LAWT 03-22-2012

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Vol. XXX, No. 1276

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Thursday, March 22, 2012

L.A. Watts Times

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Thursday, March 22, 2012

HOROSCOPES A

ries ~ Act on Monday! You’ve got it going on — you’re sharp upstairs, your heart’s in the right place and the stars are aligned. Then over the next couple of days, feel good about what you’ve got — the cosmic energy’s just a little bottlenecked now, so don't get frustrated if you can't always get what you want. (Hint: try giving someone else what they need!) Around Thursday, things should begin to flow your way. Now, and all through the weekend, is the time to initiate something great — whatever (or whoever) sparks your ardor is the place to start. aurus ~ Life may not be a bed of roses on Monday, but you’re probably a little thorny yourself. Take it easy with the VIPs in your life. You’ll be seeing eye-to-eye with those around you much better by Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, when your vision for future plans will be 20/20.

Map out some career steps with your mentor, or discuss your personal path with a loved one. Then stay steady around Friday, even if things are hectic. With the weekend comes some energy you’ll really be able to enjoy — plan for relaxation and maybe even some romance. emini ~ On Monday, seek out a second opinion or more information on a certain issue from a person or resource you wouldn’t normally consult. Then, don’t just dream about something different around Tuesday and Wednesday — start crafting a plan to really make it happen! Why be frustrated when you can be the captain of your destiny? Around Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the stars will step in to help, and so will your friends (or a certain someone) if you let them in on the act. ancer ~ Find time in your busy day on Monday for a person or issue that will respond beautifully to a little extra attention. Then, watch out; while you’re awesome on all artistic, aesthetic and creative angles around Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, the specifics are another story. Double-check numbers and look both ways! There’s potential for conflict with your boss, your mom or any higher-up in your life around Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Can you handle it maturely, showing, but not over-blowing, your emotions? Saturday night and Sunday look just plain fun; at home, or out and about. eo ~ Can you pretty please be patient on Monday? Not everyone’s operating at your level, so give them a little time. You'll appreciate the same consideration on Tuesday, Wednesday and part of Thursday, when the more you’re able to think things through, the better you’ll do. It’s one step at a time to get there, and a steady pace is best now. Around Friday, you can forge ahead with more speed — you’re an especially quick study now, whether at work or in more personal matters. But beware of overindulging on Saturday night, and even out that mind/body balance on Sunday. irgo ~ If you’ve got something to say, or if you want to try something new, hop right to it this week.

Monday’s energy is excellent for such things, while on Tuesday and Wednesday, sticking with what works is a much better idea. Couch any criticisms gently now; try to imagine how you'd feel on the receiving end. The solution to that restless feeling isn't more, or different, distractions

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March 22 - 28 around Thursday, Friday and Saturday — it’s really getting involved and engaged with one person or thing. Wait to introduce a new element until Saturday night or Sunday, when expansion and new depth are in the stars. ibra ~ Monday looks ripe for an epiphany — it could be at work, or it could have to do with love! Getting some food for thought helps prompt it. Then, life’s a bowl of cherries, pits included, around Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The good news? There’s still sweetness to enjoy if you’re able to maintain a perspective on the whole. From Friday through the weekend, everything tastes better when you share. corpio ~ For best results on Monday, shift things around.

Just a little change in your routine, your environment or the contents of your heart helps a lot. The stars highlight all things heart-related around Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, so take steps toward what you’ve been hoping for romantically, even if it involves moving into the unknown!

Friday, it’s all about helping someone else fulfill a dream, or just pindown a more practical matter. agittarius ~ If you find yourself thinking (or saying) ‘no way’ on Monday, back up and start again. Stretch your imagination and shake up that perspective — around Tuesday and Wednesday, it’s crucial to recognize the power of the past, but move with confidence into your future. Life and love have some fresh perspectives for you on Thursday, Friday and Saturday if you’re ready, willing and able! A game or outdoor activity (under the stars?) can be a real bonding experience now, not to mention just plain fun. apricorn ~ How’s that same old approach working?

Even if the answer’s ‘pretty good,’ the stars suggest that a little change could make things even better as this week gets going. If an alteration makes you nervous, run it by someone you trust who’s doing well in the pertinent area. And — don’t panic — something may come to an end this week, perhaps on Thursday, Friday or Saturday.

Or maybe there’s something you should put an end to? quarius ~ When you talk this Monday, people listen. And if you’re communicating something you’re passionate about, they'll catch your fever! But things look hazier around Tuesday and Wednesday. Be careful when making arrangements, dealing with money, or listening to someone important now — your head’s not quite in the game. You ought to be back in the zone sometime Thursday, and the following few days have all kinds of potential. Leave room in your schedule for following up on the great things that seem to pop up out of nowhere. Secretly, you’ve got everything to do with it! isces ~ Work is much more fun in a pair or group on Monday, and it’s to your advantage to have the added motivation to stay on track. But around Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, you’re set to zoom ahead! Of course, knowing you and your generous ways, you’ll share the ride with those close to you, letting them in on your amazing energy, too.

Take life — and love — to a new place now. A message may be mixed around Friday, but you’ll have better luck interpreting it — or asking for some clarification — this weekend.

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Inside This Edition

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Microsoft says no plans for new Xbox anytime soon NEW YORK (AP) — Microsoft says it’s not coming out with a new Xbox gaming console anytime soon.

Some video game players had hoped that Microsoft Corp. would unveil an upgrade at the E3 Expo in June, a big, yearly video game conference in Los Angeles where game makers show off new wares and titles.

Microsoft Corp. said Monday that it won’t be discussing new Xbox hardware at the event. Rather, it plans to focus on games, music and other entertainment for the Xbox 360, which came out in 2005.

Nintendo Co. will be showcasing the Wii U, the successor to the Wii. Unlike the Xbox 360 or the PlayStation 3, the current Wii doesn’t offer high-definition graphics, so it’s in greater need of an upgrade.

Microsoft’s stock fell 40 cents to $32.20.

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L.A. Watts Times

Thursday, March 22, 2012

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Thursday, March 22, 2012

Court questions life without parole for juveniles

BY MARK SHERMAN | ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court debated Tuesday whether young teenagers convicted of

US Rep. Jackson Jr. wins Illinois primary battle

killing someone may be locked up for life with no chance of parole, the latest in a line of cases seeking a second chance for young people.

BY SOPHIA TAREEN | ASSOCIATED PRESS AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File

FILE – Should youth offenders convicted of killing someone get a second chance? That’s the essence of an issue being taken up by the Supreme Court.

MetroBriefs The Solution To High Gas Prices? Go Metro.

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President Proposes $81 Million For Metro Projects President Obama's proposed FY13 budget includes $50 million for the Westside Subway Extension and $31 million for the Regional Connector Project. If approved by Congress later this year, the funds combined with Measure R revenue could jumpstart construction of both projects in 2013.

Expo Line, Orange Line Coming Soon Train testing is in full-swing along the Expo Line between Downtown LA and Culver City in anticipation of opening the newest addition to the 70-station Metro Rail system.

Meanwhile, Metro o;cials are predicting a June opening for the four-mile extension of the Metro Orange Line in the San Fernando Valley.

It’s One-Stop Shopping For Commuters Find out just how much it costs you to commute alone in your car each year. Log on to the regional rideshare site at commutesmart.info and you’ll be amazed. The site will also show you public transit, carpool and vanpool options along with the money you can expect to save by >nding a rideshare partner.

If you’d like to know more, visit metro.net.

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Discover Metro’s Destination Discounts Save on Clippers and Kings home games, get 20% o= at some of LA’s >nest restaurants and more each month. Find discounts to these and other local events and attractions by clicking on This Month’s Destination Discounts at metro.net.

The justices are looking at two cases involving teenagers serving life sentences. In one, 14-year-old Evan Miller in Alabama beat a man, then set fire to his home. In the other, 14-yearold Kuntrell Jackson in Arkansas didn't pull the trigger but was in on an attempted robbery in which another boy shot and killed a store clerk.

Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote earlier opinions ruling out the death penalty for juveniles and life without parole sentences for young people whose crimes did not involve killing.

He seemed again to be the pivotal justice in Tuesday’s arguments.

Roughly 2,300 people are behind bars for life with no chance of winning their freedom for crimes they committed before their 18th birthday. Only 79, however, are in prison for crimes that took place when they were 14 or younger.

Kennedy was one of several justices who appeared to be troubled by the lack of flexibility in sentencing young killers. Several states that try people younger than 18 in adult courts allow for only one sentence — life with no chance of parole, for defendants who are convicted of murder.

He seemed to indicate he might favor a ruling that gives judges a role in determining an appropriate sentence, “that the sentence cannot be mandatory, but that in some cases, it might still be imposed.”

Bryan Stevenson, the lawyer for both defendants, tried to resist Kennedy’s approach, preferring an outcome that would force states to consider parole at some point for anyone with a life sentence who was convicted before turning 18.

Stevenson said the court has previously recognized that it is a “mistake to equate kids with adults. And we don’t have the ability to make those judgments even if we create a different kind of process.”

Arguing for Alabama, state Solicitor General John Neiman Jr. said the court should respect the decisions of Alabama, Arkansas and 37 other states that allow children to be tried and punished as adults.

“Imposing life without parole sentences on aggravated murder offenders like Evan Miller is in line with the national consensus, is morally justified and is consistent with legitimate penological goals,” Neiman said.

Justices Antonin Scalia and Samuel Alito sounded most likely to vote with the states.

Scalia peppered Stevenson with questions about where the court should draw the line.

“Well, you know, once you depart See SUPREME COURT, page 15

CHICAGO (AP) — U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. easily won the Democratic nomination Tuesday after a heated Illinois primary, but the fate of another longtime congressman was still too early to call, along with the matchup for the state’s only open congressional seat.

Jackson and Republican U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo faced the toughest primary battles of their careers, and a new congressional map, AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File which dramatically reshaped U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. in Chicago faced partisan territory in Illinois, a very strong Democratic challenge from foradded to the intensity.

With 80 percent of mer one-term congressman and state legislaprecincts reporting, Jackson tor, Debbie Halvorson, in Illinois’ 2nd had 71 percent of the votes, Congressional District in the March 20 priwhile his challenger, former mary. one-term U.S. Rep. Debbie Ballots were still being counted Halvorson, had 20 percent. Halvorson for another election in the southern called Jackson to concede.

“I had to take it very seriously,” half of the state was to determine Jackson told The Associated Press candidates in the race to replace retirTuesday night. “I never take an oppo- ing Democratic U.S. Rep. Jerry nent lightly. She put up a very, very Costello.

Democrats say they could gain as strong challenge.”

Meanwhile, Iraq war veteran many as five new seats in Illinois Tammy Duckworth won a primary come November, pushing them closcontest over former Illinois deputy er to regaining the U.S. House. But treasurer Raja Krishnamoorthi in Republicans say they’re poised to Chicago’s suburbs and will run against pick up a seat in the southern half of outspoken Republican U.S. Rep. Joe See REP. JESSE JACKSON JR, Walsh in November. page 15

Condoleezza Rice: US can’t retreat in Afghanistan WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says this is no time to give up on Afghanistan, arguing that U.S. policymakers must “keep our nerve.”

Rice tells CBS’s “This Morning” that despite the upheaval there including the killings of civilians, “We just have to remember what Afghanistan was like 10 years ago,” when the Taliban were in charge.

She says the U.S. must focus on training AP Photo/Alex Brandon Afghan security forces because “we FILE - Former Secretary of State Condoleezza can’t afford to leave Rice warns against leaving Afghanistan.

Afghanistan to the Taliban and the terrorists.”

Rice returned to Stanford University after serving President George W. Bush as national security adviser and secretary of state. She said in Tuesday’s interview that a return to power by the Taliban would signify danger, not only to the Afghan people, but to American security interests in the region.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

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Employers ask job seekers for Facebook passwords

BY MANUEL VALDES AND SHANNON MCFARLAND | ASSOCIATED PRESS SEATTLE (AP) — When Justin Bassett interviewed for a new job, he expected the usual questions about experience and references.

So he was astonished when the interviewer asked for something else: his Facebook username and password.

Bassett, a New York City statistician, had just finished answering a few character questions when the interviewer turned to her computer to search for his Facebook page. But she couldn’t see his private profile.

She turned back and asked him to hand over his login information.

Bassett refused and withdrew his application, saying he didn’t want to work for a company that would seek such personal information. But as the job market steadily improves, other job candidates are confronting the same question from prospective employers, and some of AP Photo/Steve Ruark them cannot afford to say no.

Invasion of privacy, some say: When In their efforts to vet appliRobert Collins of Baltimore returned cants, some companies and govfrom a leave of absence from his job as ernment agencies are going a security guard with the Maryland beyond merely glancing at a perDepartment of Public Safety and son’s social networking profiles Correctional Services in 2010, he was and instead asking to log in as the asked for his Facebook login and pass- user to have a look around.

“It’s akin to requiring someword during a reinstatement interview. one’s house keys,” said Orin Kerr, He was stunned but he complied. a George Washington University law professor and former federal prosecutor who calls it “an egregious privacy violation.”

Questions have been raised about the legality of the practice, which is also the focus of proposed legislation in Illinois and Maryland that would forbid public agencies from asking for access to social networks.

Since the rise of social networking, it has become common for managers to review publically available Facebook profiles, Twitter accounts and other sites to learn more about job candidates. But many users, especially on Facebook, have their profiles set to private, making them available only to selected people or certain networks.

Companies that don’t ask for passwords have taken other steps — such as asking applicants to friend human resource managers or to log in to a company computer during an interview. Once employed, some workers have been required to sign non-disparagement agreements that ban them from talking negatively about an employer on social media.

Asking for a candidate’s password is more prevalent among public agencies, especially those seeking to fill law enforcement positions such as police officers or 911 dispatchers.

Back in 2010, Robert Collins was returning to his job as a correctional officer at the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services after taking a leave following his mother’s death. During a reinstatement interview, he was asked for his login and password, purportedly so the agency could check for any gang affiliations. He was stunned by the request but complied.

“I needed my job to feed my family. I had to,” he recalled.

After the ACLU complained about the practice, the agency amended its policy, asking instead for job applicants to log in during interviews.

“To me, that’s still invasive. I can appreciate the desire to learn more about the applicant, but it’s still a violation of people’s personal privacy,” said Collins, whose case inspired Maryland’s legislation.

Until last year, the city of Bozeman, Mont., had a long-standing policy of asking job applicants for passwords to their email addresses, social-networking websites and other online accounts.

And since 2006, the McLean County, Ill., sheriff’s office has been one of several Illinois sheriff’s departments that ask applicants to sign into social media sites to be screened.

Chief Deputy Rusty Thomas defended the practice, saying applicants have a right to refuse. But no one has ever done so. Thomas said that “speaks well of the people we have apply.”

When asked what sort of material would jeopardize job prospects, Thomas said “it depends on the situation” but could include “inappropriate pictures or relationships with people who are underage, illegal behavior.”

In Spotsylvania County, Va., the sheriff's department asks applicants to friend background investigators for jobs at the 911 dispatch center and for law enforcement positions.

“In the past, we’ve talked to friends and neighbors, but a lot of times we found that applicants interact more through social media sites than they do See FACEBOOK PASSWORD, page 15

Malia Obama safe after earthquake in Mexico WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama’s oldest daughter, Malia, was never in danger during a strong earthquake Tuesday in Mexico, the White House said.

Malia, 13, accompanied by Secret Service agents, has been in Oaxaca in southwestern Mexico for a school-sponsored service project.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake was felt strongly in Oaxaca.

The quake was followed by an aftershock that shook southern Mexico, swayed buildings in Mexico City and sent frightened workers and residents into the streets.

Kristina Schake, the first lady’s communications director, said Malia Obama “is safe and was never in danger.” Typically the White House does not comment on the Obama children but made an exception because of the quake.

