WASHINGTON- Dr. Candido Negron Mella pleaded guilty and was sentenced today for his participation in a corruption scheme involving the 2000 Resident Commissioner campaign of a former governor of Puerto Rico, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico Rosa Emilia Rodriguez-Velez. Negron Mella, 42, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Federal Election Campaign Act. He was sentenced to five months in prison and seven months home detention, and was ordered to pay a $14,000 fine by U.S. District Court Judge Robert F. Kelly in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, where the case was transferred from the District of Puerto Rico for plea and sentencing.
According to court documents, Negron Mella was a partner in a company that had a professional relationship with a large Medicaid dental provider in the United States that was interested in obtaining a direct dental agreement with the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In order to assist that provider in obtaining a contract in Puerto Rico, Negron Mella, along with a co-conspirator, agreed to raise contributions for the campaign of the then-Resident Commissioner to the U.S. House of Representatives for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Negron Mella admitted he hoped that contributing to the political campaigns would enable him to obtain access to the government of Puerto Rico to promote his business interests.
According to court documents, Negron Mella learned in 2001 that the Resident Commissioner campaign committee was carrying a $150,000 campaign debt. Negron Mella admitted that he was aware he would not be able to retire the entire campaign debt through legal means due to federal laws limiting individual contributions. Therefore, Negron Mella admitted that he and a co-conspirator agreed to use conduit contributions, and requested that their employees, friends and relatives make contributions to the campaign in exchange for reimbursing those employees, friends and relatives for the full amount of their contributions.
Negron Mella and a co-conspirator contributed approximately $39,000 in conduit contributions to the Resident Commissioner campaign committee in 2003, according to court documents. Negron Mella admitted he directly solicited at least $14,000 of the $39,000 in conduit contributions. Negron Mella also admitted that at the time he and his co-conspirator made the conduit contributions to the campaign committee, he knew that the legal limit for federal campaigns was $2,000. In addition, Negron Mella admitted that when he and his co-conspirator made the conduit contributions to the campaign committee, Negron Mella had already contributed the maximum amount allowed by law to the campaign committee, and that he made these conduit contributions in excess of that legal limit knowing he could no longer contribute to the campaign.
Including Negron Mella's guilty plea, 10 defendants have pleaded guilty in the corruption investigation in the District of Puerto Rico. Former Puerto Rico Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila and Luisa Inclan Bird, a legal advisor for the San Juan Resident Commissioner office when Acevedo Vila served as Resident Commissioner, were acquitted on March 20, 2009, of all criminal charges related to the scheme.
This case was prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria A. Dominguez and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ernesto Lopez, Timothy Henwood and Jacqueline Novas of the District of Puerto Rico, and Trial Attorneys Peter M. Koski and Ethan H. Levisohn of the Criminal Division's Public Integrity Section, which is headed by Chief William M. Welch, II. The case was investigated by the FBI and IRS, with assistance and cooperation from the Office of the Comptroller of Puerto Rico.
Friday, September 11, 2009
California Nurses/NNOC, Nation's Largest Nurses' Organization, Unanimously Endorses Joining RN Super Union
SAN FRANCISCO - Formation of the largest RN union and professional association in U.S. history took a major step forward Thursday as delegates to the biennial convention of the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organization in San Francisco voted unanimously to endorse and join the new union.
National Nurses United, unifying the 86,000-member CNA/NNOC with the United American Nurses and the Massachusetts Nurses Association, in a new 150,000 member national union, is scheduled to hold its founding convention December 7-8 in Scottsdale, Az.
"Let it be known this was a unanimous vote by the House of Delegates," said CNA/NNOC Co-President Deborah Burger, RN, as the hundreds of delegates stood and cheered. "This is truly a historic moment and I hope it sends chills down the backs of those employers who would want to keep us down."
The CNA/NNOC vote came on the heels of a gathering of 1,200 RNs from across the U.S., including large delegations from the UAN and MNA who reaffirmed their commitment to the creation of the NNU to strengthen the ability of direct care RNs to fight to protect and improve patient care conditions and RN standards from coast to coast, to win union representation in an RN union for all un-represented RNs, to pass state and national legislation to protect patients, including national RN-to-patient safe staffing ratios, and to work for guaranteed healthcare for all.
"I don't think we can afford to let this moment pass us by," said UAN Secretary-Treasurer Jean Ross, RN, in a panel on the formation of the NNU.
