of Nevada

www.silverstatenews.com

Under New Construction

June, 2009

For June 30, 2009

Editor's Choice

Miscellaneous Articles & Features Throughout the Day

Silver State News Service

of Nevada

The First newspaper in U.S. History to featuring
The World's Fastest Motorsport, Air Racing,
in its Sport Section, where it belongs.

Al Goss of the Warlock Air Racing Team on the Pylons at Stead Airport, Nevada.

Photo: M. Daniels / www.ilips.net

Silver State News Service

of Nevada

Sports

2009 ~ 2010 Season

As we prepare for Racers Over Stead, the 2009 Edition, we are revamping our Sports Section for added coverage of different events. Pardon our Dust while we are under construction.

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Reno Aces Coverage in our Newly Revamped Sports Section

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Links To FIFA 2009 Cup Semi-Final and Final Action

Photo Galleries:

USA vs Spain ~ SemiFinal

Brazil vs USA ~ Final

# 3

Yemenia Airways Airbus A310 missing off the Comoros Islands

France 24 reporting that the aircraft has crashed into the Indian Ocean, during bad weather with 150 people onboard.

The passengers reportedly left Paris on Monday and transferred to the A310 in Yemen.

Update...

France 24 is reporting that the Yemeni Aviation Agency has confirmed "bodies found" in Yemenia Airways A310 tragedy off the Comoros ~ time 11:40 p.m. PST

# 2

Complaint Filed by SSNS Editor with Washoe County Internal Affairs

Silver State News Service Editor files complaint against Civil Reserve Deputy Sheriff for not following through on Stalker complaints filed on December 1, 2008.

• Positive I.D.s of those driving vehicles during Stalking incident either not obtained, reported or obstructed.

• Civil Reserve Deputy indicates that the complaint will be closed upon his return to the Sheriff's Office. He hasn't left the living room of the victims at the time he says this.

• Procedural questions exist regarding the closing of a complaint before a complete investigation is started, let alone, concluded, especially when positive I.D. of license plates on vehicles is obtained and presented to the Sheriff

• Civil Reserve Deputy indicates "Mark also put in his written statement that he has had threats made against his life in the past, but was unable to provided any details or link these previous threats to today's incidents."

• The Civil Reserve Deputy was informed that "Mark" was still unpacking from a move into the area and hadn't gotten to his case files yet.

• Civil Reserve Deputy indicates "I also ran both license plates provided by Mark and he was unable to provide names of the individuals that owned either vehicle and stated he had never seen either of these vehicles in the area prior to today."

• "Mark" indicated that he didn't care who owned the vehicles, he wanted to know whom was driving them.

• Civil Reserve Deputy was argumentative and indicated that such calls would be a "waste" of an active duty Deputy's time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt from today's complaint by "Mark:"

"I believe this matter should have been investigated further and should not have been closed by a Civil Reserve Deputy, but rather investigated by your detectives especially seeing as how I have case information available to investigators, positive I.D.s on the vehicles in terms of the license plates, and the owners can be compelled to indicate whom was driving."

"I think it highly inappropriate that a Civil Reserve Deputy is allowed not only to close such an investigation without referral to Detectives, but actually stands in the victims' living room and tells them that the case will be closed in such a manner."

"As a complainant and a (v)ictim of the Reno Air Racing Association and their management officials, I wholeheartedly disagree with the Deputy's appraisal that no crime has been committed by them."

"I don't believe that a Civil Reserve Deputy, nor any Deputy, should be allowed such power as to contemptfully tell someone their complaint will be closed the moment he returns to the Sheriff's Department to file his paperwork."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The complaint followed by one to two weeks a report of a suspicious person at night by the Editor, the former having sat in his truck in the entrance of the driveway, shining his lights at the Editor's home, then readjusting his truck, to shine his lights once again as the Editor stood in his door watching.

The active duty, Academy Trained Washoe County Deputy that responded was courteous, as well as professional, and said:

"You did the right thing by calling us out. Feel free to call us out any time you have a concern."

It should be noted in contrast that the Civil Reserve Deputy indicated at the time, to both the Editor and his witness, that he was still in training.

Positive I.D. of the female stalker, a member of the Office Staff at RARA, was given today to the Washoe County Sheriff's Citizens Complaint Section, having been obtained through identification of the individual via a photograph in the Grand Sierra Resort magazine (hard copy) gallery of a RARA event at that facility. The photograph in the Air Race program was not as helpful.

The Editor's witness also saw the woman driving the vehicle. Both the witness and the Editor came out of the home to watch the individual due to an early stalking incident involving a white van with Reno Air Race license plates watching the home from a nearby road with a look-down view. The vehicle involved in the drive-by appeared to be leaving, but stopped between a barn and a house, stuck a camera out the window, and photographed the Editor, his witness, the vehicle in front of the place and the home.

The Editor and his witness then got in the witness' car to follow the vehicle and obtain plate information, vehicle type, color and the general area in which the stalker either went or returned to after photographing the Editor's home and friend.

The reports were called in within hours of each other. The Editor had been in the process of waiting for the Sheriff because of the first incident, when the second incident occurred.

# 1

Guy Felton Releases Open Letter to "all judges having benches in Washoe County."

LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAILY SPARKS TRIBUNE
FROM GUY FELTON, 1301 STARDUST #26, RENO, NV 89503
guyfelton@gmail.com     775-828-6282
 
JUNE 26, 2009
 
An open letter to all judges having benches in Washoe County:
 
My Deputy Public Defender has informed me that trial by jury is not extended to persons accused of misdemeanor crimes in Nevada. He seems unable to come up with any legal justification for this.
 
The Sixth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States says this:
 
In ALL criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district where in the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.
 
Further, Marbury v. Madison, 5 US 137, states:
 
The Constitution of these United States is the supreme law of the land.  Any law that is repugnant to the Constitution is null and void of law.
 
As a volunteer ombudsman for the people of Nevada who has more than once wound up in jail for protesting the arrogance and corruption of public officials in our state, I ask you judges to tell me what law or other source trumps the Constitution in a manner that denies trial by jury to me or any other Nevadan accused of a misdemeanor?
 
If there is none, a class-action suit will be put together targeting punitive damages of at least one billion dollars! How many persons have been denied trial by jury in Nevada over, say, the past  20 years?

Guy Felton, Publisher

www.OmbudsmanUSA.Com

Click Here For:

The Litigation Page

Updated as of 06/29/2009

The Litigation Page

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New Case

Coming This Weekend to Silver State News Service.

P.A.C.T Related with another case reportedly seeking our attention from the wings.

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The concept of "Reunification" of Parent with Child by Washoe County is once again Challenged.

The Story of Jacqui and Claire

Hostages to Misfortune

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Parents Against Child Trafficking (P.A.C.T.).

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The Litigation Page

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New Case

We're awaiting paperwork involving a third case which follows the same Modus Operandi by Washoe County Social Services as the cases of Karen Lekas, David Sharra, the new case of Jacqui and Claire, and others that we had been reviewing.

P.A.C.T Related.

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The Case of Anonymous #'s 3 & 4

Kidjacked!

The hijacking and hostage taking ~ allegedly under false pretenses and with false reporting to a Judge ~ of four children from one Washoe County family.

The Parents' Case File is inbound to us at this time.

The Father is a twice Honorably Discharged Veteran (1980 to 1985) who has served from Korea to Germany an points inbetween.

What we are about to show you is the Justice he's received in return for his personal sacrifice.

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Parents Against Child Trafficking (P.A.C.T.).

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Archives:

Most RecentPast Issue ~ June 23, 2009

Next RecentPast Issue ~ May, 2009

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Editor's Choice:

Link Takes You To

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

Stars & Stripes Reporter Banned from Embed

Link Takes You To Fox 5 News, Las Vegas

Former Child Prostitute Tells Her Story: 'I Was So Degraded'

Penalties Strengthened For Pimps Trafficking In Child Sex

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Link Takes You to Yahoo! AP News "Politico"

GOP Woes: What's Wrong With Nevada?

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"Birds of a Feather, Flock Together."

~ Aesop

Answer to GOP Woes:

"All are connected to State Senator William J. Raggio. All roads of corruption in Nevada lead to 'The Kingpin' himself.

When Raggio leaves, Organized Crime leaves with him."

~ Ed.

The Litigation Page

City of Reno vs Daniels

Daniels vs Michael J. Houghton and RARA et al

Chronology of Events 2002 to Present

One of our readers reports difficulty in keeping events straight in their minds while reading our work in regards to the above cases. I take full reponsibility for that as Editor. I've been aware of the problem for some time but either overwhelmed with work or flat on my back from illness, especially this latest one that has caused me grief since June of last year.

Certainly, one item that has been overdue for some time is a Chronology of Events page that links a date to a specific event. This will be that series of tables and it will take a little while to put together, but we hope to have this completed by August 1, 2009. We are of course, side-tracked for the time being by the latest complaint process and pending litigation. So do expect some delays and check back as necessary.

This Chronology of Events will at some point in time grow large, and when that occurs, it will be linked from the home page to an internal page associated with The Litigation Page.

For now, we complile the list and then begin to link to articles that were prepared or are prepared to go along with each event that has occurred, where a link is possible or necessary.

This is a project in development and under construction, so I'll be bouncing back and forth between this project and others in order to keep our websites up to date here at SSNS.

The Litigation Page

City of Reno vs Daniels

Daniels vs Michael J. Houghton and RARA et al

List of Irregularities and Criminal Misconduct by Michael J. Houghton and the Reno Air Racing Association et al

1987 to Present

This will be a listing of all irregularities identified and investigated by Silver State News, but going back at present, to 1987. I anticipate due to the AAWC/Senator Raggio plan to convert the Reno Air Race racecourse land to the 4,500-acre Reno-Stead Regional Business Center, that we will likely go back further to the moment the plan was devised.

This listing will include Air Safety violations, Fraud, Major Fraud Directed Against the United States Government, Sexual Harassment allegations, unjust firings, threats, intimidation, coercion, Perjury, Subornation of Perjury, Conspiracy, Racketeering, Bribery, Tax Fraud (State and Federal), the allegations involving attempted Murder against Mr. Houghton, RARA and personnel from the AAWC, and a host of other issues and Law Violations that don't belong in a allegedly "Non-profit, for the Public Benefit, Corporation."

This List will also include Conspirators, such as, but not limited to, the Jones Vargas Law Firm and their misconduct, The Law Firm of Woodburn Wedge, The Lawfirm of Watson Rounds, State Senator Raggio, the AAWC, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), AAFO.Com, Aero-News.net and the RARF.

Anyone whose hands are dirty in these matters, you will find on this list along with their deeds. If we cannot identify a specific individual, "John Doe" for male; "Jane Doe" for female, the same terms used to identify perpetrators whose names are not known but eventually will be.

Coming soon...

September 20, 2008 ~ Joey Scolari and Scolari's Food & Drug Company agree to settle Sexual Harassment Lawsuits for $425,000.00. Predatorial acts targeted 19 young women and teenage girls aged 16 to 30. Three Federal Judges refused to dismiss the case because of culpability by the owners. EEOC cited managerial "culture" and though the case was restricted to Reno, there were more instances elsewhere, including California.

Note ~ from the San Luis Obispo Tribune report:

"A quote from Chief Executive Officer Joey Scolari said the company is “committed to ensuring a workplace environment free of harassment and discrimination” and “proud of our record for the past 50 years.”

The statement also carries a warning that echoes, nearly word for word, a statement Stampfli made to The Tribune about the case in 2007: “Scolari’s has zero tolerance for harassment or discrimination. Moreover, Scolari’s has zero tolerance for associates who wrongfully and falsely accuse their co-associates of harassment or discrimination.” *

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* Silver State News interprets this statement as Scolari utilizing the Press to issue threats to his victims and "Threatening Witnesses," a violation of Federal Law.

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"Besides all of the allegations of harassment against the managers, Scolari's owners are accused of harassment, possibly imputing their conduct to Scolari, the entity."

~ U.S. District Judge David Alan Ezra of the District of Hawaii

...one of three Judges refusing to dismiss the case against Scolari's. Had this matter gone to Court, a Judge or Jury could have ordered greater damages if they felt so compelled to do so by Scolari's misconduct.

"It doesn't pay you to pay Joey Scolari and his Degenerate Management to Sexually Harass Others' Wives and Daughters...

~ Ed.

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"So, now that one is on the lam, three others have been fired and the Scolaris, owners of Scolari's Markets, have been forced to take responsibility for their actions:

Why aren't these people prosecuted criminally?

Are the Scolaris too RICH to have their names on a
Sexual Predators' List!?

Equal Justice For All!"

~ Ed.

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Editor's Note: Joey Scolari is a member of the Board and former Chairman of the Reno Air Racing Association, where Sexual Harassment has been alleged by former members of the Office Staff and Sexual Misconduct reported at RARA functions, the latter being reported directly to this Editor.

Does anybody wonder now why they want to keep me out of their hangar, away from their functions and without access to the Public Record!?

And these people think they're qualified to take Busloads of School Children on tours of the Air Races...

State Senator William J. "The Kingpin" Raggio and the issue of Sexual Misconduct among Nevada Republicans and others...

• State Senator William J. Raggio ~ while a District Attorney, alleged to have plied a 17-year-old girl with drinks to have sex with her.

• Joey Scolari ~ Campaign contributor to State Senator William J. Raggio. Must pay $425,000.00 to settle Sexual Harassment complaint to 19 young women and girls age 16 to 30.

• State Senator John Ensign ~ protege of State Senator William J. Raggio. Recently admitted to an affair on his wife with the wife of a member of his Staff.

• Governor Jim Gibbons ~ alleged to have had affair with former Playboy Model. Allegations made by wife Dawn Gibbons, who throws the Governor out of the Governor's mansion. Protoge of State Senator William J. Raggio.

• Michael J. Houghton ~ friend of Joey Scolari. President & CEO of RARA and "Man About Town" rubbing elbows with Politicians, Corporate Officials, Rocket Scientists and Astronauts. Alleged to have committed Sexual Harassment of Office Staff at RARA. Alleged to have threatened at least one Office Staff member with retaliation of ~ "You'll never work in this town again!" ~ if she and another filed Sexual Harassment charges against him and another individual identified as Joey Scolari, of EEOC vs Scolari's Food & Drug Company fame. Fired all female Office Staff members and replaced them anew. Represented by Jones Vargas Law firm, which lobbies to State Senator Raggio and the Nevada Senate. Jones Vargas has as one of its Senior Members, State Senator William J. Raggio on staff. Jones Vargas represents RARA, RARF and the AAWC, a major conflict of interest for the Senator and his protoges.

• Justice Jerry Carr Whitehead ~ defrocked Nevada State Supreme Court Justice. A mentor/member at the Bruce R. Thompson Chapter of the Nevada Inns of Court. Alleged to have held parties at his Ranch with prostitutes present. Further alleged to have a thing for little boys. State Senator William J. Raggio also a member of the Bruce R. Thompson Chapter of the Nevada Inns of Court.

NEVADA!!!

MAKE THE CONNECTION!

Our interested parties remain interested. Updates underway. We expect to have breaking news shortly regarding legal action and representation in what should be the case of City of Reno vs Mark S. Daniels for Misdemeanor Trespass.

The intent of this Editor is that this case is going Federal like a Patriot missile.

~ Ed.

Racers Over Stead 2009

Summer Session

Vought F4U Corsair after start-up in preparation for flying the course at Stead.

Photo: M. Daniels / ILIPS Group International

Summer Session

Click Here For:

All Galleries

Breaking News Alerts!

More Breaking News In Process ~ RE: Litigation in Process

Coming Between Now and August

An Editor's Viewpoint...

Helping the Press Fight Corruption

Backgrounder ~Why Mike Houghton Doesn't Get To Cherry Pick A Newspaper's Reporting nor Refuse the Personnel a News Publication Sends Him with Their Credentials:

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Editor's Choice:

Link Takes You To

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

Stars & Stripes Reporter Banned from Embed

"I don't see a compromise. As long as a commander and not me decides what reporter I assign to a story, I don't think I have editorial independence," Leonard said. "We're not abandoning our coverage of Iraq by any means, but we're not sending a reporter to an embed that's cherry-picking our reporting."

RFCP ~ Caitlin Dickson

Interview with Stars & Stripes Editorial Director Terry Leonard

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Press Credentials are NOT issued by Houghton, Valerie Enos Miller or RARA...

...they are assigned by an Editor and RARA's only power is to verify the credentials issued with the Publication and/or it's Editor and validate that they were issued by a Press organization.

And as with any newspaper, the bad must be reported with the good and the bad stories sometimes outnumber the good.

The subject of a News Report does not dictate the Editorial content.

If Mr. Houghton and his people are worried about being exposed in the bad light of the Press, they shouldn't commit crimes.

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SSNS Editorial Policy Remains:

"We Do Not Give Good Press To Bad People."

~ Ed.

Reno Air Races ~ The Next Ramstein?

The Ramstein airshow disaster was one of the world's worst airshow disasters. It took place in front of an audience of about 300,000 people on 28 August 1988, in Ramstein, state of Rheinland-Pfalz, West Germany, near the city of Kaiserslautern at the U.S. Ramstein Air Base airshow Flugtag '88. Sixty-seven spectators and three pilots died, and 346 spectators sustained serious injuries in the resulting explosion and fire.

Photo: Wikiped / Wikipedia

Infosource: Wikipedia ~ Ramstein Disaster 1988

Reno Air Races ~ The Next Ramstein?

The near mid air collision between Stu Eberhart and Jimmy Leeward at Reno just off Outer Pylon 8. A Reno Air Race controller had allowed Leeward to take off while Eberhart was on the course attempting to qualify.

Estimated distance between the two aircraft ~ 12 (twelve) feet or less at the point of passage, the spot where the two P-51D Mustang racers were abeam each other in a fraction of a second before this picture was take ~ by accident.

Had the two aircraft come together, the potential for wreckage to enter the Pits ~ some of that wreckage possibly on fire ~ was very high. RARA was giving tours to schoolchildren through the Pits that day and as many as @ 60 aircraft were parked there, some fueled, waiting for their turn on the course.

The hot ramp also held a number of aircraft either preparing for takeoff, returning from the course, static display aircraft inbound to the Air Show, or under maintenance testing.

Beyond that, the VP Fuels Racing truck is always present while the event is underway and it too, was on the hot ramp refueling aircraft.

Get to know the words, "Houghton's Teeth."

The pictures we'll show you are Mr. Houghton's answer to the problem of a Ramstein-style Disaster.

The FAA, with their infamous "Tombstone Mentality," apparently approved Houghton's ludicrous plan.

The plan only protects people from aircraft taking off and landing, or possibly those established on the straightaway, though not all straightaway accident scenarios can be addressed by the plan due to the unpredictability of the debris path, which is based on the angle, speed and momentum, of the debris trail of an aircraft being destroyed by impact forces.

The photographs we will show you were shot in 2008, one year after a Jet Racer rounded Outer Pylon 8, pitched nose down and exploded along the straightaway. Two others died in the same race.

All had PRS experience. One was a five-time National Champion. Two of the aircraft destroyed by the collision had won National Championships and were at the top of their game. One of the pilots miraculously survived. A third pilot reportedly flew through their debris unharmed.

Two more were injured on the ground.

Had two Jets or two Unlimited racers come together in mid air rounding that same Pylon, it's entirely possible that their debris would cross the Hot Ramp into the Pits.

By the way ~ Mike Houghton has the worst safety record in the history of Air Racing. More pilots have died at a Mike Houghton run event than any other event in the History of Air Racing.

This year is Air Racing's Centennial Year.

100 years of Air Racing.

1909 to 2009.

Tens of thousands crowd the Pits during the Unlimited and Jet races at Stead Airport, Nevada.

Compared to what Houghton and the FAA have laid out in terms of disaster scenarios that ~ at some point in time ~ "will happen..."

...the Flugkatastrophe von Ramstein will pale in comparison.

To date, there are other trouble areas on or around the field where fans and homeowners are affected. Not only by the policies of RARA and the FAA, but by Corporate interests with something to gain, sitting on the Board of Directors of the Reno Air Racing Association.

Photo: Mark S. "Bear" Daniels / ILIPS Group International

What we saw in 2008 makes it clear that Safety is at an all-time low at the "Reno National Championship Invitational Death For Entertainment Only Air Races," and Mike Houghton and his Board of Directors are the reason why.

Now, why are the FAA aiding and abetting them?

Could "Money" be the answer?

