Samsung’s latest compact camera - the DV300F – is the most sociable camera I have come across yet. Sitting within Samsung’s 2View range of dual screen models, the DV300F introduces the latest in Dual LCD technology with Wi-Fi connectivity enabling users to snap and share moments almost instantly.

With a 1.5inch LCD screen on the front, the DV300F is perfect for capturing moments with friends and family whether you are behind or in front of the lens. Built in Wi-Fi technology also allows users to email their images or upload them to social networks within moments of taking a shot. The DV300F is the first camera of its kind to offer seamless uploading to websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Photo Bucket and YouTube.

The Samsung DF300F

Users can also save their pictures to the camera’s microSD memory card and share them wirelessly with a home computer. Alternatively, they can also take advantage of integrated free storage space from Samsung’s AllShare Play and Microsoft SkyDrive, to make their photos accessible anywhere. Users can also edit their photos on screen using one of 12 fun features.

Another notable element of Samsung’s latest compact is its modern and sophisticated design. The model has a sleek and seamless rounded outer contour for ease-of-use and ultimate style and comes in a range of metallic colours including black, dark grey with a red back or dark grey with a blue back. So not only does it pack a punch when it comes to practical and innovative technology, it is also extremely good looking.

From the way you capture images yourself by using the dual screens, to how you can upload photos directly to email and social networks, not to mention its aesthetics, everything about the DV300F is sociable. Just how you can use your smartphone to capture images, edit them and distribute them instantly, you can use the DV300F in exactly the same way however the quality of image is far superior. The Samsung DV300F boasts an impressive 16 Megapixels, 5x optical zoom and 25mm wide-angle lens and comes with the ability to capture poster-quality images.

Nick White, Head of Digital Imaging, Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland said, “Our aim is to remain at the forefront of innovation within the 2View market. The new DV300F model with 2View LCD capturing, Wi-Fi connectivity, ultra-premium styling and the latest creative features demonstrates Samsung’s unwavering commitment to innovation within the digital compact camera market, as well as our ability to constantly meet the needs of our customers.”

The DV300F is arguably the most sociable compact camera on the market at the moment and I can see it being a big hit for more than just one or two reasons. Big thumbs up! 

When we think of pure relaxation, luxury and ultimate comfort we conjure images of cashmere blankets, open log fires, eternity pools and beautiful landscapes and guess what, this is exactly what you can expect when you stay at the Hotel Villa Honegg in the heart of Switzerland.

The luxury 5-star hotel was built in 1905 and has recently undergone a complete transformation, only re-opening in May 2011. The hotel is situated in Ennetbürgen near the town of Lucerne at more than 900m above sea level and boasts stunning views across ocean and mountain ranges. The building itself is traditional yet modern and is nestled sympathetically into the landscape with pale blue wooden shutters, a slate roof and a wooden veranda.

Reception

Inside, the hotel is the epitome of luxury, with large open fires, fur throws, and leather sofas during the winter months and crisp white linen, fresh flowers and wide open shutters overlooking clear blue skies during the summer. The rooms are stylish and modern, many of which have their own balconies overlooking breathtaking views.  

Junior Suite

Junior Suite Bathroom

Private Shower Room

The hotel offers its guests a plethora of activities thr

When we think of pure relaxation, luxury and ultimate comfort we conjure images of cashmere blankets, open log fires, eternity pools and beautiful landscapes and guess what, this is exactly what you can expect when you stay at the Hotel Villa Honegg in the heart of Switzerland.

The luxury 5-star hotel was built in 1905 and has recently undergone a complete transformation, only re-opening in May 2011. The hotel is situated in Ennetbürgen near the town of Lucerne at more than 900m above sea level and boasts stunning views across ocean and mountain ranges. The building itself is traditional yet modern and is nestled sympathetically into the landscape with pale blue wooden shutters, a slate roof and a wooden veranda.

Reception

Inside, the hotel is the epitome of luxury, with large open fires, fur throws, and leather sofas during the winter months and crisp white linen, fresh flowers and wide open shutters overlooking clear blue skies during the summer. The rooms are stylish and modern, many of which have their own balconies overlooking breathtaking views.  

Junior Suite

Junior Suite Bathroom

Private Shower Room

The hotel offers its guests a plethora of activities throughout the year, ranging from bike hire, to golf. It also has its own private 20 seat cinema screen if you fancy relaxing with a film and a glass of wine one evening. At Hotel Villa Honegg you choose the pace of life, so whether you want to walk through stunning landscape or simply sit on the veranda with a book, the choice is yours.

Villa Honegg also has fantastic spa facilities and offers its guests personalised, traditional Swedish treatments to help you relax, unwind and detox. Lie by the pool with a green tea or enjoy an aromatherapy facial; the choice is yours.  

Eternity Pool

Cozy Reception Room

Furthermore, the hotel also offers guests fantastic conferencing facilities and entertainment spaces, which come fully equipped with the latest in boardroom technology. The seminar rooms can house 24 and 12 people and the 20 seat cinema is also available for private hire; in fact the entire hotel is available for private hire if you wish to conduct your business meeting in complete privacy.

Stunning Views

At Villa Honegg, guests are guaranteed a relaxing and peaceful stay and the hotel prides itself in being very discreet and secluded, ensuring you truly ‘get away’ when you stay there. 

#1. Venice

Venice has an enchantment quite unlike any other city on the planet. Its heady, romantic and bohemian atmosphere is intoxicating and all encompassing so you truly feel as though you have left the everyday world behind. Romance is number one on the agenda in this fairytale city and there are hundreds of wonderful Italian restaurants and cafes to wile away your days, not to mention beautiful boutiques and jewelers and breathtaking scenery.

#2. Paris

Amble along the Seine, climb the stairs at the Sacre-Coeur, search for antiques at an open-air flea market, dine at the Eiffel Tower, stroll through the streets and soak up the atmosphere or simply sit at a cafe with a coffee and a croissant and watch the world go by; Paris is undeniably one of the most romantic cities in the world. With so much to do in one city, Paris is the perfect place to whisk your loved one away to for a long Valentines weekend.  

#3. Rome

When in Rome... wander hand in hand through picturesque streets and squares, enjoy breathtaking historical architecture, sip red wine in bohemian street cafes and lie back in the sunshine with a novel on the Spanish Steps. Rome is such a diverse city you could never run out of things to do from drinking in open air bars to gazing in wonder at ancient ruins and architecture. And if you are looking for romance a trip to the Trevi Fountain is unbeatable. Such a fabulous city.

