Vol. 18 NO. 28 Thursday, April 7. 2011

HIGH CHANCE MAJOR HURRICANE WILL HIT U.S. IN 2011 - PG. 2 NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

THE NATION’S ONLY BLACK DAILY 35 Cents

Final

O F F IC IAL S D O UBT ED N UCL E A R SAF E T Y P LA NS

U.S. regulators privately have expressed doubts their public confidence since Japan’s nuclear crisis some of the nation’s nuclear power plants are pre- began, documents released by an independent safepared for a Fukushima-scale disaster, undercutting ty watchdog group show.

SEE PAGE 3.

DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

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NEWS BRIEFS High chance major hurricane will hit U.S. in 2011 FDNY EXPANDS MODIFIED RESPONSE PLAN TO BROOKLYN, STATEN ISLAND The New York City Fire Department is expanding its modified response program to parts of Brooklyn and Staten Island.

The department launched the program in Queens back in October.

It calls for trucks responding to minor emergencies take it slow and obey all traffic laws.

In more serious instances, only the two lead trucks respond at full speed.

For all fires and life threatening emergencies all vehicles respond at full speed.

Fire officials say the program has resulted in a 32 percent drop in fire truck related accidents.

However, the firefighters’ union says the program endangers firefighter and public safety.

QUEENS PARENTS, TEACHERS STAGE RALLY OVER PROPOSED LAYOFFS Parents, teachers and students at one Queens elementary school held a rally yesterday in response to Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposed budget cuts.

The group marched outside PS 306 in Woodhaven, also known as the New York City Academy for Discovery.

Should the proposed cuts go through, the three-year-old school would lose 12 teachers, or roughly 50 percent of its teaching staff.

Those teachers could possibly be replaced with teachers from other schools who have higher seniority.

Opponents of the proposal say the dynamic between students and teachers is great and they’re worried about how that could change should any teachers be forced to go.

REPORT: STATE IG INVESTIGATES PARKING PLACARD MISUSE Parking privileges for several lawmakers and officials could soon be curbed.

Inspector General Ellen Biben has reportedly launched an investigation into the distribution of official parking placards.

The move was made at the request of Governor Andrew Cuomo and allegedly found widespread misuse of the placards which designate a vehicle’s status as being on “official police business.”

The Department of Homeland Security issues thousands of the placards, but many officials with no connection to the department are apparently getting them through the Office of Court Administration.

Some have allegedly been caught passing the placards on to friends and associates.

Biben is reportedly set to call for major changes in the distribution policy.

MIAMI — The 2011 Atlantic hurricane season will be above average in activity and there is a more than 70 percent chance of at least one major hurricane hitting the U.S. coastline, Colorado State University forecasters predicted.

The 2011 forecast from the respected CSU team followed an active season last year which saw high levels of storm and hurricane activity but no landfall on the U.S. coastline.

Slightly reducing an early December forecast, the CSU team said the June 1-November 30 season would spawn 16 named storms.

Of these, nine were expected to turn into hurricanes, with five developing into major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher on the five-step Saffir-Simpson intensity scale.

The CSU forecast was generally in line with predictions made for the 2011 season by other private forecasters.

The 2010 season spawned 19 named storms, tying for the third most active season with 1887 and 1995, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Of those storms, 12 became hurricanes, tying the second highest season of 1969. There were five major hurricanes in 2010.

The CSU team predicted a “72 percent chance that at least one major hurricane will make landfall on the U.S. coastline in 2011,” adding that the long-term average probability of this was 52 percent.

“Basically the reason that the probability goes up is just because we’re speaking about a well-above-average hurricane season,” said Philip Klotzbach, who heads the CSU team with forecaster William Gray who is

Hurricane Earl is pictured moving north-northwest in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of southeastern United States, in this National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellite image taken and released on September 2, 2010. renowned for his research on seasonal hurricane forecasting.

“In general, more active seasons tend to have more landfalls,” Klotzbach said.

CSU saw a 47 percent chance of a major hurricane making landfall along the U.S. coast of the Gulf of Mexico, where major oil and gas installations are located. The long-term average for this was 31 percent.

Although there were surprisingly no U.S. landfalls during the busy 2010 season, Klotzbach called that exceptional, saying the odds for going without a U.S. landfall during such an active season were probably only “about 3 percent.”

He said the “primary uncertainty” about CSU’s latest forecast stemmed

from the possible warming of Pacific sea surface temperatures due to the El Nino weather phenomenon, which tends to lower the threat of storm activity in the tropical Atlantic.

“Right now we don’t think one (El Nino) is going to develop but there are some signs that it (the Pacific) certainly has warmed quite a bit and there is that potential,” Klotzbach said.

“In June, if El Nino really were to look like it’s going to develop we’d have to lower our forecast quite a bit.” he added.

An average hurricane season brings 11 storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. The region is still in a multidecade period of high activity for hurricanes.

What U.S. government shutdown would look like The White House and U.S. Congress have until tomorrow to agree to a federal spending-cut bill or face a partial shutdown of the U.S. government the next day.

Republicans and Democrats say they want to avoid a shutdown, which could idle hundreds of thousands of federal workers, close national parks and Washington’s Smithsonian Institute museum complex and force the cancellation of the U.S. capital’s cherished annual cherry blossom parade this weekend.

The federal work force numbers around 4.4 million, including members of the U.S. military. It has been 15 years since the last government shutdown over spending disagreements.

Here are some facts about what could happen: * Based on the last shutdown, from Dec. 16, 1995 until Jan. 6, 1996, around 800,000 federal workers would be furloughed, including a “significant number” of civilian contractors working for the Defense Department, senior Obama administration officials say. * Vital U.S. services such as national defense, law enforcement, emergency medical care and air traffic control would continue. * The military continues to work and earn. But paychecks would be delayed after April 8 for the duration of the shutdown because the govern-

ment would not have funds to make payroll. * Unlike the last two shutdowns, both of which occurred in the 1990s, this one would take place during tax preparation and filing season. This would delay tax refunds to 30 percent of Americans who filed a paper rather than electronic - tax return.

Electronic tax collection and refunds would continue. IRS tax audits would be suspended. * National parks and museums would close. * Social Security and Medicare benefits would continue to be paid. * Federal activities with separate sources of money like user fees, or funds authorized on a multiyear or permanent basis, would escape a shutdown. * During the last shutdown, an

estimated 200,000 applications for U.S passports went unprocessed and work on more than 3,500 bankruptcy cases was suspended. * New patients would not be accepted into clinical research at the National Institutes of Health, although clinical trials that are already in progress would continue. * The Small Business Administration’s approval of applications of business loan guarantees and direct loans to small businesses would stop. * The Federal Housing Administration would not be able to guarantee loans, potentially hurting the housing market. * Polls show the public would hold Democrats and Republicans equally to blame for any shutdown. Both parties insist that they want to keep the government open.

DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

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Watchdog: Officials doubted nuclear safety plans

By SCOTT MALONE BOSTON — U.S. regulators privately have expressed doubts some of the nation’s nuclear power plants are prepared for a Fukushima-scale disaster, undercutting their public confidence since Japan’s nuclear crisis began, documents released by an independent safety watchdog group show.

Internal Nuclear Regulatory Commission e-mails and memos obtained by the Union of Concerned Scientists questioned the adequacy of the backup plans to keep reactor cooling systems running if off-site power was lost for an extended period.

Those concerns seem to contrast with the confidence U.S. regulators and industry officials have publicly expressed since the world’s worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl began to unfold on March 11, UCS officials said yesterday.

“While the NRC and the nuclear industry have been reassuring Americans that there is nothing to

worry about — that we can do a better job dealing with a nuclear disaster like the one that just happened in Japan — it turns out that privately NRC senior analysts are not so sure,” said Edwin Lyman, a UCS nuclear expert.

The e-mails in question are part of an NRC review of how the operators of nuclear plants in Delta, Pennsylvania, and Surry County, Virginia, would cope with a prolonged power outage that knocked cooling systems offline, as occurred at the Tokyo

Electric Power Co-operated Fukushima plant.

In a July 28, 2010, e-mail, one NRC staffer said that contingency plans for the Peach Bottom nuclear plant “have really not been reviewed to ensure that they will work to mitigate severe accidents.”

Another, undated document, said backup plans included just having equipment on the plant grounds that could be useful “when used by knowledgeable operators if postevent conditions allow.”

The document went on to note, “If little is known about these post-event conditions, then assuming success is speculative.”

The Peach Bottom site, located in Delta, Pennsylvania, and operated by Exelon Corp. uses a General Electric Co. reactor with a similar design to four of the reactors at Fukushima.

Officials at the NRC and Exelon did not immediately respond to calls seeking a comment.

The UCS said it obtained the emails through a Freedom of Information Act request.

State lawmakers propose stricter guidelines for ACS workers As two city child welfare workers face charges in the death of a Brooklyn girl, legislators in Albany are pushing for tougher accountability laws in child protection cases.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Brooklyn State Senator Martin Golden said four-year-old Marchella Pierce could have been saved if workers with the city’s Administration for Children’s Services had less opportunity to falsify records.

Pierce weighed only 18 pounds when she died last September and investigators say she was found bruised and severely malnourished.

While the girl’s mother and grandmother were charged in connection with Marchella’s death, so were two ACS workers who, prosecutors say, ignored warning signs and later created false log entries in the case.

Golden plans to introduce a bill this week that would require case-

workers to take a photograph of children under protective services with a cellphone. The photo would include a time stamp and location each time a visit is paid to a child.

“There’s a responsibility now upon that caseworker to make sure if something’s wrong in that house, to report it, to actually do their job, and to protect them at the same time,” said Golden. “So I think it’s something that this state will embrace, and proudly embrace it. It’s not about saving money, it’s about saving lives.”

Golden is working with the state assembly to craft the bill, which should be complete by the end of the week.

He says the bill would include criminal sanctions.

In response, the agency released a statement, saying, “We look forward to reviewing Senator Golden’s proposal. ACS is very interested in making better use of cell phone cameras and mobile devices to better support our workers and their efforts to protect children.”

Study: Teen substance abuse Obama, Karzai deplore Koran burning on rise over past 3 years

By WENDELL MARSH WASHINGTON — Substance abuse has trended upward among American teens over the past three years after a decade of declines, according to a report issued on Wednesday by the Partnership at Drugfree.org.

It said marijuana and ecstasy use among teens shows marked increases while attitudes toward alcohol use have become more relaxed.

The study, sponsored by MetLife Foundation and the 22nd in an annual series, found that between 2008 and 2010 teens who said they had used marijuana in the past year climbed to 39 percent from 32 percent.

Between 2008 and 2010, teens who said they had used the “party” drug ecstasy in the past year increased to 10 percent from six percent.

The Partnership Attitude Tracking Study, which based its findings on a survey of around 2,500 high school students, found that 45 percent said they do not see a “great risk” in heavy daily drinking, while

31 percent strongly disapprove of their peers getting drunk.

A total of 68 percent of those surveyed said they had had at least one drink in their lifetimes. Among them, the average age for that drink was 14.

Sean Clarkin, director of strategy for the Partnership at Drugfree.org, which last year changed its name from the Partnership for a Drug Free America, said the normalization of drug use in social media, the proliferation and discussion of medical marijuana, and budget cuts to substance abuse prevention programs have contributed to the rise of substance use and abuse.

“There are very high levels of kids reporting that they are using drugs and alcohol to deal with stress,” Clarkin told Reuters in a phone interview, adding that the struggles families face in the current economy could be a factor in that.

“The net impact of all that puts an even heavier burden on parents who really need to play a active roll in preventing this behavior and knowing how to get help for a kid when they are abusing any of these substances,” Clarkin said.

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai deplored the burning of the Koran by a fundamentalist U.S. pastor in an hourlong video teleconference yesterday and condemned deadly violence sparked by the incident, the White House said.

Karzai and Obama discussed a range of topics in the call, including the gradual handover of security in Afghanistan from U.S. and NATO troops to Afghan control.

“The two leaders agreed on the importance of re-establishing peace in Afghanistan through progress on transition, an enduring U.S.-Afghan strategic partnership, and reconciliation,” the White House said in a statement.

A Christian fundamentalist pastor burned a Koran in Florida on March 20, news of which sparked days of protests in Afghanistan in which some two dozen people have been killed, including seven U.N. staff.

Previous condemnations of the Koran burning by Obama and other U.S. leaders has done little to placate anger or ease anti-Western sentiments across much of Afghan society.

The statement said Obama and Karzai were clear that attacking and killing innocent people “is an affront to human decency and dignity,” the White House statement said.

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DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

FORUM

New CRL research: Payday loans become gateway to long-term debt

By CHARLENE CROWELL

THOMAS H. WATKINS

The State of Black America: Washington are you listening?

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In the latest of a series of research reports, the Center for Responsible Lending has found that payday loan customers remain indebted double the time that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation recommends.

Payday Loans, Inc.: Short on Credit, Long on Debt verifies how what begins as usually a two-week small-dollar loan becomes a deepening pit of debt lasting on average 212 days in the first year of borrowing and growing to 372 days in the succeeding year. Yet according to FDIC guidance, no payday borrower should be indebted for more than 90 days in any 12 month period.

The report also shows how the size of these loans grows over time as well. Although the first payday loan is typically only $279, the average customer will borrow more in principal and reaches $466 over time. The catch is that as the amount borrowed increases, so do the applicable fees and interest that the borrower must also pay.

According to CRL, much of the problem with fully retiring payday debt is due to the industry requirement that borrowers pay the entire loan with the next paycheck. For most borrowers, this specific loan term denies them the ability to financially manage the rest of their lives.

The financial burden of only having two weeks to repay can be insurmountable. For many borrowers, even a $300 loan eats up all remaining funds after the borrower has paid for

just their most basic living expenses because they have just such a short-time to pay the loan back. For example, using the latest federal data our recent report shows that a borrower making $35,000 would have literally no money left over after taxes, basic expenses and the 400 percent payday loan. So, another payday loan renews the cycle of debt and a steady dwindling amount of available monies for everyday living.

“This new report finds even more disturbing lending patterns than our earlier reports”, said Uriah King, a senior vicepresident with CRL. “Not only is the actual length of payday borrowing longer, the amount and frequency grows as well.

The first payday loan becomes the gateway to long-term debt and robs working families of funds available to cover everyday living expenses.”

Other independent observers reacted similarly.

Rev. Dr. DeForest Soaries, pastor of First Baptist Church, of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey and profiled in Almighty Debt, a recent CNN documentary, also commented on the new research findings.

“Reputable businesses build their loyal clientele by offering value-priced products and services. Customers choose to return to these businesses. But payday lenders build their repeat business by trapping borrowers into a cycle of crippling debt with triple digit interest rates and fees. Lenders should be completely satisfied with a 36 percent interest cap.”

Viewers of Almighty Debt may recall how Soaries strongly advocated debt-free living – not

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— Charlene Crowell is the Center for Responsible Lending’s communications manager for state policy and outreach. She can be reached at: Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

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only for his congregation but particularly for communities of color. In his view, debt-free living better enables families to build wealth.

