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Video Secretary Hillary Clinton on Torture Memos
Secretary of State Clinton responded to questions from Rep. Rohrabacher about information shared with her about torture memos as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. In her remarks she also said that she did not view Former Vice President Cheney as "a particularly reliable source of information."
Hillary Clinton I don’t consider Cheney a reliable source on “torture”
Hillary Clinton I don’t consider Cheney a reliable source on “torture”
CB Richard Ellis’ denial on Feinstein allegations to employees
Date: April 22, 2009
To: All U.S. Employees
From: [name redacted by HA]
Subject: FDIC Contract
CC: [names redacted by HA]
A very irresponsible and sensational article about our FDIC contract was published yesterday in a second-tier Washington newspaper with a well-known political agenda. Given today’s viral news environment, the article has subsequently been picked up on certain political Internet sites and has also appeared in more legitimate news outlets. I wanted to discuss the article with you.
The article is an attack piece and attempts to contrive a connection between our FDIC contract and the fact that our Chairman, Dick Blum, is married to Dianne Feinstein, the senior Senator from California. The article makes the inference that Senator Feinstein influenced our involvement in the FDIC program. However, the article never actually draws any connection whatsoever between the Senator and the FDIC contract or Dick Blum, for that matter.
As Chairman of the Board, Dick helps to set the company’s strategic direction, but he does not get involved in day-to-day operational decisions, including client service or contract bidding. Dick had no advance knowledge whatsoever that we were pursuing the FDIC opportunity, and only discovered we were awarded this contract when Brett issued his internal employee announcement on November 26. Equally, Sen. Feinstein had no knowledge of our work for the FDIC, as an article in the San Francisco Chronicle explains. Frankly, given all the challenges Sen. Feinstein is dealing with, she has other more important priorities to focus on than CBRE’s day-to-day operations.
Ironically, the article highlights legislation she introduced (which was subsequently superseded by the President’s stimulus plan) that was designed to help stem property foreclosures. Since CBRE is paid under the FDIC agreement only by handling foreclosed properties, it is unclear just how CBRE would supposedly have benefited from the Senator’s proposed legislation.
The reporter, relying on quotes from some local real estate agents, questions our qualification to handle foreclosure sales and the commission rates and fees under the agreement. The fact is that CBRE was selected for this assignment – along with one other firm – as the result of a highly competitive, multi-faceted bidding process that involved more than 30 firms. We had a team of people working continuously on this opportunity for more than nine months, responding to a written request for proposals, preparing oral presentations and developing pricing schedules based on the FDIC models. Our broad service offering, national office network and specialty services focused on both serving the public sector and restructuring and repositioning failed assets made us ideally suited to assist the FDIC with managing and disposing of its Owned Real Estate portfolio.
Contrary to what’s alleged in the article, we have extensive in-house expertise in working with property foreclosures. Ken Pearson, who heads our FDIC team, is a highly experienced bankruptcy attorney who has represented the Resolution Trust Corporation and other clients in loan restructurings, foreclosures and receiverships. Our subcontractor, Realogy, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company, adds complementary residential expertise.
The article also questions our pricing under the FDIC contract. You should know that the rates we are charging were developed in accordance with the pricing matrix the FDIC provided to all service providers bidding for the work. We accepted the matrix as part of our bid submission. We believe our pricing is at market for a highly complex assignment with significant and frequent reporting requirements, and is consistent with rates the other FDIC service provider is charging.
The revenue opportunity under the FDIC contract is unknown, but under any scenario, the amount of money we will earn will be immaterial (well less than one percent of revenue) for a $5 billion company, and the FDIC will receive significant value for our work.
During the months leading up to the publishing of the article, we provided the reporter all the pertinent facts about the FDIC contract. It is unfortunate that he and his editors would elect to discount these facts and move forward with an article that, objectively, had very little basis for being published.
We are proud to serve our government during this extremely stressful time in our nation’s history, and to play a small role in helping to correct the imbalances that had developed in the marketplace.
Consistent with corporate policy, should anyone from the news media contact you about the FDIC contract, please refer them to Steve Iaco or Bob McGrath in Corporate Communications.
CB Richard Ellis’ denial on Feinstein allegations to employees
To: All U.S. Employees
From: [name redacted by HA]
Subject: FDIC Contract
CC: [names redacted by HA]
A very irresponsible and sensational article about our FDIC contract was published yesterday in a second-tier Washington newspaper with a well-known political agenda. Given today’s viral news environment, the article has subsequently been picked up on certain political Internet sites and has also appeared in more legitimate news outlets. I wanted to discuss the article with you.
The article is an attack piece and attempts to contrive a connection between our FDIC contract and the fact that our Chairman, Dick Blum, is married to Dianne Feinstein, the senior Senator from California. The article makes the inference that Senator Feinstein influenced our involvement in the FDIC program. However, the article never actually draws any connection whatsoever between the Senator and the FDIC contract or Dick Blum, for that matter.
As Chairman of the Board, Dick helps to set the company’s strategic direction, but he does not get involved in day-to-day operational decisions, including client service or contract bidding. Dick had no advance knowledge whatsoever that we were pursuing the FDIC opportunity, and only discovered we were awarded this contract when Brett issued his internal employee announcement on November 26. Equally, Sen. Feinstein had no knowledge of our work for the FDIC, as an article in the San Francisco Chronicle explains. Frankly, given all the challenges Sen. Feinstein is dealing with, she has other more important priorities to focus on than CBRE’s day-to-day operations.
Ironically, the article highlights legislation she introduced (which was subsequently superseded by the President’s stimulus plan) that was designed to help stem property foreclosures. Since CBRE is paid under the FDIC agreement only by handling foreclosed properties, it is unclear just how CBRE would supposedly have benefited from the Senator’s proposed legislation.