#4. London

London is unique. There is no other city in the world that has quite the same vibe as England's capital city. Its buzzing, alive and full of energy. Whether you want to experience pure luxury and glamour or a more laid back atmosphere, London has everything to offer. From swanky bars to traditional English pubs there is something for everyone and every mood. And the sightseeing is second to none too!

#5. Amsterdam

Amsterdam has earned itself the name "Venice of the North" so its no surprise that it has made the list. And there are many good reasons for this. Cobblestones, narrow streets, architectural harmony and a liberal atmosphere give Amsterdam a very special feel. Take a boat ride, rent a bike, hop on the tram or just walk and soak it all in; enjoy a nice local beer at a hip bar or at an authentic "brown" cafe.

#6. Cambridge

Cambridge is probably most famous for its university but the city has so much more to offer than lectures and academic prestige. Its cobbled streets, stunning buildings, picturesque river and vast array of shops and restaurants also make it the perfect city for a romantic weekend. The city also has some wonderful park land so you can sit with a book, listen to music of have a romantic picnic, or hire a punt and float down the river under a blanket... weather permitting of course.

#7. Barcelona

Barcelona has plenty of small restaurants where you can enjoy tapas, a vibrant nightlife, stunning buildings and beautiful beaches, all of which make it a unique destination to visit with you other half. The artistic and colourful Gaudi Park stands in perfect contrast to the glamorous harbour and the pristine parks perfectly offset the busy shopping districts. Its a vibrant city which is constantly alight and alive, so if you fancy a party filled weekend away, Barcelona is the place to go.

#8. Prague

In the late eighties Prague became one of the trendy places to visit and rapidly evolved to offer all kind of tourist amenities. It is a lively destination with plenty of beautiful things to see including its grand castle and the famously romantic Charles Bridge. Prague is steeped in culture and has a unique architecture which makes any visit there unforgettable.

#9. Budapest

Budapestis best known for its churches, great architecture, thermal baths and artists, and has experienced a fantastic revival since the early nineties, which made it one of the most-popular alternate destinations for a romantic gateway. It has loads of shabby-chic street cafe's and bars and has a completely buzzing atmosphere in the evenings. The perfect getaway from everyday hustle and bustle.

#10. Berlin

Berlin is such an amazing city. There is so much to do and see owing to its historical relevance that the days simply fly by. Berlin is quickly becoming known for its vibrant alternative nightlife, which takes on a new dimension against its historical backdrop. The Berlin Wall is a sight to miss, and without doubt the best way to see the city is on a bike. To add a bit of romance to your sightseeing trip, why not hire a tandem?

Written by Dane Cobain from Sociabull

2011 was a busy year for social media, witnessing the launch of Google+ and the widespread adoption of Twitter. News of Osama Bin Laden’s death first appeared on Twitter, and Charlie Sheen set a Guinness World Record by reaching a million followers in a time of 25 hours and 17 minutes. Meanwhile, Rebecca Black hit the headlines by releasing “the worst song ever recorded”, earning 167 million YouTube views in the process, and Take This Lollipop became the fastest growing Facebook application ever.

So what does 2012 have in store for us?

Social Media becomes an integral part of customer service

The Financial Times recently reported that research tracking US consumer expectations found that 51 percent of respondents used social media to communicate with businesses and 78 percent expected this form of communication to become dominant. In addition, one in three consumers who attempted this were ignored, while 88 percent of respondents said they would be less likely to do business with a company as a consequence. Social media is no longer something that can be ignored or approached half-heartedly – put simply, if businesses do not put the time in to engage with and support their customers online in 2012, they’ll quickly see a dip in profits.

A boom in mobile software

 With the rise of smartphones and tablet computers, (43 percent of US mobile phone owners had a smartphone as of October 2011), consumers are beginning to demand applications that give them the same functionality that they expect on their home computers. A common trend has been for software developers to offer smartphone alternatives to their most popular programs – in 2012, expect to see a zeitgeistwhere the smartphone applications come first and the desktop programs follow.

Increased use of social check-in platforms and GPS

 The rise of the mobile web brings with it further opportunities for social check-in platforms like Facebook Places, Gowalla and Foursquare. The potential for integration with a mobile device’s GPS system is enormous – from games (think Geocaching) to maps and check-in platforms, we’ve only touched the tip of the iceberg. Almost anything is possible – imagine Amazon offering a 10 percent discount if you buy through your phone within 30 yards of a Waterstone’s store. Or what about the National Trust offering virtual tours where you’re told about whatever you can see from where you’re standing?

Business to business conversations become more personal

 We’re seeing it happen already – businesses are talking to each other through their established social media outlets. Nowhere is it more apparent than on Twitter, where we can watch in real-time as big businesses develop relationships with each other. It starts with RTs and @mentions and leads to personal relations and collaborations.

Viral content adopted and encouraged by corporations

Businesses and organisations are always looking for fresh content to share on their online outlets, and viral content often plugs the gap. Take a look at the Facebook page of Angry Birds, which has almost 11 million ‘fans’. They take fan-submitted content with a viral edge and repost it, like their album of fan art. Ignoring individual photos and looking at the album as a whole, they’ve picked up 158,880 likes, 9,511 comments and 2,195 shares.

NEW HOLLAND, Pa., Feb. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Alouette® Cheese announced the introduction of a new line of deliciously spreadable cheddar cheeses. Featuring a full body and fine robust flavor, the new spreadable flavors – Sharp Cheddar Cheese and Bacon Cheddar Cheese – are both perfect for serving as a snack or for entertaining guests.

Available in a convenient, ready-to-serve 6 oz. container, the creamy, savory cheddars can be served with crackers or pretzels, spread on a sandwich or slice of bread, or used to add great flavor to a traditional mac 'n cheese dish. The new cheddars are available in the deli section of supermarkets across the country and retail for $4.99.

"Bacon is a top 10 food trend of the decade according to the Food Network, and cheddar is the world's best selling cheese," said Director of Marketing New Products, Cristina Anton Villa. "We are very enthusiastic to add two new cheddar flavors to an award-winning line up that already includes Alouette Garlic & Herbs and Alouette Savory Vegetable Soft Spreadable Cheese."