Is the City of Reno prepared to handle between 1,000 and 1,500 casualties should the debris of two to three crashing aircraft ~ coming off a mid air collision at Outer Pylon 8 ~ enter the Pits?

At Ramstein, the single MEDEVAC helicopter sitting on standby was damaged by debris from the collision. The helicopter's pilot died several weeks later of his injuries.

Will the crowds be able to escape the flames and explosions? In attempting to do so, will more casualties occur if they stampede?

Will bus loads of children be in or out of harms way? How many were witness to the fatal accidents at Reno, 2007, and Reno, 2008?

Should the grandstands be moved into the center of the race course, out of the line-of-fire from aircraft driven in their direction by the centrifugal forces (G-forces) of High-speed Racing, sometimes conducted at over 500 mph?

Why the Reno Air Races are the deadliest event in the World.

We at Silver State News are barred from the Public Record ~ a violation of Federal Laws and Regulations, Civil and Military.

Houghton has his Thugs out looking for our people. We cannot view the Disaster Plan for the Reno Air Races due to banishment over what we publish ~ The Truth.

The Problems are reported to the U.S. Government and the Feds do nothing, other than Cover-up. As they have for years...

How the potential exists for the Reno Air Races to get Deadlier...

...and how the United States Government works in support of a Disaster waiting to happen.

And why as many as 2,500 counts of Negligent Homicide and or Manslaughter should not be allowed to happen.

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"Murder For Profit"

Reno ~ Another Tombstone Waiting To Happen.

Exclusive Series Beginning This Month at Silver State News Service.

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The Long-awaited Confrontation between RARA and Silver State News has Begun...

Murder For Profit

The famed billboard from 2003 which ran in conjunction with the radio advertisements inviting the crowds to "come out and watch the crashes." We believe Houghton would have them "come out and watch the funerals" if he could just find a way to charge admission.

Photo: Mark S. "Bear" Daniels / ILIPS Group International

What happens when fate collides with aircraft in the Sky...

Caution/Warning: Graphic Photos of the Disaster and Wreckage of an Aircraft tumbling into the crowds visible at select sites marked in red.

Ramstein Air Disaster

What happens when fate collides with aircraft in the Sky...

The Frecce Tricolori in formation over Italy. The MBB 339A flies at the same speed as the Jet Class of Air Racing. The piston-powered aircraft of the Unlimited Class fly faster.

Photo: Aeromacchi

Jones Vargas Law Firm

Reno Air Racing Association (RARA)

Reno Air Racing Foundation (RARF)

Airport Authority of Washoe County (AAWC)

City of Reno

County of Washoe

FYI:

United States Navy

Department of Defense

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

President Barrack Obama

~~~~~~~~~~

The Publisher and Editor of ILIPS Group International, Mark S. "Bear" Daniels, makes demand to see the Public Records without obstruction, in person, immediately, as they should exist per Federal and State Law at the Reno Air Racing Association Headquarters at Stead Airport, Nevada, in the Reno Air Race hangar, as well as at the AAWC at Reno-Tahoe International Airport, a.k.a. Howard Cannon International Airport, Reno, Nevada, and at the Reno Air Racing Foundation, also believed to be situated and headquartered at the Reno Air Race hangar.

Please be advised that you are in violation of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax laws and regulations regarding demand for the Public Record by visitors seeking the same.

Please be advised that you have been in violation since 2004.

Attempts to utilize "Notices to Exclude" are nothing more or less than unlawful, as are your threats to utilize Law Enforcement and their "Color of Authority" to block Silver State News access to the Public Record.

SSNS alleges that RARA and AAWC in particular are involved in Major Fraud against the United States Government.

SSNS further alleges that RARA and RARF as applicable, have no right to utilize U.S. Military assets in Air Show/Air Race support due to your repetitive violations of Law regarding Public Record access and Anti-discrimination Laws.

After six years of stonewalling by your organizations and the Federal Government, which has aided and abetted you during Republican Administrations in both the Office of the U.S. President and Nevada State Senate Majority Leader ~ those positions now having traded Political Parties and Administrations during the last election ~ we will now move forward in the most formal opposition to your criminal misconduct and Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) operations, to include formal State and Federal complaints, to include new Civil and Criminal lawsuits, along with a Motion for Reconsideration in an improperly dismissed lawsuit, overseen by no less than former State Senate Majority Leader William J. Raggio's protege, primarily ~ but not limited to ~ one Judge Brian Sandoval, of the U.S. District Court for Northern Nevada, Reno, Nevada.

This is your final notification to Cease and Desist from further illegal activities involving the cover-up of your crimes, as well as the actual crimes you have either committed or are in the process of committing, or planning to commit at this time, which include Tax Fraud and Major Fraud directed against the United States, along with RICO Act violations, up to and including Attempted Murder.

A copy of this message will be forward along with complaints to, but not limited to, the agencies and offices mentioned above under "FYI."

This message will also be posted at the publications listed below.

Coordially,

Mark S. "Bear" Daniels

Publisher
ILIPS Group International

Editor
Silver State News Service
Aviation & Marine USA
The Home Pylon Group
Air Racing Safety
The Pylon Kings

2009

2008

All Encompassing Directory to Materials in the Water Works Case Scandal, and more!

Supporting Documents, References and other Writings Related to the Water Works Case Scandal...

The Full EIS Report from July, 2004, Detailing the Construction of the Power Line that Shall Kill The "Reno Air Races," and you have Mike Houghton of RARA, Wayne Sagar of AAFO.Com and Krys Bart/Dean Schulz of the AAWC to Thank for That!

How Mike Houghton Cheating on his Wife Results in Banishment of a Journalist from the RARA Hangar. Who Knew the Moron had a Wife!!?? Couldn't Tell It By His Behavior in Public at the Hilton Pylon Bar...

One of the Few Men in Air Racing and America not Owned and Operated by Mob Boss "Mickey Da Rat!" The Trials, Tribulations and Continuing Triumphs of Investigative Journalism...

Updated 6/15/2008

"Bad Boyz! Bad Boyz! Whatcha Gonna Do? Whatcha Gonna Do When They Come For YOU!"

The Latest Deformation of the Rules Including Our Comments Inbetween as to Why Such Rules Render the "National Championship 'Invitational, Entertainment Only' Air Races" a Thoroughly DEAD Event...

The "Full Skitty" on Houghton, "Cheeky Boy Birch" Entriken and the IF1 Board's Decision to Oust Sherwood Without Regard to a Membership Vote or for that matter, What's Right...

The FARs Violated by the Leadership of IF1. Sherwood Objects and They Oust Him for Houghton...

Communications between Sherwood and RARA Louse Larry Spitale

The Midget Mob Boss of Reno-Stead Gets Put in his Place

Parody, Humor, Satire, Editorial & Critique, of misconduct by Mike Houghton (RARA), Birch Entriken (IF1) and Wayne Sagar (AAFHOLE.Crapola), in regards to the inability of all three to tell the Truth.

Part I of the Exchanges Between Wayne Sagar, of AAFHOLE.Crapola and M.A. Edwards (Deceased), a Plaintiff in the Water Works Case Scandal...

Some Exchanges Between Wayne Sagar at AAFHOLE.Crapola and the Editor of SSNS, Mark S. "Bear" Daniels...some language not for children's eyes!

Remember, Parents ~ the internet is not your babysitter!

Plaintiffs Banned from AAFO.Com ~ Sagar Can't Handle the Truth!

How the Reno Air Races cheated the real winner of the 2002 Sunday Silver Race event.

Houghton's power play fails when he's caught with his pants down...I guess in more ways than one! Lying and cheating will do that to you! <g>

Scans of the actual documents from the False Arrest of SSNS Editor Mark S. "Bear" Daniels in Reno, Nevada, by Houghton and the Mob...

Despite the denials of Houghton and Sagar, the Lies were unravelling and the Future of the Racecourse was already determined: Closure. We've delayed their ability to shut down and build their Concrete Fraud, however the only thing standing between a wanton facility and a Community Event are now the Federal Complaint Procedures and the Courts...

Brett, like John P. Sande III, refuses to respond to amicable inquiries...therefore, the gloves come off!

"The Middle Finger," As Given In Writing...Defiance of another Conflict of Interest brought to you by the Shysters of Jones Vargas!

A Civil Rights Violation and False Misrepresentation (Grounds for Disbarment) brought to you by a Shysterette of Jones Vargas!

Even MORE Civil Rights Violations and False Misrepresentations (Grounds for Disbarment) brought to you by the Shysters and Shysterettes of Jones Vargas! So much for Free Speech, the Right of the People to Assemble Peaceably and Freedom of the Press...

Editorial Posted Prior to the Invitationals of 2004, where I was eventually Falsely arrested and Maliciously prosecuted that September. A Subtle Discussion for the Benefit and/or Detriment of Lying Schemers Like Mike Houghton and Wayne Sagar...

And this is just one opinion...

Editorial and Story presented prior to the very "Limited" Inspection of AAWC Public Record...

Document Restored, Page Links Fixed, Archived August 28, 2007.

Mike Houghton in a "Forever Plaid" shirt with conical bra and headset, The Dancing Thugs of RARAdales, the Psyche of Feces and the Masterstroke of Wit that brought down the House at the National Championship "Invitational, Entertainment" Air Races Awards Banquet on September 13, 2003...

Sports / Motorsports / Air Racing

RedBull

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Windsor, Ontario

June 14, 2009

False charges of attempted murder against resident of Dyer, Nevada. Woman persecuted by enemies in the Fishlake Valley area, including an alcholic Sheriff and a violent-prone Deputy Sheriff, whom aided and abetted woman's adopted daughter into the hands of a Pedophile. Adopted Daughter and third party discuss poisoning woman on audio recording. Woman falsely accused by known Thug, Drug Dealer, cult Leader and Wife Beater, of harassing him. Adopted Daughter admits being in possession of woman's stolen identification cards (Identity Theft). Adopted Daughter found to be unbelievable by California CPS, which none the less proceeds to persecute Woman over the same charges despite their own reports exonerating the Woman.

Civil Rights Violations, Human Rights Violations, Elder Abuse, Abuses Directed Against a Severely Disabled Woman, Pain and Suffering by Victim and Family Members.

Much, much more...

Updated June 25, 2009

Case presently headed for Final hearing but may be continued due to New Discover of additional abuses by, but not limited to, Washoe County Social Services, the Washoe County District Attorneys Office and Child Protective Services.

Involves Human Trafficking and Abuse charges against Washoe County Social Services for attempting to adopt out Woman's children without regard to her Civil Rights. Human, Children's Rights and Civil Rights Violations. Obstruction of Justice, Threatening and Tampering with Witnesses, Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) violations. Mandate of Law not being followed by Washoe County Social Services and CPS.

Abuses by Washoe County involving interference in family quality time at School Sporting events. Includes abuses by group known as "The Children's Cabinet" wherein violent teen, who struck and was abusive to his Mother, was removed from the Home based on allegation that Mother had given 4-year-old daughter alcohol. Charge is denied. Belief is that child took a drink from a soda can belonging to teen's younger brother and that alchohol was hidden inside.

Mother and Step-father later learned after the teen was removed from the home that he had been dealing illicit drugs with a younger brother and attempted to stop both from this criminal misconduct.

Older teen now an adult after turning age 18. Reportedly dealing drugs out of a foster home. Reportedly was dealing drugs while at The Children's Cabinet and before move into foster home. Told Mother how they would sneak out through a window opened just so far to avoid setting off an alarm.

Adult 18 year-old now reported as having illicit relations with underage girl at her home The 18-year-old's Mother indicates that he will never get into trouble since the underaged girl's own Mother ~ a former stripper ~ is being supplied with drugs by the 18-year-old.

18-year-old's Mother falsely accused by him and his younger brother while teens, of giving alchohol to her husband's four-year-old daughter. Mother denies the charge. Husband declares her innocent.

Mother ordered by Child Protective Services to Divorce Father. Suffering retaliations from CPS despite separation from father caused by Harassment and Abuse at the hands of Washoe County Social Services and CPS workers, to include, The Children's Cabinet.

Conflicts of Interest ~ Director of Washoe County Social Services is on the Board of The Children's Cabinet, along with other Washoe County officials, including Judges. Group sponsored by Scolari's Food & Drug Company, currently facing charges of Sexual Harassment in EEOC vs Scolari's.

Identity Withheld Temporarily at Request of Attorney.

More...

Updated June 6, 2009

Washoe County, Nevada, officials attempting to try man on false charges of improperly touching an underaged girl, his step-daughter. The man has been "found" to have been properly served and "found Guilty" of the charges, however, a major problem exists in the fact that he was not served nor present in the court room during the hearing!

Involves multiple Civil Rights violations. Also, Human Trafficking and Abuse charges against Washoe County Social Services for attempting to taint Defendant's reputation with Child Abuse charges and to take away child/step-children without regard to Defendant's Civil Rights.

Human, Children's Rights and Civil Rights Violations. Obstruction of Justice, Threatening and Tampering with Witnesses, Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) violations. Mandate of Law not being followed by Washoe County Social Services and CPS.Human, Civil Rights violations directed against the Father, his child and step-children.

In act of revenge, Female Worker from State of Nevada, Washoe County Social Services, Child Protective Services, offended by being addressed as "C" Word, transmitted case documents illegally and in violation of existing Court orders, as well as Privacy Act, to Defendant's ex-wife.

Ex-wife and her Attorney brought Confidential documents into case. Both Ex-wife and Counsel ordered to return documents to Defendant by first Judge. This did not happen. Judges changed while case in process but before CPS became involved. Washoe County Deputy District Attorney Greg Shannon instructed CPS to stop talking to the man's ex-wife and also told them that they had better not be giving her any information. These instructions were apparently too late as they had already committed their misconduct.

Deputy DA Shannon also allegedly told CPS to release records belonging to the man's new wife in May, 2008. The new wife still does not have the records as of this time of writing, November 19, 2008. The new wife sent Deputy D.A. Shannon a letter requesting that he remind CPS to give her the records. The D.A. (Gammick) called the new Wife's CPS Attorney and told him to tell the Wife to keep her mouth shut. Deputy D.A.

Shannon is now retired.

Second Judge subsequently bars reasonable visitation with daughter based on entry of Confidential documents into the case after first Judge allegedly transferred, though she hears cases in the same Courthouse.

Conflicts of Interest ~ to see daughter under supervised visitation, the man must pay the Rainbow Children's Center by the hour for supervision and all related expenses, this after his ex-wife had initially been ordered to share the expenses. Rainbow Children's Center is a Department of the Solano County District Attorney's Office, in California.

This Father now has to complete an intake with the Rainbow Children's Center, and though they are open every day, they only do intakes on certain days and they will not work with the Father. The ex-wife is ordered to speak with him about the welfare of the child but refuses.

Even if the Father does does what is expected, he will be denied his visits.

The Father is obstructed in his attempts to visit with his child on supervised visitation. Beyond the ex-wife's intransigence, there are allegations that the Rainbow Children's Center personnel have also told the man's ex-wife to never speak to him in regards to visitation. According to his current Wife, Rainbow Children's Center personnel told the ex-wife that is was "best if they handled it."

The current Wife indicated that "that's because they really scewed up (name witheld) intake on the first visit, and then they tired to blame it on the ex-wife.   When we got the ex-wife's story, it seems rainbow did it." 

Identity withheld to protect an innocent man...

Much, much more...

Updated June 6, 2009

Federal cases involving Racketeering and Fraud activities directed against the U.S. Government, The People and their Treasury. Includes Civil Rights violations and allegations of Attempted Murder and now, Negligent Homicide. Human and Civil Rights violations.

Major Fraud Case pending filing on or about January 1, 2009. Service of documents underway.

Conflicts of Interest ~ RARA, RARF and the AAWC represented by State Senator William Raggio and the Jones Vargas Law Firm; Raggio the Father of the AAWC; Jones Vargas Attorneys lobbying Raggio in the Nevada State Senate.

Much, much more...

Updated June 6, 2009

Case involving threats made against the life of Publisher/Editor Mark S. "Bear" Daniels by Dannie G. Serfoss Jr. of the Serfoss Crime Family and his henchmen and hench "women" in this case.

Conflicts of Interest between Judges, Law Enforcement and Serfoss Crime Family. Esmeralda County involvement in crimes.

Updated June 6, 2009

The Aviation & Maritime News Centerpiece
of ILIPS Group International

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Aviation & Marine USA

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Archive 2009

The Show That Refuses to Die and Continues to Inspire...

