public-interest « WordPress.com Tag Feed

Why do media apologists hide behind labels?

Desert Observer — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:05:06 +0000

The New Yorker cover page cartoon/caricature of Barack and Michelle Obama produced an outcry and it's clearly reached far beyond the rather small subscription base of the magazine. Most appear to view it as outrageous, tasteless and offensive.

The only justification apologists for the cartoon give is that it's "satire". Satire? The word is nothing more than a label. It doesn't represent some type of free pass - or an exemption from civilized discourse. To respond that the cartoon is "satire" merely serves to end a discussion for there's no rational response to be made.

When was it decided that the satire label trumps all objections that may be aroused by a cartoon or bit of prose? In the current controversy, isn't the cry for acceptance of the cartoon as a work of satire merely a strawman offered in substitution of a genuine defense?

An "Untouchable" politician serves as an inspriation to others.

chrisjohn06 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:56:49 +0000

In India the caste system is still entrenched into the mindset. That being said, one member of the "untouchable" caste has risen pretty far in Indian politics and now serves as an inspiration for all that would want to follow her.

Mayawati, a Dalit daughter of the soil and, as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, one of the most influential politicians in the world's largest democracy..........(more)

Celebrating Nelson Mandela...and South Africa's television revolution

Nalaka Gunawardene — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:29:20 +0000

Nelson Mandela's long walk to freedom is an epic story of our times, one that continues to inspire millions everywhere who are deprived of that freedom by state tyranny or economic hardships.

As Mandela turns 90 years today, we join people all over the world to celebrate his life and reiterate his message.

Send your greetings to Nelson Mandela on his birthday!

And as Mandela himself reminded us in London during the June 2008 mega musical concert to celebrate his 90th birthday: "Even as we celebrate, let us remind ourselves that our work is far from complete. Where there is poverty and sickness, including AIDS, where human beings are being oppressed , there is more work to be done. Our work is for freedom for all."

American film-maker, social activist and blogger Danny Schechter -- who filmed Mandela's struggle to end apartheid and restore democracy in South Africa -- has just remarked: "He (Mandela) is one of those leaders who not only helped free his own country and people but became an icon and symbol for freedom in the world. At a time when darkness seems to be descending again, with the economy on the edge amidst protracted wars and pervasive abuses of powers, he is the one person that people the world over look to as a symbol of that saying that ‘another world is possible.’ He is not perfect – who is? He has taken great risks, and made his share of mistakes, but the love and adoration he inspires speaks to how special he is – even as he sees himself as part of a collective, a movement..."

The Mandela story has been told many times by many film-makers, writers and journalists. Few other leaders have engaged the media's attention and popular imagination -- both in and out of office -- as Mandela has, and with reason.

This is how the BBC in the UK reported the release of Nelson Mandela, by then the world's most celebrated prisoner, on 11 February 1990.

I find it interesting to go back and watch TV coverage of important events as they unfolded. They say journalists write the first draft of history -- that's done on the run, without the benefit of hindsight or chance to reflect for too long.

In that sense, this BBC television reportage did reasonably well to capture the historic moment of Mandela's release -- the reporter and presenter couldn't have known what lay ahead for South Africa.

In the report, available on YouTube, there's a reference to South African television giving live coverage for Mandela's release. That would have been perfectly logical from a 'breaking news' point of view -- but there is something very significant and symbolic about that.

During the 1950s and 1960s, South Africa was the only wealthy country in the world that did not have a national television broadcasting service. In fact, despite being the most economically advanced country on the continent, South Africa was among the last in Africa to introduce television broadcasting. The main reason: television was viewed as potentially undermining the apartheid government's ideology. The white minority regime saw it as a threat to its control of the broadcasting media, even though the state-controlled South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) had a virtual monopoly on radio broadcasting.

The minister of broadcasting, Albert Hertzog, simply refused to permit television. He said that TV would come to South Africa "over my dead body". He denounced it as "a miniature bioscope [cinema] over which parents would have no control." He also argued that "South Africa would have to import films showing race mixing; and advertising would make (non-white) Africans dissatisfied with their lot."

Many white South Africans, including Afrikaners, didn't share Hertzog's views, and regarded the hostility towards what he called "the little black box" as absurd. When Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon in 1969, South Africa was one of the few countries unable to watch the event live, prompting one newspaper to remark that "The moon film has proved to be the last straw… The situation is becoming a source of embarrassment for the country."

