Concerted Anti-Counterfeit Efforts Now Bearing Fruit

Anti-counterfeit agency nets over 11,000 Nokia fake items from selling outlets  

Nairobi, Kenya, September 26 2011: Anti-counterfeit efforts aimed at netting fake products from the Kenyan market are bearing fruit, indicating a significant milestone for stakeholders seeking to rid the country of the sub-standard goods.

Some of the fake Nokia products impounded by the Anti-counterfeit Agency, in conjunction with Nokia and Kenya Police, are moved from shops along Luthuli Avenue into a lorry. 

During the last month alone, Nokia, the mobile phones manufacturer and solutions provider, has partnered with the regulatory and enforcement agencies in Kenya to confiscate thousands of mobile phones and accessories from various outlets in Nairobi.

Working in conjunction with the Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA), Kenya Bureau of Standards and Kenya Police the raid at various outlets, mainly in downtown, helped confiscate over 11, 000 Nokia items. They included 2071 counterfeit Nokia handsets (enclosed in boxes complete accessories), 330 separate earpieces and 9084 pieces of batteries. On Friday specifically, raids co-ordinated the ACA netted traders at Sky Building along Luthuli Avenue, Nairobi dealing with fake Nokia products. A Chinese owner was found at his residence where he assembles parts to make fake Nokia products.

Mr. Kenneth Oyolla, General Manager Nokia, East and Southern Africa said the anti-counterfeit campaign which the company kicked off in May this year has helped boost public awareness about fake mobile phones, batteries and accessories and how customers can recognize them.

“By and large, this campaign has started bearing fruit not only for Nokia, as the biggest player in the market, but also for the industry as a whole. More importantly, elimination of counterfeits will help save Kenya billions of shillings lost in in tax revenue. We believe this war against has just started and Kenyans will be the biggest winners if we completely eliminate the problem,” said Mr. Oyolla.

He added: “We have introduced a wide array of mobile phones, including dual SIM models, feature phones and smartphones giving Kenyans broad choices at different and very affordable price points. And our consumers have started to take advantage of these offers indicating that they are also learning that one can have a smart and affordable mobile phone. ”

Mr. Oyolla supported the government’s crackdown on counterfeit goods and adding that Nokia will continue with its collaborative efforts through training of Kenya Revenue Authority and the Kenya Bureau of Standards officials to distinguish the fake from genuine Nokia products. Nokia has also been organizing training for immigration officers at border entry points to arrest the entry of fake handsets.

 “Our advice is that customers should buy Nokia products from authorized distributors and retailers and ensure they get their 12-month warranty for Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. We urge our customers to SMS the IMEI numbers of the phone they want to buy to 8810 and they will get an instant response as to whether the phone is genuine or fake,” said Mr. Oyolla.

According to Mr. Abdulla Hasayen, Nokia’s Brand Protection Manager for Middle East and Africa, counterfeit mobile phones pose a host of risks including dangerous chemicals such as lead and mercury because counterfeiters do not follow safety standards such as radio emissions. They therefore endanger safety of consumers, says Mr. Hasayen.

“Customer care and quality is important to Nokia and our advice is that customers should buy Nokia products from authorized distributors and retailers and ensure they get their 12-month warranty. And if a product is purchased from a location other than an authorized dealer then exercise extreme caution especially when the price is substantially less than being stated by Nokia authorized dealers,” said Mr. Hasayen.

It is estimated that counterfeiting and piracy cost G20 economies US$ 85 billion a year in lost taxes and higher spending on unemployment benefits. The International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC) has estimated that international counterfeit trade is worth $600 billion a year and makes up 5-7% of world trade.

Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai Is Dead !

September 26, 2011 Breaking News, World re knowned Environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai Is Dead. According to a family spokesperson Wangari Maathai passed away yesterday 25 September, 2011 at Nairobi Hospital after bravely bearing up and suffering from Cancer! The 71 Year old Wangari Maathai will best be remembered at her gallant efforts at conserving Kenya's forest cover despite intimidation ,harassment and even Government assault .Wangari Maathai was the first African Woman to win the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.


News of her death is being received in shock as she has always been gallant, active and hearty in the public sphere.Our sincere condolences to the family.

