CNN iReport - Most Shared

Sundance 2012: Best & Worst Dressed List!

Derbyshire — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:24:23 GMT

"Sundance 2012: Festival After Dark" Hosts J.R. Holbrook and Jen Hardman select the best/worst dressed of the festival 2012.

*Video segment can be viewed on www.festivalafterdark.blogspot.com

www.johnrobertholbrook.com

BEST:

1. Kirsten Dunst - Our #1 beauty at Sundance 2012!

2. Jason Mraz - He has a great look and what a voice.

3. Sigourney Weaver - Love the bag, love the shoes, love everything.

4. Dennis Haysbert - What an elegant, handsome man.

5. Bruce Willis - Just cool!

WORST:

1. Aziz Ansari - What a little punk with bad manners! He was rummaging through the gifting lounges looking for freebies.

2. Will Ferrell - Scruffy, funny & scruffy! He stole Mary Ann's dress from "Gilligan's Island" and made a shirt for Sundance 2012.

3. Helen Hunt - Grey kitten but NOT a hot one! Better luck next year!

4. Spike Lee - Dude...It is NOT game day! A baseball uniform, tie, gold chains, gold tooth, a cross! OMG!

5. William H. Macy - His face and his clothes needed a shave. His sweater had lint balls everywhere. His pasty white skin and red body hair made us throw up a little bit in our mouth.

BEST COUPLE:

Bradley Cooper and Zoe Saldana - Gorgeous from head to toe!

WORST COUPLE:

Richard Gere and his glasses - The bottle cap glasses made his eyes seem HUGE! Maybe he was looking for gerbels? Sorry - Too Soon?

Why Sara Hates Laredo

rrb72 — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:48:51 GMT

LAREDO TX - It seem aka Sara Walls who originally from Colorado, hates Laredo, TX. Sara posted a self-made video on YouTube expressing why she hates Laredo and just about everything else she can think of. Sara does not like it’s people, it’s food and even had a few choice words about the local police department on how they do not inforce the law.

After about 24 hrs., Sara’s video drew up numerous complaints on what she had to say about Laredo, TX, who in hard times, has provided her husband with a good job.

Laredo is a booming border town with a health business in International Trade. Sara has insulted the people, the city, the food and even the local police department.

I believe Sara Walls owes a public apology to all the fine citizens that make up Laredo, TX

You can see the reposted video on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KleGGGZmUpk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Marcellus Shale Reality Tour Part 3 EPA comes to Dimock

ScottCannon — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:39:55 GMT

This is an interview with a resident of Dimock who's water was contaminated by Cabot Oil and Gas, as well as an Trhish Taylor, EPA spokesperon overseeing water testing in the area.

Amazing hoar frost in Minnesota

AJSandve — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:53:47 GMT

St. Paul woke up today to some of the most stunning hoar frost in memory. These photos were taken in Como Park, a local jewel.

As deadline passes, Occupy DC defy Park Police

armandog8 — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:45:20 GMT

As the deadline for all sleeping gear to be taken out of the camp passed, Occupy DC protesters erected a big tent over Gen. McPherson's statue at McPherson square. Chief police visited the installation for a quick check on the tent but no arrests have been made, yet.

To be continued...

*New material will be uploaded soon.

Tribute to Don Cornelius & Soul Train, UAB Gospel Choir

Recall35213 — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:45:55 GMT

The UAB Gospel Choir pays tribute to the late great Don Cornelius & Soul Train, who featured cross-over artists that performed soul and gospel choir. Recorded live at the UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Kevin Turner, Director - UAB Gospel Choir

Occupy DC protests The Alfalfa club

armandog8 — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:29:22 GMT

At 6pm a group from the Occupy DC camp decided to head to the Capitol Hill Hilton Hotel to protest the Alfalfa Club(*) and its members. By then the surrounding area has been heavily blocked by the police, in all directions, and the protesters had no other choice but to wait for members from the Alfalfa club to enter the premises using one of the intersections they were blocking.

At approximately 7pm, Senator Joe Lieberman(I) headed to the Hilton, by foot. As he passed the protesters a heavy cloud of glitter descended upon him and his security; he has just been 'glitter-bombed'.(Photograph #1)

As the evening turned to night the protesters decided to start a block party, with the help of a set of speakers and a laptop. 'Bulls of Parade' by Rage Against the Machine, 'F#@$ the Police' by N.W.A, '(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party!) by the Beastie Boys were some of the songs played by the impromptu DJ. As the crowd started dancing 2 women took off their tops which eventually led to over 20 individuals following the same example, men and women who, with the help of a sharpie pen, wrote on their chests slogans concerning their cause. Surprisingly neither the secret service nor the MPD, both at the scene, arrested any of the individuals for indecent exposure.

