28 May 2009 16:34 Africa/Lagos
Top Talk Show Host Is Murder Target
NEW YORK, May 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rusty Humphries, the host of the nationally syndicated "The Rusty Humphries Show" on Talk Radio Network, has been threatened with murder by online Islamists linked with pro-al Qaeda groups, reports Aaron Klein of WorldNetDaily.com
At a Google-hosted blog entitled "The Jew Report," an online commentator who calls himself "Musab" posted a picture of Humphries, along with a caption labeling him a "Fat descusting [sic] pig." The posting continues: "The Brothers in Florida have been getting harassed none [sic] stop because of him many of his kind are in the police and listen to what he says this Fat animal is attacking muslim women on the streets down there and the muslims have had enough. His Radio show was the cause of Mosques getting raided by police and FBI and he booasts [sic] about it on his Radio show. The Shaabab and muslim Leaders have said enough is enough he has to go and they dont [sic] mean move. Their [sic] is no muslims where he,s from in Windermere Florida but that doesnt [sic] stop him from driving to Orlando where there [sic] is [sic] many muslims Inshallah we will see his Fat rottan [sic] torso dumped in the side of the road or in some Florida swomp [sic]."
Humphries' reporting and outspoken opposition with regard to Islamist terrorism, which has included face-to-face meetings with members of Palestinian terrorist groups as well as pro-terrorist Muslims in the United Kingdom, resulted in at least two previous fatwas against him. "These threats only prove me right," said Humphries. "The terrorist response to anyone who points out their violent and hypocritical ways is just to threaten more violence and destruction."
Humphries reported the "Jew Report" death threat to local and federal law enforcement officials, who are investigating. While the fatwa does not specify which high-ranking Muslim leaders have approved Humphries' assassination, the Shaabab is a youth group that provides fighters to Islamic terrorists groups across the globe.
According to Aaron Klein of WorldNetDaily.com, "Musab" is connected with terrorist-backing CEO of RevolutionMuslim.com Yousef Al-Khattab, who stated that he "might" know who is the author of the fatwa. "Musab" is reportedly based in Dublin, Ireland, where he also hosts Thabaat.net, a website dedicated to the views of the Irish Ansar Al-Mujahideen, an Islamist group connected with al-Qaeda.
CONTACT: M. Sliwa Public Relations, +1-973-272-2861, +1-212-202-4453, media@msliwa.com
Source: WorldNetDaily.com
CONTACT: M. Sliwa Public Relations, +1-973-272-2861, +1-212-202-4453,
media@msliwa.com
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Barack Obama Defends the Appointment of Judge Sonia Sotomayor
I support President Barack Obama's nomination of Sonia Sotomayor for appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court to replace retiring Justice David Souter.
Judge Sonia Sotomayor
President Obama has given good reasons for his decision to nominate Sonia Sotomayor.
Judge Sonia Sotomayor
President Obama has given good reasons for his decision to nominate Sonia Sotomayor.
Read the following message from President Brack Obama.
Michael Chima --
I am proud to announce my nominee for the next Justice of the United States Supreme Court: Judge Sonia Sotomayor.
This decision affects us all -- and so it must involve us all. I've recorded a special message to personally introduce Judge Sotomayor and explain why I'm so confident she will make an excellent Justice.
Please watch the video, and then pass this note on to friends and family to include them in this historic moment.
Judge Sotomayor has lived the America Dream. Born and raised in a
Judge Sotomayor has gone on to earn bipartisan acclaim as one of
A nomination for a lifetime appointment to the highest court in the land is one of the most important decisions a President can make. And the discussions that follow will be among the most important we have as a nation. You can begin the conversation today by watching this special message and then passing it on:
http://my.barackobama.com/SupremeCourt
Thank you,
President Barack Obama
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
USA TODAY Remains Most Widely Read Print Newspaper in the United States
19 May 2009 15:43 Africa/Lagos
USA TODAY Remains Most Widely Read Print Newspaper in the United States
MCLEAN, Va., May 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- USA TODAY remains the most widely read newspaper in the United States according to the Spring 2009 Mediamark Research Inc. (MRI) report released today. USA TODAY reaches more than 3.7 million print readers daily, an increase of 3.4% since MRI's Spring 2008 study, up 2.9% since Fall 2008.
USATODAY.com also saw substantial growth, with a 20.5% increase in daily audience since the Spring 2008 study, up 11.4% since the Fall 2008 release. The daily network audience number, comprising USA TODAY print readers and visitors to USATODAY.com, is nearly 5.8 million adults.
"USA TODAY is proud to remain the most widely read print newspaper in the country," said David Hunke, president and publisher of USA TODAY. "The most recent numbers from MRI show that more people are choosing to read USA TODAY than any other newspaper in the country, with 414,000 more print readers per day than our nearest competitor The Wall Street Journal, and 817,000 more print readers than The New York Times."
USA TODAY was founded in 1982 with a mission to serve as a forum for better understanding and unity to help make the USA truly one nation. Through its flagship newspaper and popular Web site, USA TODAY engages the national conversation and connects readers online through social media applications. USA TODAY, the nation's top-selling newspaper with a total average daily circulation of more than 2.1 million, and USATODAY.com, an award-winning newspaper Web site which launched in 1995, reach a combined 5.8 million readers daily. The USA TODAY news and information brand also includes: USA TODAY Education, USA TODAY LIVE, USA TODAY Mobile, Open Air magazine and USA TODAY Sports Weekly. USA TODAY is owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI) .