Below is the official family spokesperson press statement as covered by a local press channel:

ZUKU TV LAUNCHES IN UGANDA

Kampala, Uganda 22nd September- Zuku TV, the Wananchi Group flagship brand has announced an ambitious plan to register 100,000 subscribers in Uganda within a two year period. This announcement was made by the Wananchi Group CEO, Richard Bell during the launch of the pay TV service in Uganda on Thursday. The Wananchi Group owns Zuku TV.

Having gone through a successful soft launch and setting in place an elaborate countrywide distribution and customer service network, Zuku Chief Executive Officer Richard Bell announced that the firm was confident that it will attain the subscription goal within the first two years.

“Zuku has been very well received in Uganda so far and considering the pipeline of exciting content that we have lined up to offer, we are confident to reach more than one hundred households within twenty four months,” he said during the official launch.

Zuku TV is ramping up Ugandan distribution by boosting the team of resellers with additional agents that will complement the Simba Telecom outlets. “We successfully completed a training module for 150 agents today who will work closely with our partners Simba Telcom and installation team to deliver the product to your doorstep and provide after sales support,” he explained.

He explained that Zuku was uniquely positioned in this market as a truly dedicated African service made by Africans for Africa. “For the first time in the history of Uganda’s film and television industry, the local producers and creative writers have a platform to showcase their work not just for audiences in Uganda but across ten eastern African countries,” he noted.

Zuku is also set to put significant investment into local content across Uganda and have already kicked off by screening the popular locally produced drama series, ‘Hostel’ in all it’s territories after acquiring the rights to broadcast it. Kenyans will now be able to watch Ugandan content and Ugandans will be able to watch Kenyan content.

He added that Zuku had established that the combination of growing middle-class, burgeoning local film industry, a great thirst for quality local & international entertainment and about 14 million TV households made this a highly attractive market for the affordable quality pay TV service.

“Survey statistics place the total national pay television penetration at less than 5% reflecting the market opportunity is therefore huge and the onus is on all of us to work together with the industry to create and produce great local content. Zuku will provide the platform for showcasing it,” added Bell.

He noted that Zuku had addressed the electrification challenge in the region and taken lack of grid electricity into account by bringing into the market decoders that can be run by a simple used car battery. “This demonstrates that we have a product for everyone whatever their geographical location.”

Following the official launch Zuku TV is set to take Uganda by storm, filling a yawning market gap for affordable quality home entertainment that is suitable for everyone.

The Ugandan launch forms part of a greater plan by the Wananchi Group to roll out in the three East African countries by the end of the year. Zuku was first launched in Kenya, the company’s headquarters and the company now has its sights set on capturing the populous Tanzanian market.

WOLE SOYINKA TO ATTEND 2011 KENYA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALS

AFRICA’S LITERARY GIANT: WOLE SOYINKA TO ATTEND 2011 KENYA  INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALS

Soyinka to facilitate the forum for literature scholars…..

Re-known African literature expert, film writer, poet and play write Professor Wole Soyinka is set to grace this year’s Kenya International Film Festivals that will take place between October 21 -31^st 2011.

Prof. Soyinka, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986, has written 21 plays, 2 novels, 5 memoirs, 10 poetry collections, 6 essays and 3 movies. His visit to Kenya has been made possible by the Nigerian Film and Video Censorship Board. The literary giant will also be accompanied by several Nigerian film producers who submitted their films for viewing at the KIFF.

In Keeping with KIFF’s tradition, Prof. Soyinka is expected also facilitate a forum for literature scholars in Nairobi. During the forum film dons, film makers and lecturers will interact and with the insight of Prof. Soyinka forge the way forward on film syllabus and curriculum in Kenyan universities and colleges. 

Festival director Mr. Charles Asiba said: “We are delighted to have a personality of the stature of Prof. Wole Soyinka, who is an authoritative figure in the African film industry to come and grace us with his presence. We are also excited with the fact that KIFF is going to be used as platform for Prof. Soyinka   to educate the young literature scholars in Kenya”.

He also announced the attendance of Idrissa Ouedraogo, a well-known film director from Burkina Faso as jury member at KIFF 2011. Ouedraogo is a graduate of the African Institute for Cinema Studies (Institut Africain d’Etudes Cinématographiques) in Ouagadougou and has directed various short films. Ouédraogo also graduate school at the Institut des Hautes Etudes Cinématographiques IDHEC in Paris in 1985.