By 10pm the protesters decided to head northeast looking for a way that would lead them closer to the hotel. As they approached 16th st nw and M st. officers started moving to reinforce the barrier. At this point the protesters gather into a circle and decided they would run towards the barrier. Expecting for the police to be more kind with women, they all agree that women would go first-most of them half naked. As the women charge against the barrier, police tackle all of them and pushed them to the ground. The protesters attempted to cross the police barrier at least 2 more times without any luck. By this point the police had used horses, in an attempt to push away the protesters. In a maneuver done to separate the crowd, police pushed their horses against the protesters, who at this point weren't attempting to cross any barriers, and trampled them against cars who were parked on the side of the road. At this point, several protesters started yelling that they were going to be filling a complaint with the department regarding the treatment they had just received; a few protesters also complained of some of the horses stepping on their feet.

By 11pm the protesters were back at their original destination: the enter/exit intersection from where some of The Alfalfa club members were making their way into the Hilton. As some of the guests started to exit protesters blocked their way or simply shouted at them. Police quickly came to the rescue of the guests, who were obviously distressed and, at times, scared of the protesters. This lead to more confrontations as police pushed protesters away from the guests' ways.

According to MPD no arrests were made last night.

*Alfalfa club: An exclusive annual black-tie get-together of some of the capital’s movers and shakers.

**All material has been checked to fulfill the community guidelines, because of this some photograph have been blurred.

Philippines: Colored Chicks

linusesc — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:48:10 GMT

Colorful chicks are for sale at the busy sidewalk in Manila, Philippines which is a hit and popular among kids named after a computer game "angry birds".
Animal rights activists are against of selling newborn chicks and coloring them which is in violation of the Animal Welfare Act. The coloring of the chicks involves food coloring which is safe according to vendors.

Opinion- Komen needs to reassess

RichardLovet — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:46:45 GMT

Recently Susan G Komen For the Cure announced that it has ended its funding for the Breast Cancer Screening and education services of Planned Parenthood.

As one of the Past Presidents of the Vermont and New Hampshire Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure I am writing this note to express my disbelief that the Komen Board would take such an action. I have been active in Komen as a Grants Chair, an affiliate Vice President, and an affiliate President. I have supported Komen as a runner, as contributor. My name has appeared on the back of Komen t shirts proudly worn by men, women, and children who have joined the fight against this horrible illness.

I am an oncologist here in Vermont, I am one of the past chairs of the Vermont Cancer Plan. I am the son of a breast cancer survivor. I have a wife and three daughters, all of which have supported the Komen cause.

Why did we do it?

Komen was the preeminent Breast cancer charity. Komen funded research, education, screening, and support for the millions of women who suffer, have suffered, or will suffer from this disease. As grant chair, we in Vermont have funded grants to organizations who have helped countless women and men with breast cancer. We have never let politics play a role in our decision process. We have helped women in all walks of life, women in all social circles, women in all economic groups.

Why do we do this?

Breast cancer affects all women, all men. Breast cancer affects one out of 8 women. Breast cancer affects families, it affects husbands, children. It affects men who suffer with it. It affects communities, it affects schools when teachers have breast cancer, it affects governments when politicians have breast cancer.

In short, BREAST CANCER AFFECTS US ALL. IT AFFECTS DEMOCRATS, IT AFFECTS REPUBLICANS, IT AFFECTS LIBERALS, IT AFFECTS CONSERVATIVES, IT AFFECTS US ALL REGARDLESS OF IDEOLOGY.

Susan G Komen For the Cure must reevaluate its decision to end funding for the majority of breast cancer services done by Planned Parenthood. Regardless of political considerations, Komen must support women with breast cancer and not let ideology dictate who should live and who should die.

Komen must reevaluate and change this decision to end funding of this organization which does so much to support the health of so many breast cancer patients.

Private schools' students join Egypt 's strike

arasquare — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:41:16 GMT

Hundreds of private schools' students joined Egypt's general strike and marched through the streets of Cairo demanding the end of military rule and transition of power to a civilian authority.

Japanese protest: NO!DA! Taxed Enough Already!! (Rally by the Happiness Realization Party)

JapansVoice — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:13:46 GMT

Anti-government rally arranged by the Happiness Realization Party on the opposition to tax increase and the resignation of Prime Minister Noda. Held
in Shibuya, Tokyo Japan and concurrently in Osaka and Nagoya. 4700
demonstrators are angry and plea for the resignation of current Prime
Minister Noda calling his rule a Marxist

Occupy Oakland's: Move In Day

dinalee — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:19:52 GMT

On Friday January 28th Occupy Oakland held an event called Move In Day. The original plan was to march to a building, who's locale was never published, and occupy it. However their plans were thwarted by heavy police presence, so they regrouped at Frank Ogawa plaza aka Oscar Grant plaza. After several "mic checks" plans were once again made, so they took to the streets. Marching through Oakland the protesters were always followed by the police until Oakland PD made the decision to trap them on a street and arrest as many of them as possible. At least 150 were then arrested. I narrowly escaped arrest because the employee's of the local YMCA allowed us to enter the building and escape through the back door. Occupy Oaklanders were constantly followed by the police. Teargas, smoke bombs and flash bangs were set-off constantly. At least 200 Occupy Oaklanders managed to escape the arrest pen, and they once again regrouped at Frank Ogawa plaza. But instantly they all realized the doors to Oakland City Hall were left open. So they entered it, and it got messed up bad. There was no security at the doors of City Hall. An American flag was set on fire in front of Oakland City Hall. There had been several injuries during the actions, and at least 300 total have been arrested. Oakland City officials are going on the record stating the protests are hurting them financially. And the 99'ers say FIX THE ECONOMY, and HELP THE POOR. More actions are planned. I reported this action via updates on my Facebook profile. https://www.facebook.com/dinaboyer

TAZA Morocco Under Heavy Attack

bleedinhart — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:33:49 GMT

Taza, Morocco

Unarmed protesters and non protesters alike have been indiscriminately beaten senseless and their doors kicked open, arrested, rapped and whipped before the watching eyes of their children/parents/spouses.

