Bombardier jet from Canada
Filed under: Uncategorized — Administrator @ 12:56 am
Deed of Assignment to procure Bombardier from CanadaDeed of Assignment to procure Bombardier from CanadaFmrGovIborisBombadierJet[1].pdfSaharareporters, New York
Documents available to Saharareporters paint a picture of how former Governor James Ibori of Delta State used international collaborators, offshore shell companies and local assistants to buy a Bombardier Challenger jet from Bombardier Aerospace Incorporated, Canada’s leading private jet manufacturing company.
A series of documents compiled by investigators on Ibori’s large scale money laundering activities detailed shocking maneuvers by the ex-governor in the purchase of the Bombardier jet. Going beyond the narrative of high wire corruption and money laundering schemes, the documents tell a story of a world of offshore havens to which Nigerian local resources were diverted by Ibori—and other political office holders.
“This explains why the Nigerian nation is stripped of resources that should be invested in providing basic social needs for the populace,” said a New York-based Nigerian political scientist who was briefed on some of the details in the Ibori dossier.
For a period of eight years starting from May 29 1999 to May 2007, the 48-year old James Ibori was governor of Delta State. During this period—and in particular between 2005 and 2006—Ibori illegally transferred close to £20 million pounds out of Delta State to the United Kingdom. The transfers were laundered through cronies, relatives and shell companies.
The documents list Haleway Properties Limited, registered in Gibraltar, as one of Ibori’s front companies. But another company known as Teleton Quays Limited, registered in the British Virgin Islands, was used to purchase the Challenger jet from Bombardier Incorporated. Telaton Quays, which also owns 42 Great Ground Street, Shaftsbury in Dorset (UK) was incorporated by Mr. Gohil of Arlington Sharmas solicitors in London.
Mr. Gohil also incorporated another company, Erin Aviation Limited, in Mauritius. Erin Aviation received an assignment from Telaton Quays Limited to help in the purchase of the Bombadier jet. The contract with Bombardier Incorporated was executed by way of a deed of assignment made on December 14 2006 between Telaton Quays Limited, Bombardier Inc. and Erin Aviation Limited.
Saharareporters learnt that funds for the purchase of the $20 million Bombardier Challenger 604 jet were paid to the jet’s manufacturer through different shell companies around the globe. First, the sum of $4.7 million was transferred to Bombardier from a Mauritius-based Parabola International Corp through the solicitors’ firm of Arlington Sharmas in London. The money from Parabola originated from an account opened and maintained by James Ibori in Switzerland in the name of a company known as “Stanhope.” Further funds were transferred to Sharmas solicitors in London from a Lagos-based aviation company, Wings Aviation Limited.
One Bhadresh Gohil, a partner at Arlington Sharmas solicitors of 6 Arlington Street, London SW1 was the central figure in the Bombardier Challenger jet transactions. Mr. Gohil incorporated Telaton Quays and was the authorized signatory in the deal to purchase the Challenger jet. Mr. Gohil, according to the documents available to Saharareporters, is known to have coordinated the purchase of the Challenger jet with Mr. Nogie Meggison, the director of Wings Aviation of Nigeria.
Mr. Meggison, an air pilot, identified as a beneficial owner of Wings Aviation Limited, also provided $3 million through Mr. Gohil to Bombardier. In a due diligence letter to Bombadier Inc., Mr. Gohil described Mr. Meggision as a “well-known and respected” operator in the aviation industry. But investigators discovered that Wings Aviation is actually owned by Stanhope and Parabola through another unnamed parent company directly controlled by Mr. James Ibori.
The documents also reveal that money laundering investigations were commenced against James Ibori in 2005 by the Metropolitan Police in London with the assistance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other overseas countries that were not cited by name.
The documents available to Saharareporters accuse Ibori of actively diverting funds that have been allocated to education and citizen’s welfare in Delta State for his personal use through United Kingdom banks. The documents specifically named the former governor as well as his sister, Mrs. Ibori-Ibie, his personal assistant, Adebimpe Pogoson, and his longtime associate and mistress Udo Amaka Okoronkwo (nee Onuigbo) as active collaborators in the money laundering scheme.
A cursory description of the three suspects gave an idea of how monies were transferred out of Delta State and later redistributed to several front companies and invested to Mr. Ibori’s sole advantage. With respect to Ibori-Ibie, the documents stated that she transferred funds on the instruction of Ibori in cash and bank drafts which were paid into bank accounts in Asaba, Delta State in amounts including £150,000, £80,000 and £70,000 during 2005. The funds were first transferred to a Lagos-based currency exchange company, Menkat, and then to the UK via a company called “Countrywide Paymasters”.
In addition, at Ibori’s instruction, Mrs. Okoronkwo in 2005 transferred funds out of Nigeria through banks in Asaba, the Delta State capital. The funds, in the amounts of £199,985, £149,985 and £199,985, were again transferred into Menkat and then into the UK banking system through Countrywide Paymasters. These funds were then transferred to James Ibori, Ibori-Ibie and Terry Waya who recently received a light sentence arising from a money laundering case at the Southwark Crown Court in London. The British court systems still holds the sum of £500,000 recovered from Terry Waya and plans a confiscation hearing on his London property in November 2007.
In the case of Adebimpe Pogoson, the documents reveal that she transferred money out of Nigeria through banks in Asaba and Lagos. These monies were later transferred electronically into a UK sterling account held in the name of MER Engineering. Ex-Governor Ibori was a director of this company until he became the governor of Delta State. In 1999, Adebimpe Pogoson was the sole signatory to the account of MER Engineering in London. Funds were transferred electronically to Private Bank AG Geneva. The account in the bank is in the name of Stanhope Investments Ltd. Approximately £2 million was transferred from Nigeria into the account of MER Engineering during 2004/2005, and most transferred out of accounts controlled by James Ibori in Switzerland.
Ibori also used locally registered companies to transfer funds to his account overseas. A company named Wokson International Limited is believed to have benefited from contracts with Delta State government and to have transferred funds to overseas jurisdiction on behalf of Ibori. Two other companies, Sagicon Nigeria Limited and Onovin Nigeria, received funds from the Delta State Sports Ministry. Udo Amaka Okoronkwo is the sole director of Sagicon Nigeria Limited while Ibie Ibori is linked to Onovin Nigeria Limited. In a letter dated March 2, 2006 and written to Mr. Martin Morrison and Company, a firm of Chartered Certified Accountants at 17 Depford Church Street, London SE 8 4RX, Ibie Ibori was identified as a procurement agent for Onovin Nigeria Limited.
Current Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, who was a commissioner under Ibori, admitted in his statements to EFCC investigators that the sum of N38.9 million was paid to Ibie Ibori through the Asaba branch of United Bank of Africa (UBA) because she acted as a purchaser of “running tracks” for stadia in Delta State. Mr. Uduaghan stated specifically that on February 8th 2005, N38.8 million was paid directly into the account of Menkat Limited held with Countrywide Paymasters Limited. The money was deposited at the Asaba Branch of the UBA bank. The monies were transferred on February 9th 2005 to Barclays Bank in London with the help of a UBA account executive, Mr. Elumelu, who facilitated the transfers to Barclays Bank account number 10287717 with sort code 20-96-55 held by Ibie Ibori. Mr. Elumelu instructed Countrywide Paymasters to transfer £300,000 out of Menkat accounts. On the same date, another amount of £150,000 was transferred. Two further sums £80,000 and £70,000 was transferred on February 21 2005 to Ibie Ibori’s account at Barclays bank.
Investigators believe that Ibori sought to use Telaton Quays/Erin Aviation Ltd to invest in the purchase of a Challenger aircraft currently located at Bombardier Incorporated, Montreal. The aircraft was built to order on the instructions of Mr Nogie Meggison of Wings Aviation. Our investigations indicate that the aircraft’s price tag is $20 million.
