What is Corruption?
“Corruption undermines everything the law enforcement community works towards. It impoverishes whole communities, and threatens the safety and security of the many for the benefit of a very few” - INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble
Corruption is a multifaceted phenomenon supported by differing historical and socio-economic conditions in each country. It exists at all levels of society. Although in the past it could have been considered a largely domestic issue, corruption now often transcends national boundaries. Its consequences are global; its hidden costs immense.
The private sector has responded by implementing ethics and compliance standards and regulations, while the public sector benefits from the ratification of recent laws and international conventions. Oversight bodies and mechanisms have been created to ensure the smooth running of efforts in both sectors.
Nevertheless, corruption remains rampant in many countries, continuing to siphon off valuable resources and economic gains.
Why does Corruption threaten good governance?
Corruption is a manifestation of institutional weakness, poor ethical standards, skewed incentives and insufficient enforcement.
When corrupt officials slowly drain the resources of a country, its potential to develop socially and to attract foreign investment is diminished, making it incapable of providing basic services to or enforcing the rights of its citizens.
Furthermore, corruption fuels transnational crime. Terrorists and organized criminals could not carry out their illegal activities without the complicity of corrupt public officials. It threatens security and damages trust in systems which affect people’s daily lives. It is a particular concern for the world’s police and judicial systems, as corruption in one country can compromise an entire international investigation.
Corruption itself does not produce poverty, but it does have a direct and immediate impact on economic growth and good governance, which in turn raises poverty levels. It remains a major obstacle to the achievement of the UN’s eight Millennium Developments Goals, whose primary aim is to reduce poverty.
The most recent analyses indicate that corruption continues to thrive globally. But as the awareness of corruption increases, so too does the understanding of its negative effects on political, economic and social reforms.
Transparency International’s 2006 report shows that corruption is rampant despite improved legislation and counter efforts. More than US$1 trillion is paid in bribes alone each year, according to a World Bank Institute report – compared to the estimated size of the world economy at that time of just over US$30 trillion.
How do international conventions address the problem?
Fighting corruption is challenging because the related offences are typically carried out in secret, while victims frequently realise it has occurred only after much time has passed. Although corruption can often be seen as purely a domestic issue, the international dimension of corruption is no less important, as corrupt acts usually take place in multiple places and are generally linked to crimes carried out in other countries.
The numerous existing conventions identify the current phenomenon of corruption as a matter of high concern. Definitions and academic approaches developed in the past years try to address the problem individually and collectively. Although some of the conventions focus on one region, they all aim to fight corruption while emphasising the necessity of co-operation among countries.
International co-operation can help engender the will of countries to fight corruption and the capability to do so. Despite the obvious sensitivity of devising and implementing strategies to combat systematic corruption, international organizations can – and they already do – help by providing support for democratic reforms, more competitive economies and improved governance.
Even if virtually all forms of corruption are forbidden in most countries, some may face difficulties fighting it due to a lack of sufficient will or local capacity, such as proper strategies and structures, or funds.
Anti-corruption agreements constitute highly valuable tools for organizations, companies or citizens concerned with corruption and its impact on good governance. By establishing an international framework, the treaties can help foster a high-level of political commitment, suggest legal measures that countries could take and establish a programme of international and regional co-operation.
The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) is one of the most important and recent steps in the global fight against corruption. The Convention went into force in December 2005 and has exceeded 140 signatories. It represents an important consensus about what countries should do in the areas of corruption prevention and criminalisation, as well as international co-operation and asset recovery. The UNCAC is thus a milestone for the global effort to combat graft and provides a unique opportunity to build public awareness and commitment to curbing corruption.
Showing posts with label NEWS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NEWS. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
No news report monday
monday will be the only days I will not post stories for you ive added so many of them im taking a break for one day unless its a breaking story than I will
also starting Jan 1st 2010 there will be changes one also I will fill you in on those as soon as i can speak to a few people about it its nothing bad I just wanna see what you think first before I do it.
also starting Jan 1st 2010 there will be changes one also I will fill you in on those as soon as i can speak to a few people about it its nothing bad I just wanna see what you think first before I do it.
A vacant two family house was damaged by fire
A vacant two family house was damaged by fire early Saturday morning in Rochester.
Fire investigators say the blaze started shortly before 3 o’clock on the first floor of a Peckham St. home. That's where it caused the most damage.
There was some fire damage to the second floor as well.
Firefighters had it under control in 15 minutes.
No injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation
Fire investigators say the blaze started shortly before 3 o’clock on the first floor of a Peckham St. home. That's where it caused the most damage.
There was some fire damage to the second floor as well.
Firefighters had it under control in 15 minutes.
No injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation
Duffy, Council Draft Legislation on Ren Square
Rochester, N.Y.) -- Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy met with City Council Friday morning to craft legislation to save $24 million in federal money for the Renaissance Square project.The deadline for the federal grant is July 31 and that money will be lost if City Council does not approve the project by that date.A spokesperson for City Council confirmed that the mayor and council will submit legislation on Wednesday regarding at least part of the property. However, it is not known which part that will be.Previously, Duffy has expressed concern over the inclusion of a performing arts center.At a press conference Friday morning, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks said she was encouraged by the information. Brooks, a proponent of the project, was not involved in Friday’s meeting.
Four Men Shot in Rochester
Four men were taken to the hospital after being shot on Kislingbury Street.
Crews responded just before 1am early Sunday morning.
News 10NBC has learned that four black males in their mid-twenties were taken to Strong Hospital.
None of their injuries are considered life-threatening.
Crews responded just before 1am early Sunday morning.
News 10NBC has learned that four black males in their mid-twenties were taken to Strong Hospital.
None of their injuries are considered life-threatening.
City Man Charged with Arson
A Rochester man is under arrest after threatening to set a house on fire.
45-year old Troy Rouse is being charged with 2nd degree attempted arson -- that's a felony.
Rochester Fire Department's Arson Task Force arrested him after he allegedly threaten to set a house on fire on Lyell Avenue.
Police say Rouse poured gasoline inside the house yesterday morning then threatened to light it.
Rouse is now in Monroe County jail.
45-year old Troy Rouse is being charged with 2nd degree attempted arson -- that's a felony.