Moroccan riot police, regular police AND ARMY have been dispatched to the city from all neighboring cities and military bases.

Army is using rocks, rubber bullets, smoke bombs and tear gas against protesters.

This video however short, shows how the Moroccan war machine beats Moroccan citizens senseless. It is graphic.

IF?! MITT'S POOR PROBLEM

dpkronmiller — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:39:21 GMT

My reaction to Mitt Romney's remarks today regarding the "very very poor".

More from me at:
www.themiddlenation.com

Susan G Komen For The Cure Foundation Funding Cut To Plan Parenthood A Travesty

EWillies1961 — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:21:55 GMT

The Susan G Komen Foundation For The Cure funding cut to Plan Parenthood is a travesty. This is politics that materially affects our low income women. These funds were used to provide women with breast exams. It is presumed that the funds were cut under political pressure because Planned Parenthood uses a minute percentage of its budget for abortions. One can only wonder if this was an issue that affected men if it would even be an issue.

My Book– Follow Me– Visit Me

missing 19 year old

robertamae — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:48:47 GMT

19 year old Brandon Tyler Crain is missing from Munfordville, Kentucky since the early morning hours January 26, 2012
Back to HomePage

Updated: 12:06 AM Jan 31, 2012
Communities are Helping Missing Hart County Teen's Family
19 year old Brandon Crain of Munfordville went missing last Thursday and the support grows more each day to help his family find him.
Posted: 10:08 PM Jan 30, 2012
Reporter: Michael Gossum
Email Address: michael.gossum@wbko.com

Canals Freeze in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

clayzell — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:33:48 GMT

Resembling a painting by one of the Dutch masters, this was the scene in Amsterdam on February 8, 2012 as children and adults took to the ice on the frozen Kloveniersburgwal canal. Local TV station AT5 reported that an impromptu skating party took place later that evening on the central Prinsengracht canal.

amsterdam netherlands canal weather

It’s gonna be a SNOW DAY for Denver, Colorado

Swinden — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:46 GMT

Evergreen, COLORADO – It is shortly after 3 am in morning here in the mountains west of Denver, and we cannot sleep….because it is going to be a SNOW DAY! Snow started in the Front Range about 6 pm last night and currently there is a foot on the ground. We are expecting about two feet by Saturday morning when the storm completely moves out of the region.

With a major winter storm pummeling the Denver metro area and adjacent Front Range Mountains and Foothills, we are actually looking forward to this welcome bout of old man winter because it has been a dry winter with little or no snow here in Colorado. However the Colorado ski resorts will not get any of this snow as most of the snow will be east of the Continental Divide and in the Plains.

With what will surely be a record breaking snow storm for the Denver metro area as the average snowfall for all of February is only 7 plus inches – the 20 plus inches of snow through Saturday morning will close schools, cancel hundreds of flights, and cause life-threatening blizzard conditions in the plains just east of Denver to western Kansas and Nebraska.

Saturday Morning Update – Today is dig out day as just light snow flurries in the Denver metro and foothills. Parts of the Denver metro picked up a record breaking 20 inches of snow while parts of the adjacent Front Range Foothills picked up two to four feet of badly needed snow. In a typical February, Denver will only receive around seven inches of snow for the entire month.

All winter storm and blizzard warnings have been dropped. Roads and highways from Denver to Kansas are still closed as of this morning. After canceling nearly 600 flights yesterday, Denver International Airport is operating as normal while airlines try to get through the backlog of travelers.

Unfortunately, none of the major Colorado ski areas received any of this beneficial snow. This has been a dry ski season with many ski resorts still not up to 100% open.

Story, video, and photos by Matt Swinden

Screen Actors Guild Awards Red Carpet part 2

KCRep — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:54:22 GMT

I was given the opportunity to sit in the Red Carpet Bleachers at this years SAG awards held Sunday Jan. 29th, 2012. It was amazing and so much fun. Please enjoy these pictures of some of the cast of Modern Family, the cast won for best comedy ensamble. This show never loses!

Federal Police Charge at Occupy DC

ebecker2000 — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:18:47 GMT

A face off between the United States Park Police, enforcing a no camping regulations at McPherson Park in Washington DC, and Occupiers fearful that the police could not be trusted as they moved toward the main Occupy Library. So the Occupiers sat down ready for arrest, but instead of arrest, the Police formed a moving scrimmage line in the front, and sides - narrowing the escape route in part blocked by people sitting down. The Police charge to push through. In the mayhem, a women screams, people panic and some are trampled Some officers may have broken ranks and charged ahead but in all fairness the one caught in this video pushing against the women was one of the main commanders. who is caught in this video lunging ahead with his baton against the woman's back, she is pushed on to the fallen camera person who was taking this video.

