American Times Online: August 2009

Monday, August 31, 2009

Tribute To Senator Ted Kennedy

Thursday, August 27, 2009

President Barack Obama Speaks on Ted Kennedy

From President Barack Obama to me

Michael Chima --

Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.

For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.

His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me.

In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy.

I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.

His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives.

For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.

Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still.

Sincerely,

President Barack Obama

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Ted Kennedy "the Lion" of the Democratic Party Has Passed On

Sir Edward Kennedy "the Lion" of the Democratic Party Has Passed On

Edward Kennedy, 1932 --2009‎.

Senator Edward Kennedy, the Lion of the Democratic Party has passed on to glory .

Sir Edward Kennedy lost his long battle with brain cancer on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.

Ted Kennedy was born in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, the youngest of nine children of Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald, who were both members of prominent Irish-American families in Boston. Some of his elder siblings include John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

The United States Senator from Massachusetts was the Lion of the great Democratic Party and has been serving since November 1962, with nine terms in the Senate. He was the second most senior member of the Senate, after Robert Byrd of West Virginia, and the third-longest-serving senator of all time. Ted was a champion of liberal causes and bills. The torch bearer of the great Kennedy family after the death of President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, both victims of assassinations. His son is Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy.

Senator Kennedy received an honorary knighthood bestowed by Queen Elizabeth II of England, the Order of the Aztec Eagle from Mexico, the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Order of the Merit of Chile, and honorary degrees from a number of institutions including Harvard University.

He passed on the torch for the leadership of the Democratic Party to President Barack Obama whom he endorsed during the melodramatic Presidential Campaign in 2008 and helped to become the first African American President of the United States,

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Ted Kennedy "the Lion" of the Democratic Party Has Passed On

Sir Edward Kennedy "the Lion" of the Democratic Party Has Passed On

He passed on the torch for the leadership of the Democratic Party to President Barack Obama whom he endorsed during the melodramatic Presidential Campaign in 2008 and helped to become the the first African American President of the United States,

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Friday, August 21, 2009

Gap Celebrates 40 Years

20 Aug 2009 14:08 Africa/Lagos

Gap Celebrates 40 Years

Iconic American Brand Outfits New York Stock Exchange Traders in Its New 1969 Premium Jeans for the First Time in Exchange History, Rings NYSE Closing Bell(R), and Holds Acoustic Music Performances at Its More than 700 Gap Stores Nationwide for Employees and Customers

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The classic American brand that started out in 1969 as one shop in San Francisco that sold jeans and records is celebrating its 40th anniversary today and tomorrow. To mark the special occasion, Gap will outfit the New York Stock Exchange trading community in its new 1969 Premium Jeans, ring the NYSE Closing Bell, and hold acoustic music performances at its more than 700 stores nationwide for employees and customers.

1200 NYSE Traders Wear Jeans to Work

On Friday, August 21, for the first time in New York Stock Exchange history, the trading floor community will dress down for business and wear Gap's new 1969 Premium Jeans. Named in honor of Gap's debut year, the 1969 Premium Jeans feature 12 core fits for women and men and were completely reworked and redesigned at every level with a major focus on fit, premium washes, and styles that accommodate different body types.

Later that day, Gap brand North America president Marka Hansen, along with board member Bob Fisher and fellow founding family members John Fisher and Bill Fisher will ring The Closing Bell remotely from the company's headquarters in San Francisco.

"On August 21, 1969, Don and Doris Fisher opened a shop in San Francisco called Gap that sold jeans and records. Now Gap is one of the most iconic brands of our time and jeans have become the foundation of everyone's wardrobe," said Marka Hansen, president of Gap North America. "The fact that we're dressing the New York Stock Exchange in jeans for the first time in history really speaks to the role that Gap has played in pop culture and in outfitting America in jeans for the past four decades."

Gap Hosts Nationwide Simultaneous Acoustic Event

Tonight, on the eve of its anniversary, Gap is celebrating its employees and customers by hosting a nationwide simultaneous acoustic concert in its more than 700 stores nationwide from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. local times.

Local musicians will be performing at stores while shoppers check out Gap's all-new 1969 Premium Jeans collection, starting at $59.50. In addition to a free concert from local fan-favorites, shoppers will also receive special discounts including $20 off their favorite pair of jeans and 15 percent off their entire purchase.