Rochester Fire Department's Arson Task Force arrested him after he allegedly threaten to set a house on fire on Lyell Avenue.
Police say Rouse poured gasoline inside the house yesterday morning then threatened to light it.
Rouse is now in Monroe County jail.
Feds may open forest, swamp around Alligator Alley
TAMPA BAY ONLINE NEWS
The National Park Service has proposed establishing more than 85,000 acres of wilderness to allow hunters access.
FORT LAUDERDALE - A federal proposal would open a vast sweep of forest and swamp on both sides of Alligator Alley to hunting and off-road vehicles.
The National Park Service has proposed establishing more than 85,000 acres of wilderness beginning on the western border of Broward County, as part of a plan for managing 146,000 acres added to Big Cypress National Preserve in 1988.
The wilderness acres would be cut by non-wilderness corridors allowing hunters to access remote areas on swamp buggies and all-terrain vehicles, which are currently barred from the area.
An environmental review released with the proposal Friday found that the plan would have a "moderate adverse" impact on the endangered Florida panther living there because the cats avoid areas with increased numbers of hunters and hikers.
The park service will prepare a final plan after a public comment period ends Sept. 30. The wilderness designation must be authorized by Congress.
John Adornato, South Florida director of the National Parks Conservation Association, criticized the plan for allowing any off-road trails in wetland areas south of Alligator Alley, the highway that stretches across the Florida Everglades.
"I'm disappointed that the preserve has chosen to disregard wetlands protection by putting these trails through sensitive habitat," he said. "They would segment panther habitat."
Big Cypress, created by Congress in 1974, was designated a national preserve to allow hunting, off-road vehicles, oil drilling and other activities that ordinarily would not take place in a national park. The area is also home to black bears, red-cockaded woodpeckers and other protected species.
In wilderness areas, hunting is allowed but not vehicles. The park service's proposal gets around that by creating non-wilderness corridors that, along with the non-wilderness areas, would provide up to 140 miles of off-road vehicle trails. It also would establish new hiking trails and entry points off Alligator Alley for off-road vehicles, hikers, cyclists and horseback riders.
"It allows a good variety of uses," said Pedro Ramos, the preserve's superintendent. "There's going to be opportunities for people to get off the highway so they can learn about this magnificent resource. We feel the plan is representative of the diversity of the people of Florida, and it's representative of the mandate from Congress."
Matthew Schwartz, Everglades chairman of the Broward Sierra Club said motorized vehicles would diminish the wilderness experience.
"Six million people live within an hour and a half of this," he said. "People need a place to get away to, to really experience wild Florida. And we're going to lose that quality."
The National Park Service has proposed establishing more than 85,000 acres of wilderness to allow hunters access.
FORT LAUDERDALE - A federal proposal would open a vast sweep of forest and swamp on both sides of Alligator Alley to hunting and off-road vehicles.
The National Park Service has proposed establishing more than 85,000 acres of wilderness beginning on the western border of Broward County, as part of a plan for managing 146,000 acres added to Big Cypress National Preserve in 1988.
The wilderness acres would be cut by non-wilderness corridors allowing hunters to access remote areas on swamp buggies and all-terrain vehicles, which are currently barred from the area.
An environmental review released with the proposal Friday found that the plan would have a "moderate adverse" impact on the endangered Florida panther living there because the cats avoid areas with increased numbers of hunters and hikers.
The park service will prepare a final plan after a public comment period ends Sept. 30. The wilderness designation must be authorized by Congress.
John Adornato, South Florida director of the National Parks Conservation Association, criticized the plan for allowing any off-road trails in wetland areas south of Alligator Alley, the highway that stretches across the Florida Everglades.
"I'm disappointed that the preserve has chosen to disregard wetlands protection by putting these trails through sensitive habitat," he said. "They would segment panther habitat."
Big Cypress, created by Congress in 1974, was designated a national preserve to allow hunting, off-road vehicles, oil drilling and other activities that ordinarily would not take place in a national park. The area is also home to black bears, red-cockaded woodpeckers and other protected species.
In wilderness areas, hunting is allowed but not vehicles. The park service's proposal gets around that by creating non-wilderness corridors that, along with the non-wilderness areas, would provide up to 140 miles of off-road vehicle trails. It also would establish new hiking trails and entry points off Alligator Alley for off-road vehicles, hikers, cyclists and horseback riders.
"It allows a good variety of uses," said Pedro Ramos, the preserve's superintendent. "There's going to be opportunities for people to get off the highway so they can learn about this magnificent resource. We feel the plan is representative of the diversity of the people of Florida, and it's representative of the mandate from Congress."
Matthew Schwartz, Everglades chairman of the Broward Sierra Club said motorized vehicles would diminish the wilderness experience.
"Six million people live within an hour and a half of this," he said. "People need a place to get away to, to really experience wild Florida. And we're going to lose that quality."
Sour economy not impacting local wine sales
The sour economy may also be having an impact on the sale of fine wines. Some surveys show wine stores around the country are actually discounting high end wines but that doesn't appear to be happening in Rochester.
Dean Lucas is a wine drinker. He bought four bottles of wine today at Marketview Liquor. Two of them were $50 apiece. That's what many wine experts consider the start of high end wines. “There are some red wines that we drink that are $16-$17 a bottle, and those can be good for everyday wines. But if there's a special occasion or a weekend that we're kicking back we'll open up something a little nice.’
Ninety-percent of fine wines are reds and people are being choosy. “I think they're spending less for good quality wines.” Adam McNaney is a fine wine consultant at Marketview Liquor. “Now I see people grabbing maybe one or two bottles of these trophy wines as opposed to a case. So they're kind of buying smarter if you will.”
Century Pittsford Wines carries wines from the low end to the high end and customers all in between. Century founder Sherwood Deutsch is the area's top fine wine expert who has made countless wine buying trips to France. “The very high end wines, we're still selling them but not as much certainly as we sold maybe a year or two years ago.”
The world's leading wine company is Constellation Brands with headquarters in Victor. They confirmed today that the U.S. wine market is healthy and growing. But customers are turning away from luxury brands, wines that sell for $20 and up, in favor of premium brands between $8 and $11 a bottle.
