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Posts Tagged 'trafigura'
Slaying the super-injunction dragon and dismantling the secret courts
Today I was one of four bloggers giving evidence to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Privacy and injunctions. Also on the panel were David Allen Green (Jack of Kent / New Statesman), Paul Staines (Guido Fawkes) and Jamie East (Holy Moly).
My main focus in the discussion was the notorious Trafigura super-injunction which I helped to unravel back in 2009, by posting a "banned" Parliamentary Question on Twitter.
A super-injunction is a gagging order that both prohibits the publication of a specific piece of information, and forbids any mention of the gagging order's existence.
Trafigura's super-injunction banned any reference in the UK media to a leaked company memo known as the "Minton Report". When, in October 2009, the MP Paul Farrelly raised the issue in Parliament, Trafigura's controversial lawyers, Carter Ruck, tried to prevent the press from reporting Farrelly's question.
This had come at the end of a year that also saw a draconian libel ruling against the science writer Simon Singh. The year before, Ben Goldacre and the Guardian had successfully defended a vexatious libel case by the AIDS-denialist quack Matthias Rath – yet the newspaper nonetheless lost hundreds of thousands of pounds in unrecovered costs. I myself had spent time fighting off an unfounded libel claim over Don't Get Fooled Again, and had seen up close the chilling effect that such threats could have.
To me and many others who took action the same evening, Trafigura's super-injunction felt like the last straw after a series of attacks on freedom of speech. The bid by Carter Ruck to ban the reporting of Parliament seemed like imperial over-reach by a "reputation management" company far too used to getting its way from pliant High Court judges. It seemed extraordinary that a judge sitting in an English court – on a handsome salary funded by ordinary taxpayers – might allow such an effort.
The situation also seemed absurd. The "banned" Parliamentary Question had been published by Parliament on its own website. The Minton report itself had been available on Wikileaks for over a month. Yet anyone who repeated the same information themselves could face prosecution for Contempt of Court.
Secret courts and freedom of speech
But the fundamental problem was the very idea of a secret court hearing to ban the free exchange of information. When a court case is heard in secret, the public has no way of checking whether the judgements made in their name are decent, honest, and fair. Because we don't even know that the case is going on, we have no way of holding the court to account if – as is inevitable from time to time, given human nature – a judge makes a decision through corruption, cronyism or incompetence rather than through the fair application of the law. Public scrutiny is an essential safety valve in any democracy, and it seems extraordinary that our political class would seek to dispense with it so lightly. This is not a new idea.
Likewise, any constraint on freedom of expression risks being abused by those seeking to cover up evidence of corruption or incompetence, as we have seen time and again with UK libel law.
We might nonetheless accept this risk in certain narrow circumstances. We might agree that some categories of information should in principle, in all or most cases, be kept confidential. Some examples might be:
- Children's medical records
- The name and address of a person under a witness protection programme
- Information likely to be prejudicial to a criminal trial
We might accept that the courts have a role in enforcing this. But even in these cases, court decisions have to be open and public if we are to minimise the risk of abuse. And for a government official to extend such restrictions to information which merely has the potential to embarrass a large and powerful corporation seems, frankly, reckless.
"How does undermining the rule of law aid the public interest?"
Two years after Trafigura it feels as if progress has been made. There seems to be a general acceptance (other than from Carter Ruck and Trafigura, obviously) that Carter Ruck's attempt to gag the reporting of Parliament was misguided. There is also a recognition that the current system of privacy and "confidence" injunctions is in a mess, and needs reform.
But it looks as if there's a way to go yet. Prior to today's meeting, the panelists were sent a list of somewhat loaded questions, including:
"Most of you have blogged about injunctions; some of you appeared to know or think you were breaching injunctions whilst you were blogging. What were your motivations for doing this? What made you think you wouldn't be prosecuted?"
"Do you think that you are able to judge the appropriateness of an injunction when you haven't heard the full case (compared with a judge who has)?"
"What is your definition of the public interest? How does undermining the rule of law aid the public interest?"
In one form or another, all of these questions came up during the session. I clarified to the Committee that when I chose to publish the Trafigura question I was by no means sure that I wouldn't be prosecuted. I took the risk because I felt so strongly about the issue, and believe that many of the others who did the same thing were making a similar calculation.
The second question may seem reasonable at first glance. But the implication seems to be that when a judge passes a free speech restriction that appears completely unjust, or absurd, we simply have to nod deferentially and trust that they must have had lots of good reasons that we just don't know about. This again, seems like a prescription for corruption and incompetence.
The last question was particularly interesting. While the Committee wanted to challenge us on our understanding of the "public interest", it seemed to me that their definition of the "rule of law" was just as much open to question.
The United Nations defines the rule of law as:
a principle of governance in which all persons, institutions and entities… are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced… and which are consistent with international human rights norms and standards. It requires, as well, measures to ensure adherence to the principles of supremacy of law, equality before the law, accountability to the law, fairness in the application of the law… avoidance of arbitrariness and procedural and legal transparency."
The International Bar Association, meanwhile, sees the rule of law as establishing "a transparent process accessible and equal to all". The IBA spells out that "Confidence in the system of governance in any society cannot be maintained unless the process is open and transparent."
On this basis, it would seem that High Court judges who pass secret edicts restricting freedom of expression – and the Parliamentarians who allow them to continue – are doing far more to undermine the rule of law than the bloggers who circumvent them.
Rich man's justice
Lord Gold and Gisela Stewart MP seemed concerned – if somewhat bemused – by my suggestion that I would quickly go bankrupt if I was ever dragged into a libel court over something that I'd written. Surely this was incredibly unfair to any potential litigants who might end up losing money by taking me to court? His Lordship noted, disdainfully, that it wasn't worth anyone's while suing me, was it?
It was difficult to know what to make of this point, so I thought I'd expand on it here: A typical UK libel case can end up costing upwards of £100,000 to defend. This is a figure far beyond the means of most ordinary people, including most bloggers, and that is why, for most of us, being sued for libel would entail bankruptcy.
The main reason that such cases are so expensive in this country – reportedly around 140 times the European average – is that the "reputation management" firms that bring them are willing and able to charge more for an hour's work than many of us earn in a week.
This is, in other words, a situation that the legal profession, aided by a Parliament unprepared, so far, to reign in the activities of such firms, has actively created. So it seems odd for Parliamentarians – many of whom, like David Gold, are also lawyers themselves – to wring their hands when confronted with the consequences.
I've no idea what the Committee will have made of our testimony. It is, at least, encouraging that these issues are starting to be debated properly. But it is nonetheless disturbing to see such a blithe acceptance among our elected officials of this fundamentally undemocratic system. It's difficult to see how the current mess will be sorted out, and public confidence restored, until we dismantle these secret courts.
Private Eye takes first prize in the "Trafigura Challenge"
Private Eye wins the prize for being the first UK media outlet to report fully on these allegations about Trafigura and their law firm MacFarlanes. Here's the PDF
Trafigura: Guilty.
BBC Newsnight has the full story 16m 15s into this piece.
See also, Amnesty International:
Amnesty International today welcomed the guilty verdict by a Dutch court against the multinational company, Trafigura, for delivering hazardous waste to Amsterdam while concealing the true nature of the waste, and for exporting the waste to Cote D'Ivoire.
Today's verdict is the first time the company has been held criminally accountable for its involvement in exporting the hazardous waste to Cote d'Ivoire.
"This judgement appears damning given Trafigura's previous denials of any wrongdoing. The waste, which was ultimately dumped in Cote d'Ivoire, had a huge impact on the lives of tens of thousands of people," said Benedetta Lacey, a special advisor at Amnesty International who has visited Côte d'Ivoire and met victims of the dumping.
"While the ruling is a significant step forward, this is not the end of the story for those affected. There are unanswered questions about the impact that the waste may have had on people's health, and the areas where the waste was dumped are yet to be fully decontaminated"…
Judgement day looms for Trafigura…
From Agence France Presse:
THE HAGUE — A Dutch court will hand down judgment Friday in the first trial of a Swiss-based company whose chartered ship dumped waste alleged to have killed 17 people in Ivory Coast in 2006.
Multinational Trafigura, waste treatment company Amsterdam Port Services (APS), and the Ukrainian captain of the Probo Koala ship were tried with three others for allegedly breaking environment and waste export laws on Dutch territory.
They all pleaded not guilty before the Amsterdam district court. Trafigura risks a fine of up to 2.1 million euros (2.7 million dollars).
"We are happy that four years after the fact, Trafigura has finally been brought before a judge," Marietta Harjono, spokeswoman for environmental group Greenpeace, told AFP.
"But there can only be real justice when Trafigura is prosecuted for the events in the Ivory Coast." This trial was about alleged violations of European law.
Caustic soda and petroleum residues on board the Probo Koala were prevented from being offloaded on July 2, 2006 for treatment in the Port of Amsterdam and redirected to Abidjan, where they were dumped on city waste tips.
The waste, slops from the cleaning of fuel transportation tanks, was pumped back into the Probo Koala after APS demanded a higher price for treatment as it was more toxic than previously thought.
Trafigura declined to pay the increased price.
The company, which denies any link between the waste and casualties and has an independent experts' report backing its stance, reached out of court settlements for 33 million euros and 152 million euros in Britain and Ivory Coast that exempted it from legal proceedings.
But a United Nations report published last September found "strong" evidence blaming the waste for at least 15 deaths and several hospitalisations.
The Ivory Coast claims the dumping caused 17 deaths and thousands of poisoning cases.
Dutch judges have yet to decide on a bid by Greenpeace to have those responsible for the waste dump tried in the Netherlands for crimes committed on Ivorian soil.
In the current case, the prosecution asked the Amsterdam district court to impose a two-million-euro fine on Trafigura.
It sought a one-year jail term for Trafigura employee Naeem Ahmed, 43, who coordinated the operation in the port of Amsterdam, and four months for the Ukrainian captain of the ship, Sergiy Chertov, 46, for allegedly falsifying documents and lying about the nature of the waste.
For APS former managing director Evert Uittenbosch, 60, the prosecution sought a six-month jail term, half of it suspended, for violating environmental laws.
APS faces a 250,000-euro fine for the same violation, and the city of Amsterdam, which administered the port, 150,000 euros for not having prevented the exportation of dangerous waste.
The head of the Tommy company which dumped the waste from the Probo Koala in Ivory Coast was given a 20-year jail term by an Abidjan court in October 2008.
Press Association News wins the "Trafigura Challenge"
PA News has become the first UK media outlet to make any reference to allegations – widely reported in the Netherlands and elsewhere – that the controversial oil trade Trafigura bribed a number of witnesses to the Probo Koala toxic waste incident. PA is a syndicated newswire whose stories are normally picked up and republished by media across the UK – so it will be interesting to see if that happens in this case.
(Special mention should also go to the Daily Telegraph, who in a welcome break from their more usual slavish parroting of corporate pseudo-science have gone further than any other UK media outlet in reporting the full background to the case.)
From the Press Association newswire:
Green Party MP Caroline Lucas has called on the Government to launch a "full inquiry" into allegations of illegal toxic waste dumping by a British-based oil trading firm.
Ms Lucas said the full details of allegations against Trafigura – which is facing criminal charges in the Netherlands – were not being fully reported because of the "chilling effect" of UK libel laws.
She urged the Government to investigate claims "that UK nationals and UK firms may have been involved in illegal waste shipments and a subsequent cover-up and that payments were made to truck drivers in return for favourable witness statements".
In a Commons motion, the Brighton Pavilion MP also asked ministers to review libel laws "to ensure that this matter can be fully reported in the UK".
Trafigura hit the headlines last year when The Guardian claimed it had been prevented from reporting a parliamentary question relating to the firm because of a legal order obtained by lawyers Carter Ruck – despite such questions being protected by privilege.
The row led then justice secretary Jack Straw to review the use of so-called "super-injunctions", which not only ban reporting of a story but also of the existence of the ban itself.
A confidential settlement of the largest-ever group action was reached in London last September over the alleged dumping of toxic waste in the Ivory Coast.
The claims were launched against Trafigura following an August 2006 incident when thousands claimed they fell ill after "slops" were deposited near Abidjan, the African country's commercial capital, from the Probo Koala, a ship hired by the firm.
Trafigura said it regretted the incident but did not accept legal liability as the dumping was carried out by a ship contractor which acted independently of, and without any authority from, Trafigura.
The motion from Ms Lucas – the Green Party's first MP – "calls on the Government to launch a full inquiry into the allegations against Trafigura" in the light of fresh legal proceedings in the Netherlands which began last month.
Just days into her career as an MP, Caroline Lucas busts open another big UK establishment secret…
From the website of the UK Parliament
Early Day Motion
Lucas, Caroline
That this House, concerned that due to the start of fresh legal proceedings in the Netherlands on 14 and 17 May 2010 concerning the multinational commodities trading group Trafigura, including allegations that UK nationals and UK firms may have been involved in illegal waste shipments and a subsequent cover-up and that payments were made to truck drivers in return for favourable witness statements and given that this is not being fully reported in the United Kingdom because of the chilling effect of the UK's libel laws, calls on the Government to launch a full inquiry into the allegations against Trafigura and to review the libel laws to ensure that this matter can be reported fully in the UK.
Independent breaks UK media silence over Trafigura trial in the Dutch courts
With help from the newly-elected Green MP Caroline Lucas, The Independent newspaper has taken a clear lead in the "Trafigura challenge" – the race to see which UK media outlet will be the first to report fully on the upcoming trial in the Dutch courts of the controversial oil company.
No UK newspaper or broadcaster has yet made any mention of allegations made to Dutch prosecutors by Greenpeace – and widely featured in the Dutch media – that Trafigura and their law firm MacFarlanes sought to bribe witnesses in an earlier London court case. But the Independent has, by citing Caroline Lucas' remarks, at least been able to reference the ongoing legal proceedings.
Under the Parliamentary Papers Act 1840, "correct copies" of any Parliamentary publication may freely be republished without fear of legal action, including, crucially, any action under the UK's notoriously expensive and one-sided libel laws, which Trafigura has been ruthlessly exploiting.