Haidar Abushaqra, father of six, disappeared without a trace.

Melinda2313 — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:28:48 GMT

Haidar Abushaqra also known as "Harry", 40, went missing December 7, 2011 after an altercation at work. Haidar was last seen at his dealership at 369 Main St. in Manchester, CT. Haidar's mercedes was found abandoned in the parking lot of the dealership Thursday morning. Haidar is a father of 6 children, 4 of which were the Quadtruplets that were delivered at the UConn Health Center.

December 7th around 8:30pm was the last time anyone has heard Haidar's voice. He had called his wife, Nada Jad to tell her that he would be home soon to take her to the movies. Prior to that phone call he had called his brother and asked him to, "please come to the dealership, they're scaring me."

The altercation mentioned above involved mechanics who were renting a garage from Haidar. These mechanics has not paid the rent agreed upon and were meeting Haidar to discuss this issue. This meeting turned into an argument resulting in the mechanics creating a fake lease and forging Abushaqra’s signature. The mechanics were the last people to see Haidar.

The mechanics denied knowing anything but refused to take polygraph tests. A week after Haidar’s disappearance, they mechanics found Haidar’s keys at the dealership. This leaves the family with unanswered questions as the dealership was searched thoroughly by family and police the morning Haidar’s disappearance became known.

In the midst of Haidar missing, several newspapers who have covered the story supplied the public with incorrect and demeaning information regarding Haidar. The family of Haidar is currently in the process of filing suit against these companies. The family has also hired 2 teams of private investigators.

Haidar has been missing for 2 months and authorities have yet to find any leads as to where he may be or what could have led to his disappearance. Local and National media has yet to cover his story.

The family established a FACEBOOK page http://www.facebook.com/findhaidar in hopes that someone recognizes his face and steps forward with information about what happened the night of December 7th, 2011. They believe someone possesses some sort of information that would lead them to his whereabouts.

The family also would like to say that if ANYONE has seen what happened, heard anything or has any info of his where abouts or that would leads to his where abouts to contact them at the info provided below. They will give any demanded reward to bring Haidar home.

Media and support may contact findhaidar@gmail.com

You may call (860) 645-5500 with any tips or information regarding Haidars whereabouts or if you have seen anything the night of December 7th, 2011.

The public may help by visiting and “liking” the community FACEBOOK page

http://www.facebook.com/findhaidar

You may Also “TWEET” or share the information on your own Facebook page by copying and pasting:

MISSING Haidar Abushaqra Father of 6 missing frm Manchester CT LIKE http://www.facebook.com/findhaidar http://twitpic.com/88zs8b #findhaidar

http://www.twitter.com/helpfindhaidar is the Twitter page.
You may contact @helpfindhaidar and follow using the hash tag #findhaidar.

Haidar Abushaqra
Age: 40
DOB: December 21, 1971
Height: 5'6
Weight: 205 lbs
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Dark hair (brown/black)
Contact 1 860.645.5500 with any information.

Prospect Park In Fantasyland

anobid — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:07:45 GMT

Flo DiBona

Very few people knew who Prospect Park was before July 7, 2011 when they were awarded the licensing rights to iconic Disney/ABC soap operas All My Children and One Life to Live. They released a statement promising the shows would air online in the same format beginning with All My Children on September 26, 2011, the Monday after All My Children aired for the last time on Disney/ABC. September 23, 2011 came and All My Children aired for the last time on Disney/ABC, but the online launch was postponed as unions and actors were publicly blamed.

Meanwhile, One Life to Live, a ratings hit in daytime, came closer to its last Disney/ABC air date of Friday, January 13, 2012. Rumors of sets and studios being secured for One Life to Live circulated. Actors from both shows were confirming signings with Prospect Park. On November 3, 2011, the Wall Street Journal published an article about Prospect Park’s funding issues.

As the final week of taping unfolded for One Life to Live cast and crew, the week began on a high note with expectations of transitioning to One Life to Live 2.0 via Prospect Park. Even the Executive Producer and Head Writer had been signed for the transition. Cast and crew had been told that the existing studio had been secured and future production would continue at least initially there. However, the week did not turn out like anyone expected.

Cast and crew were unexpectedly and unceremoniously emailed a notice to have all of their belongings removed from their dressing rooms and offices or have them disposed of. Calls to Prospect Park were reportedly not returned. On November 18, 2011, the cast and crew of One Life to Live taped the last episode for Disney/ABC airing. Then, on November 23, 2011, Thanksgiving Eve and just days later, Prospect Park issued a statement that they were suspending plans for producing both shows.

On December 1, 2011, Disney/ABC announced that the One Life to Live Executive Producer and Head Writer were moving to General Hospital effective January 9, 2012. Since that time, there have been steady rumors that Jeff Kwatinetz is still seeking funding for Prospect Park to produce these shows. On December 6, 2011, Agnes Nixon spoke at Harvard University of Prospect Park having approached her about moving the shows to Canada to be produced. On January 11, 2012, it was announced that several One Life to Live actors and their characters were being transitioned to Disney/ABC’s General Hospital. Then on Friday, January 13, 2012, the last episode of One Life to Live aired on Disney/ABC.