The new cheddar flavors offer the same quality and superior taste that consumers have come to expect from a beloved brand like Alouette. Several product attributes include:

• Made with Grade A Milk
• Made with 12-month aged cheddar
• Kosher Certified (OUD)
• Gluten-free

Greg Gable, Executive Chef for Alouette, has created new serving suggestions incorporating the new cheddars. Alouette also offers recipes, serving suggestions, entertaining tips and nutritional values on www.alouettecheese.com.  

About Alouette

The Alouette® brand has grown over the years, extending its unique line of cheeses to include a wide variety of Alouette Spreadable Cheese flavors as well as other specialty cheese products, such as the 2011 Chef's Best® award-winning Alouette Baby Brie. Today, Alouette is a leading brand in the Specialty Cheese Category in the United States and is the #1 brand of Premium Spreadable Cheese.

The Chef's Best Award for Best Taste is awarded to the brand rated highest overall among leading brands by independent professional chefs. For more information regarding American Culinary Chef's Best, visit www.chefsbest.org.

About Chef Greg Gable

Chef Greg Gable joined Alouette Cheese USA, LLC in 2007 as Executive Chef.  Gable first acquired critical acclaim during his 13 years at Le Bec-Fin, one of Philadelphia's finest dining institutions. He has also received several accolades, such as the Philadelphia Inquirer's 3 Bells Award of Excellence and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.  Gable is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y.

SOURCE Alouette

Oscar Aubert, political scientist and expert on West Europe, Russia and CIS, has stated that Putin remains the most popular politician in Russia despite large-scale protests in Moscow.

"The European, and, in particular, the French press often describe the situation in Russia as "Russians protest against Putin's policy," "Russians are outraged by the election frauds," etc. But let's ask ourselves how many protesters, dissatisfied, or, as people now call them, "angry" Russians there are. A fair answer to this question will make many people look at the situation in Russia from a completely different angle.

"As a starting point we take the results of opinion poll, obtained by sociological research organization Levada Center. Unlike two other companies that also specialize in national polling, Levada Center is a private company that doesn't receive governmental funding; by the way, it regularly receives orders to make sociological studies for the Russian opposition. The survey cited below was conducted on January 20-23, 2012 - the "surprise effect" of the December protests had already passed by that time, the government and the opposition were systematically preparing their supporters for mass actions on February 4.

"Let's start with a question which will allow us to determine "the degree of opposition-intensity" of the Russian society towards Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who is going to retake the presidential chair on March 4: "Do you support the slogans "Russia without Putin" and "Putin should leave"? 6% of respondents gave the answer "definitely support", another 15% - "rather support". As a result 21% of Russians can be attributed to Vladimir Putin's opponents of various degrees of radicalism. On the other hand, the responses "rather don't support" and "don't support" were given by 29% and 32% respectively. It means that 61% of Russians can be attributed to Vladimir Putin's supporters of various degrees of loyalty. 17% found difficulty in replying.

"On a more specific question "Do you generally approve or disapprove of Vladimir Putin's activity as the Russian Prime Minister?", 64% of Russians gave the answer "approve", and only 34% answered "don't approve".

"It is obvious that in this case to speak of "a confrontation between the authorities and the people" today in Russia is at least not correct. But the expected victory of Vladimir Putin in the first round is a direct consequence of this sociology.

"Violations of law and/or fraud in the parliamentary elections in the Western and the French media were widely recognized, though of the opposition had a lot of problems with finding convincing evidence. But the Russian media convince us that "Russians protest against unfair elections." Yes, those who gather at the opposition rallies, protest against election frauds. But what about the rest? Again we turn to Levada Center's study which aked the Russians: "do you think that the elections in the State Duma of the Russian Federation, December 4, 2011 were fair?"

"The answer "fair" was given by 8% of Russians, the answer "rather fair" - by 35%. On the other "pole" are 23% that believe that the elections were "rather unfair", 14% gave the answer "unfair". 19% of respondents found difficulty in replying. Thus, the majority, though a relative one (43%), to one degree or another, believe that the parliamentary elections were fair.

"To sum up, it is necessary to mention once again - actively protesters, "angry" or even ones simply dissatisfied with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's policy, Russians are a minority. They are, of course, can't be ignored, their voice should be heard by the authorities. But exactly to the extent that is respective to their share in the Russian society. After all, the democracy that we so willingly want to teach the Russians, first of all, is the will of the majority. And not the diktat of the minority, even if we, the West, like this protesting minority more than the majority of Russians that vote for Putin."

Oscar Aubert is a sociologist, political scientist, an expert for West Europe, Russia and CIS

SOURCE Russia Insights www.russia-insights.com

Foreign exchange is one of the most popular traded financial products, providing attractive opportunities for savvy traders in Singapore, even in volatile market conditions.

Here we look at the top five forex trading tips with a focus on using FX Accucharts from City Index Asia as a trading tool.

1. Research & Analysis

Before jumping into an FX trade it is important to learn how to use technical and fundamental tools so that you can trade more effectively.

2. Trading Plan & Tools

Fortunately, there are a number of leading trading platforms to help you to achieve more consistent trading results, one of which is FX Accucharts; developed by City Index Asia.

FX Accucharts provides traders with the convenience of rapid and accurate analysis, whilst allowing you to benefit from professional features such as real-time price feeds and multiple time frame analysis to uncover potential future market directions.

Key features include:

• Over 150 indicators/oscillator variations 
• Customisable charts to fit your individual preferences 
• Personalised chart analysis and indicators
• Ability to save and share customised workspaces with other FX Trader account holders
• Audible price alerts
  

3. Risk Management

Stop and limit orders can help you manage risk and protect potential profits by helping you get in or out of the market at specified prices.

4. Discipline

One of the most important parts of formulating a trading strategy can simply be to stick to it.

However, not every trade you make will be successful. In a losing situation, it is easy to let losses accumulate in the hope that prices will turn around.

Experienced traders tend to cut their losses quickly and run their profits to a level they expect the market to reach, using their trading strategy and trading plans to help enforce these rules.

5. Follow the News

Because your forex trades will move in tandem with the live market and are likely to be influenced by global, social and economic events, you will be in a much better position to open new trades or exit positions by keeping up to date with market events.