In a message on Twitter last night, Caroline Lucas promised an "EDM [Early Day Motion] and PQs [Parliamentary Questions] to follow", so with luck the UK press may soon have more opportunities to cover this story freely.
From The Independent
Caroline Lucas used her maiden speech to raise concerns that the British media are unable to fully report legal proceedings involving the commodities trading company Trafigura.
The Green MP pledged to use her new position in Parliament to raise the issue after legal claims were launched in the Netherlands against the company, which chartered the ship whose toxic sludge was illegally dumped in the Ivory Coast in 2006.
The Dutch-based oil trader caused outrage last year when a High Court injunction issued on its behalf had the effect of blocking coverage of parliamentary proceedings involving its activities. The "super-injunction", obtained by the law firm Carter Ruck, was amended after it was accused of infringing the supremacy of Parliament by preventing the reporting of a question tabled by an MP. Politicians from all sides criticised the legal manoeuvre.
The law firm agreed to change the injunction and insisted there was no question that Trafigura had sought to gag the media from reporting parliamentary proceedings.
In her maiden speech to the House of Commons, Ms Lucas said she was still concerned that proceedings in foreign courts were not being reported in Britain. She said: "Last year honourable members from all sides of the House helped to shine a light on the actions of the international commodities trading group Trafigura, and the shipping of hazardous waste to the Ivory Coast.
"There was particular concern that the media in this country were being prevented from reporting the issues fully and fairly. This remains the case, for new legal actions concerning Trafigura have been launched in the Dutch courts and are being reported widely in other countries, but not here. And these are the kind of issues I would like to pursue."
In unrelated proceedings, a court in Amsterdam is due to start hearing the trial next week of Trafigura for the alleged infringement of Dutch waste export laws relating to the Probo Koala, the chartered tanker whose waste was dumped at sites around the Ivorian city, Abidjan.
The company is accused along with the captain of the vessel, the municipal authorities in Amsterdam and a waste treatment company of breaking rules when the ship attempted to offload the waste in the Dutch city before it then departed for West Africa. The trial is expected to last five weeks.
Caroline Lucas MP ups the stakes in the Trafigura Challenge
The new Green Party MP Caroline Lucas has begun her House of Commons career in style. In her maiden speech this afternoon, Ms Lucas exercised Parliamentary privilege to help break the UK media's silence over the upcoming trial in the Dutch courts of the oil company Trafigura.
Under the Parliamentary Papers Act 1840, "correct copies" of any Parliamentary publication may freely be republished without fear of legal action of any kind. This means that the UK media should now be able to make some reference to Trafigura's legal entanglements, if only by republishing our first Green MP's maiden speech.
If you'd like to help end the legal fiasco which has allowed a powerful multinational with a dubious track record to silence our entire media, do please support the petition for libel reform at www.libelreform.org/sign, and encourage your friends to do the same.
The text of Caroline Lucas' speech will shortly be available on the official Parliamentary record – in the meantime it has been published by the Green Party here. I'm also reproducing the text below.
Mr Speaker,
I am most grateful to you for calling me during today's debate.
The environment is a subject dear to my heart, as I'm sure you know, and I'll return to it in a moment.
I think anyone would find their first speech in this chamber daunting, given its history and traditions, and the many momentous events it has witnessed.
But I have an additional responsibility, which is to speak not only as the new Member of Parliament for Brighton Pavilion, but also as the first representative of the Green Party to be elected to Westminster.
You have to go back several decades, to the election of the first Nationalist MPs in Scotland and Wales, to find the last maiden speech from a new national political party.
And perhaps a better comparison would be those first Socialist and Independent Labour MPs, over a century ago, whose arrival was seen as a sign of coming revolution.
When Keir Hardie made his maiden speech to this House, after winning the seat of West Ham South in 1892, there was an outcry.
Because instead of frock coat and top hat, he wore a tweed suit and deerstalker. It's hard to decide which of these choices would seem more inappropriate today.
But what Keir Hardie stood for now seems much more mainstream.
Progressive taxation, votes for women, free schooling, pensions and abolition of the House of Lords.
Though the last of these is an urgent task still before us, the rest are now seen as essential to our society.
What was once radical, even revolutionary, becomes understood, accepted and even cherished.
In speaking today, I am helped by an admirable tradition – that in your first speech to this House, you should refer to your constituency and to your predecessor.
David Lepper, who stood down at this election after thirteen years service as Member for Brighton Pavilion, was an enormously hard-working and highly-respected Member whose qualities transcend any differences of Party. I am delighted to have this chance to thank him for his work on behalf of the people of Brighton.
It is also a great pleasure to speak about Brighton itself. It is, I am sure, well-known to many Members, if only from Party conferences.
My own Party has not yet grown to a size to justify the use of the Brighton Centre, although I hope that will change before long.
But I can say to honourable members who are not familiar with it, that it is one of the UK's premier conference venues; and there are proposals to invest in it further to help ensure that Brighton retains its status as the UK's leading conference and tourism resort.
There are also the attractions of the shops and cafes of the Lanes and North Laine, the Pier and of course the Royal Pavilion itself, which gives its name to the constituency.
And beyond the immediate boundaries of the constituency and the city, there is the quietly beautiful countryside of the South Downs and the Sussex Weald.
Brighton has always had a tradition of independence – of doing things differently. It has an entrepreneurial spirit, making the best of things whatever the circumstances, and enjoying being ahead of the curve.
We see this in the numbers of small businesses and freelancers within the constituency, and in the way in which diversity is not just tolerated, or respected, but positively welcomed and valued.
You have to work quite hard to be a "local character" in Brighton.
We do not have a single dominant employer in Brighton. As well as tourism and hospitality, we have two universities, whose students make an important cultural, as well as financial, contribution to the city.
There are also a large number of charities, campaigning groups and institutes based there, some local, others with a national or international reach, such as the Institute of Development Studies, all of which I will work to support in my time in this place.
I would like also to pay tribute to those wonderful Brighton organisations that work with women. In particular I'd like to mention Rise, who do amazing work with women who have been victims of domestic abuse.
Many of my constituents are employed in the public and voluntary sectors. They include doctors and teachers, nurses and police officers, and others from professions that do not always have the same level of attention or support from the media, or indeed from politicians.
But whatever the role – social workers, planning officers, highway engineers or border agency staff – we depend upon them.
I'm sure that members on all sides would agree that all those who work for the State should be respected and their contribution valued. In a time of cuts, with offhand comments about bureaucrats and pencil-pushers, that becomes yet more important.
There is also a Brighton that is perhaps less familiar to honourable members. The very popularity of the City puts pressure on transport and housing and on the quality of life.
Though there is prosperity, it is not shared equally. People are proud of Brighton, but they believe that it can be a better and fairer place to live and work.
I pledge to everything I can in this place to help achieve that, with a particular focus on creating more affordable, more sustainable housing.
Brighton was once the seat of the economist Henry Fawcett who, despite his blindness, was elected there in 1865. Shortly afterwards he married Millicent Garrett, later the leader of the suffragists, a movement he himself had supported and encouraged.
So he lent his name to the Fawcett Society, which is still campaigning for greater women's representation in politics.
The task of ensuring that Parliament better reflects the people that it represents remains work in progress – and as the first woman elected in Brighton Pavilion, this is work that I will do all that I can do advance.
I said when I began that I found this occasion daunting.
Perhaps the most difficult task is to say a few words about the latest radical move that the people of Brighton have made – that is, to elect the first Green MP to Parliament.
It has been a long journey.
The Green Party traces its origins back to 1973, and the issues highlighted in its first Manifesto for a Sustainable Society – including security of energy supply, tackling pollution, raising standards of welfare and striving for steady state economics – are even more urgent today.
If our message had been heeded nearly 40 years ago, I like to think we would be much closer to the genuinely sustainable economy that we so urgently need, than we currently are today.
We fielded fifty candidates in the 1979 general election as the Ecology Party, and began to win seats on local councils. Representation in the European Parliament and the London Assembly followed.
Now, after nearly four decades of the kind of work on doorsteps and in council chambers which I am sure honourable members are all too familiar, we have more candidates and more members, and now our first MP.
A long journey.
Too long, I would say.
Politics needs to renew itself, and allow new ideas and visions to emerge.
Otherwise debate is the poorer, and more and more people will feel that they are not represented.
So I hope that if, and when, other new political movements arise, they will not be excluded by the system of voting. Reform here, as in other areas, is long-overdue.
The chance must not be squandered. Most crucially, the people themselves must be given a choice about the way their representatives are elected.
And in my view, that means more than a referendum on the Alternative Vote – it means the choice of a genuinely proportional electoral system.
Both before the election and afterwards, I have been asked the question: what can a single MP hope to achieve? I may not be alone in facing that question.
And since arriving in this place, and thinking about the contribution other members have made over the years, I am sure that the answer is clear, that a single MP can achieve a great deal.
A single MP can contribute to debates, to legislation, to scrutiny. Work that is valuable, if not always appreciated on the outside.
A single MP can speak up for their constituents.
A single MP can challenge the executive. I am pleased that the government is to bring forward legislation to revoke a number of restrictions on people's freedoms and liberties, such as identity cards.
But many restrictions remain. For example, control orders are to stay in force. Who is to speak for those affected and for the principle that people should not be held without charge, even if it is their own homes?
House arrest is something we deplore in other countries. I hope through debate we can conclude that it has no place here either.
A single MP can raise issues that cannot be aired elsewhere.
Last year Honourable Members from all sides of the House helped to shine a light on the actions of the international commodities trading group Trafigura, and the shipping of hazardous waste to the Ivory Coast.
There was particular concern that the media in this country were being prevented from reporting the issues fully and fairly.
This remains the case, for new legal actions concerning Trafigura have been launched in the Dutch courts, and are being reported widely in other countries, but not here.
Finally, I would like to touch on the subject of today's debate.
I have worked on the causes and consequences of climate change for most of my working life, first with Oxfam – for the effects of climate change are already affecting millions of people in poorer countries around the world – and then for ten years in the European Parliament.
But if we are to overcome this threat, then it is we in this chamber who must take the lead.
We must act so that the United Kingdom can meet its own responsibilities to cut the emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases that are changing our climate, and encourage and support other countries to do the same.
This House has signed up to the 10:10 Campaign – 10% emissions reductions in 2010. That's very good news. But the truth is that we need 10% emission cuts every year, year on year, until we reach a zero carbon economy.
And time is running short. If we are to avoid irreversible climate change, then it is this Parliament that must meet this historic task.
That gives us an extraordinary responsibility – and an extraordinary opportunity.
Because the good news is that the action that we need to tackle the climate crisis is action which can improve the quality of life for all of us – better, more affordable public transport, better insulated homes, the end of fuel poverty, stronger local communities and economies, and many more jobs.
I look forward to working with Members from all sides of the House on advancing these issues.
Trafigura goes on trial next week in Amsterdam – will the UK media dare to report it?
The report they tried to ban…
The Anglo-Dutch oil company Trafigura goes on trial in the Netherlands on June 1st, over its role in the allegedly illegal exporting of toxic waste to the Ivory Coast. According to the Ivory Coast authorities, the dumping of this waste led to 15 deaths, with other reports putting the death toll at 17.
Trafigura is notorious for its willingness to use UK libel law – which is famously one-sided and prohibitively expensive for most defendants – to suppress critical coverage. As a result, while the Dutch, Norwegian and American media have reported the case freely, few UK newspapers will even cover it, let alone mention the alleged death toll (which Trafigura continues to dispute).
When Trafigura and their London-based law firm, MacFarlanes, were formally accused in the Dutch courts of bribing witnesses (a charge they deny), there was silence about it in the UK media. According to MacFarlanes themselves, such behaviour "would have been illegal and it would certainly have constituted serious professional misconduct". Under normal circumstances, the laying of such charges against a UK law firm would have been a major news story. The fact that it has gone unreported in Britain shows how much damage our libel laws have done to freedom of speech and public interest journalism.
When the trial itself begins on June 1st, it will be interesting to see if any UK media dare to cover it. This will be a key test of how much power Trafigura now wields over the British press – and how much courage our journalists and editors have in resisting this company's sustained attack on press freedom.
Trafigura and Macfarlanes deny bribing witnesses in toxic waste court case, threaten legal action against Dutch media
Response to Volkskrant allegations, published on Scribd.com
Macfarlanes and Trafigura deny any involvement, whether direct or indirect, in what you describe as "bribery and influencing of witnesses".
Not only would such conduct be grossly unethical, it would have been illegal and it would certainly have constituted serious professional misconduct by Macfarlanes. The suggestion that this firm or one of its partners would involve itself in such misconduct is as absurd as it is defamatory.
Furthermore, for reasons we touch on below, even if Macfarlanes or Trafigura had been willing to misconduct ourselves in this way (which we were not), it would have been completely illogical and counter-productive for us to have done so given the circumstances of these events.
We note that you acknowledge that these allegations are extremely serious. We trust, therefore, that if you consider yourself to be a responsible journalist, rather than pursuing a pre-meditated agenda against Trafigura, you will consider your position very carefully before publishing allegations about Macfarlanes which are indeed very serious, malicious, gravely defamatory, false and completely inconsistent with the previous course of conduct between the parties.
You state in your email that these are similar to allegations made last year. For the record, those allegations were also wholly without foundation. Indeed, they were formally withdrawn by the Claimants and their solicitors, Leigh Day & Co, in the Abidjan Personal Injury Group Litigation proceedings in September 2009.