“We would reiterate our request that the media respect the privacy and security of the Obama children and not report on or photograph the girls when they are not with their parents,” Schake said.

Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum criticized Obama for allowing his daughter to travel to Mexico when the State Department had issued a travel warning for the country. “When the government is saying this is not safe, then you don’t set the example by sending your kids down there,” Santorum said during an interview with radio host Glenn Beck.

The State Department warning in February did not say Americans shouldn’t travel to Mexico but noted that “crime and violence are serious problems throughout the country and can occur anywhere.”

AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File

FILE – Never in any danger: President Barack Obama's oldest daughter, Malia.

Rosa Parks First Lady of Civil Rights

Shirley Chisolm First African-American Woman Elected to Congress

Olga Madar First President Coalition of Labor Union Women

Wilma Mankiller First Woman Chief Cherokee Nation

Hilda Solis First Latina U.S. Secretary of Labor

Judy Chu First Asian-American Woman Elected to Congress

Mona Pasquil First Filipina Acting Lieutenant Governor

Michelle Obama First African-American First Lady

Mary Kay Henry First Woman International President of SEIU

Linda Dent First African-American Vice President of SEIU 721

SEIU 721 Celebrates National Women’s History Month

Honoring Women Who Fought for Change and Social Justice!

D E D I C AT E D T O R E L I A B L E Q UA L I T Y P U B L I C S E R V I C E S www.seiu721.org

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Thursday, March 22, 2012

Rickey Minor returns to Carver Middle School to inspire young musicians A 1974 graduate of Carver Middle School, Minor returns with an inspirational message for music students

BY JASON LEWIS March is Music in Our Schools Month, and Carver Middle School

brought in one of their most famous alumnus in the musical field to talk to the sixth graders who are in their music program.

Rickey Minor mentoring a young student at his alma mater, Carver Middle School in Los Angeles.

Lucky for those students, none other than famed music director Rickey Minor graduated from Carver Middle School in 1974, and he was very excited to return to the school for the first time since he walked the stage 38 years ago. “(The school) looks a little different, but it feels the same,” an excited Minor said. “The buildings are still in the same place, and I just remember all the trouble I used to get into here.

People who are in the arts just have a different kind of energy, so I couldn’t sit still to save my life.”

Minor was born in Monroe, Louisiana, and he moved to Los Angeles when he was nine years old.

He can relate to the students of Carver Middle School because he grew up on 20th Street and Central Ave. He also lived on 54th Street and Hooper, and in the Jordan Downs, on 102nd Street and Grape Street.

Minor was a gifted student at Carver Middle School, where he took a lot of AP classes. He also gravitated to music during that time, as he and a few friends formed a singing group.

“This is where I got the music bug, when I was in the 8th grade,” Minor said. “We were in the talent shows and

Minor speaking to the student body. my band won. I wasn't into playing at the time, I was just in a singing group and we won the talent show.

Everybody was screaming for us and I was like ‘I like this!’ It was good times.”

Minor’s band decided that they needed to learn how to play instruments, and since he sang base in the group, he leaned how to play the base guitar.

After Carver, Minor attended

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Jefferson High School, and he earned a scholarship to UCLA, where he was a math major. But music was his true calling, so he decided to take that path instead.

It was a great choice for Minor, who helped a young Whitney Houston become a star while he was making a name for himself. He went on to direct numerous superstar tours, including Ray Charles, Alicia Keys, Beyonce, See RICKEY MINOR, page 12

Thursday, March 22, 2012

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Court weighs making health coverage a fact of life

BY CONNIE CASS | ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP) — Death … taxes … and now health insurance?

Having a medical plan or else paying a fine is about to become another certainty of American life — unless the Supreme Court says no.

People are split over the wisdom of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul, but they are nearly united against its requirement that everybody have insurance. The mandate is intensely unpopular even though more than 8 in 10 people in the United States already are covered by workplace plans or government programs such as Medicare. When the insurance obligation kicks in, not even two years from now, most people won't need to worry or buy anything new.

Nonetheless, Americans don’t like being told how to spend their money, not even if it would help solve the problem of the nation’s more than 50 million uninsured.

Can the government really tell us what to buy?

Federal judges have come down on both sides of the question, leaving it to the Supreme Court to sort out.

The justices are allotting an unusually long period, six hours over three days,

beginning March 26, to hear arguments challenging the law’s constitutionality.

Their ruling, expected in June, is shaping up as a historic moment in the century-long quest by reformers to provide affordable health care for all.

Many critics and supporters alike see the insurance requirement as the linchpin of Obama's health care law: Take away the mandate and the wheels fall off.

Politically it was a wobbly construction from the start. It seems half of Washington has flip-flopped over mandating insurance. One critic dismissed the idea this way: “If things were that easy, I could mandate everybody to buy a house and that would solve the problem of homelessness.”

That was Obama as a presidential candidate, who was against health insurance mandates before he was for them.

Once elected, Obama decided a mandate could work as part of a plan that helps keep premiums down and assists those who can’t afford them.

To hear Republicans rail against this attack on personal freedom, you’d never know the idea came from them.

Its model was a Massachusetts law signed in 2006 by Mitt Romney, now the frontrunner of the Republican

presidential race, when he was governor. Another GOP hopeful, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, supported a mandate on individuals as an alternative to President Bill Clinton’s health care proposal, which put the burden on employers.

All four GOP presidential candidates now promise to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which they call “Obamacare.” Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum calls it “the death knell for freedom.”

So much for compromise.

Obama and congressional Democrats pushed the mandate through in 2010, without Republican support, in hopes of creating a fair system that ensures everyone, rich or poor, young or old, can get the health care they need. Other economically advanced countries have done it.

Doing nothing is more expensive than most people realize.

Congress found that when the uninsured go to clinics and emergency rooms, the care they can’t pay for costs nearly $75 billion a year. Much of that cost is passed along and ends up adding $1,000 a year to the average family’s insurance premium.

The overhaul is neither the liberal dream of a single government program supported by taxes and covering

AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File

FILE – Health care overhaul: How will this issue factor into the presidential elections? everyone nor the conservative vision of stripping away federal rules and putting free enterprise in charge. The Obama plan relies on private companies plus lots of regulation to make sure they provide basic benefits, keep premiums reasonable, and cover the sick as well as the healthy. That’s where the mandate comes in. If insurers must cover everyone, even those with existing medical conditions, healthy people have little incentive to sign up before they get sick.

Insurance companies argue that if

only the sick sign up, insurers will go broke. So the law says everybody must have insurance for themselves and their children, or pay a penalty.

Also, because everyone needs health care sometime, if everyone purchases insurance, the price per person can be lower, with the cost of care spread out over many people. After all, the government requires workers to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, whether they want the benefits or not.

See HEALTH COVERAGE, page 15

Millions are exposed to secondhand smoke and some can’t do anything about it.

Even if you don’t smoke, you can still be exposed to secondhand smoke in your home through vents, doors and windows.

Talk to your landlord about making your building entirely smoke-free. ©2011 California Department of Public Health

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Thursday, March 22, 2012

F E AT U R E

L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER

Community Outraged Over Trayvon Martin Murder FEDS OPEN GRAND JURY INVESTIGATION | As outrage over the case grows, federal and local prosecutors are launching parallel investigations into the fatal shooting of an unarmed black teenager by a neighborhood watch captain.

A central Florida prosecutor’s announcement Tuesday that a grand jury will consider evidence in the case came a day after the Justice Department said it would probe the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. The moves follow a day of protests calling for the arrest of George Zimmerman, 28, who claims he shot Martin in self-defense during a confrontation last month in a gated community in Sanford, Fla. Sanford police were under mounting political pressure from the city and the state to submit their case to the state’s attorney before they were confident their part of the investigation was complete. Prosecutors will need to re-interview key witnesses.

Zimmerman spotted Martin as he was patrolling his neighborhood on a rainy evening and called 911 to report a suspicious person. Against the direct instructions of the 911 dispatcher, who asked Zimmerman, “Are you following him?” when Zimmerman replied “Yeah,” the dispatcher state “OK, we don’t need you to do that.”