Even though Congress enacted a 36 percent annual interest rate cap for active military and their families, to date only 17 states and the District of Columbia have taken similar steps to end predatory payday lending.

To address the problem of long-term payday debt in other states, CRL recommends ending all special exemptions that allow payday loans to be offered at triple-digit rates and secondly restoring traditional interest rate caps at or around 36 percent annual interest.

In addition, CRL recommends that both states and the new federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau limit the amount of time a borrowers can remain indebted in these high-cost loans in any given year.

Further information on the report is available at: http://www.responsiblelendi n g . o r g / p a y d a y lending/research-analysis/payday-loans-inc.html At a time when so many people of modest means are striving to financially piece their lives together, dollars are particularly dear. Quick cash may be available from payday lenders.

But, there is nothing quick about getting rid of that debt.

Borrowers beware.

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DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

Unemployment down, Black unemployment up

By JULIANNE MALVEAUX More than 200,000 jobs were created last month, 216,000 to be exact.

Coming after the February lift of more than 200,000 jobs, there are those who are saying that economic recovery is around the corner. I don’t know what corner they are standing on, but the African American corner took a hit in March, and the Black unemployment rate rose from 15.3 to 15.5 percent. No other racial/ethnic group saw unemployment rates rise. Some will say the slight increase is statistically insignificant. Try telling that to the African Americans who don’t have jobs, or to those who are not in the labor force. Indeed, while the number of Whites who had dropped out of the labor force went down, the number of African Americans out of the labor force went up.

The government is on the brink of closing down, with obstructionist Tea Party members determined to shrink the size of government no matter what. They have focused on government workers, but too many of these workers are African American, Latino, and female. Yes, an

attack on government workers is an attack on equality, because those who work for governments are more likely to find a fair deal, have a good job, and be paid equitably. The government is on the brink of closing down, but on their way to down time, they have not found time to introduce one piece of legislation that speaks to job creation. Given the numbers that we see this month, this really means they have been unwilling and unable to deal with the jobs crisis in the African American community, as the situation in other communities is getting better.

Better does not mean acceptable.

There are 13.5 million officially unemployed people in our nation, and the number that have not worked for half a year has risen from 43.9 percent to 45.5 percent in the past month. Labor force participation is at an all time low of 64.2 percent which means that too many people have left the labor force because they think they can’t find work, or they can’t afford to look.

This is the story for all Americans, with the most severe measure of unemployment, the measure that accounts for those who work part time when they want full time work or are only “marginally attached” to the labor market, a whopping 15.7

percent. This means, in real terms, that nearly one in six of us is unemployed.

It gets worse, of course, for African Americans. The employment population ratio for adult Black men, at 57.2 percent, is nearly eleven points lower than the employment population ratio for adult white men, at 68.0 percent. In some communities, scarcely half of African American men are working. The same data that takes the overall population from 8.8 percent to 15.7 percent, takes the African American population from 15.5 percent to 27.6 percent, a Depression-era level unemployment rate. Why is this okay?

Why has it sparked no national discussion? What does it mean that it is acceptable for the employment situation in an entire community can be imperiled? Why is it that nobody really cares?

There is joy in some quarters about the fact that significant employment has been created two months in a row. But, there is a cliché that says it takes more than a swallow to bring spring. In other words, we first of all know that at the rate we are going, it is will take until 2018, seven years from now, for us to get back to the number of jobs we had in 2007.

With populating

growth, even then we won’t reach the unemployment rate of 5 percent that we experienced in December of 2007. Secondly, pessimistic economists, like former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, are suggesting that there is the possibility of a “double dip” recession, and that numbers could turn back down in a few months if more money is not pumped into the economy. Bankers are keeping their bailout money, having failed to address the foreclosure situation, or to lend small businesses money they need for inventory and revitalization. They are cautiously waiting for better times, but what if Congress had exercised their caution on them?

The bottom line is that while some data suggest economic recovery, the African American community is still riding on the back of the bus. It will take targeted job creation programs to improve on the new unemployment numbers. Is there anyone in Congress who will step up to say that these unacceptably high unemployment rates cannot continue?

— Julianne Malveaux is President of Bennett College for Women and author of Surviving and Thriving: 365 Facts in Black Economic History (www.lastwordprod.com).

Colorectal cancer awareness: What you should know about screening Special to the NNPA from The National Cancer Institute It may be one of your parents. It may be a co-worker, or someone from your church. It could be a neighbor, a girlfriend from your book club, or the favorite uncle or aunt who always organizes the summer family reunion. It could even be you who will face colorectal cancer one day. It can be unsettling to think about it, but know that you can turn to the National Cancer Institute for information if you are faced with this situation.

Also, there is something you can do to help prevent colorectal cancer in your life and in the lives of those you associate with and love: get regularly screened for colorectal cancer. Read on to learn more information about colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer screening so you will be fully informed.

Although deaths from colorectal cancer have declined in recent decades, colorectal cancer remains the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in both men and women, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths, in the United States. And, rates of colorectal cancer diagnosis and death are higher for African Americans than for all other racial and ethnic groups in the United States.

Because colorectal cancer can take many years to develop, early detection and treatment of the disease greatly improve the chances of a cure. Screening also enables doc-

tors to detect and remove abnormal colorectal growths, or polyps, before they even become cancer. According to most current guidelines, people at average risk for this disease should be screened regularly starting at age 50. If any family members have had colorectal cancer, you should talk to your doctor about when and how often you should be screened, because you are at a higher risk.

Unfortunately, almost half of people aged 50 to 75 are not being screened regularly for colorectal cancer. And, despite some gains, African Americans are still less likely to be screened than Whites. If cost is keeping you from making that appointment, remember that most insurance plans help pay for colorectal cancer screening tests for people aged 50 or older. Many plans also help pay for screening tests for people younger than 50 who are at increased risk for colorectal cancer.

Check with your health insurance plan to determine your colorectal cancer screening benefits. If you do not have insurance, call 1-800-4CANCER to learn about free or lowcost screening options in your community. Your local health depart-

ment may also have information.

Under the health insurance reforms signed into law earlier this year all new private plans will provide basic preventive services such as colon cancer screening at no cost.

If fear or a lack of understanding is keeping you from making that colorectal screening appointment, start by learning more about the different screening options available to you. On www.cancer.gov (search term: Colorectal Screening), you can read about screening options and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each. Typical screening options are colonoscopy every 10 years, yearly fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), and flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years along with FOBT every two to three years, but new and potentially more comfortable screening techniques are being developed. You can also ask your doctor the following questions about screening: · Which screening tests do you recommend for me and why? · How much do the tests cost? · Will my health insurance plan help pay for screening tests?

· Are the tests painful? · How soon after the tests will I learn the results?

For more information about colorectal cancer, contact the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI’s) Cancer Information Service (CIS) toll-free at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.

Trained information specialists are available to answer your questions in English or Spanish.

You can also contact NCI’s CIS on the internet, via LiveHelp Online Chat (Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

EST) or via email at www.cancer.gov/contact.

Learn about all you can do to lower your risk of colorectal cancer and take control of your health.

— NCI leads the National Cancer Program and the NIH effort to dramatically reduce the burden of cancer and improve the lives of cancer patients and their families, through research into prevention and cancer biology, the development of new interventions, and the training and mentoring of new researchers.

6

DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

Accused ‘Grim Sleeper’ suspected in more deaths

By ALEX DOBUZINSKIS LOS ANGELES — A retired sanitation worker accused of murdering 10 women and girls who has been dubbed the “Grim Sleeper” may have killed eight additional victims, police said on Tuesday.

Police officials said there may be even more victims of Lonnie David Franklin Jr, 58, who allegedly targeted Black women and girls in south Los Angeles in a string of killings that began in the 1980s.

Investigators said they were not free to release new information about the other eight potential victims until now.

That is because prosecutors wanted Franklin brought to court first on Monday, to face an indictment for the 10 other murders and one attempted murder.

Police have no immediate plans to charge Franklin with the murder of the eight additional potential victims.

“I would doubt it,” said Los

Angeles police detective Dennis Kilcoyne. “Because that would be like starting over again with the wheel of justice that’s slowly turning right now on Mr. Franklin, and we don’t want to create that problem with the court system.”

Police Chief Charlie Beck

added most of the women’s bodies have not been found, which makes it harder to prosecute.

But police did find the body of one of the women — Inez Warren, who was shot in 1988 and dumped in an alley.

Police believe she may have been one of Franklin’s

victims because of the part of the city she was discovered in, the down-and-out life of prostitution and narcotics she shared with other “Grim Sleeper” victims and the time of her killing.

But Kilcoyne admitted police have no ballistic evidence in Warren’s case, because the bullet passed through her chest.

Six more of the other potential victims of Franklin are women who went missing between 1982 and 2005, and whose bodies have never been found.

Franklin had in his possession ID cards for two of them.

The eighth potential victim is a woman whose photo was released in December, when police posted online a trove of 180 pictures that had been in Franklin’s possession, in the hopes of identifying them and finding additional victims.

That woman is still unidentified, but her photo was found in a special collection Franklin kept in a fridge which also had the picture of his most recent alleged murder victim, whose body was

discovered in 2007, Kilcoyne said.

Fifty-five of the women depicted in the photographs police released in December have not been identified, and Kilcoyne said there may be additional victims in that group.

Franklin, a retired sanitation worker and auto mechanic, was arrested last year after police took a DNA sample from his son, in an unrelated case, and found it closely resembled DNA evidence recovered in the “Grim Sleeper” murders.

At first, it appeared the serial killer had taken a nearly 14-year hiatus between 1988 and 2002, prompting the L.A. Weekly newspaper to tag him the “Grim Sleeper.” But police now believe he did not take that long a break.

“I think we’re going to start filling in that gap,’’ Kilcoyne said.

In fact, three of the women police identified on Tuesday as potential victims went missing between 1988 and 2002, during what was once thought to be the gap between killings.

Alabama lawmakers approve immigration crackdown

By VERNA GATES BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Alabama state House of Representative passed an Arizona-style crackdown on illegal immigration on Tuesday, despite opposition from Democrats and civil rights groups.

The measure, which passed by 73 votes to 28 on Tuesday evening, would give state and local police broad powers to check the immigration status of people detained on other charges.

It also would require businesses in the state to run checks on new employees through a federal computer database, dubbed an “E-verify,” and use a state verification program to deny public services to illegal immigrants.

The bill will now go to the Alabama Senate for a vote.

“We cannot allow Alabama to become a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants,” Rep. Micky Hammon, a Republican who sponsored the bill, told the House.

The law is similar to the controversial anti-immigration measure passed by Arizona last year that sparked a

legal fight and a confrontation with the federal government.

During a vigorous debate, legislators voiced concerns over the additional cost the crackdown would place on already strained state and civic budgets.

“We would be growing the state government at tremendous cost to local governments,” James Busky, a Democrat from Mobile, told the legislature.

Rights groups said they were concerned that it would lead to racial profiling in the state, which has a long history of civil rights violations,

and infringe the federal government’s duty to enforce immigration laws.

“This is 100 percent the responsibility of the federal government and states cannot usurp that power,” said Shay Farley, legal director of the nonprofit Alabama Appleseed organization.

“It will cause more problems that it solves,” she added.

In addition to Alabama, Arizona-inspired immigration measures are proceeding through legislatures in Georgia, Indiana, Oklahoma and South Carolina.

In Utah, meanwhile,

Republican Governor Gary Herbert last month signed milder immigration legislation that included a guest worker program along with increased police enforcement powers.

But lawmakers in Arizona, Nebraska, Kentucky and Kansas have ditched or killed off tough immigration measures in recent weeks, amid concerns over potentially costly litigation, economic boycotts and the practicality of enforcing the laws.

“At one level, a lot of people realized that many of these reforms are more symbolic than anything else,” Mark

Jones, a Rice University political science professor said.

“Some will get blocked in the courts because (immigration) is really a federal prerogative, (and) others because they are viewed as unconstitutional due to the discriminatory or racial profiling aspect,” he added.

Arizona’s immigration law required police to investigate the status of anyone they encounter who is suspected of being in the country illegally, although key parts were blocked by a federal judge before it came into effect in July. The state is appealing the ruling.

Border Patrol agent arrested on marijuana charges PHOENIX — A U.S. Border Patrol agent in far western Arizona was arrested after bundles of marijuana were allegedly found stashed in his patrol vehicle, authorities said on Tuesday.

The U.S. Border Patrol’s Yuma sector said the unnamed agent was arrested on Tuesday after two colleagues discovered he had numerous packages of mari-

juana stashed inside a marked Border Patrol truck while patrolling on Monday.

The two agents reported the incident to a duty supervisor, and the agent and marijuana were subsequently turned over to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

“I will not refer to the subject of this arrest as ‘one of us.’ By his alleged actions, he

has tarnished our image,” Rodolfo Karisch, acting chief of the Border Patrol’s Yuma sector, said in a statement.

Further details were being withheld as the investigation into the incident continued.

Border Patrol spokesman Kenneth Quillin said charges were pending in the case.

Corruption cases involving border police have

increased in recent years as the U.S. government has ramped up recruitment in a drive to secure the southwest border with Mexico.

Between 2003 and 2009, 129 Customs and Border Protection officers and Border Patrol agents were arrested on corruption charges, according to U.S. Department of Homeland Security figures.

DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

7

It’s happening at

Columbia April in

Friday, April 1 The Lionel Trilling Seminar: Reading The World in the Postcolonial 6:15 p.m.

Common Room, Heyman Center, Morningside campus Speaker: Ngugi wa Thiong’o, professor of comparative literature, University of California, Irvine. For more info, call (212) 8548443 or visit www.heymancenter.org/events.php.

Wednesday, April 6

Wednesday, April 13

Garden Tour 1:00 p.m.

Morningside campus

In Dialogue With Gravity 6:30 p.m.

Wood Auditorium, Avery, Morningside campus

You will be introduced to a wide variety of plants and trees on Columbia’s award-winning grounds, including perennials and red maple trees. Reservations required. To register, email facilities@columbia.edu. For more info, visit www .facilities.columbia.edu/garden-tours.

Speakers: Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara, Grafton Architects, Dublin. For more info, call (212) 854-3414 or visit www.arch.columbia.edu/events.

Thursday, April 14 Friday, April 1–Friday, May 27 Exhibition: Alma Mater: Origins Chang Octagon Exhibition Room, Butler Library, Morningside campus This exhibit explores the establishment of King’s College, student life at the time, origins of the Core Curriculum and the move to coeducation. Among the material on display is The Book of Misdemeanors, used to record student infractions in 1771. For more info, call (212) 854-7309.

Saturday, April 2 Concert: Three 2nds with Lucy Shelton 8:00 p.m.

The Italian Academy, 1161 Amsterdam Ave. The concert will feature vocal chamber music with soprano Lucy Shelton and friends. For more info, call (212) 854-2306 or visit www.italianacademy.columbia .edu/events_calendar.html.

Book Signing: Pietro Reviglio 6:00 p.m.