Noting the stakes for RNs, MNA Executive Director Julie Pinkham said, "The entire health care agenda is up for grabs. It's a sea change -- a great opportunity and a great risk."
After the vote, CNA/NNOC Executive Director Rose Ann DeMoro talked about the power of "nurses from all over our nation coming together and standing tall with one voice, one vision, and one purpose to build the most incredible, powerful, unshakeable force in the history of nursing and health care. A unified, national nurses movement has enormous significance for patients and the ability of RNs to work together to improve care standards and transform our broken healthcare system. For direct care RNs, it means the opportunity to resist the employer onslaught on the nursing profession and secure a better future for RNs and their families."
CONTACT: Charles Idelson, +1-415-559-8991, or Shum Preston,
+1-415-412-0825, both for California Nurses Association
National Nurses United, unifying the 86,000-member CNA/NNOC with the United American Nurses and the Massachusetts Nurses Association, in a new 150,000 member national union, is scheduled to hold its founding convention December 7-8 in Scottsdale, Az.
"Let it be known this was a unanimous vote by the House of Delegates," said CNA/NNOC Co-President Deborah Burger, RN, as the hundreds of delegates stood and cheered. "This is truly a historic moment and I hope it sends chills down the backs of those employers who would want to keep us down."
The CNA/NNOC vote came on the heels of a gathering of 1,200 RNs from across the U.S., including large delegations from the UAN and MNA who reaffirmed their commitment to the creation of the NNU to strengthen the ability of direct care RNs to fight to protect and improve patient care conditions and RN standards from coast to coast, to win union representation in an RN union for all un-represented RNs, to pass state and national legislation to protect patients, including national RN-to-patient safe staffing ratios, and to work for guaranteed healthcare for all.
"I don't think we can afford to let this moment pass us by," said UAN Secretary-Treasurer Jean Ross, RN, in a panel on the formation of the NNU.
Noting the stakes for RNs, MNA Executive Director Julie Pinkham said, "The entire health care agenda is up for grabs. It's a sea change -- a great opportunity and a great risk."
After the vote, CNA/NNOC Executive Director Rose Ann DeMoro talked about the power of "nurses from all over our nation coming together and standing tall with one voice, one vision, and one purpose to build the most incredible, powerful, unshakeable force in the history of nursing and health care. A unified, national nurses movement has enormous significance for patients and the ability of RNs to work together to improve care standards and transform our broken healthcare system. For direct care RNs, it means the opportunity to resist the employer onslaught on the nursing profession and secure a better future for RNs and their families."
CONTACT: Charles Idelson, +1-415-559-8991, or Shum Preston,
+1-415-412-0825, both for California Nurses Association
Scott Price appointed as Walmart Asia's President, CEO
Mumbai, Sep 10- Wal-Mart Stores today appointed Scott Price as Executive Vice President, President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart Asia with effect from October 15.
Price would be responsible for company's operations in Asia, including China, India and Japan as well as business development in Asia region, the company said in a statement here.
Based in Walmart's regional office in Hong Kong, Price will report to Walmart International President and CEO, Doug McMillan.
Prior to this, Price was with DHL Express Europe as Chief Executive Officer.
Price would be responsible for company's operations in Asia, including China, India and Japan as well as business development in Asia region, the company said in a statement here.
Based in Walmart's regional office in Hong Kong, Price will report to Walmart International President and CEO, Doug McMillan.
Prior to this, Price was with DHL Express Europe as Chief Executive Officer.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Tell Your Best Toilet Story on Facebook: Win a Top-Performing Champion
Make us laugh, make us cry, make us cheer. We're just looking for something that moves us
SCATAWAY, N.J., Sept. 9 - With nearly 750 Tweets per week about toilets, there are a lot of toilet stories to be told.
The "Tell Us Your Best Toilet Story" contest from American Standard is the chance to win the best toilet for the best toilet story. Simply submit a paragraph or two about a memorable toilet experience at www.facebook.com/AmericanStandardBrands between September 9 and October 9, 2009, and members of the page will vote for their favorites through October 12, 2009. The grand prize of a Champion 4 toilet, complete with installation and the Champion 4 Slow Close toilet seat will be awarded to the story that receives the highest number of "thumbs up" from readers. Four additional top vote getters will be awarded a free Champion 4 toilet with Champion 4 Slow Close toilet seat.
