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— January 2008 —


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January 31, 2008

Stockholm is final stopover in Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09

Stockholm Volvo

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Portsmouth (England) - 31 January, 2008 - The Swedish capital, Stockholm, has been announced as the final stopover for the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 before its finish in the Russian Baltic port of St Petersburg in July 2009. During the stopover, between 16 - 25 June 2009, Stockholm will also host an in-port race as well as a pro-am race in its famous archipelago.

At a city hall press conference in central Stockholm, its Mayor, Kristina Axén Olin, was joined by Ulla Hamilton, Vice-Mayor and Chairman of Ports of Stockholm, together with Glenn Bourke, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, to make the formal announcement.


Volvo Ocean Race ABN Amro

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Photo: ABN AMRO ONE passing the scoring gate at Lizard Point, England after Volvo Ocean Race Leg 6 from New York across the Atlantic Ocean to Portsmouth in England. (© Oskar Kihlborg/ Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006)

The 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race will be the 10th running of this ocean marathon. Starting from Alicante in Spain on 4 October 2008, it will for the first time, take in ports in Asia. Spanning some 39,000 nautical miles, stopping at around 11 ports and taking nine months to complete, the Volvo Ocean Race is the world's premier yacht race for professional racing crews. |GlobalGiants.com|


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:18 AM | View the original post





January 29, 2008

GM Chevrolet Beat Concept

GM Chevrolet Beat Concept

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Photo: The Chevrolet Beat takes center stage with models wearing fashions by Kevan Hall at GM Style- General Motors' car studded music and fashion gala at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.


Chevrolet Beat : Designed to evoke the mood of a speedy micro import tuner, the Beat is a front-wheel-drive, three-door hatchback concept built to be personalized, and powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to an automatic transmission. It's loaded with technology, including a navigation system and premium stereo.


GM Chevrolet Beat Concept

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Built on GM's global mini architecture, this concept demonstrate the flexibility, creativity and innovative focus of design in GM's Asia Pacific region. The Chevrolet Beat concept, a running prototype of a micro import tuner, was built in India.


GM Chevrolet Beat Concept

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According to GM, the Chevrolet Beat concept was designed and built leveraging GM's Global Product Development process, created from best practices around the world that integrate design, engineering, powertrain and manufacturing organizations to ensure each vehicle program meets its quality, timing and business targets, yet is responsive to the needs in regional markets.


GM Chevrolet Beat Concept

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As part of its global product development process, GM is growing the skills and capabilities of its design and engineering centers in several emerging markets, using key tools and technologies, such as a global virtual design and engineering network, that allows engineers and designers to collaborate with each other around the world.


GM Chevrolet Beat Concept

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Chevrolet is one of four GM global brands, meeting diverse customer needs in 120 countries with vehicles that range from subcompacts and family sedans to full-size pickups and SUVs and iconic sports cars such as the Corvette.


GM Chevrolet Beat Concept

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The Chevrolet Beat concept has the potential to expand the reach of Chevrolet - already a beloved brand around the world - even further. |GlobalGiants.com|

Source: General Motors


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:19 AM | View the original post





January 28, 2008

Siemens Light Rail USA : GlobalGiants.com

Siemens Light Rail

Photo: The Siemens low-floor tram S70 in Houston, driving on the Red Line between South Park and Ride and the university of Houston-Downtown. January 23, 2008.


Siemens Light Rail

Photo: The Siemens low-floor tram SD660 in Portland, driving on the Westside Line between Beaverton Creek and Merlo Road. January 24, 2008.


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:28 AM | View the original post





London celebrates the arrival of the Fiat 500 : GlobalGiants.com

Fiat 500


On 21 January the British Airways revealed, in one of its 32 glass cabins, a glittering new Fiat 500. This highly-original initiative was organised by FIAT Group Automobiles UK Ltd to celebrate the launch of the new car on the UK market.

This performance could be followed via a live radio-television broadcast or from a specially dedicated area. It was here that the more than 2000 guests, together with a host of showbiz personalities including Kelly Osbourne, Jade Jagger, Eva Herzigova, Eddie Jordan and Leah Wood, enjoyed the show. But, according to Fiat, thousands of Londoners lined the banks of the Thames next to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Bridge to see the car fly into the sky over the City.


Fiat 500

Fiat 500

Fiat 500

Fiat 500


Andrew Humberstone, CEO of FIAT Group Automobiles UK Ltd, said: «We are really delighted to have been able to give thousands of people a party to remember and the chance to be at the launch of our Fiat 500. We are sure that this car will find a place in everyone's heart with its fascinating style, fuel efficiency, impressive range of safety equipment and its respect for the environment».