Given your misapprehension of the true position and the fact that, regrettably, certain individuals have chosen to provide you with dishonest and malicious allegations, it is important that we address your questions.
It is equally important that you carefully consider our responses and weigh up how much reliance, if any, can be placed upon these false and malicious allegations.
In the event that you still decide to publish these allegations, we require you to ensure that you include our response to each allegation at the point in which it appears in the article.
You will appreciate that, given the seriousness and falsity of what you are seeking to allege, Macfarlanes and/or Trafigura will have no alternative but to commence legal proceedings without further notice if your story does not comply fully with the basic principles of truth, balanced reporting and responsible journalism.
From Radio Netherlands Worldwide:
Greenpeace accuses Trafigura
The environmental organisation accuses the multinational of having influenced witnesses.
In the Netherlands, Greenpeace has filed a complaint with the public prosecution against the multinational Trafigura, accusing the latter of having influenced witnesses and also of forgery.
According to the environmental organisation, a group of drivers reported to be Ivoirian would have agreed with Trafigura not to report being ill as a result of transporting toxic waste for the multinational.
A spokesman for Greenpeace has confirmed that information which had been disclosed by Dutch television and the center-left daily De Volkskrant.
According to the Ivorian justice, dumping of toxic waste in Abidjan in August 2006, by the cargo Probo Koala, chartered by Trafigura from Amsterdam, had killed 17 people and poisoned thousands.
Major embarrassment for Trafigura as reports they claimed were defamatory win prestigious international journalism award
Trafigura sued the BBC for libel over this report
– now the piece has won a major international media award
From the Center for Public Integrity
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 24, 2010 — A gutsy, collaborative series by four European news outlets about toxic waste dumping in Africa and a surprising exposé by a freelancer on payoffs by U.S. military contractors to the Taliban won the 2010 Daniel Pearl Awards for Outstanding International Investigative Reporting.
The winners were announced tonight at the sixth Global Investigative Journalism Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. The Pearl Awards are presented by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, a project of the Center for Public Integrity in Washington, D.C.
The winners are:
- Kjersti Knudsson and Synnove Bakke, Norwegian Broadcasting Corp.; David Leigh, The Guardian; Meirion Jones and Liz MacKean, BBC Newsnight; Jeroen Trommelen, de Volkskrant (Western Europe), for "Trafigura's Toxic Waste Dump," which exposed how a powerful offshore oil trader tried to cover up the poisoning of 30,000 West Africans.
- Aram Roston, The Nation (United States), for "How the US Funds the Taliban," on of how Pentagon military contractors in Afghanistan routinely pay millions of dollars in protection money to the Taliban to move supplies to U.S. troops. The project was sponsored by The Investigative Fund of The Nation Institute.
Trafigura vindicated? 115-page "Reply" which the company says rebuts the BBC's case
Trafigura's Reply to the BBC's libel Defence(PDF)
A few weeks ago Wikileaks published the 40-page court document in which the BBC laid out its defence against Trafigura's libel claim, following this Newsnight report from May last year.
Trafigura had always insisted that the available scientific evidence vindicated them of blame for any deaths or serious injuries following the August 2006 Probo Koala toxic waste incident, and in December the BBC controversially withdrew their claims and agreed to pay damages. Yet Trafigura have never published the evidence which they say vindicates them, despite repeated requests.
Following the publication of the BBC document by Wikileaks, the blogger Calum Carr again contacted Trafigura to request their side of the story, but again to no avail.
Calum and I have now obtained this document ourselves. Given today's very promising news about the libel reform campaign, we felt that this was a good moment to put the information out into the public domain, so that people can form their own view on this contentious issue.
Obtaining an electronic copy of this document has been an interesting process in itself. To do this, I had to:
1. Go to the High Court in person
2. Make a formal request for a copy of the document (giving full personal details including my home address)
3. Wait several days
4. Phone the High Court to see if the copy was ready
5. Visit the High Court again in person
6. Pay a not-insignificant photocopying fee
7. Pick up the paper copy of the document
8. Take the copy to a specialist document scanning company to get it turned into a PDF
9. Pay another fee
10. Wait another few days, before receiving the PDF via email.
This is apparently standard procedure for getting hold of key UK court documents. One would almost have thought that the legal authorities did not actually want the British public to have ready access to documents which are, at least in theory, available to all of us by right…
We might compare the above process to the mechanism involved in, say, accessing the text of a Parliamentary Question or a Select Committee report, eg:
1. Visit the Parliament website
2. Type in a relevant search term
2. Download the information (for free).
For all the concerns we might have about the current workings of the Parliament, its processes currently seem a whole lot more open transparent than those of the judiciary. Apart from anything else, the requirement that one has to visit the High Court in person to access a public document seems inherently discriminatory to anyone living a significant distance from London.
If and when we get some real progress on libel reform, it seems to me that opening up the judiciary to at least the same levels of scrutiny we have for Parliament could be an important next step.
Wikileaks publish BBC's 39-page defence against the Trafigura libel suit
From Wikileaks (pdf):
This document was submitted to the UK's High Court by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in September 2009, as a Defence against a libel claim brought against them by the oil company Trafigura. A May 2009 BBC Newsnight feature suggested that 16 deaths and many other injuries were caused by the dumping in the Ivory Coast of a large quantity of toxic waste originating with Trafigura. A September 2009 UN report into the matter stated that 108,000 people were driven to seek medical attention.
This Defence, which has never been previously published online, outlines in detail the evidence which the BBC believed justified its coverage. In December 2009 the BBC settled out of court amid reports that fighting the case could have cost as much as 3 million pounds. The BBC removed its original Newsnight footage and associated articles from its on-line archives. The detailed claims contained in this document were never aired publicly, and never had a chance to be tested in court.
Commenting on the BBC's climbdown, John Kampfner, CEO of Index on Censorship said: "Sadly, the BBC has once again buckled in the face of authority or wealthy corporate interests. It has cut a secret deal. This is a black day for British journalism and once more strengthens our resolve to reform our unjust libel laws." Jonathan Heawood, Director of English PEN, said: "Forced to choose between a responsible broadcaster and an oil company which shipped hundreds of tons of toxic waste to a developing country, English libel law has once again allowed the wrong side to claim victory. The law is an ass and needs urgent reform."
Now that this document is in the public domain, the global public will be able to make their own judgement about the strength of the BBC's case.
New statement from Amnesty: "There were 15 reported deaths"
The day after the BBC backed down in the face of legal threats from Trafigura over their claim that the company's waste caused deaths…
In August 2006, toxic waste was brought to Abidjan on board the ship Probo Koala, which had been chartered by oil-trading company, Trafigura.
This waste was then dumped in various locations around the city, causing a human rights tragedy. More than 100,000 people sought medical attention for a range of health problems and there were 15 reported deaths.
On 23 September 2009, the High Court of England and Wales approved a $45 million settlement between nearly 30,000 victims of the toxic waste dumping and Trafigura.
UK's dysfunctional libel system strikes again? Newsnight feature on Trafigura disappears from BBC website
UPDATE – The censored Newsnight feature on Trafigura may have disappeared from the BBC website, but it's now all over Youtube…
The BBC lawyers may have caved, but you can still defy Trafigura – click here to find out how!
See also: Democracy under attack – Carter-Ruck persuades Commons Speaker that courts *can* ban the reporting of Parliament
In May, the BBC ran a feature on the oil company Trafigura, alleging "dirty tricks" over the dumping of toxic waste in the ivory coast. Shortly afterwards, Trafigura announced that they were sueing the BBC for libel.
The case has received very little media attention – a sign, perhaps, of the ongoing chill that Trafigura is managing to cast over the UK media – but it was mentioned again in this Guardian piece last month.
Until very recently, the Newsnight feature was freely available on the BBC's website – but now it seems to have disappeared. It's currently still available via Google cache, which indicates that it was on the site as late as lunchtime yesterday. Could of course just be a technical problem but it does look somewhat odd…
UPDATE 11/12/09 – The story has now been missing from the website for more than 24 hours – it's starting to look more and more likely that the piece has been spiked, and that the BBC – that most British of institutions – may now have become the latest victim of our country's "rogue state" libel laws. In an ironic twist, it seems that the BBC's lawyers chose international Human Rights Day as the moment to cave in to this attack on freedom of expression.
Make a vid for freedom and defy #Trafigura!
Earlier today we showed up outside Trafigura's offices to video ourselves reading out the information they have been trying so hard to suppress.
If you couldn't make the protest, you can still help to drive the point home, by reading out the 'banned text' in your own Youtube video at home or work.
The more of us do this, the more clearly we can send out the message that the internet can't be gagged, and that efforts to do so are doomed to backfire.
Please be as original and creative as you like, but if you need a starting point here's the basic text that we'll be using:
I am [name] and I'm using my freedom under the 1688 Bill of Rights to read the following quote from Parliament, in defiance of Trafigura:
"The recent example of the release of toxic waste in the Ivory Coast leading to the deaths of a number of people and the hospitalisation of thousands underlines the risks involved in the movement and management of waste."
The next step is then to upload the video to Youtube (or Vimeo or Yfrog), with the word "Trafigura" somewhere in the description text, and tell as many people as possible. If you're on Twitter, please do spread the word by Tweeting the link to your vid with the #Trafigura hashtag.
We'll be embedding and linking to every video we find, and eventually editing them all together as part of a top-secret new web 2.0 project, so please do let us know via this page once your work is published!
Here's Kate defying #Trafigura!
…and here's Chris
Here's Simon
Here's Sly…
Here's Reggie
…and here's Lianne
Here's Alex defying #Trafigura!
Here's Jimbo Gunn defying #Trafigura to the tune of "Ode to Joy"
Here's Derek defying #Trafigura
Here's Dom defying #Trafigura
Here's Lauren's cat defying #Trafigura
Here's Peregrine defying #Trafigura
Here's Joel Sams defying #Trafigura with gravitas!
Here's a robot space alien defying #Trafigura
Here's one I made earlier
Here's Paul defying #Trafigura
Tweet if you support us! Online flashmob – 1pm, Thursday 26th November
*UPDATE* – Make a vid for freedom! We're defying #Trafigura, and you can too!
Unable to join the #Trafigura flashmob in person this Thursday? Still want to help? Well now you can…
We will be using our freedom under the 1688 Bill of Rights to stand outside Trafigura's office and quote from a Parliamentary debate which highlighted an allegation that the company has been very keen to suppress:
Newsnight" is being threatened by the lawyers for Trafigura, Carter-Ruck, if it repeats an allegation against Carter-Ruck that deaths were caused by the dumping of toxic waste in Ivory Coast, even though in 2007 Hansard reported the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations laid by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs before Parliament, and a memorandum of explanation to those regulations stated:
"The recent example of the release of toxic waste in the Ivory Coast leading to the deaths of a number of people and the hospitalisation of thousands underlines the risks involved in the movement and management of waste."
How can it be that that can be in Hansard, yet there are still threats of legal action against "Newsnight" if it reports the very same wording that is used in there?
From 1pm onwards on Thursday 26th November, please show your support for the campaign by Tweeting the following, and encouraging others to do the same:
Beat the gag! "toxic waste in the Ivory Coast leading to the deaths of a number of people" #Trafigura http://bit.ly/4DvaNV
I'm tweeting banned text: "toxic waste in the Ivory Coast leading to the deaths of a number of people" #Trafigura http://tr.im/FBZi
Click here to help us defy Trafigura on Youtube!
*Flipcam Flashmob!* Multimedia protest @ #Trafigura's London office, 1pm Thurs Nov 26th
*UPDATE* Sign up for the event on Facebook here – and if you can't make the protest, you can make a vid for freedom here, or support us on Twitter.
We're going to 'flashmob' Trafigura ( 2 Portman Street, London W1H 6DU ) at 1pm on Thursday November 26th. The main aim is to highlight the fact that Trafigura/Carter Ruck are, even now, still suing the BBC for libel - (over this report) and thus continuing to cast a chill over the UK media.
The key feature of the protest will be an act of defiance against Trafigura's attempt to stop the reporting of the fact that their toxic waste is alleged to have caused a number of deaths (ie. not just 'flu-like symptoms').
The plan is to quote verbatim from Hansard, as (despite some uncertainty recently) we know that we have an absolute legal right to quote from Parliamentary proceedings.
According to Evan Harris MP (quoted here in a Parliamentary debate, hence we can quote him):
"Newsnight" is being threatened by the lawyers for Trafigura, Carter-Ruck, if it repeats an allegation against Carter-Ruck that deaths were caused by the dumping of toxic waste in Ivory Coast, even though in 2007 Hansard reported the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations laid by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs before Parliament, and a memorandum of explanation to those regulations stated:
"The recent example of the release of toxic waste in the Ivory Coast leading to the deaths of a number of people and the hospitalisation of thousands underlines the risks involved in the movement and management of waste."
How can it be that that can be in Hansard, yet there are still threats of legal action against "Newsnight" if it reports the very same wording that is used in there?
So the plan is to turn up outside their offices with as many people (and cameraphones, mini-video cams, etc.) as possible, and recite this text – either all of the above, or just the two lines Harris is quoting from the 'memorandum'.
The highlight will be Sly and Reggie, with their "Suburban Pirate" mobile (a lovely old Morris pickup), which has a public address system they will employ to a similar purpose, together with the rather good song they've recorded specifically on this subject.
There's a rumour that (subject to local byelaws) we'll also be drinking a toast to freedom outside Trafigura's office, with some banana bread beer…
Standby for more #Trafigura fun and frolics
We're still finalising the details, but on Thursday evening I'll be unveiling the next step in the ongoing campaign to persuade Trafigura to end their attacks on freedom of speech in the UK. It will involve music, and talking, and cameras, and a number of TBC peaceful, legal activities!
If you'd like to get involved, please do contact me via richardcameronwilson AT yahoo dot co dot uk
BBC Newsnight are still being sued for libel by Trafigura and Carter-Ruck
From The Guardian
Carter Ruck's support today for some of the changes put forward in the report came amid continuing criticism of firms that launch expensive libel claims against journalists and other publishers, often using conditional fee agreements which result in higher costs for defendants.
"If we don't get reforms, what is there to stop a law firm like Carter Ruck bombarding journalists and suppressing information that is in the public interest for three years?" said Meirion Jones, producer at BBC's Newsnight, which is currently being sued over its reporting of oil trading firm Trafigura.