The reporter, relying on quotes from some local real estate agents, questions our qualification to handle foreclosure sales and the commission rates and fees under the agreement. The fact is that CBRE was selected for this assignment – along with one other firm – as the result of a highly competitive, multi-faceted bidding process that involved more than 30 firms. We had a team of people working continuously on this opportunity for more than nine months, responding to a written request for proposals, preparing oral presentations and developing pricing schedules based on the FDIC models. Our broad service offering, national office network and specialty services focused on both serving the public sector and restructuring and repositioning failed assets made us ideally suited to assist the FDIC with managing and disposing of its Owned Real Estate portfolio.
Contrary to what’s alleged in the article, we have extensive in-house expertise in working with property foreclosures. Ken Pearson, who heads our FDIC team, is a highly experienced bankruptcy attorney who has represented the Resolution Trust Corporation and other clients in loan restructurings, foreclosures and receiverships. Our subcontractor, Realogy, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company, adds complementary residential expertise.
The article also questions our pricing under the FDIC contract. You should know that the rates we are charging were developed in accordance with the pricing matrix the FDIC provided to all service providers bidding for the work. We accepted the matrix as part of our bid submission. We believe our pricing is at market for a highly complex assignment with significant and frequent reporting requirements, and is consistent with rates the other FDIC service provider is charging.
The revenue opportunity under the FDIC contract is unknown, but under any scenario, the amount of money we will earn will be immaterial (well less than one percent of revenue) for a $5 billion company, and the FDIC will receive significant value for our work.
During the months leading up to the publishing of the article, we provided the reporter all the pertinent facts about the FDIC contract. It is unfortunate that he and his editors would elect to discount these facts and move forward with an article that, objectively, had very little basis for being published.
We are proud to serve our government during this extremely stressful time in our nation’s history, and to play a small role in helping to correct the imbalances that had developed in the marketplace.
Consistent with corporate policy, should anyone from the news media contact you about the FDIC contract, please refer them to Steve Iaco or Bob McGrath in Corporate Communications.
CB Richard Ellis’ denial on Feinstein allegations to employees
Palin hit with new ethics complaint for speaking at pro-life fundraiser
Anchorage resident Sondra Tompkins, child disability advocate and mother of a special needs child, is filing the complaint after observing Governor Palin repeatedly display “a pattern of unethical behavior.” Sondra believes that the tipping point for her was Sarah Palin’s most recent abdication of her role as Governor and apparent conflict-of-interest when she spoke at two outside events in Indiana rather than work with the Alaska Legislature during the most critical time, the end of the session.
Palin hit with new ethics complaint for speaking at pro-life fundraiser
Palin hit with new ethics complaint for speaking at pro-life fundraiser
CHELSEA LATELY KARDASHIANS Parody
CHELSEA LATELY KEEPING UP WITH THE KARDASHIANS
Have a laugh at Chelsea's version of the Kardashians reality show
Have a laugh at Chelsea's version of the Kardashians reality show
Jaguars New Uniforms Photos
Now we know.
The teal with white pants are the home uniforms. The white jerseys with black pants are the away uniforms.
Here are some pictures capped from the live stream by myself:
MORE HERE
Beyonce on Howard Stern Video Audio
Howard Stern Show - Stern comments on Beyonce's board feed
Howard Stern and crew comment on Beyonce's board feed during one of those morning shows. LOL at her voice. Epic fail.
Howard Stern and crew comment on Beyonce's board feed during one of those morning shows. LOL at her voice. Epic fail.
Jennifer Hudson Pregnant
Jennifer Hudson IS reportedly pregnant with David PUNK Otunga’s baby. Hudson’s pregnancy was reported in February 2009.
That night Hudson took awards as best new artist, outstanding collaboration, and best album with her self-titled CD. She reportedly also got a standing ovation.
“Now don’t start me to crying again, y’all. It’s always an honor to come home and feel welcome and to feel the love.”
But the other big chatter that night was if Hud was pregnant. Today Essence reports without confirmation from Hud or Punk that she is in fact pregnant.
Jennifer Hudson Pregnant
That night Hudson took awards as best new artist, outstanding collaboration, and best album with her self-titled CD. She reportedly also got a standing ovation.
“Now don’t start me to crying again, y’all. It’s always an honor to come home and feel welcome and to feel the love.”
But the other big chatter that night was if Hud was pregnant. Today Essence reports without confirmation from Hud or Punk that she is in fact pregnant.
Jennifer Hudson Pregnant
Bride Sues Guest Sandrina Purdum Jennifer Angevine
I do … sue you! Bride Sandrina Purdum sues her wedding guest Jennifer Angevine for ruining wedding? Sandrina Purdum’s lawsuit against Jennifer Angevine sounds a bit like another wedding lawsuit LALATE told you in 2007.
In 2007, LALATE reported on New York bride Elana Glatt who sued her wedding florist because the flowers were the wrong color. The New York bride claimed it all ruined her wedding.
Now another New York bride is suing mad again.
Sandrina and Harold Purdum got married in September last year but during the ceremony Sandrina claims Harold’s then boss and wedding guest Jennifer Angevine threw a drink on another guest and exclaimed that she slept with Harold, allegedly shouting:
“Me and Harry were good together.
“You had to ruin everything by marrying him. You f- - -ed everything up,”
Purdum is reportedly suing for slander and inflicting emotional distress and battery and her hubby says he never slept with Jennifer.
Don’t mess with New York brides! No comment by Jennifer.
Bride Sues Guest Sandrina Purdum Jennifer Angevine
In 2007, LALATE reported on New York bride Elana Glatt who sued her wedding florist because the flowers were the wrong color. The New York bride claimed it all ruined her wedding.
Now another New York bride is suing mad again.