The website Prospect Park set up for their online network remains static as it continues to be a means of collecting fans’ contact information for updates. But there have been no updates via the site to-date. Remarkably, weeks apart, two Facebook soap fan group administrators were contacted by Prospect Park. In both cases, Prospect Park accused soap fans of hindering their efforts to seek funding by making contact with them, investors, networks, advertisers and affiliates. They claimed there were threats made, threats no soap fan or group would condone.

There seems to be a great disconnect between Prospect Park and the very consumers it bases any financial projections on. The disrespect with which Prospect Park has treated the actors, crews, and fans of both shows continues in this latest contact. Words used were extremely condescending and demonstrated this disconnect.

If Prospect Park were in Fantasyland, their approach to-date would be appropriate. However, this is business and Prospect Park’s business depends on viewers. Lack of communication and respect does not bring in those viewers and the damage done thus far to that relationship is quite severe. It is questionable whether the damage done is repairable. Prospect Park does have an opportunity to redeem themselves from a place that is not going to otherwise improve any time soon. All it will take is giving fans what they want – return the licensing rights of both shows to Agnes Nixon through whatever arrangements need to be made with her and/or Disney so they can be returned to production.

Prospect Park may have had good intentions in wanting to produce these shows and bring them online. But without an intimate understanding of the genre, shows, histories, actors, crews, process, unions, viewers, appeal, and respect for each, it would likely never be successful.

271 Students Helped by University Community: After the Fire

mediaman — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:33:48 GMT

La Crosse, WI On January 29, a fire broke out in a residence hall basement at UW-La Crosse. Fire alarms went off around 4:29am warning students to immediately vacate the building. Fortunately there were no deaths or injuries. With the spring semester just underway, nearly 300 students had to gather their possessions and move to new living quarters. Friends, families, and the university community came to help with the move. These are their stories.

A constant line of friends and volunteers formed outside of Drake Hall to help students move to their new living spaces on and off campus. Large wheeled storage bins were lined up to help the displaced residents. The university track team and campus volunteers lifted and carried a wide assortment of items down the stairs and out the door. The atmosphere was generally upbeat despite the circumstances.

Douglas Meyer,from Peshtigo, WI surveyed his “college stuff” and packed with methodical precision. He said it’s tough, but things are going pretty well. “I’m confident we are going to adjust.”

Outside, Katie Johnson of Appleton was smiling as she helped her friend Alex Hoppock of Green Bay, who lived in Drake Hall. Katie and her roomates offered their apartment to Alex for the semester. As she carried out boxes of Alex’s things, she said, “It's the least I could do. I couldn't imagine going through what he's going through. I'm just glad no one got hurt, especially since a lot of my friends lived in Drake." Alex reflected, “It's times like these that you find out who your true friends are."

On the second floor the smell of smoke still hung in the air. In one room, Chancellor Joe Gow helped Lauren Emenecker from Neenah. They both acknowledged Lauren’s challenges she’d face in the upcoming weeks. As they finished packing they smiled, shook hands and were on their way. In an adjoining open area, Caitlyn Socwell of Seymour and Paxton Proft of Melrose, WI offered cardboard boxes for students to pack their belongings.

Down the hallway, Stephanie Berg and her family from Wisconsin Rapids talked about fire. When asked how the parents heard about the fire, Stephanie said, “Through Facebook.” Her parents, Doug and Suzanne said, “It was so helpful to see the photos of the fire damage. It wasn’t until we saw the photos we knew it was bad.” Roommate Jackie Gautheir was in the top bunk and when she heard the alarms she “freaked out.” Gautheir said, “All I can remember after hearing the alarms was hitting things all around me. I knew we had to get out as fast as possible.”

Curt Hargis, father of Hailey from Lakefield, MN flew from Denver to help her move out of her room. As Hargis pulled the bedding off his daughter’s bed he said, “When Hailey called I knew I had to get to her as soon as I could. I’m glad I made it.” In the next room Sean Gardon took his bed apart with the help of his aunt, Laurie Koll Sparta, WI. Sean’s parents in West Bend, WI could immediately travel to La Crosse to start helping. Family members from all around were pitching in to help.

Outside the residence hall, Diane and Herb Schanke of Neenah stood with their son Adam in front of their minivan packed with college “stuff.” Diane said, “The photos of the fire really told the story.” She paused and reflected, “….and to think what could have happened.”

Makensie Christel, a Biology student from Hartford, WI best summed up the fire by saying, “I was scared when the alarms went off. I jumped out and didn’t think it was real.” She said, “All I had was boxer shorts on. It was really cold, but I’m glad I got out when I did.”

According to Campus Fire Watch, over the past 3 weeks, there have been nine significant campus fires in the U.S. including 3 deaths and 9 injuries. In La Crosse, working fire alarms and alert students averted tragedy. The other story is how a university community came together and helped 271 students continue their lives and education- all after the fire.