"Music has always been an integral part of Gap - from musicians participating in our ad campaigns, to musicians performing in our stores, to the way music is infused into the very soul of Gap," said Ivy Ross, EVP, Gap Marketing. "We are celebrating our legacy in music and jeans tonight with our live, in-store acoustic concerts from coast-to-coast. We are opening the doors at every Gap store in support of talented musicians and inviting shoppers to experience America's best premium jeans."

Gap is hosting special parties at Gap stores in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Nashville and Minneapolis featuring well-known artists including Cassidy, Marc Broussard, Lenka, Honey Honey, Single File, 2AM Club, Jace Everett and Parachute.

Each participating performer will receive a free pair of 1969 Premium Jeans and one lucky artist will win a recording session with music legend, John Alagia [www.johnaglia.com]. Gap is also awarding its more than 30,000 dedicated employees with 50 free downloadable tracks to be selected from songs submitted by each of the 700+ bands performing.

In celebration of its new 1969 Premium Jeans, Gap is encouraging fans to declare what they were born to do by participating in the interactive Facebook gallery at borntofit.com. Gap also launched the free StyleMixer iPhone App, a social shopping app enabling users to mix and match clothes, find inspiration, get advice and unlock special denim discounts when users are near a store.

Information on Born to Share Events:

Date: August 20, 2009
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM local time
Location: Check with your local Gap for participation

Details on Special Born to Share Events:

All events will take place on August 20 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. local time

New York City
Marc Broussard will be performing at:
680 5th Ave. (btw. 53rd and 54th)
New York, NY 10019
(212) 977-7023

Cassidy will be performing at:
1466 Broadway (@ 42nd Street)
New York, NY 10036
(212) 382-4500

Los Angeles
Lenka and Honey Honey will be performing at:
Grove at Farmers Market
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036-6225
(323) 857-7234

San Francisco
Single File will be performing at:
Flood Building
890 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94102-3001
(415) 788-5909

Chicago
Parachute will be performing at:
555 N Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 494-8580

Nashville
Jace Everett will be performing at:
Green Hills
2126 Abbott Martin Road
Nashville, TN 37215
Phone: (615) 383-1145

Minneapolis
2AM Club will be performing at:
Mall of America
110 South Boulevard
Bloomington, MN 55425
952-854-1011

About Gap Inc.

Gap Inc. is a leading global specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime and Athleta brand names. Fiscal 2008 sales were $14.5 billion. Gap Inc. operates more than 3,100 stores in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Japan and Ireland. In addition, Gap Inc. is expanding its international presence with franchise agreements in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. For more information, please visit gapinc.com.

Media Contacts:

Katie O'Kane Kim Terry
SS+K for Gap Gap Marketing + PR
kokane@ssk.com kimberly_terry@gap.com
212-419-3374 415-427-4844

Source: Gap Inc.

CONTACT: Katie O'Kane of SS+K, +1-212-419-3374, kokane@ssk.com, for Gap;
or Kim Terry, Gap Marketing + PR, +1-415-427-4844, kimberly_terry@gap.com

Web Site: http://gapinc.com/

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Wednesday, August 19, 2009

KPMG Survey: Banking and Financial Services Executives See Their Recovery Lagging the National Economy

19 Aug 2009 12:10 Africa/Lagos

KPMG Survey: Banking and Financial Services Executives See Their Recovery Lagging the National Economy

-- Headcount Reductions in Sector Nearly Complete; Job Growth Not Anticipated -- 2010 Expected to Bring Stronger Revenue and Profitability

NEW YORK, Aug. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Senior business leaders in the banking and financial services industry foresee their industry's recovery lagging that of the national economy, but still see 2010 as a turnaround year as they expect improvements in revenue and profitability, according to a recent survey conducted by KPMG LLP, the audit, tax, and advisory firm.

In the KPMG survey, slightly more than a third of the banking and financial services executives thought their industry would fully recover from the current economic crisis ahead of the overall U.S. economy. Yet, while expecting a comparatively slower recovery, 78 percent of banking and financial services executives expect the business conditions for their industry to improve in 2010 with 72 percent of them expecting much stronger revenue and 68 percent expecting improved profitability.