The Italian Academy, 1161 Amsterdam Ave., Morningside campus In his new book Cinematography of Urban Madness, Italian artist Reviglio recreates fragments of an imaginary screenplay about an artist and his studio, in which alienation intertwines with folly and tension gives way to violence. For more info, call (212) 854-2306 or visit www.italianacademy. columbia.edu/events_calendar.html.

Thursday, April 7 Refiguring the Spiritual 6:30 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus Speaker: Lynda Benglis, artist and sculptor. For more info, call (212) 854-2875 or visit www.arts.columbia.edu.

Saturday, April 9 Monday, April 4 Green Metropolis 6:30 p.m.

Wood Auditorium, Avery, Morningside campus David Owen, staff writer, The New Yorker, will discuss why living smaller, living closer and driving less are the keys to sustainability. For more info, call (212) 854-3414 or visit www.arch.columbia.edu/events.

Columbia Ballet Collaborative 8:00 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus Columbia Ballet Collaborative proudly presents a dynamic program of all new contemporary ballets at Miller Theatre.

Tickets $7-15. For more info, call (212) 854-2875 or visit www.arts.columbia.edu.

Monday, April 11 Café Arts: Costa Rican Development: The Nature-City Paradox 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

PicNic Café, 2665 Broadway at 102nd Street Speaker: Clara Irazabal, Columbia University. $10 per person. Seating is limited. For more info, call (877) 8542586 or visit www.cafes.columbia.edu.

Tuesday, April 5 Theater of War: A Dramatic Reading Of Sophocles’ Ajax 5:00 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus Theater of War is an innovative project that presents readings of ancient Greek plays as a catalyst for town hall discussions about the challenges faced by service members, veterans, their families and communities today. Panel discussion with audience participation to follow. Reservations required. For more info, call (212) 854-7799 or visit www .millertheatre.com/events.

What’s Water Worth?

6:30 p.m.

James Room, Barnard campus

Regenerative Urbanism: Cities After Depopulation 6:30 p.m.

Wood Auditorium, Avery, Morningside campus Speakers: Laura Lawson, chair, landscape architecture, Rutgers University; and Terry Schwarz, director, Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative, Kent State University. For more info, call (212) 854-3414 or visit www.arch.columbia.edu/events.

Café Science: Toward Sustainable Energy 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

PicNic Café, 2665 Broadway at 102nd Street Speaker: Alissa Park, Columbia University. $10 per person.

Seating is limited. For more info, call (877) 854-2586 or visit www.cafes.columbia.edu.

The acclaimed author of C discusses experimental fiction. For more info, call (212) 854-2875 or visit www.arts.columbia.edu.

A Long Road Home: Investigation and Recovery in the E. Forbes Smiley Map Thefts 6:00 p.m.

523 Butler Library, Morningside campus

Baseball vs. St. John’s 3:30 p.m.

Robertson Field, Baker Athletics Complex, 218th Street and Broadway For more info, call (212) 854-2535 or visit www .gocolumbialions.com.

The 12th Annual Mitsui USA Symposium: The Realities and Relevance of Japan’s Great Recession 6:00 p.m.

301 Uris, Morningside campus Speakers: Adam S. Posen, Peter G. Peterson Institute for International Economics; and David E. Weinstein, Columbia University. Registration required. For more info, call (212) 854-3976 or visit www.gsb.columbia.edu/cjeb.

Café Humanities: Positive Pollution And Cultural Toxins 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

PicNic Café, 2665 Broadway at 102nd Street John Gamber, Columbia University, will discuss the role of waste and contamination in U.S. ethnic literature. $10 per person. Seating is limited. For more info, call (877) 8542586 or visit www.cafes.columbia.edu.

Tuesday, April 19 Confederate Reckoning: Power and Politics In the Civil War South Noon Lehman Center, 406 International Affairs, Morningside campus Speaker: Stephanie McCurry, University of Pennsylvania.

Reservations required. For more info, call (212) 854-3060 or email lehmancenter@columbia.edu.

Wednesday, April 20 Speaker: Michael Inman, curator of rare books, the New York Public Library. For more info, call (212) 854-4746 or visit www.alumni.libraries.columbia.edu.

Friday, April 15 The Path to a Sustainable Future: Public Health and the Environment 9:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Rotunda, Low Memorial Library, Morningside campus Registration required. For more info, call (212) 678-8950 or email events@ei.columbia.edu.

Composer Portraits: Chaya Czernowin 8:00 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus Tickets $25. For more info, call (212) 854-7799 or visit www .millertheatre.com/events.

What Is Wisdom?

6:15 p.m.

Davis Auditorium, Schapiro Center, Morningside campus Speaker: Charles Larmore, professor of philosophy, Brown University. For more info, call (212) 854-8443 or visit www .heymancenter.org/events.php.

Monday, April 25 Café Social Science: The End of Hunger 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

PicNic Café, 2665 Broadway at 102nd Street Speaker: Glen Denning, associate director, Center for Globalization & Sustainable Development, Earth Institute, Columbia University. $10 per person. Seating is limited. For more info, call (877) 854-2586 or visit www.cafes.columbia.edu.

Tuesday, April 26 Saturday, April 16 Symposium: The Creative Music Studio 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

301 Philosophy, Morningside campus Moderator: Karl Berger, conductor, founder and director of Creative Music Studio. This all-day colloquium will capture oral histories related to Creative Music Studio and its impact on the larger world of music and culture. For more info, call (212) 851-1633 or visit www.jazz.columbia.edu/events.

Softball vs. Cornell 12:30 p.m.

Baker Athletics Complex, 218th Street and Broadway For more info, call (212) 854-2535 or visit www .gocolumbialions.com.

Tuesday, April 12

Wednesday, April 13 This panel will discuss the balance between New York’s economic need for natural gas drilling and guaranteed protection of drinking water resources. Speakers: Paul Gallay, executive director, Riverkeeper; Caswell F. Holloway, commissioner, New York City Department of Environmental Protection; and Martin Stute, Columbia University. For more info, call (212) 854-2037 or visit www.barnard.edu/events.

Creative Writing Lecture: Tom McCarthy 7:00 p.m.

501 Dodge, Morningside campus

Monday, April 18

Sunday, April 17 Columbia University Jazz Ensemble Spring Concert: Karl Berger 8:00 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus Karl Berger, conductor, founder and director of the Creative Music Foundation Inc. and Creative Music Studio. For more info, call (212) 851-1633 or visit www.jazz.columbia.edu/events.

Getting to Columbia The Morningside Heights campus is located at 116th Street and Broadway.

By subway: No. 1 train to 116th Street station. By bus: M4, M11, M60 or M104.

This is a small sampling of the public events at Columbia. For additional CUID events or general information visit www.columbia.edu or call (212) 854-2871. For Columbia sports info, visit www.gocolumbialions.com.

Guests in need of disability services should call (212) 854-2284 prior to the event.

Columbia University Film Festival: Outdoor Screening Sundown Butler Lawn and Low Plaza, Morningside campus The 24th annual film festival will run April 25-May 6. For full listings, locations and tickets, visit www.cufilmfest.com. For more info, call (212) 854-2875 or visit www.arts.columbia.edu.

Wednesday, April 27 A Law Is Just the Beginning: 20 Years of The Americans With Disabilities Act 6:30 p.m.

Morningside campus Speaker: John Hockenberry, radio host, The Takeaway, WNYC. Sign language interpreting will be available. The venue is also wheelchair accessible. For more info, call (212) 8542388 or visit www.health.columbia.edu/20ADA.

Thursday, April 28 - Saturday, April 30 Toward an Intellectual History of Black Women: An International Conference 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Faculty House, Morningside campus Emerging work on black women’s contributions to black thought, political mobilization, creative work and gender theory will be used to piece together a history of thought and culture that maps the forces that have shaped black women’s ideas and intellectual activities. Panels, roundtables and keynotes featuring Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, Harvard University, and Elizabeth Alexander, Yale University, will focus on black women as intellectuals, from Africa, the Caribbean, North and South America, and Europe. Register at http://iraas.org/node/202.

AFRICAN SCENE

88

DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

Gbagbo’s home in Ivory Coast comes under attack

By RUKMINI CALLIMACHI and MARCO CHOWN OVED ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast - Heavy arms fire rang out yesterday near the home of the country’s strongman who remained holed up in a subterranean bunker, as forces backing his rival assaulted the residence to try to force him out, diplomats and witnesses said.

A spokeswoman for the government of the country’s democratically elected president Alassane Ouattara said on France-24 television that pro-Ouattara forces had entered the gates of Laurent Gbagbo’s residence.

“At the current moment they have not yet captured Gbagbo but it will happen soon,” Affoussy Bamba said by telephone from Abidjan. “They opened the gates and noted that the residence is surrounded by heavy weaponry,” she said.

“Now the objective is to capture him.”

Gbagbo had appeared to be on the point of surrender on Tuesday, sending an emissary to meet with foreign ambassadors in order to negotiate the terms of his resignation. But a senior diplomat who asked

Soldiers loyal to democratically elected president Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. not to be named because he is not authorized to speak to the press said the overture appeared to be a foil, and that Gbagbo was simply playing for time.

“The conditions set

by President Ouattara are rather clear. He is demanding that Laurent Gbagbo accept his defeat and recognize the victory of the legitimately elected president,” French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said yesterday.

“That’s where we are today, and alas, words have given way to weapons.”

Neither U.N. nor French forces were

involved in yesterday’s fighting, he said.

Earlier in the day, French radio RFI broadcast an interview with Gbagbo in which he said he had won last November’s election and that there was no question of him leaving.

“We are not at the negotiating phase.

And my departure from where? My departure to where?” he said.

Gbagbo refused to accept defeat to Ouattara in last year’s election and took his country to the precipice of civil war in his bid to preserve power. His security

forces are accused of using cannons, mortars and machine guns to mow down opponents in the four months since Ouattara was declared the winner of the contested vote.

But analysts say Ouattara is acutely aware that while he won last year’s election with 54 percent of the vote, Gbagbo received 46 percent - representing nearly half the electorate. A diplomat who speaks to Ouattara frequently said that the leader is aware of the danger involved at this stage, because if Gbagbo is killed it may galvanize

his supporters.

In Europe, Gbagbo’s spokesman attempted to spin the attack on the residence by Ouattara’s forces as a foreign intervention.

He claimed it was the French that was storming the home of the former leader, a claim the French military vigorously denied.

United Nations attack helicopters helped by French troops bombarded the ruler’s arsenal late Monday, acting on a Security Council resolution authorizing them to take out his heavy weapons because they had been used against the population.

Photo/Rebecca Blackwell The international forces have not been involved in the ground attack yesterday on the residence, said diplomats and French military spokesman Thierry Burkhard.

“France will be held responsible for the death of President Gbagbo, his wife and family members and all those who are inside the residence, which is being bombarded by the French army,” Gbagbo’s Paris-based adviser Toussaint Alain said. He added that “there is a real danger” that Gbagbo and the others could be killed in the operation.

Gaddafi using human shields to curb air strikes: NATO By ALEXANDER DZIADOSZ A J D A B I YA H , Libya - Muammar Gaddafi is using human shields to foil air strikes on his forces, NATO officials said yesterday as rebels angry at alleged Western inaction battled anew to advance on the key coast road.

In their eastern heartland, ill-trained rebels set out yet again to retake terrain lost in several headlong retreats from Gaddafi’s superior firepower, reporting heavy fighting west of their frontline town of Ajdabiyah as both sides tried to end a ragged stalemate in the oil-producing state’s civil war.

Mohamed elMasrafy, a member of a rebel special forces unit, said clashes broke out at 6 a.m. (0400

GMT) after government forces were resupplied with ammunition and swung eastwards out of the oil port of Brega, 80 km (50 miles) from Ajdabiyah.

NATO found itself on the defensive against rebel complaints that air strikes had subsided since it took over the mission from a U.S.British-French coalition last week.

Spokeswoman Carmen Romero maintained that “the pace of our operations contin-

ues unabated. The ambition and the position of our strikes has not changed.”

She said that relieving the siege of Misrata, a rebel enclave in the west, remained the priority but conceded that Gaddafi’s army was proving a resourceful, elusive target.

“The situation on the ground is constantly evolving.

Gaddafi’s forces are changing tactics, using civilian vehicles, hiding tanks

in cities such as Misrata and using human shields to hide behind,” Romero told reporters in Brussels.

She reiterated NATO’s position that air power had destroyed 30 percent of Gaddafi’s military capacity thus far.

Western air power has fashioned a rough military balance in Libya, preventing Gaddafi troops from overrunning the motley rebel force dominating the east — but not

forceful enough for the insurgents to advance solidly hundreds of kilometers along the Mediterranean coast to the capital Tripoli in the west.

Masrafy told Reuters that the front line was about 20 km (12 miles) east of Brega, the focus of a weeklong to-andfro battle. A sustained government assault on Tuesday drove rebels about halfway back to Ajdabiyah, gateway to their Benghazi powerbase.

D CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011 DAILY

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

9

The East Jazz in Brooklyn College

Panel Discussion on Jazz at The East with Basir Mchawi with The East founders: Jitu Weusi, Professor WS. Tkweme.

STUDIO 312, ROOSEVELT HALL, BROOKLYN COLLEGE - All Photos by Lem Peterkin

The Brooklyn College Jazz Big Band directed by Michael Salim Washington

Trumpeter and composer Charles Tolliver

Relive the Glory Days of the Paramount Theater

By STEPHEN BROWN This Friday is your chance to relive the glory days of the Paramount Theater.

A star-studded panel of showbiz legends will take a trip down memory lane in the former home of the legendary theater, which was the first of its kind built for “talkie” movies.

“Paramount had all the movies, all the performers,” said Michael Hittman, a professor of Anthropology at Long Island University.

“Charlie Parker! John Coltrane! Bing Crosby would play Times Square and then play

here! Chuck Berry’s first performance was at the Paramount!”

Hittman organized the day-long event, “When Theater was Paramount in Brooklyn,” as a way to revisit the glory days of Brooklyn’s theater district, which was meant to rival Times Square.

In addition to the Paramount at Flatbush and DeKalb avenues, there was the Albee Theater, the Strand Theater nearby. The event will also examine more far-flung theaters in Brooklyn.

But Hittman confessed that he’s always had a soft spot for the Paramount, and that

one of the day’s highlights will certainly be when a professional plays the “Mighty Wurlitzer” organ, which still boasts its 2,000 pipes and 257 stops.

“This is a theater organ! It’s a freak, like seeing a dinosaur!”

Hittman said. “It’s quite a thrill to hear it.”

But the organ is only just one attraction.

Joe Franklin, the socalled King of Nostalgia, will reminisce about the theater’s glory days as a landmark destination for early rock and rollers, jazz legends and classic entertainers.

Billie Dawn Smith,

who wrote loads of hits like “Sixteen Candles,” “To the Aisle,” “Please Mr. Disc Jockey,” and even “Like a Natural Woman” will also speak.

“I took him to dinner at Junior’s and every song they played he was saying, ‘Oh, that’s my song,’” said Hittman.

Even one of the screenwriters of the Mel Brooks classic, “Blazing Saddles” will take the podium.

