[scifinoir2] Private jail pays 2 PA judges 2.6 mil to supply inmates
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090212/ap_on_re_us/courthouse_kickbacks 2 Pa. judges plead guilty in kickback scheme By MICHAEL RUBINKAM, Associated Press Writer Thu Feb 12, 4:22 pm ET SCRANTON, Pa. Two Pennsylvania judges charged with taking more than $2 million in kickbacks to send youth offenders to privately run detention centers pleaded guilty to fraud Thursday in one of the most stunning cases of judicial corruption on record. Prosecutors allege Luzerne County Judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan took $2.6 million in payoffs to put juvenile offenders in lockups run by PA Child Care LLC and a sister company, possibly tainting the convictions of thousands of juvenile offenders. The judges pleaded guilty in federal court in Scranton to honest services fraud and tax fraud. Their plea agreements call for sentences of more than seven years in prison. They were permitted to remain free pending sentencing. The gray-haired jurists said little at Thursday's hearing, and declined to comment to reporters afterward. Prosecutors described a scheme in which Conahan, the former president judge of Luzerne County, shut down the county-owned juvenile detention center in 2002 and signed an agreement with PA Child Care LLC to send youth offenders to its new facility outside Wilkes-Barre. Ciavarella, who presided over juvenile court, sent youths to the detention center while he was taking payments, prosecutors said. For years, youth advocacy groups complained that Ciavarella was overly harsh and ran roughshod over youngsters' constitutional rights. Ciavarella sent a quarter of his juvenile defendants to detention centers from 2002 to 2006, compared with a statewide rate of one in 10. Among the offenders were teenagers who were locked up for months for stealing loose change from cars, writing a prank note and possessing drug paraphernalia. Many had never been in trouble before, and some were imprisoned even after probation officers recommended against it. Many of the children didn't have attorneys. Susan Mischanski, 46, whose teenage son appeared in Ciavarella's courtroom without an attorney, said Thursday she hopes the judge gets more than seven years behind bars. Ciavarella sentenced her son a first-time offender charged with simple assault to 90 days at a juvenile wilderness camp. Only because he hurt my child, I'd like to see him put away for longer, said Mischanski, who attended the hearing. Ciavarella has specifically denied sending kids to jail for cash, and had indicated he would not go through with the guilty plea if the government offered that as evidence. Thus prosecutors Thursday skirted over many of the allegations contained in their original criminal complaint, presenting only enough evidence to establish that crimes had occurred. But Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon Zubrod said after the hearing that the government continues to allege a quid pro quo. We're not negotiating that, no. We're not backing off, he said. The prosecutor said it will be up to U.S. District Judge Edwin Kosik, who will determine the judges prison terms after a lengthy pre- sentence investigation, to settle the matter. Kosik could reject the proposed sentence as too light if he decides there was a quid pro quo. I think there will be significant disagreements as to what the facts are, Zubrod said. Was there a connection between the payments and the money, and young people going to prison? Those are issues that are going to be addressed later by the court. There's going to be plenty of time to fight about that. The judges were charged Jan. 26 and subsequently removed from the bench by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The high court on Wednesday appointed a senior judge from Berks County to review cases handled by Ciavarella dating back to 2003. The goal of this court is to determine whether the alleged travesty of juvenile justice occurred, and if it did, to identify the affected juveniles and rectify the situation as fairly and swiftly as possible, the justices said in a statement. Senior Judge Arthur E. Grim must report his findings in four months. Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
[scifinoir2] These aren't the droids we're looking for
Keith, Oh Keith. Thank you for thinking of me at such an exciting time, however, I think... perhaps... that you've been misled. See... gosh, how can I put this? I *don't* enjoy the actings chops (are they chops?) of Mr. Stephen Baldwin. I can see why you may have had the impression that I did, but-- though it pains me to say it--you've got it all wrong. I don't. I don't enjoy the acting chops of the Lesser Baldwin. lmao Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star When evil is done for the greater good, a price must always be paid... In Print April 6, 2009 Ghost Writer Reviews: Grayson-Reyes Cole is an incredibly imaginative and original writer, and fans of dark fantasy, modern fantasy, and science fiction will enjoy “Bright Star” . Read the full review at http://ghostwriterreviews.com/index.php?main_page=product_infoproducts_id=608 From: Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To: scifino...@yahoogroups..com Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2009 9:05:09 PM Subject: [scifinoir2] Urgent Programming Note for Grayson! Hey all--and especially Grayson--just figured I'd let you know there's a great movie showing right now on SciFi. Called Earthstorm , it promises to be an exciting, edge-of-your- seat thriller. It deals with an apocalyptic event that I'm sure we all worry about: an asteroid crashes into Luna, unleashing cosmic chaos of debris raining down on Earth. In order to save the hapless peoples of Earth, a demolitions expert is called in to save the day. Earthstorm stars grade A star Dirk Battlestar Galactica/ A-Team Benedict, and--most importantly- - Grayson's secret crush--Stephen Baldwin!