~~~~~~~~~~

From Jules Verne to Project Apollo

And Gene Roddenberry To The Space Shuttle

Science Fiction's Vision of Tomorrow

~~~~~~~~~~

Coming Soon at Silver State News Service of Nevada

Photos: www.image.net

The BEARZ of Summer!

Summer has arrived and its a happening thing in Reno. Concerts down at Wingfeld Park on the island in the center of the Truckee River. A beautiful mansion has landscaped its exterior from the top of the hill to the river bottom. Looks like something straight out of the Tuscany Region in Italy.

A very nice but strenuous three hour walk along the Truckee into the downtown area and return today. Legs are good. Lungs definitely needed the workout. Heart good. Lots of changes to be seen. Wingfeld (? - spelling) has the second most notable change in the City since my return. A Swimmers' park right along the Truckee, to include natural water slides and tributaries ranging in excitement from mild to xtreme. Mother Ducks and their babies stayed off to the side and out of the way of rafters, tubers, kayakers, swimmers and bikini babes looking for their tops in the reeds.

Told you those natural water slides were xtreme!

Far more restaurants in and around the Truckee River and Vulture's Row, the latter being anything having to do with a central theme of "Law Offices" within its District. Homes converted to Law Offices. Old storefronts converted to Law Offices. Rising above them all, the big brown, multiple story turd, which houses the Repugnicant-foundationed Jones Vargas Dewey Cheatham and Howe, Law Firm, run by the "Great Ragu," State Senate Lame Duck Minority Loser Senator William J. Raggio, who loses his State Senate seat automatically after this term. A funny exclamation mark to losing the State Senate Majority Leader postion, especially since he concentrated on Northern Nevada for re-election and totally dissed those "Southerners" in the soft underbelly of Nevada, known as "Las Vegas," or at least this year, "Lost Election."

Yeah, the big brown turd at 100 Liberty is going to miss ol' Raggio when he's gone...NOT! All adds up to one less Vulture in Vulture's Roost, the polite people's way of saying the big brown turd.

The little cafes and restaurants with their outdoor dining are the wonderous thing that have sprout up in the years that I've been gone. Was on California street last night and looked up and folks were dining on a rooftop. Food, loverly food, the subject of future blogs (and blobs), everywhere!

The City had an epiphany when, following the implosion of the Mapes Hotel, rendered necessary due to almost total lack of concrete steel reinforcement, the famed Hotel that had been host to Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack here in the North, had to come down due seismic fears, and shortly thereafter, Reno began and continues to have seismic activity. Instead of building something towering in place of the Mapes, Reno opted for a skating park ~ roller skating and roller blades in the summer, along with skateboards; an ice skating rink in the winter. Surprisingly, has done wonders for the downtown ambiance.

Now, if they would just implode the big brown turd and forget to send Jones Vargas a memo about it. Talk about Attorney bashing and a "Good Start!"

Add to all this wonderful change that has come to Reno, the new arrival in the form of Reno Aces stadium where Reno's Minor League Baseball team has inaugurated its history. A smaller, more family oriented park than those you'll see in the Major Leagues, quite simple in construction, but very beautiful in appearance with a well-maintained playing field. Fireworks to be seen every now and then when the team is in town. Time for me to go catch a game...

I actually survived the walk in the June heat, despite the fact I wore hiking boots to make things tougher on my legs. However, far better than I imagined and how nice to have lost weight recently without exercising. Now I'll try a little more weight loss with exercise. Musing today and catching up at Silver State News Service. Soon to put an update on Aviation & Marine USA.Com. Flooding my facebook site with galleries. Twittering with the twitterers as we tweet away into the second decade of the 21st Century. Gaining space at MySpace though its not really mine, it's theirs, but I planted my flag and claimed it for my Muse, anyway!

Oh, and they're repaving my street today in Reno.

Major street repaving planned and beginning on July 1, 2009.

May I be the first to say AMF to all the chuckholes I have bent suspensions on.

That, and HALLELUJAH!!!

HALLELUJAH!!!

HALLELUJAH!!! HALLELUJAH!!! HALLELU ~ JAH!!!

Yeah, time for a little Handel's Messiah...they're doing a bang up job to keep us all from getting banged up! CUDOS to the City of Reno.

Now, if I can just get the Law to rid us of those Mobster bastards out at Stead Airport, Nevada, and replace them with Community volunteers, which is obviously how God intended things to be in the beautiful Valley of Speed, where left turns at high-speed are sacred.

Then get the name of Reno-Taho International changed back to Cannon International Airport ~ as it was intended to be ~ and poor a bottle of liquid tide into the William J. Raggio Memorial Erection inside the terminal, and dedicate it to a man who needs laundering for his dirty deeds more than money does, what a perfect year it will be!

And then rid the State of Nevada of the AAWC (A$$holes Anonymous of Washoe County), life would be brilliant!

And then I'd be out of a job with nothing to do.

For after all:

Reno, Nevada, is beyond paradise.

We accomplished that with beer, hot dogs and baseball games, and a time when most were simply satisfied with bowling.

Everything after that is icing on this City's Sesquicentennial birthday cake. Coming in less than fifty years to a Biggest Little City in the World near you.

Manas agreement awaits Kyrgyz parliament vote


by Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

6/24/2009 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Kyrgyz parliament is expected to vote in the coming days on agreements reached between the United States and Kyrgyzstan governments to extend U.S. access to Manas Air Base, a logistics hub that supplies troops in Afghanistan, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell confirmed June 24 here.

While emphasizing that the United States is "not counting our chickens before they are hatched," Mr. Morrell expressed hope that the deal will go through.

If ratified, the agreements would provide for a transit center at Manas International Airport, operated by the United States, to provide logistical support to coalition forces in Afghanistan.

"We obviously are pleased that the Kyrgyz government has taken this agreement to its parliament to be ratified," Mr. Morrell said. "We anticipate that happening in the next couple of days, and we are ... very pleased with these developments."

The deal, if ratified, will reverse Kyrgyzstan's previous decision regarding the base.

Kyrgyzstan's foreign ministry notified the U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek in February that it had six months to leave Manas, a major logistical and refueling center that supports troops in Afghanistan. About 15,000 troops and 500 tons of cargo move through the base every month, and the base's importance has increased as more troops deploy into Afghanistan.

The decision was to end the arrangement the United States and Kyrgyzstan entered three years ago that gave the U.S. annually renewal rights through July 2011. The United States pays $17.4 million a year to use the base.

Mr. Morrell declined to specify how much the United States has agreed to pay to continue using the base, but said both countries appear satisfied with the renegotiated figure.

"We think it's to our mutual benefit," Mr. Morrell said. "They obviously have a great stake in what's happening in that region, as do we. And we look forward to continuing to work, with them, to supply our troops in Afghanistan, so that we can help with the overall security."

World News

Eduardo Quinonez, Executive Director of the Hotel Division of Grupo AGRISAL; Roberto Murray Meza, President Grupo AGRISAL; Jim Abrahamson, President IHG, The Americas; Alvaro Diago, Area President IHG Latin America joined together at the Signing Ceremony.

Photo: Business Wire

June 24, 2009 05:13 PM Eastern Daylight Time

IHG Signs Two New Holiday Inn Properties in Central America

New Hotels Represent the First Two of Seven Planned Properties with Hotel Division of AGRISAL, S.A.


MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Furthering its reach into Central America, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), (LSE:IHG) (NYSE:IHG) (ADRs), the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, announced plans to develop two new Holiday Inn hotels in Central America, the first two of seven agreed-upon properties that will be built in the region through a development agreement with the Hotel Division of San Salvador-based Grupo AGRISAL.

The first two properties to be developed include a six-story full-service Holiday Inn in San Jose, Costa Rica and a 13-story Holiday Inn Express in San Salvador, El Salvador. These will be IHG’s second and third properties with Grupo AGRISAL’s Hotel Division, which also owns the Holiday Inn San Salvador.

“We are proud to be broadening our presence in Central America, especially with Grupo AGRISAL, in which we have a solid relationship that began in 2006,” says Alvaro Diago, Area President, IHG Latin America. “We are excited to announce these two new hotels and look forward to the next five that follow.”

The Holiday Inn Escazú San Jose in Costa Rica will be located in the exclusive district of Escazú in San José. The 163-room Holiday Inn will be part of the Riverwalk Business & Plaza Shopping Mall development which includes a variety of stores and boutiques as well as an office building. The property will be in close proximity to the city’s CIMA Hospital and Medical Center, a convenient location for the medical tourism sector, and thirty minutes from San José’s International Airport. It is scheduled to open in the third quarter 2010.

The Holiday Inn Express Zona Rosa San Salvador in El Salvador will be located in the trendiest district of San Salvador known as Zona Rosa, surrounded by restaurants, bars, shops and offices. The 151-room Holiday Inn Express will be part of a new commercial development consisting of two office towers and a shopping mall. It is slated to open in the second semester 2011.

The agreement with the Hotel Division of Grupo AGRISAL is for the development of a total of seven IHG-branded hotels in Central America within a five year period under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

“We are thrilled to be entering into these two new franchise agreements with IHG,” says Eduardo Quiñónez, Executive Director, the Hotel Division of Grupo AGRISAL. “We value and trust IHG, as it is one of the largest and most global hotel companies in the world, and we look forward to developing other properties with them.”

The new signings come on the heels of several recent Holiday Inn signings for IHG, including agreements with five different developers for a Holiday Inn hotel and four Holiday Inn Express properties in Brazil, as well as the extension of the franchise agreement with Santiago, Chile-based Talbot, S.A., for seven existing Holiday Inn Express hotels in Chile and Argentina and one Holiday Inn located at Santiago’s International Airport, Chile.

The hotels will all feature the new Holiday Inn signs, which will mark the seal of approval that they exemplify the standards of the $1 billion Holiday Inn brand relaunch program. First announced in 2007, the program was established to create a more contemporary brand image as part of the drive to increase quality and consistency across the global portfolio. The program focuses on arrival and welcome services, guestroom, and guest bath comfort. The global estate of more than 3,200 Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express properties is expected to be relaunched by the end of 2010.

Elements of the relaunch include:

Redesigned Brand Signage

An evolution of the iconic script logo, energizing the signature color green and eliminating the current shield shape for a more refreshed and contemporary look.

Refreshed Guest Room (Holiday Inn only)

New bedding that redefines the look and feel of each guest room with fresh, white triple-sheeting and pillows that come in two comfort levels: “soft” and “firm.” An enhanced bathroom that features an improved showerhead offering superior pressure, as well as a signature shower curtain with curved rod and new amenities to deliver a consistent bath experience that feels fresh and contemporary.

Warm Welcome

A new signature arrival – including new lighting, landscaping and design features – that creates an energized and branded sense of welcome that is universally recognizable. Customized music and scent selections also engage guests in a complete sensory experience, and a decluttered front desk to promote a more efficient and interactive check-in process.

New Service Promise

A best-in-class service culture – “Stay Real” – to further ensure the team develops the behaviors and skills to best serve guests so they feel like individuals and not numbers. Genuine people delivering real service. Leading the charge will be a newly created position at each hotel – the Guest Experience Champion.

IHG currently has five properties operating in Costa Rica including the Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica, Crowne Plaza Corobici San Jose, Holiday Inn San Jose – Aurola, Holiday Inn Express San Jose - Airport, and the newly opened Hotel Indigo San Jose Forum Costa Rica; with two additional properties in El Salvador which are the Real InterContinental San Salvador and the Holiday Inn San Salvador.

IHG has more than 180 hotels in Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean, and has been serving Latin America for over 60 years. IHG is the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms, and has hotels situated in nearly every key market throughout Latin America.

Notes to Editors:

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms. IHG owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, more than 4,200 hotels and over 620,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. The Group owns a portfolio of well recognized and respected hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Club Vacations™, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites® and Candlewood Suites®, and also manages the world's largest hotel loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards, with 43 million members worldwide.

IHG has nearly 1,700 hotels in its development pipeline, which will create 140,000 jobs worldwide over the next few years.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales.

IHG offers information and online reservations for all its hotel brands at www.ihg.com and information for the Priority Club Rewards program at www.priorityclub.com. For the latest news from IHG, visit our online Press Office at www.ihg.com/media.

June 24, 2009 04:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Vertigo Announces, “Colombia – The Right Location”


BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vertigo Theme Parks, Inc. (Vertigo) (Pink Sheets:VTPK), a theme park company featuring Adrenaline Rush Adventures, today announced a Feasibility study conducted shows this its Vertigo Theme Park-Buga is very much on track with its plan to build in Buga. Vertigo Theme Park-Buga is located in Estancia which is located only two miles from the famous pilgrimage city of Buga, Colombia. This old city serves as a pilgrimage center for over 2 million visitors a year that arrive from the different towns and cities of Colombia and the rest of South and Central America to visit the Basilica de Buga, home to the sacred shrine "EL Senor de Los Milagros." In Buga, besides the visit to the Basilica, there are currently few other activities for visitors. Vertigo Theme Park-Buga will serve as the new tourist magnet to keep visitors in the area.

Vertigo Theme Park-Buga will see the launch of a new kind of Theme Park, a "Mixed-Use Development," combining many diverse elements in a synergetic fusion. The site will occupy more than 200 Hectares of land. Vertigo Theme Park-Buga will be a Theme Park of international standard, a driving force generating a high profile and the capacity to attract from an immediate demographical area of 5 million people that reside within a three-hour radius, 20 million that reside within five hours and 200 million that reside in the surrounding countries. The Park has been built to handle a maximum capacity of 12 million visitors per year.

Colombia's population is estimated at 44 million with a population growth rate of 1.5% per year. About one quarter of the population lives in rural areas. Natural resources are plentiful, and include agricultural land, water for irrigation, energy resources (oil, natural gas, and coal), and minerals such as nickel, gold, and emeralds. Colombia has a significant advantage in terms of its location: it is close to North America with coasts on both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. A wealth of physical resources, a literate and dependable work force, a robust private sector, competent macroeconomic management, and political stability are major factors that have explained Colombia's good record of economic development and social improvements over the last 30 years. Colombia is considered a medium-sized country in northern South America, sharing borders with Venezuela, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. Colombia’s economy improved markedly in 2006, due largely to recovering coffee prices and President Alvaro Uribe’s strict financial policies. There was increased foreign direct investment in the Colombian economy in 2005 and 2006, improving the major economic indicators by an impressive 4 points. President Uribe’s economic and security policies continued to gain approval from Colombians and he was granted the right to run for a second term by a constitutional court. Besides fitting all the criteria of our business model Colombia was chosen as the first park location for many other reasons, some of the additional reasons are:

•First park in South America built to a global standard
•There is an estimated 22 million people in Colombia under the age of 25
•Colombia has been nicknamed the “Happiest Country in the World”
•Colombians are known to spend 16% of the gross income per year on entertainment
•Colombia moves holidays to facilitate long weekends, 15-3 day weekends per year, 3 holidays that last 1 week or longer.
•The area chosen in Colombia already has over 2 million people visiting per year
•Colombia is currently undergoing a massive updating to its highway systems
Vertigo Theme Park-Buga will create a large social economic impact on Colombia. The park will ultimately add many thousands of jobs to the country's work pool. It is our belief that these jobs will aid in Colombia’s economic recovery and will provide jobs in much needed rural areas. The project will also provide temporary jobs in the US regions where the roller coasters and other rides are being manufactured. The project will provide more than $40 million in economic benefit to those areas.

Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential future plans and objectives of the company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Technical complications that may arise could prevent the prompt implementation of any strategically significant plan(s) outlined above. The company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

June 24, 2009 03:12 PM Eastern Daylight Time

EurOrient Financial Group to Recruit a New Country Director and Chief Representative to the People's Republic of China

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Treasury Board of the EurOrient Financial Group (“EurOrient”) announced today that its recruitment for a new Country Director and Chief Representative to the People’s Republic of China is officially underway, and applications are being accepted through August 31, 2009. The Permanent Mission of the EurOrient Financial Group to the People’s Republic of China is the arm of EurOrient in China.

“We’re looking for a world-class Country Director and a leader to drive our Country Investment Strategy and Program,” said Mr. Ron Nechemia, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the EurOrient Financial Group. “This person must be an articulate, established and experienced visionary that can enhance the planning, implementation and supervision of our work output and relationships,” says Mr. Nechemia. “They must be able to measure and monitor the quality of output and the achievement of long-term goals and annual objectives for the People’s Republic of China Permanent Mission all leading toward greater performance and value creation.”

The Country Director and Chief Representative manage a range of long-term issues of strategic importance to People’s Republic of China Permanent Mission. “This individual will oversee and facilitate effective coordination and cooperation between People’s Republic of China Permanent Mission and other EurOrient Financial Group departments and internal stakeholders,” says Mr. Nechemia, considered the founding father of private sector development and a permanent representative of the private sector to the United Nations.

The EurOrient Financial Group Permanent Mission to the People’s Republic of China was founded in 1988. Since its formation the company has dedicated its resources to assisting project sponsors, suppliers, government and other bidding consortia in structuring and implementing financial transactions for major international Public, Project and Corporate Financing Ventures. Over this period the Permanent Mission has developed a strong presence in the Chinese infrastructure market and built systematic relationships with the Government of China and its bilateral agencies.

The EurOrient Financial Group Permanent Mission to the People’s Republic of China is located in Beijing. The primary function of the Permanent Mission is to facilitate the coordination and implementation of EurOrient projects and programs. More specifically, it provides assistance at all stages of the investment cycle, including identifying new investment opportunities and programs, investment processing, and portfolio management.

The Permanent Mission strengthens the working relationship between the EurOrient Financial Group and the Government and maintains regular dialogue on investment related issues and foreign direct investment policies relevant to EurOrient’s operations in the less developed countries. It maintains extensive consultation and coordination with bilateral and multilateral agencies’ representatives in country where the Permanent Missions and explores mobilization of commercial/institutional cofinancing for projects under preparation.

EurOrient Financial Group has been rapidly increasing its investment operation in China in support of private and public sector investment in infrastructure, technology and financial services. The company will continue to increase its exposure to the market in order to deepen its impact in a sustainable and robust private sector. China is EurOrient’s largest country portfolio and among the fastest countries for its investment growth. In FY06, EurOrient committed $1.595 billion to private sector projects. About all of our investment involves direct equity stakes.

EurOrient Financial Group notably in China is increasingly organizing itself to present a coherent voice and build systematic relationships with the Government of China and its bilateral agencies. This is evident at national, local, regional and international levels. While the EurOrient Financial Group global campaign for development plays a strong role at the international level, regional and national networks are emerging or gaining ground, and EurOrient is becoming more involved in local development issues and agendas in China.

The EurOrient Financial Group, through its affiliated development financial institution, provides a full spectrum of financial products and financial and economic advisory services to governments, central banks, and other private (corporate) and public financial institutions. Our services are grounded in half a century of experience financing the ventures in emerging markets and economies in transition, managing financial risks on the balance sheet and investing.

EurOrient Financial Group operations in China are focused on investment in:

• Investment in clean energy;
• Environmental Protection;
• Support for private and public infrastructure projects and particularly investment in transport infrastructure;
• Supporting the development of China’s western and interior provinces;
• Privatization and restructuring of state-own enterprises;
• Investing in the financial sector to develop competitive institutions that will meet international corporate governance and operating standards;
• Facilitating private sector access to global capital market (Public Offering, Private Placement); and
• Technician assistant to both public and private sector

The EurOrient Financial Group thematic product will invest in securities based on national themes and is designed to identify longer-term trends in the marketplace and to mobilize capital, human resources and technology for the benefit the individual investment selection

The Country Director and Chief Representative helps set and achieve the System’s long-term goals. Qualifications for the position include:

• At least 15 years of relevant professional experience in country programming, project processing and administration.
• Broad-based exposure to strategic planning and policy, and operations of multilateral development and financing institutions.
• Demonstrated experience in managing high-level negotiations with Governments.
• Broad and extensive management experience in a large organization with multiple lines of business and strong leadership skills.
• A demonstrated track record of success, evidence of strategic leadership abilities, and the capacity to build effective and mutually respectful relationships with a governing board.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to foster, manage and lead successful, high functioning teams at all levels of an organization.
• High ethical standards, sound judgment, and a strategic focus balanced with consensus building skills.

The Treasury Board of the EurOrient Financial Group also desires a candidate who has experience dealing with multiple and diverse constituent groups, has a commitment to diversity, and who is team oriented.

Individuals interested in this opportunity can visit the website of the EurOrient financial Group for a more detailed job description at Country Director and Chief Representative to the People’s Republic of China.

Interested candidates shall submit a cover letter, resumé, list of six work-related references, and evidence of current salary to human.resorces@eurorient.org. Additional information can be found on the website of EurOrient Financial Group “opportunity” at www.eurorient.org.

Assure Consulting Inc., based in Mountain View, California, is assisting the Department of Human Resources, the Administration of EurOrient Financial Group and its Board with the recruitment process and recently posted the announcement about the position on industry web sites. A copy is accessible on the home page of the Assure Consulting Web site at www.assure-usa.com. Candidates may contact Assure Consulting Inc. or EurOrient Financial Group via email at human.resource@eurorient.org or at rm@assure-usa.com.

About EurOrient Financial Group

EurOrient Financial Group is a private sector global development financial institution accredited by United Nations General Assembly on Financing for Development. The mission of the EurOrient Financial Group is to support the economic and social development efforts of the less developed countries as they, in particular, seek to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (“MDGs”).