The initial deposit for the aircraft in the sum of $4,788,176.92 was paid from nominee accounts owned and controlled by Ibori. In June 2005, $4.7 million was received from Stanhope into the Kaingo account number 22065 (Parabola) held in Schroders, Zurich, and transferred to Arlington Sharmas Solicitors for onward transfer to Bombardier Inc. Investigators strongly suspect that the funds made available to Bombardier Incorporated represent the proceeds of criminal activity in Nigeria.
Saharareporters pored over documents which shows that funds were recorded as entering into Arlington Sharmas client account ‘Wing Aviation Ltd Re: Challenger 300′ between June 05 and November, of which $8,005,245 was recorded as being transferred to Bombardier Inc as follows:
June 2005: $599,963.98 from Wings Aviation Ltd
Sept 2005: $4,788,176.92 from Parabola
May 2006: $999,806.96 and $998, 635.72 from Erin Aviation Ltd
June 2006: $249,006.89 from Pamaron Oil and Gas ltd
(Pamaron is stated by Mr Meggison to belong to him)
By letter dated 25 August 2005 to a company in Genera, Dzlurzynski & Associates SA, Mr Bharesh Gohil of Arlington Sharmas wrote that Stanhope Investments Ltd and Parabola International were the principal shareholders of Aviation Development Corporation (ADC) Plc, whose subsidiary is Wings Aviation. It was stated that total purchase price of the Challenger jet would be $20m and the aircraft would form part of the Charter company structure. In a letter from Mr Nogie Meggison on behalf of Wings Aviation Ltd dated 24 October 2005 to Parabola he refers to their investment into Telaton Quays and Clover International. Mr Nogie Meggison appears to confirm that Stanhope Investments limited has invested in Wings Aviation for the purposes of this particular investment. It is states that the source of Wings’ investment funds “have never been discussed with yourselves” and that Wings are not aware of any problems with the origin or source of these funds. There is therefore good reason to believe that Stanhope Investments, and therefore James Ibori, has provided the funds for purchase of the Challenger jet. This letter speaks volumes about a clever process that was aimed at hiding James Ibori ownership of Wings Aviation since he was a Politically Exposed Person whose involvement would have raised red flags within the industry, however two separate documents with dates in 2001 obtained by Saharareporters shows that a chartered accountant firm in Lagos, Efe Osowa and co. provides services to MER Engineering and Wings Aviation Limited under similar circumstances.
In further documents obtained by Saharareporters, an affidavit stated: “I can confirm that the sale of this aircraft is almost complete. A final payment is awaited. Once that payment has been cleared the aircraft will be properly registered and I have been informed that the aircraft will be registered in the United States. However, I have been in contact with Jones Day solicitors on behalf of Bombardier, and understand that the contract for the purchase of the aircraft may be terminated imminently resulting in the return of the purchase monies amounting to up to $20 million. I have been provided with contractual documents in respect of the proposed purchase and believe that provision is made for termination of the contract in certain circumstances, and that until the final payment and acceptance has been made the property in the aircraft remains with Bombardier Inc.”, further documents also points to James Ibori’s insatiable appetite for luxury as his representatives in the Bobardier jet deal kept making new order specifications till March 2007.
Another document obtained by Saharareporters shows that as a governor, James Ibori’s salary was £12,000 per annum, though a letter written and dated January 15th 2007 signed by Barrister Ovie Omo-Agege the secretary to the Delta State government titled “To Whom It May Concern” claimed that James Ibori’s travel allowances since May 1999 stood at approximately $2 million for local travels and $1 million for the former governor’s foreign trips in addition $20, 847 as his severance allowance at the end of Ibori’s first tenure in May 2003.
Saharareporters learns that in his application for a bank account on behalf of Stanhope James Ibori states that he might invest £100m in the bank and stated that he was 30% owner of the largest private oil company in Nigeria, Oando.
With regards to income of MER Engineering, a company James Ibori’s spokesperson Sheddy Ozoene publicly bragged was the former governor’s cash cow, only the payments of £2.98m from Chevron Oil and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company to M.E.R Engineering Ltd were purportedly legitimate, and in respected of the rental of 2 large houseboats (sleeping 70 persons). However, firstly there is no reason why the funds, if legitimate, should have been transferred to the UK for the benefit of James Ibori (who was no longer a shareholder in the company after taking office) according to a statement submitted by one Chiedu Ibie in November 2006. Secondly, it is suspected that the transfers were corrupt payments rather than in exchange for legitimate services, connected to the fact that at the time James Ibori was Governor. Moreover, these payments are a fraction of the total amount of money transferred to James Ibori’s control during his governorship.
On the strength of the evidence gathered to support money laundering charges against James Ibori in London the documents stated that prosecutors moved to take over a Challenger 300 aircraft or alternatively any monies proposed to be returned by Bombardier Inc in respect of the termination of the proposed purchase: Barclays Bank Plc. Account number 0011-5916 sort code 20-47 in the name of James Ibori, Abbey National Instant Saver account number X105847511BC in the name of James Ibori Trustee for Miss Osaseri Ibie; All Accounts held by Stanhope Investments ltd at PKB private Bank AG, Switzerland and all other assets held by or on behalf of Stanhope Investment Ltd; All assets held by or on behalf of Teleton Quays Ltd.
Saharareporters also gathered from the documents that James Ibori and his partners had started seriously considering dissipation of his assets to hide them away from UK anti-corruption police.
Saharareporters also noticed that law enforcement agents in London requested that it is appropriate to treat the assets of Haleway Investments Limited, Stanhope Investment Limited and Telaton Quays Limited as the assets of James Ibori. Elaborating in evidence and exhibits attached to court documents that they have strong grounds to believe that each of the companies are investment vehicles for James Ibori using his assets, and controlled by him, and that it is therefore appropriate to pierce the corporate veil in respect of each. Stanhope Investment Limited’s account was opened in Switzerland by James Ibori and monies were transferred from that account for the purchase of the challenger jet. Telaton Quays Ltd was the purchase medium for James Ibori’s house in Dorset, the Challenger jet, and the proposed purchase medium for land in Wincombe Lane. Haleway Investments Limited is the legal owner of the house in Hampstead occupied by James Ibori and his wife, Tessy.
A section of the court documents said that Bombardier Inc have been made aware of the possibility of a restraint order in this case, and have signaled their concern that the terms of any order should not interfere with the terms of their contract with Telaton Quays Limited. It is respectfully submitted that Bombardier Inc. should, if the contract is terminated, return the monies paid towards the purchase of the Challenger jet (or such monies as are payable under the terms of the contract) to a restrained high-interest account in the United Kingdom. It is submitted that a clause in the proposed restraint order as follows would be appropriate: “In the event that Bombardier Inc. propose to return monies to Telaton Quays Ltd and/or Erin Aviation Ltd in respect of the purchase of the Challenger jet, the monies shall be transferred by Bombardier Inc. to an interest-bearing account in the United kingdom to be nominated and agreed between Telaton Quays Limited, Erin Aviation Limited and British authorities.”
The biggest puzzle in all of the jet purchase points to another worrisome conspiracy that shows a purchase path of another Bombardier Challenger jet 300 with registration number 3B-SSD delivered to Nigeria in June 2007 through Shannon/Limerick airport in Ireland which Saharareporters reported was registered in Mauritius and belonged to former president Obasanjo this transaction which is also linked to James Ibori may have gone undetected. Sources have told Saharareporters that the jet was purchased by James Ibori on behalf of former president Olusegun Obasanjo. It is believed that James Ibori have another huge line of offshore money laundering operation in the Caribbean Islands and the United States as well as Nigeria that is completely hidden away from anti-corruption investigators in the United Kingdom. Was Ibori able to fool the UK police, only time will tell!