Zimmerman then followed Martin, who was walking home from a convenience store with a bag of Skittles in his pocket. Police have described Zimmerman as White; his family says he is Hispanic and not racist.

While under questioning, Zimmerman told police he followed the dispatcher’s advice and that he turned and began to return to his car when Martin confronted him, according to the source close to the investigation.

Martin became violent and punched Zimmerman, he told police. The two got into a scuƫe, during which Zimmerman drew his weapon and fired it, he told police.

On Tuesday, attorney Benjamin Crump, who represents Martin’s parents, said the teenager was on the phone with his girlfriend

back home in Miami when he told her he was being followed.

“He says, ‘Oh, he’s right behind me, he’s right behind me again,’” Crump said the girl told him. “She says run. He says I’m not going to run. I’m just going to walk fast. She hears Trayvon say, ‘Why are you following me?’ Other voice says, ‘What are you doing around here?’”

She told Crump they both repeated themselves and then she heard a scuƫe begin “because (Martin’s) voice changes like something interrupted his speech.” She heard an altercation and then the phone call was cut oơ.

Within moments, according to Crump’s timeline, Martin was shot. She didn’t hear the gunfire. Crump is not releasing the girlfriend’s name for her protection and her family’s privacy.

Authorities have a subpoena for Martin’s phone records and are waiting to electronically unlock the phone.

Several investigators don’t believe Zimmerman turned back to his car but instead tried to confront or even detain Martin until police

By Danny J. Bakewell, Jr. LAWT Contributing Writer arrived, but police don’t have any evidence to prove that. Zimmerman is staying at a secure location and has been in daily contact with authorities according to reports.

Attorney Crump said he will turn over information about the call to federal investigators, who are looking into the case. Federal community relations services will be provided this week to meet with Sanford authorities, community oƥcials and civil rights leaders “to address tension in the community.” An online petition urging local authorities to prosecute Zimmerman has drawn more than 500,000 signatures at website Change.org.

Civil rights activist Al Sharpton is expected to join Sanford city leaders in a Tuesday evening town hall meeting to discuss with residents how the investigation is being handled. Earlier Monday, students held rallies on the campus of Florida A&M University in Tallahassee and outside the Seminole County Criminal Justice Center, where prosecutors are reviewing the case to determine if charges should be filed.

Yet authorities may be hamstrung by a state law that allows people to defend themselves with deadly force. Prosecutors may not be able to charge Zimmerman because of changes to state law in 2005. Under the old law, people could use deadly force in self-defense only if they had tried to run away or otherwise avoid the danger.

Under the new law, there is no duty to retreat and it gives a Floridian the right “to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force “if he feels threatened.”

Because of the national outcry as well as Sanford County’s slow response to the investigation, Presi-

www.lawattstimes.com

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Martin’s parents and other advocates have said the shooter would have been arrested had he been Black.

“You would think that Sanford is still in the 1800s claiming that this man can call self-defense for shooting an unarmed boy,” restaurant owner Linda Tillman said. U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Fla., along with members of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, asked the U.S. Department

dent Obama encouraged the federal Department of Justice to launch an investigation as well. On Monday, the DOJ released the following statement: “The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Oƥce for the Middle District of Florida and the FBI opened an investigation into the facts and circumstances of the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. The department will conduct a thorough and independent review all of the evidence and take appropriate action at the conclusion of the investigation. The department also is providing assistance to and cooperating with the state oƥcials in their investigation into the incident. With all federal civil rights crimes, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person acted intentionally and with the specific intent to do something which the law forbids – the highest level of intent in criminal law. Negligence, recklessness, mistakes and accidents are not prosecutable under the federal criminal civil rights laws. The Community Relations Service will be in Sanford, Fla., this week to meet with civil rights leaders, community leaders and local law enforcement to address tension in the community.”

“I don’t think a man who exited his vehicle after the 911 dispatcher told him to stay inside the car can claim self-defense,” Carl McPhail, a 28-year-old Barry university law school student, said at the Sanford rally.

The 70 protesters at the Sanford rally chanted, “What if it was your son?” and held posters saying, “This is not a race issue.” Many carried Skittles.

of Justice to review the case.

CBC Chairman Emanuel Cleaver II released the following (partial) statement regarding the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, calling for the Justice Department to investigate: “On Feb. 26, 2012 Trayvon Martin, an unarmed, 17-year-old African American boy, was shot and killed while walking home from a local 7-Eleven. He only had

9

$22, skittles and a can of iced tea in his possession.

Trayvon, who had no criminal record, was described by his teacher as an ‘A and B student who majored in cheerfulness.’ The gunman, self-appointed neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman, admits to killing Trayvon but claims he was acting in self-defense. Three weeks after Martin’s death, Zimmerman was never arrested and remains free. I am outraged by the way in which this case has been handled by the Sanford Police Department in Florida. Those who are meant to protect us and our children have blatantly turned their backs on fairness and justice.”

Late Monday, Florida Gov. Rick Scott directed the state Department of Law Enforcement to help local authorities in their investigation. The governor said in a memo to Department Commissioner Gerald Bradley that the circumstances surrounding the death “have caused significant concern within the Sanford community and the state.”

Prosecutors can have a hard time making a case if there is no one else around to contradict a person who claims self-defense, said David Hill, a criminal defense attorney in Orlando.

So far, Sanford police have said there is no evidence to contradict Zimmerman’s claims.

Gun control advocates said the case is emblematic of permissive gun laws in Florida, which was among the first states to allow residents to carry concealed weapons. Florida was the first state to pass a “stand your ground” law, which has been dubbed a “shoot first” law by gun control advocates.

Currently, about half of all U.S. states have similar laws, said Brian Malte, legislative director of the Brady Campaign, which describes itself as the nation’s largest organization dedicated to the prevention of gun violence.

The “stand your ground” law’s legislative sponsor, Florida Rep. Dennis Baxley, said in a statement released this week “that the law wasn’t written to give people the power to pursue and confront others.”

10

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Steelers WR Hines Bills land Mario Williams Ward retiring

BY BARRY WILNER | ASSOCIATED PRESS

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Hines Ward: The NFL football Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward announced his retirement in that city on Tuesday.

BY WILL GRAVES | ASSOCIATED PRESS PITTSBURGH (AP) — Hines Ward believes he can still play football. The longtime Pittsburgh wide receiver known for his high-wattage smile and his bone-crunching blocks just couldn’t stomach the thought of doing it in some strange uniform on some strange field with nary a Terrible Towel in sight.

“I just wouldn’t feel right,” Ward said.

So rather than play for a 15th season — and his first outside the Steel City — a tearful Ward opted to retire on Tuesday and secure a legacy unmatched in the franchise's long history.

“I can say I’m a Steeler for life and that’s the bottom line, that’s all I’ve really ever wanted,” Ward said.

Ward holds every significant franchise receiving record, including receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. His 1,000 career catches rank eighth all time, and he is one of two players with at least 1,000 receptions and two Super Bowl rings.

The decision comes three weeks after the 36-year-old was released by the Steelers in a salary cap maneuver.

Ward says he was contacted by several clubs but never had any formal discussions. He insists there are no hard feelings for his release, understanding that football is a business.

As if to prove the point, Ward embraced Steelers owner Art Rooney II after stepping away from the podium following the announcement.

“Thank you (Mr. Rooney) for giving a small town boy from Forest Park, Ga., a chance,” Ward said.

The former third-round pick out of Georgia was due to make $4 million next season, an expensive option for a player whose role diminished significantly in 2011 when he finished with 46 receptions, the fewest since his rookie season in 1998. He embraced his role as mentor to Pro Bowlers Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown even though he knew they were chewing into his playing time.

“I know the wideouts are going to be in great hands,” he said.

“They’re full of talent.”

And they’re part of an offense that didn’t exist when Ward made his debut 14 years ago. He spent most of his first three seasons blocking for running back Jerome Bettis, something he did better than any receiver in the league.

Over time, the Steelers evolved from the grind-it-out attack that has been the club’s identity for decades.