The EurOrient’s principal objective is to reduce poverty and promote sustainable economic growth. EurOrient invests in projects and programs that promote social development, build human capacities, and address host government priorities for investments in physical infrastructure that promote and enhance social development. These projects include roads, transportation and communication systems, water, sanitation and other types of investments with social development outcomes such as improved quality of life and increased human knowledge and skills.

News Tracker: past stories on this and other related issues

EurOrient Financial Group Statement for the Special High-level Meeting of the Economic and Social Council (“ECOSOC”) with the Bretton Woods Institutions, the World Trade Organization and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, 27 April 2009.

Mr. Ron Nechemia, Chairman of EurOrient Financial Group, to Attend Special High-level Meeting of the Economic and Social Council with the Bretton Woods Institutions, the World Trade Organization and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

“At the Epicenter: Where the Financial System Meets the Real Economy”

Guard Against the Influence Brought by Subprime Landing Crisis

EurOrient at Glance

Headquarters: Los Angeles, California

Website: www.eurorient.org

CEO: Mr. Ron Nechemia

June 24, 2009 01:11 PM Eastern Daylight Time

WWF Experts Available to Provide Insight, Commentary on House Climate Bill

Organization Uniquely Positioned to Address How the Bill Will Reduce Emissions, Prepare for Impacts, and Lay Foundation for Global Climate Agreement

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the U.S. House of Representatives prepares to consider landmark climate change legislation on Friday, World Wildlife Fund’s CEO and climate change experts are available to discuss the benefits – to our economy and natural heritage – of taking action, as well as the enormous costs of not acting.

A new analysis by the Congressional Budget Office concludes that the American Clean Energy and Security Act would cost the average U.S. household only $175 annually – that’s less than 50 cents a day. By comparison, a major report issued last week by the White House illustrates that the cost to Americans of not taking action would be orders of magnitude higher. The report noted that every region of the country is already experiencing impacts from climate change and that these consequences will become much costlier and more dangerous unless we take action to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and prepare for climate change impacts.

WWF experts are able to speak to a variety of issues regarding the legislation, including:

• Broad range of provisions in the bill, including adaptation, forestry and climate science
• Cost of action vis-à-vis inaction
• Role of U.S. legislation in the global climate treaty negotiation framework
• Efforts by China and other countries to address climate change
• Impacts of climate change on species, habitats and communities

WHO:

• Carter Roberts, president and CEO, WWF
• Richard Moss, PhD, vice president and managing director, climate change, WWF (Moss previously headed the U.S. Global Change Research Program office, also known as Climate Change Science Program, during the Clinton and Bush administrations)
• Lou Leonard, director for U.S. policy on international climate affairs, WWF
• Keya Chatterjee, deputy director, climate change program, WWF

WHEN:

Press availability this week.

WHERE:

To schedule an interview with a WWF climate expert, call Joe Pouliot at 202-476-9919 or 202-495-4730.

ABOUT WORLD WILDLIFE FUND

WWF is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries for nearly half a century. With the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment and combat climate change. Visit www.worldwildlife.org to learn more.

June 24, 2009 09:07 AM Eastern Daylight Time

AIG to Sell Its Consumer Finance Operations in Mexico


NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American International Group, Inc. (AIG) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell 100 percent of its shares in its consumer finance operations in Mexico, consisting of AIG Universal, S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R. and Markcenter Services, S. de R.L. de C.V, to Desarrollo de Negocios Integrados, S.A. de C.V. and Inversiones DNI, S.A. de C.V., companies related to Afirme Grupo Financiero and Consorcio Villacero. The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including approval by the Mexican Federal Competition Commission.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Launched in 2005, AIG Universal has a network of 50 branches serving approximately 50,000 clients in twelve states in the central and northern regions of Mexico, and offers its clients personal loans and third party insurance.

UBS Investment Bank acted as financial advisor and Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel served as legal counsel to AIG on this transaction.

American International Group, Inc. (AIG), a world leader in insurance and financial services, is the leading international insurance organization with operations in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions. AIG companies serve commercial, institutional and individual customers through the most extensive worldwide property-casualty and life insurance networks of any insurer. In addition, AIG companies are leading providers of retirement services, financial services and asset management around the world. AIG's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as well as the stock exchanges in Ireland and Tokyo.

June 23, 2009 12:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time

State Government of Nevada Releases White Paper Envisioning XBRL for Applications beyond Financial Reporting


XBRL Conference, Paris

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--“XBRL can greatly reduce the pain of doing business with the State,” says Kim Wallin, State Controller of Nevada, and author of a white paper on using XBRL for state wide business reporting.

Wallin, the first CPA and the first CMA to be elected to the Office of State Controller in 50 years, recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in accounting in the country in 2003, and the “Woman CPA of the Year” in 2006, is a firm believer in ushering in transparency and efficiency in business through leveraging technology.

In a white paper co-authored with Liv Watson, Vice Chair, XBRL International and Shweta Gupta of IRIS Business Services, Wallin outlines how XBRL can achieve a long envisioned objective of providing an integrated platform across various agencies within a state government, and thereby simplifying the costs of doing business.

“Currently, new businesses need to go to the Secretary of State, then to the Department of Taxation, then Unemployment, DMV to register vehicles, city, county, etc., to obtain all the permits, licenses and so on to do business in the state,” she says. "And every place you go, you have to fill out a form with your name, address, ID number -- basically the same information at each location. If you use XBRL in a business portal, you would fill out name, address, ID number, etc. and then the data can go out and populate the other systems. If you do it without the XBRL, systems don't talk to one another."

The whitepaper looks at creating a common business portal, which allows various agencies to share the same information and seamlessly integrate them with their proprietary systems, by leveraging the XBRL framework.

“The concept sounds more daunting than it actually is, since XBRL can enable agencies to receive and process information without overhauling any existing systems,” says Swaminathan, CEO, IRIS Business Services. “Our XBRL enabled workflow solution has been deployed in India to work simultaneously with the two leading stock exchanges, allowing companies have to file information only once. Both exchanges had their own proprietary systems and information structures, but the common taxonomy and the XBRL data could be mapped to both easily. It is the same concept we are applying here,” he adds.

"Once the taxonomy is created, it can be approved by the XBRL International Consortium and can be adopted as a standard by other States as well,” says Liv Watson, Vice Chair, XBRL International. “This would extend the use and facilitate easier exchange of information across states.”

Nevada State Controller Kim Wallin has been wrestling with the problems of internal financial reporting, grants management and tracking and making sense of financial information since she took office. As a member of the XBRL International Public Sector Working Group, she was able to recognize and apply XBRL to various areas of the State government reporting, including grants reporting and debt collection.

“I am convinced that XBRL would be an excellent enhancement for a statewide reporting initiative, and we have outlined a practical approach in this paper,” she says.

IRIS is implementing a pilot with the State Controller’s Office, to use XBRL for debt collection management system. This is expected to significantly enhance efficiencies in the debt collection process at the State by reducing the need to use 100s of spreadsheets to track the debt.

To download the white paper visit: http://www.irisbusiness.com/xbrl/registration.php?product=casestudies.

About IRIS ( www.irisbusiness.com )

IRIS Business Services is a leading business and financial information and research provider, and has worked with leading banks, broking firms, mutual funds, information companies and others, to offer solutions that combine information and technology. The firm’s clients include, among others, Citibank, Merrill Lynch, National Stock Exchange, Bombay Stock Exchange, Reserve Bank of India and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. IRIS is a leading player in the XBRL space.

Date: 25 June 2009

IATA Indicates Passenger Decline Stabilizes

- Some Improvement in Freight


Geneva - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced international scheduled traffic results for May showing passenger demand declining 9.3% compared to the same month in previous year while freight demand was down by 17.4%. International passenger load factors stood at 71.2%, down from 74.5% recorded in May 2008.

The 17.4% decline in international cargo demand is a relative improvement compared to the 21.7% drop in April. Since December 2008, cargo demand has been moving sideways in the -20% range. This is one of the first physical signs of the economic recovery being anticipated in equity markets.

International passenger demand weakened from the -3.1% recorded in April to -9.3% in May. But both of the past two months have been slightly stronger than the 11.1% decline reached in March, even after adjusting for the distortions caused by the timing of Easter. This indicates that a floor may now have been reached. However, the capacity adjustment of -5.0% in May did not keep pace with the fall in demand during the same month. Moreover, although the impact of the recession appears to be stabilizing, strong headwinds from debt and low asset prices are expected to weaken and delay any significant recovery.

“We may have hit bottom, but we are a long way from recovery,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO. “Capacity is not aligned with demand. Passenger load factors dropped 3.3 percentage points over the last 12 months. The impact on revenue is dramatic. After a 20% fall in international passenger revenue in the first quarter, we estimate that the drop accelerated to as much as -30% in May. This crisis is the worst we have ever seen,” said Bisignani.

International Passenger Demand

May was the first full month to feel the impact of the Influenza A(H1N1) on travel. Mexican carriers saw their traffic fall almost 40% in May. Latin American carriers saw their traffic decline by 9.2% in May compared to the previous year. Against a capacity increase of 0.2%, the load factor plummeted to 64.7%. That is a 6.7 percentage point drop compared to May 2008 and the lowest load factor among all the regions. We estimate that the global impact of Influenza A(H1N1) on global travel patterns in May was a 1% drop in passenger traffic.
Asia Pacific carriers recorded a 14.3% fall in demand. While capacity adjustments by the region’s carriers were the most severe (-9.3%), they did not keep pace with the fall in demand driven by weak economies and the impact of Influenza A(H1N1) on the region with the most vivid memories of the SARS crisis.
North American carriers posted a 10.9% fall in passenger demand, considerably worse than the 4.2% fall in April. This was the result of weak demand to Latin American destinations affected by Influenza A(H1N1) along with significant recession-driven drops in both trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific markets.
European carriers, in additional to weak long-haul markets, saw some loss of market share to European low cost carriers whose traffic grew by 2.1%, while the network carriers reported a 9.4% decline.
African carriers saw a slight improvement of a 6.0% fall in demand in May, compared to a 7.1% decline in April.
Middle Eastern carriers bucked the declining trend with 9.5% growth in demand and a 14.5% expansion of capacity.
International Air Freight

In May, freight volumes rose by around 3% above April levels as manufacturers began to add to their product inventories in anticipation of an economic recovery. However, inventories remain 10-15% higher than normal in relation to sales levels, indicating that a significant recovery is not expected in the near term. Surveys of purchasing managers indicate we could experience a further improvement in air freight demand during June and July to levels that are 12-15% below last year’s levels.
Most regions were relatively aligned in the severity of the freight declines. Latin American carriers were the worst performers with a 21.0% fall, followed by Africa (-20.0%), Europe (-19.2%), North America (-18.8%), and Asia Pacific (-18.1%). Middle East carriers were the exception with a 3.7% fall.
Capacity adjustments in freight markets have been catching up to demand declines. Freight load factors are 3.6 percentage points lower than a year ago. Freight yields fell by 17% in the first quarter, reducing revenues by 35%. Given the continuing downward pressure on yields, even the improvement in volumes in May will likely come without a corresponding improvement in revenues.
“We have lost several years of growth and yields are under severe pressure. Airlines are in survival mode. Cutting costs and conserving cash are the priorities,” said Bisignani.

“Even if we look beyond the crisis, it is difficult to see a return to business as usual. This crisis is re-shaping the industry. The burden cannot be placed on airlines alone. All partners in the value chain must be prepared to change—reducing costs and improving efficiencies. Too often we get the opposite. Already this year we have seen US$1.5 billion in cost increases from airports and air navigation service providers. It’s irresponsible in the best of times and a completely unacceptable abuse of monopoly position in a crisis,” said Bisignani.

-IATA-


View full May traffic results

M

Photo: Business Wire

World News

STS127-S-001 (February 2009) --- Space Shuttle mission STS-127 is the 32nd construction flight of the International Space Station (ISS) and the final of a series of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese "Kibo" laboratory complex. In addition to delivering, installing, and servicing an external scientific platform that will be attached to the end of the Japanese module, STS-127 will bring up a new ISS crew member and return another one to Earth, replace vital components of the ISS electrical production system, and transfer various pieces of hardware to ISS. Five spacewalks and the operation of four different robotic arms will be required to accomplish these tasks over 10 days.

A crew spokesperson had the following words for the patch. "Bathed in sunlight, the blue Earth is represented without boundaries to remind us that we all share this world. In the center, the golden flight path of the space shuttle turns into the three distinctive rays of the astronaut symbol culminating in the star-like emblem characteristic of the Japanese Space Agency, yet soaring further into space as it paves the way for future voyages and discoveries for all humankind." The NASA insignia design for shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the form of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which we do not anticipate, it will be publicly announced.

Graphic: NASA

World News

STS127-S-002 (10 Oct. 2008) --- Attired in training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits, these seven astronauts take a break from training to pose for the STS-127 crew portrait. Pictured on the front row are astronauts Mark Polansky (right), commander, and Doug Hurley, pilot. Remaining crewmembers, pictured from left to right, are astronauts Dave Wolf, Christopher Cassidy, Canadian Space Agency's Julie Payette, Tom Marshburn and Tim Kopra, all mission specialists. Kopra is scheduled to join Expedition 20 as flight engineer after launching to the International Space Station with the STS-127 crew.

NASA Photo

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Photo/Graphic: Business Wire

New Hampshire · June 22, 2009 · Reporter's privilege

Reporters Committee asks court to apply reporter's privilege to Web site


The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press is urging the New Hampshire Supreme Court to protect the identity of a confidential source used by an online news Web site that covers the mortgage industry.

In a friend-of-the-court brief filed jointly by the Reporters Committee and the Citizen Media Law Project in The Mortgage Specialists v. Implode Explode Heavy Industries, the organizations argued that news Web site Implode-O-Meter, which aggregates news coverage of the mortgage industry, should have the same First Amendment protections as traditional media.

"There's no question that Implode-O-Meter was doing journalism when it published the news about a state investigation into the morgage business," said Reporters Committee Executive Director Lucy A. Dalglish. "The Web site should be granted the same privileges as any other news organization when it comes to protecting its confidential sources."

Implode-O-Meter published a story on its Web site detailing a state investigation into the mortgage company Mortgage Specialists. As part of its reporting, it published a state document obtained through a confidential source that detailed the investigation.

Mortgage Specialists sued and asked the Superior Court in New Hampshire for an injunction that would prohibit Implode-O-Meter from republishing the document and would order the site to reveal the name of its source. The court granted that injunction.

In the brief filed on behalf of Implode-O-Meter, the Reporters Committee argued that the court should have applied a qualified reporter’s privilege before ordering Implode-O-Meter to reveal its source.

“Given the high public value of ML-Implode’s reporting," the brief argued, "this case presents an opportunity for the New Hampshire Supreme Court to further define the scope of the reporter’s privilege in New Hampshire as it applies to Internet journalists. The qualified reporter’s privilege, which has been used to protect confidential sources used by traditional journalists, must be applied to the site in order to further the rights of a free press that both the federal and New Hampshire constitutions protect."

The brief also argued that the Superior Court’s injunction prohibiting Implode-O-Meter from republishing the document was an unconstitutional prior restraint on speech.

2nd Cir. · June 1, 2009 · Freedom of information

Prisoner abuse images should come out, RCFP argues

Keywords: ACLU; FOIA; Obama Administration; Photography & videotaping

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press today asked a federal court to affirm its commitment to the release of images depicting detainee abuse at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison despite the government's persistence in avoiding the court-ordered release.


Last week, the government asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit for what is essentially a "time-out" in the court's order to release the images while it pursues other avenues to keep the images from being released to the American Civil Liberties Union and the public. President Obama recently declared that the images' release would endanger troops, despite previously supporting their release and having ordered a deadline of May 28 for that disclosure. Now the government is asking the court to give it additional time to pursue legislation in Congress that would protect the images' release as well as to ask the Supreme Court to hear an appeal -- a measure it previously called "hopeless."

In a friend-of-the-court filing, the Reporters Committee pointed out that the Second Circuit has already heard and rejected the troop-safety arguments, deeming the images public records required to be released under the Freedom of Information Act. The papers also pointed out the heightened public interest in release, now that the pro-transparency President Obama so briskly changed course on the issue.

"The controversy surrounding the withholding and the political nature of the decision — demonstrating an abrupt turnaround for a president committed to government openness and accountability — and the absence of a clearly articulated need for withholding make the photographs of even greater public concern," the papers argued. "The American public has a great need to know the actions committed by the government and military so it can perform its role in holding government accountable for the decisions made."

The Reporters Committee has been involved in this case since 2005. Both the Second Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York have declared these images must be released under the law.

The Reporters Committee for
Freedom of the Press:

A short history

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press was created in 1970 at a time when the nation's news media faced a wave of government subpoenas asking reporters to name confidential sources.

One case particularly galvanized American journalists. New York Times reporter Earl Caldwell was ordered to reveal to a federal grand jury his sources in the Black Panther organization, threatening his independence as a newsgatherer.

Caldwell's dilemma prompted a meeting at Georgetown University to discuss the need to provide legal assistance to journalists when their First Amendment rights come under fire. Among those present, or involved soon afterwards, were J. Anthony Lukas, Murray Fromson, Fred Graham, Jack Nelson, Ben Bradlee, Eileen Shanahan, Mike Wallace, Robert Maynard and Tom Wicker.

They formed a committee that operated part-time and on a shoestring (its first "office" was a desk in the press room at the U.S. Supreme Court). With support from foundations and news organizations, the founders built a staff and began recruiting attorneys to donate their services.

An early member of the Steering Committee -- Jack C. Landau -- was a reporter- lawyer who covered the Supreme Court. In his spare time, Landau started the First Amendment Hotline -- the first cost-free 24/7 legal guidance service for journalists involved in First Amendment and freedom of information issues -- and also located cost-free lawyers to the press aided by Steering Committee member Fred P. Graham, a reporter-lawyer at the Supreme Court.

In those early volunteer days, Landau also started several other legal defense and research projects that remain key parts of the Committee's activities today. Among these projects were the first magazine for the press devoted to collecting, indexing and reporting news media law developments and the first service center offering free help to the press on federal and all state public records, aided by Philadelphia Inquirer Editor Gene Roberts. The Committee also launched as an independent but affiliated project, the Student Press Law Center, the first center offering cost-free legal help to high school and college, aided by Steering Committee member Jack Nelson. Landau eventually became the Committee's full-time executive director.

The Committee was a plaintiff in several early test-case law suits relying on volunteer lawyers from major Washington D.C. firms. They included suits for access to 41 million White House documents and tapes held by former President Nixon; to former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger's official telephone transcripts; to FBI arrest records; and also an effort to block telephone companies from giving secret access to media telephone records.

Attorney (and former journalist) Jane E. Kirtley replaced Landau as executive director in 1985. Kirtley was determined to provide top-quality, reliable resources to help journalists know the legal protections and pitfalls as they did their jobs. During her tenure, the Committee began to produce comprehensive guides for reporters, including a 50-state compendium of state open government laws, now known as "The Open Government Guide." "The First Amendment Handbook" provides basic information about media law for newsrooms and "Agents of Discovery" surveyed the incidence of subpoenas served on America's newsrooms.

Kirtley also began a popular legal fellowship program for young attorneys breaking into media law. It was during these years that the Committee also became more financially stable, beginning an endowment that now totals more than $2.5 million.

By the time executive director Lucy A. Dalglish took over in 2000, the Committee was poised to build on its considerable reputation. After the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, the Committee became the nation's leading authority on efforts to prevent important information from reaching the public. Its "Homefront Confidential" reports and "Behind the Homefront" weblog are authoritative summaries of what has happened to the public's right to know in the post-9/11 world.

In recent years, the Committee has taken the lead in building coalitions with other media-related organizations to protect reporters' rights to keep sources confidential and to keep an eye on legislative efforts that impact the public's right to know. It also has aggressively sought opportunities to speak out nationwide through amicus curiae briefs filed on behalf of journalists.

In the last four decades the Committee has played a role in virtually every significant press freedom case that has come before the Supreme Court -- from Nebraska Press Association v. Stuart to U.S. v. Moussaoui -- as well as in hundreds of cases in federal and state courts.

The Committee has also emerged as a major national -- and international -- resource in free speech issues, disseminating information in a variety of forms, including a quarterly legal review, a bi-weekly newsletter, a 24-hour hotline, and various handbooks on media law issues.

Academicians, state and federal agencies, and Congress regularly call on the Committee for advice and expertise, and it has become the leading advocate for reporters' interest in cyberspace.

Important as these activities are, the Committee's primary mission remains serving working journalists -- 2,000 of them every year. And since its founding, no reporter has ever paid for the Committee's help in defending First Amendment rights. This is the incarnation of the founders' vision and the Committee's proudest achievement.

For more information about The Reporters Committee, write to rcfp@rcfp.org or The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1100, Arlington, VA 22209.

JOURNALISM CONFERENCE ~ SIGN UP NOW!

Looking to learn more about state government news coverage?

Journalists who spend most or some of their time covering state government, as well as anyone else who’s interested in government and politics, can find a wide range of helpful seminars at the Capitolbeat conference, Aug. 20-22, 2009 in Indianapolis.

We’ll talk about public policy issues – like redistricting and gambling – and tricks of the trade, such as the growing role of multimedia. One session will spotlight the impeachment process that ultimately ousted a sitting Illinois governor -- the now-famous Rod Blagojevich.

The conference is a great opportunity to meet folks who participate in, and care about, news coverage of state government. We also will recognize winners in the 2009 Capitolbeat Reporting Contest. Awards are presented for outstanding work by print, broadcast and online journalists.