Sandrina and Harold Purdum got married in September last year but during the ceremony Sandrina claims Harold’s then boss and wedding guest Jennifer Angevine threw a drink on another guest and exclaimed that she slept with Harold, allegedly shouting:
“Me and Harry were good together.
“You had to ruin everything by marrying him. You f- - -ed everything up,”
Purdum is reportedly suing for slander and inflicting emotional distress and battery and her hubby says he never slept with Jennifer.
Don’t mess with New York brides! No comment by Jennifer.
Bride Sues Guest Sandrina Purdum Jennifer Angevine
AAPL Apple beats Earnings expectations, shares up
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple Inc posted stronger-than-expected quarterly results on strong iPhone sales, and gave a typically conservative outlook for the current quarter, which failed to dampen enthusiasm from investors.
Shares of the Mac and iPod maker rose 2.5 percent after it said on Wednesday that net profit rose to $1.21 billion, or $1.33 a share, in its fiscal second quarter ended March 28, from $1.05 billion, or $1.16 a share, in the year-ago quarter.
Analysts were expecting a profit of $1.09 a share, according to Reuters Estimates.
Revenue rose 8.7 percent to $8.16 billion, beating Wall Street's forecast of $7.96 billion.
In its always cautious outlook, Apple forecast earnings for the current quarter of 95 cents to $1.00 a share on revenue of $7.7 billion to $7.9 billion.
Wall Street was expecting current-quarter earnings of $1.12 a share on revenue of $8.3 billion.
Shares of Apple closed the regular session down 25 cents at $121.51 on the Nasdaq and rose to $124.60 in extended trading.
(Reporting by Gabriel Madway; Editing by Gary Hill)
AAPL Apple beats Earnings expectations, shares up
Shares of the Mac and iPod maker rose 2.5 percent after it said on Wednesday that net profit rose to $1.21 billion, or $1.33 a share, in its fiscal second quarter ended March 28, from $1.05 billion, or $1.16 a share, in the year-ago quarter.
Analysts were expecting a profit of $1.09 a share, according to Reuters Estimates.
Revenue rose 8.7 percent to $8.16 billion, beating Wall Street's forecast of $7.96 billion.
In its always cautious outlook, Apple forecast earnings for the current quarter of 95 cents to $1.00 a share on revenue of $7.7 billion to $7.9 billion.
Wall Street was expecting current-quarter earnings of $1.12 a share on revenue of $8.3 billion.
Shares of Apple closed the regular session down 25 cents at $121.51 on the Nasdaq and rose to $124.60 in extended trading.
(Reporting by Gabriel Madway; Editing by Gary Hill)
AAPL Apple beats Earnings expectations, shares up
Clinton warns Pakistan facing 'existential' threat
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned Wednesday that Pakistan is in danger of falling into terrorist hands because of failed government policies, and called on Pakistani citizens and expatriates to voice more concern.
"I think that we cannot underscore the seriousness of the existential threat posed to the state of Pakistan by continuing advances, now within hours of Islamabad, that are being made by a loosely confederated group of terrorists and others who are seeking the overthrow of the Pakistani state, a nuclear-armed state," Clinton said in an appearance before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
"I don't hear that kind of outrage and concern coming from enough people that would reverberate back within the highest echelons of the civilian and military leadership of Pakistan."
In her first congressional hearing since being confirmed, Clinton told the panel the chief goal of the Obama administration's strategy is to defeat al Qaeda and prevent it from returning to Afghanistan.
Taliban militants, who implemented Islamic law in Pakistan's violence-plagued Swat Valley last week, have now taken control of a neighboring district 60 miles (less than 100 kilometers) from the capital, Islamabad.
Several members of Congress voiced concern about Islamic extremists gaining ground in Pakistan, including Committee Chairman Howard Berman, D-California, who warned the United States cannot allow extremists to control Pakistan or operate with impunity along the border with Afghanistan.
Clinton said the international community is working closely to combat extremism in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, but Pakistanis themselves need to take responsibility.
"Not only do the Pakistani government officials, but the Pakistani people and the Pakistani diaspora -- many of whom are extremely successful Americans here, in academia, businesses, the professions and so much else -- need to speak out forcefully against a policy that is ceding more and more territory to the insurgents, to the Taliban, to al Qaeda, to the allies that are in this terrorist syndicate," she said.
Last week, the Taliban imposed sharia law in the Swat Valley as part of a peace deal with the government, which appears unable or unwilling to stop the Taliban's steady advance.
Clinton warns Pakistan facing 'existential' threat
"I think that we cannot underscore the seriousness of the existential threat posed to the state of Pakistan by continuing advances, now within hours of Islamabad, that are being made by a loosely confederated group of terrorists and others who are seeking the overthrow of the Pakistani state, a nuclear-armed state," Clinton said in an appearance before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
"I don't hear that kind of outrage and concern coming from enough people that would reverberate back within the highest echelons of the civilian and military leadership of Pakistan."
In her first congressional hearing since being confirmed, Clinton told the panel the chief goal of the Obama administration's strategy is to defeat al Qaeda and prevent it from returning to Afghanistan.
Taliban militants, who implemented Islamic law in Pakistan's violence-plagued Swat Valley last week, have now taken control of a neighboring district 60 miles (less than 100 kilometers) from the capital, Islamabad.
Several members of Congress voiced concern about Islamic extremists gaining ground in Pakistan, including Committee Chairman Howard Berman, D-California, who warned the United States cannot allow extremists to control Pakistan or operate with impunity along the border with Afghanistan.
Clinton said the international community is working closely to combat extremism in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, but Pakistanis themselves need to take responsibility.
"Not only do the Pakistani government officials, but the Pakistani people and the Pakistani diaspora -- many of whom are extremely successful Americans here, in academia, businesses, the professions and so much else -- need to speak out forcefully against a policy that is ceding more and more territory to the insurgents, to the Taliban, to al Qaeda, to the allies that are in this terrorist syndicate," she said.