Ouédraogo is also known for winning the Grand Prix for his film Tilaï (The Law) at the 1990l Cannes Film Festival, and the FIPRESCI Award for his 1986 film Yam Daabo (The Choice). His 1993 film Samba Traoré won the Silver Bear at the 43rd Berlin International Film Festival. 

The film festivals that attracted 530 films from 52 countries will keep in tune with its slogan ' A Film A Day For The Calendar Year'  and will screen 365 films in five towns concurrently. These are Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret. In this regard, KIFF has partnered with Moi University, Egerton University, Masinde Muliro University and Alliance Francaise who will provide their screening halls to be used for the viewing sessions.

Mr. Asiba said the screenings will be at, Alliance Francaise de Nairobi, National Museums of Kenya, Cinemax Prestige on Ngong Road, Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Alliance France in Mombasa, Moi University main Campus, Maseno University town campus, Kisumu Simba Club, Alliance Francaise de Eldoret.

Mr. Asiba said the preparations for the 2011 Festival are at an advanced stage adding that “we are happy by the response of the film makers when we called for entries what we now want from Kenyans to do is to come and watch a movie with us so that the ambition of being the biggest film festival in Africa.”

UAP ENTERS SOUTH SUDAN’S COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MARKET

Juba: September 21, 2011: UAP Group, through its South Sudan subsidiary UAP Insurance Sudan Limited, has entered the South Sudan commercial property market through a joint venture with the Central Equatorial Investments and Development Corporation.


Effectively, the company has begun construction on Equatoria Towers, a 12 storey, ultra modern, landmark commercial office block in Juba, South Sudan, with at an estimated cost of USD15 million.


The Governor of Central Equatoria State, South Sudan, Maj. Gen Clement Wani Konga, broke the ground to signify commencement of the project.


“Today, UAP Group makes a big statement on its commitment to doing business in this country over the long term. When we made the decision to invest in this country in 2005, many stakeholders were worried for us, mainly because the country was emerging from decades of war and peace was fragile. Today we are a happy Board of Directors because our decision has been vindicated,” said UAP Holdings Group Managing Director James Muguiyi.


Mr Muguiyi said UAP was confident about the prospects in the newly created Nation, South Sudan, adding that the company will continue to invest in network expansion, introduction of new products and employment of more Sudanese into the company.


“Real estate and infrastructure development are going to be major economic drivers of this economy in the medium term. Already, there is an increasing need for office blocks and residential houses in many towns in South Sudan due to the growing population of public servants and employees of private and non-governmental organizations,” said Mr Muguiyi.


Governor Konga described UAP’s investment as demonstration of Kenya’s support for the people of South Sudan over the years of struggle for freedom.


“This grand event could not happen at a more opportune moment at the dawn of a new beginning of our Nation’s history. The event also comes at a time when we have just celebrated our long awaited freedom. This grand event is also taking place next to the building which housed the historical Juba Conference of 1947, where we first sought the secession of South Sudan, from the North,” said Maj. Gen Konga.

He continued: “Kenya is more than just a neighbour. They took care of us during the war, they fought for our people and now through UAP, they want to make sure our people leave in peace and dignity. I hope that one of the benefits of this investment shall, of course build strong relations between the two neighbours and the region at large,” said Maj. Gen Konga.


The project will cost USD15 million and will be managed by a joint venture company, UAP Properties Limited, owned jointly by UAP Insurance South Sudan and Central Equatoria Investment and Development Corporation, the investment arm the Central Equatoria State.

“I note with great satisfaction that the partnership between the State represented by the Investment Authority and the UAP Insurance is a solid one which will not only be further cemented by the achievement of this huge project, but shall strive for higher achievements ahead. As a Government, we shall continue to and endeavour to provide unique avenues for sustainable investment opportunities to all potential investors such as UAP Insurance and many others for the transformation and the advancement of our people,” said Maj. Gen Konga

Maj Gen Konga called upon the private sector players in South Sudan and in particular, the Central Equatoria State, to take advantage of the partnership with UAP Insurance, its wide presence in the East African region and their entrepreneurial spirit, as they seek to spread their wings in the East African region.

Besides the Equatoria Tower, UAP Insurance Sudan is also implementing a real estate project in Juba comprising of 15 2 bed-roomed high quality apartments at an estimated cost of USD 3.2 million. The apartments will house UAP clients, staff and will also be available for commercial rental in support of the demand for quality housing in Juba.

