Business Bulletin Online

Hot New Billboard #1: Part of Me - Katy Perry

2012-02-26T08:07:00.000-08:00

Katy Perry is at the top at billboard for this week with song "Part of Me". Other notable Billboard toppers are, Adele, the late Whitney Houston, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown and others.

Is Garlic Beneficial for Health?

2012-02-25T05:25:00.001-08:00

How many are the health benefits of garlic? With over 400 chemical components, garlic health benefits seem endless; researchers have established that garlic is effective in preventing and treating a stupendous multitude of maladies.

How true is this? Watch the video.

$200 Billion Required to Boost Oil Reserve in Nigeria

2012-02-24T15:07:00.000-08:00

The reduction of oil reserve in Nigeria is cause for concern for ExxonMobil and the company has tasked the Federal Government and other stakeholders in the nation’s oil and gas industry to seek lasting solution to issues militating against the reserve and production growth in Nigeria.

Technology application, investment attracted globally are two of the major roadblocks to reserve of oil and oil production growth.

According to the manager of the company, "It is time for industry and government to partner together to address these challenges, adding that the importance of stable energy policies that support long-range thinking, encourage long-term investment and allow industry to maintain the required momentum were desirable."

He decided to convey thoughts on what ExxonMobil has seen as a remedy to a successful long-term program for Nigeria and the entire world. He said: “So I will convey thoughts on what ExxonMobil considers a vital ingredient of a successful long term exploration and production program for Nigeria and indeed anywhere in the world. He said, "We, as a company, have been in Nigeria for over 100 years and have been exploring and producing for the last 50 years. We also have had operations in just about all the major hydrocarbon basins in the world.”

The International Energy Estimation has reportedly remarked that Nigeria needs more than $200 billion each year between 2012 and 2030 to meet future oil and gas needs.

US to Open a Consulate in Kano, Promises Forensic Investigations

2012-02-24T05:10:00.000-08:00

Amid terrorist attacks in the northern part of Nigeria, the United States of America has made plans to offer some type of support to embattled areas. However, it failed to offer assistance in the area of providing troops for quelling the spreading disturbance.

In an interview posted on AP website, Ambassador Terence P. McCulley said that the U.S. encourages Nigeria reach out to residents in its desperately poor Muslim north while using security forces to target and apprehend terrorists.

He said the U.S. is also considering opening a consulate in Kano, the biggest city in Nigeria’s north, to burnish America’s own image among a people still suspicious about Western influence.

The report also concludes "The U.S. is working with Nigeria’s police to help them learn how to carry out forensic investigations, while a bomb expert from the FBI has been working with authorities on how to detect explosives planted by the group before they detonate, McCulley said. The U.S. also would be open to training Nigeria’s military in counter-terror techniques, though the country hasn’t asked for that assistance, the ambassador said."

Lensbaby Sweet 35: Superb Tool for Photographers

2012-02-23T23:32:00.000-08:00

It's the favorite baby of photographers who want to catch up with the times and it's called Lensbaby Sweet 35. The sweetest thing about it endears it to the heart of photographers. Lensbaby Sweet 35 is the first optic with with a bladed aperture to fit into any of the lenses from the company.

If you test it on the Composer Pro and just like with all the company's lens optics, you get a sweet spot of focus surrounded by soft blurry edges.

According to a reviewer, "The aperture determines the size of the sweet spot. The advantage is that it's so much quicker and easier to change the aperture, the size of the sweet spot, and to adjust the exposure."

With a 35 mm lens, it performs wonders. Other optics offered don't have the bladed aperture that makes Lensbaby Sweet 35. It's macro converters, which are 8 and 16mm, work like an extension on the lens of the camera.

About Lensbaby
Lensbaby is a Portland, Oregon based manufacturer of award-winning Creative Effects SLR camera lenses. Lensbaby was launched in February 2004 by Craig Strong, a professional photographer and the inventor of the patented Lensbaby Creative Effects SLR lens system.

Smartphones And Identity Theft

2012-02-22T16:50:00.000-08:00

Are you sucestible to identity theft because of your smartphone? About 12 million Americans fell to the problem of identity theft in 2011 just because they possess a smartphone.

Credit card companies are blocking all holes whereby fraudsters can get through.

"The message is not that people should let their guard down," Javelin founder and President Jim Van Dyke said. "The challenge that we have is that criminals often change faster than everyday consumers or businesses."

More Girls Needed in the Engineering Industry - ExxonMobil

2012-02-21T09:56:00.000-08:00

In the United States, women make up about half of the national work force, yet only 13 percent of the women are engineers. At the National Engineers Week and ExxonMobil Foundation, attention was drawn to the need to promote curiosity "among middle school students, and help shrink the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields."