Last week, the Taliban imposed sharia law in the Swat Valley as part of a peace deal with the government, which appears unable or unwilling to stop the Taliban's steady advance.
Clinton warns Pakistan facing 'existential' threat
Obama misreads Cuban offer, Fidel Castro says
HAVANA, Cuba (CNN) -- President Obama misinterpreted Cuban President Raúl Castro's offer to start talks with the United States, Castro's brother Fidel said Wednesday, appearing to dismiss the U.S. leader's call for Cuba to release political prisoners.
In an essay published in state-run newspapers Wednesday, the ailing revolutionary leader said the people Washington calls political prisoners are "in the service of a foreign power that threatens and blockades our homeland."
Fidel Castro's comments come after signs of a thaw in the decades-old impasse between the United States and the communist-ruled island to its south.
Obama lifted all restrictions on visits and money transfers between American citizens and relatives in Cuba this month, while Raúl Castro said Cuba is prepared to talk with the United States about "everything -- human rights, freedom of the press, political prisoners."
Speaking at a conference of inter-American and Caribbean leaders Sunday, Obama said the Cuban leader's declaration was "a sign of progress."
He added that the Cuban government could send a much clearer, more positive signal by releasing political prisoners or reducing fees charged on remittances Americans send to relatives in the country.
But Fidel Castro wrote Wednesday, "There is no doubt that the president misinterpreted Raúl's statements."
"When the president of Cuba said he was ready to discuss any topic with the U.S. president, he meant he was not afraid of addressing any issue," Castro wrote. "That shows his courage and confidence on the principles of the revolution."
He said Cuba would be willing to release prisoners held since a 2003 crackdown on dissidents if the United States would release five Cubans convicted of spying in 2001.
And he criticized Obama for not doing more to lift the U.S. embargo on Cuba, imposed in 1962.
"Should we wait for so many years before his blockade is lifted?" Castro asked. "He did not invent it, but he embraced it just as much as the previous 10 U.S. presidents did."
Castro ceded power to his brother in 2006 before undergoing surgery for a still-undisclosed intestinal condition. But he remains head of the Communist Party, and his essay raises the question of who would be calling the shots in any talks with Washington.
In an essay published in state-run newspapers Wednesday, the ailing revolutionary leader said the people Washington calls political prisoners are "in the service of a foreign power that threatens and blockades our homeland."
Fidel Castro's comments come after signs of a thaw in the decades-old impasse between the United States and the communist-ruled island to its south.
Obama lifted all restrictions on visits and money transfers between American citizens and relatives in Cuba this month, while Raúl Castro said Cuba is prepared to talk with the United States about "everything -- human rights, freedom of the press, political prisoners."
Speaking at a conference of inter-American and Caribbean leaders Sunday, Obama said the Cuban leader's declaration was "a sign of progress."
He added that the Cuban government could send a much clearer, more positive signal by releasing political prisoners or reducing fees charged on remittances Americans send to relatives in the country.
But Fidel Castro wrote Wednesday, "There is no doubt that the president misinterpreted Raúl's statements."
"When the president of Cuba said he was ready to discuss any topic with the U.S. president, he meant he was not afraid of addressing any issue," Castro wrote. "That shows his courage and confidence on the principles of the revolution."
He said Cuba would be willing to release prisoners held since a 2003 crackdown on dissidents if the United States would release five Cubans convicted of spying in 2001.
And he criticized Obama for not doing more to lift the U.S. embargo on Cuba, imposed in 1962.
"Should we wait for so many years before his blockade is lifted?" Castro asked. "He did not invent it, but he embraced it just as much as the previous 10 U.S. presidents did."
Castro ceded power to his brother in 2006 before undergoing surgery for a still-undisclosed intestinal condition. But he remains head of the Communist Party, and his essay raises the question of who would be calling the shots in any talks with Washington.
High court asked to untangle reverse discrimination case
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Supreme Court's conservative majority expressed varying degrees of concern Wednesday over a civil rights case brought by 20 firefighters, most of them white, who claim reverse discrimination in promotions.
The suit was filed in response to New Haven, Connecticut, officials' decision to throw out results of promotional exams that they said left too few minorities qualified.
At issue is whether the city intentionally discriminated, in violation of both federal law and the Constitution's equal protection clause.
The high court is being asked to decide whether there is a continued need for special treatment for minorities, or whether enough progress has been made to make existing laws obsolete, especially in a political atmosphere where an African-American occupies the White House.
As is true in many hot-button social issues, Wednesday's arguments fell along familiar ideological lines, with most justices expressing clear views on when race considerations are proper to ensure a diverse workplace.
"It looked at the results and classified successful and unsuccessful applicants by race," said Justice Anthony Kennedy, head in hand. "And you (the city) want us to say this isn't race? I have trouble with this argument."
But a ruling against the city could leave New Haven officials stuck in a "damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't" situation, subject to lawsuits from both minority and majority employees, said Justice David Souter. It is a situation business groups and municipalities have long expressed concern about.
Key plaintiff Frank Ricci and others took promotional exams in 2003 for lieutenant and captain positions that had become available in New Haven, Connecticut's second-largest city. The personnel department contracted with a private firm to design an oral and written exam. When the results came back, city lawyers expressed concern about the results because none of the black firefighters and only one Latino who took the exam would have been promoted.
The New Haven corporation counsel refused to certify the test and no promotions were given. The record does not indicate how many firefighters took the two tests for promotion to captain and lieutenant.
The city said that under a federal civil rights law known as Title VII, employers must ban actions such as promotion tests that would have a "disparate impact" on a protected class, such as a specified race or gender.