Palos Verdes High School goes full out 'Glee'!

timbervvoIf — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:00:15 GMT

Local school in Rancho Palos Verdes, California records a video with their school of over one thousand students participating in a lip-sync to Check It Out, by Will.i.am.

The purpose of the video was to draw in future high-schoolers into joining their school.

Watch out Glee fans, this school is showing off their own colors!

Originally posted by a student in this school's Adult Student Body group on Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wwi5wNuRrac

Cuban man vows hunger strike until his death for his freedom in Barbados

garciaej — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:57:55 GMT

Raul Garcia was born in Santiago de Cuba on the 9^th of April, 1954. Due to the political situation in Cuba, he along with his father and mother emigrated to Spain in April 1964 and then onto the U.S.A. Once in the United States, he unfortunately got involved in the drug trade and subsequently was arrested. In an effort to evade prosecution he fled the country. Raul then moved to Columbia in June of 1988, where he assumed a new identity. Essentially, Raul Garcia had vanished from the face of the earth; his new name was Edilberto Coronell Munoz.

Edilberto Coronell Munoz was arrested in Barbados on the 28^th of September 1994 on drug charges; he was eventually sentenced to life in prison, along with a $1,000,000.00 fine. After a successful appeal, five years later, the sentence was reduced to 20 years; because it was determined the crown did not provide the proper evidence to substantiate its case for trafficking. It was the charge of trafficking which carried a life sentence. Unable to pay such a large fine, Mr. Monoz was forced to serve out his sentence. This sentenced expired on the 11^th of March 2010; having ‘paid his debt to society’ one would expect Mr. Raul Garcia/Edilberto Coronell Munoz to be a free man today, but this is where this twisted and inhumane true life story begins anew.

In 2001, Raul was confronted with some devastating news. His eldest son had died of an overdose of heroine. For him this was a time of great emotional pain and also a time for him to start clearing way the wreckage of the past. He decided to reveal the truth about his past to the authorities in Barbados. He disclosed his true identity and his entire background, so that he could face any charges in America once his sentence had expired. Having fled prosecution in the U.S.A. also meant that he may have faced extradition; fortunately that proved not to be of consequence as the federal government chose not to pursue the case any further. It was also understood he would instantly be arrested should he set foot on American soil ever again. Living in America was no longer an option for him.

After he was released from prison in Barbados and passed over to the custody of immigration, he once again revealed his true identity because immigration was not made aware of his past by either the police or the prison. In spite of this, immigration insisted Raul travel back to Colombia on a false passport; he refused to commit this illegal act, because essentially he was now a changed man. For the fallowing nine months he was detained at the airport while they (immigration) confirmed his true identity through Interpol and the Cuban Government.

Due to the political stance of the Cuban Government, Mr Garcia has been denied his human right of repatriation to his country of birth. His situation is further compounded by the unfortunate choices and consequences he faced as a result of those choices. Despite the fact he legally emigrated to the U, was painfully aware that he could not return there. Returning to Colombia having serving 16 years in prison because of his involvement in the drug trade has also been ruled out. Today Raul Garcia is a totally changed man. The type of life he used to live is no longer of interest to him and the heavy influence the narcotics trade has on every day life in Colombia has forced him to rule out that country as an option for resettlement. Essentially this leaves Mr. Raul Garcia as a man with no country to call home. The Immigration Department here in Barbados, not knowing what to do with him housed him temporarily at the Grantely Adams International Airport for about 9 months in their detention area. MORE THAN 17 MONTHS SINCE HIS RELEASE FROM PRISON, RAUL GARCIA IS STILL BEING HELD IN PRISON.

While incarceration at the various HMP facilities in Barbados Garcia spent about 17 total years. Of that 7 and a half years were spent in maximum security lock down; this is a 24 hour solitary lock up. Never once during his entire prison stay has he been involved in a situation which required disciplinary action. His behavior has been impeccable. He has learned to paint and is now considered one of the best artists in the prison. In addition he has read extensively and is now well versed in subjects such as: Psychology, Biology, History and Medicine. He is without a doubt, a rehabilitated man. Raul has spent many years counseling and advising his fellow inmates about the negative consequences of using and trading drugs. He has given freely of his time and self to help stem the flow of people returning to prison again because they are trapped by the lure of “easy money” in the drug trade; as well as those who continually run afoul of the law because they are trapped by the vice of addiction. The prison administration has recognized his commitment and this clearly outlined this in recommendation letter written by the prison to the courts in the USA.

To further compound his situation, Raul Garcia has been experiencing worsening medical conditions for the past few years. While at the airport, under the care of immigration he sought medical attention which required tremendous personal out-of pocket expense for the services of a cardiologist. Having paid over $3000.00 to a specialist he was unable to get the required treatment because immigration snatched him out of the doctor’s care and returned him to prison. He was never able to recoup any of his money. He is diagnosed as having Angina Pectoris and this has created yet another handicap for him. Now that he is housed at HMP Dodds once again, Further medical issues have arisen, which include high blood pressure and continued digestion issues. On his latest visit to the doctor, it was recommended he try his best to get out of prison as soon as possible, by finding a country that will accept him. That is totally out of his hands.

