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November 24, 2010
UN Launches Academic Impact
Photo: A close-up of a flute soloist performing alongside the Asia-Pacific United Orchestra, under the leadership of Maestro Lü Jia, inside the General Assembly Hall, as part of the UN Academic Impact's inaugural concert. As part of Academic Impact's official launch, 68 musicians from 14 countries and representing 19 symphony orchestras gave a classical concert. November 19, 2010. United Nations, New York. UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras.
• In an effort to bolster "intellectual social responsibility" for such global goals as promoting human rights, protecting the environment and ending wars, the United Nations is partnering with institutions of higher learning around the world in a new initiative called "Academic Impact".
Since formal launch of the initiative at the UN Headquarters on November 19, 2010, 167 representatives from 40 countries have participated in a two-day series of related conferences, seminars and other activities to share ideas on how to match academic innovation with the work of the United Nations.
Each participating college or university is expected to engage in one activity or project annually in support of those principles. In 2011, the United Nations would set up 10 hubs, one for each principle, to serve as focal points to receive and disseminate ideas among participating universities. Academic Impact would also contribute to the UN Economic and Social Council's Annual Ministerial Review on Education. With close to 500 members in more than 90 countries, the new initiative is aimed to promote a culture of intellectual superiority.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
"Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers."
- Alfred Lord Tennyson (English Poet. 1809 - 1892).
"The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom."
- Isaac Asimov. (Isaac Asimov was an American author and professor of biochemistry at Boston University, best known for his works of science fiction.)
"To myself I am only a child playing on the beach, while vast oceans of truth lie undiscovered before me."
- Isaac Newton.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:33 AM | View the original post
UN Marks International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women
Photo: Acclaimed singer Debi Nova speaks at UN Headquarters' commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, officially observed on November 25. Pictured with Ms. Nova are Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (left) and Joseph Goddard, Permanent Representative of Barbados to the UN. November 23, 2010. United Nations, New York. UN Photo/Mark Garten. (Image provided by & Copyright © United Nations, New York.)
Photo: Award-winning broadcast journalist JuJu Chang (left) speaks at UN Headquarters' annual commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, officially observed on November 25. Pictured with Ms. Chang is Michelle Bachelet, Under-Secretary-General for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women). November 23, 2010. United Nations, New York. UN Photo/Mark Garten. (Image provided by & Copyright © United Nations, New York.)
Source: United Nations, New York
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:22 AM | View the original post
November 20, 2010
Fiat's Small-Car Formula: 2012 Fiat 500 (Cinquecento) at the Los Angeles International Auto Show
New Fiat 500 Brings Italian Style to the USA.
Photo: Media view the 2012 Fiat 500 (Cinquecento) at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.
Photo: Laura Soave, Head of Fiat Brand North America marks Fiat's return to the North American market today with the reveal of the 2012 Fiat 500 (Cinquecento) at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. Featuring a new 1.4-liter engine with Fiat patented MultiAir technology, the 2012 Fiat 500 will be available in three models, 14 exterior colors, 14 unique seat color and material combinations, and carries a standard four-year / 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.
The Fiat brand marks its return to the North American market with the reveal of the 2012 Fiat 500 (Cinquecento) at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.
With its Italian styling, functionality, design and technology the new Fiat 500 is said to be relevant for an entirely new generation of drivers.
"The Fiat 500 has always been the right car at the right time," said Laura Soave, Head of Fiat Brand North America. "The new Fiat 500 now brings something truly unique to one of the fastest growing segments in North America, delivering Italian-by-design function, value and efficiency intelligently tailored for our market."
"Like the original Cinquecento a half-century ago, the new Fiat 500 changes the rules of personal transportation and delivers a new sense of individual expression and opportunity. At a time when America is getting back to basics with a fresh awareness of the environment, the new Fiat 500 identifies with today's minimalistic attitude and delivers with state-of-the-art eco-friendly technology, and it is wrapped in world-class quality, craftsmanship and style," added Soave.
Meanwhile, Chrysler Group LLC announced that it has selected 130 dealers to represent the Fiat brand in the United States.
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:47 AM | View the original post
November 16, 2010
GM Chevrolet Volt is Motor Trend 2011 Car of the Year
Photo: The Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range capabilities drives through Times Square in New York as part of the Volt Unplugged Tour Sunday, November 7, 2010. (Photo by Emile Wamsteker for Chevrolet).
GM Chevrolet Volt was today named the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year by Motor Trend magazine, one of the world's premier automotive authorities.
"Chevrolet is truly honored to receive one of the world's most coveted automotive awards," said Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman for Global Product Operations. "The Volt team has worked under extraordinary circumstances to produce this breakthrough vehicle."