"Everyone uses toilets, so nearly everyone has a toilet story," said Jeannette Long, American Standard general manager of e-business. "Tell people you work for a plumbing company, and you hear them all: the one about the overflow during the big party or the one about what the kids have tried to flush.
"We figured the best story deserved the best toilet."
Members will vote for the story they are most likely to repeat to friends and family.
There is no purchase necessary to enter or to join the voting. If not a Facebook account holder, there is no fee or charge to become a registered Facebook member. Contest rules are available on American Standard's website, www.americanstandard.com.
Independently Rated to Be a Top Flusher
The Champion 4 itself is a great toilet story. With the widest waterways available to prevent clogging, backed by an unheard-of limited lifetime warranty on all parts, Champion 4 was recently ranked as a top performer by a leading consumer ratings magazine. Champion 4 toilet models have been consistently ranked among the best toilets in the Maximum Performance Testing (MaP) test, now in its 14th edition, conducted by Veritec Consulting, Inc. & Koeller and Company: http://www.cuwcc.org/MaPTesting.aspx.
For more information about American Standard, visit www.americanstandard.com. For more information about the contest, visit www.facebook.com/AmericanStandardBrands, between September 9, 2009 and October 31, 2009.
SCATAWAY, N.J., Sept. 9 - With nearly 750 Tweets per week about toilets, there are a lot of toilet stories to be told.
The "Tell Us Your Best Toilet Story" contest from American Standard is the chance to win the best toilet for the best toilet story. Simply submit a paragraph or two about a memorable toilet experience at www.facebook.com/AmericanStandardBrands between September 9 and October 9, 2009, and members of the page will vote for their favorites through October 12, 2009. The grand prize of a Champion 4 toilet, complete with installation and the Champion 4 Slow Close toilet seat will be awarded to the story that receives the highest number of "thumbs up" from readers. Four additional top vote getters will be awarded a free Champion 4 toilet with Champion 4 Slow Close toilet seat.
"Everyone uses toilets, so nearly everyone has a toilet story," said Jeannette Long, American Standard general manager of e-business. "Tell people you work for a plumbing company, and you hear them all: the one about the overflow during the big party or the one about what the kids have tried to flush.
"We figured the best story deserved the best toilet."
Members will vote for the story they are most likely to repeat to friends and family.
There is no purchase necessary to enter or to join the voting. If not a Facebook account holder, there is no fee or charge to become a registered Facebook member. Contest rules are available on American Standard's website, www.americanstandard.com.
Independently Rated to Be a Top Flusher
The Champion 4 itself is a great toilet story. With the widest waterways available to prevent clogging, backed by an unheard-of limited lifetime warranty on all parts, Champion 4 was recently ranked as a top performer by a leading consumer ratings magazine. Champion 4 toilet models have been consistently ranked among the best toilets in the Maximum Performance Testing (MaP) test, now in its 14th edition, conducted by Veritec Consulting, Inc. & Koeller and Company: http://www.cuwcc.org/MaPTesting.aspx.
For more information about American Standard, visit www.americanstandard.com. For more information about the contest, visit www.facebook.com/AmericanStandardBrands, between September 9, 2009 and October 31, 2009.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Keep Moving, Stay Healthy and do everything they love--for life!
Move Free Dancers on Quest to Recruit One Thousand Dancers, Age 50+
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah,- In celebration of September "Healthy Aging Month," The Move Free Dancers, a recreational performing dance troupe of active adults, age 50 and above, are taking their message of the importance of senior fitness and empowerment on the road, on a mission to recruit 1,000 like-minded Move Free Dancers. The Move Free Dancers, sponsored by Schiff , the makers of Move Free Advanced daily dietary supplement for joint health, and led by celebrity choreographer John Paolillo, a.k.a. Johnnie P., are embarking on a six-city "keep moving" tour across America to motivate their peers and indeed, people at all stages of life, to maintain strong, healthy joints and stay physically fit.
In each city, The Move Free Dancers are inviting would-be dance lovers to free, informal "master classes" where they'll be taught an easy, mildly aerobic line dance called "The Move Free Dance." [For more information and to download an instructional video, please visit www.movefreedancers.com.] They'll also be provided information and encouraged to consult with their physicians regarding sensible exercise, proper nutrition and starting a regimen of dietary supplements like Move Free Advanced to comfort their joints. The tour kicks off in New York City on Friday, Sept. 18, at the Hilton Times Square, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. In October, The Move Free Dancers will perform at the AARP annual convention, Vegas@50+, in Las Vegas, Oct. 22 - 24. Other scheduled destinations are San Antonio, TX, in November; Florida's Gold Coast in January, and Southern California in February and March.