Based at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, the conference is open to Capitolbeat members and anyone else who wants to attend.

For more information, check out our Web site:

http://capitolbeat.wordpress.com/capitolbeat-2009-welcome-to-indianapolis/

As of June 6, 2009

June 24, 2009 12:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time

CREW Files Ethics Complaint Against Sen. Ensign


WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a complaint against Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) with the Senate Select Committee on Ethics and a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) against his campaign committee and leadership PAC, based on activities surrounding his affair with a campaign staffer, Cynthia Hampton.

On June 16, 2009, Sen. Ensign announced he had engaged in an affair with Ms. Hampton, who was married to Doug Hampton, the Senator’s administrative assistant. The affair began in December 2007 and ended in August 2008.

The complaint details a number of Senate ethics rules and legal violations.

First, Mr. Hampton has alleged Sen. Ensign terminated him and his wife for reasons related to the affair. If true, the senator likely engaged in discrimination on the basis of sex in violation of Title VII, and Senate Rule 42, which incorporates the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to Senate employees and prohibits discrimination based on sex. At least two members of Congress previously have been investigated for sexual harassment, including former Sen. Bob Packwood (R-OR) and former Rep. Jim Bates (D-CA).

Second, Ms. Hampton apparently received a severance payment directly from Sen. Ensign when she was terminated from the campaign committee and PAC, but neither committee reported any in-kind contribution by the senator. In addition, if Sen. Ensign paid Ms. Hampton more than $5,000 he may have made an illegal excessive contribution to the PAC. Knowingly failing to report a contribution of over $25,000 is a violation of criminal law.

Mr. Hampton apparently was paid $6,000 upon his departure, purportedly for vacation time. If this actually was some sort of severance payment, Sen. Ensign’s office may have misused official funds.

CREW has alleged Sen. Ensign violated the rules prohibiting improper conduct that reflects upon the Senate by abusing his authority as the head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) to hire and pay the Hampton’s son as an intern at the NRSC and by claiming to have been blackmailed by Mr. Hampton, without reporting the alleged crime to law enforcement authorities.

Melanie Sloan, executive director of CREW, said today, “Sen. Ensign’s stunning abuse of power shocks the conscience. Sen. Ensign has replaced Sens. David Vitter (R-LA) and Larry Craig (R-ID) as the latest poster senator for bad judgment and hypocrisy.” Sloan continued, “Of course, if bad judgment and hypocrisy alone violated Senate rules, the Ethics Committee would be unable to keep up with its workload. Here, though, the Committee has plenty of more serious violations to consider.”

“Notably, Sen. Ensign has held up legislation requiring senators to post campaign finance data online by offering an amendment that would force any organization that files an ethics complaint, such as CREW, to disclose its donors.” Sloan said, “It looks like that amendment may have been more about self-preservation than policy. The ploy failed and now the Ethics Committee should have Sen. Ensign squarely in its sights.”

Click here to read CREW’s complaint to the Senate Ethics Committee and click here to read the exhibits.

Click here to read CREW’s complaint to the Federal Election Commission.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) is a non-profit legal watchdog group dedicated to holding public officials accountable for their actions. For more information, please visit www.citizensforethics.org or contact Naomi Seligman at 202.408.5565/nseligman@citizensforethics.org.

A MAJOR CRACKDOWN

On Health Care Fraud


06/24/09

This afternoon, the FBI joined with the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services in announcing the unsealing of indictments against 53 people in a combined enforcement effort specifically targeting fraud schemes that threaten Medicare…and our country’s most vulnerable citizens—seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income Americans.

Agents from the FBI and the Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General’s Office have already begun arresting the defendants in Detroit and Miami. These defendants were the subjects of several separate health care fraud investigations by the new Detroit Medicare Fraud Strike Force, comprised of FBI and HHS agents and Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors. Combined, the subjects are accused of conspiring to submit more than $50 million in false claims to Medicare.

Today’s arrests involved at least nine Medicare provider companies and a number of company executives, doctors, therapists, medical recruiters, medical assistants, and even some Medicare beneficiaries who were willing to go along with the schemes in exchange for money.

The two primary types of fraud schemes being perpetrated include:

Physical therapy/occupational therapy fraud: The crux of these schemes was billing Medicare for services not rendered. In most cases, the subjects created fictitious patient files by paying Medicare beneficiaries, therapists, and doctors to fill out and sign documentation indicating services had been provided when in fact they had not been. These phony files were then systematically distributed to Medicare providers for illicit billing.

Infusion therapy fraud: Several Michigan infusion therapy companies providing medication for AIDS, HIV-positive, and Hepatitis C patients were allegedly billing Medicare for services not actually performed, were medically unnecessary, or were medically unlikely (medicines not normally prescribed for particular conditions). Note: infusion therapy involves giving medicine intravenously to patients whose conditions are so severe they can’t be treated with oral medication.

To investigate health care fraud, Director Robert Mueller said that the FBI is focused on “partnerships, intelligence, and information-sharing.” He also explained how our sophisticated investigative techniques—from undercover operations to wiretaps—can be used to “not only collect evidence for prosecution, but to find and stop criminals before the schemes spread.”

Bringing the HEAT. Today’s announcement came a month after Attorney General Eric Holder and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the creation of a task force—the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team, or HEAT—to continue ramping up coordinated efforts against health care fraud. HEAT is comprised of DOJ and HHS senior leaders who will work towards increasing cooperation, intelligence sharing, and training among their investigators, agents, and prosecutors. Medicare strike forces will figure prominently in HEAT’s efforts.

The first such strike force was established in Miami in 2007, followed by a second in Los Angeles and two more recently in Detroit and Houston—all areas of the country with concentrated Medicare fraud activity. And just yesterday, indictments in a $100 million Medicare and Medicaid scheme were announced in Miami.

Health care fraud, according to Director Mueller, is “not a victimless crime—every person who struggles to pay for health care benefits; every older person who worries about Medicare’s ability to cover them; every taxpayer who helps fund these programs—they are all victims.” All good reasons why we take our responsibility to investigate health care fraud very seriously.

ARINC/FSEMC Visual Database Working Group Questions Posted

The NSP internet site has been updated with general questions and answers concerning visual system airport modeling requirements under Part 60.  These questions were submitted to the FAA-NSP as a result of a recent meeting of the ARINC Flight Simulator Engineering and Maintenance Conference (FSEMC) Visual Database Working Group.  Please follow the link to the NSP's home page: http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/nsp/ to locate the file.  Questions may be directed to the NSP office at 404-832-4788 or through the dedicated Part 60 email address at: 9-aso-avs-sim-team-part-60@faa.gov.

June 24, 2009


NASA SELECTS PROPOSALS TO ENHANCE SCIENCE EDUCATION AND OUTREACH


WASHINGTON -- NASA has selected four organizations to share
approximately $18 million over five years for education and public
outreach activities to help inspire the next generation of science
leaders and explorers. The cooperative agreements support the
astrophysics, heliophysics, planetary and Earth divisions of NASA's
Science Mission Directorate, which is providing the funding for the
activities.

"NASA seeks to work with the best of the nation's science and
educational communities to help champion and elevate science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics," said Paul Hertz, chief
scientist of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in
Washington. "Stimulating and informative activities, along with
experiences created and executed by experts, inspire our future
scientists. This provides a productive return on the public's
investment for future scientific research."

These activities contribute to NASA's overall education and outreach
efforts through development and dissemination of new educational and
outreach products that use the directorate's science discoveries. The
agreements provide opportunities for students and educators, citizen
scientists and the public to engage in authentic experiences working
with NASA and research communities. Activities will include
comprehensive public awareness and engagement plans coordinated with
NASA, the selected proposers and other institutions nationwide.

Selected proposals are:



"Astrophysics Science Education and Public Outreach Forum," Denise
Smith, principal investigator, Space Telescope Science Institute in
Baltimore, operated by the Association of Universities for Research
in Astronomy

Planetary Science Education and Public Outreach Forum: "Extending the
Coherence and Reach of NASA Planetary Science and SMD Education and
Public Outreach," Stephanie Shipp, principal investigator, Lunar and
Planetary Institute in Houston, a division of the University Space
Research Association

Heliophysics Science Education and Public Outreach Forum: "A Forum to
Support Excellence in Heliophysics Education and Public Outreach
through Sustained Collaboration," Bryan Mendez, principal
investigator, University of California, Berkeley

Earth Science Education and Public Outreach Forum: "Building a
Cohesive and Effective Community," Theresa Schwerin, principal
investigator, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies in
Arlington, Va.


Each selected proposer will receive approximately $850,000 per year.
Further funding will be provided after NASA review and subsequent
approval of progress reports.

This opportunity was open to U.S. organizations, including NASA
centers, industry, educational institutions, not-for-profit
organizations, federally funded research and development centers, and
other government agencies. Fourteen proposals were received in
response to the January 2009 announcement. A peer review panel of
education and public outreach professionals evaluated each proposal.

NASA's Science Mission Directorate has a diverse portfolio of
education and public outreach investments and activities in higher
education, elementary and secondary education, informal education,
and outreach. For information about NASA science programs and
activities, visit:



http://nasascience.nasa.gov


For information about NASA's Education programs, visit:



http://www.nasa.gov/education

AETC Future Learning Division staff 'tweets' for new programs


by Ashley M. Wright
Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

6/24/2009 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Air Education and Training Command's Future Learning Division staff here plummeted into the social networking, micro blogging Web site Twitter last month in an effort to explore the site's potential uses in training today's Airmen for tomorrow.

"[The future learning division is] looking into different media and how we might be able to use it," said Col. John Thompson, the AETC Future Learning Division director. "We look at any sort of innovation to improve the efficiency or effectiveness of our education and training programs."

Twitter allows users to file "tweets" posing questions, posting links to articles or general status updates. Brevity is key as users are allotted only 140 characters for their posts.

The division's entrance into Twitter coincides with top Department of Defense officials announcing the benefits of social networking as a "huge strategic asset for the United States" citing social networking Web sites use in allowing information to continue to flow about recent conflicts from the Iran election.

"I think one of the more -- maybe more significant developments in the last 20 years or so has been the advance of communications technology in the hands of average citizens around the world," said Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates in a June 18 press conference. "It is increasingly difficult for an authoritarian government to maintain control of all the means of communication that are available to its citizens."

The division joins other Air Force groups on the year's fastest-growing social networking site. According to a June 15 Time magazine article, Twitter grew in popularity by more than 1,200 percent last year. The learning division is attempting to answer questions of how to turn a popular networking tool into a learning tool.

"We know outside our firewall our folks are using social media anyhow," Colonel Thompson said. "So how do we tie into that? How do we use that to make our own collaborative environment?"

USAFFuturelearn, the division's official Twitter username, "tweets" about once a week and has amassed more than 25 followers, said Jayne Williams, a professional networking program manager. The division follows other mobile learning experts, Air Force bases that use Twitter as a branch of public affairs, NASA and the White House to understand how different users utilize the medium.

"Ideally, if the population continues to embrace Twitter, I see the day where senior Air Force leadership tweets," Colonel Thompson said.

Others are also starting to share this sentiment.

"I think our force, whose average age is 20-ish, 20 to 21, ... this is how they live. It's what they've grown up on," said Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chief's of Staff in the same June 18 press conference. "And so for leaders ... it's really important to be connected to that and understand it, certainly not be as facile as they are on it, but to understand because I think communicating that way and moving information around that way, whether it's administrative information or information in warfare, is absolutely critical."

Thus far, the future learning division sent tweets about successful social networking demos for AETC senior leadership, meetings on visions for Air Force recruiting in 2015 and planning future learning trends for the Air Force.

"There are a variety of social media products out there," Colonel Thompson said. "The Air Force is looking into using different social media and still learning lessons on their value and how you can incorporate that into our learning process for education and training systems."

Pilot dies in F-16 accident


6/24/2009 - HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNS) -- Hill Air Force Base officials confirmed an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot was killed at about 10:25 p.m. June 22 after the aircraft crashed on the Utah Test and Training Range about 35 miles south of Wendover, Utah.

The pilot, Capt. George Bryan Houghton, 28, from the 388th Fighter Wing here, graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2002.

When the mishap occurred, the pilot was part of a four-ship formation of F-16s flying a close-air-support mission that involved training with ground forces. The wing temporarily ceased flying operations. Flight operations have since resumed.

Captain Houghton is a native of Candler, N.C.

"We can now confirm that we have lost a fellow pilot," said Col. Scott Dennis, the 388th Fighter Wing commander, during a press conference June 23. "After several hours of search and rescue efforts, we have identified the pilot at the crash site."

Colonel Dennis said the immediate family was notified and the Air Force's first priority was to support the pilot's family and the Air Force's family during this time.

"I want to thank everyone for their outpouring of support. I just ask that you keep the pilot's family in your thoughts and prayers," he said. "Every time we fly a training or combat mission, the safety of our people is a top priority. We lost an irreplaceable member of our Air Force. We will do all we can to determine the cause of the mishap to ensure we are doing everything possible to keep our military members free from harm."

A board of officials will convene to determine the cause of the incident.

Web site to open sign-ups for Post-9/11 GI Bill transfers



by By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

6/23/2009 - WASHINGTON (AFNS)  -- It's official. The Defense Department signed off June 22 on policies and procedures servicemembers will use to transfer their unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their spouses or children, a Pentagon official said June 23.

Eligible servicemembers will be able to register their immediate family members to receive those benefits when a new Defense Department Web site goes live June 29, according to Bob Clark, the Pentagon's assistant director for accessions policy.

Defense officials are asking those whose families won't use the benefits for the upcoming fall semester to hold off registering until mid-July so applicants who need immediate attention get processed first.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill takes effect Aug. 1, offering a two-fold benefit, Mr. Clark said. It gives the military a tool to help encourage recruiting and retention, while allowing career servicemembers the first opportunity, "to share the benefits they've earned with those they love," he said.

The transferability provision -- which Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates pushed after first hearing the idea from a military spouse group at Fort Hood, Texas -- has generated a lot of excitement.

"We have had an overwhelming response and do expect quite a few of our members to take advantage of this," Mr. Clark said.

To prepare for the anticipated response in the run-up to the Aug. 1 effective date, the department will launched a secure Web site next week so servicemembers can register any immediate family members to receive their unused benefits, Mr. Clark said.

"What we are doing is queuing up requests and approvals for the many family members that we expect to be going to school this fall" with hopes of using their spouse's or parent's Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, he said.

The site, https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/TEB/, will be accessible using a common access card, Defense Department self-service user identification or a Defense Finance and Accounting Service personal identification number.

Eligible servicemembers can register the names of any immediate family member they would like to share their benefits with, even designating how many months of benefits each person named can receive, Mr. Clark explained.

The servicemember's 36 months of benefits -- the equivalent of four nine-month academic years -- can be transferred to a spouse, one or more children or any combination, he said. The family member must be enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System to receive the benefits.

Servicemembers also have the option to use some benefits themselves and transfer what they haven't used to one or more family members.

Even after transferring the benefits, they remain the "property" of the servicemember who earned them, who can revoke them or redesignate who receives them at any time.

However, new names can be added as long as the member is in the military, but not after separating or retiring, Mr. Clark said. So defense officials advise erring on the side of caution and including every eligible family member on the registration form.

"We are recommending that every eligible dependent receive at least one month of benefit," he said.

Once the servicemember registers for the transferability provision, the application automatically gets forwarded to the appropriate service for processing. Mr. Clark said he expects that process to take about a week, at least after the initial surge.

When the service verifies that the member is eligible to receive Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and processes the transferability provisions, the family member will receive a certificate of eligibility that can be used to cover educational costs.

In a nutshell, any enlisted or commissioned member of the armed forces serving on active duty or in the selected reserve on or after Aug. 1 will be eligible to transfer their benefits -- as long as they qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and meet specific service requirements, Mr. Clark explained.

He emphasized that, by law, anyone who has retired or separated from the service before that date -- even if it's July 31 -- won't be entitled to transfer their benefits. Also excluded will be members of the Individual Ready Reserve and Fleet Reserve.

Most servicemembers who have at least six years of military service as of Aug. 1 and agree to serve an additional four years qualify, he said. But department officials have proposed measures to cover several categories of servicemembers whose circumstances don't fit neatly into the formula.

For example, those with at least 10 years of service -- but who can't serve an additional four years because of a service or department policy -- also would qualify, Mr. Clark said. They must; however, serve the maximum time allowed before separating from the military, he said.

"What we did not want to do was to penalize those people who had a service policy or statute that would not permit them to commit for the full four years," he explained.

Another sunset provision will cover servicemembers who will reach the 20-year service mark, making them retirement-eligible, between Aug. 1, 2009, and Aug. 1, 2013.

Mr. Clark explained the breakdown, which basically enables those affected to transfer benefits as long as they complete 20 years of service:
-- Those eligible for retirement on Aug. 1, 2009, will be eligible to transfer their benefits with no additional service requirement.
-- Those with an approved retirement date after Aug. 1, 2009, and before July 1, 2010, will qualify with no additional service.
-- Those eligible for retirement after Aug. 1, 2009, but before Aug. 1, 2010, will qualify with one additional year of service after approval to transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
-- Those eligible for retirement between Aug. 1, 2010, and July 31, 2011, will qualify with two additional years of service after approval to transfer.
-- Those eligible to retire between Aug. 1, 2011, and July 31, 2012, will qualify with three additional years of service after approval to transfer.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009


President Signs Two Major Provisions for New Veterans into Law

Back-pay for Stop-lossed Troops; New Education Benefits for Children of Troops Killed


NEW YORK- Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, applauded President Obama for signing the 2009 war supplemental bill into law, which includes two critical provisions for new veterans and their families. The first guarantees retroactive payments for all troops stop-lossed since 9/11 and the second establishes transferability of the new GI Bill to children of servicemembers killed on active-duty since 9/11.

"Washington is finally paying more than lip service to our troops. Today, the Commander-in-Chief refocused the nation's attention on the tremendous sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and delivered significant change. With this signature, our government is finally paying its debt to thousands of stop-lossed troops and showing gratitude to the families of our fallen heroes. Both provisions will mean real money in the pockets of those who deserve it most," said IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff. "As the July 4th holiday approaches, this is a strong display of patriotism by the country's lawmakers. IAVA thanks President Obama and Congress for continuing to make troops, veterans and their families a priority."

Under the retroactive stop-loss payment provision, servicemembers held beyond their enlistment contracts before October 2008 could receive on average $5,000 in back-pay. The "Fry Scholarship," named after fallen Marine Gunnery Sgt. John David Fry, from Lorena, Texas, would authorize the Department of Defense to transfer a maximum of 36-months of education benefits to surviving children of servicemembers who have died while on active-duty since 9/11.

To arrange an interview with Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff or a member veteran, contact Chrissy Stevens, 212-982-9699, Chrissy@iava.org.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.IAVA.org) is the country's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has more than 125,000 veteran members and civilian supporters nationwide. Its mission is to improve the lives of this country's newest generation of veterans and their families.

M

June 24, 2009



SALT FINDING FROM NASA'S CASSINI HINTS AT OCEAN WITHIN SATURN MOON


PASADENA, Calif. -- For the first time, scientists working on NASA's
Cassini mission have detected sodium salts in ice grains of Saturn's
outermost ring. Detecting salty ice indicates that Saturn's moon
Enceladus, which primarily replenishes the ring with material from
discharging jets, could harbor a reservoir of liquid water -- perhaps
an ocean -- beneath its surface.

Cassini discovered the water-ice jets in 2005 on Enceladus. These jets
expel tiny ice grains and vapor, some of which escape the moon's
gravity and form Saturn's outermost ring. Cassini's cosmic dust
analyzer has examined the composition of those grains and found salt
within them.

"We believe that the salty minerals deep inside Enceladus washed out
from rock at the bottom of a liquid layer," said Frank Postberg,
Cassini scientist for the cosmic dust analyzer at the Max Planck
Institute for Nuclear Physics in Heidelberg, Germany. Postberg is
lead author of a study that appears in the June 25 issue of the
journal Nature.

Scientists on Cassini's cosmic dust detector team conclude that liquid
water must be present because it is the only way to dissolve the
significant amounts of minerals that would account for the levels of
salt detected. The process of sublimation, the mechanism by which
vapor is released directly from solid ice in the crust, cannot
account for the presence of salt.

"Potential plume sources on Enceladus are an active area of research
with evidence continuing to converge on a possible salt water ocean,"
said Linda Spilker, Cassini deputy project scientist at NASA's Jet
Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. "Our next opportunity to
gather data on Enceladus will come during two flybys in November."

The makeup of the outermost ring grains, determined when thousands of
high-speed particle hits were registered by Cassini, provides
indirect information about the composition of the plume material and
what is inside Enceladus. The outermost ring particles are almost
pure water ice, but nearly every time the dust analyzer has checked
for the composition, it has found at least some sodium within the
particles.

"Our measurements imply that besides table salt, the grains also
contain carbonates like soda. Both components are in concentrations
that match the predicted composition of an Enceladus ocean," Postberg
said. "The carbonates also provide a slightly alkaline pH value. If