Sahara Reporters, 21/10/2007
If investigations confirm that Shell aided and abetted Chief James Ibori in the crimes he perpertrated and committed against Delta state and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I may have to launch a campaign to attack and sack Shell from the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
The Only Solution To The Niger Delta Crisis and End Corruption in Nigeria
It would be more beneficial if we analyze the crisis in perspective.
Ignorant observers should not mistake the volatile crude oil politics in the Niger Delta for what you read in the newspapers, because it is more than meets the ordinary eye.
1. The Nigerian government is controlled by a plutocracy of kleptomaniacs both in the military, public, and private sectors.
2. Illegal oil blocks have been acquired by both top ranking Nigerian military officers, both the retired officers and those still in active service and their civilian accomplices..
IBB, OBJ, Danjuma, and others have acquired illegal oil blocks.
They have saved the fiscal proceeds in various foreign banks, bought properties in foreign lands, and only invested some millions of dollars in Nigerian banks, telecom companies, and other ventures.
3. Illegal oil bunkering started in the 1980s when IBB was in power and corruption and crime were in ascendancy.
The proceeds have also been spent on similar ventures mentioned above.
4. Before the Nigerian Civil War, there was little or no misappropriation of oil revenues and proceeds were used for agriculture and other national development projects and programmes.
The Nigerian state prospered and Nigeria was one of the emerging economies in the world until the young ill-informed and naive Nigerian military officers staged the bloodiest coup in the history of Nigeria. The civil war would have been averted, but the intellectual naivety and ignorance in the masquerade of arrogance made the childish and foolish Nigerian rulers to plunge the country into the horrible and terrible internecine civil war, which claimed over one million lives.
5. After the civil war, General Yakubu Gowon was now wiser. He appointed astute and resolute administrators, such as the late Chief. Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo who proved to be the best civil servant in the history of Nigeria. Nigeria had well planned national development programmes and was governed by true patriots with dignity, integrity and accountability until another group of ill-informed and naive military officers led by the late Brigadier Murtala Muhammad derailed the Nigerian train of progress and drove Nigeria off the tracks.
6. The man who succeeded the late Muhammad, General Olusegun Obasanjo made a secret pact with the Arewa mafia to hand over to an Hausa leader and that was how they lured and used the late Chief. O.K. Abiola, the late Chief Adisa Akinloye and others against Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the presidential election and rigged the election. Obasanjo handed over to Alhaji Shehu Shagari who could not rule as his conscience led him. He was a weak leader and the power brokers controlled the Nigerian state until another coup toppled the government.
7. The Solution is very simple.
The Federal Government of Nigeria must treat crude oil like cocoa, palm produce; groundnut and other cash crops and minerals, by handing over the resource control to the states and let the states pay taxes to the Federal Government.
We must practice true federalism and not this plutocracy of kleptomaniacs called the Federal Government of Nigeria.
All the illegally acquired oil blocks and oil wells must be returned to the oil producing states, illegal oil bunkering must be stopped, and this can be done.
Nigerian Naval officers are all implicated in the corruption of illegal oil bunkering and we know all these criminals in uniform and their civilian accomplices.
We must change the corrupt system of government in Nigeria by peace or by force.
Ignorant observers should not mistake the volatile crude oil politics in the Niger Delta for what you read in the newspapers, because it is more than meets the ordinary eye.
1. The Nigerian government is controlled by a plutocracy of kleptomaniacs both in the military, public, and private sectors.
2. Illegal oil blocks have been acquired by both top ranking Nigerian military officers, both the retired officers and those still in active service and their civilian accomplices..
IBB, OBJ, Danjuma, and others have acquired illegal oil blocks.
They have saved the fiscal proceeds in various foreign banks, bought properties in foreign lands, and only invested some millions of dollars in Nigerian banks, telecom companies, and other ventures.
3. Illegal oil bunkering started in the 1980s when IBB was in power and corruption and crime were in ascendancy.
The proceeds have also been spent on similar ventures mentioned above.
4. Before the Nigerian Civil War, there was little or no misappropriation of oil revenues and proceeds were used for agriculture and other national development projects and programmes.
The Nigerian state prospered and Nigeria was one of the emerging economies in the world until the young ill-informed and naive Nigerian military officers staged the bloodiest coup in the history of Nigeria. The civil war would have been averted, but the intellectual naivety and ignorance in the masquerade of arrogance made the childish and foolish Nigerian rulers to plunge the country into the horrible and terrible internecine civil war, which claimed over one million lives.
5. After the civil war, General Yakubu Gowon was now wiser. He appointed astute and resolute administrators, such as the late Chief. Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo who proved to be the best civil servant in the history of Nigeria. Nigeria had well planned national development programmes and was governed by true patriots with dignity, integrity and accountability until another group of ill-informed and naive military officers led by the late Brigadier Murtala Muhammad derailed the Nigerian train of progress and drove Nigeria off the tracks.
6. The man who succeeded the late Muhammad, General Olusegun Obasanjo made a secret pact with the Arewa mafia to hand over to an Hausa leader and that was how they lured and used the late Chief. O.K. Abiola, the late Chief Adisa Akinloye and others against Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the presidential election and rigged the election. Obasanjo handed over to Alhaji Shehu Shagari who could not rule as his conscience led him. He was a weak leader and the power brokers controlled the Nigerian state until another coup toppled the government.
7. The Solution is very simple.
The Federal Government of Nigeria must treat crude oil like cocoa, palm produce; groundnut and other cash crops and minerals, by handing over the resource control to the states and let the states pay taxes to the Federal Government.
We must practice true federalism and not this plutocracy of kleptomaniacs called the Federal Government of Nigeria.
All the illegally acquired oil blocks and oil wells must be returned to the oil producing states, illegal oil bunkering must be stopped, and this can be done.
Nigerian Naval officers are all implicated in the corruption of illegal oil bunkering and we know all these criminals in uniform and their civilian accomplices.
We must change the corrupt system of government in Nigeria by peace or by force.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Call For Nominations For The 2008 Br!ck Awards
Call For Nominations For The 2008 Br!ck Awards
« on: Today at 01:57:05 AM »
“The Oscars of youth service awards…”-CNN.
Since 1996, The BR!CK Awards have honored the nation’s finest young world-changers. Winners represent the best in their field or issue and are rewarded with a huge community grant and a special televised award ceremony.
Know how athletes have the Olympics and singers have the Grammy’s? It’s about time world-changers have their special night too.
The goal of the BR!CK Awards is to shine the spotlight on these amazing leaders and give them the recognition and applause normally given to athletes, actors, and certain “personalities” or socialites who will remain unnamed…You could say that The BR!CK Awards ARE THE ANTI-AWARD SHOW. Instead of asking “who are you wearing?” the show asks “what are you doing?” Celebrities are included as presenters, not honorees.
Former winners include a homeless teenager-turned lawyer who sued New York City for failing to provide adequate support to mentally ill incarcated persons. Another past winner created an international not-for-profit organization that builds schools and provides scholarships to children in war-torn African countries. Want to meet more former winners and hear their amazing stories?
The PRIZE
Nine winners will receive a minimum of $10,000 in community grants and scholarships (if applicable). Of those nine winners, 1 will be selected by a national, online vote as a Golden BR!CK Award winner. That Golden BR!CK Award winner receives a total of $100,000 in community grants. The BR!CK Award community grant money is paid directly to the not-for-profit of the winner’s choice. Only winners who are age 18 and under are eligible for a scholarship of $5,000 and a $5,000 community grant (total= $10,000 BR!CK Award).
Winners age 19-25 receive their entire award in the form of a community grant.