Created by the Fiat Style Centre, the new 500 is a small 3-door car. It is 355cm long, 163cm wide, 149cm high, and has a wheelbase of 230 cm. It has been describe as a "cute, playful compact with soft rounded styling." |GlobalGiants.com|


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:15 AM | View the original post





January 27, 2008

World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2008: Japanese PM unveils 10 billion dollar fund on climate change

World Economic Forum

Photo: John A. Thain, Chief Executive Officer, Merrill Lynch, USA, captured during the session 'The Global Economic Outlook 2008' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 26, 2008. (© World Economic Forum. Photo by Remy Steinegger)


World Economic Forum

Photo: Josh Lerner, Professor of Finance, Entrepreneurial and Service Management, Harvard Business School, USA, captured during the session 'Myths and Realities of Private Equity' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 26, 2008. (© World Economic Forum. Photo by Remy Steinegger)


World Economic Forum

Photo: Anatole Kaletsky, The Times, United Kingdom, captured during the session 'Myths and Realities of Private Equity' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 26, 2008. (© World Economic Forum. Photo by Remy Steinegger)


World Economic Forum

Photo: Martin Wolf, Associate Editor and Chief Economics Commentator, Financial Times, United Kingdom, makes a point during the session 'The Global Economic Outlook 2008' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 26, 2008. (© World Economic Forum. Photo by Remy Steinegger)


World Economic Forum

Davos, Switzerland -- Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda today unveiled a five-year, US$ 10 billion fund to support efforts in developing countries to combat global warming a move that ensures top priority be given to climate change at this year's G8 Summit.

In addition, Japan aims to create a new multilateral fund with the US and the UK to mitigate changes in the earth's climate as a result of global warming, Fukuda told business leaders at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2008.


World Economic Forum

Photo: Yasuo Fukuda, Prime Minister of Japan at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 26, 2008. (© World Economic Forum. Photo by Remy Steinegger)


Calling it the "Cool Earth Partnership", the prime minister, who will chair the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit later in the year, said: "Japan will cooperate actively with developing countries' efforts to reduce emissions, such as those to enhance energy efficiency. At the same time, we will extend the hand of assistance to developing countries suffering severe adverse impact as a result of climate change."

The fund will start disbursing funds this year. It will set aside up to US$ 8 billion for assistance in climate change mitigation, and up to US$ 2 billion for grants, aid and technical assistance for countries switching to clean energy.

"There is no time to lose in addressing climate change," Fukuda said. "We have readily available means for taking action without waiting for the agreement on a post-Kyoto framework."

The Kyoto Protocol governing greenhouse gas emissions runs out in 2012.

As the chair of the G8 Summit, Fukuda said he is resolved to work with major emitters to set a "fair and equitable emissions target" based on a bottom-up approach that looks at sectoral energy efficiency.

Japan will set a "quantified national target" to reduce emissions immediately. |GlobalGiants.com|


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:18 AM | View the original post





January 26, 2008

World Economic Forum: Is "Brand USA" suffering? Perhaps not

World Economic Forum

Photo: A participant walks from the Congress Center. Impression of the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 25, 2008. (© World Economic Forum. Photo by Annette Boutellier)


World Economic Forum

Photo: Carlos Ghosn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Renault, France; President and Chief Executive Officer, Nissan, Japan, captured during the session 'The Power of Collaborative Innovation' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 25, 2008. (© World Economic Forum. Photo by Remy Steinegger)


World Economic Forum

Photo: Thomas H. Glocer, Chief Executive Officer, Reuters, United Kingdom, captured during the session 'The Power of Collaborative Innovation' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 25, 2008. (© World Economic Forum. Photo by Remy Steinegger)


World Economic Forum

Photo: Rajagopala Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, captured during the session 'Innovative India' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 25, 2008. (© World Economic Forum. Photo by Monika Flueckiger)


World Economic Forum

Photo: Eric Schmidt, Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chief Executive Officer, Google, USA, captured during the session 'The Future of Mobile Technology' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 25, 2008. (© World Economic Forum. Photo by Andy Mettler)


World Economic Forum

Photo: Gordon Brown, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, captured during the session 'Three Crucial Questions for the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 25, 2008. (© World Economic Forum. Photo by Andy Mettler)


World Economic Forum

Photo: Gordon Brown, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and H.M. Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Member of the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum, talk to each other during the session 'Corporate Global Citizenship in the 21st Century' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 24, 2008. (© World Economic Forum. Photo by Andy Mettler)