Hittman will also show for the first time never before seen Vitaphone footage of Rudy Vallee - known for performing with a megaphone - putting on a show at the Paramount.

1 10

CARIBBEAN NEWS DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

Haiti’s pop star president takes conservative tack

By TRENTON DANIEL P O R T- A U PRINCE, Haiti Haiti’s pop star president-elect is making the media rounds to thank voters for his easy election victory while showing off a persona considerably toned down from his extravagant bad-boy days on stage.

With Haitians wondering how the charismatic Michel “Sweet Micky” Martelly will approach governing, he showed up in a conservative gray suit Tuesday to hold his first news conference a day after election results were announced.

As he did on the campaign trail, the 50-yearold Martelly avoided any specifics about how he would lead, but appeared as far as possible from his outrageous stage persona as he spoke of reconciliation with political opponents and improving the lives of people in the most desperate, star-crossed nation in the Western

Hemisphere.

“I would like to say first that I have always had the desire to change my country,” he said. “I have a passion to change my country.”

Haiti is confronting daunting challenges on numerous fronts, including the stalled reconstruction from the January 2010 earthquake, a cholera outbreak, hundreds of thousands of homeless and more than half the population unemployed.

Asked about his priorities for his first three months in office, Martelly, who has never held office, dodged the question like a seasoned politician: “Our common sense tells us that in the 100-day period, we will barely have the time to build a small house.”

Pressed for more, he did it again: “We are not going into specifics at this time,” he said, citing a need to “surprise” people.

A few hours after his news conference, Martelly made visits at several radio stations in the capital to meet with owners and staff. Radio is the prime source of news for Haitians,

CARICOM chairman says BBC Caribbean leaves a void to be filled ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada — The current chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Tillman Thomas, who is also the prime minister of Grenada, has praised the work of the Caribbean Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that has now ended after more than two decades of broadcasting in the region.

The service was among several being cut by the London-based broadcaster as part of cost cutting measures forced upon it by the policies of Britain’s coalition government.

Spice Grenada reported that Thomas acknowledged that the BBC Caribbean Service had been a objective, reliable and informative service to the Caribbean population.

“I think it’s something that we’ve grown accustomed to in the region and I believe it is something we should have really tried to maintain,” he said, adding that he regarded the closure “as a void that could be filled.”

Thomas said that he would use his position as chairman of the 15-member bloc to lobby for the establishment of a regional body that would fill the void created by the closure of the BBC Caribbean Service.

Haiti's president-elect Michel 'Sweet Micky' Martelly greets supporters after giving a press conference in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. because they can use onated with voters. battery-powered radios Haiti’s electoral council during the country’s said late Monday that frequent power outages. preliminary results “It was a courtesy showed he captured meeting,” said Mario nearly 68 percent of the Viau, director general vote in the March 20 of the privately run runoff against Mirlande Signal FM, the first stop Manigat, a former senaon Martelly’s media vic- tor and first lady. tory lap. “He wanted to Martelly had placed show the importance of behind Manigat in the the press.” first round in Martelly is best November. The musiknown for his wild cian said there was no antics as a popular per- question why. former playing “com“There was a system pas,” Haiti’s high-ener- eating at them, consumgy, slowed-down ver- ing them alive,” he said sion of merengue. His of the voters. “The disshows - he started in the gust that people felt mid-1980s and reached with the certain situathe height of his career tion has created the in the ‘90s - became leg- need for them to see endary, for he was a things change.” bona fide provocateur.

Manigat wasn’t ready As the self-proclaimed to concede. The 70-year“bad boy of compas,” he old, Sorbonne-educated donned diapers and grandmother said her dresses, mooned the team was still looking audience, cursed his into allegations of rivals and spouted fraud. “You voted, and obscenities. they stole your vote at But his outsider the tabulation center,” image apparently res- she said at a news con-

ference.

The candidates were to succeed vying President Rene Preval, barred by the constitution from running for a third term. The new president must contend with a Senate and Chamber of Deputies controlled by Preval’s party.

Haiti’s electoral council said about 23 percent of the 4.7 million registered voters cast ballots.

Serge Audate, an elections official, said about 15 percent of the tally sheets had problems suggesting possible fraud, including cases in which there were more votes cast than registered voters at some polling stations.

Final results are to be announced April 16.

A lot of Martelly’s support comes from the young and unemployed, who make up much of the country. Older, more educated voters often said they were turned off by his past antics. But he proved to be an adept campaigner, turning his lack of experience into an asset, just as he turned his lack of hair into a catchy campaign slogan - “the bald one.”

Martelly’s run for office gained little attention at first, overshadowed by the short-lived campaign of the betterknown hip-hop star Wyclef Jean, who was declared ineligible to run.

Martelly, who usually dressed in bright pink short-sleeve shirts on the campaign trail, said his experience as a musician was good preparation for running for office, even if his past antics came back to haunt him.

“In music you want to please your fans,” he told The Associated Press before the election. “But sometimes it’s very controversial. ... In politics you have to be responsible.”

During the campaign, he deftly depicted himself as a neophyte even though he has long been active in politics. He promised profound change for Haiti, vowing to provide free education in a country where more than half the children can’t afford school and promising to create economic opportunity amid almost universal unemployment. But details were sometimes elusive.

“He said he will send all students to school,” said Telson Elli, 23, an agronomy student at a university in downtown Port-au-Prince. “So I suppose he will have to raise taxes.”

Nevertheless, the student said: “I’m very optimistic for Martelly. He has passion, which is a very important part of leadership. We want a president who is concrete, who takes action.

And we sense that he is that sort of guy.”

Trinidad PSC chairman More allegations of sexual claims he is a victim assault in Barbados PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — The controversial racial imbalance statement made by Nizam Mohammed, former chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Commission continued to dominate the media in the twin island republic with favourable comments of his dismissal coming from well respected attorneys Dana Seetahal and Martin Daly, the law association’s president.

However, Mohammed is furious over President George Maxwell Richard’s decision to fire him, saying that he is a victim of breach of natural justice and process.

Mohamed wants the president to explain why his appointment was revoked. He insisted he did nothing wrong and breached no law. However, Richards revoked the appointment on the grounds that Mohammed failed to perform his duties in a responsible or timely manner and demonstrated a lack of competence.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Investigators in Barbados on Monday night interrogated three police officers in connection with the alleged rape and sexual assault of a Jamaican woman while she was in custody.

The Jamaica Observer reported that the 27year-old woman was arrested at the Grantley Adams airport in late February after about two kilogrammes of marijuana were found in her luggage.

She was taken to the Central Police Station, where the incident reportedly occurred.

The woman claims that during her first night in custody a female officer let two male cops into her cell, who raped and sexually assaulted her, subjecting her to taunts and inhumane treatment.

The alleged rape victim has since been remanded to the HMP Dodds facility in St. Phillip and is awaiting her trial.

INTERNATIONAL

11

DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

Japan stops nuclear plant leak; crisis far from over

By SHINICHI SAOSHIRO & YOKO NISHIKAWA TOKYO - Japan stopped highly radioactive water leaking into the sea yesterday from a crippled nuclear plant and acknowledged it could have given more information to neighboring countries about contamination in the ocean.

Despite the breakthrough in plugging the leak at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant, engineers need to pump 11.5 million liters (11,500 tons) of contaminated water back into the ocean because they have run out of storage space at the facility. The water was used to cool overheated fuel rods.

Nuclear experts said the damaged reactors were far from being under control almost a month after they were hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami on March 11.

Plant operator Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO)

said it had stemmed the leak using liquid glass at one of the plants six reactors.

“The leaks were slowed yesterday after we injected a mixture of liquid glass and a hardening agent and it has now stopped,” a TEPCO spokesman told Reuters.

Engineers had been struggling to stop leaks from reactor No. 2, even using sawdust and newspapers.

Neighbors South Korea and China are getting concerned about the world’s worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl in 1986, and the radioactive water being pumped into the sea, newspapers reported.

“We are instructing the trade and foreign ministries to work better together so that detailed explanations are supplied especially to neighboring countries,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano told a news conference.

Experts insisted the low-level radioactive water to be pumped into the ocean posed no health hazard to people.

“The original amount of radioactivity

is very low, and when you dilute this with a huge body of water, the final levels will be even lower than legal limits,” said Pradip Deb, senior lecturer in Medical at the Radiations School of Medical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University.

The government is preparing to revise guidelines for legal levels, radiation designed for brief exposure to high levels of radiation in emergencies and not cumulative absorption, for people living near the damaged plant.

Workers are struggling to restart cooling pumps — which recycle the water — in four damaged reactors.

Until those are fixed, they must pump in water to prevent overheating and meltdowns, but have run out of storage capacity for the seawater when it becomes contaminated.

Radioactive iodine detected in the sea has been recorded at 4,800 times the legal limit, but has since fallen to about 600 times the limit.

The water remaining in the reac-

tors has radiation five million times legal limits.

“What they are going to have to release is likely to be highly radioactive. The situation could politically be very ugly in a week,” said Murray Jennex at San Diego State University, who specializes in nuclear containment.

Japan’s fishermen, who are part of the politically powerful agricultural lobby, made it clear they were not assuaged by assurances that ocean radioactivity levels were low and safe. “(The release of radioactive water into the sea) is unforgivable in any circumstance,” Ikuhiro Hattori, chairman of the Japan Fisheries Cooperatives, told NHK state television.

“From now on, our fishermen will never cooperate with or accept nuclear power generation. I would like them to stop even those reactors that are now in operation right away.”

COOLING REACTORS KEY Japan is facing its worst crisis since World

War Two after the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami left nearly 28,000 people dead or missing and thousands homeless, and rocked the world’s thirdlargest economy.

It will likely take months to finally cool down the reactors and years to dismantle those that have been damaged. TEPCO has said it will decommission four of the six reactors.

An opposition lawfrom maker Fukushima told reporters antipathy in the area would make it difficult to resume operations at the nearby Fukushima Daini plant, where operations have been halted since March 11.

The two Fukushima plants together provide four percent of Japan’s electric power.

“Nuclear power plants can run only with local consent. I see it as being quite difficult to resume operations,” said Masayoshi Yoshino of the Liberal Democratic Party.

Concerned over a possible buildup of hydrogen gas in reactor No. 1, engineers will

inject nitrogen gas into the reactor yesterday night to prevent an explosion, TEPCO said.

Hydrogen explosions ripped through reactors 1 and 3 early in the crisis, spreading high levels of radiation into the air.

The key to bringing the reactors under control is the extent of damage to the plant’s cooling system, said analysts.

In a sign the cooling systems may be severely damaged, the Sankei newspaper reported that the government and TEPCO were considering building new cooling systems for three reactors to operate from outside the reactor buildings.

“To put the Fukushima nuclear catastrophe in perspective, Chernobyl involved a single operating reactor core,” said Kevin Kamps from Beyond Nuclear, a U.S. radioactive waste watchdog.

“Fukushima Daiichi now involves three reactors in various stages of meltdown and containment breach, and multiple (spent fuel storage) pools at risk of fire,” said Kamps.

Migrant boat sinks of f Italy, up to 250 missing

By DANIELE MARI ROME - Between 130 and 250 people were missing and at least 15 appeared to be dead after a boat carrying refugees from Libya capsized south of Sicily early yesterday, coast guard officials and aid workers said.

Rescuers picked up 47 people, including a heavily pregnant woman after the overloaded boat, which left Libya two days ago, sank at about 4:00 a.m.

(0200 GMT) 40 miles south of the island of Lampedusa.

According to the I n t e r n a t i o n a l Organization for Migration (IOM), a

migrant assistance agency which has officials on Lampedusa, an Italian fishing boat rescued another three people.

Between 15 and 20 bodies were seen in the water, officials said but high winds and rough seas made it difficult for coast guard boats and a police helicopter to operate.

Coast guard officials said the boat had originally been carrying around 200 people but the IOM put the figure as high as 300, of whom it said some 250 were missing.

The incident provided a stark illustration of the dangers run by desperate people who pay about 1,000 euros ($1,427) for a place on one of the overloaded fishing vessels carrying

refugees and migrants from Africa.

“The vessel, which was laden beyond capacity, had left the Libyan coast with migrants and asylum seekers from Somalia, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Cote d’Ivoire, Chad and Sudan,” IOM said in a statement. “Some 40 women and 5 children were on board. Only two women survived the shipwreck.”

Monday, the United Nations refugee agency said more than 400 people fleeing Libya on two boats were missing.

BORDER CONTROLS Thousands have crossed so far this year after the collapse of the former Tunisian regime and fighting in Libya brought down strict border checks that had previously barred the way

into Europe.

Most have been young men from Tunisia, seeking to get to France but in recent days there have been growing numbers of arrivals from Libya, underscoring Italian fears the fighting there could set off a new exodus.

IOM said that 2,000 mostly African migrants and asylum seekers had landed in Lampedusa from Libya in the past 10 days.

Lampedusa, roughly midway between Sicily and Tunisia, has been the focal point for the crisis, with some 20,000 illegal migrants arriving this year and overwhelming the infrastructure of the tiny island, which normally lives on fishing and tourism.

Paramedical workers carry an injured refugee as he arrives on the southern Italian island of Lampedusa.

Thousands were island. forced to shelter in However, that has makeshift tent camps simply shifted the probuntil Italian Prime lem to other areas in Minister Silvio Italy and caused arguBerlusconi sought to ments among regional end the weeks-long governments over emergency by sending where to set up migrant ferries to clear the holding centers.

12

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

The eighth Delta Day at the United NationsT

Mrs Martha Daniels, Luncheon Keynote Speaker, President and Chief Executive Office IMIR, A Technology and Engineering service company – Tanya Spencer Executive General Electric Corporate Mrs Rosia Blackwell – Lawrence National Social Action Commission - Danyale Dumas, Esq Association and Lesley Forton Association at Paul, Weiss and Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison – Dr Gwendolyn Boyd Co Chair National Social Action Commission 22nd National President of delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Engineer John Hopkins University and Dr Marcell Maxwell National Social Action Commission NGO United Nations.

Ms. Crystal Bond, Assistant Principal Guidance Brooklyn Technical High School – Ms Crystal Marsh Chairperson Science Department Jonas Salk School for Science – Ms Nicole Cubolla, Engineering and Math Teacher Brooklyn Technical High School

The eighth Delta Day at the United Nations focused on the 55th Annual Commission on the Status of Woman Conference entitled “Empowering Women and Girls” through training and education in S c i e n c e , Te c h n o l o g y, Engineering and Math globally. Delta Sigma Theta

The Delgation Sorority partnered facilitated and supportwith General ed through the leaderElectric Corporation ship of Ms. Debra Elam, Diversity Officer to provide Living Chief at General Electric, Dr. Examples of role Gwendolyn Boyd and models of Public Ms. Patricia Lattimore, S c h o o l Co-Chairs of the A d m i n i s t r a t o r s , National Social Action General Electric Commission of Delta C o r p o r a t e Sigma Theta Sorority, Other Executives, Federal Inc. Commissioners includD r u g ed in the designing of A d m i n i s t r a t i o n the program were Ms. leaders and United Rosia Blackwell Lawrence, Ms. Carla Nations Officials.