The organizers remarked "We can inspire our nation’s youth to pursue STEM careers by capturing their interest at an early age,” said Suzanne McCarron, president, ExxonMobil Foundation. “By building confidence through role models and engaging activities, our program helps address STEM career stereotypes and allows young women to explore and appreciate the engineering profession.”

ExxonMobil employees will lead hands-on activities that connect math and science to real life while reinforcing classroom instruction.

“National Engineers Week is committed to getting kids engaged in math and science, especially girls who are not well represented in these fields,” said Leslie Collins, executive director of National Engineers Week. “It’s because of the outstanding support and partnership from the ExxonMobil Foundation and ExxonMobil employees that we are able introduce thousands of young students to a fulfilling future in engineering.”

The suggestion that more girls should embrace engineering applies not only to the US, but to the entire countries in the world.

News: Mayhem Lagos 4 Lose Lives

2012-02-21T06:14:00.000-08:00

It was claimed that for some time there had crisis lingering in area known as Isalegangan A.K.A Onola and Idungaran, both in Isale Eko area of Lagos state. But yesterday saw the mayhem get worse as four people lost their lives and millions worth of property was reportedly lost.

According to Osun Defender website, "It was a stage of war as scores of youths from Idungaran in Isale Eko area stormed Isalegangan Street (Onola) with dangerous weapons, including AK 47 rifles, knives, cutlasses and gallons of petrol and set a two-storey building at No 28, Isalegangan Street ablaze. Armoured tanks and personnel carriers belonging to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) were seen stationed at Itafaji, Idumagbo Avenue and Tom Jones areas of the Island after the police had succeeded in quelling the riot."

The governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Fashola identified the culprits as area boys from Isale Eko, and not from any other union, as claimed by some other people. He has since station men of the sss to restore peace and calm in the area.

Denzel's 'Safe House' Tops Box Office

2012-02-21T00:05:00.001-08:00

The movie "Safe House" grossed $28.4 million in the US and Canadian theaters last week.

The action movie (see 9-minute trailer above) "Safe House" stars Washington as a fugitive on the run with a rookie CIA operative played by Ryan Reynolds.

Lagos: Murderer of Niece Gets 5 Years in Jail

2012-02-20T03:42:00.000-08:00

An Ikeja High Court, Lagos, weekend, sentenced a middle aged man, Thank-God Ukwueze, to five years imprisonment over the death of his niece, Nkiru Iruka, eight years ago.

Ukwueze was charged for murder, allegedly committed on January 17, 2004 in Ikoyi, Lagos, under Section 319(1) of Criminal Code Cap C, Vol. 2 Laws of Lagos State in November 29, 2005.

But the court convicted him for manslaughter in accordance with Section 317 of the same law. Trial judge, Justice Adebisi Kayode-Ogunmekan, in her judgment, held that though he was found culpable for the death of Iruka, the facts and circumstances of the case made it more appropriate to convict him of a lesser offence of manslaughter.

The Judge said: “Although the accused was charged for the offence of murder, I am of the view that lesser charge is appropriate considering the facts and circumstances of this case.

“I hereby find the accused person guilty of a lesser offence of manslaughter, which attracts the maximum sentence of a life imprisonment. I sentence the accused to five years imprisonment, which excludes the years he had spent in prison following his remand on January 19, 2004.”

The court held that though the accused person’s action caused the death of Nkiru, it might not be a deliberate action but to scare her.

According to the prosecution, the accused person, Ukwueze, allegedly killed Nkiru, who was then 22 years old, by hitting her on the head with a pestle. He was also alleged to have thrown the deceased down from a three-storey building in Ikoyi.

But in his oral evidence during trial, Ukwueze contradicted his statement when he said he did not know how the deceased slipped from the third floor of the storey building.
Source

Arise Magazine Plans Bigger Fashion Show

2012-02-19T14:57:00.000-08:00

Between March 6-11, this year, Arise magazine plans to have a bigger fashoin show in Nigeria than it had last year and there will be many designers, and a lot influencial personalities.

Designers selected to participate in this year’s edition of the fashion week include Adama-Paris (Senegal/France), Amine Bendriouich Couture and BS (Germany/Morocco), Amrapali (India), Angelo Van Mol (Belgium/Ghana), Be-Grey (Nigeria), Bestow Elan (UK/Ghana), Bridget Awosika (Nigeria), Buki Akib (UK/Nigeria), CHICHIA (UK/Tanzania), Christie Brown (Ghana), CLAN (Nigeria), David David London (UK), Davida (Nigeria), Duaba Serwa (Ghana), Ejiro Amos Tafiri (Nigeria), Eki Orleans (UK/Nigeria), Frank Osodi (Nigeria), Funlayo Déri (UK/Nigeria), Gavin Rajah (South Africa), Gloria Wavamuno (Uganda), HOUSE of DIVAS (Nigeria), House of Farrah (Nigeria), House of Nwocha (Nigeria), ICONIC INVANITY (Nigeria), Imane Ayissi (France/Cameroon) and Jacob Kimmie (UK/South Africa).