“This development is a private initiative financed by UAP Insurance Sudan Ltd and reflects our strong commitment to invest in this country. And to show our long term commitment to this country and to position ourselves for future growth, we moved to our new offices at the end of last month. The offices are more spacious and conducive for improved customer service and are situated in a more serine area than where UAP has been since 2006,” said Mr Muguiyi.

When complete, Equatorial Towers will reflect high standards of architecture and provide a reference point for future property developments in South Sudan.

UAP was registered in South Sudan in 2005 almost immediately following the signing of the Collective Peace Agreement (CPA), becoming the first foreign insurance company to be licensed by the Bank of South Sudan. The company has spearheaded the development and deepening of the insurance services in the country.

“We have introduced unique products such as health and aviation insurance which were not available in the local market before. Our insurance services offer protection for both life and property thereby providing the peace of mind and economic freedom to allow the citizens of this country, both individual and corporate to concentrate on the noble task of nation building,” said UAP Insurance Sudan Managing Director Patrick Kanyingi.

So far UAP Insurance Sudan has branches in 7 out of the 10 states of South Sudan including Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Jongloei, Unity, Western Bahr Gazal, and Lakes.

The Company plans to open a branch in Malakal, Upper Nile State before the end of the year.

Nokia Extends Deadline For ‘Create For Millions’ Competition in East and Southern Africa

Nokia’s Series 40 mobile phones bring the Web –and now apps – to the Next Billion

Nairobi, Kenya, 19^th September 2011: Nokia today announced the extension of the deadline for its ‘Create for Millions’ Competition in East and Southern Africa to give developers ample time to work on mobile applications running on its Series 40 operating system.

Developers and consumers willing to participate now have up to November 1, 2011 to enter the competition aimed at supporting Nokia’s strategy to bring the Web to the next billion. Winners of the competition will be announced on November 25, 2011.

Kenneth Oyolla, Nokia’s General Manager for East and Southern Africa said: “This competition connects ideas generated by consumers with the creativity and skills from developers, aiming to create great, locally relevant applications. We believe this contest is central to the success of a growing population of developers in Kenya and the region most of whom are now keen to scale up their work onto the global platform.”

Nokia’s S40 mobile phones play a key role in Nokia’s strategy to bring the Web to the next billion, particularly in emerging markets where a consumer’s first web experience is often through the mobile phone. As the largest mobile platform in the world by volume, more than half a billion Nokia Series 40 mobile phones are in consumer’s hands today.

Apart from developing applications for Nokia’s Series 40 mobile phones ‘Create for Millions’ also provides developers an opportunity to bring Java and web apps to millions of consumers worldwide and win their share of cash and prizes valued at one million Euros. In addition, winners will attend an all-expense paid trip to Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain in February 2012.

Nokia’s ‘Create for Millions’ challenges consumers to submit their best ideas for the applications they’d like to see on Nokia Series 40 mobile phones. Authors of the winning entries may see their ideas come to life in person at Nokia World later this year and can meet the developers who created them.

Said Mr Oyolla: “This competition is further demonstrates our goal of providing simple but impactful solutions that make a difference to the people using Nokia mobile phones today. The contest is unique in that it recognises not only developers but also millions of consumers across the region.”

Nokia East and Southern Africa is planning to fly the winners to Mobile World Congress scheduled to take place in Barcelona between February 27 and March 1, 2012. Those who win locally also stand a chance to emerge global winners in this competition.

In this competition, developers are invited to submit Java and web apps for Nokia Series 40 phones in four categories:

·         In the Know - News and locally relevant information apps

·         Fun & Games - Games and entertainment apps 

·         Emotional Closeness - Social networking apps 

·         Access to Knowledge – Life improvement apps, for example education or health  

To enter Nokia's Create for Millions contest, developers will need to first publish their new Series 40 Java or web app to Ovi Store, and then complete the contest registration form including valid contact details, the content item URL from Nokia’s Ovi Store as well as a short demo video to showcase their app. The registration form is accessible on http://www.developer.nokia.com/create4millions/east_and_southern_africa

For each of the four contest categories listed above, there will be 10 cash prizes, with a top prize of 50,000 euros in each category. Top apps in each category win a variety of non-cash prizes such as user experience reviews and app marketing assistance.   In addition, special prizes will be awarded to apps that showcase the best touch feature in an app, the best location-aware app and the best overall Series 40 web app. 