World Economic Forum

Photo: H.M. Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Member of the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum, captured during the session 'Corporate Global Citizenship in the 21st Century' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 24, 2008. (© World Economic Forum. Photo by Andy Mettler)


World Economic Forum

Photo: Sir Martin Sorrell , Group Chief Executive, WPP, United Kingdom, captured at the Annual Meeting 2007 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 25, 2007. (© World Economic Forum. Photo by Annette Boutellier)

Davos, Switzerland -- "The US brand still has significant leadership, but there has been a significant decline in the perception of the brand over the past few years," Sir Martin Sorrell, Group Chief Executive, WPP, United Kingdom, told the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2008 at a session entitled "Rebuilding Brand America: Five Suggestions for the Future President".

Sorrell said market research carried out by his company prior to the Annual Meeting looked at the United States as both a political and a corporate brand. "The report card for brand manager [President George W.] Bush is 'could do better'," he said, adding: "The relationship with the rest of the world has deteriorated."

But News Corporation chief Rupert Murdoch made a spirited defence of the actions and standing of the US, even dismissing the title of the debate as a "false presumption". Asked what advice he would give to the US President, Murdoch replied: "I would advise not to read The New York Times. The United States has a great image around the world."

The United States provides more international aid and assistance than any other country and has a tradition of philanthropy that is simply unmatched elsewhere. "The generosity of the Americans is amazing and most people know this," he affirmed. But what everybody needs to understand is that the world changed for the US on 9/11.

The two business leaders were joined on the panel by Publicis head Maurice Levy and H.H. Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Economic Development Board of the Kingdom of Bahrain, who both stressed the need for the United States to be seen to be applying its traditional values.

"It should try as much as possible to apply its values universally. It will make us all play the game better," said the Crown Prince, who praised the role of the United States in guaranteeing the security of his country and others in the region over the past 50 years. He said that he chose to study in the US because he was attracted by the "values of a free nation."

Nevertheless, the US role in the Middle East has probably "led to some negative perception". Making clear that he was referring to the Palestinian-Israeli question, the Crown Prince added: "All we seek is that it apply its values universally."

Levy, who joked he was reluctant to differ with Murdoch because he is a good business client, said that it is important to see what is not working when it comes to the US image. "They have lost something very important. They have a glorious past, coloured by some decisions in recent years." He said the turning point was Iraq.

In many ways, the United States suffers from being held in such high regard that people are probably tougher on it than on other countries. "You are more tough on them when you love them," said Levy. To remedy the situation, the United States needs to engage more with other countries on issues such as global warming, be a "little less lonely" when making foreign policy decisions, and perhaps be more ready to accept advice from others.

Sorrell noted that even though his market research shows that the US corporate brand is "not well liked", US companies still account for 50% of the top 10 brands in China in terms of market recognition and loyalty, and in Italy the figure is only slightly lower. |GlobalGiants.com|


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:13 AM | View the original post





January 25, 2008

American College President authors new book on scandals -- Crisis Leadership Now

Today's European Trading Scandal Highlights Need for Crisis Planning on Corporate Agenda


Management


Just made announcement by European investment banker Societe Generale that a single employee allegedly committed a $7 billion case of trading fraud points to the need for employers to heighten safeguards against internal and external threats, according to a recently released book by the President of The American College.

"Stock option backdating, subprime losses and credit card theft represent market exposures that raise questions about Board governance and internal controls," notes Laurence Barton, Ph.D. "Where were the auditors? Who has accountability and where is the outcry," he notes.


American College

Barton, a widely quoted analyst and professor at The College who is the former vice president of crisis management for Motorola worldwide noted: "Crisis management is more than safety awareness - what can companies do to prevent all kinds of threats, from workplace violence to structural failures and product recalls? We are witnessing a profound lack of quality assuredness in management oversight that extends across industries."

His new book, Crisis Leadership Now, was released by McGraw-Hill. In the book, Barton analyzes more than 400 scandals that impacted notable companies including jetBlue, Marsh, Virginia Tech, Hewlett-Packard and British Petroleum. He found that a lack of crisis auditing on risk exposures often contributes to a problem blossoming into an organizational crisis that can affect the financial condition, brand and recruiting power of an organization.


Societe Generale

Photo: Societe Generale Loses $7 Billion to Fraudulent Trader: The Bank of France said on Thursday it would open an inquiry into a fraud at French bank Societe Generale which could have a 4.9 billion euros (3.7 billion pounds) negative impact on the group.