But a group of firefighters sued, calling themselves the "New Haven 20." The plaintiffs, wearing their dress blue uniforms, posed on the high court steps after the 75-minute argument. Nineteen identify themselves as white while one says he is Hispanic-white.
Inside, conservatives on the high court questioned whether the city could throw out the results of the promotion exams after they were already given.
"You had some applicants who were winners and their promotion was set aside," said Justice Antonin Scalia.
Chief Justice John Roberts offered a hypothetical: "Jones, you don't get the promotion because you're white ... and they go down the list and throw out everybody who took the test. That would be all right," he asked. "They get do-overs until it comes out right. Or throw out this test, they do another test. Oh, it's just as bad, throw that one out."
Christopher Meade, arguing for New Haven, said, "The city has a duty to ensure that its process is fair for all applicants, both black and white."
Justices on the left seemed to support that view.
High court asked to untangle reverse discrimination case
The suit was filed in response to New Haven, Connecticut, officials' decision to throw out results of promotional exams that they said left too few minorities qualified.
At issue is whether the city intentionally discriminated, in violation of both federal law and the Constitution's equal protection clause.
The high court is being asked to decide whether there is a continued need for special treatment for minorities, or whether enough progress has been made to make existing laws obsolete, especially in a political atmosphere where an African-American occupies the White House.
As is true in many hot-button social issues, Wednesday's arguments fell along familiar ideological lines, with most justices expressing clear views on when race considerations are proper to ensure a diverse workplace.
"It looked at the results and classified successful and unsuccessful applicants by race," said Justice Anthony Kennedy, head in hand. "And you (the city) want us to say this isn't race? I have trouble with this argument."
But a ruling against the city could leave New Haven officials stuck in a "damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't" situation, subject to lawsuits from both minority and majority employees, said Justice David Souter. It is a situation business groups and municipalities have long expressed concern about.
Key plaintiff Frank Ricci and others took promotional exams in 2003 for lieutenant and captain positions that had become available in New Haven, Connecticut's second-largest city. The personnel department contracted with a private firm to design an oral and written exam. When the results came back, city lawyers expressed concern about the results because none of the black firefighters and only one Latino who took the exam would have been promoted.
The New Haven corporation counsel refused to certify the test and no promotions were given. The record does not indicate how many firefighters took the two tests for promotion to captain and lieutenant.
The city said that under a federal civil rights law known as Title VII, employers must ban actions such as promotion tests that would have a "disparate impact" on a protected class, such as a specified race or gender.
But a group of firefighters sued, calling themselves the "New Haven 20." The plaintiffs, wearing their dress blue uniforms, posed on the high court steps after the 75-minute argument. Nineteen identify themselves as white while one says he is Hispanic-white.
Inside, conservatives on the high court questioned whether the city could throw out the results of the promotion exams after they were already given.
"You had some applicants who were winners and their promotion was set aside," said Justice Antonin Scalia.
Chief Justice John Roberts offered a hypothetical: "Jones, you don't get the promotion because you're white ... and they go down the list and throw out everybody who took the test. That would be all right," he asked. "They get do-overs until it comes out right. Or throw out this test, they do another test. Oh, it's just as bad, throw that one out."
Christopher Meade, arguing for New Haven, said, "The city has a duty to ensure that its process is fair for all applicants, both black and white."
Justices on the left seemed to support that view.
High court asked to untangle reverse discrimination case
In Canada Afghanistan not forgotten
(CNN) -- Afghanistan has been called "the forgotten war" but for Canadians, it is the war.
As U.S. troops begin increased deployments to Afghanistan, the United States can look to its northern neighbor for insights on the frontlines and the home front.
Canada's involvement began in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. "There was a feeling in Canada that it had to be done," said Alan Henrikson, a professor of diplomatic history at Tufts University.
Canadian forces increased their numbers in 2006. And last year, following a national debate, the Canadian government extended the mission -- which was to end this February -- until the end of 2011.
More than 2,800 Canadian troops and dozens of civilians are currently in Afghanistan. Most of them are based in the Kandahar province in the southern part of the country, home to some of the worst violence and instability. At least 117 Canadian troops have been killed in Afghanistan as of Wednesday. Canada has had no troops in Iraq.
Afghanistan is the largest recipient of development aid from Canada. According to the government, Canada will have authorized $1.2 billion in aid to Afghanistan from 2002 through 2011.
"Relative to other involvements of Canada around the world, it's an enormous commitment," Henrikson said. "It is proportionally larger than the stake the United States has in Afghanistan."
But some recent polling suggests that the increasing violence and slow pace of progress are taking a toll on support for the war.
More than half -- 55 percent -- oppose having Canadian troops in Afghanistan, according to a Harris/Decima poll released in April. Forty percent support the policy.
"Afghanistan continues to be a lightning-rod for controversy among Canadians," said Jeff Walker of Harris/Decima in a statement.
In a March poll conducted by Angus Reid Strategies, 48 percent of those surveyed said they'd like the bulk of Canadian troops to be withdrawn before 2011. Another 35 percent said they should be withdrawn as scheduled.
Mario Blais, godfather of a female Canadian soldier recently killed in Afghanistan, told the Canadian Press it's time to pull the troops out.
"I think she did this for absolutely nothing," Blais told the news agency. "The Russians were in Afghanistan for many years and they couldn't push them back. I ask myself what Canada is doing."
Jonathon Narvey, a founding member of the Vancouver-based Canada-Afghanistan Solidarity Committee, said this is precisely when the Canadian mission needs public support.
Arguing that the mission was consistent with Canadian foreign policy traditions, Narvey said pulling Canadian troops out of the conflict could lead to more violence and possibly a civil war.
"We're for a robust involvement, and if [Afghanistan] is going to get back on its feet after decades of war, it's only going to do so with huge international involvement. So, more, not less," he said.