And that has affected the company's bottom line. “Some of those people who were buying those very high end wines, those $100, $200, $300 and over, a lot of those people are going down, taking a step down. They say, Sherwood, what can I buy that's good, that you can offer me, but I don't want to spend all that much money because we all know the reason why.”
Sherwood Deutsch made the point that there's good wines being sold at every price range now from all over the world and you don't have to spend a lot of money to buy a good bottle of wine.
Dean Lucas is a wine drinker. He bought four bottles of wine today at Marketview Liquor. Two of them were $50 apiece. That's what many wine experts consider the start of high end wines. “There are some red wines that we drink that are $16-$17 a bottle, and those can be good for everyday wines. But if there's a special occasion or a weekend that we're kicking back we'll open up something a little nice.’
Ninety-percent of fine wines are reds and people are being choosy. “I think they're spending less for good quality wines.” Adam McNaney is a fine wine consultant at Marketview Liquor. “Now I see people grabbing maybe one or two bottles of these trophy wines as opposed to a case. So they're kind of buying smarter if you will.”
Century Pittsford Wines carries wines from the low end to the high end and customers all in between. Century founder Sherwood Deutsch is the area's top fine wine expert who has made countless wine buying trips to France. “The very high end wines, we're still selling them but not as much certainly as we sold maybe a year or two years ago.”
The world's leading wine company is Constellation Brands with headquarters in Victor. They confirmed today that the U.S. wine market is healthy and growing. But customers are turning away from luxury brands, wines that sell for $20 and up, in favor of premium brands between $8 and $11 a bottle.
And that has affected the company's bottom line. “Some of those people who were buying those very high end wines, those $100, $200, $300 and over, a lot of those people are going down, taking a step down. They say, Sherwood, what can I buy that's good, that you can offer me, but I don't want to spend all that much money because we all know the reason why.”
Sherwood Deutsch made the point that there's good wines being sold at every price range now from all over the world and you don't have to spend a lot of money to buy a good bottle of wine.
New missing persons database starts solving cases
TAMPA BAY ONLINE NEWS
Karen, a homemaker and mother of two from Indiana, has long had trouble falling asleep. About five years ago, to help herself wind down, she started going through missing persons sites on the Web, trying to match a person who had vanished with a John or Jane Doe whose remains had been found but whose name still remained a mystery.
When she started her informal cure for insomnia, Karen had to switch back and forth between an array of various sites – those that had information on missing persons, and those that had information on unidentified remains.
As of this year, Karen didn't have to switch back and forth anymore. The National Forensic Science Technology Center, which is located in Largo, launched the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, or NamUs. It contains two databases – one for unidentified remains and one for missing persons – and search engines the general public can use to find a match.
Last month, Karen got a hit on the system, according to officials with the technology center.
In the unidentified remains database, she spotted a sketch of a facial reconstruction performed after a woman's skeletal remains turned up some five years ago, outside Albuquerque, N.M.
Then she started going through the missing persons database and matched the sketch with the photograph of Sonia Lente, a 44-year-old Native American, who was last seen in the company of a man two years earlier, leaving a bar within city limits.
NamUs, which costs a little more than $4 million and is funded by the National Institute of Justice, solves a few problems, said Kevin Lothridge, chief executive officer for the technology center.
Perhaps most importantly, it centralizes into a single national database information that typically has been scattered among different states and jurisdictions. That allowed a cyber sleuth like Karen to make a match in a missing persons case on the other side of the country.
It is also what Lothridge calls "public addressable," which means members of the public can access the database and conduct searches, much in the same way they do on Google or Craigslist. Historically, only law enforcement agencies had access to crime-solving databases, and with some databases that is still the case, such as those containing fingerprints and DNA.
Anyone who wants to create a profile of a loved one on NamUs can do so, and the information entered can be anything that identifies someone – a family photograph, a picture of a tattoo, the serial number on a breast implant, dental records, prosthetic devices, jewelry or clothing. The better the information, the stronger the strength of the missing person's profile, he said.
For example, Jennifer Kesse – who was abducted in Orlando in 2006 and hasn't been seen since -- has an exceptionally strong missing person's profile, with a score of 5, the highest attainable.
On it her father has noted her eye color can change from green to blue, depending on the kind of contact lenses she is wearing, and that she has a tattoo of a four-leaf clover on her left hip at the panty line. Her profile also has her dental records and notes her DNA is available.
A missing person's profile is not automatically posted; rather, it is flagged. Then one of the program's seven regional administrators the country can check with the law enforcement agency handling the missing person's case to make sure the profile is legitimate, Lothridge said. Once that step is taken, the profile goes online.
Once it is online, a family member – or a cyber sleuth like Karen – can start conducting searches on the site. If, for instance, a mother knows her daughter had a tattoo of a clover leaf on the small of her back, she can conduct a query to see if anyone has turned up who had the same type of tattoo.
"No one wants to find them more than a family member," said Billy Young, the NamUs coordinator.If the family member or cyber sleuth thinks he or she has a match, she can then call the regional administrator or the appropriate law enforcement agency and suggest they take the next step – take a look at fingerprints or DNA, if they are available, to see if the presumed match can be corroborated, Lothridge said.
NamUs has odontologists throughout the country to compare dental records. If the DNA of a loved one isn't immediately available, NamUs will work to get it, perhaps off the missing person's toothbrush, through an arrangement with the University of North Texas. The university sends kits to the law enforcement agency in charge of the missing person's case, and an investigator or technician tries to get a DNA sample for the database.
Karen got her match through hardcore sleuthing, but this month NamUs started a program that automatically cross-references information from the missing persons database with information in the unidentified remains database.
The hope is that, as time goes on, more and more cases involving missing persons and unidentified remains will be entered into NamUs. In the United States, there are an estimated 100,000 active missing cases, and more than 40,000 cases involving unidentified remains, according to the technology center.
By comparison, there were only 4,951 unidentified persons entered into NamUs as of May, 2009, and only 1,497 missing persons.
Karen, a homemaker and mother of two from Indiana, has long had trouble falling asleep. About five years ago, to help herself wind down, she started going through missing persons sites on the Web, trying to match a person who had vanished with a John or Jane Doe whose remains had been found but whose name still remained a mystery.