Also expected are Jewel by Lisa (Nigeria), Kastle Designs & Treasure Chest (USA/Ghana), Kaveke (Kenya/UK), Kevan Hall (USA), Kezia Frederick (UK/St.Lucia), Kiki Clothing (Ghana), Kinabuti (Italy), Klûk-CGDT (South Africa), Koke (Botswana/India), Korto Momolu (USA/Liberia), Lanre Da Silva Ajayi (Nigeria), LaQuan Smith (USA), Laurenceairline (France/Ivory Coast), Loza Maléomsho (USA/Ivory Coast), Madam Wokie's Couture (Sierra Leone), Mai Atafo (Nigeria), Maki-Oh (Nigeria), Mataano (USA/Somalia), Meena (Nigeria), Mustafa Hassanali (Tanzania), NKWO (UK/Nigeria), Odio Mimonet (Nigeria) and Okunoren Twins (Nigeria), Osman (UK).

Others are Paul Hervé ELISABETH (Martinique), Poisa (Kenya), Re Bahia (UK/Nigeria), Sandra Kennedy (Jamaica), Sandra Muendane (Mozambique/Portugal), Sunny Rose (Nigeria/UK), Taibo Bacar (Mozambique), the Vessel. By Lois (USA/Jamaica), Tiffany Amber (Nigeria), Timo Welland (USA/South Africa), Tsemaye Binitie (UK/Nigeria), U.Mi-1 (UK/Nigeria), Virgos Lounge (UK/Nigeria), Viv La Resistance (Nigeria), William Okpo (USA/Nigeria) and Zekaryas Solomon (Eritrea/UK).

According to ThisDay website, the winning designer will hope to secure a golden ticket to showcase his designs at the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2012 in September.

Was Whitney Houston REALLY Lesbian?

2012-02-19T09:27:00.000-08:00

The lady seen to the far right of this picture by the name of Robyn Crawford, is reputed to be Whitney Houston's partner and they are said to be madly in LOVE when Whitney was alive.

Peter tatchell said: "I have, in the past, declined to name Whitney’s female partner. But most of the media have since named her as Robyn Crawford."

Heaviest-Born Baby Records in UK

2012-02-19T09:16:00.000-08:00

This picture shows newborn Suzie on the scales, which she weighed in at 12lbs, 12oz, making her the heaviest girl ever born in Britain.

A certain miss Tevendale, mother of the baby seen above, who is 5ft 4in tall, gave birth only with the aid of gas and air, and did not need stitches, even though Suzie was nearly twice the size of a normal newborn. Most mothers of heavy babies have a caesarean but she did not.

Read more:

Ruggedman - Make Me Feel Alright (play now)

2012-02-18T11:28:00.000-08:00

The music maker is out with a new hit. Let's hope its another masterblaster.

Best Business Guide 2012 - Robert Kiyosaki

2012-02-18T07:16:00.004-08:00

Are you thinking about how our small home business can succeed in 2012? Here are some good advice for all entrepreneurs who want to succeed in business this year.

New Nokia Lumia 610 To Be Unveiled

2012-02-17T22:27:00.002-08:00

Nokia Lumia 900, Lumia 800 and the Nokia Lumia 710 are already in the market; the first two being among top of the best mobile phones in the technology market.

However, a new Nokia mobile phone is about to be launched, GSM Arena has confirmed.

According to news coming from the grapevine, "manufacturers have included some basic information on the phones and though it barely gives us any detailed specs, here’s what has been disclosed. In terms of connectivity, the 610 will have 2G and 3G enabled, along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, whilst the other model, the Asha 305, doesn’t even have those specs listed."

Probably, the first place you'll see it will be at Barcelona at MWC, scheduled for a few days ahead.

Bird Flu Virus Remains A Worwide Challenge

2012-02-17T13:12:00.000-08:00

Bird flu virus may not be a thing of the past. There are indications that the virus may spread once again all around the world again. Recent deaths in Egypt and Asia shows that H5N1 virus is still hanging around and could be dangerous.

According to BusinessWeek reports, "Ten people have died in Cambodia, Indonesia, Egypt, China and Vietnam since December during the prime-time flu season when the virus typically flares in poultry." Long Thanh, director of Vietnam's Center for Animal Health Diagnostics in Vietnam has maintained that his organization will keep an eye on it.

Since 2003, the bird flu virus has killed almost 500 people worldwide. Places affected most include parts of Asia, Middle East, Africa and Europe. It is expected that it will continue to occur sporadically in many countries, causing minor damages.

The major source of catching the flu is through close contact with infected poultry. However, experts fear that it may mutate to a form that can spread easily among humans if care is not taken to curb it.