Summary

If you want to learn more about foreign exchange, or even start trading with City Index Asia, you can view more information here: http://www.cityindex.com.sg/fx-trading/start-trading-fx.aspx

Forex trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for some investors.

Trading CFD and FX on margin carries a high level of risk, which may not be suitable for some investors.

Consider your investment objectives, level of experience, financial resources, risk appetite and other relevant circumstances carefully. The possibility exists that you could lose some or all of your investments, including your initial deposits.

About City Index:

Today more and more individual traders are discovering the benefits of derivatives, and many of them are discovering them through a City Index trading platform.

City Index is a leading global provider of margined foreign exchange, CFD trading and in the UK, spread betting. As a group, we transact in excess of 1.5 million trades every month for individuals in over 50 countries worldwide. To learn more visit: http://www.cityindex.com.sg/

SOURCE City Index Singapore

HOUSTON, Feb. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- David Braun, a Regional Vice President of GDF SUEZ Energy Resources, will be featured at the 16th annual Ohio Energy Management Conference Feb. 21-22 in Columbus.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100210/DA52541LOGO)

Braun, who oversees commercial and industrial sales in MISO and the western region of PJM for the company, will speak as part of a panel discussion entitled "Savvy Buyer…Electricity Procurement and Risk Management Best Practices." The session is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the Columbus Renaissance Hotel, which is hosting the two-day event.

"Although Ohio has had a deregulated environment for years, recent changes in the market present some real challenges for anyone responsible for procuring power," Braun said. "The ability to successfully meet those challenges – and to manage the risks and maximize the opportunities that come with a competitive marketplace – can have a major impact on energy strategies, usage, and costs."

Braun has more than two decades of experience in the energy and utility industries, and his remarks will focus on a broad range of issues critical to Ohio businesses. These include understanding how energy is priced; contract language and terms, including avoiding hidden costs and fees; pricing transparency; determining pricing risk tolerance; and identifying strategies to manage commodity market risks.

The Ohio Energy Management Conference is the largest event of its kind in the American Heartland, attracting over 6,700 attendees. This year's conference will include sessions on shale gas – considered an energy "game changer" – as well as best practices, case studies and instructional sessions on topics such as energy savings, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and funding and incentives for energy-efficiency projects.

The conference is being presented jointly by Industrial Energy Users-Ohio, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the Manufacturers' Education Council. In addition to Braun's appearance, GDF SUEZ Energy Resources is also one of the event's sponsors.

About GDF SUEZ Energy Resources NA
GDF SUEZ Energy Resources NA is one of the largest non-residential retail electricity suppliers in the U.S. and currently serves commercial, industrial and institutional customers in 12 markets: Delaware, Texas, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Connecticut, Ohio, and Washington, D.C. The company serves over 80,000 accounts for customers having a peak demand ranging from 50 KW to more than 200 MW, with an estimated peak load totaling nearly 10,000 MW. 

For more about GDF SUEZ Energy Resources, visit www.gdfsuezenergyresources.com or call 1-866-999-8374.  Follow GDF SUEZ Energy Resources on LinkedIn, Twitter: @GDFSUEZEnergy and Facebook. GDF SUEZ Energy Resources is part of International Power, which in North America manages a range of energy businesses in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, including electricity generation and cogeneration, natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) distribution and sales, asset-based trading and origination, and retail energy sales and related services to commercial and industrial customers.

International Power is listed on the London Stock Exchange with ticker symbol IPR. GDF SUEZ holds a 70% interest in International Power plc. For more information, please visit www.iprplc-gdfsuez.com and http://www.gdfsuez.com.

SOURCE GDF SUEZ Energy Resources

Enovos, official partner of the RADIOSHACK NISSAN TREK WorldTour Team, as part of the co-operation agreement with Leopard S.A., is supporting the up-and-coming generation as represented by the LEOPARD TREK Continental Team. The new team is made up mainly of successful newcomers, the next generation of professionals in the U23 category, and will serve as a training team to promote young talent and cycle sports in general in Luxemburg.

Together with Leo, NordENERGIE, and Steinergy, the Luxembourg sales companies which belong to the Enovos Group, Enovos is Luxembourg's leading provider of natural gas, electricity, and energy services. Customers include industry, SMB's, distributors and private households alike. As an energy supplier with a strong awareness of its responsibilities, Enovos is always acutely aware of future generations and sustainable energy supply by way of regenerative energy sources. "The up and coming generations are a particular concern for us. By way of this commitment, we have taken on responsibility for them, whilst remaining true to our company slogan: "Energy for today. Caring for tomorrow.", says Jean Lucius, CEO Enovos Luxembourg.

As well as the regional clientele, Enovos also attracts a significant number of customers in Germany, France, and Belgium.

The LEOPARD TREK Continental Team is made up of 11 riders of different nationalities and one triathlete. Enovos is particularly pleased to be supporting the Luxembourg riders Bob Jungels (team captain), Pit Schlechter, Alex Kirsch, Joël Zangerle, and Dirk Bockel (triathlete).

As an innovative concern where closeness to customers is a top priority, the Luxembourg energy provider knows very well how keen the nation is on cycle sports, and has already been actively involved with the sport for some time. As well as a range of different sports functions, Enovos has long been a sponsor of major events such as the "Gala Tour de France" and the "Skoda-Tour de Luxembourg".

Enovos wishes the whole team lots of energy for a successful season in 2012.

Enovos - Natural gas, electricity and services

As main energy supplier in Luxembourg, also active on the German, French and Belgian energy market, Enovos Luxembourg's mission consists of generating electricity, natural gas and renewable energy for the industry, SMB's, distributors and private households and in delivering it to them.

In addition to its traditional core business, the company is expanding its activities mostly in the field of renewable energy.

Enovos Luxembourg is 100% owned by Enovos International S.A., a holding company with its headquarters in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg which also acts as an umbrella for the management of the grid operator, Creos Luxembourg S.A.

Expressed in numbers, the Enovos International Group currently consists of more than 1,300 employees, more than 280,000 points of delivery (electricity and natural gas), more than 8,700 km of electric lines and more than 3,600 km of gas pipelines. In 2010, the group had a turnover of
EUR 1.5 billion.

