Two in Five Americans Say State of the Country is Poor

24 Jan 2011 16:47 Africa/Lagos



Q&A-Will Obama talk tax reform in State of the Union?


Heading into the State of the Union Address, Two in Five Americans Say State of the Country is Poor

Majorities want President to focus on strengthening the economy and creating new jobs in address

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2011

NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- President Obama is finishing up his State of the Union address for Tuesday evening and one of the points he will discuss is the current state of the country. According to Americans, the union is not doing so well. Just 3% of U.S. adults say the state of the country is excellent and 14% say it is good. More than two in five (43%) say that it is fair while 40% say it is poor.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100517/NY06256LOGO)

With the current divided government, it is interesting to note that neither party says the state of the country is good. Democrats are a little more positive as three in ten (29%) give the state of the country positive ratings compared to 12% of Independents and 8% of Republicans.

These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,066 adults surveyed online between January 18 and 20, 2011 by Harris Interactive.

Are certain things better than others?

One reason Americans may not feel that the state of the country is going well is due to the fact that majorities give negative ratings to nine different current issues. Looking at defense and national security, six in ten U.S. adults give negative marks to how the war on terrorism is going (59%) while slightly higher numbers give negative ratings to the war in Iraq (63%) and almost three-quarters (72%) give negative marks to the war in Afghanistan. Health care reform may have finally passed Congress, but seven in ten Americans give negative ratings to making prescription drugs affordable (69%).

Economic issues fare even worse. Three-quarters of U.S. adults (76%) give negative ratings to how strengthening the economy is going and four in five Americans each give negative marks to how creating new jobs (79%) is going and making taxes fairer (79%). The worst thing on this list in the mind of Americans is strengthening social security; more than four in five (82%) give it negative ratings. The thing that is going the "best" in the country right now is protecting the environment as over one-third of Americans (36%) give it positive ratings and 57% give it negative marks.

And party labels do not matter. Majorities of Republicans, Democrats and Independents all have the same opinion and give negative ratings to how all nine things are going in the country right now.

Focus for the State of the Union

When it comes to which of these the President should focus on for Tuesday's speech, two clearly rise to the top. When asked which two he should focus on, over two-thirds of Americans say he should focus on strengthening the economy (68%) while over half say he should focus on creating new jobs (53%). Further down the list, one in five each say he should focus on strengthening social security (20%) and making taxes fairer (20%). Just one in ten or less say the focus should be on the war on terrorism (10%), making prescription drugs more affordable (7%), protecting the environment (6%), the war in Iraq (6%), and the war in Afghanistan (6%).

So What?

State of the Unions may not be the most watched as just one-quarter of Americans (27%) say they will watch while 45% say they might, but besides being constitutionally mandated, they serve an important purpose. A State of the Union address is a time for presidents to attempt to move something to the forefront or shift the political debate. While a sense of some civility has been seen in Washington as members from different parties are saying they are going to sit next to each other as opposed to the usual seating arrangements of party separation, the minute the speech is over, the odds are better than not that the partisan bickering will start up all over again. But, one thing is clear in the mind of the American public, things aren't going very well and the focus needs to be on the economy. Let's see how President Obama addresses this.



Click here for the complete report.


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Google Launch The New Nexus

Google Launch Nexus S:

If you think Google Nexus One is something special, then the new Google Nexus S is extra special. The following news report is a complete audio-visual review of Nexus S. Enjoy it and see why this new cute and sleek smart phone is going to be a "I must own one" collectors item in 2011. But I believe the best is still yet to come in the smart phone revolution.





24 Jan 2011 13:14 Africa/Lagos


Google Launch The New Nexus

PR Newswire

LONDON, Jan. 24, 2011

LONDON, Jan. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The new Nexus S is the second Smartphone offering from Google who are keen to show they are serious about having a presence in the mobile phone market.

The device which is also being referred to as Nexus 2, is fast, fluid and sporting the latest technology from the new Android 2.3 gingerbread operating.