The Symposium was Harris and Dr. Marcella Maxwell, National

Social Action Commission.

Over one hundred fifty Deltas, Schools Administrators, General Electric Executives, representatives of the National Association of Black Engineers, National Association of Women Engineers, United Nation Officials and Representatives of UN Women attended.

The Symposium was proceeded by a Welcome to New York Reception honoring Gillian Sorensen, Senior

Alma Rangel represenying Congressman Charles Rangel Presenting Mrs . Gillan Sorensen, Senior Adivsor and Advocate to the United Nation Foundation, Honor by Delta Sigma Sorority for her contributions to Civic Engagement and Human Rights which will be recorded in the Congressional Record .

Advisor to the United entered the Nation Foundation for Commendation in the her contributions to Congressional Record.

Civic engagement, The reception was hostSocial Justice and ed by the prestigious Human Right causes. law firm of Paul, Weiss, She accepted the Rifkind, Wharton and Commendation from Garrison.

Mrs. Alma Rangel, rep- All Photos by Lem resenting Congressman Peterkin Charles Rangel who

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

13

The eighth Delta Day at the United Nations

The Delgation

Standing Calvin Phelps, Chair of Board of Directors National Association of Black Engineering and a student at Cornell University – Mrs Rosia Blackwell – Lawrence National Social Action Commission – Dr Marcell Maxwell National Social Action Commission NGO United Nations – Mrs Martha Daniels, Luncheon Keynote Speaker, President and Chief Executive Office IMIR, A Technology and Engineering service company.

Tina Taylor General Electric Corporate Executive – Kimberley Bankston, Human Resources Specialist – Marsha Henderson, Assistant Commission Women’s Health federal Grug Adminisration Patricia Pearman Executive General Electric Corporate – Tanya Spencer Executive General Electric Corporate.

Carl Mack, Executive Director national Association Black Engineers – Ms. Carla Harris Moderator National Social Action Commission, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley – Ms Taneshia Kirby General Electric Executive – Ms. Nathalie Leroy Program Director Academic Impact Programs, United Nations – Dr Gwendolyn Boyd Co Chair National Social Action Commission 22nd National President of delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Engineer John Hopkins University.

Welcome Reception to New York for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Hosted

by Paul, Weiss Paul,, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison . Mrs Gillian Sorensen, Senior Adivsor and Advocate to the United Nation Foundation and Carl Mack, Executive Director national Association Black Engineers.

Dr Paulette Walker, National 1” Vice President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Mrs Rosia Blackwell – Lawrence National Social Action Commission – Dr Marcell Maxwell National Social Action Commission NGO United Nations.

14

DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

Mariah Carey talks new found love for mothers, plus moment for fans Mother to be Mariah Carey has developed a new found respect for mothers, especially those who gave birth to twins. The R&B diva, who is expecting twins with husband Nick Cannon, believes all parents should be celebrated, especially those who have had “difficult pregnancies.”

“I have so much respect for mothers everywhere,

especially those who’ve had difficult pregnancies or given birth to multiples,” Carey tells Life & Style magazine. “We need to have Mother’s Day once a week!”

Carey, who linked with the magazine to shoot the special feature, says she felt vulnerable taking photos of her baby bump but knew it was a great personal moment for her fans.

“I was feeling very vulnerable about taking pictures at all right now, but then I didn’t want to miss this opportunity to document this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” says the 41-year-old singer, adding “My ultimate goal was to share this incredibly personal moment with my true fans.”

Apparently Carey’s two little one’s wanted to get

their photos taken as well.

She says: “The babies were kicking almost the entire time; it was unbelievable.”

“Especially the girl clearly she’s a diva in training! We didn’t start shooting until 1.30am because I was in the hospital from the night before until the day of the shoot with contractions five minutes apart.”

Nick Cannon lands radio ‘Countdown’ show U.S. actor, comedian, TV and radio personality Nick Cannon is to serve as host of a weekly syndicated radio countdown show, its producers said Tuesday.

The show is to be broadcast on CBS Radio stations and syndicated to U.S. markets by Citadel Media.

The announcement was made by CBS Radio Senior Vice President of Programming Chris Oliviero.

“Cannon’s Countdown,” featuring a mix of music and celebrity interviews, will be debut in two dozen markets, including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, Atlanta, Washington, Detroit, Phoenix, Oklahoma City, New Orleans and Little Rock, Ark., the weekend of April 23.

Cannon is currently the host of New York’s 92.3 NOW morning radio show, “Rollin’

with Nick Cannon,” as well as of the hit NBC television show, “America’s Got Talent.”

“CBS Radio has been an incredible partner,” Cannon said in a statement. “With the success that we’ve had together with my morning show on 92.3 NOW in the New York City tri-state I am thrilled to now have the opportunity to reach radio listeners nationwide with my new ‘Cannon’s Countdown’

show.”

“Nick is a unique personality who is a trusted source when it comes to music and pop culture for this generation,” Oliviero added. “His uncanny sense of humor and engaging style will bring a new and modern twist to the countdown format and allows him to speak candidly while interviewing guests and breaking down celebrity gossip.”

Janet Jackson to grace Mary J. Blige announces Life Ball AIDS charity ‘My Life’ sequel release date VIENNA — Janet Jackson will be present at the 19th Life Ball, an annual AIDS charity event, in Vienna on May 21 — 30 years after the disease was first discovered, organizers said.

Jackson, the younger sister of pop icon Michael Jackson who died from an overdose of powerful anaesthetic in June 2009, will be present in her capacity as representative of the Foundation for AIDS Research (amFAR).

“HIV/AIDS is a pandemic which requires our immediate and continued attention,” the singer was quoted as saying in a statement.

“Combination therapy has made HIV a maintainable disease, but sadly, there is still no cure and it continues to spread at alarming rates.

HIV/AIDS is a continuing hazard, both in the Unites States and abroad.”

The Life Ball is held annually by AIDS LIFE, an independent non-profit organi-

By ALVIN BLANCO

sation that raises funds for people living with HIV. Last year, the ball generated 1.5 million euros ($ 2.1 million) for AIDS charities.

Fans can mark September 20 as the day that Mary J. Blige returns with her 11th album, My Life II, The Story Continues.

By the time of the album’s release — a sequel to Blige’s triple-platinum My Life album — it will be almost two years since the Queen of Hip-Hop/R&B delivered her last project, Stronger With Each Tear.

“From me to you, My Life II ... our journey together continues in this life,” Blige said in a statement. “It’s a gift to be able to relate and identify with my fans at all times. This album is a reflection of the times and lives of people all around me.”

Blige’s sophisticated and sample-driven My Life was released in 1994, and was executive-produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was then going by Puff Daddy.

And it’s probably no coincidence that Diddy is featured on the sequel’s lead single, “Someone to Love Me (Naked),” which also features a verse from Lil Wayne.

The single’s groove is courtesy of Wyclef Jean’s cousin, the accomplished producer Jerry “Wonder” Duplessis. Other notable producers set to contribute to Blige’s forthcoming album include Kanye West, Stargate (Wiz Khalifa’s “Black and Yellow”) and Swizz Beatz.

The original version of “Someone to Love Me” appeared on Diddy-Dirty Money’s Last Train to Paris.

The version with Blige on it dropped at the top of the year and, at the time, it was thought to be just a remix.

But a mastered version is available now on iTunes and although Blige tweeted that the Collin Tilley-directed video would debut April 8,

the clip began making the Internet rounds on Monday.

Blige has also been cast in the big-screen adaptation of the Broadway musical “Rock of Ages,” which is set to star Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin and Diego Boneta.

DAILY D CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

NEW JERSEY

15

Ex-Newark Mayor Sharpe James admits running a red light, after conflicting accounts of violation

By STEVE STRUNSKY NEWARK Former Newark mayor Sharpe James was back in court yesterday, pleading guilty to a moving violation, but there was more to it than that. He took advantage of the scene to complain to the judge about traffic control in the city.

Hey, once a mayor always a mayor.

The 75-year-old former boss of Newark asked the judge to persuade the city of Newark to address what James said is a case of poor traffic control stemming from the new automated video cameras installed by his one-time opponent and successor, Mayor Cory Booker, to catch redlight runners.

James said he told Superior Court Judge Peter Vazquez there is an occasional conflict when police officers wave vehicles through red lights while the automated video cameras are still running, resulting in summonses issued unfairly.

James and his wife, Mary L. James,

Former Mayor Sharpe James arrives with his wife Mary at Logan Hall, a halfway house in Newark, to serve out his sentence for federal fraud and conspiracy charges in this April 2010 file photo.

Photo/John Munson appeared in court together. James entered a guilty plea to a charge that his car had run a red light on March 11, said Amy DePaul, the Newark Municipal Court administrator.

DePaul said James was fined $85, though he did not immediately pay it. James seemed to imply that he was a victim of this traffic enforcement problem.

“My question was, again, did they (court officials) get it back to the city of Newark that they need to change the rules around Prudential Center,” James said after the

court appearance.

But he said he did plead guilty.

“We pleaded guilty, with an explanation,” said the former mayor who recently served a prison stint on federal corruption charges.

The city began installing the automated cameras at busy intersections in December 2009. In addition to raising revenues through the tickets they generate, officials say the cameras have cut down on accidents. For example, the initial 10 cameras installed as part of “Project Red Light” cap-

tured 93,634 drivers committing traffic violations during the 12month period from December 2009 though December 2010, raking in $3 million for the city, and cutting the accident rate by 16 percent at the intersections involved, according to the city’s division of traffic and signals.

There was a seeming contradiction in the James’ story.

During a brief interview following the court appearance, James produced a copy of a letter signed by his wife and addressed to Newark Municipal

Court, stating that she had been driving the car, not her husband.

The letter, dated March 21, mentioned prior complaints by motorists about the occasional conflicts between officers directing traffic and the automated redlight cameras. The letter also mentioned that a game took place at the Prudential Center on the day of the violation, in which the Nets hosted the Los Angeles Clippers.

“Due to events at the Prudential Center cars are forced to turn off Mulberry Street to Edison and Route 21 where a police officer wave cars through the lights at said intersection north and south, east and westward bound,” the letter stated.

CONFLICTING ACCOUNTS But the letter never directly states that Mary James herself was waved through a red light by an officer.

DePaul, the court administrator, said the time and location of the violation were listed on the ticket as 10:37 a.m., at the intersection of Edison Street and Route 21. The game that day was at 7 p.m., and the intersection of Mulberry and Edison is where police typically

direct traffic on game days, not Edison and Route 21.

Esmeralda Cameron, a spokeswoman for Booker, said there is a safeguard built into the automatic red light camera system, in which a police officer reviews the videotaped incident to determine whether there were circumstances beyond the driver’s control that created the appearance they had run a red light, such as an officer directing traffic.

“There’s a police officer that looks through every clip of video,” Cameron said.

Detective Hubert Henderson, a Newark police spokesman, said there would not have been an officer at the intersection at the time of the violation.

“If there was going to be someone directing traffic, there would have to have been an event that would have warranted that,” Henderson said. “There was no event at 10:30 in the morning. There was one at 7 p.m. But he received the ticket that morning.”

The former mayor had no other comment on the matter.

But for a while there, he sounded like his mayoral old self.

Former prosecutor, ex-Newark mayoral candidate Minor admits role in scheme to help felon avoid gun charge NEWARK - A former Essex County prosecutor and Newark mayoral candidate pleaded guilty yesterday to a brash conspiracy in which he tried to help a convicted felon escape gun charges in exchange for $3,500, federal authorities said.

Clifford Minor, 68, conspired in 2007 to help a man with nine felony convictions avoid the possibility of another one, authorities said. He now faces prison and fines and must surrender his law license.

The felon, Abdul Williams, 34, of East Orange, had convinced

childhood friend Jamal Muhammad, 32, of Newark, to falsely confess to the gun charge because the Muhammad had no criminal record and would face a much lighter sentence, authorities said.

Williams promised Muhammad $10,000 to take the fall for him, authorities have said, but only paid him $1,500. Minor, who last year unsuccessfully challenged Newark Mayor Cory Booker, admitted in federal court that Williams gave him $3,500 to join the conspiracy and act as

Muhammad’s lawyer when he falsely confessed.

Minor - whose career also included stints as a Newark police officer, municipal judge and prominent defense attorney - tried to cover up the conspiracy, authorities said. They also said when federal agents questioned him in January 2010, he repeatedly lied.

Williams was arrested and jailed in Essex County in June 2007 for having a .22-caliber revolver, authorities said. They said he hatched his plan enlist-

ing the help of Muhammad and Minor while behind bars.

In one recorded phone conversation, the indictment says, Muhammad told Williams, “Just make do out for me, you know what I mean, and I’ll make do out for you.”

Williams replied, “I got you.”

While Williams was in jail, Minor escorted Muhammad to the Newark Police Department to confess to possessing the gun, the indictment said.

Authorities said the three men rehearsed what Muhammad was

going to tell police, going over the story during jailhouse visits and phone calls until they thought it was solid.

According to the indictment, when Williams asked Minor in July 2007 whether he would be “cleared on the situation,” Minor said there would be “two people arrested for the same thing at different times, one claiming that it is theirs.”

A grand jury subsequently indicted Williams.

In January 2010, Minor voluntarily met

with FBI agents and assistant U.S. attorneys and lied under oath, authorities said, including saying he had no indication that Muhammad falsely confessed and that he’d never been involved in any case involving Williams.

U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said Minor manufactured and gave the U.S. Attorney’s Office a false “agreement to provide legal services,” dated July 5, 2007, saying he had received a $500 fee to represent Muhammad.

- JASON GRANT

DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

16

Pacemaker-like device helps reduce blood pressure

By DEBRA SHERMAN and BILL BERKROT NEW ORLEANS — An experimental pacemaker-like device that delivers jolts of electricity to the neck arteries reduced blood pressure in people for whom drugs did not work - although not as much as its developers had hoped.

Results from a 265-patient study showed the Rheos device was able to help those with severe hypertension defined as systolic blood pressure greater than 160 reduce it to at least 140 and maintain the lower blood pressure at one year.

The device was implanted in all participants of the study. The research team compared one group in which it was activated with another group of patients in whom it was turned off.

The study, funded by CVRx, showed that 54 percent of those whose devices were turned on achieved the target systolic blood pressure rate after 6 months of treatment compared with 46 percent of the group whose devices were not activated.

The difference was not as great as hoped, but 88 percent of patients sustained lower blood pressure readings at one year, meeting one goal of the trial, said Dr John Bisognano, a cardiologist at the University of

Rochester Medical Center and a consultant for Rheos manufacturer CVRx, who presented the study results at the American College of Cardiology scientific meeting.

“The system is safe and its effect is as good as two or three drugs for people who are already taking 5 or 6 drugs and still can’t control their hypertension. It’s a good additional option for these patients,” Bisognano said, noting there are some 125 drugs on the market to treat the condition.

“The drugs available now are good for most people with hypertension, but people with resistant sky-high blood pressure need more.