25.44% of Enovos International S.A. belongs to Luxembourg State, 10.01% belongs to the state-owned investment bank SNCI and 8.00% belongs to the City of Luxembourg. ArcelorMittal owns 23.48%, RWE owns 18.36%, E.ON has 10.00% and Electrabel holds 4.71%.

For more information, please visit: enovos.eu

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WASHINGTON, 16 de febrero de 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mientras el vicepresidente chino Xi continúa su gira de cinco días por Estados Unidos, la cual incluye visitas al Distrito de Columbia, Iowa y California, Generation Opportunity está resaltando resultados de su encuesta nacional demostrando cómo los adultos jóvenes de Estados Unidos ven las amenazas a Estados Unidos, la seguridad nacional de Estados Unidos y su relación con los gastos del gobierno de Estados Unidos. La encuesta se concentra específicamente en los jóvenes norteamericanos con edades entre 18 y 29 años y revela las opiniones de los jóvenes norteamericanos sobre problemas como el endeudamiento con China, la deuda doméstica de Estados Unidos y una variedad de desafíos económicos. Generation Opportunity es una organización en rápido crecimiento con más de 2,3 millones de seguidores en Facebook que está movilizando a los adultos jóvenes norteamericanos mediante una estrategia basada en los medios sociales y en operaciones en el terreno.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110805/DC48058LOGO)

Se espera que el vicepresidente Xi Jinping asuma el control del Partido Comunista de China posteriormente este año y que luego se convierta en presidente de China en 2013.

La encuesta revela que el 76 por ciento de los adultos jóvenes norteamericanos ve a China como una amenaza económica o militar, el 62 por ciento cree que el principal problema de seguridad nacional de Estados Unidos es la deuda doméstica – seguida por la dependencia energética y el endeudamiento con potencias foráneas – y más del 70 por ciento indicó grandes preocupaciones con respecto al déficit de Estados Unidos. 

"Los jóvenes norteamericanos creen firmemente que Estados Unidos es una nación excepcional, pero piensan que nuestra creciente deuda, nuestro endeudamiento con potencias extranjeras, como China comunista, y nuestra dependencia de fuentes de energía foráneas representan una amenaza a nuestra seguridad nacional. Mientras el vicepresidente Xi recorre Estados Unidos, él debe entender que la abrumadora mayoría de los jóvenes norteamericanos ven al gobierno chino como una amenaza económica o militar y están comprometidos con aumentar la independencia económica y energética de los norteamericanos para que Estados Unidos siga siendo un líder global. 

"Para los norteamericanos, especialmente para los adultos jóvenes, es difícil quedar impresionados por líderes extranjeros que niegan a sus ciudadanos libertades humanas básicas como libertad de expresión y de religión, especialmente en la era de los medios sociales y el comercio global", dijo Paul T. Conway, presidente de Generation Opportunity y exjefe de gabinete del Departamento del Trabajo de Estados Unidos bajo la dirección de la secretaria Elaine L. Chao. Conway también ha servido como funcionario del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de Estados Unidos, es un exalumno del programa Altos Ejecutivos en Seguridad Nacional e Internacional de la Escuela de Gobierno John F. Kennedy de la Universidad de Harvard, y trabajó previamente en The Heritage Foundation.

Para reducir estas vulnerabilidades y controlar los desafíos a la seguridad nacional de Estados Unidos, los jóvenes norteamericanos creen que los funcionarios electos en Washington, D.C. necesitan poner al país en una situación económica más estable mediante el recorte de los gastos federales en vez del aumento de los impuestos. También creen que Estados Unidos necesita incrementar la producción de fuentes de energía domésticas como petróleo, gas natural y carbón.

Generation Opportunity encargó una encuesta con the polling company, inc./WomanTrend (16 al 22 de abril de 2011, margen de error de +/- 4 por ciento) y destaca a continuación algunos de los resultados.

La amenaza china:

• El 76 por ciento de los jóvenes norteamericanos ve a China como un peligro:
  • El 48 por ciento como una amenaza económica
  • El 28 por ciento como una amenaza tanto económica como militar.

Seguridad nacional de Estados Unidos:

• Las 3 principales amenazas para la seguridad nacional de Estados Unidos: deuda nacional (62 por ciento), dependencia energética (61 por ciento) y endeudamiento con potencias extranjeras (50 por ciento). Éstas fueron seguidas por la amenaza del terrorismo (39 por ciento) como la cuarta principal preocupación sobre la seguridad nacional.
• El 71 por ciento expresó grandes preocupaciones acerca del "déficit" de Estados Unidos.
• El 70 por ciento (neto) incrementaría la producción de fuentes domésticas de energía como petróleo, gas natural y carbón.

Excepcionalidad Norteamericana:

• El 56 por ciento – más de la mitad – indicó que estaba de acuerdo con la "Excepcionalidad Norteamericana" – definida como un ideal de libertad y democracia, exclusivo y único de Estados Unidos.

Puntos de vista de los jóvenes norteamericanos sobre los líderes en Washington y la economía:

• El 69 por ciento dice que los líderes políticos NO reflejan los intereses de los jóvenes norteamericanos.
• Solamente el 31 por ciento aprueba la forma en que el presidente Obama está encarando el desempleo entre la juventud norteamericana.
• El 76 por ciento de todos los de la generación del Milenio preferirían reducir, en vez de aumentar, los gastos federales actuales si tuvieran la oportunidad de establecer las prioridades tributarias de Estados Unidos.
• El 69 por ciento prefiere reducir los gastos federales en vez de aumentar los impuestos a las personas como forma de equilibrar el presupuesto federal.
• El 59 por ciento de todos los de la generación del Milenio está de acuerdo con que la economía crece mejor cuando a las personas se les permite establecer negocios sin interferencia del gobierno.
• El 53 por ciento de todos los de la generación del Milenio está de acuerdo con que una reducción de los impuestos sobre las utilidades de los negocios, aumentaría las probabilidades de contratación por parte de las compañías.

ACERCA DE GENERATION OPPORTUNITY

Generation Opportunity es una organización 501 (c)(4) no partidista y sin fines de lucro que busca la participación de todos, desde adultos jóvenes hasta profesionales comenzando sus carreras, estudiantes universitarios, madres y padres jóvenes, trabajadores de la construcción, hombres y mujeres de las fuerzas armadas, veteranos, emprendedores, y todos los norteamericanos que no están satisfechos con el statu quo y están dispuestos a crear un mañana mejor.