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What Happened to B&G Oysters???
I went to B&G last week and was suprised to find everything I loved about the food and the atmosphere gone! I had eaten there last in Dec. had one of the best meals of my life. The menu was interesting and the entrees were light and surprising. But I returned this last week to find mediterranian? french? food not really sure howto caterogorize it. Dont get me wrong the food was still good but it was missing the flair and excitement of my previous meals there. Also it seems really slow low energy atmosphere wise. What happened to the crowded boiterious fastpaced B&G I fell in love with????
New competition in the neighborhood might account for the less-packed atmosphere. I find the space cramped enough when it's half-full not to miss constant crowds, and I'm anticipating the re-opening of their very nice patio, too. Can't say I detect the dramatic changes you cite in the menu, though its seems like the range of cooked items has broadened slightly since it opened. Does this http://www.bandgoysters.com/index.php... look like what you saw? Because this menu looks pretty familiar (though I missed the burrata crostini on my last visit). I think the lobster roll is up to $24 or $25.
In terms of the menu I know that Barbara Lynch has been in on the line a fair amount in the last month updating and will be refreshing the Butcher Shop's menu next (or maybe as I type this.)
re: yummy2184
I loved the creativity that the "young guns" on the line brought to the table over the last few years. Their nightly specials and passion for their craft have been fun. Everything from curry to new desserts have come from a few of the talented young guys who are leaving, not Barbara. I'll miss them, their food, and their engaging, entertaining personalities.
re: Falcon 64
A big part of the answer is that J.J. the former Chef de Cuisine and Alex the sous chef are now gone and haven't been replaced. It seems like they are having a lot of turnover which is always hard on a restaurant. It will be interesting to see what transpires with Ms. Lynch opening her new restaurant and both the Butcher shop and B&G greatly understaffed.
B&G has always been part of the Lynch empire, and I think it has always shown most of the same virtues and drawbacks as her other outlets. I don't really see the sudden changes that some other posters do.
It features very solid and occasionally brilliant cooking, but is undeniably expensive. There isn't a great premium placed on ambience, though no one could accuse the room of being ugly; it's nice in a utilitarian sort of way. It boasts very knowledgeable, solicitous staff, showcases impeccable ingredients (here, the raw bar), and puts a lot of care into that high-margin alcohol component (here, seafood-friendly white wines). And it's conveniently located in a residential neighborhood that is home to a lot of folks who don't blink at $15 for a glass of wine or $25 for a smallish lobster roll. How is this extraordinarily different from the formulae for No. 9 or The Butcher Shop?
I certainly can't remember a time when any of her outlets regularly attracted patrons I'd call cool or funky: the cool and funky people I know can't afford her places outside of special occasions.
re: MC Slim JB
Agreed, agreed, agreed. Well put.
On a related note, however, I will say that I've noticed a distinct decline in the quality of the Butcher Shop's food as of late. (Check other threads; I've been an unswayable champion of the place over the last years even in the face of collective Chowhound persecution...!) That, plus the vibe has taken a turn for the even-more-industry-clique-ish than it already was----something I've never felt at B&G or No. 9.
A shame.