When she started her informal cure for insomnia, Karen had to switch back and forth between an array of various sites – those that had information on missing persons, and those that had information on unidentified remains.
As of this year, Karen didn't have to switch back and forth anymore. The National Forensic Science Technology Center, which is located in Largo, launched the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, or NamUs. It contains two databases – one for unidentified remains and one for missing persons – and search engines the general public can use to find a match.
Last month, Karen got a hit on the system, according to officials with the technology center.
In the unidentified remains database, she spotted a sketch of a facial reconstruction performed after a woman's skeletal remains turned up some five years ago, outside Albuquerque, N.M.
Then she started going through the missing persons database and matched the sketch with the photograph of Sonia Lente, a 44-year-old Native American, who was last seen in the company of a man two years earlier, leaving a bar within city limits.
NamUs, which costs a little more than $4 million and is funded by the National Institute of Justice, solves a few problems, said Kevin Lothridge, chief executive officer for the technology center.
Perhaps most importantly, it centralizes into a single national database information that typically has been scattered among different states and jurisdictions. That allowed a cyber sleuth like Karen to make a match in a missing persons case on the other side of the country.
It is also what Lothridge calls "public addressable," which means members of the public can access the database and conduct searches, much in the same way they do on Google or Craigslist. Historically, only law enforcement agencies had access to crime-solving databases, and with some databases that is still the case, such as those containing fingerprints and DNA.
Anyone who wants to create a profile of a loved one on NamUs can do so, and the information entered can be anything that identifies someone – a family photograph, a picture of a tattoo, the serial number on a breast implant, dental records, prosthetic devices, jewelry or clothing. The better the information, the stronger the strength of the missing person's profile, he said.
For example, Jennifer Kesse – who was abducted in Orlando in 2006 and hasn't been seen since -- has an exceptionally strong missing person's profile, with a score of 5, the highest attainable.
On it her father has noted her eye color can change from green to blue, depending on the kind of contact lenses she is wearing, and that she has a tattoo of a four-leaf clover on her left hip at the panty line. Her profile also has her dental records and notes her DNA is available.
A missing person's profile is not automatically posted; rather, it is flagged. Then one of the program's seven regional administrators the country can check with the law enforcement agency handling the missing person's case to make sure the profile is legitimate, Lothridge said. Once that step is taken, the profile goes online.
Once it is online, a family member – or a cyber sleuth like Karen – can start conducting searches on the site. If, for instance, a mother knows her daughter had a tattoo of a clover leaf on the small of her back, she can conduct a query to see if anyone has turned up who had the same type of tattoo.
"No one wants to find them more than a family member," said Billy Young, the NamUs coordinator.If the family member or cyber sleuth thinks he or she has a match, she can then call the regional administrator or the appropriate law enforcement agency and suggest they take the next step – take a look at fingerprints or DNA, if they are available, to see if the presumed match can be corroborated, Lothridge said.
NamUs has odontologists throughout the country to compare dental records. If the DNA of a loved one isn't immediately available, NamUs will work to get it, perhaps off the missing person's toothbrush, through an arrangement with the University of North Texas. The university sends kits to the law enforcement agency in charge of the missing person's case, and an investigator or technician tries to get a DNA sample for the database.
Karen got her match through hardcore sleuthing, but this month NamUs started a program that automatically cross-references information from the missing persons database with information in the unidentified remains database.
The hope is that, as time goes on, more and more cases involving missing persons and unidentified remains will be entered into NamUs. In the United States, there are an estimated 100,000 active missing cases, and more than 40,000 cases involving unidentified remains, according to the technology center.
By comparison, there were only 4,951 unidentified persons entered into NamUs as of May, 2009, and only 1,497 missing persons.
A local teen sentenced to 20 years in prison
ROCHESTER N.Y
A local teenager is going to prison for 20 years for murder.Even though he still says his gun went off accidentally, 17-year-old Ryan Lane was sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing 18 year old Tracy Walker.
It happened inside a grocery store on Thurston Road almost a year ago to the day. Lane admitted he shot Walker but told the judge his gun went off when Walker charged at him.Reports say Walker was mad because Lane talked to police about her brother being in a gang.
A local teenager is going to prison for 20 years for murder.Even though he still says his gun went off accidentally, 17-year-old Ryan Lane was sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing 18 year old Tracy Walker.
It happened inside a grocery store on Thurston Road almost a year ago to the day. Lane admitted he shot Walker but told the judge his gun went off when Walker charged at him.Reports say Walker was mad because Lane talked to police about her brother being in a gang.
U.S. seeks amnesty for two held in North Korea
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The United States has dropped its request that two American journalists imprisoned in North Korea be released on humanitarian grounds, and is seeking amnesty instead, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said. plea for amnesty implies forgiveness for some offense.
The women -- Laura Ling and Euna Lee -- were sentenced in June to 12 years in prison on charges of entering the country illegally to conduct a smear campaign.
Laura Ling's sister, Lisa Ling, told CNN Friday night that she feels the change in approach is significant, and could aid negotiations for the women's freedom. Lisa Ling is a CNN contributor.
"The two journalists and their families have expressed great remorse for this incident, and I think everyone is very sorry thWhat we hope for now is that these two young women would be granted amnesty through the North Korean system and be allowed to return home to their families as soon as possible," she said.
Laura Ling and Lee are serving their sentences in a prison that requires hard labor.
Lisa Ling was able to speak to her sister by phone Tuesday night, according to CNN affiliate KOVR-TV in Sacramento, California.
She told the station that her sister "was very specific about the message that she was communicating.
According to Lisa Ling, her sister told her, "'Look, we violated North Korean law and we need our government to help us. We are sorry about everything that has happened, but we need diplomacy.'"
Ling said that without being able see her sister, it was difficult to tell how she was doing.
The imprisoned women, who are reporters for California-based Current TV -- a media venture of former U.S. Vice President Al Gore -- were arrested while reporting on the border between North Korea and China.
"All we can say is they are journalists and they were doing their job," said Lisa Ling. at it happened," Clinton told a State Department briefing Friday.
The women -- Laura Ling and Euna Lee -- were sentenced in June to 12 years in prison on charges of entering the country illegally to conduct a smear campaign.