The TV Show
In 2007, The BR!CK Awards made their national debut on The CW Network. Seen by over one million viewers nationwide, The 2007 BR!CK Awards marked the FIRST EVER televised award show about making the world better.
Wyclef Jean tells us what's important to him at the last awards
The applications for the 2008 BR!CK Awards are now online. Apply now for a chance to win $100,000 in community grants and scholarships.
The application closes Dec 31, 2007. You must have been born on or after June 30, 1982 to apply.
NO MAILED/EMAILED/FAXED entries will be accepted. Are you passionately working to address a problem in your local or global community? Have you made a real difference in the lives of others? Are you age 25 and under and a permanent resident or citizen of the US. or Canada? If you have answered “Yes!” to all of the questions above, then you should apply for a BR!CK Awards.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Luky Dube Murdered As South Africans Bask in the Euphoria of Springboks' Rugby World Cup Final
Lucky Dube singing at a live concertLuky Dube Murdered As South Africans Bask in the Euphoria of Springboks' Rugby World Cup Final
As South Africans don green colours of their Rugby national team, the Springboks, basking in the euphoria of the Rugby World Cup Final with England in Paris, France, the black pall of sudden death has fallen over their greatest reggae star, Lucky Dube. Lucky Dube was murdered in cold blood by would be car-hijackers Thursday evening in Rosettenville, Johannesburg. The bad news of this tragedy has thrown millions of the never-say-die Rugby fans into sadness as they mourn the charismatic reggae musician who has been described as the Bob Marley of Africa. But the death of Lucky Dube cannot dampen their already elated spirits as they continue to support the Springboks all over South Africa and thousands have traveled to Paris to watch the Rugby World Cup Final this weekend. It is unfortunate that Lucky Dube was murdered, but the memories of his colourful and successful reggae music career will remain as ever green and golden as the national colours of the Springboks of South Africa.
May the soul of Lucky Dube rest in peace.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Thursday, October 18, 2007
We Must Control Arms Or Arms Will Destroy Us
Dear Orikinla,
Your support for the Control Arms campaign, helped 153 governments to vote for starting work on a international Arms Trade Treaty at the First Committee meeting of the United Nations, last year.
Read the Control Arms campaign blog for the latest events and news from the United Nations meeting in New York.
Read the Control Arms campaign blog for the latest events and news from the United Nations meeting in New York.
This year, the Control Arms campaigners are taking your demand for a world with better arms controls to the First Committee once again, to ensure governments keep moving forward and don’t let the Arms Trade Treaty process get derailed.
Also at this meeting, Control Arms will be delivering the stories and experiences of people who have been impacted by armed violence to United Nations delegates, as part of the Global People’s Consultation on the Arms Trade Treaty.
Also at this meeting, Control Arms will be delivering the stories and experiences of people who have been impacted by armed violence to United Nations delegates, as part of the Global People’s Consultation on the Arms Trade Treaty.
The consultation, which was conducted this year with over 100 events happening around the world, details the unreported everyday tragedies of how an unregulated arms trade affects ordinary people and strengthens the urgency for a global and effective treaty.
Thank you for your continued support for an end to an out of control arms trade. Together we can make an impact.
Thank you for your continued support for an end to an out of control arms trade. Together we can make an impact.
Control Arms Campaign Team
New York
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton Sent Me Her Personal Thanks
The former First Lady of the United States of America, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton sent me a letter of appreciation to thank me for supporting her campaign to become the next President of America.
You read it on my Support Hillary Clinton for President Blog.
Pelosi: 'Without a Federal Press Shield Law, Freedom of the Press is Threatened'
17 Oct 2007 01:08 Africa/Lagos
Pelosi: 'Without a Federal Press Shield Law, Freedom of the Press is Threatened'
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor this afternoon urging Members to support H.R. 2101, the Free Flow of Information Act, which passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 398 to 21. Below are Pelosi's remarks:
"Thomas Jefferson once wrote: 'Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.' Freedom of the press, protected by the First Amendment has been a cornerstone of our democracy-one that we cherish and promote around the world.
"A free press keeps our nation informed and holds those of us in government accountable. It is critical to freedom of speech and expression in our country. Freedom of the press is fundamental to our democracy and is fundamental to our security.
"Speaking truth to power is as vital to our democracy today as it has been throughout our history.
"Mr. Speaker, the recent contracting scandals in Iraq, the appalling care of our wounded soldiers at Walter Reed hospital, and the hidden Medicare drug prescription estimates a few years ago are several of the many examples where press coverage shaped our debate and our actions. These stories are essential to accountability-the accountability necessary to make our nation stronger and to be better stewards of the taxpayers' dollars.
"However, the essential work of the press has been severely hampered by the lack of a consistent federal standard or a federally-recognized privilege concerning the disclosure of confidential sources by journalists. As a result, in recent years, more than 40 reporters have been subpoenaed for the identities of confidential sources in nearly a dozen cases.
"Former Solicitor General Ted Olson, who served under President George W. Bush, wrote recently in the Washington Post: '[J]ournalists reporting on high-profile controversies cannot function effectively without offering some measure of confidentiality to their sources. Their ability to do so yields substantial benefits to the public in the form of stories that might otherwise never be written about corruption and abuse of power.'
"Nearly all states have some form of a press shield protecting the confidentiality of journalists' sources. However, that protection is lacking at the federal level and in federal courts.
"It is for this reason that I have long supported a federal press shield law, without which freedom of the press is threatened. The federal government's policies and actions should protect and preserve the press's ability to speak truth to power. And this legislation does so with appropriate national security safeguards, striking a careful balance between liberty and security.
"Freedom of the press has long been an issue of importance to many of us in this body. When I was Ranking Member of the Intelligence Committee, I encouraged President Clinton to veto an Intelligence Authorization bill that would have made it easier to prosecute journalists. We fixed those provisions and passed a bill that both protected our nation and protected our fundamental freedoms.
"Mr. Speaker, we seek today to protect the freedom of the press that has served our nation so well. We also seek to make clear to confidential sources that they will be protected in most circumstances when they bring forward public evidence of waste, fraud and abuse in government and in the private sector.
"As we protect and defend our nation, we must now protect and defend the Constitution by enabling our press to be free, as our Founders envisioned. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation."
Source: Office of the Speaker of the House
CONTACT: Brendan Daly or Nadeam Elshami, both of the Office of the
Speaker of the House, +1-202-226-7616
Pelosi: 'Without a Federal Press Shield Law, Freedom of the Press is Threatened'
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke on the House floor this afternoon urging Members to support H.R. 2101, the Free Flow of Information Act, which passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 398 to 21. Below are Pelosi's remarks:
"Thomas Jefferson once wrote: 'Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.' Freedom of the press, protected by the First Amendment has been a cornerstone of our democracy-one that we cherish and promote around the world.
"A free press keeps our nation informed and holds those of us in government accountable. It is critical to freedom of speech and expression in our country. Freedom of the press is fundamental to our democracy and is fundamental to our security.
"Speaking truth to power is as vital to our democracy today as it has been throughout our history.
"Mr. Speaker, the recent contracting scandals in Iraq, the appalling care of our wounded soldiers at Walter Reed hospital, and the hidden Medicare drug prescription estimates a few years ago are several of the many examples where press coverage shaped our debate and our actions. These stories are essential to accountability-the accountability necessary to make our nation stronger and to be better stewards of the taxpayers' dollars.
"However, the essential work of the press has been severely hampered by the lack of a consistent federal standard or a federally-recognized privilege concerning the disclosure of confidential sources by journalists. As a result, in recent years, more than 40 reporters have been subpoenaed for the identities of confidential sources in nearly a dozen cases.