the liquid source is an ocean, it could provide a suitable
environment on Enceladus for the formation of life precursors when
coupled with the heat measured near the moon's south pole and the
organic compounds found within the plumes."

However, in another study published in Nature, researchers doing
ground-based observations did not see sodium, an important salt
component. That team notes that the amount of sodium being expelled
from Enceladus is actually less than observed around many other
planetary bodies. These scientists were looking for sodium in the
plume vapor and could not see it in the expelled ice grains. They
argue that if the plume vapor does come from ocean water the
evaporation must happen slowly deep underground rather than as a
violent geyser erupting into space.

"Finding salt in the plume gives evidence for liquid water below the
surface," said Sascha Kempf, also a Cassini scientist for the cosmic
dust analyzer from the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics. "The
lack of detection of sodium vapor in the plume gives hints about what
the water reservoir might look like."

Determining the nature and origin of the plume material is a top
priority for Cassini during its extended tour, called the Cassini
Equinox Mission.

"The original picture of the plumes as violently erupting
Yellowstone-like geysers is changing," said Postberg."They seem more
like steady jets of vapor and ice fed by a large water reservoir.
However, we cannot decide yet if the water is currently 'trapped'
within huge pockets in Enceladus' thick ice crust or still connected
to a large ocean in contact with the rocky core."

The Cassini-Huygens mission is a cooperative project of NASA, the
European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency. The Cassini
cosmic dust analyzer was provided by the German Aerospace Center. The
Cassini orbiter was designed, developed and assembled at JPL. JPL
manages the mission for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA
Headquarters in Washington.

More information about the Cassini mission is available at:


http://www.nasa.gov/cassini

June 24, 2009

TIPS LEAD TO CAPTURE OF ESCAPED SEX OFFENDER
AND SAFE RECOVERY OF MISSING CHILD

Mansfield, OH – U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott announces the capture of fugitive sex offender Robbi Potter, 27, along with the capture of associate Candace Watson, 24, and the safe recovery of 4 year old missing child Haylee Donathan. Yesterday at approximately 4:30 pm (PST), a tip was received by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, who then quickly responded to a Christian retreat center in Valley Center, Calif., where they were able to apprehend Potter and Watson and safely recover little Haylee without incident. The tipster reportedly saw one of the digital nationwide billboards which were put up by Clear Channel Communications in partnership with the U.S. Marshals. The tipster immediately recognized the trio as residents at the Christian retreat center and called 911 to report the tip.

Potter was wanted on a state warrant for parole violation and on a federal warrant for probation violation. Potter is a convicted Tier III sex offender for crimes of sex offenses of minors. On May 28, Potter fled a halfway house in Mansfield, which led to the violation charges. Watson was charged in June by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office with complicity to escape.

The U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force led an intense nationwide manhunt over the last several weeks in search of Potter, Watson and little Haylee. Substantial assistance was provided from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Shelby Police Department, Plymouth Police Department and Crestline Police Department, along with other partner agencies assigned to the task force. The case received significant national media attention, especially on CNN shows Nancy Grace, Jane Velez-Mitchell and Headline News, as well as America’s Most Wanted. This exposure resulted in several hundred tips received and investigated by the task force and U.S. Marshals nationwide.

Potter and Watson will face extradition back to Ohio to face their charges. Haylee is in the custody of the San Diego County Children Services pending further review. The U.S. Marshals are also investigating possible federal Adam Walsh Act violation charges on Potter as well as federal harboring charges on Watson.

“We are very thankful to our partners in the media, especially CNN, America’s Most Wanted and Clear Channel Communications, for getting the photos and story out nationwide.” said U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott. “Clear Channel was able to quickly put up digital billboards in multiple states across the nation and this ultimately led to the tip that brought a safe ending to this investigation.”

Assistant Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Deserto stated “I am extremely proud of all of the Deputy Marshals, Task Force Officers and law enforcement partners that worked day and night on this case. Their determination and perseverance were critical to this investigation and we can all rest easy to now have Haylee safely recovered and Potter back in custody.”

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of a known fugitive is encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at: 1-866-4-WANTED. Callers may remain anonymous.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force in Richland County is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies: Bellville Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, Butler Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Mansfield Municipal Probation, Mansfield Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ontario Police Department, Plymouth Police Department, Richland County Probation, Richland County Prosecutor’s Office, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Shelby Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service.The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation and the Crestline Police Department are also assisting in this investigation.

Related News Releases:

• U.S. MARSHALS CONTINUE SEARCH FOR POTTER; NOW ACCEPTING TIPS VIA TEXT MESSAGE

• U.S. MARSHALS TASK FORCE CONFIRMS COLORADO SIGHTING OF MISSING TRUCK IN FUGITIVE ROBBI POTTER CASE 

• U.S. MARSHALS LEAD NATIONWIDE MANHUNT FOR FUGITIVE SEX OFFENDER WHO DISAPPEARED WITH MISSING TODDLER

June 24, 2009 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Progressive Grocer Selects Smart & Final Senior Vice President to “Top Women in Grocery” List

Marie Robinson Honored for Vision and Execution of Supply Chain Overhaul


ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aldata Solution, Inc., a leading provider of software solutions for the retail industry, today announced that Marie Robinson, Senior Vice President, supply chain operations, for Aldata customer Smart & Final, has been selected by Progressive Grocer magazine as one of the 2009 “Top Women in Grocery.” Robinson and fellow nominees appear in the June/July 2009 issue of Progressive Grocer magazine and will be honored on November 2, 2009 at Progressive Grocer’s Corporate Social Responsibility Awards, which will be held during the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) Merchandising, Sales, and Marketing Conference at the Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, Ariz.

Selection for the Top Women in Grocery list is a meticulous process based on nominations from within the industry and on strict criteria set out by Progressive Grocer’s team of editors. “I was more involved than ever in this year’s judging for our third Annual Top Women in Grocery and the entries were incredible,” said Olivia Wilson, publisher of Progressive Grocer. “We received more than 400 entries and it was very difficult to select the top 100. They are all very deserving in one way or another.”

Robinson assumed the task of re-engineering Smart & Final’s supply chain operations, including the location and design of distribution centers, product flow channels and system infrastructure. Robinson’s initiatives to consolidate all of Smart & Final’s supply chain operations into a single system helped streamline company operations, save money and position the company for growth.

“The ability to undertake a significant project such as overhauling an entire supply chain required support and commitment from everyone at Smart & Final as well as our technology partners, such as Aldata and its G.O.L.D. retail suite,” Robinson said. “While I have been singled out for this award, it is really a testament to the hard work and efforts of everyone at Smart & Final. I thank Progressive Grocer for this recognition and will continue to help push the boundaries within the grocery industry.”

“Marie Robinson and Aldata have had a long-standing relationship, and during that time, we have known her to be a visionary in every way. She understands grocery inside and out and knows what it takes to streamline operations,” said Brendan Lowe, Vice President, Aldata, North America. “We’re thrilled that Marie and Smart & Final have been honored by Progressive Grocer magazine and pleased that the Aldata G.O.L.D. retail suite has been an integral part of Smart & Final’s evolution.”

About Smart & Final

Founded in 1871 in downtown Los Angeles, Smart & Final, Inc. operates non-membership warehouse stores for food and foodservice supplies in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho and northern Mexico. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.smartandfinal.com.

Aldata 100% Retail-Wholesale

Aldata is 100% dedicated to retail and wholesale business improvement. The company provides its customers with modern, flexible and integrated software solutions specifically designed to increase productivity, performance and profitability. Aldata has over 24,000 successful installations across 55 countries, from convenience store to hypermarket, 500+ live warehouses and customers with 5 to 5,000 outlets. More information at: www.aldata-solution.com.

June 23, 2009 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Three Women Business Owners Honored With Wells Fargo/National Association of Women Business Owners Award

Award Recognizes Innovation, Growth and Community Service

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners^® (NAWBO^®) will recognize three women-owned businesses with the 8th annual NAWBO/Wells Fargo Trailblazer Award at NAWBO’s 2009 Women’s Business Conference in Chicago on June 25. The award demonstrates the two organizations’ long-standing commitment to the success of women-owned businesses. Each winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize.

The Trailblazer Award is a component of Wells Fargo’s Women Business Services program. Established in 1995, the program uses outreach and education to help women business owners increase their access to capital and other financial services. The program forms key national and community relationships, conducts primary research, sponsors events, and provides financial information and resources to support the success of women-owned businesses. Since 1995, Wells Fargo has loaned more than $34 billion to women business owners nationwide.

The winners were selected from a nationwide pool of applicants and evaluated on their company’s business performance, innovation, growth, and service to the community.

This year’s winners are:

• Wayzata, Minn. – based Hope Chest for Breast Cancer, sells donated upscale furniture, designer clothing and decorative accessories through two retail stores in Minnesota. A portion of the stores’ earnings funds breast cancer programs including emergency financial support, education, research, treatment and hospice care. Owner Barbara Hensley, who started the company after losing her sisters to the disease, will be honored.
• Pacific Grove, Calif. – based Psi Bands develops, manufactures and sells stylish acupressure wrist bands for the relief of nausea due to morning sickness (pregnancy), motion sickness/travel, chemotherapy, and anesthesia. Since launching in October 2007, Psi Bands are now carried by multiple nationwide retail chains and online stores. A portion of the company’s proceeds support Fertile Hope, a nonprofit organization that works with cancer patients whose medical treatments may cause infertility. Owners Romy Taormina and Carla Falcone will be honored.
• DeSoto, Tx. – based Warrior Group provides construction and project management services and is a leading minority woman-owned provider of permanent modular buildings. In 2007, CEO and President Gail Warrior-Lawrence, who will accept the award, founded the Heart of a Warrior Charitable Foundation to provide educational enrichment programs for underserved children in Texas.

“It is our honor to recognize these three women-owned businesses with the Trailblazer Award,” said Joy Ott, regional president for Wells Fargo in Montana and National Spokesperson for Women Business Services program. "These owners are running successful businesses and have found the time to give back to their communities and make a difference in the lives of others. They are all inspirational and embody the talent, passion and strength demonstrated by trailblazers.”

“It is inspiring to see women business owners continuing to prosper throughout the country,” said Helen Han, NAWBO executive director. “This is the eighth year that we have presented this award and every year, we are impressed by the fortitude and drive of our applicants. We are privileged to welcome these business owners to our talented group of trailblazers.”

Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through more than 10,400 stores, over 12,000 ATMs and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and internationally.

Wells Fargo is America’s #1 small business lender in total dollar volume according to the most recent Community Reinvestment Act data (2007) and the #1 SBA 7a national bank lender in total dollar volume (2008). Wells Fargo has loaned close to $39 billion to women, African American, Latino and Asian business owners since 1995. For more information, speak with a Wells Fargo banker, visit wellsfargo.com/biz or call the National Business Banking Center at 1-800-CALL-WELLS.

Founded in 1975, NAWBO propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide. Thirty years later, NAWBO is still the only organization that solely represents the interest of women entrepreneurs in all industries. The organization’s mission is to strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of its members and promote economic development; to create innovative and effective change in the business culture; to build strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliations; and to transform public policy and influence opinion makers. Visit www.nawbo.org for more information.

June 24, 2009 12:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Wells Fargo’s Steve Farish Recognized As Insurance Industry Employee Benefits “Power Broker”


CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wachovia Insurance Services, a Wells Fargo Company, announced today that Steve Farish, senior vice president from the company’s Columbia, S.C. office, received Risk & Insurance's 2009 employee benefits “Power Broker” award in the voluntary benefits category.

“Steve is a thought leader when it comes to voluntary benefits,” said Todd Renner, regional managing director, employee benefits - East Area. “He has been delivering innovative products and solutions to our clients for many years. His extensive industry experience is a tremendous asset for our organization. It's great to see him recognized in this way.”

Farish has been with Wachovia since 2005, assuming various roles prior to joining Wachovia Insurance Services. He works with brokers and customers in delivering core and voluntary communication and education, technology and best in class products as well as other value added platforms to attract and retain employees.

“It is great to see that an industry leader like Risk & Insurance is recognizing people in the voluntary benefits world,” said Farish. “It takes a great team of professionals to make a difference and to coordinate all of the moving parts in the benefit planning and compensation strategy for a customer. Our team is positioned to provide great tools and services, as well as products that can bring a lagging benefit plan to the cusp of leading edge plan design with integral planning of Core and Voluntary benefits in the Total Rewards strategy.”

More than 100 nominees serving four industry groups were considered for this award by the staff of Risk & Insurance magazine. In confidential interviews, key employee benefit managers were asked to cite specific examples of what a broker accomplished during 2008 to deserve recognition. Employee benefit managers gave specific descriptions of how particular brokers solved different claims, coverage, or pricing issues for their customers.

About Wells Fargo & Company

Wells Fargo Insurance Services, Inc., along with Wachovia Insurance Services, is the fifth-largest insurance brokerage and the largest bank-owned insurance brokerage in the United States, with more than 200 offices in 37 states. Its 9,600 insurance professionals place more than $15.5 billion of risk premiums with expertise in property, casualty, benefits, international, personal lines and life products. For more information about Wells Fargo Insurance Services, visit www.wellsfargo.com/wfis.

Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through more than 11,000 stores, over 12,000 ATMs and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and internationally.

June 23, 2009 05:26 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Hirsch Demonstrates Industry's First Standards-Based Network / Physical Access Control Enforcement Solution

Enhances Physical and Cyber Security and Compliance

Interop Las Vegas 2009

SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hirsch Electronics, a leading supplier of physical security management solutions, has teamed with IT industry leaders Juniper Networks and Infoblox to tie physical and network security together, increasing protection for both environments. As a result, customers can improve security and enhance compliance efforts by establishing physical presence as a policy for gaining access to various network resources.

The solution was implemented by the three companies using the open Trusted Network Connect architecture and IF-MAP open-standard protocol for metadata exchange endorsed by more than 100 companies that comprise the Trusted Computing Group (TCG). For Hirsch’s part in this industry first, the award-winning Hirsch Velocity™ Security Management System sent IF-MAP based physical event messages (metadata) to the Infoblox appliance, which in turn notified the Juniper network appliance that enforced Network Access Control (NAC) policies.

NAC, widely embraced by the IT and networking industry, enforces a variety of network security policy checks. For instance, a NAC enabled network can prevent a computer from accessing other resources until the computer is confirmed to have an adequate level of anti-virus protection. NAC enabled routers, switches, and firewalls can grant or deny a given user wired or WI-FI network access to the Internet or access to other network resources such as datacenter servers, IP phones, and more. This new capability takes NAC one step further by allowing a person's physical presence to be used as a pre- and post-network admission policy.

A demonstration of this new linkage between physical and network security was showcased in the Trusted Computing Group's Interop Las Vegas booth in May. The demonstration garnered enthusiastic responses from end-users, integrators and industry analysts alike.

"This convergence concept has been discussed for some time but has been slow to actually gain market traction," noted Andrew Braunberg, research director, enterprise security and networks, for Current Analysis. "It is encouraging to see an ecosystem of companies coalescing around a set of open specifications that allow them to enable this convergence while also supporting best of breed functionality."

"This is an excellent proof-point for how extensible the Trusted Network Connect architecture and TCG's specifications are," commented Stephen Hanna, co-chair of TCG's Trusted Network Connect Work Group and Juniper Networks distinguished engineer. "Through TCG's IF-MAP protocol, physical security events can now trigger network security enforcement policies and vice-versa. Hirsch's support and innovative collaboration with other TCG members Juniper and Infoblox has demonstrated that TNC can be deployed to make security pervasive in any organization."

At Interop, the Hirsch Velocity system received access requests to enter a building as well as secure building locations, such as a development lab or datacenter, using both contactless smartcards and personal identification number (PIN) credentials. Access grant and denial messages were sent in real-time to Infoblox's 1550 Network Services Appliance, which acted as a clearinghouse for events and device status. The Infoblox server automatically sent notification of changes to the Juniper Networks IC Series Unified Access Control Appliance, which enabled or disabled the credential holder's network access per pre-established policies.

Within many business and other environments, a wide range of policy-based network actions could be implemented. For instance, the policies could dictate where, when and how authorized users can access network resources or make use of virtual private networks (VPN). Similarly, Hirsch's Velocity could receive network event messages from IF-MAP-enabled devices to implement a new level of situational awareness and enforce new physical security policies, including locking down a building due to an internal network breach.

Stuart Bailey, chief technology officer for Infoblox and IF-MAP specification co-editor, observed, "The demo was very compelling; many of the Interop attendees who viewed it expressed interest in deploying this type of multi-dimensional security that can link network access policy to physical presence and vice-versa. This gives us further confidence that MAP solves real-world problems and opens up exciting applications. We're excited to be working with TCG and with leaders like Hirsch and Juniper to bring about a new era of open, interoperable systems."

"With this multi-vendor effort, we are on the cusp of delivering a comprehensive security solution with policy enforcement from building entrance to the computer and phone to the 'cloud,'" noted Bob Beliles, vice president of enterprise business development for Hirsch Electronics. "At a minimum, by requiring employees to badge-in prior to gaining network access, organizations should see a significant reduction in 'tailgating.'" This is the situation where one employee or an unauthorized person bypasses the access control system and audit logs by following an authorized employee through a door without each person presenting his card or code to the entry reader. "Moreover, the same Hirsch credential, with its secure digital identity, could not only be used to enter a building, it could also be used to log-on to a PC and used again for authenticating network access requests. As a result, organizations should be able to more easily account for who is inside their buildings and better comply with various government and industry regulations."

About Hirsch Electronics

Hirsch manufactures security systems for worldwide markets. Hirsch's solutions integrate access control, video, intrusion detection, identity management, smart cards and biometrics. Hirsch is part of SCM Microsystems, a world leader in smart card-based technology. Together, SCM and Hirsch offer converged physical and logical security solutions to safeguard facilities, computers and commerce. For more information, visit www.HirschElectronics.com (NASDAQ: SCMM, Prime Standard: SMY)

About Infoblox

Infoblox delivers highly reliable and manageable platforms for core network services like domain name resolution (DNS), IP address assignment (DHCP), IP address management (IPAM) and more. Infoblox solutions – essential for the move from static networks to dynamic infrastructure and applications – are used by over 3,500 organizations worldwide, including over 100 of the Fortune 500. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., and operates in more than 30 countries. For more information visit www.infoblox.com

About Trusted Computing Group (TCG)

The Trusted Computing Group is a not-for-profit organization formed to develop, define, and promote open standards for hardware-enabled trusted computing and security technologies, including hardware building blocks and software interfaces, across multiple platforms, peripherals, and devices. TCG specifications will enable more secure computing environments without compromising functional integrity, privacy, or individual rights. The primary goal is to help users protect their information assets from compromise due to external software attack and physical theft. More information and the organization's specifications are available at the Trusted Computing Group's website, www.trustedcomputinggroup.org.

Referenced brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective company or its affiliates in the United States and certain other countries. Additional company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the individual companies and are respectfully acknowledged.

June 22, 2009 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Coca-Cola Gives Away $250,000 California Dream Home in Summer Sweepstakes

Coca-Cola Partners with Albertsons to Give Away Brand New Taylor Morrison Home; Sweepstakes Ends August 11


LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Coca-Cola Company today announced the launch of the California Dream Home Giveaway sweepstakes. In partnership with Albertsons, Coca-Cola will give consumers who buy select Coca-Cola products at participating Albertsons stores the opportunity to win a brand new Taylor Morrison home, valued at approximately $250,000.

“Owning a home is still a big part of the American dream," said Luis Fernando Ramirez, vice president west region for Coca-Cola North America. “Home ownership for first-time homebuyers has become increasingly difficult for families. We are excited to offer the local community a chance to live the dream. There’s nothing more gratifying to us than being able to refresh consumers and make their lives more enjoyable as they ‘open happiness’ this summer.”

Consumers receive one (1) automatic entry into the California Dream Home Giveaway sweepstakes each time they purchase four (4) of the eligible Coca-Cola Company products listed below in a single transaction at participating Albertsons stores. Purchases must be made during the promotional period, and consumers must use their Albertsons Preferred Savings Card. Eligible Coca-Cola products for entry accrual are:

•12 pack (12oz cans) or 8 pack (12oz bottles) of sparkling beverages of the Coca-Cola Company
•8 pack (20oz bottles) of POWERADE ION4
•12 pack (.5 liter bottles) of Nestea
•12 pack or 4 pack Vitaminwater
The California Home Giveaway sweepstakes is only open to legal residents of California and Nevada who are 21 years of age or older at the time of promotion registration. Sweepstakes begins June 17 and ends August 11.

To receive more information or schedule an interview, please contact Formula at 310-578-7050 or via e-mail at casey@formulapr.com.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with nearly 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola(R), recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke(R), Fanta(R), Sprite(R), Coca-Cola Zero(R), vitaminwater, POWERADE(R), Minute Maid(R) and Georgia(R) Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of nearly 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our Web site at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

Updates Underway at Silver State News Service ~ More to Come Later Today!

Updates Underway at Silver State News Service ~ More to Come Later Today!

June 24, 2009 01:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

CTIA- The Wireless Association Forum: Medical and Policy Experts Agree Wireless Technology Makes Healthcare More Efficient, Effective and Patient-Focused

