20 World-Class Leaders Judge South Asia's Finest as the 2nd Annual Asian Awards 2011 Gets Underway

20 World-Class Leaders Judge South Asia's Finest as the 2nd Annual Asian Awards 2011 Gets Underway




LONDON, May 25 /PRNewswire/ — The Asian Awards 2011, in partnership with Lebara, has launched into its second year of celebrating the best in South Asian achievement. The House of Lords recently played host to 20 world-class leaders from the worlds of politics, business, sport, media, arts and technology - who gathered to choose winners from a short-list of inspirational luminaries and pioneers who have carved out their own places in history.

"With so many exceptional people from the South Asian community short-listed for only 12 honours, it's vitally important that they are not only judged by a panel of their peers but that the process is robust, transparent and intellectually rigorous," said Chair of Judges Baroness Verma. "It's exciting to have 20 esteemed judges from such a variety of fields in one room, and to see such lively debate."

The Asian Awards were an ambitious idea conceived by Paul Sagoo, founder of consultancy Lemon Group, and realised by co-founder Caroline Jackson Levy, Managing Director of UBM Awards. "Our goal was to celebrate the highest calibre of individuals from the Asian community across all spheres of activity," said Sagoo. "Last year's inaugural event was spectacular, and set the bar high for 2011. This year, we will take it a notch higher," added Jackson Levy. In 2010, the Asian Awards honoured some of the most inspiring people in the South Asian community - from record breaking cricketer Sachin Tendulkar to world famous composer A R Rahman to legendary business leader Ratan Tata.


* Paul Sagoo, MD, Lemon Group with Caroline Jackson Levy, MD, UBM Awards, Co-founders of the Asian Awards

This year, judges brought their insight and expertise to panels for Business Leader, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Public Servant and Social Entrepreneur of the Year to Outstanding Achievement in Music, Art & Design, Sport, Cinema, Television and Science.

Business category judges included Surinder Arora, CEO of Arora Holdings; Kamel Hothi, Asian Markets Director, Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets; and Ratheesan Yoganathan, CEO of Lebara, returning as headline sponsor for the second year.

"There are many entrepreneurs in the Asian community, so this year's winner must combine outstanding business acumen and achievement with the best leadership skills, innovation and drive," said Lebara CEO Yoganathan. "It's an honour to help choose the leaders that the Asian business community should look up to."

"The Asian Awards celebrate the achievements of those who, in many cases, came here with nothing and are now adding to the bottom line of UK plc," said Hothi. "It's important for Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets to be involved in identifying the successful individuals who have made a difference globally and are inspiring others in the Asian community to do the same - and that is central to our decision to return as sponsor for a second year."

Among the judges for the media and arts categories were Sonny Takhar, Head of Marketing at SYCO Entertainment and Sony award-winning DJ and broadcaster Nihal Athanayake. "There aren't enough opportunities to celebrate Asian talent at this level in this country in such a mainstream way," said Takhar, who praised The Asian Awards as a major platform for showcasing talent to a wider audience.

"To be respected as an accolade you need outstanding people to receive it - and The Asian Awards have done that better than any other," added Nihal. "These awards are about recognising the massive contribution made by the Asian community to this country, and the world, but they're also about integration - because these nominees are citizens of countries outside Asia."

"The Asian Awards are important because they inspire future generations to achieve great things," concluded Daljit Jagait, VIP Relationship Manager at Jaguar. As official automotive partner to the Awards, Jaguar will this year be providing XJs for chauffeur services to winners attending the Asian Awards.

Winners of the 2011 Asian Awards will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony at The Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, London on 18th October - and it promises to be a spectacular occasion. With some of the world's most high profile trailblazers honoured in 2010, excitement is already building around who the recipients might be for 2011. Visit www.theasianawards.com/videos-2011.php to watch interviews with the 2011 judges or www.theasianawards.com for a full list of 2010 winners as well as information on how to book tickets to the 2011 Awards.
Notes for Editors:

The Asian Awards were an ambitious idea conceived by Paul Sagoo, founder of consultancy Lemon Group, and realised by co-founder Caroline Jackson Levy, Managing Director of UBM Awards. A celebration of excellence among the global Asian community, they were launched in 2010 to recognise and reward the outstanding achievements of individuals born in or with direct family origin from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan or Bangladesh across all disciplines of life - from business to the arts, culture, sport and public service. The inaugural ceremony drew 1,200 of the most influential people in the Asian community and raised over £100,000 for its chosen charity, Save the Children.

The Lebara Group, headline sponsor of The Asian Awards for the second year, was founded in 2001 by Rasiah Leon, Baskaran Kandiah and Ratheesan Yoganathan - who shared a vision to transform the international calling market, making it easier for migrant communities to stay in touch with friends and family back home. This year as Lebara celebrates its 10th anniversary it is one of the world's fastest growing mobile companies with more than 1,200 employees worldwide, operations in eight countries and revenues for 2009 totalling €371 million.

For more information, interview requests and hi-res images, please contact:
Puja Vedi
LiveStyle Media
+44(0)7949 573065

Henriette Svensen
Head of PR & Marketing
UBM Awards
Tel: +44 (0)207 234 8753 / +44 (0)7500 917 628
Email: henriette.svensen@ubm.com

One-in-Four Workers Can't Afford to Take a Vacation

25 May 2011 11:00 Africa/Lagos


One-in-Four Workers Can't Afford to Take a Vacation, CareerBuilder Survey Finds
--30 Percent Work While on Vacation--

PR Newswire

CHICAGO, May 25, 2011

CHICAGO, May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As we approach the official kick-off to summer getaways with Memorial Day weekend, a recent study from CareerBuilder shows financial constraints and demanding work schedules have some workers foregoing vacation plans this year. Twenty-four percent of full-time workers reported they can't afford to take a vacation in 2011, up from 21 percent last year. Another 12 percent reported they can afford a vacation, but don't have plans to take one this year. More than 5,600 workers participated in the nationwide study, which was conducted from February 21 to March 10, 2011.