"Former Solicitor General Ted Olson, who served under President George W. Bush, wrote recently in the Washington Post: '[J]ournalists reporting on high-profile controversies cannot function effectively without offering some measure of confidentiality to their sources. Their ability to do so yields substantial benefits to the public in the form of stories that might otherwise never be written about corruption and abuse of power.'
"Nearly all states have some form of a press shield protecting the confidentiality of journalists' sources. However, that protection is lacking at the federal level and in federal courts.
"It is for this reason that I have long supported a federal press shield law, without which freedom of the press is threatened. The federal government's policies and actions should protect and preserve the press's ability to speak truth to power. And this legislation does so with appropriate national security safeguards, striking a careful balance between liberty and security.
"Freedom of the press has long been an issue of importance to many of us in this body. When I was Ranking Member of the Intelligence Committee, I encouraged President Clinton to veto an Intelligence Authorization bill that would have made it easier to prosecute journalists. We fixed those provisions and passed a bill that both protected our nation and protected our fundamental freedoms.
"Mr. Speaker, we seek today to protect the freedom of the press that has served our nation so well. We also seek to make clear to confidential sources that they will be protected in most circumstances when they bring forward public evidence of waste, fraud and abuse in government and in the private sector.
"As we protect and defend our nation, we must now protect and defend the Constitution by enabling our press to be free, as our Founders envisioned. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation."
Source: Office of the Speaker of the House
CONTACT: Brendan Daly or Nadeam Elshami, both of the Office of the
Speaker of the House, +1-202-226-7616
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Bye Bye Mugabe
My historical fiction of the agonies in Zimbabwe under the draconian rule of President Robert Mugabe, "Bye Bye Mugabe" is live on Amazon.
Domboramwari, a young Zimbabwean blogger and proofreader for the Zimbabwean Times was sympathetic to President Robert Mugabe. But Domboramwari had to go on exile to escape from political persecution when he refused to join the notorious Green Bombers after collecting the financial payment to do so. He fled with his South African girlfriend Nkosi to Johannesburg after telling his old uncle. And he had to help in digging a grave to bury the dead grandson of his mother's neighbor. This is the story of the millions of the traumatized Zimbabweans suffering under the draconian rule of one of the worst dictators in Africa.
"When you give someone a book, you don't give him just paper, ink, and glue. You give him the possibility of a whole new life."
– Christopher Morley, 1890-1957, Novelist, Journalist and Poet
Monday, October 15, 2007
Breaking News: Broadcom Leaps Ahead of the Competition with the World's First '3G Phone
15 Oct 2007 05:08 Africa/Lagos
Broadcom Leaps Ahead of the Competition with the World's First '3G Phone on a Chip' Solution
Over a Year Ahead of Competitors, Broadcom Introduces Single-Chip HSUPA Processor
BCM21551 Features Full CMOS RF, Rich Multimedia, Bluetooth(R), FM Radio, FM Transmitter and More, Packed on a Single 65nm Die to Slash Price, Size and Power
IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ:BRCM) , a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced a new single-chip HSPA (high-speed packet access) processor that integrates all of the key 3G (third generation) cellular and mobile technologies on an extremely low power, single 65 nanometer CMOS die. Broadcom's new "3G Phone on a Chip" solution enables manufacturers to build next generation 3G HSUPA phones with breakthrough features, sleek form factors and very long battery life, all at a fraction of the cost of today's solutions - driving widespread consumer adoption. Never before has anyone integrated as many radio devices on a single chip, which demonstrates Broadcom's technology leadership in multi-modal CMOS RF technology.
Advancements in mobile phone designs, such as the proliferation of extensive Internet applications and web services, multimedia, high resolution video and still cameras, games and music, are driving a growing demand for faster cellular networks and an appetite for rich multimedia phones that can take advantage of them. HSUPA is often considered the ultimate cellular modem technology. There are already over 900 million subscribers in HSPA enabled networks today, and many network operators are planning massive worldwide deployment of HSUPA over the next several years. Using phones enabled by the new Broadcom(R) HSUPA processor, consumers will be able to download content at up to 7.2 Megabits per second (Mbps), and upload content such as pictures and videos at up to 5.8Mbps, all directly from their phone. HSUPA technology also holds the promise for much higher quality "live" video conferencing and an array of exciting services and applications.
Announced today is the BCM21551 3G "Phone on a Chip," which combines a high-speed HSUPA 3G baseband, a multi-band radio frequency (RF) transceiver, Bluetooth(R) 2.1 with enhanced data rate (EDR) technology, an FM radio receiver and an FM radio transmitter (for car stereo music playback). The device also features advanced multimedia processing, up to five Megapixel camera support, and 30 frame per second video with "TV Out," as well as support for the HSUPA, HSDPA, WCDMA and EDGE cellular protocols. It can even be paired with other Broadcom devices, such as Wi-Fi(R) and GPS, PMU, or the new VideoCore(R) III mobile multimedia processor. No competing cellular baseband chip has ever achieved this level of integration, which drives down cost, power and size, while enabling an advanced level of functionality. This makes the BCM21551 an ideal choice for both "mass market" high volume 3G "feature phones" as well as smartphones running an open OS such as Symbian(R), Windows Mobile(R), or Linux(R).
"Broadcom has already demonstrated commercial success with its EGPRS single-chip solution and multi-chip 3G solutions," commented Michael Thelander, CEO and Founder of Signals Research Group, LLC. "With this single chip solution, Broadcom is becoming a one-stop supplier of 3G/2G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth silicon solutions and communications software, positioning it to leapfrog many of its competitors from both a technology and market share perspective."
"With what we believe is more than a full year's lead over similar competing products, this new 3G solution should place Broadcom squarely at the head of the hyper-competitive 3G chip race," said Yossi Cohen, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Broadcom's Mobile Platforms Group. "We built upon the success of our single-chip EDGE solution and merely eight months later our engineers not only built a single chip HSUPA solution, but also integrated Bluetooth, FM radio, and the next level of multimedia. This is truly amazing engineering execution, a hallmark of Broadcom. Our investments in multi-modal CMOS RF and high definition multimedia technologies will further widen our mobile technology leadership in the coming years."
Technical Information
Designed and manufactured on a single 65 nanometer silicon die, the BCM21551 is an innovative HSPA system-on-a-chip (SoC) that features unprecedented integration of advanced smartphone features. The BCM21551 integrates dual ARM11(TM) processors to provide open OS support, and features full stereo music capabilities for both headset and stereo speakers as well as an integrated 5-band graphic equalizer and digital mixing capabilities for superior audio performance. The BCM21551 also integrates advanced MIPI serial interfaces for the LCD and image sensor (which facilitates a low power interface for the BCM21551 and the LCD in the phone) and the analog physical layer required for the 480Mbps high speed USB2.0 applications that enable the rapid transfer of multimedia files to and from the handset.
The BCM21551 also incorporates Broadcom's proprietary M-Stream and single antenna interference cancellation (SAIC) signal processing technologies designed to improve cellular handset reception and voice quality, ultimately resulting in fewer dropped calls.
The 65 nanometer (nm) process is the most advanced lithographic node for manufacturing semiconductors in large volumes today and provides significant benefits over 90 nm and 130 nm processes by enabling lower power consumption, smaller size and higher levels of integration. For Broadcom, the move to 65 nanometer process technology is changing the competitive landscape because of the breadth and depth of the communications intellectual property the company possesses. Without such a broad portfolio of market-leading solutions to integrate, competitors are not able to take full advantage of the benefits that these next-generation processes provide.