subset: commoncrawl


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By Jamie Anderson, Director, Global Solution Marketing, Web Channel & eCommerce Solutions, SAP
It's been 14 years since I lost my best friend, Clarkey. There's not a week goes by when I don't think of him, at least at some point. He was unique, challenging, unconventional, and someone who often saw the world differently from perhaps you or I. My Sister used to call us 'The Odd Couple' as, to the outside world at least, there was no logical reason how he and I could be friends – but we were, the best of friends. He also had, and I'm sure he wouldn't mind me saying this, a rather unfashionable taste in music which was an immense source of fun for me and the rest of the boys. I still recall to this day (with a rather wide grin) the night he "discovered" Supertramp.
When I was young it seemed that life was so wonderful, a miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical…
Let me set the scene. It's 1989, so he's already 10 years behind the world, and the rest of the boys, as we grow our hair long, wear baggy clothes and shuffle around town to the opiatic beats of the Roses and the Mondays. He puts on this record called 'Breakfast in America' and rather condescendingly announces, "Right whelks! Listen to this." We sit back and prepare to be distinctly underwhelmed, particularly given the less than hypnotic, anti-trendy LP cover depicting a rather portly, middle-aged, American waitress dominating the Manhattan skyline. He's taking no chances here, he skips straight to track 2 carefully guiding the needle to find it's groove in the empty space between tracks, then…boom…the opening sequence of this amazing track kicks in and Roger Hodgson's voice fills the room, piercing our senses with this joyful, bittersweet lament about the passage from childhood wonder and imagining, to adult conformity and servitude. And there was us, dressed in the uniform fashion of the time, on the cusp of becoming these sterile adolescents suddenly awakened from our hypnotic existence by two of the most unlikely heroes, Clarkey and Supertramp.
Watch what you say or they'll be calling you a radical…
Although written sometime before appearing on the 1979 Grammy award-winning Breakfast in America, The Logical Song itself provides a thoughtful backdrop to the world we live in today and, perhaps, has even greater relevance now than it did then, particularly for those Enterprises who are out of touch with the new digital realities and behaviors of the growing number of Illogicals, like the 'Screenagers' I introduced in my previous article.
In the song, Roger Hodgson recalls being sent to school as a kid and effectively being conditioned to conform to a world that seemed alien to his natural perceptions, a world that scorned those who 'thought differently', leading him to question the very nature of his (our) existence. Although the sentiment of a command and control world remains relevant today, the biggest change since then has been the democratization of information via the internet coupled with the adoption of social and mobile technologies leading to tech-savvy and better informed consumers (and citizens). It is actually incredibly ironic that over 30 years since Hodgson first sang those lyrics that it will likely be the ability to 'think differently' that will save many of those companies, the custodians of Machiavelli's status quo, who still exhibit outmoded command and control techniques over customers (and employees).
Brian Solis, principal at Altimeter Group, and author of The End of Business as Usual puts the need for change in very simple terms when he introduces the concept of 'Digital Darwinism' which he describes as "the evolution of consumer behaviour when society & technology evolve faster than your ability to adapt". He goes further in the book declaring that businesses simply need to adapt to this new reality (quickly) or die. In this interesting discussion featuring Martin Lindstrom, author of Brandwashed, he postulates that 85% of decisions we make are typically irrational/illogical and fuelled by emotion – logic is merely used to justify habitual behaviour to the conscious mind.
Please tell me who I am…
The song finishes with a kind of rambling verse that curiously contains the lyric, "I'm feeling so illogical, d-d-d-digital" which makes me wonder now whether Hodgson was predicting a digital future? Perhaps not, but the answer to the question 'Please tell me whom I am' is one which, for Brands, will be embedded in their ability to evolve and remain relevant to an increasingly, illogical world.