The screen is a bright, crisp and clear 4" AMOLED screen which ensures up to one and a half times more luminance than LCD displays traditionally found on many Smartphone.

The device also has new Touchscreen sensors making the multitouch keyboard experience much better than its predecessor and Anti-fingerprint display coating.

A 1GHz Hummingbird processor ensures easy multi tasking, web browsing and gaming experience via a dedicated graphics processor.

A dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) makes playing video games, viewing images and watching videos a much better flow and richer experience.

The internal 16GB memory has enough capacity to store all but the most demanding uses for music, photos, videos and games. There is no expansion card slot for a memory card.

The Nexus S also comes with future technology advances including the latest NFC wireless payment technology. The technology allows you to read information from smart tags or objects that have NFC chips. This is a major innovation as it brings payment technology to pay for goods and services simply by swiping similar to the one touch swipe and go Barclaycard.

Gingerbread supports internet calling with its inbuilt SIP stack you can easily access VOIP from contacts, dialer or the quick contacts tab.

Other features include turn by turn navigation, 3D landmarks and Streetview from the latest Google and a 5 mega pixel back and front facing lens with LED flash.

The look and feel is similar to the Samsung Galaxy S with a curved ergonomically designed AMOLED display which is the first contour glass display on a Smartphone.

The Nexus S WIFI hotspots can act as a 3g connection router for portable WIFI device for up to six portable devices such as notebooks, tablet PCs and once connected these devices will have access to internet with no added carrier fees.

The 1500mAh battery gives impressive running time easily allowing you to talk for over 20 hours.

The Google Nexus S is currently available to order on O2, Orange, T-Mobile and Vodafone from 30.64 pounds/month, and on Pay As You Go for 429.99 pounds from carphone warehouse and its subsidiaries like mobiles.co.uk.

SOURCE Mobiles.co.uk

CONTACT: Mobiles.co.uk, 0752 574 3715, http://www.mobiles.co.uk

Web Site: http://www.mobiles.co.uk

First Lady Michelle Obama Sparkles in Kimberly McDonald Earrings

First Lady Michelle Obama Sparkles in Kimberly McDonald Earrings at the State Dinner Held in Honor of Chinese President, Hu Jintao. (PRNewsFoto/Kimberly McDonald, Win McNamee)

Iran Documentary Cancelled in Canada After Threats

19 Jan 2011 20:21 Africa/Lagos


Iran Documentary Cancelled in Canada After Threats

Iranian Embassy Protests Screening at National Library and Archives in Ottawa

NEW YORK, January 19, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- A pre-release screening of IRANIUM, a new documentary film exposing the dangers posed by a nuclear Iran, at Canada's National Library and Archives in Ottawa yesterday, was cancelled following threats of protest and the deposit of a suspicious package at the building. Requests to cancel the event also came from the Iranian Embassy.

The National Archives building was closed down by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in response to complaints and threats of protests. Emergency vehicles and a HAZMAT unit were later dispatched to the building.

"I am disappointed that Library & Archives Canada chose not to show the film tonight due to threats of violence," stated Canada's Minister of Heritage James Moore. "The Iranian Embassy will not dictate to the Government of Canada which films will or will not be shown in Canada."

"Iranium is quickly turning into the film Iran's leaders don't want you to see. That Iranian leaders would try to stifle free speech in North America perfectly displays the distinct difference in values instilled in Iran versus the West," said Alex Traiman, Director of Iranium. "Announcements about the film have already appeared on pro-regime websites in Farsi.

"Attempts from Iran's Embassy to cancel the screening demonstrate that the Iranian regime is afraid of the documentary's content and the repercussions they may face as Americans and Canadians learn more about the Iranian nuclear threat. It also goes to show how fragile the current leadership structure in Iran actually is," Traiman added.

The film documents the statements and actions of Iranian leaders since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, including the buildup of Iran's nuclear program through the Presidential Elections of 2009.