Ward’s breakout season came in 2001 when he set a franchise record with 94 receptions then obliterated that mark in 2002 when he finished with 112 catches.

He made four straight Pro Bowls from 2001-2004 and seemed to get better as he aged. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2006 Super Bowl after catching five passes for 123 yards and a touchdown in Pittsburgh’s 21-10 victory over Seattle, the franchise’s first championship in 26 years. The Steelers added a second title in 2009 to give them six, more than any other team in the league.

Ward hoped to get the Steelers their seventh Lombardi Trophy but didn’t catch a pass in a 29-23 overtime loss to Denver in the wild card round of last year’s playoffs. Only one pass came his way, a dart down the sideline by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger during Pittsburgh's final drive in regulation. Denver cornerback Champ Bailey swatted the ball to the ground, and Ward walked off the field and into the unknown.

The former “Dancing With the Stars” champion could have a lucrative postseason career in front of a camera — he worked the red carpet during the Oscars — but he maintained after his release he could still contribute. He still does.

“I feel like I have a few more good years in me left,” Ward said. “I would love nothing more to get back to the Super Bowl.”

He wasn’t willing to do it, however, outside Pittsburgh.

“I want to go down as one of the greats to wear the black-and-gold, and that’s how it should end,” Ward said.

Ward laughed when asked if he See HINES WARD, page 11

NEW YORK (AP) — Megatron and Mario, the richest players in the NFL. When linebacker-end Mario Williams signed a six-year contract Thursday with the Buffalo Bills worth $100 million, $50 million guaranteed, he became the highest-paid defensive player in league history. Williams’ mega-deal followed by one day the $132 million contract the Detroit Lions gave their star receiver, Calvin Johnson.

Johnson’s haul is the most for any NFL player at any position.

Other than Peyton Manning, whose search for a new team continues, Williams was the most sought free agent in this year’s class; Johnson already was under contract in Detroit.

“It’s one of those things you don’t get many chances like this, and opportunities to come in and be the guy who can help the team get across the hump,” said Williams, who was in Buffalo since the free agency period opened Tuesday, having been flown in from his home in North Carolina. “And that’s definitely what I'm here for. My whole intention is to come here, work with guys like Kyle (Williams) and (Marcell) Dareus and make this thing happen.”

The first overall draft pick by Houston in 2006, Williams became a pass rushing force and all-around standout at end before moving to linebacker in the Texans’ new 3-4 alignment last year. But he played only five games in 2011 before a torn chest muscle sidelined him.

Buffalo targeted Williams to upgrade a defense that ranked 26th overall and 28th against the run. The Bills had only 29 sacks last year; Williams has 53 for his career.

Earlier Thursday, guard Ben Grubbs agreed on a five-year, $36 million contract with New Orleans, where he will replace All-Pro Carl Nicks, who left the previous day for NFC South rival Tampa Bay. Grubbs gets $16 million guaranteed, including a $10 million signing bonus.

“Ben comes to us from an offense in Baltimore that experienced a lot of success, both running the football and in pass protection,” Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said. “He was a big part of that and we believe that he can come right in and fit into our program without missing a beat.”

Nicks is considered one of the league’s best pass blockers and was a key part of the Saints’ record-setting offense. Grubbs made the Pro Bowl last season with the Ravens.

Another offensive lineman switching teams was Steve Hutchinson, a fivetime All Pro with seven Pro Bowls who left Minnesota for Tennessee.

Hutchinson changed teams as a free agent once before, in 2006 when he left Seattle for the Vikings. The Seahawks gave him a transition designation, but then couldn't match the deal he got with Minnesota, which included stipulations the Seahawks couldn’t handle under the salary cap.

“I still see him playing at a high level, even in his 11th NFL season,” said Titans coach Mike Munchak, himself a Hall of Fame guard. “He brings experience and success to our line and into the locker room.”

Kansas City agreed to a three-year, $9 million deal with tight end Kevin Boss, who spent one season with

AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File

FILE - A person familiar with the negotiations says free-agent defensive end Mario Williams is getting closer to signing with the Buffalo Bills.

Oakland after four with the New York Giants. The Chiefs’ starter at the position, Tony Moeaki, missed all of 2011 with a torn left knee ligament.

San Diego bolstered its receiving corps by adding Eddie Royal in a threeyear agreement. The fifth-year receiver also is a solid punt returner.

Safety Brodney Pool took a oneyear deal with Dallas, which has been busy in free agency despite losing $10 million in salary cap space over the next two seasons for overspending in the uncapped 2010 season. Pool joins cornerback Brandon Carr, quarterback Kyle Orton, fullback Lawrence Vickers and offensive lineman Mackenzy Bernadeau with the Cowboys.

Linebacker Dan Connor, who spent his first four NFL seasons in Carolina, got a two-year deal from the Cowboys and is expected to compete with Bruce Carter for the inside linebacker spot next to Sean Lee, a former teammate of Connor’s at Penn State.

“Obviously we’ve taken a big step,” Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said. “Getting the cap hit, you have to deal with it and there’s ramifications of that, but it’s not going to stop us from being able to do the things we have to do to be a championship-caliber football team in 2012.”

The Redskins added another free agent by signing safety Brandon Meriweather to a two-year, $6 million deal. Meriweather agreed to the deal as Washington began the task of replacing last year's safety tandem of LaRon Landry and Oshiomogho Atogwe.

But the Redskins will be taking a $36 million salary cap hit over the next two years, so any future spending is problematic.

Chicago re-signed defensive end Israel Idonije for one year. He had five sacks last season after contributing eight in 2010, his first year as a starter.

See MARIO WILLIAMS, page 15

Thursday, March 22, 2012

11

Photo of The Week

Marathon runner Clifton Brown

Photo credit: Brandon I. Brooks for Sentinel

During a recent visit to the newspaper’s office, Clifton Brown sported the famous Sentinel T-shirt. Brown ran in and completed the recent 2012 Los Angeles Marathon. He thanked God and acknowledged the power of prayer as he finished in 5 hours and “change.” As an asthmatic, he shared how running has helped his asthma get better over time. A member of Victory Institute Baptist Church under Pastor Richard Williams, Brown credits the pastor for his guidance, especially thanking him for allowing him to frequent the church gym, where Brown works out and plans to train for future marathons.

Goodell to NFL clubs: Eliminate bounties

BY HOWARD FENDRICH | ASSOCIATED PRESS Commissioner Roger Goodell has ordered the owners of all 32 NFL teams to make sure their clubs are not offering bounties like the New Orleans Saints did from 2009–11.

Goodell’s memo instructs each team’s principal owner and head coach to certify in writing by March 30 that no pay-for-perform-

ance system exists.

Goodell says Wednesday that bounty programs “are incompatible with our efforts to promote sportsmanship, fair play and player safety.”

He suspended Saints head coach Sean Payton for the entire 2012 season and GM Mickey Loomis for the first eight regularseason games while banning former New Orleans defensive coordinator Gregg Williams indefinitely.

HINES WARD Continued from page 10 could go into coaching one day, taking a jab at coach Mike Tomlin, who isn’t sure how Ward’s passion would play in the locker room. One of the most respected players in the league because of his contributions on and off the field, Ward leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.

“On behalf of the NFL players, I want congratulate Hines on an extraordinary career,” NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said.

“I know he will continue to be a leader and example to our men.”

Ward’s already started by urging Wallace to do what he can to remain with the Steelers.

“I told Mike you may get a chance to go other places but there's not anoth-

er place like Pittsburgh,” Ward said.

Certainly not for Ward. His No. 86 jersey has long been one of the team’s top sellers, and his blue-collar attitude rang true to a fan base, where hard work is a way of life. Ward understands the unique relationship the Steelers have with the city and to tarnish it by making a last-gasp attempt to pad his career stats didn’t interest him.

“I want my legacy here to say, you know what he was one hell of a football player who gave it his all,” Ward said. “I’m truly blessed. I played in three Super Bowls, won two Super Bowls, was Super Bowl MVP ... what more could a player want out of his entire football career?”