INFOGRAPHIC: http://bit.ly/k0hS3X.

While the majority of workers are planning some time away from work, three-in-ten plan to take the office with them on vacation. Thirty percent reported they will contact work while on vacation, up from 25 percent last year.

"Taking advantage of vacation or paid-time-off benefits is critical not only to your well-being, but to your overall job performance," said Rosemary Haefner, Vice President of Human Resources at CareerBuilder. "Workers who set aside time for R&R tend to have less burnout, more creative energy and higher quality output. While financial challenges and heavy workloads may make vacation planning difficult, it's important to find time to recharge away or at home. It can ultimately translate into a more gratifying work experience that benefits you, your family and your employer."

As the economy heals, more than one-third (36 percent) of workers reported that they feel more comfortable taking a vacation than they did in 2010. One-in-four (26 percent) are planning a vacation of 7 to 10 days while 11 percent expect to be gone 2 weeks or longer. Twenty-four percent are planning for 3 to 5 days or a weekend getaway.

Haefner recommends the following tips to make the most of your time off:

1. Give plenty of notice – 24 percent of workers reported they have had to work while their family went on vacation without them. Coordinate schedules with family and friends and co-workers as early in advance as possible, so you can plan vacations before/after big projects and events.
2. Don't take a guilt trip – 12 percent of workers reported they feel guilty that they're not at work while they're on vacation. Your vacation benefits are there for a reason. Enjoy yourself. The work will still be there when you return.
3. Ask about discounts – Many employers offer discounts on personal entertainment and travel for employees that may make vacation plans more affordable. Check out the company intranet or contact HR for more information.
4. Make sure you're covered – Buddy up with other co-workers to cross-train one another on responsibilities, upcoming deadlines, key contacts, where information is stored, etc. If your company may need to contact you for something while on vacation, make sure to set parameters on when you'll be available and stick to them.
5. Use 'em or lose 'em– 16 percent of workers reported they gave up vacation days in 2010 because they didn't have time to use them. If you can't take a number of days at once, consider taking a day here and there for extended weekends or mid-week breaks.


Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive© on behalf of CareerBuilder among 5,671 U.S. workers (employed full-time; not self-employed; non-government); ages 18 and over between February 21 and March 10, 2011 (percentages for some questions are based on a subset of U.S. employees, based on their responses to certain questions). With a pure probability sample of 5,671, one could say with a 95 percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/- 1.30 percentage points. Sampling error for data from sub-samples is higher and varies.

About CareerBuilder®

CareerBuilder is the global leader in human capital solutions, helping companies target and attract their most important asset - their people. Its online career site, CareerBuilder.com®, is the largest in the United States with more than 24 million unique visitors, 1 million jobs and 40 million resumes. CareerBuilder works with the world's top employers, providing resources for everything from employment branding and data analysis to recruitment support. More than 9,000 websites, including 140 newspapers and broadband portals such as MSN and AOL, feature CareerBuilder's proprietary job search technology on their career sites. Owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), Tribune Company and The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI), CareerBuilder and its subsidiaries operate in the United States, Europe, Canada and Asia. For more information, visit www.careerbuilder.com.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Grasz
773-527-1164
jennifer.grasz@careerbuilder.com
http://www.twitter.com/CareerBuilderPR

SOURCE CareerBuilder

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

Windows Phone 7

24 May 2011 15:00 Africa/Lagos


Microsoft Previews Next Release of Windows Phone
"Mango" to deliver smarter and easier communications, apps and Internet experiences and bring Windows Phone to more customers around the world.

PR Newswire

REDMOND, Wash., May 24, 2011

REDMOND, Wash., May 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft Corp. today previewed the next major release of Windows Phone, code-named "Mango," through a series of media events around the world. "Mango" will deliver more than 500 new features to push the boundaries of the smartphone experience around communications, apps and the Internet. The "Mango" release will be available for free to Windows Phone 7 customers and is scheduled to ship on new phones beginning this fall. More details on device update timing will be provided closer to availability. Windows Phone will also add support for additional languages, expand access to apps by launching Windows Phone Marketplace in new countries, and partner with new OEMs to enable expansion to new markets.*

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

"Seven months ago we started our mission to make smartphones smarter and easier for people to do more," said Andy Lees, president of the Mobile Communications Business at Microsoft. "With 'Mango,' Windows Phone takes a major step forward in redefining how people communicate and use apps and the Internet, giving you better results with less effort."

Communications: Easier to Connect and Share

The smartphone experience can be complicated by a sea of disconnected apps and accounts as people attempt to keep pace with all the ways they communicate — from calls, texts, email and instant messages (IM) to status updates, Tweets, check-ins, photo posting and tagging. To help people stay on top of that growing complexity, the "Mango" release organizes information around the person or group people want to interact with, not the app they have to use.

* Threads. Switch between text, Facebook chat and Windows Live Messenger within the same conversation.
* Groups. Group contacts into personalized Live Tiles to see the latest status updates right from the Start Screen and quickly send a text, email or IM to the whole group.
* Deeper social network integration. Twitter and LinkedIn feeds are now integrated into contact cards, and "Mango" includes built-in Facebook check-ins and new face detection software that makes it easier to quickly tag photos and post to the Web.
* Linked inbox. See multiple email accounts in one linked inbox. Conversations are organized to make it easy to stay on top of the latest mail.
* Hands-free messaging. Built-in voice-to-text and text-to-voice support enables hands-free texting or chatting.


A Smarter Approach to Apps

Windows Phone will challenge the way people think about apps. Today their usefulness is measured by what can be done within the app, but Microsoft sees the promise of apps in how they can be integrated directly into the core experiences of the phone. In addition to making it easy to get timely notifications and updates from apps right from the Start Screen, the "Mango" release also will surface apps as part of search results and within Windows Phone Hubs. As a result, a useful app is more likely to be right there when needed.