An exclusive clip of the film can be viewed here: http://www.iraniumthemovie.com/exclusive-clip

The National Archives event was to be the first major screening of Iranium in Canada. The film is premiering in the United States on February 8, with a nationwide screening event.

The film's flagship premiere event will take place on Capitol Hill, hosted by House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA). On the same date, the film will be screened in AMC theaters in select cities and in community centers across the country. The film will also be made available for free online streaming to the first 50,000 registrants at http://www.iraniumthemovie.com.

Narrated by Academy Award Nominee and Emmy Award Winning Iranian actress, Shohreh Aghdashloo, the film utilizes rare footage of Iranian leaders, and interviews with 25 leading politicians, Iranian dissidents, and experts on Middle East policy, terrorism, and nuclear proliferation.

For interviews contact:

Maria Sliwa of M. Sliwa Public Relations, +973-272-2861, media@msliwa.com

Source: IraniumTheMovie.com

Health Reform: Politics & Posturing Should End Now

20 Jan 2011 01:39 Africa/Lagos


Women's Health Leader Calls House Vote to Repeal Health Reform a Deep Disappointment, Says Politics & Posturing Should End Now

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2011

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement of Debra L. Ness, President, National Partnership for Women & Families:

"The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is the greatest advance for women's health in a generation. This new law is already eliminating the punitive and predatory insurance practices that have penalized women and families for decades, and is instead bringing us closer to the day when essential women's services are fully covered, prevention is a priority, and care is coordinated so family caregivers don't struggle to shoulder impossible loads. That is why this evening's vote in the House of Representatives is such a deep disappointment.

"The ACA is ushering in an era in which women can access affordable coverage, and insurers cannot charge women more because of gender – or deny or cap our coverage when we get sick. It is making screenings for breast and cervical cancer available without deductibles or co-pays, making family planning services more accessible, and outlawing gender discrimination in insurance. It is ending the days when young adult children were kicked off their parents' insurance policies, and when the preventive services that can keep patients healthier were out-of-reach for millions.

"At this pivotal moment when we are just beginning to realize the benefits of the Affordable Care Act, it is a shame that House leaders chose to pursue a politically-motivated effort to repeal a law the nation urgently needs.

"What we saw today was politicking and posturing when we need progress on jobs, the economy, creating a more fair and family-friendly nation, and finishing the work to give every person quality, affordable health care. The nation will be much better off if tonight's vote marks the end of this political theater, and our lawmakers now return to solving the urgent problems facing America's families."

The National Partnership for Women & Families is a non-profit, non-partisan advocacy group dedicated to promoting fairness in the workplace, access to quality health care, and policies that help women and men meet the dual demands of work and family. More information is available at 202.986-2600.

SOURCE National Partnership for Women & Families

CONTACT: Freya Riedlin, +1-202-986-2600

Happy New Year 2011!

Photo Credit: Trendz Info


Happy New Year 2011!


We give all the glory to God for protecting and saving our beautiful and wonderful life to see the dawn of another year and we trust HIM to continue to see us through in the coming years and decades!





We thank God 24/7!

31 Dec 2010 10:00 Africa/Lagos



The Top Baby Names of 2010 Revealed

LONDON, December 31, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- Katie and Amy have fallen out of the list of the top 20 female christian names, it emerged yesterday (30th January 2010).

The monikers of troubled stars Katie Price and Amy Winehouse have been replaced by prettier and less infamous names, Maisie and Isabella.

The highest climber in the list of the most popular girls' names in the UK today is Bella, due in no small part to the lead character in Twilight, played by actress Kristen Stewart. Lacey, as in EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, is also on the up, soaring from number 57 up to 37. Florence is also becoming increasingly popular, moving up 33 places, as is Maisy.

Olivia is still top after 3 years and Sophie is still second. Lily is now third, up from 8th place, with Emily and Ruby completing the top five.

In the boys list Jack has finally been bumped off top spot by Oliver after 16 years in first place. Jack is now second while Harry, Charlie and Alfie, all non-movers, make up the top five.