Consumers are encouraged to submit ideas in one of three categories: health & education; social networking & location; and games & infotainment. Additionally, consumers can vote on entries and comment or collaborate on ideas already submitted.

Roberto Cavalli - Sloane Street Store Opening(London Fashion Week 2011)

Roberto Cavalli the celebrity favourite hosted a star- studded party to celebrate London Fashion Week and the opening of his new flagship store in London Sloane Street.

This store explains Eva Cavalli will allow the fashion brand to house their menswear, kids-wear as well as the womenswear prêt-a-porter collections, accessories, eyewear and watches.Heres the video:

Video Running order.

00:22 Ronnie Wood interview
00:28 Alex Shulman interview
00:33 Lady Victoria Hervey interview
00:41 Holly Valance interview
00:49 Eva Herzigova  interview
00:55 Yasmin interview
01:05 Roberto Cavalli interview
01:25 Eva Cavalli interview
01:30 Tamara Beckwith interview
01:42 Rosario Dawson interview

Exclusive Kate Moss Video At London Fashion Week 2011(Autumn & Winter)

Thanks to an exclusive content partnership agreement with Bespoke and Banter a video marketing agency, this blog brings you exclusive videos of Kate Moss at the Rimmel Party during the London fashion week 2011 -Autumn/Winter collections .The party was hosted by the brand Rimmel to celebrate ten years of Kate Moss's involvement with the popular make-up brand.Enjoy the exclusive shoot !

Crazy About Kenya Is Shortlisted For A 2011 Travolution Award

Crazy About Kenya has been shortlisted for a 2011 Travolution award under the category of Best Travel Information website. Developed in 2008 by PR and digital strategy agency tion London, the online portal continues to excite adventurers looking to get an insider perspective on the wildlife capital.

To date 23 Kenyans have come on board with the initiative, the talented group of artists and musicians working in partnership with adventure specialist, Acacia Africa.

Siobhan Kindness, creative partner at tion London comments, “We were thrilled when we received news of Crazy About Kenya’s nomination. The website has been successful in drawing attention to all of the offerings in the country, from the traditional safari to the arts. Featuring the top ten reserves and national parks, the URL goes one step further, allowing visitors to approach the destination from the grassroots perspective of the Kenyan artists and musicians. It’s this highly emotive appeal that ensures its popularity when compared to other competing sites.”

Crazy About Kenya comes complete with its own downloadable logo, resembling a passport stamp – a design that mirrors the travelling lifestyle of the 18-35 demographic being targeted. Visitors can tune into tracks covering a broad array of genres including, traditional “Obokano music,” hip-hop, reggae and jazz-soul-funk fusion, or view selected art works. The Lion King game, one of the sites main highlights, also operates as a data capture facility, e-card imagery donated by the artists tying the project back to its grassroots core.

Acacia Africa regularly publicises cultural events on the Crazy About Kenya Facebook® page including, album launches, gallery openings and poetry nights in Nairobi, the aim to highlight the cultural side of Kenya with travellers visiting the capital. The tour operator also has a keen interest in promoting the achievements of the group. Currently, the adventure specialist is working with artist, and Royal Overseas League scholarship winner, Shake Makelele, who will be exhibiting at London’s OXO Tower from 06-23 October *.

Siobhan Kindness, concludes “When we created Crazy About Kenya, we wanted to develop a more fluid campaign that could be reinvigorated at any point past its inception. Music and art are continually evolving and both mediums appeal to the youth market. There is open communication with all of the Kenyans involved in the project and over 70% of visitors who request more information are highly positive towards this commitment. Overall, Crazy About Kenya has been a highly successful initiative, as we are bridging the gap between destination and culture, and placing responsible tourism firmly in the online sphere.”

Emirates announces discounted fares across its network

Nairobi: September 09, 2011: Emirates, the world’s fastest growing international airline, has announced special fares to several destinations including Europe, the Americas, Indian Sub Continent, Middle East and Australasia.

Effectively, the airline has reduced its fares by up to 49 per cent as it seeks to strengthen its position in the Kenyan market. 

Unveiling the new fares, Emirates Regional Manager for East Africa Essa Sulaiman Ahmad said the offer was part of the airline’s endeavour to bring the best in travel options to its passengers travelling to any of Emirates’ 114 destinations.  