[scifinoir2] Re: These aren't the droids we're looking for
I find it hilarious that the lesser Baldwin and Dirk Benedict are both card carrying Conservative Christian Neocons who take every chance they get to bash the evils of Hollywood. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyesc...@... wrote: Keith, Oh Keith. Thank you for thinking of me at such an exciting time, however, I think... perhaps... that you've been misled. See... gosh, how can I put this? I *don't* enjoy the actings chops (are they chops?) of Mr. Stephen Baldwin. I can see why you may have had the impression that I did, but-- though it pains me to say it-- you've got it all wrong. I don't. I don't enjoy the acting chops of the Lesser Baldwin. lmao Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star When evil is done for the greater good, a price must always be paid... In Print April 6, 2009 Ghost Writer Reviews: Grayson-Reyes Cole is an incredibly imaginative and original writer, and fans of dark fantasy, modern fantasy, and science fiction will enjoy Bright Star . Read the full review at http://ghostwriterreviews.com/index.php? main_page=product_infoproducts_id=608 From: Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... To: scifino...@... Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2009 9:05:09 PM Subject: [scifinoir2] Urgent Programming Note for Grayson! Hey all--and especially Grayson--just figured I'd let you know there's a great movie showing right now on SciFi. Called Earthstorm , it promises to be an exciting, edge-of-your- seat thriller. It deals with an apocalyptic event that I'm sure we all worry about: an asteroid crashes into Luna, unleashing cosmic chaos of debris raining down on Earth. In order to save the hapless peoples of Earth, a demolitions expert is called in to save the day. Earthstorm stars grade A star Dirk Battlestar Galactica/ A- Team Benedict, and--most importantly- - Grayson's secret crush-- Stephen Baldwin!
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: These aren't the droids we're looking for
somehow, it think what they consider the evils of hollywood and what i consider the evils of hollywood may not completely match up... Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star When evil is done for the greater good, a price must always be paid... In Print April 6, 2009 Ghost Writer Reviews: Grayson-Reyes Cole is an incredibly imaginative and original writer, and fans of dark fantasy, modern fantasy, and science fiction will enjoy “Bright Star” . Read the full review at http://ghostwriterreviews.com/index.php?main_page=product_infoproducts_id=608 From: B. Smith daikaij...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, February 13, 2009 8:57:46 AM Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: These aren't the droids we're looking for I find it hilarious that the lesser Baldwin and Dirk Benedict are both card carrying Conservative Christian Neocons who take every chance they get to bash the evils of Hollywood. --- In scifino...@yahoogro ups.com, Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson..reyescole@ ... wrote: Keith, Oh Keith. Thank you for thinking of me at such an exciting time, however, I think... perhaps... that you've been misled. See... gosh, how can I put this? I *don't* enjoy the actings chops (are they chops?) of Mr. Stephen Baldwin. I can see why you may have had the impression that I did, but-- though it pains me to say it-- you've got it all wrong. I don't. I don't enjoy the acting chops of the Lesser Baldwin. lmao Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonr eyescole. com Facebook Bright Star When evil is done for the greater good, a price must always be paid... In Print April 6, 2009 Ghost Writer Reviews: Grayson-Reyes Cole is an incredibly imaginative and original writer, and fans of dark fantasy, modern fantasy, and science fiction will enjoy Bright Star . Read the full review at http://ghostwriterr eviews.com/ index.php? main_page=product_ infoproducts_ id=608 _ _ __ From: Keith Johnson KeithBJohnson@ ... To: scifino...@. .. Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2009 9:05:09 PM Subject: [scifinoir2] Urgent Programming Note for Grayson! Hey all--and especially Grayson--just figured I'd let you know there's a great movie showing right now on SciFi. Called Earthstorm , it promises to be an exciting, edge-of-your- seat thriller. It deals with an apocalyptic event that I'm sure we all worry about: an asteroid crashes into Luna, unleashing cosmic chaos of debris raining down on Earth. In order to save the hapless peoples of Earth, a demolitions expert is called in to save the day. Earthstorm stars grade A star Dirk Battlestar Galactica/ A- Team Benedict, and--most importantly- - Grayson's secret crush-- Stephen Baldwin!