Charlotte waives veteran forward Boris Diaw

BY STEVE REED | ASSOCIATED PRESS CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Boris Diaw got his wish — he’s out of Charlotte.

The Bobcats announced Wednesday they’ve waived the veteran forward.

Diaw’s agent said Wednesday morning that his client reached an agreement on a contract buyout that will allow him to sign with another team.

Doug Neustadt said Diaw is leaving Charlotte on good terms but that “losing was tough this year and he really wants to be able to participate on a playoff team.”

The Bobcats have won only seven games this season, worst in the NBA. Bobcats president of basketball operations Rod Higgins had no comment on the move.

Diaw was in the final year of his contract and still owed about $2 million of his original $9 million salary this season. It’s unclear how much money Diaw gave up to leave.

The 29-year-old Diaw had fallen out of favor with coach Paul Silas this season and barely played in the last three weeks, often listed as inactive. He only played twice over the past eight games.

He started 28 games this season and averaged 7.4 points and 5.3 rebounds.

AP Photo/Bill Haber

Charlotte Bobcats Boris Diaw has hardly played in the last few weeks. Now he’s leaving the team.

“It was kind of known that Boris wanted to go somewhere else,” said Bobcats guard Gerald Henderson.

“Boris has been one of my friends since I got into the league. I wish him the

best. He will be great wherever he goes.”

Henderson said even though everyone knew Diaw wanted out, he was See BORIS DIAW, page 12

12

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Obama campaign: Oprah Winfrey Network lays off one-fifth of staff De Niro’s joke ‘inappropriate’

BY LYNN ELBER | ASSOCIATED PRESS

AP Photo/CBS, John Paul Filo

First lady Michelle Obama, who paid her first visit to the “Late Show with David Letterman” on Monday, didn’t appreciate Robert De Niro’s recent joke invoking her.

BY CONNIE CASS | ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP) — Actor Robert De Niro opened a fundraiser starring Michelle Obama by listing her Republican rivals and jokingly suggesting that America isn’t “ready for a white first lady.” Newt Gingrich was not amused. And the Obama campaign says the actor’s quip was inappropriate.

Campaigning in Louisiana, Gingrich on Tuesday called De Niro's comment referring to race

“inexcusable” and demanded an apology from President Barack Obama.

Obama didn’t apologize. But his campaign didn’t stand by the actor's sense of humor, either.

Mrs. Obama’s campaign press secretary, Olivia Alair, said the joke was inappropriate.

Publicist Stan Rosenfield said De Niro wouldn’t respond to criticism of the actor’s joke at the New York fundraiser. Rosenfield called the remark “obvious satire.”

RICKEY MINOR Continued from page 6 Christiania Aguilera, and he also was the music director for the Grammy Awards, NAACP Image Awards, the Super Bowl, and American Idol.

Currently Minor is the bandleader for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Minor had a great message for the middle school children at Carver.

“What’s most important was that I chose music, and I chose that as a path,” Minor said. “But my goal here today is to encourage and inspire these kids to understand that it is not the parents’ responsibility, their life is their responsibility. The sooner that they know that, all the decisions will lie on them. They ought to make every decision about where they go to school, about who their friends are, about what career they choose. It’s a big responsibility.”

Minor stressed that succeeding in life, whether it be music, math, or sports, that it is all about hard work and taking the time to become great.

This assembly did not only feature Minor talking to the students.

The Carver Middle School band played some songs for Minor, and he

hopped in on the bass and played right along with them.

Minor had one other important message for the students.

“It doesn’t matter where you come from, it matters where you’re going, and it’s up to you to get there,” Minor said.

Music in Our Schools Month is a nationwide program which was created by the National Association for Music Education, which believes that music programs nationwide are in danger because state and local legislators are attempting to make up for funding shortfalls in this difficult economy by cutting education budgets, which can place school music at risk.

Carver Middle Schools sees a correlation between music and academics, which is why they are building their music program.

“We want to promote our music program and get our children enthusiastic about getting involved in music,” Principal Luz Cotto said. “We truly believe in the performing arts as a vehicle to academic achievement.”

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Oprah Winfrey’s struggling television network, OWN, said Monday it is laying off one-fifth of its workers and restructuring its operations in New York and Los Angeles.

The decision to let 30 employees go is a “tough” one, but the economics of a start-up cable network didn’t fit with OWN’s cost structure, Winfrey said in a statement.

“As CEO, I have a responsibility to chart the course for long-term success for the network. To wholly achieve that long-term success, this was a necessary next step,” Winfrey said.

The responsibilities of the laid-off workers will be distributed among people with the network and its venture partners, Discovery Communications and Winfrey’s Harpo Studios, according to OWN. The cable channel, which launched Jan. 1, 2011, endured a freshman year of executive turnover and missteps that proved OWN lacked a solid foundation on which to build.

This was despite a Discovery Communications investment of a reported $250 million and counting.

Discovery executives will take a more active role in the channel, according to the announcement.

Neal Kirsch, chief financial officer of Discovery’s U.S. networks, will move to OWN as the chief financial officer and chief operating officer, reporting to OWN presidents Erik Logan and Sheri Salata.

John MacDonald had decided to exit as OWN’s COO, Logan said Another Discovery executive, Lee Bartlett, will have joint oversight of business and legal affairs with an OWN vice president, Tina Perry.

OWN started as an ambitious new platform for Winfrey after she stepped away from her long-running, top-rated daytime talk show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” But viewership for OWN shows have been largely unimpressive, with one example being a short-lived Rosie O’Donnell talk show, which was cancelled just last week.

OWN got a burst of viewer attention this month for Winfrey’s exclusive interview with Whitney Houston’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina, which drew 3.5 million viewers, the channel’s biggest audience to date.

From the start, OWN failed to improve on, or in some instances even match, the modest ratings and small audience earned by the low-profile Discovery Health channel it replaced.

As the new channel struggled for footing, Winfrey stepped in behind the scenes and became CEO and chief creative officer of OWN, bringing in her Harpo leadership team of Logan and Salata as presidents. She also increased her on-camera profile with “Oprah’s Next Chapter.”

“I would absolutely say it is and was not where I want it to be for year one,” Winfrey said in December. “My focus up until (last) May was doing what I do best, which is ‘The Oprah

AP Photo/OWN, George Burns

FILE - TV personality and media mogul Oprah Winfrey has taken the “necessary … step” of laying off 30 workers for economic reasons. Also planned: a corporate restructuring of her network’s operations in New York and Los Angeles.

Winfrey Show,’ and giving that my full attention” until its conclusion.

Since September, according to OWN, it’s seen a double-digit increase in ratings and a network high cumulative of 40 million viewers per month.

“We’re very bullish on the evolution of our network,” Logan said

Monday.

The channel is banking on a boost from the second-season returns of “Oprah’s Life Class” and the reality series “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s.”

There are no immediate plans to launch a talk show with a new host to replace O’Donnell, he said.

BORIS DIAW Continued from page 11 never a distraction in the locker room of a divisive presence.

“You have to continue to play with the guys we have,” Henderson said.

“After he let it be known he didn't want to be here anymore, you just kind of have to move on. So that's what we did.”

Silas did not want to comment on Diaw’s departure.

“I’m not going to say anything about that,” Silas said. “We have to go straight up with who we have and we wish him well.”

However, earlier this month Silas was asked about Diaw’s reduced playing time.

“I like a player who is really committed to not only the team but to himself and then doing the best he can as a player,” Silas said. “Some of the things that would go on, like not shooting the ball, passing all of the time, that doesn’t help us.

“I needed hoops and he could put the ball in the hoop. When that wouldn’t happen, it was very disturbing.”

Silas later added: “I think if he had played all out, the way he should have,

it would have been a much, much better club.”

Diaw arrived in Charlotte in December 2008 in a trade along with Raja Bell and Sean Singletary. In return, the Bobcats sent Jason Richardson and Jared Dudley to the Phoenix Suns.

Diaw had an immediate impact in Charlotte and started in a franchiserecord 258 games before being benched on March 6. He never seemed to have the same production after Larry Brown was fired and Silas was brought in to replace him as coach.