But Hertzog was adamant. A few months later, in an interview with The Cape Times on 1 Dec 1969, he admitted: “If, at the present time, you introduce television, you will pay for it with the end of the white man…”

That was an extremely perceptive remark. From the white minority regime’s point of view, the minister was right: if the pen is mightier than the sword, the camera can be mightier than both.

No wonder that most governments, whether liberal or otherwise, try to control – or manipulate – what appears on television, especially domestic transmissions that a majority of their people regularly watch. The power of the idiot box is not to be underestimated, even if it's often dominated by....well, idiots.

As events turned out, the national and international media - especially television - did play a major role in the transformation of South Africa during the last two decades of the twentieth century.

And we now know: Albert Hertzog's worst fears came true.

But the world's worst fears of South Africa descending into utter chaos did not -- thanks, largely, to the compassionate vision and leadership of Nelson Mandela.

Watch Nelson Mendela's inauguration speech, when he was sworn in as the 11th President of South Africa on 27 April 1994:

Historical footnote from Wikipedia:
In 1971, the SABC was finally allowed to introduce a television service. Initially, the proposal was for two television channels, one in English and Afrikaans, aimed at white audiences, and another, known as TV Bantu, aimed at black viewers, but when television was finally introduced, there was only one channel. Experimental broadcasts in the main cities began on 5 May 1975, before nationwide service commenced on 5 January 1976.

The Mandela legacy continues, on air and off air, and more films are still being made about his remarkable life and times. The latest is a new documentary being released this month to mark his 90th birthday. SABC television will premiere it in 18 July during prime time - how times have changed!

Here's part of the press release from the South African production company that made it:

Viva Madiba: A Hero For All Seasons, a feature length film produced by Anant Singh and Videovision Entertainment as a 90th Birthday Tribute to former president, Nelson Mandela, will have its World Premiere when it is broadcast on Friday, 18 July 2008 on SABC 2 at 21h00.

Viva Madiba: A Hero For All Seasons is a celebration of Nelson Mandela’s epic life and his status as an international icon. In this, the year of his 90th birthday, he remains a man at the centre of attention, not only in South Africa, but around the world as a moral leader, an elder statesman and an exceptional human being.

Viva Madiba: A Hero For All Seasons takes one on a journey behind the headlines and away from the public eye and looks at Madiba as a loyal friend, a dependable comrade, a trusted confidant, a respected mentor, and a man who has touched and transformed countless lives.

For the first time his complete story is being told – a life of struggle, humanity, destiny and greatness is recalled and celebrated by those who knew him best and who worked with him in the quest to break the chains of oppression, taking us beyond the political and into the personal. The programme features exclusive interviews with politicians, close friends and comrades of Madiba, among whom are Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Oliver Tambo, George Bizos, Ahmed Kathrada, Pik Botha, Dorothy Masuka, Nthato Motlana, Cyril Ramaphosa, Helen Suzman, Zolani Mkiva, Jessie Duarte, Francois Pienaar, Sydney Kentridge, Mac Maharaj, Christo Brand and Gill Marcus.

Read and watch Danny Schechter talk about his role supporting the making of Viva Madiba

Infuriating

Annie — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:10:39 +0000

One of the insidious things that the media does to perpetuate the public perception of professional nurses is to continue to use inconsequential stereotypes about them. The New York Times, which usually just ignores professional nursing in its healthcare reportage, annually uses nurses to produce the Times' own marketing TO nurses - free of charge, doncha know.

It's the annual sham "Tribute To Nurses" marketing/advertising campaign, jointly hosted by the NYT and Monster.com. It's a scam, this sham, and it must stop. Can you imagine physicians producing this craptastic free marketing/advertising for the NYT and Monster.com? I thought not. Here's a screen shot of the marketing behind the "tribute."

The New York Times honors America's most dedicated and indispensable professionals in our sixth annual Tribute To Nurses.

Nominate a nurse or nurse educator who has had an impact on your life. Four winners — three practicing nurses and one nurse educator — will be chosen from the group of candidates nominated by patients and their families, students, colleagues and medical organizations.

Deadline is Friday, August 1st.

Winners will be featured in a special advertising section in the November 30 New York Times Magazine.

Rules & Regulations

Nominate A Nurse

Information For Advertisers

To involve your company in The New York Times Tribute To Nurses program, contact Tara Newton at (212) 556-5149 or newtotl@nytimes.com.