Source: USA TODAY
CONTACT: Alexandra Nicholson, Manager/Communications of USA TODAY,
+1-703-854-5872 or anicholson@usatoday.com
Web Site: USA TODAY
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USA TODAY Remains Most Widely Read Print Newspaper in the United States
MCLEAN, Va., May 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- USA TODAY remains the most widely read newspaper in the United States according to the Spring 2009 Mediamark Research Inc. (MRI) report released today. USA TODAY reaches more than 3.7 million print readers daily, an increase of 3.4% since MRI's Spring 2008 study, up 2.9% since Fall 2008.
USATODAY.com also saw substantial growth, with a 20.5% increase in daily audience since the Spring 2008 study, up 11.4% since the Fall 2008 release. The daily network audience number, comprising USA TODAY print readers and visitors to USATODAY.com, is nearly 5.8 million adults.
"USA TODAY is proud to remain the most widely read print newspaper in the country," said David Hunke, president and publisher of USA TODAY. "The most recent numbers from MRI show that more people are choosing to read USA TODAY than any other newspaper in the country, with 414,000 more print readers per day than our nearest competitor The Wall Street Journal, and 817,000 more print readers than The New York Times."
USA TODAY was founded in 1982 with a mission to serve as a forum for better understanding and unity to help make the USA truly one nation. Through its flagship newspaper and popular Web site, USA TODAY engages the national conversation and connects readers online through social media applications. USA TODAY, the nation's top-selling newspaper with a total average daily circulation of more than 2.1 million, and USATODAY.com, an award-winning newspaper Web site which launched in 1995, reach a combined 5.8 million readers daily. The USA TODAY news and information brand also includes: USA TODAY Education, USA TODAY LIVE, USA TODAY Mobile, Open Air magazine and USA TODAY Sports Weekly. USA TODAY is owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI) .
Source: USA TODAY
CONTACT: Alexandra Nicholson, Manager/Communications of USA TODAY,
+1-703-854-5872 or anicholson@usatoday.com
Web Site: USA TODAY
Hot Topics
Scientists Announce Discovery of 47 Mln-Year-Old Fossil
USA TODAY Remains Most Widely Read Print Newspaper in the United States
Mortgage Rates Fall to 5.00% for Many States, Nation
U.S. Rental Expectations For Commercial Property Sector Still In Decline According to Survey
PR Newswire Offers Profiles of Companies and Organizations Sponsoring the Sustainable Brands 09 Conference, Monterey, May 31 - June 4, 2009
Quarterly Earnings Reports
Swine Flu Outbreak
Memorial Day
'American Idol,' 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Ailing Bank List
18 May 2009 12:00 Africa/Lagos
Ailing Bank List
DALLAS, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Regulatory actions against U.S. financial institutions increased during the latest quarter. Many of the banks that faced actions also face possible failure.
During the first quarter, 180 regulatory actions taken against financial institutions and mortgage lenders were tracked by MortgageDaily.com -- a dominant source of online news and statistics for the mortgage industry. The number of actions was up from a revised 164 during the fourth-quarter 2008.
Regulatory Actions by Quarter
Q1 2009 Q4 2008 Q3 2008
(revised) (revised)
180 164 115
First-quarter cease-and-desist orders numbered 65, up from the prior period's 58. Institutions that are seized by bank regulators often face cease-and-desist orders prior to their closing.
Formal agreements were reached with 46 institutions, climbing from the fourth quarter's 34, while 33 civil money penalties were issued in the first quarter, falling from 38. Regulators issued 19 removal-and-prohibition orders, lower than 25 in the second quarter.
Type of Order Q1 2009 Q4 2008
(revised)
Cease-and-Desist 65 58
Civil Money Penalty 33 38
Formal Agreement 46 34
Removal-and-Prohibition 19 25
Institutions that faced first-quarter regulatory actions and subsequently failed include Alliance Bank, America West Bank, Cape Fear Bank, Corn Belt Bank and Trust Co., First Bank of Beverly Hills, Firstcity Bancorp Inc., New Frontier Bank, Security Savings Bank, Sherman County Bank and Silverton Bank, N.A.
The majority of reported actions, 102, were taken by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Activity rose from 101 actions in the prior period.
First-quarter regulatory actions taken by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency edged up to 38 up from the fourth-quarter's 36.
Over at the Federal Reserve, 32 orders were reported, climbing from 23.
Regulator Q1 2009 Q4 2008
(revised)
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 102 101
Federal Reserve Board 32 23
National Credit Union Administration 5 0
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency 38 36
Office of Thrift Supervision 0 0
Complete Q1 Regulatory report and full list of companies
http://www.mortgagedaily.com/RegulatoryQ1Report051809.asp?spcode=pr
Mortgage Compliance news
http://www.mortgagedaily.com/compliance.asp?spcode=pr
Mortgage Litigation news
http://www.mortgagedaily.com/legal.asp?spcode=pr
About MortgageDaily.com
Founded in 1998, http://www.mortgagedaily.com/ provides online mortgage news and analysis for the mortgage industry. Around 1 million news pages are viewed monthly at MortgageDaily.com and its affiliate publications.