They’re in desperate need of

additional treatments,” he said.

The device is implanted below the collarbone through a small incision and leads are implanted on either side of the neck, requiring two more small incisions. The system works by delivering 4 to 6 volts of electricity, mimicking a spike in blood pressure that activates a natural process called carotid baroreflex that sends blood pressure lower.

There were no unexpected side effects, Bisognano said.

He noted there was a surprisingly large placebo effect and said more studies are needed.

There are other devicebased treatments for drugresistant hypertension that

are being investigated. One such technology uses radiofrequency to destroy nerves leading to the kidney.

It works by silencing nerves leading into and out of the kidney which play a central role in the sympathetic nervous system, the body’s “fight or flight” response that can increase heart rate and blood pressure.

Hypertension affects an estimated 73 million people in the United States alone and about a quarter of that population cannot control the condition with drugs.

High blood pressure raises the risk of developing heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and hardening of the arteries.

High pain med prescriptions raise risk of overdose

By GENEVRA PITTMAN Patients prescribed higher doses of powerful painkillers are more likely to die of an accidental overdose on those drugs, according to a new study.

The finding is the latest addition to the debate in the medical community over how to balance the needs of patients in severe pain against the high potential for misuse and abuse of opioid drugs, which include Oxycontin and Vicodin.

“There’s been some push and pull back and forth around this balance of, are we too conservative and under-treating pain as a result ... or are we using (opioids) too much and putting people at risk?” Dr. Amy Bohnert, a psychiatrist at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor and the lead author of the study, told Reuters Health.

The number of people who both abuse opioid drugs and who overdose has been increasing in the U.S. in recent years, and about 200 million prescriptions for opioids are dispensed each year.

However, the authors point out, the risk of dying of an accidental overdose, even in patients on high doses of painkillers, was still small less than half a percent, at most.

Bohnert and her colleagues examined data from patients treated through the Veterans Health Administration between 2004 and 2008.

Over that time, there were 750 deaths from accidental overdoses on opioids out of an estimated 1.8 million people treated with the drugs or about 4 for every 10,000 patients with a prescription.

To find out whether any particular characteristic might signal that a person was at higher risk for such a problem, the researchers compared the people who died of an overdose with those who didn’t.

They found that patients who were prescribed higher doses - and thus had access to more painkillers at any given time - were more likely to accidentally overdose.

For example, patients suffering from chronic or acute pain who were prescribed opioids at 100 milligrams per day or higher were between 6 and 8 times more likely to overdose than those with prescriptions for 1 to 20 mg/day.

Painkiller users who accidentally overdosed were also more likely to have problems with substance abuse or to suffer from mental illness, according to the findings, which are published online today in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

In certain cases a high dose of opioid narcotics is appropriate. For cancer patients, for instance, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) advises that when an opioid doesn’t give enough pain relief, doctors may increase the dose or have the patient take the painkiller more often, or prescribe a stronger drug. “Both meth-

ods are safe and effective under your doctor’s care,” the NCI says on its web site.

But patients must not increase the dose of medication on their own, the NCI emphasizes.

Bohnert said that there are likely two explanations behind the pattern she and her colleagues observed. The first, she said, is that people

on higher doses of opioids have more opportunity to accidentally take too much medication in the course of their normal treatment.

The other explanation is that some patients with chronic pain intentionally misuse their drugs, saving them to use recreationally, and then overdose in that context.

Whether a particular patient in pain is at risk for misusing or abusing their drugs is something that should be considered whenever heavy-duty painkillers are being prescribed, Bohnert said.

Doctors, patients and their families “can work together to decide what is the right treatment for that patient,” she said. Then, they can “weigh the balance of untreated pain with the risk of overdose on a patient-bypatient basis.”

Dr. Nora Volkow, the

director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and colleagues also reported in this week’s JAMA that many patients taking opioid medications get them from multiple doctors or dentists at the same time.

Along with more open discussion about the risks of pain medications between doctors and patients, she said there needs to be better monitoring in place so that doctors can see which patients might be abusing their drugs and getting them from multiple sources.

But addressing the problem of opioid-related overdoses is not as simple as trying to cut down on cocaine abuse, for example, Volkow said.

“It is a problem that we’re facing of the abuse of a substance that has very unique therapeutic purposes and can be life-saving,” Volkow told Reuters Health. “We cannot get rid of pain medications.”

Bed-side Sleepers may pose hazards for infants WASHINGTON — Consumers should double-check Infant Bed-Side Sleepers which, if not installed properly, pose entrapment, suffocation and fall risks, the government said.

Bed-side sleepers have one side lower than the others, with that side placed near a bed to provide easier access for care and feeding of infants.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said in a statement that when the fabric liner of the Oxnard,

California-based Arm’s Reach Concepts product is not used properly infants can fall from the raised mattress into the loose fabric at the bottom of the bed-side sleeper or can become entrapped.

There have been 10 reports of falling or entrapped babies, although none have resulted in injuries.

Consumers should stop using the recalled sleepers and consult the manufacturer’s website www.armsreach.com/instructions to view proper assembly

instructions, and should ask the company for hard-copy instructions as well, the CPSC said.

About 76,000 of the Infant Bed-Side Sleepers bore model numbers 8108, 8133, 8111, 8112 and 8199 for the original version, and 8311 for the Universal version.

The sleepers were sold from September 1997 through December 2001 for about $160 at Burlington Coat Factory, Babies R Us and other retail stores nationwide.

DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

17

Coffee addiction may be grounded in genes

By ALAN MOZES Genetics may help determine how much caffeine one craves, new research indicates, with differences in two specific genes driving people to consume more — or less — of the world’s most popular stimulant.

New research suggests that individuals who carry a so-called “high-consumption” variation of either gene appear to drink more coffee, relative to those who carry a “low-consumption” variant.

“It’s really an incredible story,” said study co-author Dr. Neil Caporaso, branch chief of genetic epidemiology at the National Cancer Institute. “People don’t really suspect it, but genetics plays a big role in a lot of behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption. And now it turns out that it has a part in how much caffeine we drink.”

The two genes in question are labeled CYP1A2 and AHR. The former has previously been linked to the process by which caffeine is metabolized, while AHR regulates the activity of CYP1A2.

“Now, it’s been known for

a few decades that this particular CYP1A2 gene is what metabolized caffeine,” Caporaso said. “But using new technology, what we now showed for the first time is that this gene appears to be responsible for the inherited differences in how people drink coffee.”

Caporaso joins colleagues from the Harvard School of Public Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and others to report these findings in the April issue of PLoS Genetics.

The study, funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, noted that more than eight in 10 American adults who consume caffeine are coffee drinkers.

Globally, caffeine is the most popular psychoactive substance, with 90 percent of people in the world consuming some form of it.

The findings about the genetic underpinnings of java consumption stem from a highly complex mapping of specific inherited traits alongside caffeine intake patterns involving more than 47,000 Americans of European descent in five different studies.

The meta-analysis of the

studies, which were conducted between 1984 and 2001, examined average caffeine consumption estimates — if available — for each participant’s intake of coffee, tea, coke and other carbonated drinks, and/or chocolate.

Pooling all the data, Caporaso and his associates found that those who carried the highest-consumption genotype of either the CYP1A2 or the AHR gene consumed an extra 40 milligrams of caffeine compared with those bearing the lowest-consumption genotype.

This, the authors noted, roughly equals the amount of caffeine to be found in single can of soda or in a third of a cup of coffee.

“The point here is that the way we drink caffeine is not just random,” said Caporaso, who, like his co-authors, declared no competing interests. “It’s related to the genetic hand of cards you were dealt. And that means that now we can dissect people into fast metabolizers and slow metabolizers: people who have just one small coffee and feel well-caffeinated for a day, and people who have two large ones and then another Coke a little later in the day to get the same

effect.”

“It’s also the case that these observations actually go beyond caffeine,” he continued, “because one of the genes we identified wasn’t put there just to metabolize caffeine. It does a lot of other stuff, like metabolize compounds of cancer and also a whole long list of drugs.”

“So now, we have some clear genetic markers that we can go and test to see how they might affect a host of metabolic processes,” Caporaso said. “But meanwhile, people should think of caffeine as generally very safe.

So enjoy yourself. In fact, go read about this research while sipping a cup of coffee,” he quipped.

For his part, Dr. John J. Mulvihill, a member of the American College of Genetics and a professor of pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, described the caffeine investigation as “another block in building a picture of personalized medicine.”

“Basically, this is about the unique susceptibility of every individual,” he said.

“We are all a unique set of genes interacting with a unique environment. And this is fascinating stuff,

because caffeine is a voluntary ‘environment’ that most of the human race is drawn to.”

“And even though the general notion of having more or less tolerance to caffeine is not a new observation, the clinical utility of this work could eventually have to do with the fact that the genes implicated in caffeine metabolism are also involved in the metabolizing of other things,” Mulvihill added.

That could mean that some day patients or their doctors might raise the issue of being unusually sensitive to caffeine, he said, “because that might be a clue that maybe there are medications that are being prescribed that might also have an unusual, and undesirable, impact on the patient. So caffeine might have a good name. But it could also turn out to be a personalized flag for issues of concern.”

Researchers fret over popularity of hookah smoking

By NED BARNETT RALEIGH, North Carolina — Young Americans are smoking fewer cigarettes, but researchers say that progress is threatened by an increasingly popular cultural import — the tall, ornate water pipe known as the hookah.

What started as a fad for smoking exotic and flavorsoaked tobacco in hookah bars is showing worrisome staying power, according to a study released on Tuesday by the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in WinstonSalem, North Carolina.

“This may serve as a starter product for other tobacco uses,” said Erin L. Sutfin, an assistant professor and lead author of the study.

Sutfin said she and fellow researchers carried out the research because little has been done to assess the prevalence of hookah smoking and what perceptions, or misperceptions, feed its popularity.

“Unfortunately, many

young adults are misinformed about the safety of hookah smoking, and some mistakenly believe it to be safer than cigarette smoking,” she said.

The study results were drawn from a Web-based survey of a random sample of 3,770 students at eight North Carolina colleges and universities.

The researchers found that 40 percent of the students — more than one-third of those surveyed — reported having smoked tobacco from a hookah, while nearly 47 percent reported having smoked a cigarette.

Sutfin said 22 percent of the students who said they were hookah smokers had never smoked a cigarette, indicating that successful efforts to discourage one health threat could be getting undermined by another.

Hookah smokers who don’t move on to other products — such as cigarettes, cigars or smokeless tobacco — still face health threats from the hookah smoke, Sutfin said.

The smoke, often inhaled more deeply because it is cooled by water and flavorful, contains high levels of toxic compounds, including tar, carbon monoxide, heavy metals and cancer-causing chemicals.

Despite laws in North Carolina and other states that ban smoking in most bars and restaurants, hookah bars generally are not covered because they don’t serve food or alcohol or the hookahs are used out-

side.

Hookah bars are becoming common fixtures in college towns.

At one such bar near the campus of North Carolina State University in Raleigh, two young men on Tuesday smoked from a hookah in an Arabian-style room full of couches and draped fabric.

Both said they were aware of the health risks but felt hookah smoking was not as bad as smoking cigarettes.

“I can’t smoke a cigarette to save my life. I just can’t.

It’s too harsh,” said Chris Conrad, 26, who smokes a hookah once or twice a week. “I never feel that this is any way addicting or anything.”

Tom Battle, 26, said hookah bars are “like a cigar bar for 20-somethings.”

“It’s not something I plan to do the rest of my life,” he said. “But I’m young and once in awhile I’ll have a hookah.”

Health tip: Cut down on sodium Most people get much more sodium (salt) in their diet than their body needs.

This causes the body to retain water, increasing the risk of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.

The Cleveland Clinic suggests how to manage a lower-sodium diet: Cook with fresh ingredients, rather than using prepackaged or prepared foods.

Choose low-sodium foods,

or those without added salt.

Substitute or eliminate high-sodium ingredients from recipes.

Create marinades for meat with a base of pineapple juice or orange juice.

If you eat a frozen meal, look for those with 600 milligrams of sodium or less.

Don’t flavor foods with seasoning mixes that include salt.

Talk to your doctor before using a salt substitute.

DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

18

Toyota says most Japan plants to stay idle next week

By CHANGRAN KIM TOKYO — Toyota Motor Corp. said yesterday it would not !"'

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restart production at most of its idled Japanese vehicle assembly factories next week, denying a Nikkei newspaper report.

The world’s biggest automaker has halted vehicle assembly at all but two of the 18 group-wide factories in Japan that build Toyota and Lexus cars since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disrupted supply of components to automakers inside and outside Japan.

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Japan’s Nikkei business daily reported earlier that Toyota would reopen most of its domestic automobile plants as early as next week to start producing a limited number of models.

Toyota had lost potential production of about 200,000 vehicles as of April 1, it said, with yesterday marking the 18th day of suspension at most of its Japanese factories.

Ratings agency Moody’s Investors Service put its credit rating of Toyota under review for a possible downgrade yesterday, citing disruptions to its supply chain. It also cited Toyota’s relatively high dependence on the Japanese market, which could be hit by weak consumer sentiment, in placing the Aa2 long-term senior unsecured and issuer ratings under review. )+&( # %+(* % * )* * % $ - /%(! %+$ */ % ! $ ) =34G $> 8;43 &(## !' &( "!& &;08=C855 34B86=0C4B !8=6B >D=CH 0B C74 ?;024 >5 CA80; ,4=D4 8B 10B43 D?>= C74 >D=CH 8= F7827 C74 <>AC60643 ?A4<8B4B 8B B8CD0C 43 %=4-4BC 0=: ) &;08=C855 0608=BC $0C70= *>H>DA278 85 ;8E8=6 0=3 85 0=H 14 3403 0=H 0=3 0;; ?4AB>=B F7> 0A4 B?>DB4B F83 >FB 6A0=C44B <>AC60644B ;84=>AB 748AB 34E8B44B 38BCA81D C44B >A BD224BB>AB 8= 8=C4A4BC >5 BD27 >5 C74 01>E4 0B <0H 14 3403 0=3 C748A B?>DB4B 748A 34E8B44B 38BCA81DC44B 0=3 BD2 24BB>AB 8= 8=C4A4BC 0;; >5 F7>< 0=3 F7>B4 =0<4B 0=3 ?;024B >5 A4B834=24 0A4 D=:=>F= C> &;08=C855 #>AC6064 ;42CA>=82 (468BCA0C8>= )HBC4<B =2 0B =><8=44 5>A $3H#02 0=: ) 8CB BD224B B>AB 0=3 0BB86=B $4F />A: 8CH =E8A>=<4=C0; >=CA>; >0A3 $4F />A: 8CH &0A:8=6 ,8>;0C8>=B DA40D $4F />A: 8CH *A0=B8C 39D3820C8>= DA40D +=8C43 )C0C4B >5 <4A820 =C4A=0; (4E 4=D4 )4AE824 $4F />A: )C0C4 4?0AC<4=C >5 *0G0C8>= 0=3 8=0=24 454=30=CB *% * %, $ # $ $* ) +"( % % + &( "!