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"We need multiple definitions of what leadership is and multiple paths to power." Ripa Rashid
Overcoming barriers and taking action: ultimately, that's inclusive leadership at its best. We spoke with Ripa Rashid, senior vice president at the Center for Work-Life Policy and co-author of The Battle for Female Talent in Emerging Markets, on what the most effective inclusiveness strategies are and how to implement them.
EY: Everyone has biases; the best we can hope to do is to recognize and overcome them. What biases, conscious or not, hinder today's leaders as they look to select talent for the future?
Ripa Rashid: The main biases we see are based on a monolithic blueprint of a leadership model — generally white-male-centered and clearly a gendered and culturally specific model with years of history behind it. Some of the biases are conscious and some unconscious.
When leaders are putting together the roster of the next generation of leaders, these biases are integrated into things like succession planning, which is like a black box and not transparent in most organizations. The broader cultural impact of these decisions is that you don't have a diverse slate of leaders.
EY: In some markets, it's said that there is a lack of managerial talent — you hear this a lot about China, for example. Might it also be true that Western companies are missing a huge talent pool because their ability to recognize top talent is culturally biased?
Ripa Rashid: This is a bit of a red herring. We know that 53% of the global talent pool is coming out of the Asia-Pacific region and that 83% of the global talent pool consists of women and multicultural individuals.
Companies have to recognize that talent comes in all shapes and sizes. The blueprint needs to flex. We need multiple definitions of what leadership is and multiple paths to power.
EY: What can leaders do to get around cultural taboos. For example, in some cultures, a male boss can't ask a female protégé out to lunch, or you can't send women into the field alone because their families will object. How should companies handle this sort of thing?
Ripa Rashid: It requires creativity, awareness and education. If one-on-one mentoring is hard, do it in groups. Do it virtually. Do it by email. Companies in the Middle East have done some creative mentoring on a virtual basis, using male leaders in a group setting. There is also a generational aspect to this. We've heard from Gen X and younger women that they're generally comfortable working and socializing with men.
Ripa Rashid: The biggest mistake any company can make is to "fix the individual." You can mentor and train and provide executive coaching to death, but that won't work unless the system changes. So fixing the system and process is the first imperative.
The second is management-level education. We may overestimate the leaders' level of knowledge of other cultures.
Ripa Rashid: Identify five individuals you can reach out to in your global operations, then visit them once or twice a year and get to know them in a business-focused way. Next, charge each of them to do the same so there is a viral effect.
In the longer term, make sure your performance evaluation and succession planning system are checked for biases. If you use an executive search firm, go to a firm that has a diverse slate. Go to a more global source. Hardwire some kind of inclusiveness into your performance evaluation system, and link it to pay.
<< Previous | Next >>
EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.


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Location, location, location. This real estate mantra could be the driving force behind the asking price of a quaint house for sale on Grosse Ile.
The property at 28660 Swan Island Drive has 2,200 square-feet of living space, four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The asking price on this property is just shy of a half-a-million dollars -- $499,000.
The property is located on the Detroit River and has a private boat dock complete with a 10-ton hoist.
Some of the other property features include:
- Gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances
- Red oak floors
- Bathroom fireplace
- $175,000 in expansion/improvements
Find more information on this property including additional photos at the AOL Real Estate website.
For the latest Trenton and Grosse Ile news and information, "like" Trenton-Grosse Ile Patch on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and sign up for our daily newsletter.


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List Price: US$9.48
|Free shippingTo UNITED STATES
Ships within 7-10 business days
All packages from DX.com are sent without DX logo or any information indicating DX.com. Due to package variations from suppliers, the product packaging customers receive may be different from the images displayed.
To enable volume discounts on this site, use coupon code: BULKRATE during checkout. You will see a discount applied at the bottom of the shopping cart. Competitive pricing is available. Contact us for details.
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What is Bulk Rate? BulkRate is a semi-wholesale system with items priced separately from retail. When you use bulk rates, a flat $1.70 registered air mail fee will automatically be added to your cart to ensure delivery of package. While BulkRate's intention is to offer cheaper prices when you buy in bulk, because it is priced separately it on occassions show a higher than retail price. That's why we ask you to enter BULKRATE as a coupon code to manually activate the rates. You can always opt not to use the bulk rates. If you are looking for wholesale prices please feel free to contact us.
Looking to get even more?
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100% of customers would recommend this product to a friend (2 out of 2)
Involvement Level: Expert (understands the inner workings)
Pros: - Very well packed, I ordered it from a distant country and it got here without cracks.
- Very useful if your screen is damaged.
Cons: - Don't, I repeat...don't try to change your screen by yourself if you don't actually know what your are doing. Youtube videos can't help you even though they seem to be very simple. I got my console damaged and had to pay 50 bucks to fix it because I tried to do it by myself.
- No cons about the product, actually.
Other: - It's better than expected. Much better, actually.
Involvement Level: Expert (understands the inner workings)
Pros: the screen is exactly what its supposed to be and works just as the onld screen did. it was packed nicely and fit perfectly its a full color screen and was really easy to instal
Cons: the wait time to recieve my screen took 6 weeks to get it
Other: its a good screen it beats buying a whole new dsi just because the screen is broken.....or enev if you need a spare screen for a just in case part if your klumzy with things
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Persia White and Joseph Morgan, who co-star in the hit TV show The Vampire Diaries, appeared on Better Mornings Atlanta Friday.
They collaborated on a short film called Revelation, taking their talents to the big screen.
The 12-minute film, directed by Morgan, will be screened at the Atlanta Film Festival over the weekend.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Revelation stars White who plays a woman questioning her sanity after her life takes a downward spiral.
You can watch the trailer here.
Copyright 2013 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.


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Scripture on the Budget: What the Bible Says About National Priorities
by kbkr, Wed Feb 25, 2009 at 07:42:28 AM EST
by Eric Sapp
Back in 2006, the budget debate followed immediately on the heels of Congressional consideration of the Marriage Amendment. As a result, there was a desire by a number of Democratic leaders for a reference guide that would more easily allow Democrats to authentically speak out against the extreme and selective use of scripture by the Republicans and their allies on the Right. The first "Guide to Scripture and the Budget" that included scriptural references and simple talking points to help equip Christian Democrats in their response to Republican budget arguments was distributed shortly before the 2006 budget debate.
My underlying assumption in writing and continuing to
update this document is that Democrats should not cede the prophetic language of scripture and its ability to inspire and frame issues in a moral context to the other side. Many traditional Democratic positions are rooted in the teachings of scripture, and it is time Democrats stopped losing on the Bible.


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Hello & Welcome!
My work is my own and may be very amateurish to some but I enjoy it and enjoy sharing with those who also share. If you like or dislike please comment, criticism is welcome but please keep it clean and respectful.
I like amateur photography in my spare time and I like to post the odd joke or two in my Gallery!
Some of my Favourite Quotes:
"The sound of a kiss is not as loud as a cannon, But its echo lasts a great deal longer!" - Arturo Toscanini (information provided by the great wildirishrose)
"Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." - Douglas Adams
"I Will always endeavour to be a better person than I was yesterday", (me just now)
My optician told me I was colour-blind yesterday. That was a bolt from the yellow.


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Three players have left StarCraft's most successful team, including four-time GSL champ MVP.
The competitors will clash later this year.
Team captain Lassiz revealed the news during a topless streaming session.
The legend may be sitting out The International 4, but he's still having an impact from the sidelines.
It was the end of an era today as Natus Vincere will miss The International final for the first time.
Counter Logic Gaming coach Montecristo wants two more weeks to bootcamp.