Laura Ling's sister, Lisa Ling, told CNN Friday night that she feels the change in approach is significant, and could aid negotiations for the women's freedom. Lisa Ling is a CNN contributor.
"The two journalists and their families have expressed great remorse for this incident, and I think everyone is very sorry thWhat we hope for now is that these two young women would be granted amnesty through the North Korean system and be allowed to return home to their families as soon as possible," she said.
Laura Ling and Lee are serving their sentences in a prison that requires hard labor.
Lisa Ling was able to speak to her sister by phone Tuesday night, according to CNN affiliate KOVR-TV in Sacramento, California.
She told the station that her sister "was very specific about the message that she was communicating.
According to Lisa Ling, her sister told her, "'Look, we violated North Korean law and we need our government to help us. We are sorry about everything that has happened, but we need diplomacy.'"
Ling said that without being able see her sister, it was difficult to tell how she was doing.
The imprisoned women, who are reporters for California-based Current TV -- a media venture of former U.S. Vice President Al Gore -- were arrested while reporting on the border between North Korea and China.
"All we can say is they are journalists and they were doing their job," said Lisa Ling. at it happened," Clinton told a State Department briefing Friday.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Haitian ferry capsizes; at least 5 people dead
TAMPA BAY ONLINE NEWS
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) -- A ferry capsized off Haiti's southern coast Saturday morning, killing at least five people. Authorities said it wasn't clear how many people were on board, but as many as two dozen could be missing.
Officials had initially said six people were known dead, but later lowered the figure.
Civil protection official Jean-Michel Sabbat said the search was suspended late Saturday afternoon and will resume Sunday.
He said the boat overturned en route from Anse a Pitre, near the border with the Dominican Republic, to the southern peninsula city of Jacmel.
Twenty-two survivors were rescued. Sabbat said rough estimates indicated that perhaps as many as 60 people were aboard the vessel.
Officials could not immediately say what kind of boat it was or what caused it to overturn.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) -- A ferry capsized off Haiti's southern coast Saturday morning, killing at least five people. Authorities said it wasn't clear how many people were on board, but as many as two dozen could be missing.
Officials had initially said six people were known dead, but later lowered the figure.
Civil protection official Jean-Michel Sabbat said the search was suspended late Saturday afternoon and will resume Sunday.
He said the boat overturned en route from Anse a Pitre, near the border with the Dominican Republic, to the southern peninsula city of Jacmel.
Twenty-two survivors were rescued. Sabbat said rough estimates indicated that perhaps as many as 60 people were aboard the vessel.
Officials could not immediately say what kind of boat it was or what caused it to overturn.
Web Exclusive: Victim Comments on Pignato Sex Abuse Case
Rochester, N.Y.) -- On Wednesday, Judge Alex Renzi sentenced former Greece Police officer Gary Pignato to six years in prison after he was convicted of coercing a woman into sex, accepting sex as a bribe, and official misconduct.
The day after, the victim in this case called it "a victory for justice," and celebrated by cutting the grass, pulling weeds, and doing other physical work in her yard.
"I just have to stay busy, it keeps my mind off the things I don’t want to think about,” she said.
Those "things" include the summer night Pignato responded to a domestic dispute at her home.
“It’s a nightmare that doesn’t go away,” she said while standing in the driveway of her home. “You find yourself reliving the events over and over.”
As she talks about it, her hands, shoulders--even her hair--tremble. It is much the same reaction she had sitting in court on Wednesday watching the sentencing.
"I had hoped and prayed for justice every night, but I never, never, thought I’d get it," she said Thursday.
New York State allows victims to make an impact statement on the day of sentencing and she had planned to tell her story in court: how she no longer feels safe riding in an elevator alone with a man she doesn’t know; how seeing anyone in uniform fills her with fear.
But, those words went unspoken in the courtroom. When asked if she was ready to speak, she shook her head.
"I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders," she said. "I remember testifying, his eyes bore right into me. I couldn’t do that again."
However, as is also his right, Pignato did address the court. He pleaded for leniency on behalf of his two daughters, ages 11 and 14. He said by losing his career, his source of income, and spending time in the county lock-up he had suffered enough.
"It reminded me of how he was that night," his victim said. "He was arrogant and cocky and not considering me or any of the other women. It made me sick and angry."
Thirteen other women have filed "Jane Doe" briefs against former officer Gary Pignato.
Since it’s likely most of those cases will never go to trial, this victim--designated "Jane Doe 2"--said Thursday she was speaking out on their behalf.
She will also testify in another case against Pignato, after which she plans to leave the state. She’ll take her dignity with her, she said, along with a better life.
She has entered rehabilitation to help with the drug and alcohol habits that led to the police call the night Pignato was on duty.
She has been clean and sober for a year and plans to stay that way.
“It’s hard to think of something good coming out of this, but I got my life back,” she said.
The day after, the victim in this case called it "a victory for justice," and celebrated by cutting the grass, pulling weeds, and doing other physical work in her yard.
"I just have to stay busy, it keeps my mind off the things I don’t want to think about,” she said.
Those "things" include the summer night Pignato responded to a domestic dispute at her home.
“It’s a nightmare that doesn’t go away,” she said while standing in the driveway of her home. “You find yourself reliving the events over and over.”
As she talks about it, her hands, shoulders--even her hair--tremble. It is much the same reaction she had sitting in court on Wednesday watching the sentencing.
"I had hoped and prayed for justice every night, but I never, never, thought I’d get it," she said Thursday.
New York State allows victims to make an impact statement on the day of sentencing and she had planned to tell her story in court: how she no longer feels safe riding in an elevator alone with a man she doesn’t know; how seeing anyone in uniform fills her with fear.
But, those words went unspoken in the courtroom. When asked if she was ready to speak, she shook her head.
"I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders," she said. "I remember testifying, his eyes bore right into me. I couldn’t do that again."
However, as is also his right, Pignato did address the court. He pleaded for leniency on behalf of his two daughters, ages 11 and 14. He said by losing his career, his source of income, and spending time in the county lock-up he had suffered enough.
"It reminded me of how he was that night," his victim said. "He was arrogant and cocky and not considering me or any of the other women. It made me sick and angry."
Thirteen other women have filed "Jane Doe" briefs against former officer Gary Pignato.