Las operaciones de Generation Opportunity están basadas en una estrategia que combina tácticas avanzadas de medios sociales con tácticas de campo comprobadas para llegar a los norteamericanos de 18 a 29 años de edad. Las plataformas en medios sociales de la organización – "Being American by GO" en Facebook y "The Constitution by GO" en Facebook – han acumulado una base total que ya supera los 2,3 millones de seguidores. Ambas páginas publican enlaces a artículos e informes relevantes procedentes de fuentes que van desde la Oficina de Rendición de Cuentas (GAO, por sus siglas en inglés) hasta The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Brookings Institution, The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, y The Heritage Foundation.

Lea sobre Generation Opportunity aquí; visite "Being American by GO" en Facebook aquí y "The Constitution by GO" en Facebook aquí.

Para nuestra página en idioma español – Generación Oportunidad – haga clic aquí.

CONTACTO:
Matthew Faraci
202-997-1636
CORREO ELECTRÓNICO

FUENTE  Generation Opportunity

FUENTE Generation Opportunity

SKIPPACK, Pa., Feb. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GeoInvesting.com today announced that it has made additional research and due diligence available on L & L Energy.

Since its initial report on January 17, 2012, the GeoTeam has continued to develop even more conclusive proof to support its case that L & L Energy never purchased the Ping Yi Mine. After the Chinese New Year holiday, the GeoTeam contacted Mr. Hu Shiwei and Mr. Zhang Baoguo, the Ping Yi Mine owners, who control a combined 70% of its equity.  They said that they never transferred their interests of Ping Yi Mine to LLEN and/or its affiliated identities. The true owners of Ping Yi Mine provided the following:

• A video made by Mr. Hu Shiwei, The executive partner and legal representative of the Ping Yi Mine, in the office of the Notary Public showing the original business license and mining permit of Ping Yi Mine. In this video he also explained, with a written statement, the true ownership structure of Ping Yi Mine and other relevant matters.
• NOTARIZED copies of the original identity card of Mr. Hu Shiwei, the Ping Yi Mine business license and the Ping Yi Mine mining permit which exactly match the current SAIC file on record.   
• A notarized letter executed by Ping Yi Mine Legal Representative and Executive Partner Hu Shiwei stating that LLEN does not and never did own the Ping Yi Mine.

For links to all of the relevant material, as well as the revealing video, please go here:
http://geoinvesting.com/companies/duediligence/true_owner_of_ping_yi_mine_speaks_out.aspx

GeoInvesting Contacts:
Dan David, Vice President
Ph. 484-991-8426
Web site: http://www.geoinvesting.com/

SOURCE GeoInvesting.com

Shawn Andrews, Managing Director of Windsor stated, "The SBA enables banks to offer borrowers the loans they need to increase productivity, hire employees and benefit their local communities.  This partnership with the SBA will ultimately provide the foundation for the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovation in the US.  We at Windsor are proud to be part of the solution by allowing our bank clients to participate profitability in this great program."

In 2011, Windsor Advantage achieved its best year to date, generating over 84 million dollars in successfully completed transactions.  This achievement is built on 150 years of collective experience working with SBA lending programs and a commitment to industry compliance as evidenced by Windsor's recent SOC 1 Type 2 certification.  From offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Charlotte, Kansas City and the corporate headquarters in Indianapolis, the Windsor Advantage team is poised to become the nation's preeminent SBA lender service provider.

To meet the demands of its growing business, Windsor Advantage made a significant investment in human capital, hiring five new professional staff members last year.  Windsor's internal success in 2011 also resulted in meaningful growth for the United States economy.  In partnership with its bank clients, Windsor helped to create or preserve over two thousand US jobs.  Windsor has also played a pivotal role in the growth of the nearly 100 US small businesses represented in the loans closed and serviced by the company on behalf of its bank clients.

The responsible and real growth of Windsor Advantage in 2011 is a significant achievement that is made more significant by the company's success in job creation and preservation and in facilitating the flow of invaluable financial support to small businesses across the country.  This is what makes Windsor Advantage a progressive industry leader.

About Windsor Advantage, LLC
Windsor Advantage provides a comprehensive outsourced SBA department solution to banks across the country.  Services include application packaging, loan closing and compliance, secondary market sales, loan servicing and regulatory exam support.  Windsor also provides continuing training and technical assistance to banks at no cost.  With more than 150 years of collective SBA lending experience, cutting edge systems and rigid controls, Windsor Advantage is uniquely qualified to support its clients to develop and execute a thoughtful and profitable SBA 7(a) loan program. 

The company is based in Indianapolis, Indiana with offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Charlotte and Kansas City.  For more information, call 317.602.6648 or visit www.WindsorAdvantage.com.

Media Contact:
Engage Group, Inc.
Al E. Canal
917-398-4600
Email: acanal@engagegroupinc.com

SOURCE Windsor Advantage, LLC

Brooklyn tourists and residents can access Fort Greene Park's Wi-Fi near the visitor's center. The additional Central Park site joins Mineral Springs, Tavern on the Green and AT&T's seasonal Summer Stage deployment at Rumsey Playfield. Visitors to the Central Park Zoo will have access to AT&T Wi-Fi by the main entrance, food court and central garden areas.

"This initiative has been a huge success and we're thrilled that visitors to New York City's most popular parks can stay connected all year round," said Tom DeVito, AT&T vice president and general manager for New York and New Jersey. "We look forward to bringing even more parks online in the coming months so that more smartphone and tablet users can take advantage of this service."

The launch is part of a five-year digital initiative with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the City of New York to provide free Wi-Fi at 26 locations in 20 New York City parks across the five boroughs. In addition to Fort Greene Park and Central Park Zoo, New Yorkers can now access free AT&T Wi-Fi at many other park locations across all five boroughs including:

• Herbert Von King Park
• McCarren Park Field House
• Pier 1 and Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park
• Prospect Park Picnic House
• Astoria Park
• Tompkins Square Park
• Marcus Garvey Park
• Clove Lakes Park
• Battery Bosque and Ferry Landing at Battery Park
• Thomas Jefferson Park
• Joyce Kilmer Park
• Mineral Springs, Tavern on the Green, Rumsey Playfield in Central Park
• Devoe Park

AT&T operates the nation's largest Wi-Fi network** with nearly 30,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots at popular restaurants, hotels, bookstores and retailers, including more than 650 hotspot locations in New York's five boroughs.

