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Friday, July 06, 2012
Muhammad Ali To Receive National Constitution Center's 2012 Liberty Medal
5 Jul 2012 17:30 Africa/Lagos
Muhammad Ali To Receive National Constitution Center's 2012 Liberty Medal
Ceremony culminates nationwide celebration of the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution
PHILADELPHIA, July 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the centerpiece of the nationwide celebration of the U.S. Constitution's 225th anniversary, the National Constitution Center's 2012 Liberty Medal ceremony will recognize Muhammad Ali as a champion of freedom. Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter joined National Constitution Center President and CEO David Eisner at a special announcement this afternoon, during which Liberty Medal sponsors and partners praised Muhammad Ali as a living embodiment of the Constitution who exemplifies everything the award was established to honor: individuals of courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe.
Ali will receive the medal in a public ceremony on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the National Constitution Center on Independence Mall in Historic Philadelphia. Action News Anchorman Jim Gardner will host the live broadcast of the Liberty Medal ceremony on WPVI-TV/6abc. The event also will be streamed live on www.6abc.com.
Ali has long served as an icon of constitutional ideals and the realization of the American dream – all the while challenging and expanding the very definition of "We the People." The Olympic gold medalist and boxing legend has been an outspoken fighter for religious and civil rights; a conscientious objector who took his battle to the Supreme Court and won; an ambassador for peace and justice worldwide; and a tireless humanitarian and philanthropist. Even as he celebrated his 70th birthday this year, Ali has continued to break new ground as an advocate for those suffering from Parkinson's disease, a disease he has battled since 1982.
Given his history of activism for the cause of freedom, Ali was selected in 1987 by the California Bicentennial Foundation for the U.S. Constitution to personify the vitality of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. He was featured in the Tournament of Roses parade, launching the U.S. Constitution's 200th anniversary commemoration.
"It is very fitting that Muhammad Ali, a representative for the bicentennial of the Constitution, be awarded the prestigious Liberty Medal in 2012, as the nation celebrates the 225th anniversary of our founding document," said President Bill Clinton, Chair of the National Constitution Center. "Ali embodies the spirit of the Liberty Medal by embracing the ideals of the Constitution – freedom, self-governance, equality, and empowerment – and helping to spread them across the globe."
The Liberty Medal ceremony will mark Ali's return to the National Constitution Center. At a special Flag Day ceremony on June 14, 2003 – just before the Center's official opening – he was the first to raise the American flag that hangs in the Grand Hall Overlook and had previously flown over every state and territory capitol.
"Muhammad Ali symbolizes all that makes America great, while pushing us as a people and as a nation to be better,'" said National Constitution Center President and CEO David Eisner. "Each big fight of his life has inspired a new chapter of civic action. We look forward to welcoming him back to the Center, particularly during this momentous 225th anniversary year."
"As the Liberty Medal recipient during this historic year for the Constitution, Muhammad Ali represents how far we have come as a nation and the spirit of determination, ambition, and civic service that will propel America forward for 225 more years and beyond," said Doug DeVos, Chairman of the Center's Executive Committee.
"While many know Ali as a legendary boxer, his contributions outside of the ring carry even greater significance," Governor Tom Corbett said. "A true champion for the people, his biggest triumph lies in his legacy as a philanthropist, activist, and example of all that our Constitution represents. He is most deserving of this high honor."
"Muhammad Ali is an outstanding nominee to receive the 2012 Liberty Medal," said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. "For more than half a century, Ali has been committed to fighting for peace, justice, and civil rights for all in the spirit of this award. The City of Philadelphia, the birthplace of American liberty, is proud to host this prestigious ceremony honoring Muhammad Ali."
A descendant of pre-Civil War era American slaves, Ali grew up in the segregated South, where he experienced prejudice and discrimination firsthand. Upon returning to the United States after winning an Olympic Gold Medal in Rome in 1960, he was turned away from a "whites-only" restaurant.
In 1967, Ali refused induction into the U.S. Armed Forces due to his religious beliefs. As a result, he was arrested, fined, stripped of his boxing license and title, and found guilty of draft evasion. Though Ali was prepared to pay the price for his convictions, the Supreme Court reversed the decision in 1971, ruling that his refusal stemmed from his constitutionally protected religious beliefs. Ali regained his title in 1974 and retired from the ring in 1981.