Photo: A newly installed Chevrolet Volt charging station on the front steps of the GM Global Headquarters in Detroit, Michigan Tuesday, October 12, 2010. (Photo by Jeffrey Sauger for General Motors).
Photo: The Chevrolet Volt Customer Advisory Board members pose with the Volt at the General Motors Milford Proving Ground were they had the opportunity to drive the electric vehicle with extended range capabilities on a closed course Tuesday, September 28, 2010 in Milford, Michigan. Chevrolet selected 15 advanced technology enthusiasts and electric vehicle advocates as the first consumers to experience the Volt every day under real-world conditions during a three-month vehicle and charging evaluation program starting in late October. Advisory board members pictured include (l to r): Eric Rotbard, Brian Wynne, Colin Summers, Lyle Dennis, Robert Becker, Chelsea Sexton, Kris Trexler, Tom Kuhn and Mark Swain. (Photo by Jeffrey Sauger for Chevrolet).
As the world's first electric vehicle with extended range capability, the Chevrolet Volt has a total driving range of about 350 miles. For the first 25 to 50 miles, the Volt drives gas- and tailpipe-emissions-free using electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt's battery runs low, a gas powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range more than 300 miles on a full tank.
"We expected a science experiment, but this is a moon shot," Motor Trend editors wrote for the January 2011 issue. "The Volt delivers on the promise of the vehicle concept as originally outlined by GM, combining the smooth, silent, efficient, low-emissions capability of an electric motor with the range and flexibility of an internal combustion engine. It is a fully functional, no-compromise compact automobile that offers consumers real benefits in terms of lower running costs."
The full report from Motor Trend would appear in the January 2011 issue of the magazine.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
"Timely publicity of this Motor Trend 2011 Car of the Year award would sharply augment investor confidence in GM."
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:26 PM | View the original post
World's Fastest Man, Usain Bolt, Visits Ferrari headquarters in Maranello, Italy
Photo: World record holder and Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt took a break from his training today to visit the Ferrari headquarters in Maranello, Italy and experience a different kind of speed.
Photo: Usain Bolt poses with two Ferraris during PUMA's Bolt Collection Tour. (Foto: Luca Toni/LaPresse).
The World's Fastest Man, who has an admiration for high performance sports cars, was delighted to test some of the legendary cars of Ferrari current range. After touring the Ferrari factory, he got behind the wheel of a Ferrari 458 Italia and a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:05 AM | View the original post
November 15, 2010
Honda to Unveil an All-New Electric Vehicle at Los Angeles Auto Show
Photo: New Honda vehicles are loaded into the automaker's unique fleet of 400 space-efficient Auto-Max(R) railcars outside the company's Ohio manufacturing facility. Including the Auto-Max fleet shipments, American Honda currently transports about 82 percent of its Honda and Acura automobiles across the USA by rail.
An all-new Honda electric vehicle concept will make its world debut on November 17 at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Additionally, Honda will reveal a plug-in hybrid platform showcasing the next-generation of Honda hybrid technology.
Both the electric vehicle concept and the plug-in hybrid platform along with the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle would demonstrate the company's vision for the future of personal mobility.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President and CEO Takanobu Ito will attend the press conference, marking the first time Honda's global Honda CEO has introduced a worldwide vehicle debut during the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Details on the electric vehicle concept will be announced on November 17, 2010 at the Auto Show itself.
Photo: 2011 Honda FCX Clarity.
Photo: 2011 Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (illustration).
At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Honda will also display FCX Clarity, which is a sleekly styled hydrogen fuel cell-electric-powered sedan currently available on a limited retail basis in Southern California, USA.
The FCX Clarity is a key part of Honda's efforts to successfully develop, certify and distribute zero-emissions vehicles. Propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated in a fuel cell, the FCX Clarity's only emission is water, and, according to Honda, its fuel efficiency is three times that of a modern gasoline (petrol) powered automobile and two times that of a gasoline (petrol) powered hybrid vehicle.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:38 AM | View the original post
November 11, 2010
Executive Board of UN Women (United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women) gets Elected
Photo: November 10, 2010. Hamidon Ali (left), Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the UN and President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), chairs the Council's election of 41 members of the Executive Board of the newly-established United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women). United Nations, New York. UN Photo/Ryan Brown.
Photo: November 10, 2010. Hamidon Ali (second from right), Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the UN and President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), chairs the Council's election of 41 members of the Executive Board of the newly-established United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women). United Nations, New York. UN Photo/Ryan Brown.
Photo: November 10, 2010. A view of representatives of Member States, including Hardeep Singh Puri (seated front), Permanent Representative of India to the UN, at the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)'s election of the 41 members of the Executive Board of the newly-established United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women). India was among those elected. United Nations, New York. UN Photo/Ryan Brown.