Another bad year for F1 ace Lewis Hamilton has seen the popularity of his first name drop from 13th to 19th place, whilst his singer girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger fares even worse, with the name Nicole dropping seven places down the girls list to 84th place.

Ollie emerged as the biggest climber - up 56 places to number 53 - while Zachary, perhaps inspired by High School Musical's Zac Efron or even the son of jungle queen Stacey Soloman, has also become more common.

Bobby - the name of the late Jade Goody's son - is another big climber, up 25 places to number 70. And Kai - Coleen and Wayne Rooney's son has stepped up 10 places to number 56, despite his father's indiscretions.

The list was compiled by parenting club Bounty from names given to 423,000 children born in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland during 2010.

Yesterday, Faye Mingo, spokeswoman for bounty.com (http://www.bounty.com/) said: ''Our records show that parents are continuing to be influenced by popular culture and celebrity trends.

"The remarkable rise in popularity of names such as Ollie and Florence are most probably due to the X Factor star Olly Murs and the singer from Florence and the Machine experiencing their time in the limelight.

"However, parents are looking to a wide range of sources for influence and also seem to be rediscovering more traditional, 'old-fashioned' names like Ava and Stanley which have been more associated with grandparents in the past.

"Biblical names are also proving popular with Noah rising 20 places to 15th place and Jacob up 7, just missing the top ten."

Olivia is enjoying its third year in top spot after deposing Grace in 2008.

Jessica climbed one place to sixth, while Chloe dropped from fifth to seventh. Ava made it into the top ten for the first time while Grace slipped to ninth from sixth.

Amelia completed the top ten. Lucy was a non-mover at 13 while the next four places were all taken up by new names, including Isabella which climbed eight places to 14th.

Megan, Isla and Freya have all become more popular as has Lilly, most probably inspired by the singer Lily Allen.

On the boys list Jack finally surrendered top spot to Oliver but very little of the rest of the top ten changed. William climbed one spot to eighth as did Daniel to ninth while James slipped two to tenth.

Other names we will be hearing more regularly includes Logan, which climbed seven places to 17th and Oscar, which moved up four to 22nd.

Callum and Liam seem to have had their day - they were the biggest fallers in the top 30, seven and nine places respectively.

And new entries into the bounty.com top 100 lists were Esme, Courtney, Jude, Elliot and Stanley.

Faye Mingo added: "A recent study we ran found that one in five parents regret the names they have chosen for their children, so it's more important than ever for parents to choose a name them and their child will love for the rest of their life.

"It's hard to predict what we'll see next year but it's most probable that celebrities and popular culture will again play a part - and with a royal wedding on the horizon we may well see an increase in Williams and Kates born in celebration!"

See the Top 100 boys and girls names of 2010 and check the latest regional popularity (http://www.bounty.com/baby-names/regional-names) ratings at Bounty's baby names (http://www.bounty.com/baby-names) section which features a host of unique and handy functions to help parents decide on baby names. As well as being able to search names using letters of the alphabet (http://www.bounty.com/baby-names/names-beginning-with), number of syllables, origin, and meaning, parents can also search trend graphs which show if names are declining/growing in popularity as well as popular sibling/middle names for their chosen name, amongst a host of other useful tools.