* App Connect. By connecting apps to search results and deepening their integration with Windows Phone Hubs, including Music and Video and Pictures, "Mango" allows apps to be surfaced when and where they make sense.
* Improved Live Tiles. Get real-time information from apps without having to open them. Live Tiles can be more dynamic and hold more information.
* Multitasking. Quickly switch between apps in use and allow apps to run in the background, helping to preserve battery life and performance.


Taking the Internet Beyond the Browser

In addition to including Internet Explorer, the "Mango release will connect the power of the Web to the unique capabilities of Windows Phones, such as location awareness, camera and access to apps, to present a way of viewing the Web that is more localized, actionable and relevant.

* Internet Explorer 9. A browser based on the powerful Internet Explorer 9 and including support for HTML5 and full hardware acceleration.
* Local Scout. Provides hyper local search results and recommends nearby restaurants, shopping and activities in an easy-to-use guide.
* Bing on Windows Phone. More ways to search the Web, including Bing Vision, Music Search and Voice so it's easy to discover and decide.
* Quick Cards. When searching for a product, movie, event or place, see a quick summary of relevant information, including related apps.


Strengthening the Ecosystem

The Windows Phone ecosystem has grown steadily since Windows Phone 7 first launched in October, with more than 17,000 apps currently available on Windows Phone Marketplace and Windows Phone handsets available from a range of partners worldwide, and Microsoft's recently announced partnership with Nokia. "Mango" will further expand and strengthen the Windows Phone ecosystem through new partnerships with Acer Inc., Fujitsu Ltd. and ZTE Corp., which today announced plans to deliver new Windows Phone devices in markets around the world. Furthermore, Microsoft announced it will support additional languages, including Brazilian Portuguese, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Greek, Hungarian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Swedish, and will greatly expand the list of countries where consumers have access to apps via Windows Phone Marketplace. As well, a beta release of the free Windows Phone Developer tools, which will be used to create the next generation of "Mango" apps and games, will be posted for public download to Microsoft's website within 24 hours of today's events. More information about what "Mango" means for developers, the tools and a link to the public download page is available at http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_phone/b/wpdev/archive/2011/05/24/developer-news-beta-mango-tools-available-today.aspx .

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Some information relates to pre-released product that may be substantially modified before it's commercially released. Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the information provided here.

*Data plan required; carrier fees apply. Apps from Marketplace. Features and services vary by area, phone, carrier and service plan.

.

SOURCE Microsoft Corp.
NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft's Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx

CONTACT: Rapid Response Team of Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, +1-503-443-7070, rrt@waggeneredstrom.com

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

Google celebrates Africa Day

Google celebrates Africa Day, the annual commemoration on May 25 of the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), when leaders of 30 of the 32 independent African states signed a founding charter in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In 1991, the OAU established the African Economic Community, and in 2002 the OAU established its own successor, the African Union. However, the name and date of Africa Day has been retained as a celebration of African unity.

Nigerians in UK inspire British Author’s new book for Children

Nigerians in UK inspire British Author’s new book for Children

A new book Tópé Arrives is about a Nigerian orphan who was forced against his will to continue his life in England. It is a Nigerian story written by a new British author Wendy Hue who told me why she wrote this emotionally compelling children’s book that has been endorsed by Richard Damilola, the father of Damilola Taylor, the 10-year-old Nigerian child murdered on his way from Peckham Library on November 27, 2000, in south London in 2000. The book was on the long list of the The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition.



Tópé is suddenly orphaned and against his will he has to leave Nigeria. Worried about starting a new life in England, he feels he is an outsider in his new school. It is a time of tears and tussles. Will his nimble football skills and precious wooden boat somehow help him to carve out a new beginning? Will he ever again be able to believe in himself and drum in with the dundun drums his renewed sense of fun and pride.

The book is specially for 7 - 9 year olds and already selected for Centre for Literacy and Primary Education book fair in London on the 24th June 2011.

Wendy Hue has a lot to say on her book, how Nigerians she has known for years in the UK inspired her literary genius in the writing and her unique multiethnic family among other important facts of her colourful life.




'Tópé Arrives' is just one of many, many stories that I have written.
The reason I decided to move with 'Tópé first was because he kept getting a lot of interest from mainstream publishers and also a literary agent I had about 5 years ago, however he never quite got published by them. Then the manuscript was long listed in The Times/Chicken House 2011 competition and I thought 'you know what - let me take this project in to my own hands' as from what I can see there is a real close net of who decides what books get published and end up on our shelves for all of our children. Children of different ethnicities are dispersed around the globe now and I believe we can no longer think insular, but must think wider because of this. We also have 4th, 5th etc generations of children now who are born and reared in different countries to that of their mother, father, grandparents, great grandparents and so on.

I also believe there is still a real under-representation of books for 'all of our children', where they can all be the main protagonist, the hero, or the fairy queen etc. I do not think we are quite there as yet in terms of having books that represent the complement of ethnicities in many countries, due party I suppose to the migration of peoples from one part of the earth to another today.

In terms of writing 'Tópé Arrives' about another culture, I felt confident enough because I have many, many amazing and wonderful Nigerian friends and worked in Peckham, South London for over 20 years (where there is an enormous and wonderful Nigerian community) so became very familiar with Nigerian culture. As the book, which was originally written, but not edited at that stage, is for young readers I did not want to force too much information about Nigeria in the book. I just wanted that information to trickle through with a light stroke of a paint brush. I hope I have done justice to this.