"Society Generale's credibility and potentially its future is on the line today," he adds. "A recommended roadmap is to admit to a profound lack of controls, the absence of detailed, daily oversight and the need for transparency. Offers of executive resignations are not enough. Winning back the confidence of the investment community requires a massive organizational commitment to detailed accounting forensics by external parties," he adds.

"You cannot rely solely on your insurance company to bail you out," Barton notes. "Senior executives must own risk and crisis planning, assess the preparedness of their human resources, security and legal teams to harness solutions quickly when a risk emerges, and they must be flawless at communicating real-time," he adds. "Whether it's Virginia Tech, a mall shooting or a product recall, we still come back to basics: What did you know? When did you know it? What did you do about it?" he asks. |GlobalGiants.com|

Source: The American College


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:57 AM | View the original post





WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM: GROWTH OF SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUNDS SEEN AS POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT

WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Photo: Philip Yea, Chief Executive, 3i Group, United Kingdom, captured during the session 'Private Equity and Hedge Funds - Friend or Foe?' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum at the Swiss Alpine High School in Davos, Switzerland, January 24, 2008. (Copyright by World Economic Forum. Photo by Annette Boutellier)


WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Photo: Henry A. Kissinger (R), Chairman, Kissinger Associates, USA; Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2008, and Shimon Peres, President of Israel, captured during the session 'Orchestrating a New Concert of Powers' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 24, 2008. (Copyright by World Economic Forum. Photo by Annette Boutellier)


WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Photo: Sir Martin Sorrell, Group Chief Executive, WPP, United Kingdom, captured during the session 'Rebuilding Brand America: Five Suggestions for the Future President' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 24, 2008. (Copyright by World Economic Forum. Photo by Remy Steinegger)


WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Photos: William H. Gates III, Chairman, Microsoft Corporation, USA, captured during the session 'A New Approach to Capitalism in the 21st Century' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 24, 2008. (Copyright by World Economic Forum. Photo by Remy Steinegger)


WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Photo: Rupert Murdoch, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, News Corporation, USA captured during the session 'Rebuilding Brand America: Five Suggestions for the Future President' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 24, 2008. (Copyright by World Economic Forum. Photo by Remy Steinegger)


WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Photo: Emma Thompson, Actor and Writer, United Kingdom, expresses her thoughts during the session 'Future Shifts: The Voice of the Next Generation' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 24, 2008. (Copyright by World Economic Forum. Photo by Monika Flueckiger)


WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Photo: Tzipi Livni, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, addresses the audience during the session 'Middle East: After Annapolis, After Paris' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 24, 2008. (Copyright by World Economic Forum. Photo by Andy Mettler)


Davos, Switzerland, 24 January 2008 - The growing financial clout of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) - government-controlled vehicles created to invest the foreign currency reserves of many major oil producers and other exporters - should be welcomed, not opposed, by global policy-makers, panellists at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2008 agreed today.

The rising importance of these funds - as seen by their recent investments in troubled financial institutions in the US and Europe - has attracted widespread media attention, fuelling public concern about their potential political influence. Yet, for the most part, these fears bear no relation to the funds' actual behaviour. "These are among the most professional investors in the world," noted Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Blackstone Group, USA. "In our experience, there is virtually no difference between going to a sovereign fund [for investment capital] and going to a state pension fund in the US."

Schwarzman was speaking at a panel session entitled "Myths and Realities of Sovereign Wealth Funds". The panel also included fund managers from Kuwait and Norway, key government officials from the US, Russia and Saudi Arabia, and a noted economist and former US Treasury Secretary. For the most part, these participants agreed that the SWFs represent a valuable pool of stable, long-term capital, and have reduced, rather than increased, capital market volatility.

The need for standards cuts both ways, argued Robert M. Kimmitt, US Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. Recipient countries need to make it clear that they will not block investments from foreign sources, including the SWFs, merely on political grounds. G7 leaders, he noted, have asked the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to work with both sovereign investors and recipients of that investment to develop voluntary guidelines. Drafts of these standards should be ready for review by the autumn IMF/World Bank meetings, he said. |GlobalGiants.com|


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:24 AM | View the original post





VERIZON WIRELESS FLIPSHOT

VERIZON WIRELESS FLIPSHOT

Photo: The Verizon Wireless FlipShot(TM) by Samsung is now available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores nationwide USA. The Verizon Wireless FlipShot by Samsung comes in either red or black and features a 3.0 megapixel built-in camera with Digital Zoom, a rotating display for optimal viewing while in camera mode,and more. |GlobalGiants.com|


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:36 AM | View the original post





January 24, 2008

RICE DEFENDS US IDEALS AT WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Photo: Tony Blair (L), former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1997-2007); Member of the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum; Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2008 , Condoleezza Rice (C), US Secretary of State and Henry A. Kissinger, Chairman, Kissinger Associates, USA; Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2008, captured during the session 'Opening Plenary' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 23, 2008. (Copyright by World Economic Forum. Photo by Annette Boutellier)


Davos, Switzerland, 23 January 2008 - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting that American foreign policy must be driven by a combination of ideals and optimism because international problems may be managed but never resolved without them.