Wireless Industry Reminds Congress of Numerous Benefits of Deploying Wireless Technologies for Healthcare and Encourages Them to Include mHealth Solutions as Reimbursable Medical Expenses


WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Federal government officials and policy and medical experts spoke at this morning’s “mHealth Solutions and Policy Forum,” hosted by CTIA-The Wireless Association®, to discuss mobile medical applications and their numerous benefits including reducing costs and errors, removing geographical and economic disparities and reinforcing consumer-focused and personalized healthcare. From remote monitoring and accessing critical health information on the go, to creating personal channels of communications between healthcare providers and patients, speakers presented numerous real-life examples of how mobile wireless technologies and applications are helping to improve health for millions of Americans, regardless of geographic location, race, age, gender or disability.

The U.S. healthcare system costs $2.2 trillion each year, or about 16 percent of the gross domestic product. Currently, the Obama Administration and Congress are working to determine the best way to fix this system and bring greater service and cost efficiency. While the plans of how this can be accomplished are still being discussed, today’s speakers agreed that wireless technology is a major part of the solution since more than 270 million in the U.S. and 4.1 billion in the world have wireless access.

Speakers at the “mHealth Solutions and Policy Forum” were notable medical and policy experts including U.S. Representative and Member of the 21st Century Health Care Caucus Adam Smith (D-WA-9); Chief Medical Officer of the West Wireless Health Institute and Chief Academic Officer for Scripps Health Eric Topol, M.D. and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Fellow Dan Fletcher, PhD.

mHealth solutions today use off-the-shelf applications and technology such as text messaging and mobile voice to prompt patients to take medication, follow a certain diet, engage in physical activity, check their glucose levels, take their blood pressure, detect cardiac arrhythmias and more. By making healthcare more personal and individualized, mHealth solutions are expected to significantly improve the medical community’s ability to resolve epidemics, reduce medical errors and expand preventive healthcare.

In addition, mHealth can make a tremendous impact on chronic conditions such as congestive heart failure, diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In the U.S., more than 45 percent of Americans suffer from at least one of these diseases and approximately a quarter of the population has multiple conditions. According to Richard Adler’s Health Care Unplugged: The Evolving Role of Wireless Technology report, if patients suffering from chronic conditions agreed to have their doctor monitor them remotely via mobile wireless applications, (i.e. monitor patients’ health and track and guide self-care beyond the doctors’ offices), the savings would amount to $21.1 billion per year by reducing emergency care, hospitalization and nursing home costs. mHealth would allow the millions of Americans living in remote, rural areas to “visit” the best doctors’ offices in the country, eliminating healthcare disparities based on geographic location and economic differences.

The Forum’s experts highlighted the need for Congress to ensure healthcare reforms encourage the implementation of mHealth solutions and are made accessible to millions of Americans, especially for preventive care. For example, the speakers agreed that a definition of “meaningful use” should be broad enough to include mHealth solutions, and revisions to Medicare be implemented to add mHealth solutions as being covered services subject to reimbursement. These kinds of policies are critical to the medical and wireless industry’s efforts to bring better healthcare services to millions of Americans.

Today’s speakers are also leading medical innovators who are applying existing, commonly used mobile applications to address a variety of chronic care and other health conditions:


•Dan Fletcher, PhD; White House Office of Science and Technology Policy – oversaw the development of the CellScope, a cameraphone-microscope. The device takes focused pictures at up to 50x magnification, enough to see red blood cells and the Plasmodium parasite that causes malaria. Modified versions of the scope can also diagnose tuberculosis, skin conditions, dangerous insect bites and abnormal mole growth

•Jonathan Javitt, M.D., MPH; CEO, Telcare – helped develop the Telcheck™, a glucose meter which transmits daily glucose readings to a patient’s caregiver (e.g. physician, nurse/case manager or pharmacist) and relays daily coaching to the patient. It may also be used to link a child with diabetes to a parent or an elderly parent with diabetes to an adult child. In addition, Telcare will launch the Telflo™ wireless peak flow meter for asthma which combines monitoring technology with wireless communications. Physicians and parents will be alerted when a child falls below respiratory flow safe levels or when a child stops testing in the prescribed manner.

•Justin Sims; CEO, Voxiva – Voxiva’s mHealth applications include appointment reminders, sent via SMS (text), email or phone. Reminders can be two-way so patients can either confirm or cancel their appointments. They also offer “daily diaries,” a personal record to keep track of treatments which can be accessed through the phone, text messages or through a web interface to review or to share with others.

•Richard J. Katz, M.D.; Director, Division of Cardiology and Director, Cheney Cardiovascular Institute, The George Washington University Hospital – principle investigator for a trial using the “Pill Phone” to improve medication adherence of hypertensive medications in a Medicaid population. He is also principle investigator for “DC Health Connect,” a cell phone program to manage diabetes and hypertension in Washington, DC health clinics.

•Jay Bernhardt, M.D.; Director, Center for National Health Marketing, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – currently using emerging mobile technologies to increase the dissemination and potential impact of CDC’s science by reaching wider and more diverse audiences, and tailoring specific health messages to meet unique challenges, such as the response to H1N1 and natural disasters such as hurricanes. The CDC is using mobile technology to facilitate interactive communication and community - thereby empowering people to make healthier and safer decisions.

“The high caliber of healthcare industry leaders and policy experts who were here today to exchange ideas and discuss how wireless technology is reshaping our healthcare system in the U.S. and around the world was remarkable. Throughout the morning, these experts agreed and reiterated that the wireless industry is a major part of the healthcare solution,” said Steve Largent, President and CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association. “CTIA and our member companies are looking forward to working with these experts, the Administration, Congress and others involved in the healthcare industry to continue innovating, developing and applying technology to bring the vast benefits of wireless healthcare to consumers.”

“Today’s speakers highlighted numerous cost-effective solutions that use wireless technology and services to reduce healthcare costs and expand affordable healthcare options for millions of people who don’t have access to quality medical treatment,” said Representative Smith. “These tools can be utilized to provide care to millions of people around the globe – especially in developing countries where mobile communications are currently ‘leapfrogging’ traditional landline communications. For example, wireless technology can be used to ensure that patients with infectious diseases like TB follow their treatments, possibly curing many patients around the world and decreasing the incidence of drug resistant strains.”

“It is exciting to have these experienced leaders in the wireless industry, healthcare community and from our government, come together to raise critical awareness for wireless health solutions and innovative sensor technologies,” said Topol. “Through this unprecedented convergence, we will join the current Administration with the collective goal of lowering the overwhelming cost of healthcare and providing a higher standard of healthcare around the world.”

CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers.
www.ctia.org

June 22, 2009 10:21 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Statement by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius On the 10th Anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court Decision Olmstead v. L.C.


WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HHS joins President Obama in commemorating a significant anniversary in the civil rights movement for persons with disabilities. Ten years ago today, the United States Supreme Court issued its landmark decision in Olmstead v. L.C. recognizing that “unjustified institutional isolation of persons with disabilities is a form of discrimination” under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

To underscore the importance of the Olmstead decision and continue to affirm our commitment to addressing isolation and discrimination against people with disabilities that still exists today, President Obama has designated this as a “Year of Community Living.” I recognize that to put an end to injustice and carry the directive of the Olmstead decision into all programs of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), we must create new partnerships. And so, today, we invite all of our public and private partners -- other federal agencies, states, consumers, advocates, providers and others to join us in embracing the Supreme Court’s vision of equal opportunity and an end to unjustified institutionalization for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses and older Americans.

To begin this “Year of Community Living,” agencies within my department will undertake the task of aggressively addressing barriers that prevent some Americans with disabilities from enjoying a meaningful life as part of their community. I have asked the Administration on Aging (AoA), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Office for Civil Rights, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to form a HHS Coordinating Council, which will be led by the Office on Disability. These agencies, with the support of the department, will work together to put in place solutions that address barriers to community living for individuals with disabilities and to give people more control over their lives and the supports they need.

As a first step, CMS will engage the public in making meaningful regulatory reforms to the home and community-based waiver program. An “Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” was published in the Federal Register today inviting public input on proposed changes to current regulations giving states greater flexibility to serve people based on their individual needs rather than on diagnosis.

In addition, CMS and AoA are making grant funds available to states to strengthen and expand HHS’ Aging and Disability Resource Center Programs (ADRCs). Under this Initiative, I am encouraging collaboration by requiring that ADRCs partner with all state agencies involved in serving populations with disabilities, as well as the Centers for Independent Living. The Centers for Independent Living have an important role to play at the community level in promoting independent living skills throughout ADRCs.

HHS’ Community Living Initiative will include partnerships with other federal agencies and the public. As the President announced earlier today, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will make 1,000 housing vouchers available for individuals with disabilities transitioning from institutions to the community targeting States operating Money Follows the Person Demonstration programs. HUD will award an additional 3,000 housing vouchers to serve non-elderly people with disabilities and encourage Public Housing Authorities to form working relationships with state Medicaid agencies interested in addressing community living needs of beneficiaries. While this is a good start, this announcement is only the beginning of the collaboration between the HHS and HUD during the “Year of Community Living.”

The HHS Office for Civil Rights is enhancing its partnership with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division to ensure vigorous enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Olmstead decision. This partnership will maximize the effectiveness of federal leadership in promoting the civil right of community living and setting forth the Administration’s position in federal courts.

To carry out the President’s commitment to open government, we are committed to giving Americans opportunities to participate in policymaking to provide the benefit of collective expertise and information. In keeping with this mandate, we will reach out to the public as partners in our Community Living Initiative. Throughout this “Year of Community Living,” HHS will hold listening sessions giving stakeholders an opportunity to come together for a common purpose: overcoming barriers to community-based living for people with disabilities and the elderly. These forums will help us craft the agenda to improve federal programs and better support the efforts of state and local government.

We look forward to this new era of partnership, innovation and commitment to the Olmstead decision. We are deeply committed to taking bold new steps -- during this “Year of Community Living” and into the future.

June 19, 2009 08:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Alphatec Spine Reaches Milestone of OsseoFix Adoption

•Over 100 Patients in Europe Treated with the OsseoFix Spinal Fracture Reduction System for Vertebral Compression Fractures

•Over 40 Surgeons Trained in Europe with Next Training Session Oversubscribed


CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alphatec Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATEC), the parent company of Alphatec Spine, Inc., a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spine disorders, with a focus on treating conditions related to the aging spine, today announced that, as of June 1, 2009, over 115 patients in eight European countries have been treated with the OsseoFix™ Spinal Fracture Reduction System, the Company’s innovative product for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures. The first European training session was held at the University of Vienna in mid-December 2008. The first shipments of OsseoFix products into Europe occurred at the end of December 2008.

“We are pleased with the significant surgeon adoption of OsseoFix across Europe. Surgeons who are using the OsseoFix system benefit from the potential to improve patient outcomes by providing an enhanced ability for vertebral height maintenance while using less cement as a result of the permanent titanium implant. As this product represents our initial launch into the aging spine market, we are particularly pleased with the manner in which the adoption of OsseoFix appears to be accelerating. Over 60 patients were treated in May alone,” said Dirk Kuyper, Alphatec Spine’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Kuyper added, “Our next training lab, which will be held in July in Vienna, is oversubscribed, with 50 surgeons and over 70 total participants already enrolled in what will be our third training session.”

The OsseoFix system is not yet approved for sale in the United States and is currently under 510(K) review with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

About Vertebral Compression Fractures and the OsseoFix Spinal Fracture Reduction System

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation there were 700,000 osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in the U.S., of which only one-third are estimated to be diagnosed. Common causes of vertebral compression fractures include osteoporosis, trauma, or a pre-existing disease at the fracture site.

Currently, the two most common procedures used to treat vertebral compression fractures are kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty. A kyphoplasty procedure involves injecting a balloon through a catheter into the damaged vertebra, inflating the balloon to restore height, and reinforcing the resultant space made by the balloon with bone cement. A vertebroplasty procedure involves injecting bone cement directly into the compressed vertebral body under high pressure, with the goal of stabilizing the fracture.

Alphatec Spine designed and developed the OsseoFix system to expand the market for surgical solutions for vertebral compression fractures with what it believes to be an improvement over the most common procedures being used today. OsseoFix is designed to allow for improved fracture reduction and designed to use less cement during a surgical procedure, both of which Alphatec believes reduces the risk of cement extravasation, reduces surgical complications and increases clinical efficacy.

About Alphatec Spine

Alphatec Spine, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alphatec Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATEC). Alphatec Spine is a medical device company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets products for the surgical treatment of spine disorders, primarily focused on disorders affecting the aging spine. The Company's mission is to combine world-class customer service with innovative, surgeon-driven design that will help improve the aging patient's quality of life. The Company is poised to achieve its goal through new solutions for patients with osteoporosis, stenosis and other aging spine deformities, improved minimally invasive products and techniques and integrated biologic solutions. In addition to its U.S. operations, the Company also markets its spine products in Europe. In Asia, the Company markets a broad line of spine and orthopedic products through its subsidiary, Alphatec Pacific, Inc. For more information, please visit www.alphatecspine.com.

Also visit the Aging Spine Center, www.agingspinecenter.com, a web-based information portal for healthcare providers and patients regarding aging spine disorders and their treatment. The Company is working with the National Osteoporosis Foundation as well as other clinical portals that provide peer-reviewed content, to populate the Aging Spine Center. The interactive website will enable patients to review pertinent information about disorders that affect the aging spine in an easy-to-understand format that includes videos, graphics and questions that should be asked of caregivers. Medical information will include published abstracts regarding the aging spine.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainty. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: Alphatec Spine's ability to accelerate new product momentum, bring to market differentiated products and commercialize its product pipeline. Alphatec Spine cautions investors that there can be no assurance that actual results or business conditions will not differ materially from those projected or suggested in such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the following: Alphatec Spine’s ability to meet its revenue projections, the growth rate of the spine market related to aging and elderly patients, uncertainty of success in developing new products or products currently in Alphatec Spine's pipeline, including those products that are intended to treat disorders prevalent in aging patients, including the OsseoFix, failure to achieve acceptance of Alphatec Spine's products, including the OsseoFix, by the surgeon community, failure to obtain FDA clearance or approval for new products, including the OsseoFix, or unexpected or prolonged delays in the process, Alphatec Spine's ability to develop and expand its business in the United States, Asia and Europe, continuation of favorable third party payor reimbursement for procedures performed using Alphatec Spine's products, unanticipated expenses or liabilities or other adverse events affecting cash flow or Alphatec Spine's ability to successfully control its costs or achieve profitability, uncertainty of additional funding, Alphatec Spine's ability to compete with other competing products and with emerging new technologies, product liability exposure, patent infringement claims and claims related to Alphatec Spine's intellectual property. Please refer to the risks detailed from time to time in Alphatec Spine's SEC reports, including quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, reports on Form 8-K and annual reports on Form 10-K. Alphatec Spine disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, unless required by law.

June 16, 2009 09:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time

The Market for Personal Robots Will Reach $5.26 Billion by 2015, According to NextGen Research


OYSTER BAY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The prevailing wisdom is that the personal robotics market resembles the personal computer market of the mid-1970s; many small companies with greater expertise in R&D than in marketing are trying to create a product for which others will develop applications. Proprietary specifications are giving way to standardized solutions, especially on the high end where the robot will have a full computer on board (or off-board, connected via Wi-Fi or 3G to a PC or the network cloud).

According to the study “Personal Robotics 2009: Task, Security & Surveillance/Telepresence, Entertainment and Education Robot, and Robotic Components Markets Through 2015”

http://www.nextgenresearch.com/research/1004160-Personal_Robotics_2009,

the global personal robots market will grow from $1.16 billion in 2009 to more than $5 billion in 2015. The majority of such robots in 2009 are entertainment robots -- toys -- and single-task robots, such as vacuum cleaners or floor washers.

"The market is being affected by the global economic downturn," says Marc Liggio, the study's author. "These are good products, but not yet must-haves. Task robots cost several hundred dollars, and are not a full replacement for a regular vacuum cleaner or mop. The downturn will slow sales growth and marketing expenditures through 2010."

The new study finds that entertainment robots in particular are being affected by the recession; people are buying lower-cost products, and manufacturers are seeking lower price points. The task robot segment will grow as customers in current markets move to more expensive (and more effective) devices, but then will decline as expansion into less-wealthy markets increases sales of lower-cost robots, according to the study.

In the next phase of the market’s evolution, robots will be partially controlled by a user at a remote location. Telepresence robots will allow people to interact with family members at another location or to check on pets or second homes. Health personnel will monitor the elderly or infirm remotely, making sure they take their medication on time or guiding them through blood pressure or blood sugar measurements. Says Mr. Liggio, "There is still research to be done on the development of robots using grippers or hands to manipulate the environment. We won't see C3P0 anytime soon."

NextGen Research is the emerging technology arm of ABI Research ( www.ABIResearch.com ). NextGen Research informs clients of the outlook for applications currently in use and the opportunities presented by new technologies, so they can make sound business decisions. For more information, please visit www.NextGenResearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2526.

June 16, 2009 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

New Expert Added to Pri-Med’s Ask the Expert Series

Dr. Lachlan Forrow will directly address physician questions on pri-med.com and keynote upcoming conferences

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, the Pri-Med brand, owned and operated by M|C Communications LLC in Boston, MA, is pleased to introduce its new faculty member for its “Ask the Expert” feature online at pri-med.com and upcoming keynote addresses at its live educational activities, Dr. Lachlan Forrow. Dr. Forrow, an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a general internist in the Division of General Medicine and Primary Care at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, is Director of Ethics and Palliative Care Programs at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He also serves as President of The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship^TM, a national nonprofit organization that works to reduce and eliminate health disparities by developing leaders in service who are committed to meeting the health needs of the underserved. Ask the Expert: Ethics and Professional Responsibility with Dr. Forrow launches today. Additionally, Dr. Forrow will be speaking at the upcoming Pri-Med Conference & Exhibitions meetings, being held in New York City, August 27-30 and in Baltimore, December 3-5.

Pri-Med.com’s Ask the Expert: Ethics and Professional Responsibility is a unique offering being made available to the Pri-Med community of clinicians. Ask the Expert: Ethics and Professional Responsibility allows participants to create a personal connection and engagement with Dr. Forrow 1:1 from anywhere in the world by submitting a question directly to his personal email inbox via the pri-med.com website. This offering builds off the highly successful inaugural Ask the Expert: Neurology with Dr. Martin A. Samuels, which receives up to 20 submissions a month. Questions of the highest clinical relevance are reviewed and responded to by the respective faculty and posted on the Ask the Expert page of pri-med.com to benefit the larger audience.

Pri-Med expanded its Ask the Expert online series to meet the needs of a physician community seeking innovative and ready access to clinical experts who can provide insights and answers to their patient care challenge questions. The need for such online and readily available resources is particularly critical given that 90% of US physicians use their computers daily to obtain clinical information.¹

“As an internist, I see today’s practicing clinicians dealing with a wider range of conditions, including elderly care, cardiovascular health, obesity, quality of care, and more. As a result, we all need a community to leverage as a sounding board,” says Dr. Lachlan Forrow. “I am thrilled to be part of the Ask the Expert series to participate in this community to connect with and be a resource for clinicians across the US to share my insights and experiences about care and social responsibility.”

In the live arena, Dr. Forrow continues Pri-Med’s tradition of keynotes dedicated to perpetuating social value. Through examples of the work of the Schweitzer Fellows -- graduate students in health and human services who design and implement service projects with a direct and lasting impact on the health of underserved communities -- Dr. Forrow’s keynote will demonstrate that "good work" energy not only provides personal and professional satisfaction but can truly make a difference in your own community.

“My keynote is a call to action to you, a member of the medical community, to help us all understand and celebrate how medical professionals are making a difference beyond daily patient care,” said Lachlan Forrow, MD. “Come listen to be reminded, motivated, and inspired.”

To view or submit a question to Dr. Forrow’s Ask the Expert: Ethics and Professional Responsibility, please visit www.pri-med.com/ethicsexpert. If you’d like to learn more and/or register for Pri-Med New York or Pri-Med Mid-Atlantic, please visit Pri-Med Conference and Exhibition.

About Pri-Med

Pri-Med is a brand within M|C Communications LLC. Offered through the Pri-Med brand are both educational solutions for physicians and allied health professionals and non-CME product information sharing and exhibit opportunities for industry. Pri-Med’s educational solutions are fully firewalled from the non-CME offerings and are developed compliantly and in accordance with accrediting organization requirements and standards, including the ACCME. Pri-Med’s offerings include 120+ live meetings and conventions across the U.S., in the UK, and Germany; 300+ online CME activities and web-based tools and resources on www.pri-med.com, one of the top ten CME websites available to physicians.