He has since devoted his life to helping promote world peace, civil rights, cross-cultural understanding, interfaith relations, humanitarianism, hunger relief, and the commonality of basic human values. His work as an ambassador for peace began in 1985, when he flew to Lebanon to secure the release of four hostages. Ali also has made goodwill missions to Afghanistan and North Korea; delivered over $1 million in medical aid to Cuba; traveled to Iraq to secure the release of 15 United States hostages during the first Gulf War; and journeyed to South Africa to meet Nelson Mandela upon his release from prison. His recent attempt to free two American hikers held captive in Iran reinforces his tireless commitment to promoting freedom, tolerance, and humanity around the world.
Throughout his boxing career, Ali's highly publicized fights in locales such as Kinshasa, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur brought increased global attention to the developing world. Today, he continues to serve those in need overseas, providing over 232 million meals to the world's hungry. Ali has hand-delivered food and medical supplies to children in Cote D'Ivoire, Indonesia, Mexico, and Morocco, among other countries.
In addition to his international efforts, Ali is equally devoted to helping charities at home. He has visited countless numbers of soup kitchens and hospitals, and helped organizations including the Make-A-Wish-Foundation and the Special Olympics. He also annually participates in "Celebrity Fight Night," which generates funds for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Research Center at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.
Ali once said, "I've always wanted to be more than just a boxer. More than just the three-time heavyweight champion. I wanted to use my fame, and this face that everyone knows so well, to help uplift and inspire people around the world."
In November 2005, Ali and his wife Lonnie opened the Muhammad Ali Center in their hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Both an education center and museum experience, the Ali Center inspires children and adults to be as great as they can be, and encourages people around the globe to form new commitments in their lives in areas of personal growth, integrity, and respect for others.
Muhammad Ali has received some of the world's most prestigious awards. He has been honored by Amnesty International with their "Lifetime Achievement Award." Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations and former Liberty Medal recipient, bestowed him with a citation as "United Nations Messenger of Peace." Ali also was named the "International Ambassador of Jubilee 2000," a global organization dedicated to relieving debt in developing nations. In 2005, he was presented with the Presidential Citizens Medal and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Liberty Medal was established in 1988 to commemorate the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution. Given annually, the medal honors men and women of courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe. The Liberty Medal was first administered by the National Constitution Center in 2006, when Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton were honored for their bipartisan humanitarian efforts on behalf of the victims of the tsunami in Southeast Asia and the hurricanes on the Gulf Coast.
Last year's medal was awarded to former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates. Other past Liberty Medal winners include Nelson Mandela, Shimon Peres, Kofi Annan, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and Bono. The Medal also has been awarded to organizations, including Doctors Without Borders and CNN International. Six recipients of the Medal subsequently have won the Nobel Peace Prize.
National Constitution Center Board member Ira Lubert of Independence Capital Partners will sponsor the Liberty Medal award in 2012, as he has for the past six years. Citizens Bank is underwriting the VIP Reception for the 2012 Liberty Medal. Citizens Bank has supported the Liberty Medal at the National Constitution Center since 2006. Hublot, the luxury Swiss brand that brings the "Art of Fusion" to watchmaking, will celebrate the 225th anniversary of the Constitution with a limited edition "U.S. Liberty Bang" timepiece.
The City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania also support the Liberty Medal.
The National Constitution Center is the first and only nonprofit, nonpartisan institution devoted to the most powerful vision of freedom ever expressed: the U.S. Constitution. Located on Independence Mall in Historic Philadelphia, the birthplace of American freedom, the Center illuminates constitutional ideals and inspires active citizenship through a state-of-the-art museum experience, including hundreds of interactive exhibits, films and rare artifacts; must-see feature exhibitions; the internationally acclaimed, 360-degree theatrical production Freedom Rising; and the iconic Signers' Hall, where visitors can sign the Constitution alongside 42 life-size, bronze statues of the Founding Fathers. As America's forum for constitutional dialogue, the Center engages diverse, distinguished leaders of government, public policy, journalism and scholarship in timely public discussions and debates. The Center also houses the Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, the national hub for constitutional education, which offers cutting-edge civic learning resources both onsite and online. Freedom is calling. Answer it at the National Constitution Center. For more information, call 215.409.6700 or visit www.constitutioncenter.org.
EDITOR'S NOTE: A complete list of Liberty Medal winners follows.