I can also let you know that I worked with two (not even one) excellent editors, one in particular who is an expert on diversity in children's publishing - Laura Atkins and she worked tirelessly with me to polish up the manuscript. I also commissioned a fabulous illustrator who has one some really wonderful line drawings inside and a beautiful front cover. Zara Slattery is the illustrator. All of this has and getting the book published has been at a total cost to me, but I am passionate about my writing and have persevered. I cannot wait for book number two to come out now, which is 'Ria - Sisterly Plaits' about a young black British Caribbean girl. I am of Caribbean ethnicity, but this story will not be autobiographical.

I have just left working in local government in London after almost 22 years and had been there for so long. I am a part-time university student in my final year, but finish next year as I have been also working fulltime. This year I have studied 'Global Politics and Postcolonial Worlds' and 'Cultures of Consumption'. As a family we also regularly have young children from all parts of the globe come and stay in our home on short stays when they are visiting England. I am a married mother of three children, my son Marlon is 23 and daughters, Hannah 19 and Emily 13. My father (who is part Chinese) came to this country (UK) when he was enlisted to fight in World War II for the British Royal Air Force when the Caribbean as were many other countries, part of the Commonwealth. He and my mother who came here in the 1950s remained thereafter. With my father's work we always moved around and lived for 3 years in Cyprus in the Mediterranean when I was growing up and also I was born in Germany because of this, amongst many, many places in the UK. As a family (I have 6 wonderful brothers and two lovely sisters) we have a multiplicity of ethnicities as we have African heritage in us as well as Scottish, Irish, Chinese and so on... - very global - one world!

On my literary ambitions, I have already paid with a publishing company for book number 2, but am now wondering if I should just try and set up my own publishing company to move with books thereafter. I am keen for far more representation and transparency in our world of children's books globally, and all of my books embrace inclusion and diversity...


~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima

Click here to order "Tópé Arrives" from Amazon.

Microsoft Announces Finalists for Global Student Technology Competition

23 May 2011 13:00 Africa/Lagos


Microsoft Announces Finalists for Global Student Technology Competition

More than 400 students invited to showcase their technology to solve the world's toughest problems at Microsoft Imagine Cup 2011 Worldwide Finals in New York.

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, May 23, 2011

NEW YORK, May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In July, more than 400 of the brightest young minds from around the world will travel to New York to showcase their innovative ideas for using technology to solve the world's toughest problems. As the winners of regional, national and online Imagine Cup competitions, these high school and university students represent the pinnacle of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurialism from 73 countries and regions around the globe.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

This year, more than 350,000 students from 183 countries registered for Microsoft Corp.'s Imagine Cup, the world's premier student technology competition. The 124 student teams secured their places at the July 8–13 Worldwide Finals event, where they will demonstrate technological advancements in problem-solving and compete for international recognition and $215,000 (U.S.) in cash prizes in categories including Software Design, Embedded Development, Game Design, Digital Media, Windows Phone 7, IT Challenge, Interoperability Challenge, Windows 7 Touch Challenge and the Orchard Challenge. The students' projects tackle serious humanitarian issues, often inspired by the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, such as the environment, health, accessibility and education.

"Some of history's greatest inventions were created by students. With the Microsoft Imagine Cup, students apply their innovative thinking to real-world causes in order to generate the future's greatest inventions as well," said S. Somasegar, senior vice president, Developer Division at Microsoft. "To see young innovators and entrepreneurs harness their creativity and talent to benefit a greater good is absolutely inspiring."

Last year, Team GINA from the Czech Republic was among the finalist teams that competed at the Imagine Cup 2010 Worldwide Finals in Warsaw, Poland. The team developed GINA (Geographical INformation Assistant), an innovative software system for mobile equipment that provides navigation in difficult terrain, helps coordinate rescue teams, and enables the efficient exchange of geographical information. Together with the humanitarian organization Hand for Help Europe o.s. and its partners, the GINA system has been deployed in Haiti to track the progress of the cholera epidemic, and recently has been helping rescue workers in Japan monitor areas affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami that devastated the country.

"Technology has tremendous potential to solve humanitarian problems, and the Imagine Cup gave me a platform to share my ideas for making the world a better place," said Team GINA member Zbynek Poulicek. "The Imagine Cup was also a launching pad to start my own business and have an impact in places like Haiti and Japan."

More information about the GINA system is available at http://www.ginasystem.com.

2011 marks the first time that the Imagine Cup Worldwide Finals event, now in its ninth year, will take place in the United States. Although the primary focus of the gathering is the competition, the finalist teams will also have opportunities to attend special training sessions, meet peers from around the world, and participate in volunteer and cultural activities while in New York. The final event of the competition, the Imagine Cup World Festival and Awards Ceremony, will take place on Wednesday, July 13.

Click here to see the worldwide finalist teams:

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23 May 2011

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13:00 Microsoft Announces Finalists for Global Student Technology Competition

22 May 2011

12:59 Sheikh Fahad Al Salem Al Ali Al Sabah Gathers World Leaders for a Forum to Discuss Advancing Individual Freedoms

20 May 2011

20:37 25 African Photographers compete in Spain for Photoafrica awards

14:39 2nd AFRICA-INDIA FORUM SUMMIT / Shared Vision at the Center of Second Africa- India Forum Summit

14:31 UN Secretary-General Appoints Margaret Vogt of Nigeria as his Special Representative to the Central African Republic and Head of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office

19 May 2011

17:40 List of accredited media and organizations for the African Development Bank Pre-Annual Meetings Virtual Press Conference held on Thursday, 19 May from 3 – 4 p.m. in Tunis.