Tribute To Nurses - 2006

The Grand Prize Winners of the 2006 Tribute to Nurses Awards — three practicing nurses and one nurse educator — were chosen from a group of candidates nominated by patients and their families, students, colleagues and medical organizations.

Winners were honored at a Tribute to Nurses reception in New York City and had their stories featured in a special advertising section in the New York Times Magazine.

last year's winners

Nursing Tool Box

Search Agent »

Salary Research »

Post Your Resume »

Healthcare Jobs »

QUICK JOB SEARCH

Find the best jobs in the New York City metro area and beyond.

Keyword(s):

Location:

-- All Locations -- Tri-State Area - New York City - Orange County - Rockland County - Westchester County - Long Island - Northern New Jersey - Southern Connecticut Mid-Atlantic States - Delaware - Maryland - New Jersey - New York - Pennsylvania - Washington, D.C. - West Virginia Midwest States - Illinois - Indiana - Iowa - Michigan - Minnesota - Missouri - Ohio - Wisconsin Northwest States - Idaho - Oregon - Washington - Alaska New England States - Connecticut - Maine - Massachusetts - New Hampshire - Rhode Island - Vermont Plains States - Kansas - Nebraska - North Dakota - Oklahoma - South Dakota Rockies States - Colorado - Montana - Utah - Wyoming Southern States - Alabama - Arkansas - Florida - Georgia - Kentucky - Louisiana - Mississippi - North Carolina - South Carolina - Tennessee - Virginia Southwestern States - Arizona - New Mexico - Texas Western States - California - Hawaii - Nevada

Category:

-- All Categories -- Accounting/Auditing Administrative and Support Services Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations Aerospace/Aviation/Defense Agriculture, Forestry, & Fishing Airlines Architectural Services Arts, Entertainment, and Media Automotive/Motor Vehicle/Parts Banking Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Building and Grounds Maintenance Business Opportunity/Investment Required Career Fairs Computer Services Computers, Hardware Computers, Software Construction, Mining and Trades Consulting Services Consumer Products Creative/Design Customer Service and Call Center Education, Training, and Library Electronics Employment Placement Agencies Energy/Utilities Engineering Environmental Services Executive Management Finance/Economics Financial Services Government and Policy Healthcare - Business Office & Finance Healthcare - CNAs/Aides/MAs/Home Health Healthcare - General (including RNs & Nurse Management) Healthcare - Laboratory/Pathology Services Healthcare - LPNs & LVNs Healthcare - Medical & Dental Practitioners Healthcare - Medical Records, Health IT & Informatics Healthcare - Optical Healthcare - Other Healthcare - Pharmacy Healthcare - Radiology/Imaging Healthcare - Social Services/Mental Health Healthcare - Support Services Healthcare - Therapy/Rehab Services Hospitality/Tourism Human Resources/Recruiting Information Technology Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Insurance Internet/E-Commerce Law Enforcement/Security Srvs Legal Manufacturing and Production Military Nonprofit Operations Management Other Personal Care and Service Printing/Editing/Writing Product Management/Marketing Project/Program Management Purchasing Quality Assurance/Safety Real Estate/Mortgage Research & Development Restaurant and Food Service Retail/Wholesale Sales Sales - Account Management Sales - Telemarketing Sales - Work at Home/Commission Only Science Sports and Recreation/Fitness Supply Chain/Logistics Telecommunications Textiles Transportation and Warehousing Veterinary Services Waste Management Services

Sort By:

Relevancy

Date

Advanced Search »

Contact Monster

The New York Times and Monster have joined forces. The combined power of The New York Times and Monster will enable employers to reach one out of every two active and passive candidates online, in print and in person. Employers will have access to more than 3 million resumes in the New York DMA; the ability to reach 4.7 million New York Times weekday readers, 5 million Sunday Times readers, and 1.4 million daily visitors to NYTimes.com.

If the Times wants to pay tribute to nurses, it can begin by including professional nursing as an integral part of all of its health reportage: policy, economics, practice issues and patient advocacy. It can assure that the public has an accurate notion and current facts about what it is that professional nurses are legally and ethically authorized to do and how well they do it. It can use nursing research in its health reportage. It can cite nurse experts as story sources. It can investigate nursing practices which have desirable patient outcomes, and it can investigate and report on those which fail patients and the public. It can educate the public about the fact that almost three million professional nurses - those licensed as registered nurses - are accountable for patient advocacy and are the bottom line of safety between healthcare prescribed and the care delivered.