The Canadian interest
Before the vote that extended the mission, the Canadian government commissioned an independent panel to study its future role in Afghanistan.
Though the report concluded that "our interests do not seem self-evident," it listed several reasons for a continuing role in Afghanistan: Global and Canadian security, preserving Canada's international reputation and the "well-being of some of the world's most impoverished and vulnerable people."
The policy's philosophical foundation lies in Canada's sense of responsibility to the international community, some observers say.
As U.S. troops begin increased deployments to Afghanistan, the United States can look to its northern neighbor for insights on the frontlines and the home front.
Canada's involvement began in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. "There was a feeling in Canada that it had to be done," said Alan Henrikson, a professor of diplomatic history at Tufts University.
Canadian forces increased their numbers in 2006. And last year, following a national debate, the Canadian government extended the mission -- which was to end this February -- until the end of 2011.
More than 2,800 Canadian troops and dozens of civilians are currently in Afghanistan. Most of them are based in the Kandahar province in the southern part of the country, home to some of the worst violence and instability. At least 117 Canadian troops have been killed in Afghanistan as of Wednesday. Canada has had no troops in Iraq.
Afghanistan is the largest recipient of development aid from Canada. According to the government, Canada will have authorized $1.2 billion in aid to Afghanistan from 2002 through 2011.
"Relative to other involvements of Canada around the world, it's an enormous commitment," Henrikson said. "It is proportionally larger than the stake the United States has in Afghanistan."
But some recent polling suggests that the increasing violence and slow pace of progress are taking a toll on support for the war.
More than half -- 55 percent -- oppose having Canadian troops in Afghanistan, according to a Harris/Decima poll released in April. Forty percent support the policy.
"Afghanistan continues to be a lightning-rod for controversy among Canadians," said Jeff Walker of Harris/Decima in a statement.
In a March poll conducted by Angus Reid Strategies, 48 percent of those surveyed said they'd like the bulk of Canadian troops to be withdrawn before 2011. Another 35 percent said they should be withdrawn as scheduled.
Mario Blais, godfather of a female Canadian soldier recently killed in Afghanistan, told the Canadian Press it's time to pull the troops out.
"I think she did this for absolutely nothing," Blais told the news agency. "The Russians were in Afghanistan for many years and they couldn't push them back. I ask myself what Canada is doing."
Jonathon Narvey, a founding member of the Vancouver-based Canada-Afghanistan Solidarity Committee, said this is precisely when the Canadian mission needs public support.
Arguing that the mission was consistent with Canadian foreign policy traditions, Narvey said pulling Canadian troops out of the conflict could lead to more violence and possibly a civil war.
"We're for a robust involvement, and if [Afghanistan] is going to get back on its feet after decades of war, it's only going to do so with huge international involvement. So, more, not less," he said.
The Canadian interest
Before the vote that extended the mission, the Canadian government commissioned an independent panel to study its future role in Afghanistan.
Though the report concluded that "our interests do not seem self-evident," it listed several reasons for a continuing role in Afghanistan: Global and Canadian security, preserving Canada's international reputation and the "well-being of some of the world's most impoverished and vulnerable people."
The policy's philosophical foundation lies in Canada's sense of responsibility to the international community, some observers say.
Caprica (2009) On DVD
An astonishing breakthrough is taking shape on the planet Caprica. The rapidly evolving spheres of human and mechanical engineering have collided, along with the fates of two families. Joined by tragedy in an explosive instant of terror, two rival clans led by powerful patriarchs, Joseph Adama (Esai Morales) and Daniel Greystone (Eric Stoltz) duel in an era of questionable ethics, corporate machinations and unbridled personal ambition as the final war for humanity looms. The latest phenomenon from the executive producers of Battlestar Galactica (Ronald D. Moore and David Eick), set in a time over 50 years earlier, Caprica is entirely its own world - provocative, thrilling and startling relevant to our own.
HERE
HERE
Carrie Prejean Miss California USA Dating Michael Phelps
14-times Olympic gold medal winner Michael Phelps reportedly is dating 2009 Miss USA runner-up Carrie Prejean. The first media which brings the news to public's notice is Radar Online, claiming in an exclusive report on its site that Carrie's grandmother Jeanette Coppolla has confirmed the twosome's love relationship.
"Carrie and Michael have been out to baseball games and lunch," Jeanette says in a statement. "He always calls her when he is in town and they go out." Jeanette goes on revealing, "Carrie knows that he has dated a lot of girls but she enjoys going out with him and isn't serious about being in a relationship with him," adding that "he's a nice guy and she likes him."
As of press time, Michael has not yet made comment on Radar Online's report. Carrie herself previously has avoided addressing the dating rumors. When asked by Miss USA pageant host Billy Bush on the nature of her relationship with Michael, she said "That's not appropriate to answer right now. He's a great man ... You can call me on a later day and we can talk about that."
Carrie Prejean Miss California USA Dating Michael Phelps
"Carrie and Michael have been out to baseball games and lunch," Jeanette says in a statement. "He always calls her when he is in town and they go out." Jeanette goes on revealing, "Carrie knows that he has dated a lot of girls but she enjoys going out with him and isn't serious about being in a relationship with him," adding that "he's a nice guy and she likes him."
As of press time, Michael has not yet made comment on Radar Online's report. Carrie herself previously has avoided addressing the dating rumors. When asked by Miss USA pageant host Billy Bush on the nature of her relationship with Michael, she said "That's not appropriate to answer right now. He's a great man ... You can call me on a later day and we can talk about that."
Carrie Prejean Miss California USA Dating Michael Phelps
Freddie Mac Acting CFO David Kellermann Found Dead (Suicide)
April 22 (Bloomberg) -- Freddie Mac Acting Chief Financial Officer David Kellermann, 41, was found dead early today in the basement of his home in a Washington suburb, police said.