"There is not one challenge in the world today that will get better if we approach it without confidence in the appeal and effectiveness of our ideals - political and economic freedom, open markets and free and fair trade, human dignity and human rights, equal opportunity and the rule of law," she said in the opening address to the 38th World Economic Annual Meeting.

Despite the current turbulence on international markets, the long-term fundamentals of the US economy are sound, she declared. Nevertheless, if the global economy is to continue to grow, the world needs an entirely new approach to energy and the environment. "We have to ... cut the Gordian knot of fossil fuels, carbon emissions and economic activity," she said. The US is ready to do its part on climate change and global warming.


WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Photo: Al Gore, Vice-President of the United States of America (1993-2001); Nobel Laureate 2007 captured during the session 'A Unified Earth Theory: Combining Solutions to Extreme Poverty and the Climate Crisis' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 24, 2008. (Copyright by World Economic Forum. Photo by Remy Steinegger)


WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Photo: Pervez Musharraf, President of Pakistan gestures as he talks during the session 'The Quest for Peace and Stability' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 24, 2008. (Copyright by World Economic Forum. Photo by Andy Mettler)


Turning to the issue of democracy, Rice suggested that the notion is sometimes controversial when applied to the Middle East, with some arguing that it has "made the situation worse." But, said Rice: "I would ask, worse compared to what?" Things are certainly no worse than when the Syrian army controlled Lebanon, when Palestinians could not elect their leaders or when Saddam Hussein exercised his "tyranny", Rice said.

"The main problem for democracy in the Middle East has not been that people are not ready for it. The problem is that there are violent forces of reaction that should not be allowed to triumph," she said. And, she added, nobody should be under any illusion that the problems will get easier "if we approach them in a less principled fashion."

When it comes to diplomacy, America has no permanent enemies because it harbours no "permanent hatreds," said Rice. Nowhere is this more clearly illustrated than in relations with Russia. "The recent talk about a new cold war is hyperbolic nonsense," Rice said.

Similarly, Washington has no desire for permanent enmity with Iran. "We have no conflict with Iran's people, but we have real differences with Iran's government - from its support for terrorism, to its destabilizing policies in Iraq, to its pursuit of technology that could lead to a nuclear weapon."


WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Photo: Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General, United Nations, New York addresses the audience during the session 'Time Is Running Out for Water' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 24, 2008. (Copyright by World Economic Forum. Photo by Remy Steinegger)

A few minutes before, Hamid Karzai, President of Afghanistan, reminded participants of the ongoing war against terrorism being waged in his country and urged regional governments to move beyond words to concrete action. "Complacency must no longer be tolerated," he declared. He also underlined the need to root out terrorist sanctuaries and to target individuals and entities that harbour sources of extremism with impunity.

Speaking on the same platform, Rajendra K. Pachauri, Chairman, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Geneva, called for a more serious effort to combat global warming, reminding business, government and civil society leaders that the results will benefit health and security in the entire world. |GlobalGiants.com|


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:40 AM | View the original post





PENTAX Announces K20D with 14.6 Megapixels, K200D with Advanced Technologies and Five Digital Lenses

PENTAX IMAGING

Photo: PENTAX Announces K20D Digital SLR With 14.6 Megapixels, Custom Image Functions And Award Winning Technology.


PENTAX Imaging Company announced today two new digital SLR camera models including the PENTAX K20D digital SLR camera with 14.6 megapixels and the PENTAX K200D digital SLR with 10.2 megapixels. Both cameras are equipped with advanced features including dust- proof and weather-resistant bodies, an improved PRIME image processor, and PENTAX developed Shake Reduction that works with any of the 24 million PENTAX lenses ever manufactured.

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, eyepieces and mobile printers and scanners. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc. |GlobalGiants.com|


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:25 AM | View the original post





MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA -- LILY CLOUDS

MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA


Photo: South Carolina artist Jocelyn Chateauvert's created "Lily Clouds" from flax paper and sterling silver wire. "Lily Clouds" is on display, hanging from the chapel ceiling in the Medical University of South Carolina's new 641,000 square foot hospital which will open on February 4. This piece represents only one of 873 pieces of original, contemporary art completed by 54 South Carolina artists created to inspire serenity and a healing environment for patients, caregivers and families.