TOP 100 BOYS NAMES 2010

1. Oliver
2. Jack
3. Harry
4. Charlie
5. Alfie
6. Thomas
7. Joshua
8. William
9. Daniel
10. James
11. Jacob
12. George
13. Ethan
14. Lucas
15. Noah
16. Max
17. Logan
18. Joseph
19. Lewis
20. Dylan
21. Samuel
22. Oscar
23. Ryan
24. Archie
25. Riley
26. Jayden
27. Tyler
28. Jake
29. Callum
30. Liam
31. Alexander
32. Connor
33. Luke
34. Adam
35. Benjamin
36. Matthew
37. Leo
38. Finley
39. Jamie
40. Alex
41. Freddie
42. Mason
43. Harrison
44. Henry
45. Ben
46. Harvey
47. Nathan
48. Isaac
49. Cameron
50. Aaron
51. Theo
52. Edward
53. Ollie
54. Finlay
55. Owen
56. Kai
57. Harley
58. Aiden
59. Michael
60. Toby
61. Sam
62. Leon
63. Kyle
64. David
65. Rhys
66. Evan
67. Bailey
68. Reece
69. Zachary
70. Bobby
71. Ashton
72. Kian
73. Sebastian
74. Luca
75. Kayden
76. Louis
77. Zac
78. Taylor
79. Brandon
80. John
81. Hayden
82. Billy
83. Caleb
84. Jude
85. Blake
86. Joe
87. Louie
88. Jay
89. Christopher
90. Joel
91. Bradley
92. Ellis
93. Corey
94. Elliot
95. Zak
96. Robert
97. Stanley
98. Aidan
99. Jenson
100. Patrick

TOP 100 GIRLS NAMES 2010

1. Olivia
2. Sophie
3. Lily
4. Emily
5. Ruby
6. Jessica
7. Chloe
8. Ava
9. Grace
10. Amelia
11. Mia
12. Evie
13. Lucy
14. Isabella
15. Maisie
16. Poppy
17. Daisy
18. Ellie
19. Ella
20. Megan
21. Isla
22. Freya
23. Charlotte
24. Lilly
25. Summer
26. Isabelle
27. Holly
28. Sophia
29. Millie
30. Erin
31. Katie
32. Amy
33. Scarlett
34. Hannah
35. Lexi
36. Imogen
37. Lacey
38. Molly
39. Eva
40. Brooke
41. Lola
42. Phoebe
43. Layla
44. Emma
45. Leah
46. Abigail
47. Sienna
48. Gracie
49. Amber
50. Jasmine
51. Alice
52. Matilda
53. Elizabeth
54. Anna
55. Madison
56. Rosie
57. Paige
58. Lauren
59. Isabel
60. Bethany
61. Caitlin
62. Georgia
63. Faith
64. Lexie
65. Florence
66. Rebecca
67. Niamh
68. Zoe
69. Maya
70. Skye
71. Maddison
72. Tilly
73. Keira
74. Scarlet
75. Tia
76. Amelie
77. Libby
78. Sofia
79. Sarah
80. Aimee
81. Isobel
82. Esme
83. Zara
84. Nicole
85. Julia
86. Martha
87. Maisy
88. Heidi
89. Abbie
90. Mya
91. Darcy
92. Rose
93. Eleanor
94. Kayla
95. Miley
96. Hollie
97. Eve
98. Bella
99. Evelyn
100. Courtney

TOP 100 BOYS NAMES 2009

1. Jack
2. Oliver
3. Charlie
4. Harry
5. Alfie
6. Thomas
7. Joshua
8. William
9. James
10. Daniel
11. George
12. Ethan
13. Lewis
14. Max
15. Lucas
16. Dylan
17. Archie
18. Joseph
19. Jacob
20. Samuel
21. Liam
22. Callum
23. Oscar
24. Jayden
25. Logan
26. Ryan
27. Jake
28. Tyler
29. Riley
30. Luke
31. Harvey
32. Ben
33. Adam
34. Alexander
35. Benjamin
36. Leo
37. Matthew
38. Noah
39. Connor
40. Alex
41. Jamie
42. Harrison
43. Mason
44. Cameron
45. Owen
46. Henry
47. Nathan
48. Finley
49. Aaron
50. Freddie
51. Issac
52. Sam
53. Finlay
54. Theo
55. Harley
56. Aiden
57. Toby
58. Edward
59. Rhys
60. Michael
61. Evan
62. Kyle
63. Leon
64. Reece
65. David
66. Kai
67. Ashton
68. Bailey
69. Kian
70. Louis
71. Taylor
72. Hayden
73. Brandon
74. Joe
75. Jay
76. Luca
77. Kayden
78. Ewan
79. Joel
80. Sebastian
81. Zac
82. Ellis
83. Josh
84. Aidan
85. John
86. Billy
87. Zak
88. Bradley
89. Kieran
90. Blake
91. Christopher
92. Morgan
93. Caleb
94. Louie
95. Andrew
96. Bobby
97. Gabriel
98. Robert
99. Elliot
100.Jude