There were no signs of foul play, and the death is under investigation, Fairfax County, Virginia, Police Officer Shelley Broderick said. She said early reports from others in the department indicated Kellermann’s wife reported a suicide. The medical examiner’s office said it’s conducting an autopsy, and the results may be released as soon as today.
“He was a hard worker, good guy and had a positive attitude,” said David Stevens, a former Freddie mortgage executive who left in 2005 and was recently nominated to run the Federal Housing Administration. “It’s a tragedy.”
The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Justice Department have been questioning executives about Freddie’s accounting practices, according to company filings. McLean, Virginia-based Freddie and Washington-based Fannie Mae, the mortgage-finance companies seized last year by U.S. regulators, reported in September that they were under investigation.
“Freddie Mac knows of no connection between this terrible personal tragedy and the ongoing regulatory inquiries discussed in our SEC filings,” said Doug Duvall, a company spokesman.
Medical Examiner
Police said they found Kellermann at about 4:48 a.m. local time at his home in Vienna, Virginia. Police won’t be able to determine the cause of death until this afternoon at the earliest, said Nancy Bull, a regional administrator for Virginia’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Kellermann had one daughter, according to Roger Beatty, who lives across the street and knew the family since Kellermann bought his house about 10 years ago. His wife was in the house at the time of death, according to Fairfax County police.
“He was a good father,” Beatty said. “He was the kind of man you want as a neighbor.”
John Koskinen, Freddie’s interim chief executive officer, visited the home today, according to police. In a written statement, Koskinen said he was saddened by the news and lauded Kellermann’s “extraordinary work ethic and integrity.”
Freddie held a town hall meeting at 11 a.m. at company headquarters and a Webcast for regional offices.
“Koskinen talked about David’s spectacular contributions he made to Freddie Mac and encouraged employees to support each other in this difficult time,” Duvall said.
Bonus, Stock
Kellermann, who joined Freddie in 1992, was promoted from controller to acting CFO after the government takeover in September, which was prompted by record losses amid the worst housing slump since the Great Depression. As controller, Kellermann was the principal accounting officer, dealing with financial statements and disclosures, according to Freddie’s Web site.
He was awarded an $850,000 retention bonus to stay with the company after the government takeover, according to a Sept. 30 securities filing. The company paid $170,000 of that in December, with the rest scheduled to be paid out in three more installments through March 2009, the filing shows.
Kellermann owned 38,861 Freddie shares as of April 11 valued at $33,420, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Freddie’s market value has slumped from $22 billion at the beginning of 2008 to about $2.6 billion. The shares, which have been trading at less than $1 since December, were worth more than $30 each in March 2008.
‘Standout’ in Accounting
Jim Vogel, the head of agency debt research at FTN Financial in Memphis, Tennessee, wrote in a note to clients today that Kellermann had been “a standout” in Freddie’s accounting group prior to his appointment as CFO.
In 2003, Freddie restated three years of profit higher by $5 billion after fixing improper accounting the company used to reduce earnings volatility and make earnings growth more predictable. The restatement ending a yearlong review that led to the ouster of two chief executives, the president and CFO.
Kellermann wasn’t mentioned in a July 2003 report on the accounting issues by Baker Botts LLP, a law firm hired by Freddie’s board. Kellermann also wasn’t included in a December 2003 report by the company’s regulator that placed blame for the accounting misstatements on senior executives and directors.
Kellermann was promoted to oversee Freddie’s accounting policies in October 2006 as the company recovered from the accounting restatement. He stayed on after the government takeover in 2008, which led to the ouster of top executives including CEO Richard Syron. New CEO David Moffett left Freddie last month after six months on the job. The company has been run on an interim basis by Koskinen, who had been chairman.
Kellermann received a master’s degree in finance from George Washington University, after graduating from the University of Michigan. He was a volunteer board member with the D.C. Coalition for the Homeless, according to the Web site.
Fairfax County property records show Kellermann purchased the Vienna house in 1999. Its assessed value for 2009 was $898,440, the records show.
Freddie Mac Acting CFO David Kellermann Found Dead (Suicide)
There were no signs of foul play, and the death is under investigation, Fairfax County, Virginia, Police Officer Shelley Broderick said. She said early reports from others in the department indicated Kellermann’s wife reported a suicide. The medical examiner’s office said it’s conducting an autopsy, and the results may be released as soon as today.
“He was a hard worker, good guy and had a positive attitude,” said David Stevens, a former Freddie mortgage executive who left in 2005 and was recently nominated to run the Federal Housing Administration. “It’s a tragedy.”
The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Justice Department have been questioning executives about Freddie’s accounting practices, according to company filings. McLean, Virginia-based Freddie and Washington-based Fannie Mae, the mortgage-finance companies seized last year by U.S. regulators, reported in September that they were under investigation.
“Freddie Mac knows of no connection between this terrible personal tragedy and the ongoing regulatory inquiries discussed in our SEC filings,” said Doug Duvall, a company spokesman.
Medical Examiner
Police said they found Kellermann at about 4:48 a.m. local time at his home in Vienna, Virginia. Police won’t be able to determine the cause of death until this afternoon at the earliest, said Nancy Bull, a regional administrator for Virginia’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Kellermann had one daughter, according to Roger Beatty, who lives across the street and knew the family since Kellermann bought his house about 10 years ago. His wife was in the house at the time of death, according to Fairfax County police.
“He was a good father,” Beatty said. “He was the kind of man you want as a neighbor.”
John Koskinen, Freddie’s interim chief executive officer, visited the home today, according to police. In a written statement, Koskinen said he was saddened by the news and lauded Kellermann’s “extraordinary work ethic and integrity.”
Freddie held a town hall meeting at 11 a.m. at company headquarters and a Webcast for regional offices.