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While Toyota’s factories have not suffered major damage, the disaster has disrupted shipments of key components and “normal production cannot be expected for many months,” Moody’s said in a statement. It said a rating cut of multiple notches was unlikely, given the company’s strong balance sheet.

Toyota is currently assembling three hybrid models, including the Prius, at a reduced line speed at two domestic factories.

It is also making replacement and other parts for overseas markets, though not at full capacity.

Among other major Japanese automakers, Honda Motor Co. has said it aims to restart production at all domestic plants next Monday at a rate of about half its original plans.

Nissan Motor Co. plans to resume normal production with parts procured from suppliers, rather than using inventory, from midApril at limited operation levels. ?;08=C !"'

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Twitter disables new version of website

By ALEXEI ORESKOVIC SAN FRANCISCO — Twitter experienced service disruptions on Tuesday, displaying an older version of the social networking website to some users and becoming completely inaccessible to others.

A message on Twitter’s Web page that provides updates on the service’s status said: “We’ve temporarily disabled #NewTwitter. Our engineers are working on re-enabling it and we’ll update you shortly.”

Twitter, which allows users to send short, 140-character messages to groups of “followers,” has more than 200 million registered accounts and has become a popular communications service with businesses, celebrities and protesters in the Middle East.

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an undisclosed location, which the company said would allow it to constantly “stay abreast” of its capacity needs and provide greater reliability.

But a custom-built datacenter in Utah that was meant to house Twitter’s gear has been plagued with problems, according to people familiar with the matter, forcing Twitter to move most of the site’s operations to a facility in Sacramento, California instead.

Tuesday’s disruptions meant that some people were using the version of the Twitter site that preceded a redesign unveiled in September. Other Twitter users were unable to log on at all, and were greeted with a page informing them that “something is technically wrong” and promising to have things “back to normal soon.”

A Twitter spokeswoman said the company had no details to provide beyond the statements on its special technical status Web page. !"'

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DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

19

Dish wins Blockbuster auction for $320 million of Cablevision’s purchase of The Wiz electronics stores as a way to sell it cable TV subscriptions.

Blockbuster has a similar agreement with Comcast Corp to install kiosks in its stores to sign up customers for the cable company’s service, television which competes with Dish.

Berliner said new management with a background in satellite technology could breath new life into the Blockbuster business.

“Maybe they can do an even better job with Blockbuster online in terms of deals with steaming video,” said Berliner.

While Dish will likely absorb some initial losses from the stores, Berliner said the deal has upside.

“They have to continue to move gradually out of bricks and mortar store and get more into online and take advantage of that opportunity,” Berliner said.

Blockbuster had a market cap of more than $5 billion at its peak in 2002, but came under pressure from mail-order and digital competitors such as Netflix Inc. Blockbuster filed for bankruptcy in September with a proposal to exit bankruptcy under the control of a group of investors that included Icahn and several hedge funds. those However, investors never agreed on a business plan and after poor holiday sales, they withdrew their backing and Blockbuster was put on the auction block.

Icahn has long been an investor in Blockbuster, and resigned from the board last year. He recently wrote in a letter to the Harvard Business Review that Blockbuster was the “worst investment I ever made.”

The winning bid must be approved at a hearing in federal bankruptcy court today.

SEC unveils plan to reduce market volatility

exchanges and FINRA are asking the agency to approve a one-year pilot program for the limit up-limit down plan. The public will get 21 days to comment on it.

Separately, the agency also is continuing to work with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the markets to recalibrate market-wide circuit breakers that apply across securities and futures.

By TOM HALS WILMINGTON, Delaware — Dish Network Corp won Blockbuster Inc. in a bankruptcy auction for about $320 million, boosting the satellite TV provider’s online features and marketing reach.

Dish, the secondlargest U.S. satellite TV company after DirecTV, trumped at least three other bidders, including activist investor Carl Icahn, for the one-time leader in video rentals.

Dish said the deal, which includes more than 1,700 Blockbuster stores, gives it new ways to market its services. The satellite company could use Blockbuster’s online business as a base for delivering movies, analysts said.

The deal marks the second purchase of a bankrupt company by Dish. Last month, Dish got a nod from a bankruptcy court to buy hybrid satellite and land-based communica-

By SARAH N. LYNCH WASHINGTON — The Securities and Exchange Commission unveiled a long-awaited plan designed to protect the markets from volatile price swings following the May 6 “flash crash.”

The so-called “limit up-limit down” proposal, announced by the SEC on Tuesday, would require trades in U.S.listed stocks to be executed within a range tied to recent prices.

If approved, it would replace existing singlestock circuit breakers that were implemented through a pilot program shortly after the flash crash. The circuit breakers halt trading in hundreds of stocks and ETFs when their price moves 10 percent or more during a rolling five-minute period.

The SEC has been

tions company DBSD North America for about $1.4 billion.

Dish chairman Charlie Ergen struck his first deal of the year in February when digital set-top box maker EchoStar Corp, where he is also the chairman, agreed to buy Hughes

working closely with the exchanges and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority to come up with market structural fixes to prevent a repeat of the May 6 flash crash, which temporarily wiped out about $1 trillion in paper value in the stock market.

“Upgrading our trading parameters will help our markets retain the confidence of investors and companies,” said SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro in a statement.

The proposed new limit up-limit down plan, which has been in the pipeline now for awhile, would prevent listed securities from being traded outside of a specific price band.

It is meant to serve as a more sophisticated mechanism for addressing market volatility.

Although the circuit breakers have helped, they have also been triggered by erroneous

Communications, one of the world’s largest providers of broadband satellite services, for $1.33 billion.

Dish Network expects to pay about $228 million in cash to acquire Blockbuster.

The money will go toward paying off the

trades.

Most recently, the potential holes in the circuit breaker program were exposed after 10 new exchangetraded funds suffered their own “mini” flash crash last Thursday.

The new ETFs were not covered by the circuit breakers and some of them fell by as much as 98 percent.

Nasdaq OMX Group Inc was forced to cancel the trades, and the incident raised concerns that the measures taken by the SEC since the flash crash were not enough to prevent extreme market movements.

Tuesday’s proposed price band for the limit up-limit down proposal would be set at a percentage above and below the average price of the security over the preceding five-minute period, the SEC said.

For stocks that are currently covered by the existing circuit

company’s creditors, which include Icahn and other bondholders as well as movie studios, who are owed more than a combined $1 billion.

David Berliner, a turnaround advisor for BDO Consulting said the deal reminded him

breakers, the plan sets the percentage at 5 percent. Other stocks not covered by circuit breakers would be subject to a 10 percent threshold.

The SEC said these percentage bands would be doubled in the opening and closing periods of the market, and broader bands would apply to stocks if they are valued below a $1.00.

If a stock is unable to trade within the designated price band for more than 15 seconds, a five-minute trading pause would kick in.

Traders on Tuesday had a mixed reaction upon hearing about the SEC’s plan.

Stephen Massocca, a managing director at Wedbush, said the percentage thresholds for the limit up-limit down plan strike him as “ a bit narrow.”

“You would need a wider band than that.

Overall, I don’t see any-

thing dramatically different here,” he said.

Others, however, said the plan will be a help.

“These rules, whether good or bad, will bring investors’ confidence back to the market,” said Larry Peruzzi, a senior equity trader at Cabrera Capital Markets.

The SEC said that the

Contractors will be required to comply with EEO, D/M/WBE and other federal and state procurement laws, regulations and Executive Orders.

MTA NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT (NYCT)

RFQ#: 2880, Due Date: 5/11/11 Title: Copiers-ALL-AGENCY-Purchase, Lease & Maintenance RFQ#: 2302, Due Date: 5/3/11 Title: Repair of Tennant Sweepers and Scrubbers BIDS: Opening Date: 4/26/11, #4151, Time clock; #4213, Chord; #4230, Magnetic head assy; #4236, Lamp; #4337, Video recorder; #4422, Throttle assy; #4478, Brake kit. Opening Date: 4/27/11: #3962, Motor; #4140, Compression spring; #4156, Speed sensor; #4259, Tag holder; #4353, Belt alternator; #4363, Tensioner, belt; #4390, Kit, retarder. Opening Date: 4/28/11, #4245, Wheelchair lift kit; #4334, Liquid line kit; #3330, Broom; #4277, Welding rod; #4308, Paint; #4421, Protection bd bracket; #4556, Ladder; #4576, Sprayer. More detailed info & the MTA-NYCT contact for the above solicitations can be found on our website at www.mta.info/nyct/procure/nyctproc.htm

MTA BRIDGES AND TUNNELS (B&T)

Sealed Bids for the below solicitations must be received by B & T at the Bid Suite, 3 Stone St., NY, NY 10004. Sealed Bids will be publicly opened at the above address on the dates/times indicated.

Bid #: 11-MNT-2880 – Maintenance and Repair of Aerial Lift Equipment Located at Various Authority Facilities Bid Due Date: 5/3/11 at 3 PM. See description at www.mta.info/bandt/procure/conrfp.html

MTA METRO-NORTH RAILROAD (MNR)

MNR will receive sealed bids for the following. Bids must be submitted on inquiry forms provided by MNR by the specified date and time. Bid documents are available at the Procurement & Material Management Department, 347 Madison Ave, NY, NY 10017, 212-340-3223. INQUIRY #, DESCRIPTION, (DUE DATE, TIME, CONTACT): INQ#: 70055, Construction - Poughkeepsie Pavilion Structural Repairs, (5/13/11, 2 PM, T. Paster, 212-340-2331); INQ#: 1000002229, Lease of Harsco Model Mark II Chase Tamper or equal for up to nine months per bid documents. (4/14/11, 2:30 PM, Linda O'Brien, lobrien@mnr.org).

20

DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

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DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

DAILY CHALLENGE

21

SPORTS

Age brings on-course perspective to Tiger

By DAN WETZEL AUGUSTA, Ga. You want a sign that Tiger Woods is human? Well, he provided it Tuesday at his pre-Masters news conference, and it wasn’t just by discussing Twitter or offering some self-deprecating joke about errant drives.

No, Tiger revealed he has something in common with the fans that follow him: He’s aging.

He isn’t the young talent on the block. He has to attempt to keep up with the modern world. And while he still talks about how his best days are ahead of him, he has to know that there isn’t any way he can be so sure.

Now 35 and with a knee that’s chronically under repair, he isn’t just reinventing his swing in the face of diminishing physical strength. He’s also watching a new generation of athletes arrive that redefine what is and isn’t possible on the golf course.

You know, like he once did to older golfers, who watched him sail drives 300

yards and knew they had no answer.

“That’s the thing,” Tiger said. “I’m hitting it just as far. I’m hitting it - it’s no problem for me hitting over 300 yards. But there are guys who fly it 320. I played with Dustin Johnson and Gary Woodland the first two days at Bay Hill. I thought Dustin was long and he’s got nothing on Gary. When Gary steps on it, it’s like, ‘Whoa, are you kidding me?’ His ball is flat. When you think it should be coming down, it just continues to fly.

“He hit a shot on 16, and it was a 335 carry with a bunker on the right, and he hit the face of it, and he’s all bent out of shape that he couldn’t carry it.

And he said, ‘I lost the ability to carry 340 now.’ “ Tiger smiled at the thought. “[I’m] like, ‘Sorry, I had never seen that shot.’ That’s the new game.”

This is what happens to everyone, of course.

Previously, Tiger Woods wasn’t everyone.

Now he needs to find an answer in all facets of his life. He joined Twitter because the young guys in the clubhouse were doing it,

and he wanted to stay current. “I was pretty leery to begin with, to be honest with you.”

He’s working slowly through a rebuilt swing because, like a power running back in the NFL, he knew his old swings - no matter how successful - weren’t capable of standing the test of time.

“I can’t swing that way. It took a pretty good pounding on my knee doing it that way.

As you know I tore cartilage and my ACL over the years, so I don’t want to swing that way.

It’s too much pain.”

For 15 years, golf has been trying to keep up with Tiger Woods, trying to respond to whatever he did, on or off the course. Now all of a sudden the script has flipped. Then you add in a tabloid sex scandal that derailed his image, marriage and ability to capture tournaments, and a winless streak that’s lasted 17 months and counting.

It took off the veneer of invincibility. Here was Ian Poulter declaring Woods had no chance at a top-five finish this weekend because his game has been so inconsistent.

“Well, Poulter is always right, isn’t he?”

Woods shot back, which

in the old days would’ve meant something. Now you have to consider whether Poulter actually has a point.

Tiger is suddenly vulnerable and it’s refreshing to see. He not only doesn’t have all the answers, he’s also trying to figure out the questions.

He’s banking on his third swing reinvention saving him like the previous two did. He talks a good game, but not as good as he used to. He’s right where everyone gets to at some point, at a crossroads where ascending threatens to turn into descending.

Even a Gary Woodland tee shot returns to earth eventually.

So he’s trying to hold off the inevitable like the rest of us.

He was asked: Have we seen the best of Tiger Woods?

“No.” Was he sure?

“Well, I believe in myself. There’s nothing wrong with believing in myself. God, I hope you guys feel the same way about yourselves. You know, that’s the whole idea, is that you can always become better.”

Actually, at some point you can’t, especially in athletics. Golf isn’t football or basketball, where losing a step means falling off the

cliff. This is still a game that rewards guile and strategy and patience.

Woods says the key to success here at Augusta National is “knowing where to miss.”

That said, he speaks wistfully at these young guys bombing shots. He notes that the new guys didn’t grow up just playing golf, but more chose the game over more athletic pursuits. They have fast-twitch muscles, can play hoops well and can even dunk.

“I could grab the rim.

That was it. I could get a tennis ball over it, but I could never get close to doing what these guys do ... It’s a different ballgame.”

It’s actually just some circle-of-life irony. Tiger apparently isn’t much for introspection because he said it hadn’t dawned on him that this is

exactly what guys used to say about him.

“Never looked at it that way,” he said.

“Now I can certainly see it that way. You know, but then the flipside of it is that how I look at it now: They can hit it a long way, but I can manage myself around the golf course. That’s probably how they looked at it, too. Just because I hit it further than they did doesn’t mean that they can’t win golf tournaments in the end.

“All you have to do is win a golf tournament by a shot.”

He hasn’t done that in nearly a year and a half.

Tiger Woods probably isn’t done winning championships. He is in the middle of a very human struggle to prove it, though, maybe most importantly to himself.

Der rick Mason: Rog er G oodel l a ‘joke’ Roger Goodell said earlier this week that the NFL will insist on testing for human growth hormone in the next labor deal. A prominent receiver said Tuesday the commissioner is a “joke” for the stance he’s taking.

In his weekly appearance on “The Norris & Davis Show” on 105.7 FM in Baltimore, Ravens receiver Derrick Mason said Goodell needs to focus his attention on getting a deal done between the owners and players instead of talking about drug

testing.

“He needs to stop crying about blood tests and HGH. He needs to try to get a deal done, that’s what he needs to do,” Mason said. “He’s been on this crusade about HGH, but he needs to be on a crusade about getting these owners together and trying to work out a deal. To me, he’s a joke, because every time I look, he’s talking about performance enhancements instead of talking about trying to figure out a way to make sure football is played

in August.”