Being housed at HMP Dodds, Mr Garcia is treated exactly as any other convicted prisoner. No special concessions are given despite the fact he is not serving a custodial sentence. No work assignment, no school opportunities, limited recreation and only 15 minute phone call per week. There is no television, no radio, no magazines, no news papers and no contact with the outside world. He is locked in a cell from 6.00pm each and every day.

This situation, which has no clear end in sight, is creating a tremendous amount of stress on his family. His parents have supported him throughout his incarceration and are lost as to what they could do to spend the last few years of their life with their third born son. Their last wish would be to see Raul a free man. The government of Barbados must take a humanitarian stance concerning this matte and see to it that Raul Garcia is released from prison.

Letter from Raul to Barbados justice system and Barbados:

It is with the greatest of respect that I address myself to the entities of the Barbados Government which are currently responsible for my present incarceration at Her Majesty’s Prisons Dodds, St. Philip. The entities are namely:

•    The Attorney General’s Office
•    The Immigration Department
•    The Barbados Prison Service

I would also like to include in this Communique the Government of the Republic of Cuba, or any government, body entity or person that may sympathize, empathize, or in any other way take an interest in bringing this matter to a successful and satisfactory conclusion.

On the 11th. Day of March 2010, I Raúl García of Cuban Nationality completed a twenty (20) year sentence of imprisonment at Her Majesty’s Prisons. Upon my release, I was placed in the custody of the Immigration Department for deportation. However, because of the form of past laws in the Cuban Government, they denied my repatriation, such that, I ended up being held at the Grantley Adams International Airport as a detainee for nine (9) months.

After this prolonged period, I was returned to Her Majesty’s Prisons Dodds, St. Philip without being charged or sentenced, far less, by any order of the Courts of Barbados. To date, I have spent a total of twenty-two (22) months imprisoned after I should have been a free man.

It must be stated that while I was held as a detainee by the Immigration Department (and this is not to be desired), the treatment meted out to me differed vastly from that to which I am now being subjected.

Her Majesty’s Prisons Dodds is a maximum security facility, and as such, there is no differentiation or consideration for persons being kept there. In essence, I am treated the same as any other prisoner who has been sentenced by the Courts of Barbados for an offence, or as prisoners on remand pending court matters.

I wish to further add that my case is not a unique or unprecedented one. They were two instances which closely parallel my situation. These are Sotero vs the Queen and a group of Africans vs the Queen which resulted in these persons being released into the society until their matters could be decided.

It might also be noted that while those persons were unknown quantities, a report has been submitted by Her majesty’s Prisons in respect of me, outlining my conduct while in prison and any rehabilitation programme that I would have attended.

This report has clearly shown that I have never contravened or engaged myself in any conduct contrary to the good governance of Her Majesty’s Prisons, Barbados in the fifteen that I served. Also, through my work programme, I was able to become an artist of note, to the extent that I have won Gold Medals in the Island’s Premier (showcasing of talent) NIFCA (annual) competition.

During this time I was also allowed, due to my classification from Her Majesty’s Prisons, to show, explain and sell art of this event and of any others that would have arisen (Holetown Festival, Barbados Labour Party Annual Conference etc.).

Now, as a result of my being under the total rigors of a maximum security prison with the said consideration and treatments; placed under the same conditions as any other prisoner who has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment including life or Queen’s Pleasure; unrecognized as an Immigration Detainee; unable to even receive proper medical attention for my heart condition; imprisoned indefinitely, which is to be decided by the Government of Barbados and not the Law Courts; and because there is no humane consideration towards reunion with my children, very old parents that have been waiting for seventeen (17) years for my release, and the rest of my family; and because the opportunity for me to be free again and continue my roles as father, son and husband has been denied:

Today the 17th. of January in the year 2012, I Raúl García declare myself in Hunger Strike!

This state of affairs will continue until a solution is found for my plight, or my death occurs… My objective is to gain my freedom, but the discrimination, lack of consideration and indolence that has been demonstrated by the Government in every respect of this matter have carved in my heart an end to my hope, faith and beliefs that this situation is being dealt with genuineness.

I have come to the conclusion that this matter has become a personal vendetta against me for the illegal act that occurred seventeen (17) years ago, which I fully paid for with seventeen (17) years of imprisonment, making it now two (2) years over what the Courts of Barbados had stipulated that I should serve.

At this juncture I would have it noted that under no conditions do I intend to resort to any rebellious behavior with the use of violence or resentment, much less disobedience of any kind to the authorities of Her Majesty’s Prisons Dodds. Also, that I will under no circumstances opt in any way to terminate my life by suicide. My determination in this instance is to stop ingesting anything of food, drink or anything of a nourishing nature until and not before my problem is resolved, or, my death ensues.

If any member of the relevant ministries feels that my death is preferable, then that shall be my fate. It will be the decision of the government to cause my death and not me myself, for at the end and everything is taken into account, I am subjected to conditions that leave me alive but yet dead. However, I appeal to the relevant Ministries and Departments of the Barbados and Cuban Government and any other Government, Body Entity or Person to render me any and all assistance they can, because I have pursued all avenues that were open to me in this final effort to have my plight recognized and resolved.