“Koskinen talked about David’s spectacular contributions he made to Freddie Mac and encouraged employees to support each other in this difficult time,” Duvall said.
Bonus, Stock
Kellermann, who joined Freddie in 1992, was promoted from controller to acting CFO after the government takeover in September, which was prompted by record losses amid the worst housing slump since the Great Depression. As controller, Kellermann was the principal accounting officer, dealing with financial statements and disclosures, according to Freddie’s Web site.
He was awarded an $850,000 retention bonus to stay with the company after the government takeover, according to a Sept. 30 securities filing. The company paid $170,000 of that in December, with the rest scheduled to be paid out in three more installments through March 2009, the filing shows.
Kellermann owned 38,861 Freddie shares as of April 11 valued at $33,420, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Freddie’s market value has slumped from $22 billion at the beginning of 2008 to about $2.6 billion. The shares, which have been trading at less than $1 since December, were worth more than $30 each in March 2008.
‘Standout’ in Accounting
Jim Vogel, the head of agency debt research at FTN Financial in Memphis, Tennessee, wrote in a note to clients today that Kellermann had been “a standout” in Freddie’s accounting group prior to his appointment as CFO.
In 2003, Freddie restated three years of profit higher by $5 billion after fixing improper accounting the company used to reduce earnings volatility and make earnings growth more predictable. The restatement ending a yearlong review that led to the ouster of two chief executives, the president and CFO.
Kellermann wasn’t mentioned in a July 2003 report on the accounting issues by Baker Botts LLP, a law firm hired by Freddie’s board. Kellermann also wasn’t included in a December 2003 report by the company’s regulator that placed blame for the accounting misstatements on senior executives and directors.
Kellermann was promoted to oversee Freddie’s accounting policies in October 2006 as the company recovered from the accounting restatement. He stayed on after the government takeover in 2008, which led to the ouster of top executives including CEO Richard Syron. New CEO David Moffett left Freddie last month after six months on the job. The company has been run on an interim basis by Koskinen, who had been chairman.
Kellermann received a master’s degree in finance from George Washington University, after graduating from the University of Michigan. He was a volunteer board member with the D.C. Coalition for the Homeless, according to the Web site.
Fairfax County property records show Kellermann purchased the Vienna house in 1999. Its assessed value for 2009 was $898,440, the records show.
Freddie Mac Acting CFO David Kellermann Found Dead (Suicide)
Rainforest clash in Panama signals larger debate
KUNA YALA, Panama (CNN) -- Hunched over a campfire in eastern Panama, Embera tribesman Raul Mezua chanted a song his grandfather taught him when he was a boy.
Deforestation and re-growth in Panama may reflect a snapshot of a bigger picture involving rainforests throughout Central America. With more than three-quarters of people across the region now living in urban centers, the United Nations expects rural farming and population growth -- the usual culprits behind deforestation -- to dwindle.
Some call forest re-growth a victory in the climate crisis. Trees consume carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that traps heat within the Earth's atmosphere. "Biology is the only way we can remove carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere," Wright said. "There's no way to do it faster than to let tropical forests re-grow on abandoned land."
Others say threats to primary forest, or original jungle, is the real issue and that its loss can cause irreparable damage to the surrounding ecosystem.
"Places in Colombia, places in Central America, places in Mexico, places in many of the Andean countries are the last bunkers, the last bastions of hundreds of unique species in each place," Lider Sucre, director of Panama's Museum of Biodiversity, told CNN.
"If you replant 10 times as much forest but you lose these last large pockets, you lose a huge amount of biodiversity forever and ever."
The value of primary and secondary forests is a debate heating up within the environmental community as new woodlands begin to wrap themselves around barbed-wire fences that still dot cattle-driven landscapes across Panama.
Rainforest clash in Panama signals larger debate
The words are memorized, passed down from an aging generation to a new group of tribal youths.
"The song means a lot to me," Mezua told CNN, the fire's dying embers splashing a red glow across his face. "But I don't know what it means."
It's not just the song but their language and culture that Mezua and his tribe fear losing as deforestation from logging and cattle ranching threatens the rainforest that is part of their identity.
But recent trends could usher in a welcome reversal for Mezua and his tribe. Rural workers are migrating toward cities in search of jobs, and forests are re-emerging where now abandoned farms and cattle ranches once flourished, according to a 2009 report from the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization.
Such "secondary" forests in the tropics can rapidly grow in areas once cleared for logging and cattle ranching if left alone, said Joseph Wright, senior scientist at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. "After about 20 years (of being left alone) the forest will be about 60 feet tall," he said.Deforestation and re-growth in Panama may reflect a snapshot of a bigger picture involving rainforests throughout Central America. With more than three-quarters of people across the region now living in urban centers, the United Nations expects rural farming and population growth -- the usual culprits behind deforestation -- to dwindle.
Some call forest re-growth a victory in the climate crisis. Trees consume carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that traps heat within the Earth's atmosphere. "Biology is the only way we can remove carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere," Wright said. "There's no way to do it faster than to let tropical forests re-grow on abandoned land."
Others say threats to primary forest, or original jungle, is the real issue and that its loss can cause irreparable damage to the surrounding ecosystem.
"Places in Colombia, places in Central America, places in Mexico, places in many of the Andean countries are the last bunkers, the last bastions of hundreds of unique species in each place," Lider Sucre, director of Panama's Museum of Biodiversity, told CNN.
"If you replant 10 times as much forest but you lose these last large pockets, you lose a huge amount of biodiversity forever and ever."
The value of primary and secondary forests is a debate heating up within the environmental community as new woodlands begin to wrap themselves around barbed-wire fences that still dot cattle-driven landscapes across Panama.
Rainforest clash in Panama signals larger debate
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