During the third quarter, we were again able to capture the benefits of AEGON’s strategic priorities, resulting in solid earnings growth, improved profitability of sales, lower expenses and a continued strong capital position. Our franchise remains healthy, as evidenced by the particularly high level of At-Retirement and pension sales. At the same time, we are making essential investments to reshape our businesses in both our established and developing markets to respond effectively to the changing conditions and new realities. Although there are signs of gradually improving market conditions, there remains considerable uncertainty in the general economic environment. Consequently, we believe it is prudent and necessary to maintain a sufficient financial buffer while at the same time adhering to our strict risk and pricing discipline. The steps we are taking across our organization to get closer to our end customers, combined with the strength of our current position, give us full confidence in the prospects for our business going forward.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58637-aegon-quarter-3-results
International research led by University College London (UCL) as part of the ‘Cities Changing Diabetes’ partnership programme challenges current scientific understanding of the rapid rise of diabetes in cities. The findings suggest that in cities around the world, social and cultural factors play a far more important role in the spread of the epidemic than previously thought.
More than two thirds of the world’s 400 million people with diabetes live in urban areas.1,2 The year-long study for Cities Changing Diabetes, a unique public-private-academic partnership, sought to better understand what makes people vulnerable to type 2 diabetes in cities in order to inform solutions for one of the most pressing modern-day public health challenges. To explore this complex issue, more than 550 interviews were undertaken with at-risk and diagnosed people in five major cities – Copenhagen, Houston, Mexico City, Shanghai and Tianjin.
“By largely focusing on biomedical risk factors for diabetes, traditional research has not adequately accounted for the impact of social and cultural drivers of disease,” says David Napier, Professor of Medical Anthropology, UCL. “Our pioneering research will enable cities worldwide to help populations adapt to lifestyles that make them less vulnerable to diabetes.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7690951-study-rethink-rise-diabetes-in-cities/
Not exactly a dream come true, the conditions in the Dakar Rally awaiting Nasser Al-Attiyah, the driver from Qatar: a whole lot of sand, sweat and grime in the place of champagne and beautiful girls. But despite the hardships, the 38 year-old committed himself to rally sport many years ago. We document one of the most vibrant personalities from the current racing scene.
In this eloquent account of her current struggles with physical pain, Joni Eareckson Tada offers her perspective on divine healing, God’s purposes, and what it means to live with joy. Learn more about this book: http://bit.ly/boKB8R Learn more about this author: http://www.joniandfriends.org/ Religion/Christian Life/Spiritual Growth
A global plan to save coral reefs from complete eradication caused by climate change, pollution and poor fishing practices launched today at The Economist World Ocean Summit in Bali. The initiative, called 50 Reefs, brings together leading ocean, climate and marine scientists as well as conservation practitioners from around the world to develop a list of the 50 most critical coral reefs to protect.
50 Reefs will be the first global plan to save the most biodiverse ecosystem on the planet. The final list and corresponding initiatives, to be announced later this year, will raise awareness of the increasing severity of climate change impacts on the ocean and catalyze the global action and investment required to protect these important reef systems for the future.
The launch comes at a perilous moment for coral reefs, as current estimates indicate that 90 percent will disappear by 2050. A unique philanthropic coalition of innovators in business, technology and government are supporting 50 Reefs, led by Bloomberg Philanthropies with The Tiffany & Co. Foundation and The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, with the aim of preventing the worst economic, social, and environmental impacts of this enormous crisis.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8043751-the-ocean-agency-50-reefs-initiative-coral-conservation/
Today, Zippo celebrated manufacturing excellence with the production of its 500 Millionth windproof pocket lighter. A historic milestone for the renowned Pennsylvania company, the celebration was made even more meaningful as it also fell on the birthday of the company’s late founder, George G. Blaisdell. George Duke, Blaisdell’s grandson and current Zippo owner and chairman of the board, presented the 500 Millionth lighter to employees at an exclusive ceremony and placed it in a new exhibit at the company’s museum, where it joined other historical lighters, including the first Zippo lighter ever made.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54743-zippo-celebrates-production-of-its-500-million-th-windproof-pocket-lighter
Georgia Power today marked another year of safe construction and significant milestones at the Vogtle nuclear expansion site. The new units are currently scheduled to go into service in June 2019 (Unit 3) and June 2020 (Unit 4) and the remaining projected customer rate impact is approximately 2.5 percent, an average of less than 1 percent per year through completion.
In addition, the company’s recent completion of the settlement process between the project co-owners (Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power Corporation, the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and Dalton Utilities) and the project’s contractors (Westinghouse and CB&I) settles all claims previously in litigation with the contractors, reaffirms the current in-service dates, adds additional contractual protections and positions Westinghouse and its affiliates as the primary contractor over the project.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7464951-ga-power-project-vogtle/
Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new and used vehicle information, today announced its inaugural Total Cost of Ownership Award winners. The all-new 2012 awards honor current model-year vehicles and brands (in both the luxury and non-luxury categories) with the lowest projected ownership costs, based on Kelley Blue Book Total Cost of Ownership data for the initial five-year ownership period.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54199-kelley-blue-book-kbb-inaugural-total-cost-of-ownership-award-winners
Bacardi Limited caps off the yearlong celebration of its 150th anniversary with the creation of a commemorative time capsule to symbolize the unity, passion and pioneering spirit of Bacardi—the Company, family and iconic rum brand. The time capsule acts as a living snapshot of the Company in 2012 and also carries messages from current-day employees to Bacardi employees of 2062—50 years from now—to honor the enduring Bacardi legacy when it is opened on its 200th anniversary.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/53414-bacardi-rum-150-anniversary-time-capsule-artifacts-birthday-celebration