TOP 100 GIRLS NAMES 2009

1. Olivia
2. Ruby
3. Sophie
4. Chloe
5. Emily
6. Grace
7. Jessica
8. Lily
9. Amelia
10. Evie
11. Mia
12. Lucy
13. Ava
14. Ella
15. Charlotte
16. Amy
17. Daisy
18. Katie
19. Megan
20. Summer
21. Ellie
22. Isabella
23. Holly
24. Millie
25. Poppy
26. Freya
27. Erin
28. Isla
29. Isabelle
30. Hannah
31. Emma
32. Brooke
33. Molly
34. Phoebe
35. Eva
36. Leah
37. Lilly
38. Abigail
39. Sophia
40. Imogen
41. Maisie
42. Scarlett
43. Lexi
44. Jasmine
45. Lola
46. Layla
47. Isabel
48. Lauren
49. Amber
50. Madison
51. Matilda
52. Elizabeth
53. Bethany
54. Sienna
55. Rosie
56. Anna
57. Gracie
58. Paige
59. Alice
60. Caitlin
61. Georgia
62. Maddison
63. Rebecca
64. Lacey
65. Isobel
66. Faith
67. Libby
68. Tia
69. Keira
70. Lexie
71. Niamh
72. Skye
73. Nicole
74. Aimee
75. Sarah
76. Zoe
77. Eleanor
78. Amelie
79. Julia
80. Eve
81. Maya
82. Tilly
83. Zara
84. Martha
85. Sofia
86. Scarlet
87. Darcy
88. Abbie
89. Victoria
90. Heidi
91. Alexandra
92. Taylor
93. Miley
94. Kayla
95. Mya
96. Lydia
97. Florence
98. Evelyn
99. Rose
100. Courtney

Notes to Editors:

- The top 100 boys and girls names lists were compiled using data
collated from the registered births of Bounty Parenting Club members in
2010

- Bounty (http://www.bounty.com) is the UK's favourite parenting club,
providing information, support and products for young families
throughout the four key-life stages: pre-birth, birth, toddlers and
pre-school

- With 2.5 million members and over 50,000 new members joining
every month, Bounty reaches 9 out of 10 new and expectant parents in
the UK through its Bounty bag sampling

- http://www.bounty.com has 750,000 opted-in members and a further
28,000 new members joining each month
- http://www.bounty.com/baby-names features a host of unique and
handy new functions and tools to help you decide on baby names.
Whether your heart is set on a name and you want to find out more about
its origin or meaning, have absolutely no idea how to go about choosing
a name or simply want to find a name rated by others as 'cool' or
'exotic', Bounty.com is the go-to site for all your naming needs. In
just one click you can search:

- Regional mapping (search the popularity of names throughout the UK
based on where you live)

- Middle names (search for names that are most commonly used as middle
names with your chosen first name)

- Sibling names (search for common sibling names alongside your chosen
first name)

- Rate names according to how 'cool', 'great', 'traditional', 'exotic',
'unique' they are

- Find out nick-names, explore famous people names, and characters
featured in books, TV or film

- Find out who else likes the names you do and ask friends and family to
confidentially rate your favourite names

- Name trend graph showing if names are in declining/growing in
popularity

- Search using letters of the alphabet, number of syllables, origin, and
meaning

- Collate your own 'shopping basket' of preferred names

Source: Bounty UK Ltd

For further information please contact Rachel Burrows on +44-(0)1707-294000, or email rburrows@bounty.com