"The downturn impacted the banking and financial services industry to a greater degree than most industries and therefore it will take longer to fully recover," said Tony Anzevino, partner-in-charge of KPMG LLP's Banking and Finance practice. "And although the results of this survey suggest senior leaders think the industry has hit the bottom of the downturn, clearly they still indicate that finding new sources of revenue and improving their management of risk will be major challenges in the year ahead."

STABILIZING REAL ESTATE MARKET CRITICAL TO RECOVERY

When asked to identify the top three triggers they think will spur an economic recovery, 46 percent of banking and financial services respondents cited a stabilized real estate market, 45 percent said an increase in jobs, and 43 percent said improved consumer confidence. The banking executives most frequently cited the stabilization of the real estate market as a key trigger for recovery.

The three triggers cited least frequently by the banking and financial services executives included effective regulations (6 percent), government stimulus spending (3 percent), and government bailouts / Troubled Asset Relief Program (2 percent).

BIGGEST CHALLENGES TO RECOVERY

When asked to identify the biggest challenges they currently faced in dealing with the economic downturn, banking and financial services leaders most frequently cited managing risk (70 percent), finding new sources of revenue growth (57 percent), complying with regulations (44 percent), raising capital (44 percent), and restoring investor confidence (44 percent).

RISK MANAGEMENT, IT, AND OUTSOURCING ALL PART OF RECOVERY EFFORTS

More than half of the banking and financial services executives said they already had created or modified their risk management plans, while one-third more said they were in the process of doing so in reaction to the economic downturn. Interestingly enough, almost half (45 percent) cited implementing IT solutions to reduce operational costs as a means to adjust to the downturn, while about one-third said they were increasing the amount of outsourcing they were doing.

"These results reflect our own experience, with banks taking the lead in the industry and looking hard at the way they run their businesses," said Anzevino. "We've had an increasing number of discussions around better risk management and better cost control, and we also see they're getting back to basics with less reliance on complex structured products. The silver lining in this economic cloud may be that these actions could ultimately result in a stronger, more secure banking system."

HEADCOUNT REDUCTIONS ALMOST COMPLETE; NO GROWTH PREDICTED

Two-thirds of respondents in banking and financial services noted they had already completed their headcount reductions and only 15 percent were contemplating further actions.

Banking and financial services leaders were not sanguine about the employment situation in their industry next year; 70 percent said it would be worse or about the same. Conversely, 30 percent think it will be better in 2010.

THE KPMG INDUSTRY PULSE SURVEY

The KPMG survey was conducted from May through July of 2009 and reflects the responses of 130 CEOs and other C-level suite executives in the banking and financial services industry. There were an equal number of respondents amongst banks and other financial services companies. About 35 percent of respondents work for institutions with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion; 19 percent have annual revenues in the $250 million-$1 billion range; and 45 percent have revenues below $250 million. Clarion Research Inc. conducted the survey and compiled the data.

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.

The views and opinions expressed in the survey results are based on the responses of the survey participants and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of KPMG LLP.

Contact: Ichiro Kawasaki / Ray Zardetto
KPMG LLP
Tel: 201-307-8640 / 201-307-8494
E-mail: ikawasaki@kpmg.com /
rzardetto@kpmg.com

Source: KPMG LLP

CONTACT: Ichiro Kawasaki, +1-201-307-8640, ikawasaki@kpmg.com or Ray
Zardetto, +1-201-307-8494, rzardetto@kpmg.com, both of KPMG LLP

Web Site: http://www.us.kpmg.com/

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Thursday, August 13, 2009

Hillary Clinton's 'Spread the Wealth' Call to African Oil Firms Praised by Gold Star Resources Humanitarian Society

13 Aug 2009 14:30 Africa/Lagos

Hillary Clinton's 'Spread the Wealth' Call to African Oil Firms Praised by Gold Star Resources Humanitarian Society

"Oil and Gas Revenues Need To Become A Blessing Instead of a Curse in Africa"