63% of Americans are Cutting Back Due to Rising Gas Prices

The US Economy Will Receive A Huge Boost From Tourism Dollars If The Gas Prices Fall As Predicted

Toyota Back in 1st Place, Honda Drops to 2nd, Ford Maintains 3rd, While GM and Chrysler Continue to Improve in Annual Automaker-Supplier Working Relations Rankings

Savings Hit by Job Insecurity

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Obama Middle East Address

Southeastern Floods & Tornadoes

Justin Bieber and Eminem top 2011 Billboard Music Awards

Justin Bieber and his girlfriend Selena Gomez looked ravishing in a little black cut out dress

The glitz and razzmatazz of the 64th Cannes Film Festival took all my attention away from the 2011 Billboard Music Awards with Justin Bieber smooching his darling Selena Gomez in full glare of all the lights and excited audience. Well since she removed her Purity Ring last year your guess is as good as mine on her virginity. Her lover boy Bieber dazzled her with six awards he won last night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. He won the Digital Artist of the Year, Fan Favourite of the Year, Top Social Artist, Top Streaming Artist, Top Pop Album and Top Pop Album.

Eminem also won six awards for the Top Artist, Top Male Artist, Top Billboard 200 Albums, Top Rap Artist, Top Rap Song and Top Rap Album.


Fergie

Katy Perry, Rihanna and Shakira won two gongs each and the Pop Diva Beyonce Knowles was given a Millennium Award to honour her for her career achievements so far.

46 award categories are based on Billboard data, which measures radio airplay, streaming data, social media consumption and tour grosses tracked by Billboard Boxscore.


Beyonce

The full list of winners of the 2011 Billboard Awards

Top Artist of the Year: Eminem

Top Hot 100 Song: Taio Cruz - Dynamite

Top Billboard 200 Album: Eminem - Recovery

Top New Artist: Justin Bieber

Top Touring Artist: U2

Top Duo/group: The Black Eyed Peas

Top Country Album: Taylor Swift - Speak Now

Top Rap Album: Eminem - Recovery

Top Rock Album: Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More

Top Social Artist: Justin Bieber

Top Digital Song: Taio Cruz - Dynamite

Top Radio Song: Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are

Top Streaming Song (Audio): Nelly - Just A Dream

Top Streaming Song (Video): Justin Bieber feat. Ludacris - Baby

Top Billboard 200 Artist: Taylor Swift

Top Hot 100 Artist: Katy Perry

Top Digital Songs Artist: Katy Perry

Top Radio Songs Artist: Rihanna

Top Streaming Artist: Justin Bieber

Top Digital Media Artist: Justin Bieber

Top Male Artist: Eminem

Top Female Artist: Rihanna

Top Rap Artist: Eminem

Top Pop Artist: Lady Gaga

Top R&B Artist: Usher
Billboard Music Awards 2011

Top Rock Artist: Train

Top Alternative Artist: Mumford & Sons

Top Country Artist: Taylor Swift

Top Latin Artist: Shakira

Top Dance Artist: Lady Gaga

Top Christian Artist: Chris Tomlin

Top Pop Song: Taio Cruz - Dynamite

Top R&B Song: Usher feat Will.I.Am - OMG

Top Rap Song: Eminem feat Rihanna - I Love The Way You Lie

Top Country Song: Lady Antebellum - Need You Now

Top Rock Song: Train - Hey Soul Sister

Top Alternative Song: Neon Trees - Animal

Top Latin Song: Shakira - Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)

Top Dance Song: Edward Maya &Vika Jigulina - Stereo Love

Top Christian Song: Chris Tomlin - Our God

Top Pop Album: Justin Bieber - My World 2.0

Best R&B Album: Usher - Raymond V Raymond

Top Alternative Album: Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More

Top Latin Album: Enrique Iglesias - Euphoria

Top Dance/Electronic Album: Lady Gaga - The Fame

Top Christian Album: Skillet - Awake

Viral Innovator of the Year: Cee Lo Green

Icon Award: Neil Diamond

Millennium Artist Award: Beyonce

The Tree of Life wins Palme d'Or at 2011 Cannes

Jury President Robert de Niro (L) shakes hands with producer Bill Pohlad (R) who receives the Palme d'Or award for the film ''The Tree of Life'', by director Terrence Malick, as they pose with Camera d'Or award winner director Pablo Giorgelli (2nd L) during the closing ceremony of the 64th Cannes Film Festival, May 22, 2011.
Credit: Reuters/Eric Gaillard.

Sunday evening, American director Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life won the prestigious Palme d’Or of the 64th Cannes Film Festival.

Provocative Danish director Lars Von Trier who was banned from the Cannes for his controversial comments that portrayed him as an apologist of Adolf Hitler’s Nazi proved that he could not be ignored as his apocalyptic film "Melancholia" got the Best Actress award for American actress Kirsten Dunst.


CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 22: Actress Kirsten Dunst accepts her award for Best Actress at the Closing Ceremony at the Palais des Festivals during the 64th Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2011 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

"What a week! My thanks to the Jury, this is a real honour. I'm grateful to the Festival for keeping the film in Competition. And I'm grateful to Lars Von Trier for letting me play the role with such freedom.," said the excited Kirsten Dunst who is famous for her romantic role of Mary Jane Watson the girlfriend and later wife of Peter Parker, the alter ego of Spider-Man in the Spider-Man trilogy.

The Films of Terrence Malick (MOMI, May 13-15) from Matt Zoller Seitz on Vimeo.

This is Malick’s fifth feature, starring Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and Jessica Chastain. The film story centers around a family with three boys in the 1950s. The eldest son witnesses the loss of innocence.

SYNOPSIS
The Tree of Life is the impressionistic story of a Midwestern family in the 1950's. The film follows the life journey of the eldest son, Jack, through the innocence of childhood to his disillusioned adult years as he tries to reconcile a complicated relationship with his father. Jack finds himself a lost soul in the modern world, seeking answers to the origins and meaning of life while questioning the existence of faith.