CONTACT:
Sam Garcia
mtgsam@aol.com
214.521.1300
3811-700 Turtle Creek Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75219
Source: MortgageDaily.com
CONTACT: Sam Garcia of MortgageDaily.com, +1-214-521-1300,
mtgsam@aol.com
Ailing Bank List
DALLAS, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Regulatory actions against U.S. financial institutions increased during the latest quarter. Many of the banks that faced actions also face possible failure.
During the first quarter, 180 regulatory actions taken against financial institutions and mortgage lenders were tracked by MortgageDaily.com -- a dominant source of online news and statistics for the mortgage industry. The number of actions was up from a revised 164 during the fourth-quarter 2008.
Regulatory Actions by Quarter
Q1 2009 Q4 2008 Q3 2008
(revised) (revised)
180 164 115
First-quarter cease-and-desist orders numbered 65, up from the prior period's 58. Institutions that are seized by bank regulators often face cease-and-desist orders prior to their closing.
Formal agreements were reached with 46 institutions, climbing from the fourth quarter's 34, while 33 civil money penalties were issued in the first quarter, falling from 38. Regulators issued 19 removal-and-prohibition orders, lower than 25 in the second quarter.
Type of Order Q1 2009 Q4 2008
(revised)
Cease-and-Desist 65 58
Civil Money Penalty 33 38
Formal Agreement 46 34
Removal-and-Prohibition 19 25
Institutions that faced first-quarter regulatory actions and subsequently failed include Alliance Bank, America West Bank, Cape Fear Bank, Corn Belt Bank and Trust Co., First Bank of Beverly Hills, Firstcity Bancorp Inc., New Frontier Bank, Security Savings Bank, Sherman County Bank and Silverton Bank, N.A.
The majority of reported actions, 102, were taken by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Activity rose from 101 actions in the prior period.
First-quarter regulatory actions taken by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency edged up to 38 up from the fourth-quarter's 36.
Over at the Federal Reserve, 32 orders were reported, climbing from 23.
Regulator Q1 2009 Q4 2008
(revised)
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 102 101
Federal Reserve Board 32 23
National Credit Union Administration 5 0
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency 38 36
Office of Thrift Supervision 0 0
Complete Q1 Regulatory report and full list of companies
http://www.mortgagedaily.com/RegulatoryQ1Report051809.asp?spcode=pr
Mortgage Compliance news
http://www.mortgagedaily.com/compliance.asp?spcode=pr
Mortgage Litigation news
http://www.mortgagedaily.com/legal.asp?spcode=pr
About MortgageDaily.com
Founded in 1998, http://www.mortgagedaily.com/ provides online mortgage news and analysis for the mortgage industry. Around 1 million news pages are viewed monthly at MortgageDaily.com and its affiliate publications.
CONTACT:
Sam Garcia
mtgsam@aol.com
214.521.1300
3811-700 Turtle Creek Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75219
Source: MortgageDaily.com
CONTACT: Sam Garcia of MortgageDaily.com, +1-214-521-1300,
mtgsam@aol.com
Friday, May 15, 2009
comScore Media Metrix Ranks Top 50 U.S. Web Properties for April 2009
14 May 2009 20:19 Africa/Lagos
comScore Media Metrix Ranks Top 50 U.S. Web Properties for April 2009
Swine Flu Concerns Cause Surge in Visitation to CDC.gov
Social Networking Category Has Record Month Led by Gains at Twitter and Facebook
RESTON, Va., May 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR) , a leader in measuring the digital world, today released its monthly analysis of U.S. consumer activity at the top online properties for April 2009 based on data from the comScore Media Metrix service. April saw Americans turn to the Web for the latest information related to the swine flu, causing traffic to soar at CDC.gov. The month also saw visitation to social networking sites reach record numbers, driven by growth at Twitter.com and Facebook.com, as well as an increase in visitation to real estate and home-related sites as the spring season prompted many Americans to consider home improvements. The tax category also experienced strong growth as procrastinating Americans tried to beat the April 15 deadline.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080115/COMSCORELOGO)
"When news of the swine flu pandemic erupted, many Americans turned to the Internet as their primary source of information for how to keep themselves and their families safe," commented Jack Flanagan, executive vice president of comScore Media Metrix. "April also saw a record number of visitors at social networking sites with Facebook and Twitter each adding millions of new users as a result of continued media attention and overall interest in the sites."
Swine Flu Drives Americans Online in Search of Information
News of the swine flu outbreak prompted many concerned Americans to jump online in search of information about prevention, detection and treatment of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's site, CDC.gov, witnessed a 142-percent increase to 5.7 million visitors, making it the top-gaining property in April.
Social Networking Reports Record Visitation
The social networking category experienced a record month, growing 12 percent to nearly 140 million visitors, or nearly three-quarters of the U.S. online population. MySpace Sites led the category with 71 million visitors, followed by Facebook.com with 67.5 million visitors, an increase of 10 percent from the previous month. Twitter.com, now the third ranked social networking site, experienced another explosive month of visitor growth, jumping 83 percent to 17 million visitors.