Past Recipients of the Liberty Medal
2011
Dr. Robert M. Gates, former U.S. Secretary of Defense
2010
Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister
2009
Steven Spielberg
2008
Mikhail Gorbachev, former Soviet leader
2007
Bono and DATA
2006
George H.W. Bush and William J. Clinton, former U.S. Presidents
2005
Viktor Yushchenko, President of Ukraine
2004
Hamid Karzai, President of Afghanistan
2003
Sandra Day O'Connor, Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court
2002
Colin Powell, U.S. Secretary of State
2001
Kofi Annan, United Nations Secretary-General*
2000
Dr. James Watson and Dr. Francis Crick, co-discoverers of the structure of DNA
1999
Kim Dae Jung, President of South Korea*
1998
Senator George J. Mitchell, Irish peace negotiator
1997
CNN International
1996
King Hussein I of Jordan and Shimon Peres, former Prime Minister of Israel
1995
Sadako Ogata, United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees
1994
Vaclav Havel, President of the Czech Republic
1993
F.W. de Klerk, President of South Africa* and Nelson Mandela, President of the African National Congress*
1992
Thurgood Marshall, former Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court
1991
Oscar Arias, President of Costa Rica and Medecins sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders)*
1990
Jimmy Carter, former U.S. President*
1989
Lech Walesa, founder of Solidarity, Poland
* Liberty Medal recipients who subsequently won the Nobel Peace Prize
SOURCE National Constitution Center
CONTACT: Ashley Berke, Director of Public Relations, +1-215-409-6693, aberke@constutioncenter.org; Lauren Saul, Public Relations Manager, +1-215-409-6895, lsaul@constitutioncenter.org
Web Site: http://www.constitutioncenter.org
2 Jul 2012 23:49 Africa/Lagos
Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center Receives Largest Gift in Its History
Celebrity Fight Night Donates $3 million
PHOENIX, July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix has received a $3 million donation from Celebrity Fight Night that will be used to help dramatically expand the renowned facility and its programs.
Dozens of doctors, patients and staff applauded as Abraham Lieberman, MD, the center's director, personally received the donation recently from Jimmy Walker, founder of Celebrity Fight Night. Since the annual charity event began 18 years ago, it has contributed more than $22 million to the Center. Today's gift was the single largest ever received by the Ali center.
Dr. Lieberman said the funds would be used to more than double the current size of the facility. The expansion will include new clinical areas, physical and speech therapy areas and community education meeting rooms.
The current Ali center was opened in December 2010 on the campus of Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital. It is one of the most comprehensive Parkinson's treatment centers in the world, coordinating patient care, physical therapy, pharmaceutical and surgical care, research, and patient education and outreach. The Center has been designated a Center of Excellence by the National Parkinson Foundation. At an inspiring 2010 event, Muhammad Ali and his wife, Lonnie, officially opened the new treatment center in downtown Phoenix.
"Thanks to the donations from Celebrity Fight Night, we continue to increase the numbers of patients we see, as well as the number of people who come to the Center for our education and social programs," said Dr. Lieberman. "We have also increased our ability to develop new drugs and treatments for Parkinson's disease."
Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984 and today Celebrity Fight Night is his signature event. "We are proud that Celebrity Fight Night continues to grow and succeed every year. Because of its remarkable success we are able to make this large donation," says Sean Currie, executive director of the star-studded charity event. "Thanks to the participation of many of today's biggest stars from around the country, as well as some of the nation's biggest philanthropists, the annual event gets bigger and better every year."
-Barrow-
About Barrow: Barrow Neurological Institute of St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, is internationally recognized as a leader in neurological research and patient care and is consistently voted as among the Top 10 hospitals for neurology and neurology in the United States. Barrow treats patients with a wide range of neurological conditions, including brain and spinal tumors, cerebrovascular conditions, and neuromuscular disorders. Barrow's clinicians and researchers are devoted to providing excellent patient care and finding better ways to treat neurological disorders.
SOURCE St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
CONTACT: Sara Baird, +1-602-406-3312
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06:12 2012 UNEP Ozone Africa Media Award is open! / Call for Entries / Register now - Eight (8) more weeks to go
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Wednesday, July 04, 2012
Celebrate the 4th with Appoday -- Get Connect Poker for FREE on July 4th
3 Jul 2012 15:00 Africa/Lagos
Celebrate the 4th with Appoday -- Get Connect Poker for FREE on July 4th
Appoday brings you this fun and highly addictive game at no cost for a limited time
PALO ALTO, Calif., July 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- We're aiming to make your Fourth of July extra-special this year. Add an extra helping of fun to your celebration with Connect Poker, brought to you by Appoday.