FEATURE FILMS

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  Palme d'Or

  
  THE TREE OF LIFE directed by Terrence MALICK


• 
  

  Grand Prix Ex-aequo

  
  BIR ZAMANLAR ANADOLU'DA (ONCE UPON A TIME IN ANATOLIA) directed by Nuri Bilge CEYLAN


• LE GAMIN AU VÉLO (THE KID WITH A BIKE) directed by Jean-Pierre et Luc DARDENNE


• 
  

  Award for Best Director

  
  Nicolas WINDING REFN for DRIVE


• 
  

  Award for Best Screenplay

  
  Joseph CEDAR for HEARAT SHULAYIM (Footnote)


• 
  

  Award for Best Actress

  
  Kirsten DUNST in MELANCHOLIA directed by Lars VON TRIER


• 
  

  Award for Best Actor

  
  Jean DUJARDIN in THE ARTIST directed by Michel HAZANAVICIUS


• 
  

  Jury Prize

  
  POLISSE (POLISS) directed by MAÏWENN


• 
  

  Vulcain Prize for an artist technician, awarded by the C.S.T.

  
  LA PIEL QUE HABITO (THE SKIN I LIVE IN) directed by José Luis ALCAINE


• 
  

  Special Distinction by the C.S.T.

  
  WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN directed by Paul DAVIES, Joe BINI

SHORT FILMS

• 
  

  Palme d'Or - Short Film

  
  CROSS (CROSS - COUNTRY) directed by Maryna VRODA


• 
  

  Jury Prize - Short Film

  
  BADPAKJE 46 (SWIMSUIT 46) directed by Wannes DESTOOP

• Prize of Un Certain Regard Ex-aequo
ARIRANG directed by KIM Ki-Duk

• HALT AUF FREIER STRECKE (STOPPED ON TRACK) directed by Andreas DRESEN

• Un Certain Regard Special Jury Prize
ELENA directed by Andrey ZVYAGINTSEV

• Directing Prize of Un Certain Regard
BÉ OMID É DIDAR directed by Mohammad RASOULOF

CINEFONDATION :

• 1st Prize Cinéfondation
DER BRIEF (THE LETTER) directed by Doroteya DROUMEVA

• 2nd Prize - Cinéfondation
DRARI directed by Kamal LAZRAQ

• 3rd Prize Cinéfondation
YA-GAN-BI-HANG (FLY BY NIGHT) directed by SON Tae-gyum

The Jury
Robert De Niro
President of the Jury
•
Olivier ASSAYAS
Director
•
Martina GUSMAN
•
Mahamat-Saleh HAROUN
Director
•
Jude LAW
•
Nansun SHI
•
Uma THURMAN
Actress
•
Johnnie TO
Director
•
Linn ULLMANN


~ Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima

Nigerian Photographer in final for Photoafrica Award in Spain

Press release:

Nigerian Photographer Adolphus Opara Competes in Spain for Photoafrica Award

May 20th, Tarifa, Spain – Award-winning Nigerian photographer Adolphus Opara competes with his work “Urban Insomnia” in finale of 4th Photoafrica contest, which takes place within the 8th African Film Festival of Tarifa (FCAT) in Spain, from June 6th to 19th. Adolphus Opara thematizes in his work, among other themes, also modern African cities and their dwellers. Opara won or was nominated for several domestic and international awards for his work including World Press Photo Joop Swart Masterclass 2010. He regularly exhibits his work in Nigeria as well as in Europe. The 4th Photoafrica contest offers €3,000 in prize money through 3 awards.

The topic of this year Photoafrica is “Urban Space” of African cities seen through the photographers eyes. The exhibiton of altogether 27 large format photographs will be inaugurated and installed outdoors in Tarifa before and through the festival and after its closure will be travelling the whole year through Spanish and African cities. The Photoafrica is co-organized by Andalusian Centre Of Photography.

“This year we registered record number of 75 photographers from all over the Africa, who sent more than 400 photographs to the competition and from which we chose 27 final photographs to be inaugurated in Tarifa and on the following tour.” says Gaetano Gualdo, Photoafrica coordinator and continues: “The jury will select three absolute winners, which will get 3 awards endowed with 1 500, 1 000 and 500 euros respectively.”

While topics of previous editions were “Borders” in 2009 and “Independence” in 2010, this year topic is “Urban Space”. “We decided for this topic, because more and more Africans resettle from villages to cities and this predicts a lot of radical changes of the continent in the future. We want to capture this process.” adds Gualdo.

4th Photoafrica participants represent newcomers as well as experienced photographers, in some cases participants or even winners (Mimi Cherono or Adolphus Opara) from previous editions. The winning photograph from last year “Portrait of the artist as a young woman” of Mimi Cherone was selected as the official visual of this year African Film Festival of Tarifa.

The most entries (23) came this year from South Africa and 16 of them made into the finale. Surprisingly the average age of South African finalists is between 20-30 years and some of them have started to make photographs already in their teen years.

From Tarifa 4th Photoafrica exhibition will be travelling through Spanish and African cities till the end of the year.

There have been 215 photographs from 120 photographers exhibited within Photoafrica since it has started in 2008.

25 photographers competing at 4th Photoafrica:
● Abdelmohcine Nakari, Morroco
● Aboubacar Traore, Mali
● Adolphus Opara, Nigeria
● Djibril Drame, Senegal
● Georges Senga, RDC
● James Muriuki, Kenya
● Hlompho Letsielo, Lesotho
● Resta Nyamwanza, Zimbabwe
● Mário Macilau, Mozambique
● Marwen Trabelsi, Tunis
● Mimi Cherono Ng'ok, Kenya
● Noncedo Charmaine Mathibela, South Africa
● Roanne Sutcliffe, South Africa
● Anthony Purnell, South Africa
● Bianca Kerstein Vinay, South Africa
● Cendyl Charlton, South Africa
● Chandre Busschau, South Africa
● Costas Christodoulou, South Africa
● David Kutlwano Moagi, South Africa
● Davina Gokool, South Africa
● Hayden Brawn, South Africa
● Ihsaan Haffejee, South Africa
● Jessica MacLeod, South Africa
● Kristi Bailey, South Africa
● Mack Magagane, South Africa