Americans' Homes Top of Mind in April
Many Americans sought information related to their homes in April with the Real Estate category reporting a 10-percent increase to 48.4 million visitors and the Community - Home category gaining 10 percent to nearly 30 million visitors. Move Network led as the most visited real estate site attracting 13.2 million visitors (up 88 percent vs. March), followed by Yahoo! Real Estate with 6.8 million visitors (up 11 percent) and AOL Real Estate with 3.6 million visitors (up 15 percent).
The start of spring led many Americans to consider home repairs and remodeling, driving traffic to the Community - Home category. About.com Home & Garden led the category with nearly 4 million visitors (up 16 percent), followed by AOL Home with 3.8 million visitors (up 29 percent) and Better Homes & Gardens Network with 3.8 million visitors (up 13 percent).
Top 50 Properties
Google Sites continued to lead as the most visited property in April with more than 155 million visitors, followed by Yahoo! Sites with 149 million visitors and Microsoft Sites with 126.5 million visitors. Facebook.com climbed one spot in the ranking to #8 with 67.5 million visitors.
Top 50 Ad Focus Ranking
Platform-A led the April Ad Focus ranking, reaching 91 percent of the nearly 193 million Americans online. Yahoo! Network ranked second, reaching 87 percent, while Google Ad Network ranked third with an 85 percent reach. Specific Media moved up seven spots to #5 reaching 82 percent, while FOX Audience Network climbed three positions to #6 reaching 77 percent of Americans online.
Click here to see the tables of the rankings
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comScore Media Metrix Ranks Top 50 U.S. Web Properties for April 2009
Swine Flu Concerns Cause Surge in Visitation to CDC.gov
Social Networking Category Has Record Month Led by Gains at Twitter and Facebook
RESTON, Va., May 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR) , a leader in measuring the digital world, today released its monthly analysis of U.S. consumer activity at the top online properties for April 2009 based on data from the comScore Media Metrix service. April saw Americans turn to the Web for the latest information related to the swine flu, causing traffic to soar at CDC.gov. The month also saw visitation to social networking sites reach record numbers, driven by growth at Twitter.com and Facebook.com, as well as an increase in visitation to real estate and home-related sites as the spring season prompted many Americans to consider home improvements. The tax category also experienced strong growth as procrastinating Americans tried to beat the April 15 deadline.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080115/COMSCORELOGO)
"When news of the swine flu pandemic erupted, many Americans turned to the Internet as their primary source of information for how to keep themselves and their families safe," commented Jack Flanagan, executive vice president of comScore Media Metrix. "April also saw a record number of visitors at social networking sites with Facebook and Twitter each adding millions of new users as a result of continued media attention and overall interest in the sites."
Swine Flu Drives Americans Online in Search of Information
News of the swine flu outbreak prompted many concerned Americans to jump online in search of information about prevention, detection and treatment of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's site, CDC.gov, witnessed a 142-percent increase to 5.7 million visitors, making it the top-gaining property in April.
Social Networking Reports Record Visitation
The social networking category experienced a record month, growing 12 percent to nearly 140 million visitors, or nearly three-quarters of the U.S. online population. MySpace Sites led the category with 71 million visitors, followed by Facebook.com with 67.5 million visitors, an increase of 10 percent from the previous month. Twitter.com, now the third ranked social networking site, experienced another explosive month of visitor growth, jumping 83 percent to 17 million visitors.
Americans' Homes Top of Mind in April
Many Americans sought information related to their homes in April with the Real Estate category reporting a 10-percent increase to 48.4 million visitors and the Community - Home category gaining 10 percent to nearly 30 million visitors. Move Network led as the most visited real estate site attracting 13.2 million visitors (up 88 percent vs. March), followed by Yahoo! Real Estate with 6.8 million visitors (up 11 percent) and AOL Real Estate with 3.6 million visitors (up 15 percent).
The start of spring led many Americans to consider home repairs and remodeling, driving traffic to the Community - Home category. About.com Home & Garden led the category with nearly 4 million visitors (up 16 percent), followed by AOL Home with 3.8 million visitors (up 29 percent) and Better Homes & Gardens Network with 3.8 million visitors (up 13 percent).
Top 50 Properties
Google Sites continued to lead as the most visited property in April with more than 155 million visitors, followed by Yahoo! Sites with 149 million visitors and Microsoft Sites with 126.5 million visitors. Facebook.com climbed one spot in the ranking to #8 with 67.5 million visitors.
Top 50 Ad Focus Ranking
Platform-A led the April Ad Focus ranking, reaching 91 percent of the nearly 193 million Americans online. Yahoo! Network ranked second, reaching 87 percent, while Google Ad Network ranked third with an 85 percent reach. Specific Media moved up seven spots to #5 reaching 82 percent, while FOX Audience Network climbed three positions to #6 reaching 77 percent of Americans online.