Photo: November 10, 2010. A view of representatives of Member States, including Susan Rice (third from left), Permanent Representative of the United States of America to the UN, inside the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber as they vote for the 41 members of the Executive Board of the newly-established United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women). The United States was among those elected. United Nations, New York. UN Photo/Ryan Brown.
• The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has elected the 41 inaugural members to the Executive Board of UN Women (United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women), the new entity established to meet the unique and under-represented needs of women and girls worldwide.
The Council elected the following countries to the Executive Board of "UN Women": Angola (3 years), Argentina (2 years), Bangladesh (2 years), Brazil (2 years), Cape Verde (3 years), China (3 years), Congo (3 years), Côte d'Ivoire (2 years), Democratic Republic of the Congo (2 years), Denmark (3 years), Dominican Republic (3 years), El Salvador (2 years), Ethiopia (3 years), Estonia (2 years), France (2 years), Grenada (3 years), Hungary (3 years) and India (2 years).
It also elected Indonesia (3 years), Italy (2 years), Japan (3 years), Kazakhstan (3 years), Lesotho (2 years), Libya (2 years), Luxembourg (3 years), Malaysia (2 years), Mexico (3 years), Nigeria (3 years), Norway (3 years), Pakistan (2 years), Peru (3 years), Republic of Korea (3 years), Russian Federation (2 years), Saudi Arabia (3 years), Spain (3 years), Sweden (3 years), Timor-Leste (2 years), Ukraine (3 years), United Kingdom (3 years), United States (3 years) and the United Republic of Tanzania (2 years).
Six seats on the Board would be filled by "contributing countries" serving three-year terms. As such, Norway, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States were elected to fill seats allocated for four of the top ten providers of voluntary core contributions to the Entity.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:54 PM | View the original post
November 8, 2010
Windows Phone 7 Goes on Sale in the United States
Photos: MTV star Rob Dyrdek and actress Minka Kelly kick off the Really Rally Roadtrip tour to help launch Windows Phone 7. After talking to fans at the AT&T store in Times Square, Rob and Minka set off on a five-city tour Monday, November 8, 2010. (Microsoft Photo/Jason DeCrow).
• Windows Phone 7 is a mobile operating system developed by Microsoft. It was launched in Europe, Singapore and Australasia on October 21, 2010. It has just been launched in the USA & Canada today. It will be launched in Asia in 2011.
The phone uses an operating system that is very different from the app-focused phones. It provides active and configurable interface elements called tiles that update on the fly with real information, allowing users to place the tiles that interest them most where they want on their Start screen. Facebook photos, music and contacts are pulled into the phone and distributed appropriately across Hubs. It also brings together many of Microsoft's popular offerings from other platforms, including Xbox, Zune, Office and Bing.
The phone's interface features Hubs for categories such as People, Music and video, Photos, Games and Office.
"We think people want to get updates from their social networks, they want to get contact information, they want to get e-mails from a variety of different places, they want to share music -- but they want control over it," said Andy Lees, Microsoft's Mobile Communications Business president. "They want one thing that they can access their work e-mail on and then put in their bag and go to the party, and they want it to be easy to use. That's exactly what we're delivering."
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:38 PM | View the original post
November 4, 2010
Dancing, Singing Times Square Announces the Launch of Microsoft's Kinect for Xbox 360
Photo: November 3, 2010. Times Square, New York City. Microsoft hosts a dance party with thousands celebrating the launch of its newest product - Kinect for Xbox 360. (Foto: Microsoft Corp., Bryan Bedder).
On November 3 night, New York's Times Square became a dancing, singing celebration for the launch of Kinect for Xbox 360.
Xbox 360 is Microsoft's premier home entertainment and video game system. With the addition of Kinect, Xbox 360 is transforming social gaming and entertainment with a new way to play -- no controller required.
Kinect for Xbox 360 lets you use your body and voice to play your favorite games and entertainment, turning you into the controller.
"Simply step in front of the sensor, and Kinect sees you move, hears your voice and learns how you play. No buttons. No barriers. Just you."
"Kinect transforms entertainment and introduces Xbox 360 to millions of new people -- families, friends and people of all ages," said Don Mattrick, president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft Corp. "Years of research and a team of engineers and artists have created something approachable, simple and affordable that everyone can enjoy."
"Kinect for Xbox 360 promises to usher in a new era of entertainment," Microsoft further explained. "Kinect transforms everyone's living room into a movie theater, a sports arena and a social playground, reaching the people that matter most to you, no matter where they live in the world."
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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:02 PM | View the original post