The New York Times has smart and informed health reporters on its staff in the guises of Reed Abelson, Gina Kolata, Robert Pear, Tara Parker-Pope, Lawrence Altman and Donald McNeil, Jr. It can do so much better. And it should.

The public has the right to be fully informed about the impact nurses and professional nursing has on its individual and public health, and nurses are long overdue for parity in reportage, in accurate representation in the corporate media and in public accountability for their actions to protect patients and the public.

Jon Stewart Takes On Media, Obama For Overreacting To New Yorker Cover: "It's Just A F***ing Cartoon!"

chrisjohn06 — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:14:54 +0000

John Stewarts take on the New Yorker.

[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.633815&w=425&h=350&fv=videoId%3D176628]

more about "Jon Stewart Takes On Media, Obama For...", posted with vodpod

Jib Jab lampoons election.

chrisjohn06 — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:17:05 +0000

[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.633799&w=425&h=350&fv=content_url%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Faka.zero.jibjab.com%2Ffiles%2Fproduction%2Ftentpole_config.xml]

more about "JibJab - Funny eCards, Birthday Cards...", posted with vodpod

Glasgow East By-Election: SNP CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE After 50 Years Of Labour Neglect.

alannaonline — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:10:51 +0000

[caption id="attachment_79" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Its crucial Glasgow East turns out to vote"][/caption]

The SNP have trebled their FPTP seats in 2007 compared to 1999. They have continued to gain the confidence of the Scottish people thought their hard work and through their dedication to serving the interests of the Scottish people, rather than being subservient to the interests of Whitehall.

The SNP has listened to and fought for the people of Scotland, from University students who faced paying a graduate endowement fee to pensionsers struggling to pay prescription charges.

A Labour stronghold for the last 50 years, the East End of Glasgow continues to suffer from one of the highest levels of poverty in Europe. Over recent years, while the living standards of some have increased, many others have found thier poverty has deepened, with the Gap between rich and poor widening under Labour. The people of the East End of Glasgow are despondant of Labours constant claims that 'their hands are tied' and their unwillingness to challenge their Leadership in London- no matter how much hardship it brings to their constituents.

It's time they had an MP who was not afraid to stand up for them, to make sure they are heard and their issues raised. The people of the East End deserve better, they deserve a real voice and they need change.

Its time the SNP got the chance to fight for the people of the East End of Glasgow in London. Glasgow East must vote John Mason, SNP.

Written by Alanna Fiona O'Donnell

Scotland has kept many Labour governments in power. Today, Scots feel greatly let down by the rightwing shenanigans of their ain folk (Brown and Darling) in London. Combine this with the SNP's genuine leadership in Scotland and once-clear Labour voters are now being posed a tricky question. Glasgow East will be a tale of two governments: the minority SNP government at Holyrood, which has won hearts and minds in the nation; and the Labour government in Westminster, which is sleepwalking towards political oblivion. Labour are in a lose-lose situation. They will return a dramatically slashed majority at best, probably exacerbated by a painfully low turnout. And while that core of working class Glaswegian voters means chances of an SNP victory are slim, anything can happen. Anything. After all, 20 years ago I would never have conceived of a devolved Scotland led by an SNP government in Holyrood."

Hardeep Singh Kohli, Monday July 14th. Guardian Newspaper.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jul/14/glasgoweast.byelections

Venture says we live in a fascist state.

chrisjohn06 — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 01:15:58 +0000

Ventura says we already live in a fascist state. All he wants is ballet access and inclusion in the debates. I wonder why the two mainstream parties wouldn't allow that to happen??? Probably because we would have President Ventura.

[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.633529&w=425&h=350&fv=%26rel%3D0%26border%3D0%26]

more about "Ventura: Neo-Cons may stage terror to...", posted with vodpod

American leaders could learn a lot from a guy that believes everything he says.

chrisjohn06 — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:30:34 +0000

American leaders could learn quite a bit from the current Pope. When then Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope many in the United States groaned with disapproval at the idea of the ultra-conservative Ratzinger guiding the Church. Well since then I think that we owe the now Pope Benedict a very sincere sorry for doubting you. Sure, he has upset Muslims and Protestants with his frank talk about other religions, but that frankness comes from a sincere wish to talk honestly about what makes us different so then we can take a good hard look at what we can agree on.