The value of the integration of arts and a healing environment in a healthcare setting is being recognized by a growing number of leading medical institutions, including Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt and Stanford.
|GlobalGiants.com|


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:24 AM | View the original post





Paris Hilton Launches New Footwear Collection at Macy's South Coast Plaza

PARIS HILTON

COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 23 -- The exclusive Paris Hilton Footwear Collection USA national launch will take place at Macy's South Coast Plaza on February 8th from 3-6 pm, where Paris will personally unveil her new line of stylish, comfortable and affordable footwear.

Plus, from February 1st to the 8th, girls can not only get a sneak peak of the line at Macy's South Coast Plaza, but the first 200 customers to make a purchase from the Paris Hilton Footwear Collection during that time will also get the chance to meet Paris and receive an autographed photo at the February 8th launch event.

The Paris Hilton Footwear Collection features a range of styles that are chic and trendy -- from sexy stilettos and platforms to must-have flats, wedges and boots -- while boasting the highest-quality components and finishes. Paris -- a dedicated shoe aficionado -- has personally selected the styling, design, materials and colors for the line, while working with the collection's licensing company, Antebi Footwear, to bring her vision to life.

The Paris Hilton Footwear Collection will be available at Macy's, Kitson, Zappos.com, Endless.com, Bakers, Lord & Taylor and select specialty boutiques across the USA. |GlobalGiants.com|

Source: Antebi Footwear Group


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:14 AM | View the original post





World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2008 Opens With Calls For Collaborative Innovation

World Economic Forum

Photo: Impression of the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 22, 2008. (Copyright by World Economic Forum. Photo by Annette Boutellier)


World Economic Forum

Photo: Condoleezza Rice, US Secretary of State, captured during the 'Opening Address' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 23, 2008. (Copyright by World Economic Forum. Photo by Andy Mettler)


Davos, Switzerland, 23 January 2008 - The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2008 has opened with calls from the Co-Chairs to exercise "The Power of Collaborative Innovation" to meet the top challenges of economic instability, climate change and equitable growth.


World Economic Forum

Photo: Tony Blair (L), former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1997-2007); Member of the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum; Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2008 and Condoleezza Rice, US Secretary of State captured during the Opening Plenary at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 23, 2008. (Copyright by World Economic Forum. Photo by Remy Steinegger)


World Economic Forum

Photo: Condoleezza Rice (L), US Secretary of State and Henry A. Kissinger, Chairman, Kissinger Associates, USA; Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2008 captured during the session 'Opening Plenary' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 23, 2008. (Copyright by World Economic Forum. Photo by Remy Steinegger)


World Economic Forum

Photo: Yasuo Hayashi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Japan, captured during the session '2008 World Economic Brainstorming: Addressing Uncertainty' at the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 23, 2008. (Copyright by World Economic Forum. Photo by Remy Steinegger)

"This is a moment of greater insecurity and challenge in the world today, but it makes a meeting like this all the more important. The theme of the Annual Meeting, 'The Power of Collaborative Innovation' is the answer to all the big global challenges we are facing," said Co-Chair Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1997-2007) and Member of the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum.


World Economic Forum

Photo: A participant of the Annual Meeting 2008 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 23, 2008 reads the Financial Times, informing herself about the stock exchange turbulences. (Copyright by World Economic Forum. Photo by Andy Mettler)

In total, over 240 sessions are taking place over the course of the five-day Meeting, as well as related smaller, private meetings and the Open Forum, which the general public is invited to attend. The programme is organized around five sub-themes:

• Business: Competing While Collaborating
• Economics and Finance: Addressing Economic Insecurity
• Geopolitics: Aligning Interests across Divides
• Science and Technology: Exploring Nature's New Frontiers
• Values and Society: Understanding Future Shifts

More than 2,500 participants from 88 countries are in Davos, Switzerland, including 27 heads of state or government, 113 cabinet ministers, along with religious leaders, media leaders and heads of non-governmental organizations. Around 60% of the participants are business leaders drawn principally from the Forum's members - 1,000 of the foremost companies from around the world and across all economic sectors.