For more information on AT&T Wi-Fi locations and instructions on how to connect, visit AT&T Wi-Fi Access.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

** Largest based on company branded and operated hotspots. Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic.  A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See www.attwifi.com for details and locations.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.  This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.

© 2012 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update or revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

Mardi 13 mars 2012 au Carrousel du Louvre à Paris

A l'heure où le débat sur la compétitivité est au cœur de la campagne présidentielle cette journée proposera un espace de réflexion et d'échanges permettant d'explorer les solutions qui redonneraient à la France son leadership

Le Monde et l'AFEP (Association Française des Entreprises Privées) organisent un colloque autour du thème « Compétitivité de la France, compétitivité de l'Europe ». Il aura lieu à Paris le mardi 13 mars 2012 au Carrousel du Louvre.

La journée s'organisera autour d'interventions et de tables rondes réunissant des acteurs du monde politique parmi lesquels François Hollande, Nicolas Sarkozy et Herman Van Rompuy ainsi que des chefs d'entreprises, des responsables syndicaux et des économistes français et étrangers.

Contacts presse
Anne Hartenstein – Tel: +33(0)1-57-28-26-75, hartenstein@lemonde.fr
Peggy Nahmany – Tel: +33(0)1-44-43-72-83, juuhy8y p.nahmany@afep.com

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Orlando's Blue Man Group show is taking its unique and captivating brand of live entertainment to another level – complete with a new show environment, new music, new technology and new experiences.  

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120216/FL54904 )

Opening to the public on Friday, February 24, the show will take guests on an incredible journey where they'll join the Blue Men as they discover, engage and explore the world's obsession with cutting-edge technology.  New sections include Blue Men interacting with "GiPads" (think Gigantic iPads), a funny and perceptive look at contemporary modes of communication; and a pulsating new finale featuring an original Blue Man Group music score that will have guests jumping to their feet.

"The heart of our show is, and always has been, the Blue Man, and his inquisitive, wide-eyed take on the world," said Chris Wink, who co-founded Blue Man Group with Phil Stanton and Matt Goldman. "Our team of artists at Blue Man Productions has created fun, even astounding new visual aspects of the show, and our music team has given us a great new sound. We are really excited to incorporate these elements into the show at Universal Orlando Resort."

"This show will take one of Universal Orlando's most popular experiences to a whole new level," said Alice Norsworthy, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Universal Orlando Resort.  "It's the perfect complement to the incredible entertainment we offer at our destination."

Several of the signature moments that have made Blue Man Group one of today's best-loved theatrical productions will remain in the show, although in most cases, they have also been updated.  And as always, the production will fuse innovative theatrical spectacle with improvisation and vaudeville-inspired comedy, art, science and irresistible music performed by the Blue Man Group live band.

"Many of our audience's favorite pieces, including 'Paint Drumming' and 'Gum Balls/Marshmallows' will continue to be a part of the production – and yes, the first few rows will still need to wear ponchos," added Phil Stanton, Blue Man Group co-founder. "But we have developed some brand new elements of the show that provide a larger-than-life, rousing, interactive experience that I hope will really speak to all cultures and give some of our most devoted fans a new reason to check us out again."

For more information about Blue Man Group at Universal Orlando Resort – or to purchase tickets – visit www.universalorlando.com/blueman. 

About Blue Man Group

Blue Man Group is best known for its wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts that combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The blissful party atmosphere created at the live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience. Currently, Blue Man Group theatrical shows can be seen in New York, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, Berlin, Tokyo, and on tour throughout the U.S. Blue Man Group can also be seen onboard the new Norwegian Epic by Norwegian Cruise Line – the Official Cruise Line of Blue Man Group.

Blue Man Group's appeal is multi-generational, with several projects specifically designed for young people, including "Making Waves," a popular touring exhibit for children, and the recently launched national "Invent an Instrument" competition. The company's music, featuring custom made instruments and signature, percussive sound, can be heard on five albums, including the Grammy-nominated "Audio," as well as various film and television projects. As the company grows, it remains true to its vision of providing exciting experiences in a variety of media, appealing to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds. Learn more at www.blueman.com.

About Universal Orlando Resort

There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation – but there is only one Universal Orlando Resort.  It is a completely separate destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex.  It's the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained – you are part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, battle aliens alongside Agent J, and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D.  You can be courageous, be outrageous – and be extraordinary.

Universal Orlando Resort is owned and operated by NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.

SOURCE Universal Orlando Resort

Brazil's 'Father of Ethanol' Sees Bounty for Biofuel

The U.S. Congress recently allowed tariffs on imported ethanol to expire after being in place for more than three decades. Brazil's ethanol industry has long criticized the tariffs, which it saw as protecting corn ethanol from international competition. A pioneer in Brazil's ethanol sector expects the expiration of the tariffs to promote robust growth in the ethanol market throughout the Western Hemisphere and beyond. 

"We'll become a commodity market," predicted Mario Garnero, Chairman of the Sao Paulo-based merchant bank Brasilinvest and a pioneer in the rapid growth of Brazil's ethanol sector in the 1980s. "You have pork bellies and other indices. Why not have one come up for ethanol?"

Although ethanol futures contracts are bought and sold on commodity exchanges such as the Chicago Board of Trade and New York Mercantile Exchange, Garnero contends it is not yet a truly global commodity. He explains that the scale in production and trading, along with the number of exchanges dealing with the product, must increase markedly before ethanol attains that status.

"The standardization of product specifications and the way ethanol contracts are drafted -- and something closer to a single-pattern price for the maritime freight of ethanol, would also be of great help to the expansion of its global trade," Garnero added.

"Movements like these would truly help offset price volatility brought about by the seasonalities each country faces in ethanol production."

From An Additive to a Substitute

Petrobras, Brazil's national oil company, announced in 2006 that the South American country had achieved self-sufficiency in oil and gas production. That announcement marked a dramatic shift from the country's energy situation in the 1970s. Brazil's heavy reliance on imported oil back then became painfully clear as the country's government raised gasoline prices and rationed fuel sales to cope with the precarious supply situation.