The BCM21551 also benefits from the company's world class expertise and extensive experience in pure digital CMOS radio design, delivering the highest RF performance and lowest power consumption available. With a deep intellectual property portfolio and mature, field-proven RF technologies (with hundreds of millions of devices shipped to date that include radio functionality), Broadcom is well suited to apply its RF expertise to the cellular market. Breakthrough RF technology enables for the first time in the industry the removal of inter-stage filters. For a typical 3-band WCDMA phone, this results in extensive savings of 6 inter-stage filters, significantly reducing cost and board space.
Availability and Pricing
The BCM21551 3G baseband processor is available now to early access customers and is priced at $23.00 in large quantities.
Broadcom Webcast - Monday, October 15, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time; 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Broadcom will conduct a webcast for media and analysts to discuss this breakthrough processor and to provide a cellular update on Monday, October 15, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time; 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The webcast will be conducted by Yossi Cohen, Senior Vice President and General Manager of
Broadcom's Mobile Platforms Group. To listen to the webcast, please visit the Investors section of the Broadcom website at http://www.broadcom.com/ir-events. The webcast will be recorded and available until 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, October 22, 2007.
About Broadcom
Broadcom Corporation is a major technology innovator and global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom products enable the delivery of voice, video, data and multimedia to and throughout the home, the office and the mobile environment. We provide the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art, system-on-a-chip and software solutions to manufacturers of computing and networking equipment, digital entertainment and broadband access products, and mobile devices. These solutions support our core mission: Connecting everything(R).
Broadcom is one of the world's largest fabless semiconductor companies, with 2006 revenue of $3.67 billion, and holds over 2,200 U.S. and 900 foreign patents, more than 6,600 additional pending patent applications, and one of the broadest intellectual property portfolios addressing both wired and wireless transmission of voice, video and data.
Broadcom is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and has offices and research facilities in North America, Asia and Europe. Broadcom may be contacted at +1.949.926.5000 or at www.broadcom.com.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:
All statements included or incorporated by reference in this release, other than statements or characterizations of historical fact, are forward- looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry and business, management's beliefs, and certain assumptions made by us, all of which are subject to change. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "would," "could," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.
Important factors that may cause such a difference for Broadcom in connection with our BCM21551 baseband processor products include, but are not limited to, general economic and political conditions and specific conditions in the markets we address, including the volatility in the technology sector and semiconductor industry, trends in the broadband communications markets in various geographic regions, including seasonality in sales of consumer products into which our products are incorporated, and possible disruption in commercial activities related to terrorist activity or armed conflict in the United States and other locations; the rate at which our present and future customers and end-users adopt Broadcom's technologies and products in the markets for 3G HSPA applications; delays in the adoption and acceptance of industry standards in those markets; the timing, rescheduling or cancellation of significant customer orders and our ability, as well as the ability of our customers, to manage inventory; the gain or loss of a key customer, design win or order; our ability to scale our operations in response to changes in demand for our existing products and services or demand for new products requested by our customers; our ability to specify, develop or acquire, complete, introduce, market and transition to volume production new products and technologies in a cost- effective and timely manner; intellectual property disputes and customer indemnification claims and other types of litigation risk; the quality of our products and any remediation costs; changes in our product or customer mix; the volume of our product sales and pricing concessions on volume sales; the effectiveness of our expense and product cost control and reduction efforts; our ability to timely and accurately predict market requirements and evolving industry standards and to identify opportunities in new markets; problems or delays that we may face in shifting our products to smaller geometry process technologies and in achieving higher levels of design integration; our ability to retain, recruit and hire key executives, technical personnel and other employees in the positions and numbers, with the experience and capabilities, and at the compensation levels needed to implement our business and product plans; the risks and uncertainties associated with our international operations; competitive pressures and other factors such as the qualification, availability and pricing of competing products and technologies and the resulting effects on sales and pricing of our products; the timing of customer-industry qualification and certification of our products and the risks of non- qualification or non-certification; the availability and pricing of third party semiconductor foundry, assembly and test capacity and raw materials; fluctuations in the manufacturing yields of our third party semiconductor foundries and other problems or delays in the fabrication, assembly, testing or delivery of our products; the risks of producing products with new suppliers and at new fabrication and assembly facilities; the effects of natural disasters, public health emergencies, international conflicts and other events beyond our control; the level of orders received that can be shipped in a fiscal quarter; and other factors.
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss the foregoing risks as well as other important risk factors that could contribute to such differences or otherwise affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. The forward-looking statements in this release speak only as of this date. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement for any reason.
Broadcom(R), the pulse logo, Connecting everything(R), the Connecting everything logo and VideoCore(R) are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU. Bluetooth(R) is a trademark of Bluetooth SIG. Wi- Fi(R) is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Symbian(R) is a trademark of Symbian Limited. Windows Mobile(R) is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Linux(R) is a trademark of Linus Torvalds. ARM11(TM) is a trademark of ARM Limited. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
Broadcom Trade Press Contact Broadcom Investor Relations
Jeremy Hyatt Contact
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications T. Peter Andrew
949-926-5971 Vice President, Corporate
jhyatt@broadcom.com Communications
949-926-5663
andrewtp@broadcom.com
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060609/BROADCOMLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Broadcom Corporation; BRCM Mobile & Wireless
CONTACT: Press, Jeremy Hyatt, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications,
+1-949-926-5971, jhyatt@broadcom.com; or Investors, T. Peter Andrew, Vice
President, Corporate Communications, +1-949-926-5663, andrewtp@broadcom.com
Web site: Broadcom
Broadcom Leaps Ahead of the Competition with the World's First '3G Phone on a Chip' Solution
Over a Year Ahead of Competitors, Broadcom Introduces Single-Chip HSUPA Processor
BCM21551 Features Full CMOS RF, Rich Multimedia, Bluetooth(R), FM Radio, FM Transmitter and More, Packed on a Single 65nm Die to Slash Price, Size and Power
IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ:BRCM) , a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced a new single-chip HSPA (high-speed packet access) processor that integrates all of the key 3G (third generation) cellular and mobile technologies on an extremely low power, single 65 nanometer CMOS die. Broadcom's new "3G Phone on a Chip" solution enables manufacturers to build next generation 3G HSUPA phones with breakthrough features, sleek form factors and very long battery life, all at a fraction of the cost of today's solutions - driving widespread consumer adoption. Never before has anyone integrated as many radio devices on a single chip, which demonstrates Broadcom's technology leadership in multi-modal CMOS RF technology.
Advancements in mobile phone designs, such as the proliferation of extensive Internet applications and web services, multimedia, high resolution video and still cameras, games and music, are driving a growing demand for faster cellular networks and an appetite for rich multimedia phones that can take advantage of them. HSUPA is often considered the ultimate cellular modem technology. There are already over 900 million subscribers in HSPA enabled networks today, and many network operators are planning massive worldwide deployment of HSUPA over the next several years. Using phones enabled by the new Broadcom(R) HSUPA processor, consumers will be able to download content at up to 7.2 Megabits per second (Mbps), and upload content such as pictures and videos at up to 5.8Mbps, all directly from their phone. HSUPA technology also holds the promise for much higher quality "live" video conferencing and an array of exciting services and applications.
Announced today is the BCM21551 3G "Phone on a Chip," which combines a high-speed HSUPA 3G baseband, a multi-band radio frequency (RF) transceiver, Bluetooth(R) 2.1 with enhanced data rate (EDR) technology, an FM radio receiver and an FM radio transmitter (for car stereo music playback). The device also features advanced multimedia processing, up to five Megapixel camera support, and 30 frame per second video with "TV Out," as well as support for the HSUPA, HSDPA, WCDMA and EDGE cellular protocols. It can even be paired with other Broadcom devices, such as Wi-Fi(R) and GPS, PMU, or the new VideoCore(R) III mobile multimedia processor. No competing cellular baseband chip has ever achieved this level of integration, which drives down cost, power and size, while enabling an advanced level of functionality. This makes the BCM21551 an ideal choice for both "mass market" high volume 3G "feature phones" as well as smartphones running an open OS such as Symbian(R), Windows Mobile(R), or Linux(R).