“We are happy to announce the new set of fares that will enable Kenyans travelling on Emirates flights a considerable percentage off fares.  At Emirates we are committed to making travel as attractive and affordable as possible for our passengers and we have included some of our most popular destinations in this promotion,” he said. 

Emirates' special fares destinations include: Mumbai from $600, Istanbul from $615 and Geneva, Zurich and Paris from $710.  Other destinations included Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Auckland and Christ Church city from $2290; Guangzhou, Hong Kong AND Shanghai from $999; Tokyo, Osaka and Seoul from $2090; Los Angeles, Houston, Toronto and Sao Paulo from $1590; New York City from $1200; Bangkok from $890; and London from $790.   

All prices quoted are for return fares and can be purchased from Emirates sales offices or through authorized travel agents until 30 September 2011 for travels through December 31.

At the same time, Emirates has announced an increase to its free baggage allowances provided to passengers - up to 30 percent extra for economy class fliers. The change is effective for all tickets issued on or after May 4. 

The new allowance has been implemented across the airline's network of 114 destinations globally with Economy Class passengers now being able to check in 30kg of luggage before being charged, an increase of 10kg. Similar increases have seen the limits raised to 40kg for Business and 50kg for First.

“By discounting our fares and increasing our baggage allowances, Emirates is demonstrating its investment in the total passenger experience and is ensuring that it is the airline of choice for all,” said Ahmad.

 
More information on the promotions, terms and conditions can be found by visiting the local Emirates sales office, or online at www.emirates.com/kenya. 

Employers Now Screening Your Facebook Profile !

Are you job seeking at the moment? Your Facebook profile may just affect your prospect of being hired or not, hence you better start watching what you are posting or sharing around on social media !Statistics reveal that there are more than 750 Million Facebook users at present and 70 % of this users are outside the USA. 50% of the users log in to facebook on a daily basis and what they do inside their Facebook account will now affect their future career prospects.

It is true that use of social media screening is not yet big in Sub Saharan Africa but that does not mean 'its not in use'.While the statistics in this article focus on Facebook screening by employers in the USA the reality is that due to popularity of use, employers outside the USA are finding this form of screening more reliable as it is a credible picture of the personality of a user over a period of time which is not very easy to derive from a face to face interview that lasts a few minutes or hours or as may be demonstrated by academic qualifications.
 
 Career Builder.Com did a survey on Facebook/Social Media Screening in America in 2009 and the results are astounding.Their survey revealed that social media screening of potential employees by employers increased from 22% in 2008 to 45% -that is an exponential increase.According to the survey what are employers looking at from your profile :

• Whether profile provided a good feel for the candidate's personality and fit within the organization -- 50 percent
• whether profile supported candidate's professional qualifications -- 39 percent
• Candidate was creative -- 38 percent
• Candidate showed solid communication skills -- 35 percent
• Candidate was well-rounded -- 33 percent
• Other people posted good references about the candidate -- 19 percent
• Candidate received awards and accolades -- 15 percent 

Negative Attributes from profile that affected employees employability are :

• Candidate posted provocative or inappropriate photographs or information 
• Candidate posted content about them drinking or using drugs
• Candidate bad-mouthed their previous employer, co-workers or clients 
• Candidate showed poor communication skills
• Candidate made discriminatory comments
• Candidate lied about qualifications 
• Candidate shared confidential information from previous employer

In essence the survey reveals that your online habits matter.If you are on facebook those you befriend online also matter.You may just need to sift through their profile photos as it is a ready picture of your kind of social networks and perhaps behaviour.

Crude and provocative behaviour online is not private or just a virtual affair anymore it affects your reputation, business prospects and employability in the real World. With this kind of revelations i guess its time users started watching what they post!

Meet the Nokia X1 -01(Dabo Dabo) !

Nokia(MEA) is on a roll with phones targeted at the wider masses as evidenced in its recent array of dual Sim affordable phones such as the Nokia C2-00,C1-00, Nokia 100 & Nokia 101(see  below YouTube Video on the Kenya Launch .It is Nokia aim to connect the next billion and apparently a huge percentage of these subscribers will be from Africa ,Asia and the Middle East.To that extent Nokia has introduced into the market the Nokia X1-01 dual sim phone which undoubtedly will be a favourite for the average person who needs a basic phone, easy to operate with lots of memory space,battery usage longevity and good multimedia (read to mean music and Fm Radio capabilities).The X1 is such a phone.