About FCAT
African film festival of Tarifa (FCAT – Festival de Cine Africano de Tarifa) is an independent and competitive film festival and one of the biggest African film festivals in Europe. The FCAT celebrates its eighth edition from 11th to 19th June in Andalusian town Tarifa - the closest town of continental Europe to the African continent - the two continents are in fact only 14 km apart from one another in this geographical area.
This year FCAT will screen up over hundred African films and it will bring together some of the most distinguished African filmmakers. Its aim is to spread knowledge about African film production by exhibiting a representative wide variety of audiovisual African works every year: from the classics to more innovative and recent films, from documentaries to feature length fiction films, from South Africa to Morocco and from Senegal to Ethiopia. More on www.fcat.es


Contact:
Filip Hruby
International Press Officer
African Film Festival of Tarifa (FCAT)
Mobile: +420/775 011 550
Skype: filip.hruby2409
gabineteprensa2@fcat.es
www.fcat.es

Thank God she is black and beautiful

If your sweetheart is naturally black and beautiful,
Black and beautiful like Yonta
Yonta the naive
Yonta the suave
Yonta the brave
Please give thanks to the Almighty God who made her so.

She is hot chocolate and good for the heart.

Tell her not to bleach, tone or skin wash her natural endowment given to her by our maker and owner of our life.

I love my own black and beautiful woman.

I thank God for the black woman after my heart.

Photo Credit: From the film THE BLUE EYES OF YONTA /UDJU AZUL DI YONTA by Flora Gomes, Guinea-Bissau, 1992; 90m



Yonta is a beautiful young woman growing up in the city of Bissau a generation after her nation has gained independence. She develops a secret crush on Vicente, a good friend of her parents and a hero of their country's struggle. Meanwhile, Yonta herself has a secret admirer, a shy young man name Zé who sends her love letters copied from a Scandinavian book (hence, her "beautiful blue eyes"). Gomes' film is a lovely, delicate work about youthful illusions--both personal and national--that powerfully demonstrates the director's talent for eliciting wonderfully nuanced performances from his actors.

Boko Haram threatens Security in Nigeria

PRESS RELEASE

Security In The Country/Boko Haram Sect

As mark of commitment and responsibility to our statutory duties, I find it very expedient to address the Press for the purpose of acquainting you and the nation at large with the recent happenings in Bauchi and Borno States

The Inspector-General of Police Hafiz Abubakar Ringim, NPM, mni wishes to inform the general public that the Police are fully aware of the current threat to security in some parts of the country.

The Police in collaboration with other security agencies are working tirelessly to restore peace and order in the affected areas and the IGP has vowed to bring to book the Islamic sect called Boko Haram and any other group of persons who are behind the current spate of bomb blasts in the country. Considering the previous activities of Boko Haram sect in the country, the sect is responsible for almost daily killings in remote northeastern Nigeria and is thought to be behind a bombing on Thursday 19/05/2011 that injured policemen and soldiers. The explosion followed an attack on a police station late on Wednesday by suspected members of Boko Haram, a group behind frequent attacks in the northeastern states of Borno and Bauchi.

On the 7th of September, 2010 at about 1845hrs during the Magrib prayer, (evening prayer) a group of about 200 suspected Boko Haram fanatics armed themselves with General Purpose Machine Guns and Locally made Bombs attacked Bauchi Federal Prisons and consequently set free 721 inmates. Among the forcefully released inmates were 105 members of Boko Haram sect who were previously remanded in the prison custody. 4 persons were reportedly killed during the incident, among them were, 1 Soldier, 1 Policeman and 2 civilians, while 4 persons were reportedly injured.

During this attack, the administrative Block, the Armoury and a van were set ablaze; the fire was later put-off by combined efforts of Fire Service and the Police. 171 empty shells and live ammunition of General Purpose Machine Gun were recovered at the scene. Also recovered are two provocative handbills where names of some clerics are written such as: Bishop A.T Moses, Mallam Abubakar and Pastor Sunday Peters among many others. Our investigation has revealed that most of the names and addresses are the people considered as critics and enemies.

Consequent upon this incident, Police has risen to the occasion and re-arrested 35 inmates. Also information has it that, some inmates have started returning to the prison on their own volition. We understand that lack of cooperation from the residents has hindered thorough operation in that area. According to the force spokesman in Borno, Boko Haram had killed 50 officers since its uprising.

Our investigation revealed that Boko Haram is linked with al-Qaeda and on 2 October 2010, an ‘Eid Address’ – also dated 2 October 2010 – from Sheikh Muhammed Abu Bakr bin Muhammed ash-Shakwa, named as the ‘Emir of the Sunni Group for the Islamic Call and Jihad in Some African Lands Known as Nigeria’ [aka the BokuHaram] was released onto jihadist forums. In it, ash-Shakwa makes a lengthy and very robust appeal for Muslims in Nigeria to wage jihad to defend Islam from its ‘enemies’. He says that the group is fully committed to carrying out the ‘programme of the Prophet’ and establishing Sharia law.

He also pays tribute to al-Qaeda, its regional affiliates and respective leaders in Iraq, Yemen and North Africa, as well as the Mujahidin Youth Movement [aka the Shabab] in Somalia, and ‘the mujahidin in Pakistan, Chechnya and Kashmir’. Ash-Shakwa’s address was released in a PDF format by al-Fajr Media and is sourced to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb’s (AQIM) media division, al-Andalus. It appears to be genuine. This is significant as in February 2010, an address from the head of AQIM, Abu Mus’ab Abdal-Wadoud, entitled ‘The Genocide of Muslims in Nigeria – A New Episode in the Ongoing Crusader War’ was released onto jihadist forums in which he offered to train and arm Nigerian Muslims to conduct attacks against Christians in Nigeria. Following the release of ash-Shakwa’s Eid address, several members on jihadist forums referred to the group as ‘al-Qaeda in Nigeria’.