VANCOUVER, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- "African oil and gas exploration companies need to listen to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's call to spread the wealth in African nations where there is a definite need for improved medical, educational, and nutritional necessities," said Patrick Morris, spokesman of the Gold Star Resources Humanitarian Society (www.goldstarresources.com) based in Vancouver, British Columbia. "Oil and gas revenues need to be a blessing instead of a curse in Africa. The oil and gas industry operating in Africa must directly help Africans help themselves by reinvesting its revenues inside African countries," stated Morris. U.S. Secretary of State Clinton visited a number of African nations over the past week and specifically advocated for oil revenues to directly improve the lives of all Africans. The Humanitarian Society was created as part of Gold Star Resources Corporation (TSX-V;GXX; OTC Bulletin Board: GXXFF) and operates as a nonprofit organization seeking to contribute to the economic and social welfare of West African nations. Gold Star Resources is the first Canadian-based junior oil and gas exploration company focusing on 'onshore' projects in West Africa.

According to Morris, "African oil and gas exploration companies need to reinvest their revenues inside Africa because that action will immediately help the African people and galvanize economic growth on the African continent. It's critical for oil and gas companies, large and small, to look beyond just the energy resource wealth in Africa. We must as an industry help Africans overcome economic and social challenges. We must help African governments create a positive environment for stable economic and political growth. Africa today is what Asia was in the 1980s, a region of tremendous economic potential. I'm calling on my own industry leaders to reinvest their company revenues in the new Africa and become a true economic and investment partner."

Gold Star Resources Humanitarian Society recently announced that it will assist West African communities within the boundaries of Gold Star Resource Corp.'s initial permit area beginning in Liberia. "We will expand the program into our second largest concession acquisition, onshore Cote d'Ivoire and communities in the District of Aboisso, near the border of Ghana," Morris said. "The Society's mission is to contribute to a better way of life for the local people through humanitarian programs. Funding will be deposited on an ongoing basis to meet the needs of our agreements with the government."

Source: Gold Star Resources Corp.

CONTACT: Patrick Morris, President and CEO for Gold Star Resources Corp,
+1-604-641-4450, pm@goldstarresources.com

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

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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Pelosi Statement on the Passing of Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Eunice Kennedy Shriver
Photo Credit: Etonline.Com

11 Aug 2009 17:01 Africa/Lagos

Pelosi Statement on the Passing of Eunice Kennedy Shriver

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on the passing of Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

"Eunice Kennedy Shriver's fundamental belief that every human has inherent worth and dignity revolutionized perceptions in this country and around the world. She enriched the lives of millions of individuals with intellectual disabilities; by unmasking discrimination and encouraging acceptance, she enriched the lives of all of us. The Special Olympics, and the joy it brings to countless children, will long stand in tribute to her life and work.

"Eunice Kennedy Shriver was comforted and strengthened by her deep faith, which inspired her work for justice. She was immeasurably proud of her family, her accomplished brothers, but also her sisters, her children and grandchildren, and her husband, Sargent, whom she loved fiercely for more than half a century.

"On behalf of all Members of Congress, I express our condolences to our colleagues, Senator Ted Kennedy and Congressman Patrick Kennedy. My thoughts are also with California's first family, First Lady Maria Shriver and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. I hope it is a comfort to the Shriver and Kennedy families that so many are grieving their loss and praying for them in this sad time."

Source: Office of the Speaker of the House

CONTACT: Brendan Daly, Nadeam Elshami or Drew Hammill, +1-202-226-7616,
all of the Office of the Speaker of the House

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Thursday, August 6, 2009

Pelosi Statement on the Release of Journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee From North Korea

5 Aug 2009 16:30 Africa/Lagos

Pelosi Statement on the Release of Journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee From North Korea

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on the return home of Laura Ling and Euna Lee, two American journalists who had been imprisoned in North Korea for more than four months.

"The world welcomes the joyful news that American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee are now home. It is a relief that they have been freed and now are safely reunited with their families.

"I congratulate former President Bill Clinton, who went to North Korea at the request of the families, the White House and former Vice President Al Gore, for his outstanding work to secure the release of these two Americans.

"Their safe return home marks a welcome end to the journalists' nightmare, marked by a harsh 12-year sentence to hard labor in a North Korean prison camp. And it comes not a moment too soon for their families, who have advocated vigorously for their release and anxiously awaited their return.

"I call on other governments around the world to release journalists who are being held and to respect freedom of the press."