Click here to see the tables of the rankings
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Monday, May 11, 2009
President Obama Outlines His Plan for Missile Defense
President Barack Obama
9 May 2009 02:51 Africa/Lagos
President Obama Outlines His Plan for Missile Defense
ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Riki Ellison, Chairman and Founder of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA) www.missiledefenseadvocacy.org informed the members of MDAA about the Fiscal Year 2010 budget request for missile defense today. In his alert Ellison reviewed the requests, the impacts and then closed his remarks with two critical questions for our nation about the new direction of our missile defense program. His comments are as follows:
"President Barack Obama released the federal budget for 2010 yesterday in Washington D.C., and this was his first major budget release of his Administration setting the precedent for his Presidency. Inside of his $3.4 trillion budget was the Department of Defense's Budget request of $534 billion and the Missile Defense Budget request for $7.8 billion. The Department of Defense budget was increased by $21 billion, a 4% increase from last year while funding going to the Missile Defense Agency budget was decreased by $1.2 billion, a 13% decrease."
"This Administration has reshaped, restructured and redirected missile defense as they make it their own and take full ownership from the former President George W. Bush and the four previous Presidents that have contributed Department of Defense dollars towards missile defense. With an overall $8.2 billion spent on Missile Defense including Army Patriot Missile Defense systems at $400 million for 2010, missile defense still remains a core mission of the Department of Defense and President Barack Obama's Administration."
"The Obama Administration's direction for missile defense focuses on:
- Increasing capability against short and medium range ballistic missiles in regions against rogue nations to protect our forward based armed forces and allies through deploying more THAAD, SM3 missiles and AEGIS BMD Ships as well as developing land based SM3 missile defense systems.
- Developing assent and upper boost phase missile defense capabilities through SM3/ AEGIS development, enhanced THAAD capability, and deploying a Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) constellation.
- Revamping the testing program with an aggressive amount of significant intercept tests, an estimated 37 or so by 2015.
- Holding in place the development of the European Midcourse Radar in the Czech Republic and the 10 Ground based missiles in Poland until 2011 and ratification comes forward by the Czech Republic and Poland on the agreements with the United States.
- Reducing and enhancing the long range ballistic missile protection of the United States homeland to 30 Ground Based Interceptors in Alaska and California from a projected 50 (40 in US and 10 in Poland)."
"After review of the statements made and examination of the budget, there are two questions regarding this new administration's direction and pragmatic approach for the protection of the American people from ballistic missiles.
1. With the increase of ballistic missile and nuclear proliferation from rogue nations since the beginning of this year highlighted by Iran's satellite launch on February 3; Failure of Diplomacy and international sanctions including UN security resolutions to prevent North Korea from launching a long range missile or space vehicle; North Korea's successful 3 staging of a long range missile on April 5; and North Korea's opening up of their nuclear program and Iran's continual uranium enrichment programs - why is the United States not increasing its missile defense resources?
2. As of less than 6 months ago, the United States Department of Defense through the Missile Defense Agency and the Strategic Combat Command had determined that 50 ground based interceptors were required to defend the territory and the homeland of the United States of America from a simultaneous attack of around two dozen or so projected long range ballistic missiles from North Korea and Iran. What has changed in the threat development and proliferation of ballistic missile capability of either North Korea and Iran in the last 6 months to warrant a 40% decrease to 30 ground based interceptors to protect the American Public and their nation?"
"Missile defense is about our nation and the fundamental core protecting our homeland from current and future threats and should always be a high priority . To sacrifice or reduce the long range missile protection of our nation for short and medium range missile defense capabilities should not be the choice; all should be supported."
"It is of strong merit that international leadership for missile defense is and continues to be led by our nation. The threat continues to grow and we cannot afford to be the only country with capabilities to ensure protection, deterrence and dissuasion against rogue nations. The United States is working with 17 nations in the international community and NATO on missile defense as well as developing missile defense systems with more than 6 countries, thus missile defense resources must be able to continue to support these efforts for global protection. A global problem requires a global solution."
"President Barack Obama and his Administration need to have other options than the United Nations, diplomacy, and use of military force, for if not, he will face a world of new nuclear powers that will be driven by lack of missile defense and U.S. deterrence to become nuclear. This is too important for our nation and our world to not allocate the full resources from the U.S. government.
Riki Ellison is available for on-the-record interviews. Call Mike Terrill at 602 885-1955.
Source: Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance
CONTACT: Mike Terrill, +1-602-885-1955, Missile Defense Advocacy
Alliance
Web Site: http://www.missiledefenseadvocacy.org/
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Dr. Alan Keyes Released From Jail After Witnessing Against Abortion; Plans to Return; Releases Video Calling for Others to Join Him in the Upcoming Week
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President Obama Urged to Issue 'Dijon-Gate Pardons'
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An Open Letter to President Obama From the Cayman Islands Financial Services Association
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Monday, May 4, 2009
Energy Independence Not Attainable Until 2030 or Beyond, Says KPMG Survey of Oil and Gas Executives
4 May 2009 13:51 Africa/Lagos
Energy Independence Not Attainable Until 2030 or Beyond, Says KPMG Survey of Oil and Gas Executives
Execs say mass production of alternative energy not possible by 2015; Over half now believe in global warming, but still don't support cap-and-trade or carbon tax
HOUSTON, May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- More than three-quarters of oil and gas executives surveyed by KPMG LLP's Global Energy Institute say that energy independence is not attainable until 2030 or beyond, despite the emphasis on alternative energy sources in current and proposed government energy policies. The executives also said mass production of alternative energy is not viable in the short term. While there is a marked shift upward in the number of executives who acknowledge that global warming is occurring, the vast majority still don't support proposed regulations to stem CO2 emissions.