Well the Pope is once again taking on a tough subject with pastoral humility. On his current trip to Australia for World Youth day the pontiff will meet with and ask forgiveness from members of the Church who were sexual abused. I have never made any excuses for the Churches mishandling of the sexual abuse crisis but I have to give the Pope a hand, he's not sticking his head in the sand about it. Whether you like him or not, compared to leadership in the United States this man believes in the Church and it's mission so he addresses the very real shortcomings of Catholicism in an effort to reach and help others.

(more here)

Weak Dollar hurts Vatican

chrisjohn06 — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:19:46 +0000

In News that is near and dear to my heart, the Vatican reported losses last year connected to another issue dear to my heart the American Dollar. Nearly a quarter of the Vatican's budget comes from the US and as the dollar loses value the Vatican loses financial clout. This may not seem that important to a lot of secular people out their but when you consider how much money the Vatican sends out to third world countries it could have a serious global impact.....(more)....

India's Barack Obama

chrisjohn06 — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:27:37 +0000

81 year old nationalist L.K. Advani has copied Barack Obama's internet revolution in politics and looks to increase the clout Bharatiya Janata Party in Indias congress. This is an interesting move because Mr. Advani is seen as a hard line nationalist as oppossed to a new generation liberal, but unlike in the United States where conservatives are either reluctant or unable to use the internet and other grassroots tools to mount an effective political campaign, the BJP is making inroads. Not bad for a man some though washed up as few as three years ago. ......(more)......

#1 export.......People

chrisjohn06 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:08:51 +0000

Imagine where your #1 export is people.

[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.628102&w=425&h=350&fv=]

more about "Vanguard Journalism // Current", posted with vodpod

Could Dr. Death still be alive and living in Chile???

chrisjohn06 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:37:04 +0000

The Simon Wiesenthal Centre thinks so and is going to hunt down the notorious Aribert Heim who is the mastermind behind the Mauthausen concentration camp. Heres the hope that we can find him and bring him to justice.....(more)......

Saudis find success using softer methods on jihadis

chrisjohn06 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:57:35 +0000

It turns out that living by the sword dying by the sword may be more than just a biblical saying. While the United States seems hell bent on attacking the rise of militant Islam with a show of its military force, Saudi Arabia is taking a surprisingly different approach. Surprising because Saudi Arabia’s Hanbali School of Islamic law has been known to be fairly heavy handed in the past, and this might be a signal that the Saudi Royal family is starting to rely less on the ruling legal school in this country. Of course giving the public relations hit the United States took for Guantanamo Bay this is a great way to raise Saudi Arabia’s image on both a global stage as well as assure Muslims that the caretakers of Mecca and Medina are not in league with the United States torture operations.

What may be more important than any political speculation in this story however is the fact that this methodology appears to be working, and former jihadists now see themselves as opposed to the al-Qaeda terrorist cells. This approach not only shows a willingness to forgive (inmates or beneficiaries as their called will be released eventually) but it shows them that while the terrorist groups ask them to die, mainstream Islam wants them to live........(more).......

Randi Rhodes: Obama DID NOT flip flop on Iraq

chrisjohn06 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:55:42 +0000

This is a great analysis by Rhodes on how Obama didn't flip-flop on his Iraq policy. The only thin gI really disagree with her on is in the end if the media tells us something over and over again we tend to believe it because our attention spans aren't long enough to listen for ourselves.

[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.627100&w=425&h=350&fv=%26rel%3D0%26border%3D0%26]

more about "Randi Rhodes: Obama DID NOT flip flop...", posted with vodpod

This is John Cornyn REAL Ad, He's Serious - Check It Out

chrisjohn06 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:41:38 +0000

I think my favorite part of this is where the commentator from the Young Turks points out that this is not a spoof but an ACTUAL CAMPAIGN AD.

[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.627073&w=425&h=350&fv=%26rel%3D0%26border%3D0%26]

more about "This is John Cornyn REAL Ad, He's Ser...", posted with vodpod

Republicans may try to redistrict themselves back into power, again.

chrisjohn06 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:11:12 +0000

Few people remember that in 92 the Republican Party along with the Congressional Black Congress worked to redistrict the political map. The result? More black legislators but larger white Republican districts which helped create the Republican Revolution in 94. This story is based more on the new census and governorships allowing a redistricting, it's interesting and you should read it.....here.......

PNC Financial and Zurich Insurance Made a Huge Difference In One Child’s Life. Commissioner Joseph Hoeffel Is Still Sleeping On It

pncnews — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:25:58 +0000

PHILADELPHIA-(PNC NEWS)–The Bucks County Commissioners office and the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce sponsored Lilia Odhner’s daughter in her attendance of the Youth Leadership Camp on June 24-26, 2008.