"Broadcom has already demonstrated commercial success with its EGPRS single-chip solution and multi-chip 3G solutions," commented Michael Thelander, CEO and Founder of Signals Research Group, LLC. "With this single chip solution, Broadcom is becoming a one-stop supplier of 3G/2G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth silicon solutions and communications software, positioning it to leapfrog many of its competitors from both a technology and market share perspective."
"With what we believe is more than a full year's lead over similar competing products, this new 3G solution should place Broadcom squarely at the head of the hyper-competitive 3G chip race," said Yossi Cohen, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Broadcom's Mobile Platforms Group. "We built upon the success of our single-chip EDGE solution and merely eight months later our engineers not only built a single chip HSUPA solution, but also integrated Bluetooth, FM radio, and the next level of multimedia. This is truly amazing engineering execution, a hallmark of Broadcom. Our investments in multi-modal CMOS RF and high definition multimedia technologies will further widen our mobile technology leadership in the coming years."
Technical Information
Designed and manufactured on a single 65 nanometer silicon die, the BCM21551 is an innovative HSPA system-on-a-chip (SoC) that features unprecedented integration of advanced smartphone features. The BCM21551 integrates dual ARM11(TM) processors to provide open OS support, and features full stereo music capabilities for both headset and stereo speakers as well as an integrated 5-band graphic equalizer and digital mixing capabilities for superior audio performance. The BCM21551 also integrates advanced MIPI serial interfaces for the LCD and image sensor (which facilitates a low power interface for the BCM21551 and the LCD in the phone) and the analog physical layer required for the 480Mbps high speed USB2.0 applications that enable the rapid transfer of multimedia files to and from the handset.
The BCM21551 also incorporates Broadcom's proprietary M-Stream and single antenna interference cancellation (SAIC) signal processing technologies designed to improve cellular handset reception and voice quality, ultimately resulting in fewer dropped calls.
The 65 nanometer (nm) process is the most advanced lithographic node for manufacturing semiconductors in large volumes today and provides significant benefits over 90 nm and 130 nm processes by enabling lower power consumption, smaller size and higher levels of integration. For Broadcom, the move to 65 nanometer process technology is changing the competitive landscape because of the breadth and depth of the communications intellectual property the company possesses. Without such a broad portfolio of market-leading solutions to integrate, competitors are not able to take full advantage of the benefits that these next-generation processes provide.
The BCM21551 also benefits from the company's world class expertise and extensive experience in pure digital CMOS radio design, delivering the highest RF performance and lowest power consumption available. With a deep intellectual property portfolio and mature, field-proven RF technologies (with hundreds of millions of devices shipped to date that include radio functionality), Broadcom is well suited to apply its RF expertise to the cellular market. Breakthrough RF technology enables for the first time in the industry the removal of inter-stage filters. For a typical 3-band WCDMA phone, this results in extensive savings of 6 inter-stage filters, significantly reducing cost and board space.
Availability and Pricing
The BCM21551 3G baseband processor is available now to early access customers and is priced at $23.00 in large quantities.
Broadcom Webcast - Monday, October 15, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time; 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Broadcom will conduct a webcast for media and analysts to discuss this breakthrough processor and to provide a cellular update on Monday, October 15, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time; 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The webcast will be conducted by Yossi Cohen, Senior Vice President and General Manager of
Broadcom's Mobile Platforms Group. To listen to the webcast, please visit the Investors section of the Broadcom website at http://www.broadcom.com/ir-events. The webcast will be recorded and available until 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, October 22, 2007.
About Broadcom
Broadcom Corporation is a major technology innovator and global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom products enable the delivery of voice, video, data and multimedia to and throughout the home, the office and the mobile environment. We provide the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art, system-on-a-chip and software solutions to manufacturers of computing and networking equipment, digital entertainment and broadband access products, and mobile devices. These solutions support our core mission: Connecting everything(R).
Broadcom is one of the world's largest fabless semiconductor companies, with 2006 revenue of $3.67 billion, and holds over 2,200 U.S. and 900 foreign patents, more than 6,600 additional pending patent applications, and one of the broadest intellectual property portfolios addressing both wired and wireless transmission of voice, video and data.
Broadcom is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and has offices and research facilities in North America, Asia and Europe. Broadcom may be contacted at +1.949.926.5000 or at www.broadcom.com.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:
All statements included or incorporated by reference in this release, other than statements or characterizations of historical fact, are forward- looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry and business, management's beliefs, and certain assumptions made by us, all of which are subject to change. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "would," "could," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.
Important factors that may cause such a difference for Broadcom in connection with our BCM21551 baseband processor products include, but are not limited to, general economic and political conditions and specific conditions in the markets we address, including the volatility in the technology sector and semiconductor industry, trends in the broadband communications markets in various geographic regions, including seasonality in sales of consumer products into which our products are incorporated, and possible disruption in commercial activities related to terrorist activity or armed conflict in the United States and other locations; the rate at which our present and future customers and end-users adopt Broadcom's technologies and products in the markets for 3G HSPA applications; delays in the adoption and acceptance of industry standards in those markets; the timing, rescheduling or cancellation of significant customer orders and our ability, as well as the ability of our customers, to manage inventory; the gain or loss of a key customer, design win or order; our ability to scale our operations in response to changes in demand for our existing products and services or demand for new products requested by our customers; our ability to specify, develop or acquire, complete, introduce, market and transition to volume production new products and technologies in a cost- effective and timely manner; intellectual property disputes and customer indemnification claims and other types of litigation risk; the quality of our products and any remediation costs; changes in our product or customer mix; the volume of our product sales and pricing concessions on volume sales; the effectiveness of our expense and product cost control and reduction efforts; our ability to timely and accurately predict market requirements and evolving industry standards and to identify opportunities in new markets; problems or delays that we may face in shifting our products to smaller geometry process technologies and in achieving higher levels of design integration; our ability to retain, recruit and hire key executives, technical personnel and other employees in the positions and numbers, with the experience and capabilities, and at the compensation levels needed to implement our business and product plans; the risks and uncertainties associated with our international operations; competitive pressures and other factors such as the qualification, availability and pricing of competing products and technologies and the resulting effects on sales and pricing of our products; the timing of customer-industry qualification and certification of our products and the risks of non- qualification or non-certification; the availability and pricing of third party semiconductor foundry, assembly and test capacity and raw materials; fluctuations in the manufacturing yields of our third party semiconductor foundries and other problems or delays in the fabrication, assembly, testing or delivery of our products; the risks of producing products with new suppliers and at new fabrication and assembly facilities; the effects of natural disasters, public health emergencies, international conflicts and other events beyond our control; the level of orders received that can be shipped in a fiscal quarter; and other factors.
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss the foregoing risks as well as other important risk factors that could contribute to such differences or otherwise affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. The forward-looking statements in this release speak only as of this date. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement for any reason.
Broadcom(R), the pulse logo, Connecting everything(R), the Connecting everything logo and VideoCore(R) are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU. Bluetooth(R) is a trademark of Bluetooth SIG. Wi- Fi(R) is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Symbian(R) is a trademark of Symbian Limited. Windows Mobile(R) is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Linux(R) is a trademark of Linus Torvalds. ARM11(TM) is a trademark of ARM Limited. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
Broadcom Trade Press Contact Broadcom Investor Relations
Jeremy Hyatt Contact
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications T. Peter Andrew
949-926-5971 Vice President, Corporate
jhyatt@broadcom.com Communications
949-926-5663
andrewtp@broadcom.com
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060609/BROADCOMLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Broadcom Corporation; BRCM Mobile & Wireless
CONTACT: Press, Jeremy Hyatt, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications,
+1-949-926-5971, jhyatt@broadcom.com; or Investors, T. Peter Andrew, Vice
President, Corporate Communications, +1-949-926-5663, andrewtp@broadcom.com
Web site: Broadcom
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Holocaust Historian Wins US$35,500 German Book Trade Peace Prize
UCLA Professor and Holocaust historian Saul Friedlander has won the 2007 German Book Trade Peace Prize, the most prestigious literary prize at the Frankfurt Book Fair.