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Titusville Tours
Sightseeing tours and activities in the Titusville, Florida area.
Toll Free Reservations
Popular Tours and Activities
Get Your E-Tickets!
You will receive an E-Ticket for your tour/activity. We attempt to provide your E-Ticket within 72 hours (if your tour/activity is in less than 10 days). If your tour/activity is within the next 72 hours, your E-Ticket will be processed as quickly as possible.
1. Make your reservation
You will be able to print your E-Tickets from any computer anywhere. Click here to contact us for HELP.
Scenic Intracoastal Waterway Cruise near Daytona Beach
Cruise along the Indian River
Come take a cruise along a 25-mile stretch of the protected Wetland & Scenic Mangrove Shores of the Indian River on this two-hour tour.
See historic waterfront homes, the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse, aquatic wildlife, birds and more. Among the aquatic wildlife to be seen on this cruise are manatees.
The Indian River is known for its abundant wildlife and breathtaking views. The cruise offers guests a peek into the community heritage as seen through the eyes and experiences of the professional cruise directors.
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Karen-547169 is a 38-year-old single mom from Farmington, Mich. She hails from a large, close-knit family – the youngest of seven.
The green-eyed beauty enjoys cooking, dancing and traveling, especially by the ocean.
Once her son began school, Karen felt she had the time to earnestly search for a mate. Joining CatholicMatch was a no-brainer. "I can't imagine not sharing my faith and the Mass with my other half," she said. "It is so great to see that there are still a lot of faithful Catholic singles out there."
She's enjoyed the site even more than she expected. "I think that CatholicMatch is a great resource on many levels for Catholic singles – for dating and more." Her favorite component? Reading "inspiring" success stories. "And it is nice to move from emailing to a chat on a secure site," she added.
Dating as a never-been-married single mom isn't easy, Karen admits. "I want to be sure that the person I open my heart to can also open his heart to my child. My son is such a sweet, loving child. But because he is so precious to me, I am not quick to introduce him. I will know in my heart when that feels right. And when it is, my son will be an added blessing in his life too."
Looking on the lighter side of things helps Karen stay young at heart. She and her son laugh often. Some days they sing and dance in the kitchen.
Having the right perspective helps too. Karen knows she's not the only one reconciling past wounds in the pursuit of a spouse. "I think most of the singles out there have had relationships in their past that did not work out. Hopefully we can take the lessons learned from our past and apply them to our future."
Her deep faith gives her a positive attitude. "I am guessing that whoever He has out there for me is going to be worth the wait! Ultimately, I have to trust that God has a plan and have faith that I am where I am supposed to be for now and that I will be where He intends me to be tomorrow."
In the meantime, Karen will tap into the power of prayer. "I don't think anyone can spend even 15 minutes in adoration without feeling more peace."
13 Comments
Good for you.Keep that wonderful youthful spirit.
Hi you have a wonderful outlook and perspective.we need more like you in nj
lovely! I feel whatever God's plan for me is what he want s for me right now, also. Being a widowed mother of 3 is a challenge, but one I would not change for the world. Patience is a virtue, and believing and letting go and letting God is all that matters. Thanks for sharing.
Everything happens for a reason and the God's Plan is alwyas at work. Among other gifts, you have been blessed with strength, courage and perseverance… fruits will come.
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The place where all friends joining hands together for the true friendship for lifetime,
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Wonderful! Good luck to Karen and to all CM members!
Hi Karen, I am in the same situation that you are in. Thanks for providing encouragement!
I didn't realize the short interview CM asked me for; would be so inspiring to others. But that just shows God's hand in things, even when we don't expect it. Though I haven't been able to answer every one of them. I Really Appreciate those I have heard from through messages and here on the blog. And the encouraging words they also leave for us all. I am so happy to hear that what helps me stay focused on my Faith and Trust in God. Can inspire and remind others to do the same. Keep The Faith! Blessings ~Karen
Thanks for the inspiration!! I was on dating site a few years ago and it was a disaster. I believe that it had most to do with not being equally yoked. That's why I'm trying a "pure" Catholic site. Keep praying!!!!
Hello, and good morning. I, like you, share a deep passion f/ our Catholic faith and really enjoyed your comments on Catholicmatch.com. By all means, we all have some sort of baggage we carry. But, we learn from those trials and tribulations that we encountered through the grace and goodness of [GOD] in which [HE] helps us work our way out of them through patience and trust. I admire you f/ the devotion
Amen to Adoration. Reading this has been a good reminder to get myself to Adoration as it's been a while since I spent some good time before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament outside of the Mass. It's also inspired me to say a few Hail Mary's for you as well. We all need to be praying for each other these days. Stay close to the Lord, no matter what happens. God bless.
Hello Karen,
Sorry, but maybe I should have read some of the previous responses before writing my initial reply.
Can someone explain to me where the meaning of "death do us part" makes sense?
Since my divorce, God and I have been at odds. I continually speak my mind with him…for many reasons, since I was a child and used to do the rosary while sitting in a tree…but I'm 46 now…and I'm not climbing a tree.
I have three beautiful children. They excel academically, spiritually and physically. I am looking for a soul mate that will inspire what I have lost touch with…my trust in God.
Best wishes to you in your search…unfortunately, there are too many out there that will say what you want to hear…I'm just being honest.
And, ps, the timing for the messages sent below are way off. I'm sending this at 9pm in the evening…so it is really hard to discern when people are sending your responses.
Woo! Hoo!


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$1.99 Scoops and Habitat Bag Sale
Here are a couple of deals going on that you might want to take advantage of:
* $1.99 Regular Scoop at Baskin Robbins Turkey Creek - All month long, the Baskin Robbins Turkey Creek (11051 Parkside Drive) will sell regular scoops for $1.99. Please note that this special is at this location only!
* Clothing Bag Sale at Knoxville Habitat Thrift Store - Until Saturday, May 15th, the Knoxville Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store (2209 N. Central Street) will have a "Bag Sale". All the clothes you can fit in a bag for only $3. Some items are excluded. Bags are provided. For more information, call 521-4909.


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Season Tickets Now On Sale!
November 2, 2009
Season tickets are now on sale for the 2009-10 Men's Hockey season. On Monday, November 2nd, tickets may be purchased at the McCullough Student Center or CFA box offices during regular business hours, or by going to go.middlebury.edu/tickets or by calling (802) 443-6433.
The cost per ticket package will be $55.00 for the season and will gain you entrance to all regular season home hockey contests. Each season ticket holder is entitled to purchase one (1) home post-season competition ticket before they go on sale to the general public. Game day tickets will be $7 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens. Game day tickets will be available through the box office for presale.


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Samantha's Stay Extensions...
Japers. It's mid January and we're still in Christmas panto season. Thus, sexy Samantha Mumba is still on these shores and walking the boards in The Gaiety. So she is. We snapped the one-time singer yesterday as she stocked-up on burgers and hair extensions in-and-abouts the Grafton Street area...
Now, we thought what with Sammy Mumba being an actress on the up out in that LA, that she'd be a veganised health freak not eating anything that casts a shadow and stuff. But thankfully, not so. We snapped the panto stunner on Grafton Street yesterday on her break from the day job grabbing a sneaky Burger King burger... Only makes us like her even more... Proper Dublin gals eat burgers. And that's a fact.
Yup. On her break from 'Robinson Crusoe & the Caribbean Pirates' our Sam nipped out and grabbed what we think was a Whopper. And there we were thinking she'd be one of those lettuce leaf with a side of low fat water types... See folks? She's not gone all Hollywood on us just yet... Now, if she'd also grabbed an Abrakebabra kebab, we'd be putting her forward for president.
And Miss Mumba wasn't just out to grab some meat betwixt buns. We also spied that the dusky babe had also picked up some clip-in hair extensions at the Hairspray store on Wicklow Street. Now, there's a blonde on the hair-piece label but according to our mate Warren at Hairspray the hair packaging is generic, so that doesn't mean our Sammy is switching her hair colour to fair... We just can't see her as a blonde.
So there you have it folks. It seems as though there's still some pantoing going on at The Gaiety, so get yer fix, if you haven't already... Better than that, one of Ireland's fittest women is fond of a fast food burger and a bit of the aul fake hair... As Dublin as Molly Malone.
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Burgers, extensions and a dodgy outfit. A genuine Dublin bird.
She has really fulfilled her early potential.
She's a Dublin girl alright. DEADLY BUZZ LIKE!
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This is wonderful! Thans for introducing us to Uncle Chester.
I love the look you achieved with the strips of patterned paper. Nice Job!
Fabulous LO using you scrap stash. I love how you shared you Uncle Chester with us. I immediately fell in love with him as you shared pieces of your family history with you Uncle.
I have always loved your work. We have a very special person in our family too and he brings lots of light and love to all of us. Thank you for sharing your Uncle Chester with us and your thought process. Loved to hear why you did and didn't do things.
Fabulous video. Thanks for sharing.
What a great video, Jill! I your explanation of your process, and hearing about your Uncle Chester. Makes me think of my cousin Sonny.
Video - Scrap Your Stash: Every Day's a Holiday
by Jill Sprott
posted 01/17/13
Galleries: Scrapbooking
Hi all! This week's Scrap Your Stash video was inspired by a fellow pea, salt-of-the-earth [twopeasinabucket.com], who joined me for this past Sunday's CHA chat. She suggested that my first ever video for Two Peas in a Bucket focus on a real doozy of a challenge: using the Christmas products in my stash to scrap non-holiday layouts. Way to throw down the gauntlet!
With Christmas just behind us, and the probability that you (like me) will add new holiday lines to your stash by next December before you've exhausted the old ones, there is no time like the present for coming up with ways to use these soon-to-be-buried-at-the-bottom-of-your-stash products on non-holiday layouts!
In this video, I share a peek into my process for selecting papers and accents and seeing them with fresh eyes, letting the colors in the photo be your guide. Join me as I discover that holiday papers need not be limited to the holidays. Every day can be a holiday now – with a little tweaking, of course.
CHALLENGE: Reach into your stash of holiday papers and accents and create a non-holiday project. Upload it to the gallery, being sure to check the appropriate challenge checkbox. At the end of the month, we will draw a winner from the that month's Scrap Your Stash entries. The winner, announced on the Two Peas in a Bucket blog, will receive a $10 gift certificate to Two Peas. Good luck!
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To borrow a phrase from The Beatles, it has been a long and winding road for the tiny congregation of St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church.
In 2003, Fr. Marc Boulos and a handful of parishioners set out to build a mission church in Eagan.
In the early days, they met in a conference room at the Microtel Inn on Lone Oak Road, where they had to cover the sprinklers with plastic bags so incense used during the liturgy wouldn't result in a deluge.
From there, the congregation of about 30 families moved to the Klecatsky and Sons Funeral Home on Yankee Doodle Road and prepared to build a church of their own.
Their first capital campaign resulted in a fully-paid-for parcel of land on which to build and an architectural firm was enlisted to draw up plans for a modest church building.
Then the credit markets dried up.
Although it was somewhat poetic to be meeting in a funeral home - considering the early church met in the catacombs - a hold on building plans sent the congregation in search of someplace of their own; a place where they didn't have to set up and take down each week.
A more permanent solution turned out to be warehouse space in the Silver Bell Business Center at 2020 Silver Bell Road.
There, they got busy with paint and wood and, beneath industrial beams and ductwork, created an eastern orthodox chapel in the Byzantine tradition.
As is common for orthodox priests in the United States, Fr. Boulos holds a full-time job as an IT manager, in addition to shepherding his little flock.
St. Elizabeth's has attracted an eclectic group of parishioners and Boulos says "on any given Sunday you will hear Arabic, Russian, and Greek being spoken in addition to English."
Although the congregation still hopes to build someday, for the present, they are content to have have a church home where they can meet and worship.
Afterall, Boulos says, it's not about the building but very much about "making sure the priority is the Gospel."
Visitors are always welcome to the Saturday afternoon bible study, Saturday evening Vespers, and the Sunday morning Divine Liturgy.
Twice a year, the church hosts the Minnesota Bible Lecture Series, a full weekend dedicated to reading the bible as literature and understanding what it has to teach the modern world.
St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church
Fr. Marc Boulos, Rector
2020 Silver Bell Rd, Suite 5
Eagan, MN 55122
website: www.seocc.org
Saturday 4 - 5 p.m., Bible Study
Saturday, 5 - 6 p.m., Great Vespers
Sunday, 10 a.m. - noon, Divine Liturgy