Its basic key features include:

• Dual Sim Dual standby allowing one to set a default SIM card for calling or sending messages very easily(great for managing cost control)
• MP3 Music Player(with up to 36 hours music playback capability)
• FM radio,Built in Loud Speaker (up to 106 phon)
• Built in Flash lights(Mulika Mwizi)
• Pre loaded games( sorry just have to add this quite basic and boring).

For more specifications please visit the Nokia Website

For its cost and ease of use this is basically a good phone that will have a wide appeal.Seems the imitation Chinese Dual SIM phones woke up the giant phone maker companies to customize their phones to meet the market demand.

The sale point for this new phones is that the quality in both the make and software is guaranteed.

Therefore rather than buy a cheap counterfeit Chinese imitation Dual SIM phone in the market one should buy an authentic Nokia phone and experience the benefits of user support and superior technology.

The Internet Blogger's Awards !

Why YOU Must Participate: The Internet Blogger's Awards(2011)
 (guest post by  "Murray Newlands")



One can find numerous remarkable bloggers and publishers doing excellent work, and those who stand out deserve to have their hard work recognized, relate with each other, and see their readerships grow. That’s why the World Media Awards exist- to recognize and reward great contributions to media from bloggers and publishers.

In my own career, I’ve learned and benefited so much from others that I wanted to help establish some way to give back to an industry I love show appreciation to the up-and-coming leaders. The World Media Awards will culminate in a 1 day event in San Francisco that will celebrate the best in blogging, forums, publishing and media from around the world.

So if you are a first class blogger, why should you enter?
   
1. Get Recognized- You Deserve It

 You put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into making your blog incredible. You understand it and your readers know it. The World Media Awards is a way for you to get authoritative recognition from other bloggers and industry experts. That recognition will help you increase your readership, make fresh collaborative connections, and hopefully have great moments that make all the late nights even more rewarding.
  
2. Meet Other Bloggers Who Care

 Blogging, forums and most other online media is about conversation and interaction, but sometimes it’s easy to end up pecking away behind a screen in your office or home all alone. Meeting other bloggers and publishers keeps the fire lit and the conversation going. When you enter the World Media Awards, you’ll be listed alongside other bloggers and publishers who put the same level of satisfaction, attention and work into making their blog great.
  3. Expose Yourself to New Partners

 If your blog or forum is part of your business, being part of the World Media Awards will increase your exposure by putting your name in front of countless visitors to our site and the award ceremony. That means you can find out who else is doing very good work, strut your own stuff, and expand your network of contacts and collaborators.
  
4. Make Yourself Irresistible to Clients

What helps your chances at winning that next pitch more than extending your network? Telling that network that you just won a World Media Award. Winning an award shines a light on your achievements, and it serves as an example of the commitment, engagement and exacting standards you apply to your work.
   
5. Be Part of the Beginning of Something Big

 Because 2012 is the first year for these awards, you have the one-time benefit to be the inaugural winner and set the standard for the World Media Awards in your category. Getting in on the ground floor of these awards will open doors for you as a blogger and a publisher.

The bottom line is, the World Media Awards will shine a spotlight on the year’s most prosperous bloggers and publishers, and on the businesses and companies that serve and interact with them.

Now is your chance to be one of them.

The sponsors include Growmap, Pace Lattin, VigLink and Trancos.
World Media Award judges include Steve Hall, Sarah Austin, Chang Kim, Julie Wohlberg, Pierre Zarokian, Ivka Adam, Cheryl Contee, Krystyl Baldwin, Adrian Harris, Jeremy Wright, Rob Bloggeries, Dave Duarte, Tanya Alvarez, Dana Oshiro, Tom Foremski, and Judith Lewis. hashtag #wmads on Twitter.
Web Traffic Control and FeedBlitz
My Blog Guest,Murray Newlands is author of How to Make a Blog Book and Online Marketing; a User Guide. He is also founder of the Affiliate Marketing Awards. Born in the UK, he now spends his time in San Francisco and New York. Murray works for Audience Mindshare and consults for Trancos Ins as well as being an advisor for VigLink. Actually he is working on his new book: The Email Marketing Book.