Would they sponsor her if they knew that the high school student was a homeless child?

: Lilia Odhner’s daughter in opera Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street: A Musical Thriller

The girl’s mother, Lilia Odhner, has been disabled after a brain trauma two years ago. She worked for PNC Bank in Doylestown and was injured at work. PNC Bank and Zurich Insurance Company denied her Workers’ compensation insurance payments. The Lower Bucks County Workers’ Compensation Judge Michael Rosen sided with PNC Bank and the Zurich Insurance Company and denied Lilia Odhner Workers’ Compensation insurance payments. Doing so, Judge Rosen refused Lilia and her attorney, Patrick Donan, to view a bank branch surveillance videotape with the recording of the circumstances of her brain injury.

Being severely disabled by brain damage, Lilia has lost her ability to produce income and sustain herself and her daughter. They have been homeless since November 2007. Lilia has been told that there are many programs addressing homelessness in Pennsylvania and Bucks County. However, she has difficulty gaining access to benefits and services from these programs. After two years, she still doesn’t have a social worker to coordinate her efforts to find an affordable accommodation. The main barrier to using homeless assistance programs is her disability, as she came to understand. Administratively, mainstream programs are categorically organized with funding systems that are unable to respond to her needs, which are the needs of a disabled single parent family.

Listed below are some of the federal, State and County programs Lilia Odhner has contacted during the fall of 2007 and just recently. Apparently 100% of the existing programs are focused on working adults. There is virtually no programs or funds designed to address the permanent homelessness of a disabled mother and a child.

Programs that denied Lilia assistance:

Bucks Montgomery Center for Human Services
620 Jacksonville Rd
Warminster
(215) 323-9935

Bucks County Housing Group, Inc.
Administrative Offices
2324 Second Street Pike, Suite 17
Wrightstown, PA, 18940
215-598-3566

BUCKS County Opportunity Council
Administration Office
100 Doyle Street, Doylestown, PA 18901
(215) 345-8175
FAX: (215) 345-8573

The Center for independent living of Bucks County
One Oxford Valley
Suite 318
2300 E. Lincoln Highway
Langhorne, PA 19047
Phone:215.752.7101
TTY: 215.752.7131
Fax: 215.752.7125

Bucks-Mont Human Services
620 Jacksonville Road
Warminster, PA 18974
(215) 442-1099
Catholic Social Services
Bucks County Service Center
100 Levittown Parkway
Levittown, PA 19054
215-945-2550
Fax: 215-945-3595

Lilia Odhner vs. PNC Bank, Zurich Insurance Company:

In 2006 Pittsburgh based PNC Bank’s Doylestown branch employee Lilia Odhner was injured inside the branch. She suffered a traumatic brain injury that left her permanently disabled. Her employment was terminated by PNC Bank after 90 days of Lilia’s disability for allegedly “abandoning her work.” Her full and permanent disability was confirmed by a Federal Judge in her Social Security Disability decision in November 2007. Her disability Workman’s Compensation insurance coverage was denied by PNC Bank and Zurich American, a unit of Swiss insurance giant Zurich Financial Services. PNC Bank and Zurich Insurance Company refuse to surrender the surveillance videotape with the footage of Lilia’s injury to the court despite of Lilia’s Workers’ Compensation attorney Patrick Donan requests to the Workman’s Compensation Judge Michael Rosen and to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board presiding by the Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph Hoeffel. Lilia Odhner and her fifteen year old daughter are currently homeless and depend on their friends to survive.

SOURCE: http://www.wikileaks.org/
WEB SITE: http://LoveYourBrainNow.com/
Company News On-Call: http://loveyourbrainnow.com/contact/

As Seen In WIKILEAKS.org: PNC Bank Pennsylvania and Zurich Insurance Lilia Odhner case

Part Two In WIKILEAKS.org: PNC Bank Pennsylvania and Zurich Insurance Lilia Odhner case - Part Two

Recent News |Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness LoveYourBrainNow.com …
Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness LoveYourBrainNow.com | LILIA V …

PNC News

You can find some additional information about Lilia Odhner’s Workers’ Compensation case online.