Source: Office of the Speaker of the House

CONTACT: Brendan Daly, Nadeam Elshami, Drew Hammill, +1-202-226-7616,
all of the Office of the Speaker of the House

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Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Clinton African Trip Bolsters U.S. Oil Game Plan, says Gold Star Resources CEO

Click Here To Support & Sponsor the First Startup Weekend in West Africa

Hillary Clinton

4 Aug 2009 12:45 Africa/Lagos

Clinton African Trip Bolsters U.S. Oil Game Plan, says Gold Star Resources CEO

China and U.S. Race To Offer 'Infrastructure Aid In Exchange for Oil' Policies

VANCOUVER, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- "U.S. United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton's trip beginning today through August 11th in Africa is part of President Barack Obama's White House energy resources strategy to offset China's growing economic clout on the African continent," said Patrick Morris, President and CEO of Gold Star Resources Corp. (TSX-V; GXX; OTC Bulletin Board: GXXFF), a Canadian-based company focused on the strategic acquisition of highly prospective oil and gas projects in West Africa. "China has been aggressively offering infrastructure aid in exchange for oil in Africa and the White House clearly wants to offset that Chinese game plan with one of its own. U.S. President Barack Obama's Ghana visit last month and his Secretary of State's extended visit this week have proven the importance of Africa to America's energy security policy."

According to Morris, "Last week's Strategic and Economic Dialogue held in Washington, D.C. between the Obama White House and China officials included discussions about China's aggressive aid to African nations. China's economic trade in Africa hit $107 billion in 2008 and there are now 750,000 Chinese workers living and working in Africa. Sources in both Washington, D.C. and Africa have confirmed that U.S. Secretary of State Clinton's subtle diplomatic strategy is to offer African leaders infrastructure assistance in exchange for oil resources and increased energy investments on the African continent. This could portend an explosion of offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration especially in West and East African as a direct result of this shift in U.S.-Africa relations."

Clinton is expected to visit Liberia during this week's African policy trip. Gold Star Resources Corp. recently acquired International Resource Strategies Liberia Energy, Inc. whose sole asset is the onshore 1,366 sq. km. hydrocarbon reconnaissance license NR-001 within the Roberts Bassa Basins of south coastal Liberia. The company also signed a Letter of Intent with Bengal Bight Ghana Ltd., a Ghanaian company, to acquire 100% interest in the hydrocarbon rights of Bengal's 1,000 sq. km. Tiampoum mining concession in Cote d'Ivoire, near the border with Ghana.

"U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to Liberia is timely and will greatly enhance infrastructure investing in that West African nation," said Morris. "Liberia's political climate has become increasingly stable in recent years and the government is encouraging international investment in oil and gas exploration. Gold Star's own energy exploration strategy includes securing a portfolio of 'onshore' sections of land along the West African coast. Clinton's travel plans to Liberia, of course, greatly interests us."

Source: Gold Star Resources Corp.

CONTACT: Patrick Morris, President and CEO of Gold Star Resources Corp.,
+1-604-641-4450, pm@goldstarresources.com

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Monday, August 3, 2009

Dr. Eric Schmidt Resigns from Apple's Board of Directors

Dr. Eric Schmidt

3 Aug 2009 13:30 Africa/Lagos

Dr. Eric Schmidt Resigns from Apple's Board of Directors

CUPERTINO, Calif., Aug. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Apple today announced that Dr. Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO of Google, is resigning from Apple's Board of Directors, a position he has held since August 2006.

"Eric has been an excellent Board member for Apple, investing his valuable time, talent, passion and wisdom to help make Apple successful," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "Unfortunately, as Google enters more of Apple's core businesses, with Android and now Chrome OS, Eric's effectiveness as an Apple Board member will be significantly diminished, since he will have to recuse himself from even larger portions of our meetings due to potential conflicts of interest. Therefore, we have mutually decided that now is the right time for Eric to resign his position on Apple's Board."

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: Apple

CONTACT: Steve Dowling of Apple, +1-408-974-1896, dowling@apple.com

Web Site: http://www.apple.com/pr

NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit Apple's PR website (www.apple.com/pr/), or call Apple's Media Helpline at (408) 974-2042.

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