Since it’s likely most of those cases will never go to trial, this victim--designated "Jane Doe 2"--said Thursday she was speaking out on their behalf.
She will also testify in another case against Pignato, after which she plans to leave the state. She’ll take her dignity with her, she said, along with a better life.
She has entered rehabilitation to help with the drug and alcohol habits that led to the police call the night Pignato was on duty.
She has been clean and sober for a year and plans to stay that way.
“It’s hard to think of something good coming out of this, but I got my life back,” she said.
OWNERS COMMENTS
YEA I GUESS THAT SAID IT ALL SHE GETS AWAY SCOTT FREE ON THE DRUGS ALSO THATS REALLY NOT FAIR SHE SHOULD OF BEEN LOCKED UP FOR VIOLATION OF HER PAROLE TOO.SEE THATS TOTAL BULL SHIT!!!!!!!!
Keeping Kids off the Street Without Curfew
Rochester, N.Y.) -- Thursday night marked one month since a New York Court of Appeals declared Rochester's teen curfew unconstitutional.
Police say there was a noticeable drop in crime involving teens when the curfew was in place.
In 2007, 567 teens under the age of 17 were arrested during curfew hours. In 2008, there were 512 arrests.
Community leaders say community response is the key to preventing problems.
As executive director of community association Group 14621, Eugenio Cotto, Jr., has received a lot of phone calls from neighbors.
“A lot of people are stepping up to the plate and letting us know there's youth hanging out. Not that they're doing anything wrong, but there's potential for that to happen,” he said.
Cotto hopes those calls continue.
“We need folks, that, if they see these thing happening late at night, that they let someone know these things are occurring,” he said.
When the curfew was struck down, Mayor Bob Duffy said he would work with his staff on a new curfew that abides by the law.
Meanwhile, police are working with some organizations like Group 14621, Pathways to Peace, and Neighborhood Service Centers to come up with new ways to keep teens off the streets.
Rashad Clay, manager of New Creations Unisex barbershop, believes parents should be held responsible to keep kids off the streets.
“You have to be a parent, 24-7. And you can't depend on someone else to be the parent of your child, basically,’ he said.
Shantel Johnson, the mother of two agrees, but also says parents could use some help and thinks Rochester should bring back the curfew.
“I do see a lot of teens out on the streets, hanging on the corner. If there aren't any rules, then there are no rules to follow,” she said.
Police say there was a noticeable drop in crime involving teens when the curfew was in place.
In 2007, 567 teens under the age of 17 were arrested during curfew hours. In 2008, there were 512 arrests.
Community leaders say community response is the key to preventing problems.
As executive director of community association Group 14621, Eugenio Cotto, Jr., has received a lot of phone calls from neighbors.
“A lot of people are stepping up to the plate and letting us know there's youth hanging out. Not that they're doing anything wrong, but there's potential for that to happen,” he said.
Cotto hopes those calls continue.
“We need folks, that, if they see these thing happening late at night, that they let someone know these things are occurring,” he said.
When the curfew was struck down, Mayor Bob Duffy said he would work with his staff on a new curfew that abides by the law.
Meanwhile, police are working with some organizations like Group 14621, Pathways to Peace, and Neighborhood Service Centers to come up with new ways to keep teens off the streets.
Rashad Clay, manager of New Creations Unisex barbershop, believes parents should be held responsible to keep kids off the streets.
“You have to be a parent, 24-7. And you can't depend on someone else to be the parent of your child, basically,’ he said.
Shantel Johnson, the mother of two agrees, but also says parents could use some help and thinks Rochester should bring back the curfew.
“I do see a lot of teens out on the streets, hanging on the corner. If there aren't any rules, then there are no rules to follow,” she said.
OWNERS COMMENTS
ITS THE PARENT RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP THERE KIDS OFF THE STREET AT NIGHT
NOT THE POLICE DEPT THEY ARE NOT LICENSED DAYCARE PROVIDERS THAT THE PARENTS JOB
TO DISOPLINE THERE KIDS.
ROCHESTER INTERNET RADIO DJ
Ren Square – Done Deal, or Just Done
Rochester, N.Y.) City Council and Mayor Bob Duffy met in private and decided on a plan that would save the $24 million in federal money meant for the Renaissance Square Project. The mysterious plan could mean the project is a done deal -- or just done.County Executive Maggie Brooks said, "I'm encouraged by that movement. That's definitely progress for Renaissance Square." But…Brooks doesn't know what city leaders decided in private. But she said their plan to transfer property for Renaissance Square must still include the property needed for a performing arts center.Changing the plan now could lead the federal government to take millions of dollars away."Those are the kinds of things that will throw the schedule back a year or 18 months, and those are the things that will actually really hamper our ability to move forward with this in any way," Brooks said.RGRTA’s Mark Aesch agreed that if Mayor Duffy wants to ditch the performing arts center, he's risking funding for the entire project. "I would hope that everyone shares the commitment of preserving the money that Senator Schumer worked so hard to get here," Aesch said.In a statement, Schumer's office said, "We have not seen the details of the plan, so we do not know if the deadlines can be met. We hope so."With the mayor keeping mum about specifics, the county executive can only wonder what he'll announce on Wednesday, and why it's been so difficult to get everyone on the same side.If city leaders announce that they're willing to clear the property for the entire project, including the performing arts center, there will be no drama. Demolition and construction would start later this year.If city leaders announce they'll allow acquisition of property for everything but the arts center, there will be a vigorous debate, possibly some drama. The mayor says his plan will preserve the federal funding, but Brooks and Aesch say federal funding would be lost without the arts center. We'll all find out on Wednesday.
City Set to Weigh in on Ren Square Project
In the face of a looming federal deadline there was critical movement regarding the next step in the controversial Renaissance Square project Friday.
Mayor Bob Duffy and city council met behind closed doors and reached an agreement in principal, on a course of action according to the city.
"I'm encouraged by that movement. That's definitely progress for Renaissance Square," Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks said. Brooks said the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) gave developers a list of things that need to be completed before July 30th or the project risks losing more than $20-million in federal funding.
City council action is on that list.
The project currently includes; a Monroe Community College campus, off-street city bus station and performing arts theater.