The KPMG Global Energy Institute survey polled 382 financial executives from oil and gas companies in April 2009. A total of 63 percent of respondents believe energy independence will not be attainable until after 2030; sixteen percent say it can happen by 2030, while nine percent deem it possible before 2020.
"Despite the increased focus on domestic energy sources, energy infrastructure, and alternative energy sources, a realistic assessment of technology and investment in the industry suggests energy independence is not realistic for at least two decades," said Bill Kimble, executive director of the KPMG Global Energy Institute. "The executives' perceptions of energy independence mirror their views on the viability of alternatives in the near-term as well."
Executives expect alternative and renewable energy sources to receive the most focus in President Obama's energy policy, the KPMG survey found. However, 52 percent said it will not be viable to mass produce any alternative energy sources by 2015, compared to 54 percent last year and 60 percent two years ago.
Winners and Losers in the New Energy Policy
Although executives did not think alternative energy sources were immediately viable, they did have clear opinions on which ones would benefit most from the Obama administration's energy policy. Thirty-five percent of respondents said that wind energy would be the biggest winner as a result of Obama's policy, followed by 18 percent for natural gas and 17 percent for biofuels. Conversely, 42 percent of executives see coal as the biggest loser while 36 percent say oil.
"These results clearly show the momentum wind energy has gained as a clean energy solution," said Kimble. "But 93 percent of our respondents see wind generation growing to only six percent of our energy generation by 2015 and only 17 percent say wind energy is viable for mass production by that year."
Marked Shift: More than Half Now Acknowledge Human Impact on Global Warming
When asked which areas in the Obama administration's energy policy would receive the most focus after alternative energy, executives cited greenhouse gas emissions and cap-and-trade. And, though the EPA recently pointed to CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels as the main cause of global warming, nearly half (47 percent) of executives still believe that global warming, is a natural weather cycle, although this number is down from 62 percent in 2008.
"Our data shows a noted swing in executive perceptions on the issue of greenhouse gases and global warming," said Kimble, "but there is clear reluctance to support proposed actions and regulations to stem CO2 emissions."
In fact, when asked if they would support a cap-and-trade or carbon tax to reduce CO2 emissions, KPMG found that 59 percent do not support either, 23 percent would support carbon tax, and 18 percent would support a cap-and-trade system.
Spending and Business Challenges
When asked about capital spending and key business challenges in the coming year, KPMG found that executives have a subdued view. Sixty-five percent of those surveyed expect their company to decrease capital spending, including 47 percent who predict a drop of greater than 10 percent. Only 17 percent expect an increase over 2008 levels. These views are in stark contrast to those from KPMG's 2008 survey, when 70 percent expected an increase in capital spending and only five percent saw a decrease.
While oil prices have stabilized after extreme volatility in 2008, KPMG found that executives still rank commodity pricing the most significant challenge facing their companies in the coming year. Other key business challenges in order of significance include the economy, access to capital and regulatory concerns.
Also, 63 percent believe eliminating intangible drilling costs (IDC) will result in companies drilling outside the U.S. and unconventional wells not being drilled, a factor that may further slow the race toward energy independence
"There is no question that the economy has had an impact on U.S. energy companies, both in terms of pricing and capital," said Kimble. "However, with the current regulatory and legislative environment, oil and gas executives are also faced with the challenges of an evolving and dynamic industry pushing toward non-traditional energy sources."
KPMG will be discussing these survey results during its Seventh Annual Global Energy Conference, the event for financial executives in the energy industry on May 12th and 13th at the Intercontinental Hotel in Houston. This year's keynote speakers will be Madeleine Albright, Former United States Secretary of State, and Marvin Odum, President, Shell Oil Company.
The KPMG Global Energy Institute (GEI) has been designed to provide an open forum where industry financial officers, risk officers, internal audit directors, and tax executives can share knowledge, gain insights, and access thought leadership about key oil and gas or power and utilities issues and emerging trends. It offers ideas and innovative tools that help organizations apply rigor to compelling, real-world business and energy issues. GEI interacts with their members through a variety of channels, including Web-based videocasts, podcasts, conferences, share forums, and a web portal, www.kpmgglobalenergyinstitute.com.
About KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and advisory firm (www.us.kpmg.com), is the U.S. member firm of KPMG International. KPMG International's member firms have 137,000 professionals, including more than 7,600 partners, in 144 countries.
Contact: Manuel Goncalves
KPMG LLP
Tel: (201)307-7735
mdgoncalves@kpmg.com
Source: KPMG LLP
CONTACT: Manuel Goncalves of KPMG LLP, +1-201-307-7735,
mdgoncalves@kpmg.com
Web Site: http://www.us.kpmg.com/
en
Energy Independence Not Attainable Until 2030 or Beyond, Says KPMG Survey of Oil and Gas Executives
Execs say mass production of alternative energy not possible by 2015; Over half now believe in global warming, but still don't support cap-and-trade or carbon tax
HOUSTON, May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- More than three-quarters of oil and gas executives surveyed by KPMG LLP's Global Energy Institute say that energy independence is not attainable until 2030 or beyond, despite the emphasis on alternative energy sources in current and proposed government energy policies. The executives also said mass production of alternative energy is not viable in the short term. While there is a marked shift upward in the number of executives who acknowledge that global warming is occurring, the vast majority still don't support proposed regulations to stem CO2 emissions.