The Co-Chairs of the meeting are:

• Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1997-2007); Member of the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum
• James Dimon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, JPMorgan Chase & Co., USA
• K.V. Kamath, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, ICICI Bank, India
• Henry Kissinger, Chairman, Kissinger Associates, USA
• Indra K. Nooyi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo, USA
• David J. O'Reilly, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chevron, USA
• Wang Jianzhou, Chairman and Chief Executive, China Mobile Communications Corporation, People's Republic of China

|GlobalGiants.com|


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:33 AM | View the original post





January 23, 2008

UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON SPRING/SUMMER 2008

WOMENSWEAR COLLECTIONS


UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON


UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON


UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON


Brilliant colours, dynamic style, young glamour, international mood.
Four definitions which, in a harmonious whole, sum up the UCB collection for the next spring and summer season. A spontaneous style yet with fashion detailing, true to itself, while incorporating lifestyle changes.


UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON


New Woman, or formalwear from 8 in the morning to 8 in the evening, with strictly classic items featuring low waists, ultra-narrow hems, basic colours and stripes in all widths and all directions. Outerwear, long or short, has trench details; the shirts, the current must-haves, also influence the cut of the t-shirts and minidresses which become shirt dresses.


UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON


Her like Him, basic men's styles with feminine charm. Neutral tones with a touch of rosewood. Slouchy trousers top the bill yet when it's the turn of skirts they must be fluid and floaty above the knee. A parenthesis of sprigged silk and a sparkle of sequins that are barely visible soften the raincoats and the striped shirts of the perfect executive.


UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON


Everything's Ethno, an unpredictable touch of folk; stateless fashion details tell of far-off lands: Peruvian stripes, Caribbean flowers, Japanese sleeves, African patterns, Indian jodhpurs and Nepalese layering.


UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON


Sweaters, or a world of knits. Soft tricots in every colour, every stitch and every size to be worn with multicoloured leggings and tape knit shrugs. Stripes are endearing and enchanting decorations - horizontal, vertical, floral, openwork, ruched and gathered. The rugby polo shirt is offered in multiple lengths, even as far as the ankle.


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:07 AM | View the original post





January 22, 2008

Jeep Renegade Concept 2008

Jeep Renegade


Jeep Renegade


Chrysler LLC unveiled the all-new 2008 Jeep Renegade Concept at the North American International Auto Show. With an electric motor powering each axle, the Jeep Renegade concept is a sporty, minimized two-seater designed for a 'hang on and have fun experience'. Jeep Renegade concept's advanced propulsion system starts with a 40-mile lithium-ion battery pack. A range extender - in Renegade's case, a small-displacement (1.5-liter, 3-cylinder) BLUETEC diesel engine - allows for journeys beyond 40 miles. Jeep Renegade concept boasts a 400-mile range. |GlobalGiants.com|


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:13 AM | View the original post





Sergio Rossi Celebrates Opening of Melrose Place Boutique

SERGIO ROSSI


LOS ANGELES -- Italian luxury footwear and accessories brand, Sergio Rossi celebrated the opening of its 1,500 sq. ft. store on Melrose Place with an intimate dinner at Bastide co-hosted by Sergio Rossi Creative Director Edmundo Castillo and Salma Hayek.

Guests were treated to a specially designed Italian inspired 5-course menu. After dinner, guests embarked on a spur-of-the-moment late night shopping spree. Accompanied by Didier Bonnin, Sergio Rossi CEO, guests walked down the street to the new boutique and shopped into the wee hours. |GlobalGiants.com|


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:35 AM | View the original post





January 19, 2008

Kochi in India to host Volvo Ocean Race for first time

Volvo Race

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Photo: The fleet line up on the start line of the Volvo Ocean Race In Port race in Portsmouth. (© Oskar Kihlborg/ Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006)

Portsmouth (England) - 18 January, 2008 - Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala, is confirmed as the host of the second stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race in December 2008. The Indian stopover will come at the end of the second leg of the race from Cape Town, South Africa. Kochi will be the first of three new ports in Asia.

The booming shipping port on the Malabar Coast is now one of India's foremost tourist destinations and the race stopover is sure to bring thousands of additional visitors to both Kochi and the State of Kerala. The Kerala State Tourism Department envisages the event will bring significant visibility as well as economic benefit to the region.

Volvo Race

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Photo: Race 2005-2006 In Port race Melbourne.Port Phillip Bay. Volvo Open 70 movistar and Ericsson round a mark during the In Port race. (© Oskar Kihlborg/ Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006)


Glenn Bourke, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race commented: "It has always been part of our vision to take the race to different and wider audiences and we are delighted that Kochi has become part of that vision. India not only presents huge opportunities for the development of the event, but this coupled with the daunting challenges the competitors will face when racing their grand prix yachts in unfamiliar waters, will make the visit to India even more exciting for everyone involved. India has hundreds of millions of enthusiastic sports fans and we know they will enjoy this challenging race, with its passion, teamwork, adventure and excitement."