After the first global oil market shock in 1973, Brazil's national government implemented an aggressive plan to expand the use of ethanol as an automotive fuel. Produced from domestically grown sugarcane, ethanol had been blended into Brazil's fuel supplies for decades. Under the National Ethanol Program (also known as the "Pro-Alcool" ["Pro-Ethanol"]) plan the government instituted in 1975, however, Brazil would attempt to reduce its dependence on oil imports by increasingly substituting ethanol for gasoline in vehicles.

To be sure, Brazil's government also actively promoted domestic oil exploration and production as a result of the oil shocks -- a move that has dramatically improved the country's energy security fortunes. However, the Pro-Alcool initiative did herald a significant shift in how Brazilian motorists powered their automobiles.

By the time Pro-Alcool went into effect, Brazil's gasoline supply contained less than 10 percent of ethanol by volume -- a result of progressively lower mixture percentages implemented in the decades following World War II. During the war, the ratio of gasoline to ethanol in blended motor fuel reached approximately 60:40 to compensate for difficulties in receiving oil imports.

Pro-Alcool subsidized the expansion of ethanol production with tax incentives for farmers to grow more sugarcane, developers to build biorefineries and automakers to build vehicles capable of running on ethanol. In addition, the government financed a distribution network to provide motorists easy access to ethanol fuel pumps.

The government also mandated a percentage mixture of ethanol and gasoline that fluctuated annually from 10 to 22 percent over two decades. Price controls that kept the ethanol prices artificially low also promoted rapid growth in sales of vehicles configured to run on 100 percent ethanol (E100), which is also known as "neat ethanol."

The growth in E100 vehicle sales stemmed from a proposal spearheaded by Garnero, who at the time was head of the Brazilian automakers' trade association ANFAVEA. ANFAVEA's members include global manufacturers such as GM, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen.

"We were confronted with a government mandate: find a solution for gasoline or we'll impose a ration on consumers," recalled Garnero, who noted that rationing would have had serious negative economic effects on Brazil's automakers.

"I then decided to call all the presidents of the auto industry of Brazil and propose a solution that was not rationing: convert all gasoline engines to run on pure ethanol."

Because Garnero also sat on Brazil's National Commission on Energy, which oversaw the implementation of Pro-Alcool, he was in a unique position to shepherd the E100 proposal through the proper government channels. Garnero's role earned him the nickname "Father of Ethanol" in his country.

Once the E100 policy was in place, its effect on car sales quickly became apparent. According to figures from the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA), only 2,271 ethanol-powered automobiles were sold in Brazil in 1979. The following year, the sales figure for neat-ethanol vehicles skyrocketed to 226,352. By 1983, the E100 vehicle sales figure more than doubled to 538,401 units. During the same period, sales of gasoline-powered automobiles fell from 826,462 in 1979 to 70,098 four years later. Low oil prices and ethanol shortages prompted Brazil's government to phase out the subsidies and price controls in the 1990s.

Flex-fuel automobiles, which can run on gasoline or ethanol -- or a mixture of both -- hit the Brazilian market in 2003 with sales of 39,095 units. In 2008, sales exceeded 2 million -- dwarfing sales of gasoline-only automobiles (127,896) and ethanol-only (68). Today, gasoline sold in Brazil must contain 25 percent ethanol. In addition, four out of five cars on Brazil's roads are flex-fuel models.

New Players on the Ethanol Team

Although the U.S. and Brazil are currently the world's top two ethanol producing countries, Garnero observed that production of the biofuel is spreading throughout tropical and subtropical regions that can support sugarcane production. He cites China and Thailand as two up-and-coming ethanol powerhouses. In addition, he sees the Philippines and Malaysia as possible contenders.

The region Garnero is most enthusiastic about, outside of his native Brazil, is Africa. He points out that agriculture is undergoing a "revolution" throughout the continent, most of which lies within the tropics. Garnero explains that Africa offers many of the same agricultural benefits that Brazil enjoys: long growing seasons with ample sunshine and moisture and favorable soil types. Coupling these built-in benefits with world-class growing and processing techniques could occur within 20 years, Garnero predicted. The drive to foster agricultural development throughout Africa should be a key driver in bringing cane-based ethanol "to a new level in the next 10 years," he said.

"We'll bring new important players into the game," said Garnero. "Africa will be on its way to renewable agriculture and creating jobs and wealth with ethanol production."

Garnero expects Brazil to play a major role in helping to develop ethanol industries in Africa and elsewhere by expanding its research and development efforts. In effect, he wants Brazil to become an even greater storehouse of knowledge and technology incubator for ethanol.

Spreading the Word

The "Father of Ethanol" does not take his bully pulpit as an ethanol pioneer lightly. This year alone he is taking on prominent roles at high-profile events touting renewable energy. By chairing green economy conferences in China and the U.S. and participating in civil society symposia leading to the United National Rio 20+ Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Garnero will have several platforms to expound upon his vision for Brazil's biofuels future.

"Brazil is today a country that's second-largest after the States but we have a capacity of going to 80 million cubic meters of ethanol vs. 40 million that Americans are producing," said Garnero.

Garnero also pointed out that no more than 1.5 percent of Brazil's arable land is used to grow sugarcane. Although the U.S. ethanol industry can produce five times more ethanol than Brazil, he contends that Brazil's avoidance of the "food vs. fuel" debate by using sugarcane rather than corn as a feedstock will be a strong selling point for emerging markets.

In addition, Garnero sees opportunities for cane-ethanol production in the U.S. He points out that the U.S. Gulf Coast, which has a long history of growing sugarcane from Florida to Texas, could become a major ethanol-producing region. As this map from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows, U.S. ethanol production is concentrated in the Midwestern corn-growing region. The Gulf Coast, in contrast, boasts very few ethanol plants.

As Brazil develops second- and third-generation ethanol technologies by using bagasse from harvested cane fields, Garnero predicts that ethanol production in the South American country could double without using more arable land.

"What I think [Brazil's experience with ethanol] has shown is that when you do not put food competing with energy you have a very important source of energy coming down," concluded Garnero. "Since the beginning, we never thought that biofuels could be replacing or displacing oils. Rather, biofuels can have 10 to 20 percent of participation of total replacing oil. That's already a very huge contribution for pollution/clean air and increasing productivity in agriculture in Brazil."

CONTACT:
Anamelia Meirelles
forumamericas@forumamericas.org.br
+55-11-3094-7984

SOURCE Forum das Americas