The KPMG Global Energy Institute survey polled 382 financial executives from oil and gas companies in April 2009. A total of 63 percent of respondents believe energy independence will not be attainable until after 2030; sixteen percent say it can happen by 2030, while nine percent deem it possible before 2020.
"Despite the increased focus on domestic energy sources, energy infrastructure, and alternative energy sources, a realistic assessment of technology and investment in the industry suggests energy independence is not realistic for at least two decades," said Bill Kimble, executive director of the KPMG Global Energy Institute. "The executives' perceptions of energy independence mirror their views on the viability of alternatives in the near-term as well."
Executives expect alternative and renewable energy sources to receive the most focus in President Obama's energy policy, the KPMG survey found. However, 52 percent said it will not be viable to mass produce any alternative energy sources by 2015, compared to 54 percent last year and 60 percent two years ago.
Winners and Losers in the New Energy Policy
Although executives did not think alternative energy sources were immediately viable, they did have clear opinions on which ones would benefit most from the Obama administration's energy policy. Thirty-five percent of respondents said that wind energy would be the biggest winner as a result of Obama's policy, followed by 18 percent for natural gas and 17 percent for biofuels. Conversely, 42 percent of executives see coal as the biggest loser while 36 percent say oil.
"These results clearly show the momentum wind energy has gained as a clean energy solution," said Kimble. "But 93 percent of our respondents see wind generation growing to only six percent of our energy generation by 2015 and only 17 percent say wind energy is viable for mass production by that year."
Marked Shift: More than Half Now Acknowledge Human Impact on Global Warming
When asked which areas in the Obama administration's energy policy would receive the most focus after alternative energy, executives cited greenhouse gas emissions and cap-and-trade. And, though the EPA recently pointed to CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels as the main cause of global warming, nearly half (47 percent) of executives still believe that global warming, is a natural weather cycle, although this number is down from 62 percent in 2008.
"Our data shows a noted swing in executive perceptions on the issue of greenhouse gases and global warming," said Kimble, "but there is clear reluctance to support proposed actions and regulations to stem CO2 emissions."
In fact, when asked if they would support a cap-and-trade or carbon tax to reduce CO2 emissions, KPMG found that 59 percent do not support either, 23 percent would support carbon tax, and 18 percent would support a cap-and-trade system.
Spending and Business Challenges
When asked about capital spending and key business challenges in the coming year, KPMG found that executives have a subdued view. Sixty-five percent of those surveyed expect their company to decrease capital spending, including 47 percent who predict a drop of greater than 10 percent. Only 17 percent expect an increase over 2008 levels. These views are in stark contrast to those from KPMG's 2008 survey, when 70 percent expected an increase in capital spending and only five percent saw a decrease.
While oil prices have stabilized after extreme volatility in 2008, KPMG found that executives still rank commodity pricing the most significant challenge facing their companies in the coming year. Other key business challenges in order of significance include the economy, access to capital and regulatory concerns.
Also, 63 percent believe eliminating intangible drilling costs (IDC) will result in companies drilling outside the U.S. and unconventional wells not being drilled, a factor that may further slow the race toward energy independence
"There is no question that the economy has had an impact on U.S. energy companies, both in terms of pricing and capital," said Kimble. "However, with the current regulatory and legislative environment, oil and gas executives are also faced with the challenges of an evolving and dynamic industry pushing toward non-traditional energy sources."
KPMG will be discussing these survey results during its Seventh Annual Global Energy Conference, the event for financial executives in the energy industry on May 12th and 13th at the Intercontinental Hotel in Houston. This year's keynote speakers will be Madeleine Albright, Former United States Secretary of State, and Marvin Odum, President, Shell Oil Company.
The KPMG Global Energy Institute (GEI) has been designed to provide an open forum where industry financial officers, risk officers, internal audit directors, and tax executives can share knowledge, gain insights, and access thought leadership about key oil and gas or power and utilities issues and emerging trends. It offers ideas and innovative tools that help organizations apply rigor to compelling, real-world business and energy issues. GEI interacts with their members through a variety of channels, including Web-based videocasts, podcasts, conferences, share forums, and a web portal, www.kpmgglobalenergyinstitute.com.
About KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and advisory firm (www.us.kpmg.com), is the U.S. member firm of KPMG International. KPMG International's member firms have 137,000 professionals, including more than 7,600 partners, in 144 countries.
Contact: Manuel Goncalves
KPMG LLP
Tel: (201)307-7735
mdgoncalves@kpmg.com
Source: KPMG LLP
CONTACT: Manuel Goncalves of KPMG LLP, +1-201-307-7735,
mdgoncalves@kpmg.com
Web Site: http://www.us.kpmg.com/
| Hot Topics |  |  |
en
Friday, May 1, 2009
Winners Announced for the 44th Annual National Magazine Awards
1 May 2009 15:02 Africa/Lagos
Winners Announced for the 44th Annual National Magazine Awards
NEW YORK, May 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) presented the industry's most prestigious editorial honors last night at the 44th annual National Magazine Awards. The gala, which took place April 30 in New York City, celebrated 26 winners across 20 categories. Named after the Alexander Calder stabile "Elephant," the 2009 "Ellies" drew 1,707 entries from more than 350 print and online magazines.