Connect Poker combines the best elements of Connect 4, Bejeweled, and Poker. The recently released app is a simple, yet highly refined matching game where players connect two to five cards from a grid to make a poker hand. Connect Poker is incredibly fun and compelling, rapidly growing a loyal fan base from moms to gamers alike.
Developed by Shrink Ray Studios, Connect Poker reinvents the classic poker game. It features three distinct gaming modes (classic, arcade, and infinite), includes unique power-ups and offers users hours of fun-filled game play. The game is integrated with Apple's Game Center bringing you the ability to compete with friends for rank and achievements.
"We're delighted to be able to offer our users Connect Poker for free this 4th of July. This new take on the classic poker game will take over the App Store. Be careful – it's unbelievably addictive," said Andrej Nabergoj, CEO and founder of Iddiction.
To get the Connect Poker app for free, download Appoday: http://itunes.apple.com/app/appoday-free-app-deal-day/id492105097.
Discover Connect Poker on the web at http://shrinkraystudios.com/ConnectPoker/ or on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ConnectPoker.
ABOUT APPODAY
Appoday provides the best user discovery experience for mobile apps and games. Download Appoday from the iTunes App Store at http://itunes.apple.com/app/appoday-free-app-deal-day/id492105097. Visit Appoday on the web at http://appoday.com, on Twitter http://twitter.com/appoday or on Facebook http://fb.me/appoday.
ABOUT SHRINK RAY STUDIOS
Shrink Ray Studios is a mobile game development company based in Toronto, Canada. Founded in 2011 by Sebastian Barrotta and Brian Coleman, the company takes pride in creating unique games with high quality and replay value. The goal of Shrink Ray Studios is and forever will be to make apps that are fun, challenging and addictive. For more information about Shrink Ray Studios visit http://shrinkraystudios.com.
ABOUT IDDICTION
Iddiction, Inc., the latest start-up from mobile games veteran Andrej Nabergoj, is focused on delivering user the best mobile apps and games. The company is backed by Rick Thompson, Comcast Ventures, IDG Ventures, Highland Capital Partners and Felicis Ventures.
SOURCE Iddiction
CONTACT: Diana Dozier, iddiction@groupsjr.com, +1-646-217-0431
Web Site: http://shrinkraystudios.com/ConnectPoker
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Tuesday, July 03, 2012
Genevieve Nnaji's Role In Half Of A Yellow Sun Is A Small Part?
Why all the hullabaloo over Nollywood diva Genevieve Nnaji's role in Biyi Bandele's film daptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Half Of A Yellow Sun when it is just a small role?
Well that is what Tambay A. Obenson calls it in a report on her leading role in Mahmood Ali-Balogun's thriller Tango With Me set to premiere in London on August 16.
Read the rest of the report on Shadow and Act.
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Monday, July 02, 2012
Jon Bon Jovi Joins Avon In Launching The Upcoming Fragrances "Unplugged" For Him And For Her
New York, NY, July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Avon Products, Inc. today announced that Jon Bon Jovi will serve as the face of “Unplugged” fragrances for him and for her, two new scents that exude passion, soulfulness and intensity. The partnership unites a rock icon and a major force in beauty, both of whom are dedicated to charitable efforts.
“Avon, and the Avon Foundation for Women, have given support and a voice to those in need for decades,” says Jon Bon Jovi. “Their philosophy of empowerment sends a strong message and I’m pleased to partner with them,” says Jon Bon Jovi.
“Jon’s music and philanthropic work celebrate independence and optimism, two beautiful qualities that radiate from within,” explains Lily DeStefano, Vice President of Avon North America Beauty. “The ‘Unplugged’ scents evoke an emotional connection – something Jon inspires in audiences around the world.”
The Unplugged fragrances are captivating and exhilarating. Unplugged for Her is a floral oriental fragrance available in October 2012, and Unplugged for Him is a woody floral musk scent available in November 2012. Both will be sold exclusively through Avon Representatives in North America. To locate an Avon Representative, call 1-800-FOR-AVON, or visit www.avon.com.
About Avon
Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with over $11 billion in annual revenue. As the world’s largest direct seller, Avon markets to women in more than 100 countries through approximately 6.4 million active independent Avon Sales Representatives. Avon’s product line includes beauty, fashion and home products, and features such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Advance Techniques, Avon Naturals, and Mark. Avon is a global leader in the causes of breast cancer and domestic violence, with more than $860 million raised and awarded worldwide through the Avon Foundation for Women and global philanthropic programs. The company is committed to continual improvement in environmental stewardship, and is included in the Newsweek green rankings of the top 500 largest US companies and the 100 Best Corporate Citizens. Learn more about Avon at www.avoncompany.com.