By agreeing to a buyout before Friday, Diaw is eligible to compete in the playoffs.

Neustadt said Diaw has a couple of options and he’ll likely sign with another team once the terms of the buyout are approved by the league office.

One possible landing spot is San Antonio, because Spurs guard Tony Parker is a friend and teammate on the French national team.

Silas said he’s not sure if the Bobcats will immediately fill Diaw’0s roster spot.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Hancock launches International Jazz Day and cultures together.”

UNESCO DirectorGeneral Irina Bokova endorsed the initiative. In a NEW YORK (AP) — statement, she said Ambassador Herbie Hancock International Jazz Day is believes what the world needs intended to bring together peois a little jazz diplomacy. ple all over the world “to celeThe renowned jazz brate and learn more about the pianist’s first major initiative art of jazz, its roots and its since being named a impact, and to highlight its UNESCO Goodwill important role as a means of Ambassador last July is to communication that tranestablish International Jazz scends differences.”

Day to be held on April 30 of The official kick-off will every year. That date coinbe on April 27 with an all-day cides with the last day of what program at UNESCO has been celebrated as Jazz Headquarters in Paris that will Appreciation Month in the include master classes, roundU.S. table discussions and improviThis year’s inaugural sational workshops. An event — organized by the evening concert will feature U.N. Educational, Scientific Hancock, Dee Dee and Cultural Organization in Bridgewater, South Africa’s partnership with the Thelonious Monk Institute of AP Photo/Matt Sayles Hugh Masekela and Brazil’s Jazz, which Hancock chairs FILE- Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock’s Tania Maria, among others.

Hancock will begin the — will include star-studded first major initiative since being named by concerts in Paris, New UNESCO last July is to establish International April 30 celebrations with a sunrise concert at New Orleans and New York as well Jazz Day to be held on April 30 of every year.

Orleans’ Congo Square, the as jazz-related events in several dozen countries from Algeria to dom for so many countries over the birthplace of jazz, which comes past half century,” Hancock said in a right after the first weekend of the Uruguay.

Hancock said he had little diffi- telephone interview ahead of city’s Jazz and Heritage Festival.

The concert will present local culty lining up support for his pro- Tuesday’s official announcement of jazz luminaries Terence Blanchard, posal from the 195-member U.N. International Jazz Day. “This is really about the interna- Ellis Marsalis, Dr. Michael White, cultural organization “because so many countries have been affected tional diplomatic aspect of jazz and Kermit Ruffins and the Treme in crucial ways over the years by the how it has throughout a major part Brass Brand. Hancock plans to perof its history been a major force in form his funky standard presence of jazz.”

“Jazz has been the voice of free- bringing people of various countries “Watermelon Man” with high school students from around the world via an Internet link.

He then will fly to New York for a sunset all-star jazz concert for the international diplomatic corps at the U.N. General Assembly Hall to be hosted by Morgan Freeman, Robert DeNiro, Michael Douglas and Quincy Jones. The concert will be streamed live via the U.N. and UNESCO websites.

Its lineup already includes Hancock, Bridgewater, Wynton Marsalis, Wayne Shorter, Christian NEW YORK (AP) — McBride, Esperanza Spalding, Jack Hollywood ex-wives surely have DeJohnette, Derek Trucks, Susan stories to tell, and now five of Tedeschi and Jimmy Heath. The them will have their own TV Americans will be joined by an series. international cast of musicians VH1 said Wednesday that it spanning different genres, includis making “Hollywood Exes,” a ing Richard Bona (Cameroon), one-hour series that will air this Hiromi Uehara (Japan), Zakir summer. Featured players are the Hussain (India), Angelique Kidjo ex-wives of Eddie Murphy, (Benin), Lang Lang (China) and Prince, R. Kelly, Will Smith and Romero Lubambo (Brazil).

Jose Canseco.

Hancock sees his latest initiaThe network said that Nicole tive as an extension of his 2010 Murphy, Jessica Canseco, CD, the double Grammy-winning Andrea Kelly, Sheree Fletcher “The Imagine Project,” a globe(Smith's ex) and Mayte Garcia trotting, genre-mixing effort that (Prince’s ex) “want to show the featured a United Nations of pop world that they are more than and world music stars from 10 AP Photo/Katy Winn, file just a trophy wife with a pretty VH1 said Wednesday that it is making countries. face.”

“I hope that this day spreads the “Hollywood Exes,” a one-hour series The 10-episode series will that will air this summer. Featured joy of spontaneous creation that follow the women as they estab- players are the ex-wives of Eddie exists in this music,” Hancock said. lish their own lives apart from Murphy (Nicole, seen here), Prince, R. “My feeling is that jazz will be gettheir famous exes.

Kelly, Will Smith and Jose Canseco. ting its just due.”

BY CHARLES J. GANS | ASSOCIATED PRESS

VH1 orders series about Hollywood ex-wives

13

2 shot in disturbance after Tyga concert in Omaha OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Two people have minor injuries after a shooting following a rowdy concert by rapper Tyga (TY’-guh) in Nebraska.

Authorities say heated words were exchanged between members of Tyga’s act and some audience members Monday night at Sokol Auditorium, south of downtown Omaha. Some garbage was thrown on stage.

A brief fistfight broke out between band members and people from the audience after the show.

Police say shots were fired at the band’s van and trailer from a car that followed the van for a few blocks.

Police say two people were shot. Sochitta Sal, of Toronto, Canada, was wounded in the arm, but the 19-year-old, better known as Honey Cocaine, was treated and released. The other victim, an 18-year-old, refused treatment for a graze wound.

No arrests have been reported.

AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File

In this June 26, 2011, file photo Tyga arrives at the BET Awards in Los Angeles. Authorities are investigating shots that were fired from a car as Tyga and his band members boarded their tour bus following a rowdy concert in Omaha, Neb., on Monday.

R. Kelly brings back ‘Trapped’ series NEW YORK (AP) — Get ready for more drama from Sylvester, Twan and Pimp Lucius: R. Kelly is delivering more chapters of “Trapped in the Closet.”

The outrageous musical series started off as five videos for the R&B singer’s dramatic cliffhanger songs in 2007. It quickly became a cult classic, and he added more chapters, put the accompanying videos on a DVD and also teamed up with IFC to premiere it.

For the next chapters, Kelly is teaming up with IFC again. He said in a statement Wednesday: “The Alien is back and It has brought friends along.”

He also called the series “not of this Earth.”

Kelly has a new album due soon as well as a memoir due out in June.

It’s unclear when the new “Trapped” chapters R. Kelly. will debut.

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

14

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Sights & Scenes|

CELEBRATION GOSPEL

James Fortune

Shirley Caesar

Ledisi

Faith Evans Yolanda Adams

Rance Allen Group

Marvin Sapp

Steve Harvey

Kelly Price

Michelle Williams

Bobby Jones

Wendy Raquel Robinson

Thursday, March 22, 2012

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HEALTH COVERAGE

CIVIL

Continued from page 7 One argument for the insurance mandate is that the fines are just federal taxes by another name. Another is that it falls under the government's constitutional power to regulate commerce that crosses state borders.

State governments, of course, tell people to buy lots of things, including auto insurance or motorcycle helmets.

“You can always move to another state,” said Tom O'Connor, a consultant in Fairfax, Va., who thinks the health care law overreaches. “It’s a little more difficult to move to another country.”

Many agree.

In an Associated Press-GfK poll, 85 percent said the U.S. government should not have the power to require people to buy health insurance. When the question is worded without the specific reference to federal power, acceptance of the mandate grows a bit, but 6 in 10 are still against it.

Even among those who generally support the health care overhaul, onethird said they are against the insurance mandate. There’s also a significant minority who sees mandates as a cop-out and prefer a government program that covers everyone, Medicare for all.

It's clear that many people do not understand what the law would do or

how it would affect them.

Jan Gonzales, an out-of-work bookkeeper in Pablo, Mont., calls fining people for going without insurance “the most ridiculous, asinine thing you ever heard of.”