When asked if he would call Goodell a “joke” to his face, Mason replied: “Yeah.

He’s a grown man and I’m a grown man.”

Goodell made his comments about HGH testing on Monday when he joined Rep. Elijah Cummings, a Maryland Democrat, to speak to area students at Woodlawn High School in Baltimore County.

“I made it clear to the kids in the room today that the integrity of the NFL is critical, and we

need to make sure we’re doing everything possible to have the best drug program in sports,” Goodell said. “Making changes to our program is critical and we have done that over the years. We need to do more, including the inclusion of HGH testing.”

Preventing athletes from using HGH is a key target in the antidoping movement. The substance is hard to detect, and athletes are believed to choose HGH for a variety of benefits, whether they be real or

only perceived — including increasing speed and improving vision.

HGH use is prohibited by the NFL, but the league’s old collective bargaining agreement did not have testing for it. Goodell thinks players “recognize the importance of” adding HGH tests.

Mason said yesterday that, if there is HGH testing in the next collective bargaining agreement, he doesn’t want to have to submit to a blood test.

“Blood tests, I don’t

know. They’ve been crying about a blood test for [a while]. I think that’s too intrusive.

There’s other ways and other methods, I think, to go about testing for it,” he said.

The NFL Players Association has opposed blood tests in the past but did say last summer it would be open to hearing a proposal from the league during CBA talks.

Goodell said Monday that HGH was “part of a broader proposal on where we go with our drug program.”

2 22

DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

SPORTS BRIEFS Willie Lowe requests release from Iowa

University of Iowa defensive back Willie Lowe, one of the 13 players hospitalized in January with a muscle disorder following workouts, has asked for a release to allow his transfer from the school.

He, however, also said Tuesday that he’s not sure if he’ll be able to play again.

“I don’t know,” Lowe said. “I would like to be able to sit out a year, regain my strength, feel fine and play again. But I don’t know. I am still down 20 pounds and I am having headaches every few days.”

Iowa has announced that all 13 players have been cleared to participate this spring. But the senior back said, “Only a few players are back to full speed that I know of. Some said this wasn’t a big deal. But this was a big deal to me.”

Lowe said he worked out for the first time since the hospitalization on Monday.

“I can confirm that William Lowe has requested permission to talk with other schools,” Gary Barta, Iowa’s athletic director, said in a statement. “While we’ve honored that request, our interest is for him to remain a Hawkeye.”

Two family sources of hospitalized players said Lowe is not the only cleared player to still be experiencing symptoms from workouts that occurred more than two months ago.

One source close to Lowe said the player will undergo an independent medical evaluation to determine the possible long-term effects of the rhabdomyolsis, a stress-induced syndrome that can damage cells and also affected Lowe’s kidneys.

An Iowa investigation concluded that a strenuous squat-lifting workout was the primary cause of the 13 players being hospitalized.

Blazers to “burn tapes” after sneaking into playoffs PORTLAND - The Portland Trail Blazers secured a playoff spot despite losing 108-87 to the Golden State Warriors after the Sacramento Kings knocked off the Houston Rockets.

The Trail Blazers (45-33) sit sixth in the Western Conference four games clear of Houston with four games remaining, and hold the advantage in the tie-breaker.

“It (the playoffs) was one of our goals, so that’s good,” Portland forward LaMarcus Aldridge said After learning Golden State had beaten Houston 104-101.

“But we have to keep building, keep finding our rhythm to move forward.”

Portland and the Warriors were locked at 47-all at halftime, but the home side faded badly in the third quarter, allowing 37 points while scoring just 21.

“Tonight was bad,” Portland coach Nate McMillan said. “This is one of those games where you burn the tape and move on.”

- Joe Schad

Kelly on Floyd: Still no word SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Notre Dame has five practices remaining before its annual spring football game, and the Irish have moved on without suspended star receiver Michael Floyd.

Coach Brian Kelly suspended Floyd on March 21, the day after Floyd was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. It was Floyd’s third run-in with the law over alcohol since 2009.

DAILY CHALLENGE

SPORTS Bonds trial: 1 charge out, defense rests

By PAUL ELIAS SAN FRANCISCO - One of the five charges in Barry Bonds’ perjury trial has been dropped and the defense has rested without calling a single witness.

Bonds’ attorney Allen Ruby announced the move yesterday morning. Declining to call a witness underscored the defense’s belief prosecutors have failed to prove that the all-time major league home runs leader lied to a federal grand jury by saying he never knowingly used performance-enhancing drugs. It also means Bonds will not take the witness stand.

“The defense rests,” Ruby told the eightwomen, four-man jury before U.S. District Judge Susan Illston released them for the day.

The panel was ordered to return Thursday to begin deliberating after hearing closing arguments and the judge’s instructions on how to consider the evidence submitted during the 11-day trial.

Illston began the session by tossing out one of the charges pending

against Bonds.

Prosecutors asked for the dismissal after Illston made it clear she was planning to throw it out anyway.

The dismissed charge accused Bonds of lying to the grand jury when he denied taking the designer steroids dubbed “the clear” and “the cream” prior to the 2003 season. Bonds admitted taking those steroids in 2003, but said his personal trainer misled him into believing they were legal supplements.

None of the prosecution’s witnesses tied Bonds to use of the designer steroids before 2003.

Still, it was a limited

victory for Bonds. He faces the same punishment if convicted of any of the four charges remaining.

“The dismissal is one less bullet to dodge on the liability side,” said defense attorney William Keane, who represented track coach Trevor Graham when he was accused of making false statements. “If Mr. Bonds is convicted on one or more of the remaining counts it will not have much of an impact on his ultimate sentence.”

Bonds is still charged with three counts of lying to the grand jury and one count of obstruction.

Legal analysts say Bonds likely faces a

realistic maximum of about 15 months in prison if convicted, but likely would be sentenced to about a year of house arrest. That’s the same punishment elite cyclist Tammy Thomas received for lying to the same grand jury when she denied taking steroids.

The judge yesterday also ruled that the jury will be allowed to consider testimony that Bonds’ testicles shrank, which prosecutors claim is a side effect of steroid use. Bonds’ attorneys sought to bar consideration of that testimony after Bonds’ former mistress Kimberly Bell admitted that she exaggerated the degree to which Bonds’ testicles shrank when she testified before the grand jury.

The judge also turned down Bonds attorneys’ request to toss out the testimony of Colorado Rockies first baseman Jason Giambi and three other former athletes as irrelevant. None of the players testified directly about Bonds. Instead, they told the jury that Bonds’ personal trainer, Greg Anderson, supplied them with steroids and human growth hormone and detailed instructions on how to use them.

Media barred from hearing in Taylor slaying case

By CURT ANDERSON MIAMI - Reporters and cameras will be barred from a key evidence hearing in the case against four men accused of fatally shooting former Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor during a botched 2007 robbery at his home, a judge ruled yesterday.

Circuit Judge Dennis Murphy agreed with defense attorneys that the hearing on whether to allow purported confessions or incriminat-

ing statements at trial should be closed so that prospective jurors aren’t exposed to material that might skew their view of the highprofile case.

“There is not an automatic right to be present for pretrial hearings,” Murphy said. “Closure is necessary for these defendants to receive a fair trial.”

Murphy set the closed hearing for May 20. A trial date has not yet been scheduled for the four men, all from the Fort Myers area: 20-year-old Eric Rivera

Jr., identified by police as the shooter; Charles Wardlow, 21; Jason Mitchell, 23; and 19year-old Timmy Lee Brown. A fifth suspect, 23-year-old Venjah Hunte, pleaded guilty to murder and burglary charges and is expected to testify against the others.

Taylor, an All-Pro safety with the Redskins who also starred at the University of Miami, bled to death after he was shot in the thigh during a confrontation with the robbers at his Miami-area home.

Police have said the group did not expect Taylor to be home because the Redskins had a game that weekend, but he was out with an injury.

Attorneys for The Miami Herald and PostNewsweek tried to persuade Murphy not to close the evidence hearing. They said Miami’s population is easily large enough to find jurors not exposed to reporting about the Taylor case and that defense lawyers hadn’t provided any proof that media attention would be pervasive.

DAILY CHALLENGE THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2011

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Kemp’s comfort level finally seems right

By TIM BROWN LOS ANGELES - In this city, where identity is not who you are but who you’re with, where home is not where you are but where you’re going, the man with the leading-man looks and Hollywood smile darkens.

“I don’t know if I got too comfortable,” he confesses.

This city - and its deceitful promises - has ruined better than Matt Kemp, and made stars out of worse.

It plays to your ego, plays to your insecurities, plays to your dreams. The scamp.

To a hill that brought him to eye level with the few skyscrapers downtown, where the vitality of the Hollywood Bowl glowed to the north, and from where he could - if he wished - look down upon the entire city, Kemp arrived from Midwest City, Okla., at age 21.

His skills were breathtaking.

Built thick and strong and fast, he was the athlete baseball for decades had lost to football and basketball. A former minor league all-star with home-run power and base-stealing speed, he played center field, the glamour position of the Los Angeles, nee Brooklyn, Dodgers.

He walked with a city strut, like he owned the place, yet spoke with a soft and guarded shyness, like he knew his

place as a rookie among veterans in an unforgiving game. He rented not in Pasadena, or in Hollywood, or in one of the many vogue beach cities, but in Studio City, in the San Fernando Valley, with the B-listers and their minivans and El Toritos.

Raw in spots, vulnerable to the slider away and the sly pickoff move, Kemp nevertheless dug in. He batted .342 upon becoming a regular in early summer of 2007 and, in the following two seasons, both of which saw the Dodgers play into the National League championship series, he snuck up on stardom.

Delighted (and bound by salary arbitration rules), the cash-poor Dodgers signed him to a two-year contract worth $10.95 million. In 2010, he’d be paid $4 million, a raise of more than $3.5 million over the season before. The second year at nearly $7 million was an act of faith.

Somewhere after that, Kemp doesn’t know if he got too comfortable.

But he was first-time rich, famous, and on the arm of Billboard Hot 100 singer and songwriter Rihanna, so tabloid meat.

The Dodgers were losing. Kemp played as if distracted. His general manager called him out in April. His manager benched him in June.

His coaches prodded him through the summer. A friend of Kemp’s confided he’d lost him to a

world that barely had time for baseball. His body swelled, his bat slowed, his mind appeared to wander. He didn’t compete, not the way he once had, before the money and the celebrity and the fast company.

It’s a helluva city, a careful-for-what-youask city, because it just might show up in a bottomless dump truck.

Kemp sighs.

“I just gotta work hard,” he confesses, “and focus on baseball.”

He’s leaner. He brings his dinner in a cooler packed with Tupperware containers. He’s a pleasant young man, if perhaps mildly suspicious following a year of drama and criticism.

Maybe he thinks he screwed up, went momentarily soft, I don’t know, but wonders how long he’ll have to answer for it.

It’s baseball season.

There’s hardly any time for anything, much less regret. Yet, these things can linger, and the only response to a season in which he batted .249, and was thrown out attempting to steal almost as many times as he was successful, and played a sometimes careless center field, is to play well. And hard.

The Dodgers won three of their first four games, all against the San Francisco Giants, their rivals and World Series champions. Kemp had five hits and three walks. With 158 games

to play, six months to play, there’s a difference in how he runs the bases, chases the ball and the shape he’s in.

In the series, he was involved in two pivotal plays.

Last Thursday night, Giants catcher Buster Posey blocked a pitch in the dirt. The ball rolled in front of the plate. At third base, Kemp jabstepped forward, then returned to the bag.

When Kemp turned his head to walk the final step, Posey threw to third, wildly. As the ball bounced down the line, Kemp scored.

Said one Giant, “That was last year’s scouting report. You can catch him sleeping.”

A night later, on a routine grounder to third base, Kemp went first to third, later scoring a crucial run.

“That thing he did last night,” a scout said the next day, “90 percent of those guys couldn’t do it and the other 10 wouldn’t think about it.”

Kemp smiles thinly.

“Just picking it up, man,” he says.

Gone is the iconic manager, replaced by Don Mattingly. Gone are the coaches who rode him, replaced by Davey Lopes. And gone is the cool relationship with Ned Colletti, the general manager who’d expressed dissatisfaction with Kemp’s play, replaced by something like friendship.

“Just the personality and the body language

and the look on his face shows me a guy who’s at peace with himself and comfortable with who he is,” Colletti said. “When he got to camp you could see he was in a different place.”

A different time, too.

Such is the lesson from Lopes, who counsels Kemp to be a hitter, to be a baserunner and to be a center fielder, but not all at the same time.

“I think about that moment,” Kemp says.

Whatever it is.

“It’s definitely a big difference,” he says.

Before, the last moment bled into this one, and then into the next.

“Whatever,” he says.

“My last at-bat. Or if I did something wrong.”

When everybody would seem mad.

“Definitely,” he says.

“I can be me.”

Beneath his uniform,

Kemp wears a blue Tshirt. Across the shoulders, it reads: “24.7.365.”

Back when he didn’t know if he got too comfortable, maybe those numbers might just as well have been a locker combination.

Every hour, every day, all year long, this city can still keep up. It’s relentless like that.

He’s asked if last season scarred him.

“What?” he asks.

“Scarred?”

Scarred.

“No, man,” he says.

“I’m not trippin’ about last year. Last year was last year. This year is this year.”

That simple.

“Cuz I’m living,” he says. “I’m healthy. My family’s healthy. I got a great family. I got a lot of good things going on.”

Manny Ramir ez out of Rays lineup ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Struggling Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Manny Ramirez is getting a break.

Ramirez, who started the season with one hit in his first 16 at-bats, was out of the lineup for yesterday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels.

“We talked a little bit and then decided not to play him today,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said. “I know it’s early in the season, but nevertheless, I think he’s still pressing a bit. I really think that he’s trying to carry too much of this load right now. He’s trying to be too much right now.”

Maddon said Ramirez also will miss today’s game at the Chicago White Sox while tending to a personal matter.

Ramirez went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts in Tuesday night’s 5-3 loss to the Angels.

“With guys like him, I think sometimes we forget, and I mean this

in a manner that I hope people understand, it’s not easy to be him sometimes,” Maddon said. “There’s a lot going on with his guy.

He will be a Hall of Famer. He’s in the latter part of his career. So, you can have different kind of moments mentally.

“I’ve been around

players like that in the past, and I think at some point it just takes a little more understanding for whomever is working with that person. I really believe he’s going to very productive in the very near future.”

Ramirez said he had no problem with fans booing him after his

final couple of at-bats Tuesday.

“It’s all right,” Ramirez said. “It’s not my first time [to strikeout three times]. I’m just getting myself out.

I feel good. I’m not mad at myself.”

Teammates, including ace David Price, feel the boos were not justified.

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AGE BRINGS ON-COURSE PERSPECTIVE TO TIGER SEE PAGE 22

B O N D S T R I A L : 1 C H A R G E KEMP’S COMFORT O U T, D E F E N S E R E S T S LEVEL FINALLY SEEMS RIGHT

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