[scifinoir2] North Carolina Couple Celebrates Eighty Four Years Together
Wow. That's all I can say. Wow. This couple was married in the same year both my late parents were *born*!. A marriage that's lasted through the Great Depression, WWII, Malcolm and Martin, John and Bobby, Barack? I love some of this couple's quotes, such as her saying he wasn't much to look at, but he was quiet! Hell, if buddy didn't take offense at that statement, no wonder they made it work! And I love how she sneaked off to get a job when he wouldn't let her, and then he just said ...I had to let it be, when it was discovered. My parents were like that. Although Mom claimed that Dad was the head of the household according to Scripture, i never got the feeling he was pushing her around. It was a partnership in every way that counted, and when Mom had an opinion, she certainly didn't swallow it. As I prepare to celebrate my sevententh anniversary this Sunday, reading this article really makes me think: about the silly little things that come between us that can and should be set aside. About sometimes forgetting that's your best friend (or should be) next to you on that couch or in that car. Makes me think of my being cranky the other day and starting an argument that was unnecessary (yeah, i'm man enough to admit the rare times when I'm at fault!). Reminds me that okay, yeah, I can give up the eleventy-millionth viewing of that favorite Star Trek ep, and enjoy (or at least pretend to) watching the lady getting a makeover on What Not to Wear, or share the joy of my wife as we go along with yet another House Hunters couple. (Oh, the joys of discussing countertops, curtains, and lighting fixtures!) And, to toot my own horn, it makes me realize what I'm doing right. I don't think quiet is something my wife would ever use to describe me, but I think I do alright by her. My father taught me to be a man (however you want to define that nowadays). I try to live by that, whether being that man means thinking taking out the trash is my job, getting up in the middle of night and turning up the heat so she doesn't have to leave the warm bed, washing the clothes and dishes and mopping the kitchen when she's exhausted from a long day at work, getting wet when that little umbrella's too small for both, or just making her feel safe and appreciated when she's down. And it means appreciating and thanking her for all she does for me: cooking those great meals (best chicken and gravy and hot water corn bread you've tasted!)...letting me ramble on for hours about politics...helping me when I'm down and upset about looking for work...always ready with that incredible smile and laugh...providing wisdom beyond her years...making me feel like her best friend. Quiet isn't a word I'd use to describe her either, but she sure as heck does alright by me. Sitting on the porch together, watching the cars and people go by, enjoying each other's company, just being happy at...just being. Is there anything better than that? Bless this couple--what an example to black people, white people, and anyone in today's world! * http://youngblackstudents.com/love/?p=12 Z elmyra and Herbert Fisher have set a world record as the oldest living couple married the longest. September 13, 2008 - 10:48PM Francine Sawyer Sun Journal Staff A Craven County couple are in the Guinness World Records book. The two did nothing outlandish such as sky-diving upside down, dancing for days, taking the longest lawn mower ride or having the most tattoos. No, Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher of the Brownsville community have been married for more than 84 years. That is a feat in itself. They have the world record of the longest marriage for a living couple. They can thank their granddaughter Iris Godette for getting the recognition. She submitted the information to the Guinness Book of Records.. The information was apparently checked by Guinness and a certificate was given to the couple. However, when you ask Herbert about the Guinness recognition, he just says, “Oh, Yeah?” The recognition has not changed their life. He still looks at her with love and concern, as she looks toward him as if he will give her strength and guidance. They have lived for more than 50 years in a house near the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport . They lived in James City before that but the land was purchased for apartments and the two moved. Herbert was born June 10, 1905. His hearing is going but his mind is sharp. Zelmyra was born Dec. 10, 1907. She uses a walker to get around the house and yard. The two of them can still give their reasons for marrying on May 13, 1924. “He was not mean; he was not a fighter,” Zelmrya said. “He was quiet and kind. He was not much to look at but he was sweet.” Herbert said Zelmyra never gave him any trouble. “No, no trouble at all. We never argued, but we might have disagreed,” he said. Norma Godette, one of the couple’s five children. said her
[scifinoir2] Leverage - last night
did anyone get a chance 2 check out leverage last night? for all of my Trek friends did u notice the reverence to Trek? Brent Spiner (Data) - the defendant Armin Shimerman (Quark) - the medical expert witness and Jonathan Frakes (Riker) - the director of last nights episode. Fate.
[scifinoir2] Talk about Pollution!
ahar...@earthlink.net http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090213/ap_on_sc/eu_satellite_collision Folks: Here is an article with statistics on the polluted condition in near-Earth orbit. If you're writing anything about near-space, you need to read this article. If you're not writing, you can just deplore loudly the way humans behave when it comes to garbage.
Re: [scifinoir2] Push
Curious Case was good. I think you will enjoy it. Push is a two hour Marvel Comic book written by a writer you never heard of but an illustrator you love. So it looks good, but halfway in you realize you've seen/read this all before. It ain't the editing, it's the script. It's a rental. On Feb 13, 2009, at 3:51 PM, Keith Johnson wrote: Anyone see the movie Push? I was in Boston when it premiered last week. I haven't heard much, other than some critics' reviews that say it's a bit of a jumbled, hyperactive mess (told you I was worried about the too-quick camera cuts!) But though a few of us were initially anticipating it, I don't recall any reviews or discussions here, certainly no praise for the flick. Did anyone see it? How was it? Along the same lines, I'm considering checking out Benjamin Buttons and Coraline. Any thoughts on those?
[scifinoir2] Wonderful media site
Instant newspapers from around the world! http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/flash/ One of the most useful sites I have found. First select an area of the world from the horizontal global menu. Then put your mouse on a city anywhere in the region or nation and the newspaper headlines pop up. Double click and the page gets larger and then you can click on the website to go directly to the newspaper.