About Jon Bon Jovi
The Grammy-winning band, Bon Jovi has set the bar for nearly three decades as one of the world’s most successful rock bands. Their last two consecutive tours were named the highest-grossing tours in the world in 2008 and 2010, respectively. They have sold over 130 million albums, consistently releasing #1 albums, Top Ten hits and have performed in over 50 countries for upwards of 34 million fans.
Jon Bon Jovi is also Chairman of The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. Since 2006, the Foundation has addressed issues that force families and individuals into economic despair and has built 330 units of affordable housing. The Foundation expanded in October 2011 with the opening of the JBJ Soul Kitchen, which serves nutritious, culinary dishes in a restaurant atmosphere to diners who contribute either volunteer hours or a minimum donation for their meals. The Soul Kitchen is housed in a renovated 1,100 square foot former auto-body shop in Red Bank, NJ.
Media Contacts:
Claudia Shaum
212-282-8195
Claudia.shaum@avon.com
Elizabeth Bergman
212-282-8197
Elizabeth.bergman@avon.com
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A Letter From Jerusalem And The International Happiness Day
A Letter From Jerusalem And The International Happiness Day
Some years back, a survey rated Nigerians as the happiest people on earth. But I noted that the survey was based on interviews with only the Nigerians found in safer and richer groups of the Nigerian society and not including the miserable population of the poor masses and hostile legions in the volatile northern states.
Anyway, Nigerians can still find happiness in spite of the social, economic and political challenges in Nigeria and my positive faith in Nigeria motivated me to initiate the House of Happiness Club in Nigeria which is part of a global movement to make more people happy and promote peace in our world. And all Nigerians are invited to join us to celebrate the coming International Happiness Day on Tuesday July 10, 2012.
The United Nations has passed the resolution for the worldwide observation of the International Happiness Day.
"The pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal," said the resolution, which was passed by consensus in the 193-member assembly today.
The resolution calls on all member states "to observe the International Day of Happiness in an appropriate manner, including through education and public awareness activities".
You can organize special events to celebrate the day in your respective communities and upload the videos on Vimeo or YouTube or on blogs for public appreciation. I have The Project Happiness film for any club or community to show the quest for happiness by a group of Nigerian students, American students and Indian students.
With the unspoken epidemic of stress and depression infiltrating every community, how can kids (of all ages) learn to generate their own happiness regardless of the situations they face? Follow three groups of high school students from three continents on a quest to understand the nature of lasting happiness. What they discover uncovers the potential for happiness that is in us all.
The film focuses on four teens from Santa Cruz, California. Each faces personal obstacles to happiness: loss, alienation and the everyday challenges of being a teenager passing into adulthood. An innovative project that asks the question “How do we achieve lasting happiness?” introduces them by internet and video diaries to their peers in Nigeria and India and quickly leaves lectures and books behind. The teens also engage in conversations with cultural icons George Lucas, Richard Gere and groundbreaking neuroscientist Richard Davidson. The three international groups ultimately meet face to face in India for the first time to prepare for a rare private audience with the Dalai Lama.
The following letter is from Rabbi Zelig Pliskin of the Happiness Club in Jerusalem.
Hi Michael,
I was very excited and happy to read in the latest happiness club newsletter that you are starting a happiness club in Africa (Nigeria).
Happiness is accomplished one person at a time. I am founder and host of the Joy (Happiness) Club of Jerusalem.
You are welcome to attend any meetings when you visit Jerusalem.
A happy and kind world is a peaceful world.
I love Lionel and anticipate 1000 happiness clubs worldwide.
Keep up your great work.
Zelig
Zelig Pliskin is an Orthodox rabbi, writer, lecturer, and author of more than 25 books, including My Father, My King, Building Your Self-Image, Life Is Now: Creating Moments of Joy, Courage, Kindness, and Serenity, Anger: The Inner Teacher, Kindness: Changing People's Lives for the Better, Guard Your Tongue, Love your neighbor: You and your fellow man in the light of the Torah : a practical guide to man's relationship ... culled from the full spectrum of Torah literature and Gateway to Happiness.. The focus of Pliskin's teachings is helping people improve themselves and find happiness.
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