I thank you in advance for any assistance rendered.

Sincerely yours,

Raúl García

Raul Garcia is a redeemed man! He deserves to be free!

For the past two years he has been detained in this prison where he has vowed his hunger strike. After 20 days and a loss of 27 pound he has been placed in solitary confinement because he refuses to stop his strike.

Here is a link to his artwork and his letters of recomendations.

http://coronellart.blogspot.com/

http://coronellart.blogspot.com/p/letters-of-recomndation.html

The Heart Behind The Walls

RaznCain — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:33:46 GMT

I work in a venue that most people do not even want to think about. Each and every day, I work with people that society describes as "rejects," "undesirable," or "dangerous." Each and every morning, I enter a world of thick steel doors, cold floors, unforgiving bars, and cinder-block walls. But I do not wear a badge or carry a weapon. I carry a stethoscope, I walk softly, and I wear very thick skin.

I am a correctional nurse and although the majority of people I speak with do not understand how I can do what I do, there are times I feel the same about other professions. But to each of us who enter those heavy locked doors, it is literally a calling and one that we do not answer lightly.

From the young mother who injected too much methamphetamine and forgot to check on her baby to the elderly man with Alzheimer's who forgot to show up at court; the reasons are many and the excuses are even more plentiful, but one thing will always hold true to this population of people. They are all human. While some are admittedly cruel and their actions incomprehensible, there are others who simply made poor choices and are paying the consequences. Regardless of why they are incarcerated, each one has medical needs that must be addressed.

As I walk the brightly lit corridors between cells, I often hear brutal conversations, have degrading remarks made to and towards me, and the ever-present frequent flyer asking if I will see him or her at today's sick call. One inmate has diabetes, another has Hepatitis C, a young girl is pregnant, a young man has just lost his mother, an elderly man has high blood pressure, a twenty year old young woman has had a stroke, someone will die tonight . The list is endless.

Even though there are days I question this calling, every inmate that enters my exam room has a story to tell. Every vial of blood I draw, every blood pressure I take, ever pill I administer, every tear I watch fall, every one of them has a bit of truth and a bit of fiction and it is my job to separate the two.

It is also my job to provide competent, professional, empathetic, and compassionate care. I literally have to know a little bit about everything. The majority of my inmates are addicts, most from broken homes, and nearly all of them, hurting in one way or another. Most days I am just the nurse while others, I am the "bitch," and on occasion, I am the angel.

To say it can be challenging, would be a tremendous understatement. There are days I go home in tears because I know the inmate I have just treated, has committed the unspeakable. And yet the very next morning, I don my scrubs and return behind those walls.

The correctional officers at the facility where I work never leave me unattended. If I am with an inmate, they are always present. Questions are asked and answered from both sides and I rely heavily on their observations and opinions before treating inmates I am unfamiliar with and more often than not, inmates I am familiar with. I am their partner and they are mine and I could not do my job without them.

I love what I do and yes, there are times I am angry and disgusted by what I must witness. And then there are the times when I see an inmate on the street who recognizes me (and this is always a moment of stress for me), they smile and thank me for making a difference in their life. A positive difference.

I treat my inmate patients equally and though they may not get what they want and rarely have a kind word to say about me, they know I am their greatest and sometimes only, advocate for their continued healthcare during their incarceration.

I rise and go to bed with a clear conscience, knowing that I continue to answer my call, the best way I can.

I am... the heart behind the walls

Photo From Amos House Community "Why it Pays to Imprison: Interrogating the Prison-Industrial Complex" http://amoshouse.wordpress.com/2010/04/08/why-it-pays-to-imprison-interrogating-the-prison-industrial-comple

Free Byrd

marc0718 — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:01:01 GMT

Texarkana TX high school student Austin Byrd's suspension causes an uproar among schoolmates. He was suspended after jumping in school's pond, fined and sentenced to community service. After all day protests, the sentence was reduced. They are selling "Free Byrd" t-shirts to help cover cost of the fine.

Lunar New Year in Chinatown, NYC

NYCfoto — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:19:22 GMT

There were dragons and dragon handlers past Sunday in Chinatown NYC. This was a lively celebration of the Year of Dragon. More people than ever gathered together in tiny streets all smiling, playing and spraying confetti. Some lucky ones passed red envelopes into the mouths of many dragons seen dancing during the annual parade. Some just stayed for fun. We went there and took lots of photos, for full album go to - http://nycfoto.com/l.Z6Eb

Bobby brown and new edition emotional words

moshiu — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 08:29:15 GMT

Bobby asked for pray for his daughter and himself as well

Clint Eastwood critics show what's wrong in American politics

omekongo — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:56:45 GMT

The fact that Clint Eastwood made a pro-America ad during the presidency of a democrat is not something that is worth of all of the negative attention it has been receiving. Eastwood's record is solid as it relates to who he has supported over the years so leave him alone. We shouldn't always have to wait until a time of crisis to come together as a country. I applaud him for this ad and others should too.