Bird flu remains hard for people to catch, with most people sickened after being in close contact with infected poultry, but experts have long feared it could spark a pandemic if it mutates into a form that spreads easily among people. New vaccines may be developed to fight the virus.

Thanh, quoted earlier, has remarked that the only way to combat the flu is by increasing bio security. The reason for this is "The new strain had earlier been identified in China and was also recently found in Bangladesh and Nepal, where it likely spread via wild birds," said Jan Slingenbergh, a senior animal health officer at the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome.

1 Thing All Men Who Shave Must Know

2012-02-17T07:45:00.000-08:00

If it doesn't work, call this number +000000000444444444789090.

Is Kyoto Protocol A Failure?

2012-02-17T06:24:00.001-08:00

Canada is ready to walk away from climate change talks. Emerging economies are angry and they think that Canada has not been sincere with them all along. The Canadian Environmental Minister, Peter Kent is avoiding questions and this angers emerging economies more.

"Most of the world recognized the Kyoto Protocol was not working, and a post-Kyoto climate-change agreement needs to be created," Kent was reportedly saying on Wednesday Feb. 15th in the House of Commons in response to questions from NDP environment critic Megan Leslie.

The emerging economies are known as BASIC, and these are countries of Brazil, South Africa, India and China. These countries have voiced their opinion on the present domain of climate change oversight in which the world relies on - Kyoto Protocol.

In other parts of the world, there were discontent as several climate change conferences met with some disturbing and negative outcomes. It appears that some countries are only concerned about how the climate funds are going to be disbursed and they only care about what funds are allotted to them. There's no proof that the funds will even be used for ameliorating climate change disasters.

"Ministers regretted the announcement by Canada, within a few days after the conclusion of the Durban Conference, withdrawing from the Kyoto Protocol," the four emerging economies said.

"Ministers observed that the Kyoto Protocol is not only a cornerstone of the international climate regime but a legally binding agreement under the UNFCCC and that any attempts by developed countries to casually set aside their existing legal commitments while calling for a new legally binding agreement seriously questions their credibility and sincerity in responding to the climate crisis."

Leslie noted that even China is joining in the criticism of Canada, immediately following a visit from Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

However, Kent has maintained that Canada will pul through in cutting its present emission goal and that last December saw a new headway for the fight against global warming worldwide as a new agenda was set for another climate change umbrella away from the Kyoto Protocol.

2012 Cool Gadgets

2012-02-17T00:32:00.001-08:00

Don't you think that something bigger than the iPod will make sense in 2012? Hey guys, have larger hearts.

Funny Picture Of MJ & Whitney Houston

2012-02-16T23:15:00.002-08:00

Does this mean that they're together now?

Video: Your Dog As A DJ

2012-02-16T23:10:00.001-08:00

Imagine if you're a DJ and your dog could stand in for you at a show.

Abdulmutallab 'underwear' bomber gets life in prison in US

2012-02-16T14:13:00.000-08:00

The underwear bomber who was trying to blow up an American airliner on then way to Detroit, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, now 25, has been sentenced to life imprisonment on the 16th of February, 2012. A federal judge on Thursday sentenced a Nigerian man to life in prison for trying to blow up a U.S. airliner bound for Detroit on Christmas Day in 2009.

Earlier, he claimed that "the attacks of the United States on Muslims. The jihadi is proud to kill in the name of God and that is exactly what God told us to do in the Koran," said Abdulmutallab, who had pleaded guilty in October, last year.

Chris Brown's Grammy Presence Disapproved By Many

2012-02-16T11:18:00.003-08:00

It is strange that a superstar of Chris' character should be getting more airtime than Whitney Houston. That's the response of some people to Chris Brown's appearance at the Grammy Award night, and his ability to take away a prize.

On Twitter, there are reports that the singer was pissed off by the unkind comments of others. Some writers have successfully dubbed him 'womanbeater'.

Lambert, a fellow Grammy Award winner, suggested Brown listen to her song “Gunpowder & Lead” about avenging domestic violence and “be put back in his place. Not at the Grammys.”

“HATE ALL U WANT BECUZ I GOT A GRAMMY Now!” Chris Brown wrote in reply. “That’s the ultimate [BLEEP] OFF!”

Did You Know? Wide Waistline Could Mean Brain Problems

2012-02-16T10:47:00.000-08:00

A study which was led Dr. J. Allen McCutchan, of the University of California examined the possibility faced by many HIV patients who survive longer, since weight gain around the waistline could lead to adverse effects on their brain.

It seem as if everything bad will be in the belly. For people with HIV, a wide belly means increased risk of cognitive impairment in HIV/AIDS

That's a big problem because the antiretroviral drugs used to maintain the health condition of HIV infected people could easily lead to increase gait in the waistline.