To mark the official opening of the 2007 Buchhändlertage in Berlin, Dr. Gottfried Honnefelder, Director of the German Publishers and Booksellers Association, announced on Sunday, that the Board of Trustees of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade has chosen the Israeli historian, Saul Friedländer, to be the recipient of this year’s Peace Prize.
Friedlander is one of the last historiographers to have witnessed and experienced the Holocaust - a genocide that was announced early on, planned openly and carried out with machinelike precision...
More details
SPIEGEL INTERVIEW WITH ISRAELI HISTORIAN SAUL FRIEDLÄNDER
PHOTO CREDIT: SPIEGEL.
Related news.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Steven J. Milloy Says Al Gore Does Not Deserve Nobel Prize
As Al Gore is basking in the euphoria of winning the Nobel Prize for Peace, Steven J. Milloy is sneering at him and the Nobel Prize Committee.
A BBC Report and a British Court have joined the critics of Al Gore in disputing the justification for giving him the Nobel Prize for Peace, because, they have found Al Gore’s "An Inconvenient Truth" to be inconsistent with the truth.
Steven J. Milloy has issued a press release to question the crediblity of Al Gore's prize winning documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth" and a BBC Report raised more issues to contradict Al Gore's hypothesis.
The following is the full text of Steven J. Milloy's press release.
Then a British Court says Al Gore's hypothesis is more of a political treatise.
A BBC Report and a British Court have joined the critics of Al Gore in disputing the justification for giving him the Nobel Prize for Peace, because, they have found Al Gore’s "An Inconvenient Truth" to be inconsistent with the truth.
Steven J. Milloy has issued a press release to question the crediblity of Al Gore's prize winning documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth" and a BBC Report raised more issues to contradict Al Gore's hypothesis.
The following is the full text of Steven J. Milloy's press release.
11 Oct 2007 19:34 Africa/Lagos
Al Gore Should Win the Nobel Prize for Propaganda, Says JunkScience.com, New BBC Report Says Gore Knew 'An Inconvenient Truth' Presented False Facts
WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new BBC report indicates that Al Gore knew that his alarmist global warming movie presented false facts, says JunkScience.com. Al Gore apparently didn't want to include any uncertainty in his movie because it would only fuel opponents of global warming regulation, the BBC report said.
"If this is true," said JunkScience.com publisher Steve Milloy, "then Al Gore should win the Nobel prize for Propaganda."
The report comes in the wake of a British judge's ruling that "An Inconvenient Truth" can only be shown in British schools if there is a warning label about the film's nine major factual inaccuracies and on the eve of the announcement of the Nobel Peace Price, for which Al Gore has been nominated.
The BBC Report.
"The BBC report and judge's ruling came as no surprise," said Milloy. "Our YouTube video debate, entitled 'Al Gore Debates Global Warming,' between Gore and expert climatologists spotlights the false assertion by Gore that carbon dioxide drives global temperature," Milloy explained.
Here is the video on YouTube.
"We call on the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awards the Nobel Prize Committee to award the prize to a deserving candidate, rather than someone who plays fast and loose with the facts to advance his personal agenda," asked Milloy. "Also, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences should revoke the Oscar 'An Inconvenient Truth' won for best documentary," Milloy said.
"The real 'inconvenient truth' is that Gore seems to have intentionally omitted it from his movie," Milloy added. "The Norwegian Nobel Committee and Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ought not risk their brands on Al Gore's chicanery," Milloy concluded.
Steven J. Milloy is the founder and publisher of DemandDebate.com, JunkScience.com and CSRwatch.com; an investment adviser to the Free Enterprise Action Fund; and a columnist for FoxNews.com.
Source: JunkScience.com
CONTACT: Audrey Mullen, +1-703-548-1160, for JunkScience.com
Then a British Court says Al Gore's hypothesis is more of a political treatise.
9 Oct 2007 20:30 Africa/Lagos
British Court Rules 'Inconvenient Truth' Represents 'Partisan Political Views,' Requires School Disclaimer
CHICAGO, Oct. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
On October 2, 2007 a British court found Al Gore's film, An Inconvenient Truth, to be politically biased, and it ruled teachers must warn students of that bias before showing the film.
In the statement below, James M. Taylor, senior fellow for environment policy at The Heartland Institute, elaborates on factual errors in the film identified by the court and comments on the ruling. You may quote from this statement or contact Taylor directly at 941/776-5690, taylor@heartland.org.
"Al Gore's movie, An Inconvenient Truth, represents 'partisan political views' and must be treated as such by teachers in British schools, a British High Court judge has indicated.
"The British court was swayed by numerous factual inaccuracies portrayed in the movie. Among them:
-- The film claims global warming is responsible for the gradual retreat of the alpine glacier atop Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro. Scientists have conclusively demonstrated no such link exists.
-- The film presents graphs indicating that fluctuating carbon dioxide levels have always preceded and caused global temperature fluctuations. In fact, temperature changes have always preceded carbon dioxide changes.
-- The film suggests global warming caused Hurricane Katrina. Few hurricane experts believe this, and substantial scientific evidence indicates global warming is having no impact on hurricane frequency or intensity.
-- The film asserts global warming is causing Central Africa's Lake Chad to dry up. In fact, land use practices are causing the drying up of Lake Chad, and Central Africa is in an unusual and prolonged wet period.
-- The film asserts global warming is leading to polar bear deaths by drowning. Yet the only documented drowning deaths occurred due to a freak storm, and polar bear numbers are growing substantially.
-- The film claims global warming threatens to halt the Gulf Stream and initiate a new ice age. The vast majority of scientists who have studied the issue have determined such a scenario is implausible.
-- The film asserts global warming is causing the destruction of coral reefs through bleaching. Scientists have identified other causes for coral bleaching and have additionally noted bleaching is a natural process by which coral continually selects ideal symbiotic algae.
-- The film asserts Greenland is in danger of rapid ice melt that will raise sea levels by 20 feet or more. The scientific consensus is that any foreseeable Greenland ice melt will be gradual and will take centuries to substantially raise sea levels.
-- The film asserts the Antarctic ice shelf is melting. In fact, only a small portion of Antarctica is getting warmer and losing ice mass, while the vast majority of Antarctica is in a prolonged cold spell and is accumulating ice mass.
"Also highlighted in court arguments was Al Gore's admission in Grist Magazine that 'I believe it is appropriate to have an over-representation of factual presentations on how dangerous it [global warming] is.'
"As a result of the partisan political nature of Gore's film, school teachers will not be allowed to show the movie without telling their students the film is scientifically controversial.
"The British High Court properly recognized that Al Gore's movie is nine parts political propaganda and one part science. Virtually every assertion that Gore makes in the movie has been strongly contradicted by sound science.
"The British court decision should guide teachers in the U.S. to similarly treat Gore's movie as the inaccurate and misleading propaganda tool that it is."
For more information about The Heartland Institute, please contact Harriette Johnson, media relations manager, at 312/377-4000, email hjohnson@heartland.org.
Source: The Heartland Institute
CONTACT: Tom Swiss of The Heartland Institute, +1-312-377-4000,
+1-773-485-9477, tswiss@heartland.org
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