"There's a lot of money earmarked for that project we don't wanna lose that money,” City Spokesperson Gary Walker said, “But at the same time, we have to weigh that with what is the long-term interest of the city. That is a major corner of our downtown and we cannot have a structure there that does not work for the people that costs millions in taxpayer subsidy possibly."
Walker is referring to the unfunded theatre portion of the project. He says the city faced a similar situation several years ago and learned a lesson from it.
"We heard this cacophony of voices several years ago to build a stadium. You gotta build, it's good for jobs, it's good for the area. If we don't build it we'll lose $15-million in state funds and so everybody built the stadium. Now we have a facility that's empty almost 10 months of the year, that's costing taxpayers $500-thousand a year to keep up. That's not a gift. You don't want a gift that eats," Walker said.
Several city council members told R News they thought the meeting went well but would not disclose details.
The mayor is expected to draft legislation for the council to consider by early next week.
"I imagine there's gonna be some specificity into what the city is willing to do, condemn, convey or abandon in that piece of legislation," Walker said.
Project partners and the public are expected to learn more about the city's vision for Renaissance Square at a public meeting.
It's set for Wednesday, July 15th at 3 p.m. in city council chambers.
"I don't think anyone is adverse to making minor adjustments as part of final design. That's done in every project. What we've pushed back on are monumental changes that would force us to go back to the FTA for their approval. And those are the kinds of things that will throw the schedule back a year, 18 months and those are the things that will actually really hamper and impact our ability to move forward with this in any way," said Brooks.
Mayor Bob Duffy and city council met behind closed doors and reached an agreement in principal, on a course of action according to the city.
"I'm encouraged by that movement. That's definitely progress for Renaissance Square," Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks said. Brooks said the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) gave developers a list of things that need to be completed before July 30th or the project risks losing more than $20-million in federal funding.
City council action is on that list.
The project currently includes; a Monroe Community College campus, off-street city bus station and performing arts theater.
"There's a lot of money earmarked for that project we don't wanna lose that money,” City Spokesperson Gary Walker said, “But at the same time, we have to weigh that with what is the long-term interest of the city. That is a major corner of our downtown and we cannot have a structure there that does not work for the people that costs millions in taxpayer subsidy possibly."
Walker is referring to the unfunded theatre portion of the project. He says the city faced a similar situation several years ago and learned a lesson from it.
"We heard this cacophony of voices several years ago to build a stadium. You gotta build, it's good for jobs, it's good for the area. If we don't build it we'll lose $15-million in state funds and so everybody built the stadium. Now we have a facility that's empty almost 10 months of the year, that's costing taxpayers $500-thousand a year to keep up. That's not a gift. You don't want a gift that eats," Walker said.
Several city council members told R News they thought the meeting went well but would not disclose details.
The mayor is expected to draft legislation for the council to consider by early next week.
"I imagine there's gonna be some specificity into what the city is willing to do, condemn, convey or abandon in that piece of legislation," Walker said.
Project partners and the public are expected to learn more about the city's vision for Renaissance Square at a public meeting.
It's set for Wednesday, July 15th at 3 p.m. in city council chambers.
"I don't think anyone is adverse to making minor adjustments as part of final design. That's done in every project. What we've pushed back on are monumental changes that would force us to go back to the FTA for their approval. And those are the kinds of things that will throw the schedule back a year, 18 months and those are the things that will actually really hamper and impact our ability to move forward with this in any way," said Brooks.
Telephone Scam Targets Small Business
Rochester, N.Y.) - One local man fielded two calls last week asking to update his business's online yellow pages listing, but it sounded suspicious.
Now the Better Business Bureau, Frontier, and the attorney general's officer are looking into scam calls.
Michael Bloch's home business places lawyers in jobs. Last week he received a call that sounded fishy, the second time he received the same call this week, he recorded it.
"I was just curious, so I played along with them to see what it was they were doing," he explained. "As the call went on, I knew pretty quickly that it was a scam, because as soon as they start recording something, you know they're recording it for a reason."
Bloch became even more suspicious as a live person talked over a recording.
"It was pretty clear this lady was purposefully talking over what the automated message was saying, so you couldn't hear it [the original recorded message]," Bloch said.
Part of the scam said: "Do you understand this is the last question, Mr. Bloch; we need to confirm you understand this is your free basic listing with the online yellow pages. After the tone I need a clear ‘Yes.’ Thank you.”
Bloch said, “What you're saying yes to, I assume, is some kind of authorization for a monthly payment."
The Better Business Bureau suspects the same thing. Bloch's call came from Carson City, Nevada. Similar businesses have "D" or "F" ratings with the BBB.
"The bottom line is, they're trying to get you to agree, to: ‘Yes I'll agree to a $30-some charge a month,’"explained Pat Coakley of the BBB. ”None of the legitimate ones would do it that way."
The BBB indicated businesses should be on the alert for similar calls, and thanks to Bloch, they'll know what to expect.
"I was very pleased to hear that; we've got a business owner that's taking care of business," Coakley said.
Bloch has yet to receive a bill, and Frontier was quick to apply a “third party billing block" on his phone so that he won’t be billed. That's an option for every customer.
Frontier passed along other tips to avoid getting scammed; they’re attached to this story.
Now the Better Business Bureau, Frontier, and the attorney general's officer are looking into scam calls.
Michael Bloch's home business places lawyers in jobs. Last week he received a call that sounded fishy, the second time he received the same call this week, he recorded it.
"I was just curious, so I played along with them to see what it was they were doing," he explained. "As the call went on, I knew pretty quickly that it was a scam, because as soon as they start recording something, you know they're recording it for a reason."
Bloch became even more suspicious as a live person talked over a recording.
"It was pretty clear this lady was purposefully talking over what the automated message was saying, so you couldn't hear it [the original recorded message]," Bloch said.
Part of the scam said: "Do you understand this is the last question, Mr. Bloch; we need to confirm you understand this is your free basic listing with the online yellow pages. After the tone I need a clear ‘Yes.’ Thank you.”
Bloch said, “What you're saying yes to, I assume, is some kind of authorization for a monthly payment."
The Better Business Bureau suspects the same thing. Bloch's call came from Carson City, Nevada. Similar businesses have "D" or "F" ratings with the BBB.