About the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship

Since its inception in 1991, the Schweitzer Fellowship has provided more than 400,000 hours of service to the communities it serves. Carrying on Schweitzer’s legacy of translating idealism into action—and of restoring the moral compass of the health-related fields—Schweitzer Fellows are chosen through a competitive selection process from the nation’s top health and human service schools. They serve for one year, working with local community agencies in Baltimore, Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Greater Philadelphia, Houston/Galveston, Los Angeles, New Hampshire/Vermont, New Orleans, North Carolina, and Pittsburgh to implement sustainable service projects that make a lasting, on-the-ground difference in the health of local communities.

Once Fellows have completed their initial year of service, they join a network of over 2,000 Schweitzer “Fellows for Life” across the United States and abroad. Virtually all continue their commitment to lives of service in cities and towns around the country and around the world. Because the work of the Fellows is donated without charge to the communities served, each city’s program is supported entirely through charitable gifts. For more information or to receive a copy of our informational DVD featuring Dr. Timothy Johnson and Yo-Yo Ma, visit www.schweitzerfellowship.org.

¹Source Pri-Med National Insights & Behaviors Study, May 2008 (N=851 PCPs)

June 15, 2009 04:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Hebrew SeniorLife Opens NewBridge on the Charles

$485 Million, One Million Square-Foot Project is One of the Largest Developments Scheduled to Open in Mass. in 2009


ROSLINDALE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In an exciting step forward, Hebrew SeniorLife today announced the opening of the 256 independent living units at NewBridge on the Charles, a state-of-the-art continuing care retirement community located on the 162-acre Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Campus in Dedham, Mass. The innovative $485 million dollar project, developed by Boston-based nonprofit Hebrew SeniorLife, is being completed on time, on budget and ahead of schedule.

“The opening of NewBridge on the Charles is the culmination of seven years of work by Hebrew SeniorLife’s board, donors, staff and volunteers,” said Len Fishman, president and chief executive officer of Hebrew SeniorLife. “Each day our team works to change the way people think about aging, and we are confident that NewBridge will bring us one step closer to fulfilling this mission.”

Hebrew SeniorLife broke ground on NewBridge on the Charles in June 2007. The campus, which is bordered on two sides by the Charles River, will include more than 250 residences for active, independent seniors as well as a community center, fitness facilities, four dining venues, tennis courts, art studios, theater, and convenience store. The campus will also include 350 assisted living, sub-acute and long-term care beds. The Rashi School, a K-8 day school, is slated to open on the campus in the fall of 2010, enabling rich intergenerational programming. NewBridge is also home to the largest geothermal well system in New England, providing environmentally friendly heating and cooling for the campus.

On June 15, independent residents living in the community’s cottages, villas and apartments will be moving into their new homes. In July, the assisted living units will open and the healthcare center is scheduled to open in October.

Five families are moving to the community on June 15 and a total of 48 families will be living at the community by the end of June. “My husband and I are moving to our apartment on NewBridge on June 15, and we are looking forward to being active within the community and with the Rashi School,” said Roz Holt, future NewBridge on the Charles resident, who is relocating from Lexington where she and her husband lived for 40 years. “While I never imagined moving from the home where we’ve raised our children, I’m very much looking forward to settling into our new life at NewBridge.”

NewBridge on the Charles features many attributes that set it apart from other continuing care retirement communities. Hebrew SeniorLife invested more money into the technology at NewBridge than has ever been spent on any CCRC in the country. It also has more unit types to choose from than any other CCRC in the country, and the largest collection of original art, picked by 88-year-old Natalie Wolf.

NewBridge on the Charles represents a major expansion for Hebrew SeniorLife, a leading health care and housing provider for older adults in the Boston area and a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital. Hebrew SeniorLife, headquartered in Roslindale, Mass., is a nonprofit senior health care agency founded in 1903. The organization was created to "establish a Home for the taking care of the old and infirmed Jewish men and women in the City of Boston." Today the organization serves elderly citizens of all religions and income levels throughout eastern Massachusetts.

Hebrew SeniorLife currently operates six facilities dedicated to housing and caring for seniors. When all phases of NewBridge on the Charles are open, Hebrew SeniorLife will operate more than 1,400 units of senior housing with supportive services and over 800 healthcare beds across its facilities.

About NewBridge on the Charles

NewBridge on the Charles, located on the 162-acre Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Campus off West Street in Dedham, Mass., is being developed by Hebrew SeniorLife. NewBridge on the Charles will provide a continuum of state-of-the-art residences and health care services for seniors starting at age 62. The campus features the amenity-rich Carl J. and Ruth Shapiro Community Center, recreation facilities, 1.7 miles of walking trails, and 100 acres of preserved open space, for a vibrant and fulfilling living experience, regardless of age or ability. For more information, visit www.newbridgeonthecharles.org.

About Hebrew SeniorLife

Hebrew SeniorLife, founded in 1903, provides a continuum of care to more than 5,000 seniors in the Boston area including supportive senior housing, a continuing care retirement community, adult day health, long-term care, post-acute short-term care, and out-patient clinics. Hebrew SeniorLife trains more than 1,000 caregivers in geriatric care annually and is a major site of the Harvard Medical School’s Geriatric Fellowship Program. For more information, visit www.hebrewseniorlife.org.

Senior Report

MedSmart on Monitored Base

MedSmart Reminder and Dispensing System by AMAC.

Photo: Business Wire

June 15, 2009 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Medication Non-Compliance Estimated to Result in More Than 300,000 Deaths Each Year

MedSmart® Medication Tool Developed by AMAC to Reduce Hospitalizations and Help Save Lives


OCEANSIDE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Medication non-compliance is becoming one of the most expensive and deadly problems in healthcare today. Hospital costs due to patient non-compliance are estimated at $8.5 billion annually. And with more than 300,000 deaths annually resulting from non-compliance, healthcare professionals, caregivers and Americans are left searching for new ways to fight this avoidable issue.

American Medical Alert Corp. (NASDAQ:AMAC) has developed a first-of-its-kind “smart” medication dispensing device to directly address medication compliance issues and provide peace of mind to anyone living with or caring for the sick or elderly.

MedSmart® reminds, dispenses and can report medication non-compliance, ensuring that a patient takes the proper medications at the proper time. If a dose is missed, the system will send a signal that ensures designated caregivers are promptly notified via text, voice or email messages, allowing for proactive and responsive care.

“Patients are not receiving the full benefit of their medications,” said Jack Rhian, AMAC President and Chief Executive Officer. “As a result, people are being hospitalized and even dying unnecessarily. We developed MedSmart to make it easier for people to take their medications as directed and thereby live longer, healthier lives.”

MedSmart benefits for both patients and caregivers include:


•At dosage times, medications are made readily available at the exact time they need to be taken.
•The device activates both visual and audio alarms to alert the patient.

•If a dose is missed, the device will send a signal that ensures designated caregivers are promptly notified via text, voice or email messages.

•Easy-to-fill Medtrays can be loaded by caregivers ahead of time to ensure proper medications and doses are dispensed.
•Medications can be dispensed early should a patient need to leave the house.

•The device will notify caregivers when refills are needed.

•MedSmart is relatively inexpensive compared to similar devices; suggested retail is approximately $249 upfront* and $34.95 per month* for event reporting services. (* 6 month service commitment required. Other pricing options available.)


“MedSmart is a tool that should be utilized by anyone trying to manage a medication regimen,” said John O’Brien, PharmD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Clinical and Administrative Sciences at the College of Notre Dame School of Pharmacy. “It is vital that anyone needing medications take them properly. MedSmart will help increase medication compliance and, as a result, improve and save many lives.”

For more information on MedSmart, go to www.healthyagingsolutions.com.

About American Medical Alert Corp (AMAC)

AMAC is a healthcare communications solutions provider with more than 25 years of experience. Healthcare providers seek out AMAC to find solutions in the areas of communications, support, remote health and vital signs monitoring through its two divisions: Health and Safety Monitoring and Telephony Based Communication Services. For additional information, please visit www.amac.com.

Challenged & Disabled

ReWalk Clinical Trials Patient at MossRehab

Photo: Business Wire

June 24, 2009 02:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Paraplegics will Stand, Walk and Climb Stairs Using Life-Changing Assistive Device

MossRehab is Exclusive Site of the U.S. Clinical Trials of ReWalk


--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Albert Einstein Healthcare Network:

WHAT:
The first female clinical trials patient and an experienced male user and soldier from Israel will demonstrate going from a wheelchair to performing ambulatory functions using the ReWalk suit. ReWalk is the first commercially viable upright device that enables wheelchair users to stand, walk, and climb stairs. ReWalk can be used by people with spinal cord injury-related disabilities and eventually by others with brain injury, stroke and other conditions that produce severe walking impairments.


MossRehab (part of Albert Einstein Healthcare Network) is the exclusive site of the U.S. clinical trails of ReWalk™. MossRehab was selected as the site for U.S. clinical trails because of its international reputation for comprehensive clinical rehabilitation and research programs, with a special focus on medical and cognitive rehabilitation and problems with movement. The MossRehab clinical and research staff consist of some of the world’s foremost experts in rehabilitation medicine, including Dr. Alberto Esquenazi who was critical to the development of ReWalk.


WHO:
Dr. Esquenazi, other clinical and non-clinical staff from Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, local clinical trial patient, Israeli ReWalk user, and local politicians and dignitaries


WHEN:
Tuesday, June 30
11 a.m. - noon

WHERE:
MossRehab (Gait Lab)
60 Township Line Road
Elkins Park, PA

WHY:
In many areas of life change comes quickly, but for the over five million mobility-impaired people in the world, little has changed since the first folding, tubular steel wheelchair was developed in 1932. For potentially millions of wheelchair users, ReWalk (designed by Israeli consultancy Taga for medical device company Argo Medical Technologies, Ltd.) delivers a new perspective on the world, on themselves, and on life.

June 24, 2009 10:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time

CIGNA Teams with NEADS/Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans; Raising Funds to Train Puppies to be Assistance Dogs


PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In celebration of the recent graduation day for the newest group of NEADS/Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans graduates, CIGNA is continuing its support of NEADS through a $25,000 donation made by the company’s disability insurance business. In addition, through a new employee fundraising effort, CIGNA will work to raise more money in support of NEADS’ Name-A-Puppy program. NEADS is a non-profit organization that trains service dogs for deaf people and people with disabilities, including wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Through a campaign titled “Someone NEADS Us” CIGNA employees will also vie, in a company-wide drawing, for the honor of naming a puppy that will be trained as an assistance dog. CIGNA employees are working to raise at least $5,000, enough to sponsor ‘naming a puppy’ for a minimum of five puppies. CIGNA Foundation will also make an additional $5,000 contribution to the Name-A-Puppy program.

“Since I got AJ in February through the NEADS Canines for Combat Veterans Program, my life has changed dramatically and AJ is one of the best things to ever happen to me,” said Chris Maddeford, an Army veteran who was injured in Afghanistan. “I’ve slept better than I have in years, and I feel more comfortable in everything that I do. AJ also helps the guys at the VA where I am a Certified Peer Specialist. I run groups and one-to-one sessions, and AJ is there all the time. It’s amazing what he can do. He picks up any dropped articles that I cannot reach due to my back injuries, yet that’s only a part of the story. It’s life-changing what he does for me and the other guys in my group. I want to thank CIGNA and so many others for their generosity toward veterans and those with a disability who may get the chance to realize a little bit better life, even with their injuries.”

Each year in conjunction with its title sponsorship of the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race, CIGNA partners with a community organization whose mission closely mirrors its own. CIGNA has been an ongoing financial supporter of NEADS and will host the organization at the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race, August 9th in Falmouth, Mass., where puppies in training will be on site and thousands of visitors can learn more about NEADS’ programs. The CIGNA donations are a start; in total it costs about $20,000 to fully raise, train and care for each puppy.

“CIGNA and NEADS share a common goal to assist individuals with disabilities lead more independent lives at work and at home,” said Dr. Robert Anfield, chief medical officer for CIGNA's disability business. “We are privileged to play a role in supporting the important work of this organization and to help make it possible for more people to benefit from the help of an assistance dog.”

NEADS, with its headquarters in Princeton, Mass., is the oldest continuing hearing dog program in the country and the only program of its kind in New England. NEADS has trained more than 1,300 assistance dog teams from all 50 states since its inception in 1976.

Assistance dogs can help physically disabled individuals in a number of ways. For example, they can pull wheelchairs, open and close doors and turn light switches off and on in addition to performing many other tasks needed by a person with a disability to help them gain a measure of independence.

The majority of hearing dogs are rescued from animal shelters and most service dogs are donated as puppies by breeders. Each dog goes through a sixteen-month training cycle to prepare them for a human partner. Once a trained dog is matched with its new owner, the newly matched pair lives in NEADS’ fully accessible residence for two weeks while learning to work and live together. During this time and under careful supervision and guidance from NEADS trainers, the disabled recipients learn the skills to handle their dogs to maximum potential. In addition, other NEADS’ trained dogs are placed with special educators and therapists who work with disabled children and those with autism.

Learn more about NEADS and how to support this non-profit organization by visiting www.neads.org.

About CIGNA

CIGNA (NYSE:CI), a global health service company, is dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and security. CIGNA Corporation's operating subsidiaries provide an integrated suite of medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, as well as group life, accident and disability insurance, to approximately 46 million people throughout the United States and around the world. To learn more about CIGNA, visit www.cigna.com. To sign up for email alerts or an RSS feed of company news, log on to http://newsroom.cigna.com/section_display.cfm?section_id=18.

June 22, 2009 10:21 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Statement by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius On the 10th Anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court Decision Olmstead v. L.C.


WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HHS joins President Obama in commemorating a significant anniversary in the civil rights movement for persons with disabilities. Ten years ago today, the United States Supreme Court issued its landmark decision in Olmstead v. L.C. recognizing that “unjustified institutional isolation of persons with disabilities is a form of discrimination” under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

To underscore the importance of the Olmstead decision and continue to affirm our commitment to addressing isolation and discrimination against people with disabilities that still exists today, President Obama has designated this as a “Year of Community Living.” I recognize that to put an end to injustice and carry the directive of the Olmstead decision into all programs of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), we must create new partnerships. And so, today, we invite all of our public and private partners -- other federal agencies, states, consumers, advocates, providers and others to join us in embracing the Supreme Court’s vision of equal opportunity and an end to unjustified institutionalization for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses and older Americans.

To begin this “Year of Community Living,” agencies within my department will undertake the task of aggressively addressing barriers that prevent some Americans with disabilities from enjoying a meaningful life as part of their community. I have asked the Administration on Aging (AoA), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Office for Civil Rights, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to form a HHS Coordinating Council, which will be led by the Office on Disability. These agencies, with the support of the department, will work together to put in place solutions that address barriers to community living for individuals with disabilities and to give people more control over their lives and the supports they need.

As a first step, CMS will engage the public in making meaningful regulatory reforms to the home and community-based waiver program. An “Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” was published in the Federal Register today inviting public input on proposed changes to current regulations giving states greater flexibility to serve people based on their individual needs rather than on diagnosis.

In addition, CMS and AoA are making grant funds available to states to strengthen and expand HHS’ Aging and Disability Resource Center Programs (ADRCs). Under this Initiative, I am encouraging collaboration by requiring that ADRCs partner with all state agencies involved in serving populations with disabilities, as well as the Centers for Independent Living. The Centers for Independent Living have an important role to play at the community level in promoting independent living skills throughout ADRCs.

HHS’ Community Living Initiative will include partnerships with other federal agencies and the public. As the President announced earlier today, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will make 1,000 housing vouchers available for individuals with disabilities transitioning from institutions to the community targeting States operating Money Follows the Person Demonstration programs. HUD will award an additional 3,000 housing vouchers to serve non-elderly people with disabilities and encourage Public Housing Authorities to form working relationships with state Medicaid agencies interested in addressing community living needs of beneficiaries. While this is a good start, this announcement is only the beginning of the collaboration between the HHS and HUD during the “Year of Community Living.”

The HHS Office for Civil Rights is enhancing its partnership with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division to ensure vigorous enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Olmstead decision. This partnership will maximize the effectiveness of federal leadership in promoting the civil right of community living and setting forth the Administration’s position in federal courts.

To carry out the President’s commitment to open government, we are committed to giving Americans opportunities to participate in policymaking to provide the benefit of collective expertise and information. In keeping with this mandate, we will reach out to the public as partners in our Community Living Initiative. Throughout this “Year of Community Living,” HHS will hold listening sessions giving stakeholders an opportunity to come together for a common purpose: overcoming barriers to community-based living for people with disabilities and the elderly. These forums will help us craft the agenda to improve federal programs and better support the efforts of state and local government.

We look forward to this new era of partnership, innovation and commitment to the Olmstead decision. We are deeply committed to taking bold new steps -- during this “Year of Community Living” and into the future.

P

Photo: Business Wire

June 24, 2009 10:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Mobissimo Searches Student and Youth Travel Fares

First Travel Search Engine to Display Student Travel Discount Fares from STA Travel

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mobissimo:

News

• Mobissimo (www.mobissimo.com), the world’s most comprehensive airfare and hotel travel search engine, now includes fares from the leading student travel discount supplier, STA Travel.
• Adding student travel discount deals to Mobissimo’s vast coverage of travel suppliers means students can find and book cheap airfare and airline tickets and get the best student travel deals to summer vacation destinations.
• Mobissimo is the only travel search engine that allows students to compare student travel airfare along with regular airline ticket fares.
• In addition to exclusive STA Travel student fares, only Mobissimo searches the most low-cost airlines around the world, making travel efficient, flexible, and inexpensive.

Details

Mobissimo displays STA student travel airfare results alongside other travel supplier offerings and allows students to search and book student travel discount fares, for domestic and international student travel.

Supporting Quotes

“At Mobissimo we’re constantly working to improve the breadth and reach of our travel search engine, and we’ve added new travel suppliers to serve our student audience with discounted airline tickets for students, children and youth fares,” said Beatrice Tarka, Mobissimo’s CEO and co-founder. “Mobissimo is the first and only travel search engine to present such a wide range of travel options to help all travellers save money.”

Student Travel

• STA Travel is the world's largest student travel organization for students and youth, providing relevant advice and unique product ideas from experienced advisers who themselves are recent travellers. The result is a global brand of businesses that support the aim of students and young people travelling the world to experience other cultures firsthand in order to better contribute in their future lives. (http://tinyurl.com/statravel09)

About Mobissimo

Mobissimo is the ultimate travel search engine because it saves travelers time and money and improves the way they discover discount airfare and hotel deals. Mobissimo simultaneously searches more than 180 different travel sites in 30 countries and five continents, including major global airlines, low-cost carriers, consolidators, and hotel/car rental sites, to find the best fares and rates online. Mobissimo is a leading travel search innovator and works with many of the world’s foremost travel brands, including Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Ebookers, KLM, Lufthansa, Opodo, Orbitz, Singapore Airlines, Travelocity, United Airlines and Virgin. The company is headquartered in San Francisco and is privately held. For more information and to experience Mobissimo, please visit www.mobissimo.com.

R

Photo: Business Wire

As of June 6, 2009

June 24, 2009 12:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time

CREW Files Ethics Complaint Against Sen. Ensign


WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a complaint against Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) with the Senate Select Committee on Ethics and a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) against his campaign committee and leadership PAC, based on activities surrounding his affair with a campaign staffer, Cynthia Hampton.

On June 16, 2009, Sen. Ensign announced he had engaged in an affair with Ms. Hampton, who was married to Doug Hampton, the Senator’s administrative assistant. The affair began in December 2007 and ended in August 2008.

The complaint details a number of Senate ethics rules and legal violations.

First, Mr. Hampton has alleged Sen. Ensign terminated him and his wife for reasons related to the affair. If true, the senator likely engaged in discrimination on the basis of sex in violation of Title VII, and Senate Rule 42, which incorporates the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to Senate employees and prohibits discrimination based on sex. At least two members of Congress previously have been investigated for sexual harassment, including former Sen. Bob Packwood (R-OR) and former Rep. Jim Bates (D-CA).

Second, Ms. Hampton apparently received a severance payment directly from Sen. Ensign when she was terminated from the campaign committee and PAC, but neither committee reported any in-kind contribution by the senator. In addition, if Sen. Ensign paid Ms. Hampton more than $5,000 he may have made an illegal excessive contribution to the PAC. Knowingly failing to report a contribution of over $25,000 is a violation of criminal law.

Mr. Hampton apparently was paid $6,000 upon his departure, purportedly for vacation time. If this actually was some sort of severance payment, Sen. Ensign’s office may have misused official funds.

CREW has alleged Sen. Ensign violated the rules prohibiting improper conduct that reflects upon the Senate by abusing his authority as the head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) to hire and pay the Hampton’s son as an intern at the NRSC and by claiming to have been blackmailed by Mr. Hampton, without reporting the alleged crime to law enforcement authorities.

Melanie Sloan, executive director of CREW, said today, “Sen. Ensign’s stunning abuse of power shocks the conscience. Sen. Ensign has replaced Sens. David Vitter (R-LA) and Larry Craig (R-ID) as the latest poster senator for bad judgment and hypocrisy.” Sloan continued, “Of course, if bad judgment and hypocrisy alone violated Senate rules, the Ethics Committ