The 2008-09 event will be the 10th running of this ocean marathon. Starting from Alicante in Spain on 4 October 2008, it will for the first time, take in ports in Asia. Spanning some 39,000 nautical miles, stopping at around 11 ports and taking nine months to complete, the Volvo Ocean Race is the world's premier yacht race for professional racing crews. |GlobalGiants.com|


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:06 PM | View the original post





Green Car Summit: Auto Industry Rising to the Challenge

Leading Automakers and Industry Organizations to Discuss Advanced Technologies and Forward-Looking Strategies During Washington Auto Show's International Media Day


Green Car Summit 2008

WASHINGTON -- Answers to some of the most serious challenges facing the auto industry will be explored January 22 at the Green Car Summit during The Washington Auto Show's International Media Day. Presented by the auto enthusiast magazine, Green Car Journal, the Summit will convene at 2:00 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.


Green Car Journal


Leading auto industry executives will discuss such challenges as petroleum displacement, fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas reductions and probe the range of responses.


Chrysler Ecovoyager

Photo: CHRYSLER ECOVOYAGER


Moderated by Ron Cogan, the editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and GreenCar.com, the auto industry panel will include Sue Cischke, senior vice president of Sustainability, Environment, and Safety Engineering at Ford; Gregory Cesiel, Fuel Cell Vehicles program director at General Motors; Reg Modlin, Director of Environmental and Energy Planning at Chrysler; Tom Strickland, director of Technical and Regulatory Affairs, Environment at Toyota; and David Geanacopoulos, director of Industry-Government Relations at Volkswagen of America.

Kicking off the Summit, a Green Car Parade featuring a lineup of eco-friendly cars will conclude at the convention center's L Street entrance at 1:45 p.m.

The Washington Auto Show, scheduled from Jan. 23 to Jan. 27, connects the auto industry with the public policy process by uniting Washington's political elite with auto industry leaders. |GlobalGiants.com|


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:34 AM | View the original post





AutoWeek Editors Honor the Best of the 2008 North American International Auto Show

The magazine's Editors' Choice Awards recognize Best in Show, Best Concept, Most Significant and Most Fun

AUTOWEEK

DETROIT -- The AutoWeek editorial staff announced Jan. 16 evening its Editors' Choice Award winners for the 2008 North American International Auto Show during the annual AutoWeek Design Forum, held in conjunction with the auto show.

For more than a decade, the editors of the weekly automotive-enthusiast magazine have scoured show floors in Detroit, Geneva, Paris, Frankfurt and Tokyo, selecting winners in four categories: Best in Show, Best Concept, Most Significant and Most Fun.

The 2008 AutoWeek Editors' Choice Award winners for the Best of Detroit are:


Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Photo: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1


BEST IN SHOW: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 -- "We award Best in Show to the vehicle that we feel will be best remembered five years down the road. Simply put, the Corvette ZR1 is the baddest of the bad. The 620-horsepower machine with carbon-fiber body rightfully takes its place as Best in Show," said AutoWeek Editor and Associate Publisher Dutch Mandel.


Cadillac CTS Coupe<br />
Sketch

Photo: 2008 Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept Sketch


BEST CONCEPT: Cadillac CTS Coupe -- "The vehicle named Best Concept is one we're most hopeful to see built. Almost unanimously, the AutoWeek editorial staff selected the CTS Coupe as most deserving of the award. It is the next iteration of the dramatic styling Cadillac has brought to the marketplace."


Ford F150 Platinum

Photo: 2009 Ford F-150 Platinum


MOST SIGNIFICANT: Ford F-150 -- "Because Ford brought so many significant vehicles to this year's show, the decision of what vehicle to award Most Significant was a tough one. From the Explorer America, a unibody-constructed, friendlier sport/utility vehicle, to the Verve, the best-looking small car Ford has built for America in generations, the F-150 is Most Significant for what it means not only to the company but to the American ethic. The F-150 is Ford tough-and so was this decision among quite an impressive lineup of products Ford has on display."


Audi

Photo: Audi R8 TDI Concept


MOST FUN: Audi R8 TDI Concept -- "Who couldn't see themselves with a 6.0-liter V12-powered sex-mobile like this R8 supercar? With turbodiesel power and torque that could move not only houses but emotions, it's AutoWeek's choice as Most Fun."

The magazine's January 28 issue will take an in-depth look at the winners, and some of the finalists, from this year's Detroit show. |GlobalGiants.com|

Source: AutoWeek


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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:13 AM | View the original post






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