"The bottom line is, they're trying to get you to agree, to: ‘Yes I'll agree to a $30-some charge a month,’"explained Pat Coakley of the BBB. ”None of the legitimate ones would do it that way."
The BBB indicated businesses should be on the alert for similar calls, and thanks to Bloch, they'll know what to expect.
"I was very pleased to hear that; we've got a business owner that's taking care of business," Coakley said.
Bloch has yet to receive a bill, and Frontier was quick to apply a “third party billing block" on his phone so that he won’t be billed. That's an option for every customer.
Frontier passed along other tips to avoid getting scammed; they’re attached to this story.
Maga Million Winner in Rochester n.y
Hess Mart, 459 Spencerport, Long Pond, Rochester (Quick Pick)
someone played a quick pick at the hess mart located on spencerport road on July 7th if you are the lucky winner congradulations
those numbers were as follows
NUMBERS: 25 27 35 38 39 + MEGA BALL (28)
someone played a quick pick at the hess mart located on spencerport road on July 7th if you are the lucky winner congradulations
those numbers were as follows
NUMBERS: 25 27 35 38 39 + MEGA BALL (28)
Martin Garbus, To Represent Hal Turner Case
Martin Garbus, one of the country's top First Amendment attorneys, has joined Hal Turner's Legal Defense Team.
Biography- Martin Garbus
Martin Garbus is one of the country’s leading trial lawyers. He aggressively represents his commercial and criminal clients in both the courts and the public media. He has appeared before the United States Supreme Court as well as trial and appellate courts in the nation, in over 100 cases.
The Guardian called him “one of the world’s finest trial lawyers” and the “founding partner of one of America’s most prestigious law firms.” In 2007, Business Week called him "legendary," “a ferocious lawyer who has received numerous media citations as one of America’s leading trial lawyers” and a "ferocious litigator;" Time Magazine named him "legendary, one of the best trial lawyers in the country." Fortune Magazine called him, "One of the nation's premier First Amendment attorneys," and "legendary," Reuters called him a “famed lawyer” while other media have called him "America's most prominent First Amendment lawyer" with an "extraordinarily diverse practice" and "one of the country's top ten litigators." Super Lawyers Magazine designated him as a “Superlawyer.” New York Magazine and Los Angeles Magazine, over the last twelve years have named him both as one of America’s best trial lawyers, and one of America’s best intellectual property lawyers.
Super Lawyers states that, has designated him as a “Superlawyer.” New York Magazine, over the last eleven years, named him both as one of America’s best trial lawyers, and one of America’s best Intellectual Property lawyers. Los Angeles Magazine has done the same.
Mr. Garbus's skill as a trial lawyer has earned his distinguished reputation as a result of his courtroom skills. He is an expert at every aspect of litigation and trial, from jury selection to cross-examination to summation. His cases have established new legal precedents in the Supreme Court and courts throughout the country.
Mr. Garbus, who taught trial practice at the Yale Law School and Constitutional law at Columbia, as well as in Beijing, China and Prague, Czech Republic is the author of six books and numerous articles, that have appeared both in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and in legal publications. He has given hundreds of talks on various aspects of law before Bar Associations, corporations, law schools and CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN and other television and radio networks. His devotion to ethics, justice, free speech and the law has garnered respect among the legal community, commercial and corporate sectors, and beyond, earning him numerous honors, designations in Who’s Who in America, recently a Profile in the New York Times, Who’s Who in Best Lawyers in America as well as awards from his law school and college and praise from his numerous high-profile clients.
Biography- Martin Garbus
Martin Garbus is one of the country’s leading trial lawyers. He aggressively represents his commercial and criminal clients in both the courts and the public media. He has appeared before the United States Supreme Court as well as trial and appellate courts in the nation, in over 100 cases.
The Guardian called him “one of the world’s finest trial lawyers” and the “founding partner of one of America’s most prestigious law firms.” In 2007, Business Week called him "legendary," “a ferocious lawyer who has received numerous media citations as one of America’s leading trial lawyers” and a "ferocious litigator;" Time Magazine named him "legendary, one of the best trial lawyers in the country." Fortune Magazine called him, "One of the nation's premier First Amendment attorneys," and "legendary," Reuters called him a “famed lawyer” while other media have called him "America's most prominent First Amendment lawyer" with an "extraordinarily diverse practice" and "one of the country's top ten litigators." Super Lawyers Magazine designated him as a “Superlawyer.” New York Magazine and Los Angeles Magazine, over the last twelve years have named him both as one of America’s best trial lawyers, and one of America’s best intellectual property lawyers.
Super Lawyers states that, has designated him as a “Superlawyer.” New York Magazine, over the last eleven years, named him both as one of America’s best trial lawyers, and one of America’s best Intellectual Property lawyers. Los Angeles Magazine has done the same.
Mr. Garbus's skill as a trial lawyer has earned his distinguished reputation as a result of his courtroom skills. He is an expert at every aspect of litigation and trial, from jury selection to cross-examination to summation. His cases have established new legal precedents in the Supreme Court and courts throughout the country.
Mr. Garbus, who taught trial practice at the Yale Law School and Constitutional law at Columbia, as well as in Beijing, China and Prague, Czech Republic is the author of six books and numerous articles, that have appeared both in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and in legal publications. He has given hundreds of talks on various aspects of law before Bar Associations, corporations, law schools and CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN and other television and radio networks. His devotion to ethics, justice, free speech and the law has garnered respect among the legal community, commercial and corporate sectors, and beyond, earning him numerous honors, designations in Who’s Who in America, recently a Profile in the New York Times, Who’s Who in Best Lawyers in America as well as awards from his law school and college and praise from his numerous high-profile clients.
Man Stabbed on Portland Avenue
(Rochester, N.Y)- A man was stabbed Saturday morning on Portland Avenue.
According to Rochester Police, a 48-year-old Rochester man was stabbed at 1154 Portland Avenue around 7 a.m. He was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital and treated.
Police say his injuries are not life threatening.
The investigation is continuing.
According to Rochester Police, a 48-year-old Rochester man was stabbed at 1154 Portland Avenue around 7 a.m. He was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital and treated.
Police say his injuries are not life threatening.
The investigation is continuing.
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