PNC Bank and Zurich Insurance Company Forge Court Evidence
http://pncbank.tv/MediaRoom/?p=56

PNC Bank, Zurich Insurance and Its Counselors, Foley & Sherry LLC, Refuse to Produce Factual Evidence to the Court
http://pncbank.tv/MediaRoom/?p=55

After WikiLeaks Publication PNC Bank Transfers a Notorious Doylestown Branch Manager to Ambler PA
http://pncbank.tv/MediaRoom/?p=45

PNC Financial Corporation Most Dangerous Job
http://pncnews.wordpress.com/2008/05/28/

PNC Bank, Zurich Insurance, and Bucks County Authorities Join Forces To Put More
American Homeless On The Street
http://pncbank.tv/MediaRoom/?p=63

Publications About Lilia Odhner’s Case:

UK TOP SECRET Postman Patel

Violated Rights

CONTACT: Lilia Odhner’s Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Patrick Donan, Esq.
Segal, Muller & Donan
Address: Suite 1C-44
2401 Pennsylvania Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19130-3061
Phone: (215) 769-8505
Fax: (215) 763-9520

Lilia Odhner’s Social Security Disability Attorney
David R. Machek, Esq. Partner
Disability Benefits Law Center
610 Old York Road, Suite 210
Jenkintown, PA 19046-2867
phone (215) 886-0660
(866) 886-0660 (Toll Free)
fax (215) 886-7848
email: David Machek

CONTACT: PNC Bank and Zurich Insurance Company Attorney
Foley & Sherry LLC
117 N Olive St,
Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 627-2119

CONTACT: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry
Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board Judge
Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph Hoeffel
Kohn, Swift & Graf, P.C.
One South Broad Street
Suite 2100
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215 238-1700
Fax: 215 238-1968
E-mail: jhoeffel@kohnswift.com

CONTACT: WCJ Michael Rosen
Workers’ Compensation
1242 New Rodgers Road, PO BOX 802
Bristol, Pennsylvania 19007
Phone: 215/781-3274

CONTACT: EEOC Philadelphia Pennsylvania
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Location: 801 Market Street, Suite 1300
Philadelphia, PA 19107-3127
Phone: 1-800-669-4000
Fax: 215-440-2606
TTY: 1-800-669-6820
Director: Marie M. Tomasso
Regional Attorney: Jacqueline McNair
Office Hours: The Philadelphia District Office is open Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Walk-ins are taken 8:30 to 3:30 each day.

Customer Inquiry Center
Zurich North America
1400 American Lane
Schaumburg, IL 60196
info.source@zurichna.com
Phone: 800-382-2150
Media Inquiries
Steve McKay
(847) 706-2265
Media Inquiries
Keith Owens
(847) 762-7337
Community Relations
Jillian Walsh
(215) 979-6736
Susan Levine
Zurich
847-762-7386
susan.levine@zurichna.com
John Lynch, Executive vice president & CEO of Zurich
David Bowers, United States General Counsel for Zurich
Monica Maechler, Zurich’s General Counsel and Company Secretary
Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich)
North America Commercial (NAC), Farmers Group Inc., Centre and Zurich Capital Markets
North America General Counsel
Alice Kane
CONTACT: Media and Public Relations
Phone: +41 (0)44 625 21 00, Fax: +41 (0)44 625 26 41
Investor Relations: Phone: +41 (0)44 625 22 99, Fax: +41 (0)44 625 36 18
Zurich Financial Services

Zurich Financial Services (ADR) (ZFSVY)

Company Info for pncbank.com:

PNC FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP INC
PNC Bank
CEO: James E. Rohr
Address: One PNC Plaza 249 Fifth Ave.,
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-762-2000
United States - Map
+1-412-7622000 (Phone)
+1-412-7627829 (Fax)
Website: http://www.pnc.com
Phone: +1 888 762 2265

CONTACT: PNC Spokesman Patrick McMahon
(412) 762-2477 patrick.mcmahon@pnc.com
billing [at] pncbank.com
Employees: 25,026
Ownership: Publicly Traded
Revenue: $5.30B

OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

James E. Rohr , Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer of the PNC Financial Services
Officer Since: 1990 Age: 59
Bio & Compensation – Reuters

Guyaux, Joseph , President of the PNC Financial Services
Officer Since: 2002 Age: 57
Bio & Compensation – Reuters

William S. Demchak, Vice Chairman of the PNC Financial Services
Officer Since: 09/2002 Age: 45
Bio & Compensation – Reuters

William C. Mutterperl , Vice Chairman of the PNC Financial Services
Officer Since: 10/23/2002 Age: 61
Bio & Compensation – Reuters

Richard J. Johnson , Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President of the PNC Financial Services
Officer Since: 12/2002 Age: 51
Bio & Compensation - Reuters