On 24 April, 2011 the radical sect, Boko Haram, vowed to continue fighting until the Nigerian Constitution is set aside and Islamic government is established across the country.

However, the security agencies are in the process of identifying and arresting the perpetrators behind this mindless threats and mischief across the country and all persons are advised to be law abiding. The Boko Haram sect and its members are under surveillance and they will all be arrested and prosecuted in due course. Nigerians should discountenance their threats and go about their lawful duties”.

Signed
DCP OLUSOLA E. AMORE
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA



Links on Boko Haram in Nigeria:

About the Boko Haram Sect

Boko Haram: Who are they?

Human Rights Groups Condemn Recent Attacks in Darfur

Human Rights Groups Condemn Recent Attacks and Humanitarian Aid Restrictions in Darfur


Washington, D.C. – Sudan Now, a group of human rights and anti-genocide organizations, today called on the Obama Administration to condemn the Government of Sudan for conducting air strikes against civilians in Darfur and preventing humanitarian assistance from accessing the affected sites. The administration should demand that access for humanitarian groups and peacekeepers be restored immediately, the Sudan coalition said.

The air attacks were the second in three days conducted by the Government of Sudan and were followed by the denial of access for humanitarian groups and peacekeepers for nearly all of South Darfur, including two of the largest displacement camps in the world.

“The U.S. government has offered a roadmap to normalization of relations with Khartoum, with the hope that these incentives could lead to a peaceful transition to independence of South Sudan as well as progress toward peace in Darfur. The latest egregious acts of bombing civilians and denying UN access should give immediate pause to offers of normalization. President Obama should make it clear to the Sudanese government that while the United States is willing to offer a way forward, there are certain acts that are unacceptable under any circumstances.” stated Mark Hanis, President and Co-Founder of Genocide Intervention Network / Save Darfur Coalition.

“Restrictions on humanitarian access are immoral and totally unacceptable,” said Ruth Messinger, President of American Jewish World Service. “The path towards peace is undermined when violence continues to be perpetrated and vital supplies and service are not permitted to reach those who rely on them for survival. I expect the United States Government and the international community to stand firm and send a strong message that these behaviors must end.”

“Although we repeatedly hear about how the Sudanese government is increasing access for peacekeepers and humanitarians in Darfur, invariably they revert to bombing civilians and cutting off access to aid,” said Enough Executive Director John Bradshaw. “Unless the international community imposes a clear cost for this egregious behavior, it will keep recurring.”

####

Sudan Now is a campaign led by a group of anti-genocide and human rights advocacy organizations committed to bringing meaningful and lasting peace to Sudan and encouraging strong American leadership and action to achieve this goal. The campaign challenges President Obama and top U.S. administration officials to live up to their promises to take strong and immediate action to help end the international crisis in Sudan and bring a lasting peace to Sudan’s people. Organizations participating in the campaign include Humanity United, the Enough Project at the Center for American Progress, Genocide Intervention Network, American Jewish World Service, Stop Genocide Now, and Investors Against Genocide.

Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time

Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time

20 May 2011

20:37

25 African Photographers compete in Spain for Photoafrica awards

14:39 2nd AFRICA-INDIA FORUM SUMMIT / Shared Vision at the Center of Second Africa- India Forum Summit

14:31 UN Secretary-General Appoints Margaret Vogt of Nigeria as his Special Representative to the Central African Republic and Head of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office

14:20 Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief

19 May 2011

17:40 List of accredited media and organizations for the African Development Bank Pre-Annual Meetings Virtual Press Conference held on Thursday, 19 May from 3 – 4 p.m. in Tunis.

16:39 U.S. Engagement and Recent Visits to Sudan

18 May 2011

20:52 Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief

20:14 Special Sudan Briefing with Special Envoy to Sudan Princeton Lyman and USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah

17 May 2011

21:20 Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief

17:56 Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief

17:44 UNAMID Chief deeply troubled over recent air strikes in South Darfur

16 May 2011

16:32 Ms. Aïchatou Mindaoudou Souleymane of Niger appointed as the Deputy Joint Special Representative (Political) in the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID)

The Muslim Woman Who Saw Jesus!

The Muslim Woman Who Saw Jesus!

Millions of people are still perishing in ignorance of the Truth of Jesus Christ, because of their unbelief and being misled by false doctrine and false religion. That is why I have to remind them of the awesome testimony of Gulshan Esther, a Muslim girl, imprisoned by her religion and severe disability, but was healed and set free by Jesus Christ HIMSELF!



You should also read the book of her unforgettable testimony The Torn Veil: The Best-Selling Story of Gulshan Esther



A true story of freedom and miraculous healing as a Muslim girl finds faith in Christ

When Gulshan Esther, a devout Muslim girl, was six months old, typhoid left her a cripple. Her loving father took her from Pakistan to England to find a cure, but the only hope the British specialist could offer was prayer. Gulshan and her father made pilgrimage to Mecca and begged Allah for healing, but it was not until her father’s untimely death that Gulshan began to receive an answer. In her grief she wanted to die, but as she called out to God, for the first time in her life she sensed she was being heard. She heard a low, gentle voice say, "I won’t let you die. I will keep you aliveÖI am Jesus, son of Mary."

As Gulshan began reading the Quran, her interest in Jesus grew, until one amazing night he appeared to her in her bedroom in a blaze of light. He restored her crippled arm and leg and taught her The Lord’s Prayer. He told her to go to his people—now her people—and tell them what he had done. Since that time, and to this day, she has been a joyous, obedient disciple of Christ. The Torn Veil is an amazing story of faith and determination.

This moving autobiography was first published in 1984 and has sold over 200,000 copies worldwide.

Click on the Amazon image of the book cover below to order for this book of the extraordinary testimony of this Muslim woman who saw Jesus our Lord!