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Terril Announcements
Monday, October 1
1. Today is Day 2.
2. Today the 4 yr. old preschoolers and the kindergarteners are going to Poppe Pumpkin Patch in Lake Field.
3.The annual 4-H Penny Carnival will be held on Sunday, October 7th, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the Exhibits Building on the Palo Alto County Fairgrounds in Emmetsburg. This event kicks off National 4-H Week, October 7-13, 2012. 4-H clubs in Palo Alto County will have booths that will provide various carnival games including prizes for all participants. The 4-H County Council members will also provide a concession stand.
New members and their families are encouraged to attend and find out about the 4-H program. Bring any questions you have about 4-H with you. The public is also invited. Bring your family members, friends, and neighbors and plan to have a fun-filled afternoon!
4. On Tueday, Oct. 2, the Palo Alto Community Health will be at the Graettinger School to give flu shots. At this time it will only be available for students in Palo Alto County and Terril students that attend the Graettinger Building. We will have the elementary students get their flu shots before they leave on the shuttle to Terril. The nurse will be here by 7:15 so she will start with the kids that get here early. There are some forms that did not have the payment section marked so I will try to get a hold of you today as they need that information. If you know that you did not give a copy of your insurance card or mark how you will pay for the shot, please call the school at 859-3286. Thank you!
6. Picture retake has been set for October 12 in both buildings.
7. Have a great day.


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West Hartford residents are being asked to complete a simple survey regarding their opinions about underage drinking and substance abuse prior to an upcoming Town Hall Meeting.
The West Hartford Substance Abuse Prevention Commission, Town of West Hartford Department of Human and Leisure Services, West Hartford Community of Concern, Capital Area Substance Abuse Council and the Institute for Community Research are hosting a Town Hall Meeting to help prevent teen underage drinking and prescription drug abuse on April 8, 2013.
To make the event more responsive to parents and other adults in West Hartford, the West Hartford Substance Abuse Social Marketing Committee is interested in learning more about what adults in West Hartford know about these topics, what they would like to know, and what are the best ways to make information about substance abuse available.
The committee is asking residents to take a few minutes to complete this short multiple choice survey about preventing underage drinking and prescription drug abuse in West Hartford.
Updates and information about the Town Hall Meeting will be forthcoming in the weeks and months leading up to April 8!
To take the survey, click here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JMTTBJQ
From the Town of West Hartford


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We have good news for all those followers of Cynthia Nixon. She and Christine Marinoni wed yesterday. The two, who have been engaged for the last three years, informed People magazine about the marriage. Nixon apparently wore a dress custom designed by Carolina Herrea, who also designed Christine Quinn's wedding dress as well.
The two have been together since 2003. Nixon was previously married to Danny Mozes, with whom she has two children. She has a son with Marinoni.
The Gothamist notes that Nixon sparked controversy earlier this year when she stated "I understand that for many people it's not, but for me it's a choice, and you don't get to define my gayness for me. Why can't it be a choice? Why is that any less legitimate? It seems we're just ceding this point to bigots who are demanding it, and I don't think that they should define the terms of the debate… I also feel like people think I was walking around in a cloud and didn't realize I was gay, which I find really offensive. I find it offensive to me, but I also find it offensive to all the men I've been out with."
Nixon is, officially, bisexual even though she is more on the lesbian side of the divide than the straight side. While her statements caused some uproar, the reality is that she has some choice in partners that others do not, and did later amend what she said to reflect that reality. She later made it clear that she has no choice in being bisexual.
Nixon is famous for her work on television, film and stage, but is best known for her role on the series Sex and the City.
The two had long planned on getting married in New York.


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Brett Olson, 20 year old from Lafayette, disappeared after a Labor Day weekend with friends on the Sacramento River. He is a student at Cal Poly, who was last seen around 4 p.m. Sunday on a stretch of the river dubbed Beer Can Beach, south of Chico. Friends are looking for him, and using social media as a key tool in the search. George Kiriyama reports.
Friends and family of a missing college man are holding a fundraiser Friday night at a popular Lafayette hangout, hoping to raise money to keep the search for him going.
Bonnie MacNab, whose son grew up with the missing Brett Olson, is helping to organize the event at Casa Gourmet Burrito, 3322 Mt. Diablo Road, at 7 p.m. So far, more than 300 people have signed up to attend.
"We just want to help his family cover the cost of the hotels," MacNab said Friday. "It gets pretty costly and we want to help defray the costs. They've got enough to worry about."
The worry is over Olson, a Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo student who was visiting friends at Chico State University over the Labor Day weekend.
The graduate of Acalanes High School in Lafayette was tubing down the Sacramento River and was last seen about 1 p.m. Sunday when he arrived at Beer Can Beach near Chico for a float down the river.
Olson's parents and friends have handed out hundreds of fliers (pictured) this week in hopes of finding him.
A Facebook page "Let's Bring Brett home", had more than 70,000 members. Brett's father, Michael Olson posted on the page Thursday, "We remain positive and optimistic that we will find Brett. If anyone saw Brett after 4 p.m. on Sunday, please let us know."
Friends are fanning out on the streets, and on social media, hoping to get the word out and help police.
Twitter has also been abuzz with people tweeting and retweeting the hashtag #FindBrettOlson. Even stars have tweeted, including Miley Cirus, Howard Mandel, and Bay Area Olympians Maggie Steffens and Kerri Walsh.
"I think everybody realizes he's someone's brother and someone's son and someone's best friend," Kaaren Brickman said. "You know it just hits home for a lot of people."
If you're interested in donating to the family, send checks with "deposit only" on the back, made out to any Wells Fargo Bank. Write the check out to the "The Olson Family Fund."


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The teen, who made the threatening comments, has been identified as a 16-year-old Yorktown Heights resident. He was charged with second-degree aggravated harassment, a misdemeanor. Read the full story on his arrest here.
Updated: Thursday, 1:28 p.m.
The Somers Central School District posted on the this Facebook page a follow up to their message earlier this morning. They said state troopers had already apprehended the teen before the school buses left in the morning and it had been determined there was no threat to the students' safety.
"Currently, NY State Troopers are engaged in an active investigation," the post read. "Again, the State Troopers have determined that there is no credible threat to the SHS campus or any other District site, and we will continue to work with them as they conduct their investigation. As always, we will continue to take all reports seriously and respond accordingly. If you have any questions or concerns, you may call Matt Carr at 914-277-2434."
Original story:
A former Somers High School student has been taken into police custody after he made threatening messages online Wednesday night.
New York State police confirmed to Patch this morning the man was arrested.
The threat appeared on his Facebook page Wednesday night. The teen wrote that Somers had made his life "hell" and he had been pushed to the edge, to "the point where [his] one goal in life" was to make people's lives miserable even if he were to get "life in prison."
Somers Central School District officials sent an email to parents with children in the school district, titled "SHS Event" that they were made aware of the threat toward the high school.
The email stated: "Late last night we received information that a threat was made toward the high school from a Somers High School student that currently does not attend the school. The State Troopers have the student in custody and there is no threat. At this point we have no reason to believe there is any reason for concern. Please send your child to school as usual."
A Yorktown-Patch Somers reader said her nieces were aware of the incident and because of it they did not go to school in the morning, but planned on attending later in the day.
State police told Patch that state trooper Thomas Libretti, who is the liaison to the school, was at the school investigating.
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News from WTOP
News from the AP
Mike Causey
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- The 2014 Big Picture on Cyber Security
- AFCEA Answers
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- Building the Hybrid Cloud
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- Continuing Diagnostics and Mitigation: Discussion of Progress and Next Steps
- Federal Executive Forum
- Federal Tech Talk
- The Intersection: Where Technology Meets Transformation
- Maximizing ROI Through Data Center Consolidation
- Moving to the Cloud. What's the best approach for me
- Navigating Tough Choices in Government Cloud Computing
- The New Generation of Database
- Satellite Communications: Acquiring SATCOM in Tight Times
- Targeting Advanced Threats: Proven Methods from Detection through Remediation
- Transformative Technology: Desktop Virtualization in Government
- The Truth About IT Opex and Software Defined Networking
- Value of Health IT
Shows & Panels
GAO: Pentagon missing acquisition link
Thursday - 6/16/2011, 6:37pm EDT
The Department of Defense (DoD) is using weapons systems that have been around for a long time. Some of them have been around for so long that their manufacturers don't support them any more, or don't even exist.
But the Pentagon may not be doing as well as it could to make sure it has the information it needs for the life of the systems it's buying.
For details, Federal News Radio spoke with Jack Edwards, the director of Defense Capabilities and Management Issues at the Government Accountability Office.