Thomas K. Whitford , Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer of the PNC Financial Services
Age: 51
Bio & Compensation – Reuters

Timothy G. Shack , Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer of the PNC Financial Services
Age: 57
Bio & Compensation - Reuters

Helen P. Pudlin , Senior Vice President, General Counsel of the PNC Financial Services
Age: 58
Bio & Compensation – Reuters

Samuel R. Patterson , Senior Vice President, Controller of the PNC Financial Services
Age: 49
Bio & Compensation – Reuters

Michael J. Hannon , Senior Vice President, Chief Credit Officer of the PNC Financial Services
Age: 51
Bio & Compensation – Reuters

Ticker: NYSE: PNC

Independent PNC BANK NEWS Reporting
Source: http://pncbank.tv
Source: http://pncnews.wordpress.com/

Picken's Solution

ckindrick — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:38:40 +0000

Creativity is innovation in any field. It's answers to questions when there's a void to fill. It's taking action because you can do it better, faster, stronger, or even make it taste better. The fuel question needs a creative answer. Why not an oil man? Why not someone who's figured out one fuel and how it effects change to everyone, and also has the billions to back up research, development, and implementation. Makes sense. T. Boone Picken's website launched this morning in hopes of providing some creative answers, and some wonderful research about dependence on foreign oil straight from the oil man himself.

Check it out: www.PickensPlan.com

Great job, Marketing Team

McCain may have to battle fellow conservatives for party platform at the convention.

chrisjohn06 — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:09:45 +0000

It's beginning to look like John McCain may have to face a battle at the convention over the Republican party platform. Just my opinion but giving the fact that the Republicans face a significant task this coming November this could be when the moderates begin the reformation of the party. I would love to see the return of the Nixon/Rockefeller wing of the party to power. What no one is talking about is that if McCain were to win, then it proves a Republican doesn't need the religious right to secure the Presidency which would marginalize the evangelical right and I think help both the Republicans and the country (not to mention Christianity) in the long run.

(Read More)

Aruntx Publishing Company Closes its Doors Indefinitely Due to the Brain Injury of Its Owner and CEO, Lilia Odhner

pncnews — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 02:02:18 +0000

New York-(PNC NEWS)–July 4, 2008 was the last day of operation for Aruntx Publishing Company. Aruntx started as a publisher and distributor of software products and books. The company became one of the pioneers for the development and distribution of podcast with its iPodcasting Syndication Network technology. Other software products developed by Aruntx programmers include the Sales Coupon generator, mobile phone Invoice generator, and all time favorite Jewish Calendar.

The biggest success was the Aruntx Store Premium Online Shopping Centre Marketplace. Aruntx management team had gathered together an assortment of exceptional gifts as tangible means of expressing what’s in heart. There was something for everyone who values tradition and quality. The perfect gift deserved an exceptional presentation. Aruntx free signature gift wrapping was complimentary and included a personal message with each item to add the finishing touch. Aruntx gifts were delivered all over the country including hard to reach addresses like business offices, Post Office Boxes, APO FPO and rural addresses. Members of our Armed Forces enjoyed their birthday gifts accompanied with all American favorites like birthday hats and festive banners.

Lilia Odhner, Aruntx owner and its CEO, started her business years ago striving for excellence in customer service. Her prerogative always was to deliver service with personal approach, to place high standard in business, and to exceed the expectations of her customers. Lilia started by simply adding a cute kitchen towel or an oven mitten to every order she shipped out. The response from her customers was overwhelmingly positive. A high percentage of her buyers became repeat customers, and Lilia knew every one of them by their first and last name. She knew what presents their spouses and parents would like to get for birthdays and holidays. That was back when she still had an excellent memory, prior to her brain injury.

Along with running a successful business, Lilia Odhner kept her fulltime day job with PNC Bank, a division of PNC Financial Corporation. On September 28, 2006 Lilia suffered a severe brain trauma at her workplace and became permanently disabled. Always a trooper and a fighter, Lilia persuaded her business partner to keep the company running for her for some time. “She hoped for a miracle. She thought one morning this nightmare would be over and she would be able to stand, walk, speak, and operate her business like before,” says Scott Mann, Aruntx Director of Marketing and Chief Programmer. “It turns out, in the silent, surreal world of brain injuries miracles just don’t happen.”

To acquire Aruntx Publishing Intellectual properties Contact Administrative Team by email Aruntx [at] Aruntx.com