“If I can’t put food on the table for my children, how can I pay for health care coverage?” asks Gonzales, who’s been without insurance for seven years. “What moron came up with that idea?” Of course, she might qualify for the law’s exemptions for those too poor to pay and for assistance for lowincome people, as well as many in the middle class.

There also are some religious exemptions.

Estimates vary widely of how many uninsured people will get insurance once it's required in January 2014. About 4 million people would pay a penalty to the Internal Revenue Service for being uninsured in 2016, the Congressional Budget Office estimates.

By 2016, the fine reaches $695 per uninsured adult or 2.5 percent of family income, up to $12,500 per year.

The IRS is in charge of the penalties but can’t prosecute violators or place liens against them. Its only enforcement option may be withholding money from refunds.

That leaves insurance companies,

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. GS014012 Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles Petition of: Ping Zhao for Change of Name TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Ping Zhao filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Allison Yen Vu to Allison Zhao The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing: Date: 04/26/12, Time: 8:30 AM, Dept.: A The address of the court is 300 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, CA 91101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Los Angeles Watts Times Date: Mar 13, 2012 Mary Thornton House Judge of the Superior Court 3/22, 3/29, 4/5, 4/12/12 CNS-2281658# WATTS TIMES

who stand to gain lots of new customers, worried that people instead will shrug off the weak mandate.

Meanwhile, the state-federal Medicaid program will expand to cover more low-income people — and that’s another issue before the Supreme Court, because many states say they cannot afford the extra cost.

REP. JESSE JACKSON JR.

FACEBOOK PASSWORD

Continued from page 4

Continued from page 5

the state and can successfully defend challenges to the five GOP congressmen who won in 2010 during a Republican surge in Illinois.

Republicans will lose at least one congressman because the state lost a congressional seat in the remap — from 19 to 18 — and there’s an incumbent matchup in north-central Illinois.

Manzullo, who has served 10 terms, was trailing behind freshman U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a former Air Force pilot who was among the five GOP freshmen elected two years ago.

Kinzinger’s old district was split in the remap, which was handled by Democrats and carved out territory in their favor. He decided to run against Manzullo, who is currently serving in the 16th Congressional District. The district is one of Illinois’ most conservative pockets, curving from the Wisconsin border to the Indiana line and including farms, far flung Chicago suburbs and manufacturing communities.

No Democrats ran in the Tuesday primary, so the winner will almost certainly head back to Washington.

The primary for Jackson, who first took office in 1995, was the most intense of his career. The son of the civil rights activist mounted an aggressive primary fight with Halvorson as she has made questions about his ethics central to her campaign. While he has denied any wrongdoing, the House Ethics Committee is investigating Jackson’s ties to imprisoned ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

However, the issue appeared to resonate little with voters who cited his long experience in the district which extends from neighborhoods on Chicago’s South Side, its south suburbs and beyond.

“Jesse Jackson Jr. has been in my community for a long time and I support him,” said Oscar Dixon, 63, of Chicago. “He’s like a family member...

He really delivers for me.”

Duckworth, an Army helicopter pilot who lost both her legs in a rocketpropelled grenade attack in 2004, focused her victory on Walsh. The tea party candidate has been in the spotlight for criticizing President Barack Obama. Duckworth called him an extreme voice for the district which is one of the most diverse on the congressional map and spans several northwest Chicago suburbs.

“I spent my entire adult life in service to this nation and I would be honored to continue that service as a mem-

ber of Congress,” she told supporters at her suburban victory party.

In the southern half of the state, three Democrats and three Republicans were on the ballot in the race to replace Costello, whose tenure is the longest of any Democrat in Illinois’ congressional delegation. Costello announced last October that he wouldn't seek another term.

Republicans saw the race as an opportunity to flip the seat into the GOP column in the district that runs from Illinois suburbs of St. Louis to the state's southernmost tip.

MARIO WILLIAMS Continued from page 10 Defensive end Frostee Rucker left Cincinnati for Cleveland and a fiveyear, $21 million contract. Rucker had his best season in 2011 with a careerhigh four sacks in 11 starts.

The Browns also re-signed offensive lineman Oniel Cousins and tight end Alex Smith, both backups.

San Francisco released cornerback Shawntae Spencer, who became expendable after Carlos Rogers resigned with the 49ers and Perrish Cox was added as a free agent. The team then added running back Rock Cartwright.

Denver agreed to terms with safety Mike Adams, who started a careerhigh 16 games for the Browns last season.

Browns President Mike Holmgren told season ticket holders his team's trade proposal to St. Louis for the No. 2 overall draft pick, which the Rams turned down to deal with Washington, was “every bit the offer” as the Redskins made. Like Washington, Cleveland was interested in Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Robert Griffin III of Baylor.

The Giants signed oft-injured

safety Chris Horton, who did not play in the NFL last season. He spent his first three seasons with the Redskins, but missed half of each of his last two seasons with toe and ankle injuries.

New England has re-signed special teams captain Matthew Slater and signed defensive tackle Marcus Harrison. Slater made his first Pro Bowl last season, and has played wide receiver and safety in his four seasons with the Patriots.

with real friends,” said Capt. Mike Harvey. “Their virtual friends will know more about them than a person living 30 yards away from them.”

Harvey said investigators look for any “derogatory” behavior that could damage the agency’s reputation.

E. Chandlee Bryan, a career coach and co-author of the book “The Twitter Job Search Guide,” said job seekers should always be aware of what's on their social media sites and assume someone is going to look at it.

Bryan said she is troubled by companies asking for logins, but she feels it’s not a violation if an employer asks to see a Facebook profile through a friend request. And she’s not troubled by non-disparagement agreements.

“I think that when you work for a company, they are essentially supporting you in exchange for your work. I think if you’re dissatisfied, you should go to them and not on a social media site,” she said.

More companies are also using third-party applications to scour Facebook profiles, Bryan said. One app called BeKnown can sometimes access personal profiles, short of wall messages, if a job seeker allows it.

Sears is one of the companies using apps. An applicant has the

SUPREME COURT Continued from page 4 from the principle that we’ve enunciated that death is different, why is life without parole categorically different from 60 years or 70 years or, you know, you’d be back here next term with a 60-year sentence?” Scalia said.

The court has a range of options available if there is a majority to cut back on states’ sentencing powers. The court could issue a blanket ruling that applies to everyone under 18.

It could set a younger cutoff age, as both defendants at the high court were 14.

The justices also might throw out mandatory sentences but still allow judges to impose life without parole once they consider the circumstances of the crime and the defendant’s background.

On that point, several justices pointed to the apparent difference in the culpability of the defendants in the two cases.

The court should decide the cases by early summer.

The cases are Miller v. Alabama, 10-9646, and Jackson v. Hobbs, 109647.

option of logging into the Sears job site through Facebook by allowing a thirdparty application to draw information from the profile, such as friend lists.

Sears Holdings Inc. spokeswoman Kim Freely said using a Facebook profile to apply allows Sears to be updated on the applicant’s work history.

The company assumes “that people keep their social profiles updated to the minute, which allows us to consider them for other jobs in the future or for ones that they may not realize are available currently,” she said.

Facebook declined to comment except for issuing a brief statement declaring that the site forbids “anyone from soliciting the login information or accessing an account belonging to someone else.”

Giving out Facebook login information also violates the social network’s terms of service. But those terms have questionable legal weight, and experts say the legality of asking for such information remains murky.

The Department of Justice regards it as a federal crime to enter a social networking site in violation of the terms of service, but during recent congressional testimony, the agency said such violations would not be prosecuted.

Lori Andrews, a law professor at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law specializing in Internet privacy, is concerned about the pressure placed on applicants, even if they voluntarily provide access to social sites.

“Volunteering is coercion if you need a job,” Andrews said.

Twitter did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

In New York, Bassett considered himself lucky that he was able to turn down the consulting gig at a lobbying firm.

“I think asking for account login credentials is regressive,” he said. “If you need to put food on the table for your three kids, you can’t afford to stand up for your belief.”

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Thursday, March 22, 2012