Celebrity presenters included NBC Late Night's Jimmy Fallon, Arrested Development's Will Arnett, Ugly Betty exec producer Silvio Horta and cast member Becki Newton ("Amanda"), "hardcore troubadour" Steve Earle and Calvin Klein creative director Francisco Costa.
Legendary magazine editors Tina Brown, Graydon Carter, Jann Wenner and Anna Wintour paid tribute to photographer Annie Leibovitz, whose iconic portraits have graced magazines like Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair and Vogue.
The 2009 National Magazine Award winners:
General Excellence
-- Reader's Digest (over 2,000,000 circ)
-- Field & Stream (1,000,000 to 2,000,000 circ)
-- Wired (500,000 to 1,000,000 circ)
-- Texas Monthly (250,000 to 500,000 circ)
-- Foreign Policy (100,000 to 250,000 circ)
-- Print (under 100,000 circ)
Single-topic Issue: Saveur
Magazine Section: Wired
Reporting: The New York Times Magazine
Public Interest: Bicycling
Feature Writing: Esquire
Profile Writing: Rolling Stone
Essays: Backpacker
Columns and Commentary: Automobile
Reviews and Criticism: The New Yorker
Fiction: The New Yorker
Personal Service: Esquire
Leisure Interests: Esquire
Design: Wired
Photography: GQ
Photojournalism: National Geographic
Photo Portfolio: The New Yorker
General Excellence Online
-- Backpacker.com (less than 1 million uniques)
-- nymag.com (1 million uniques and above)
Personal Service Online: Backpacker.com
Interactive Feature: AARP The Magazine Online
Backpacker, Esquire, The New Yorker and Wired each won three Ellies. AARP The Magazine, Automobile, Field & Stream and The New York Times Magazine each took home their first award. Reader's Digest took home its first General Excellence award.
For highlights from the awards gala along with links to winning magazines, features and articles, visit http://www.magazine.org/asme.
The American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) is a non-profit professional organization for editors of print and online magazines which are edited, published and distributed in the U.S. Established in 1963, ASME currently has about 850 members nationwide. Among other things, ASME works to preserve editorial independence and speaks out on public policy issues, particularly those pertaining to the First Amendment.
Source: American Society of Magazine Editors
CONTACT: Cristina Dinozo of ASME, +1-212-872-3731, cdinozo@magazine.org
Web Site: http://www.magazine.org/asme/
Winners Announced for the 44th Annual National Magazine Awards
NEW YORK, May 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) presented the industry's most prestigious editorial honors last night at the 44th annual National Magazine Awards. The gala, which took place April 30 in New York City, celebrated 26 winners across 20 categories. Named after the Alexander Calder stabile "Elephant," the 2009 "Ellies" drew 1,707 entries from more than 350 print and online magazines.
Celebrity presenters included NBC Late Night's Jimmy Fallon, Arrested Development's Will Arnett, Ugly Betty exec producer Silvio Horta and cast member Becki Newton ("Amanda"), "hardcore troubadour" Steve Earle and Calvin Klein creative director Francisco Costa.
Legendary magazine editors Tina Brown, Graydon Carter, Jann Wenner and Anna Wintour paid tribute to photographer Annie Leibovitz, whose iconic portraits have graced magazines like Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair and Vogue.
The 2009 National Magazine Award winners:
General Excellence
-- Reader's Digest (over 2,000,000 circ)
-- Field & Stream (1,000,000 to 2,000,000 circ)
-- Wired (500,000 to 1,000,000 circ)
-- Texas Monthly (250,000 to 500,000 circ)
-- Foreign Policy (100,000 to 250,000 circ)
-- Print (under 100,000 circ)
Single-topic Issue: Saveur
Magazine Section: Wired
Reporting: The New York Times Magazine
Public Interest: Bicycling
Feature Writing: Esquire
Profile Writing: Rolling Stone
Essays: Backpacker
Columns and Commentary: Automobile
Reviews and Criticism: The New Yorker
Fiction: The New Yorker
Personal Service: Esquire
Leisure Interests: Esquire
Design: Wired
Photography: GQ
Photojournalism: National Geographic
Photo Portfolio: The New Yorker
General Excellence Online
-- Backpacker.com (less than 1 million uniques)
-- nymag.com (1 million uniques and above)
Personal Service Online: Backpacker.com
Interactive Feature: AARP The Magazine Online
Backpacker, Esquire, The New Yorker and Wired each won three Ellies. AARP The Magazine, Automobile, Field & Stream and The New York Times Magazine each took home their first award. Reader's Digest took home its first General Excellence award.
For highlights from the awards gala along with links to winning magazines, features and articles, visit http://www.magazine.org/asme.
The American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) is a non-profit professional organization for editors of print and online magazines which are edited, published and distributed in the U.S. Established in 1963, ASME currently has about 850 members nationwide. Among other things, ASME works to preserve editorial independence and speaks out on public policy issues, particularly those pertaining to the First Amendment.
Source: American Society of Magazine Editors
CONTACT: Cristina Dinozo of ASME, +1-212-872-3731, cdinozo@magazine.org
Web Site: http://www.magazine.org/asme/
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