Only a generation ago, it was commonly assumed that men and women would hang up their skills and aspirations at what now seems an absurdly youthful age, quietly consigning themselves to the sidelines. Fortunately, it is no longer unusual to encounter active, mature adults in the workplace or any other walk of life. As the image of older Americans has been evolving, the dance community has similarly become more inclusive. Many professional dancers, including the great Mikhail Baryshnikov, are performing well into middle age and beyond. Anyone who longs to dance can reach out, join a class and get moving.
"Dance is more popular than ever these days," Johnnie P. affirms, "and joint discomfort doesn't have to limit one's ability to participate. I should know - this is my livelihood - and when I turned 50, I started to feel stiffness in my joints so I began taking Move Free Advanced. I almost couldn't believe how quickly it worked. All the Move Free Dancers take it, and we sure can move!"
The current troupe of Move Free Dancers has diverse backgrounds but certainly have one thing in common: they are passionate about keeping fit and will not let anything get in their way. From academics to doctors to parents and even grandparents, the Move Free Dancers are in incredible shape -- and spirit!
Their Artistic Director, Johnnie P., has been a busy and highly respected choreographer for more than 15 years. His works reflect an in-depth, interdisciplinary mastery of jazz, modern, funk, tap and hip-hop. He has choreographed and co-directed 11 musicals. He is house choreographer for "LIVE! with Regis and Kelly" and has worked with high profile artists like Queen Latifah, Little Richard and Ben Vereen. He is the creator of the "NYSC/ALL SHOOK UP" and "SWEET CHARITY Broadway Work Out," as well as the founder of The Adrenaline Dance Company.
The Move Free Dancers maintain a healthy and active lifestyle through proper diet, exercise and a regimen of Move Free Advanced, a daily dietary supplement for joint health from Schiff . Move Free Advanced is a proprietary formula that combines Glucosamine and Chondroitin with two cutting-edge, advanced ingredients called Uniflex and Joint Fluid. Move Free Advanced has been clinically tested. And unlike products that just contain Glucosamine and Chondroitin which take up to 4 to 6 weeks to start working, Move Free Advanced starts comforting sore joints in less than 7 days(1) While results may vary from person to person, many consumers report improved comfort and mobility with Move Free Advanced.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah,- In celebration of September "Healthy Aging Month," The Move Free Dancers, a recreational performing dance troupe of active adults, age 50 and above, are taking their message of the importance of senior fitness and empowerment on the road, on a mission to recruit 1,000 like-minded Move Free Dancers. The Move Free Dancers, sponsored by Schiff , the makers of Move Free Advanced daily dietary supplement for joint health, and led by celebrity choreographer John Paolillo, a.k.a. Johnnie P., are embarking on a six-city "keep moving" tour across America to motivate their peers and indeed, people at all stages of life, to maintain strong, healthy joints and stay physically fit.
In each city, The Move Free Dancers are inviting would-be dance lovers to free, informal "master classes" where they'll be taught an easy, mildly aerobic line dance called "The Move Free Dance." [For more information and to download an instructional video, please visit www.movefreedancers.com.] They'll also be provided information and encouraged to consult with their physicians regarding sensible exercise, proper nutrition and starting a regimen of dietary supplements like Move Free Advanced to comfort their joints. The tour kicks off in New York City on Friday, Sept. 18, at the Hilton Times Square, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. In October, The Move Free Dancers will perform at the AARP annual convention, Vegas@50+, in Las Vegas, Oct. 22 - 24. Other scheduled destinations are San Antonio, TX, in November; Florida's Gold Coast in January, and Southern California in February and March.
Only a generation ago, it was commonly assumed that men and women would hang up their skills and aspirations at what now seems an absurdly youthful age, quietly consigning themselves to the sidelines. Fortunately, it is no longer unusual to encounter active, mature adults in the workplace or any other walk of life. As the image of older Americans has been evolving, the dance community has similarly become more inclusive. Many professional dancers, including the great Mikhail Baryshnikov, are performing well into middle age and beyond. Anyone who longs to dance can reach out, join a class and get moving.
"Dance is more popular than ever these days," Johnnie P. affirms, "and joint discomfort doesn't have to limit one's ability to participate. I should know - this is my livelihood - and when I turned 50, I started to feel stiffness in my joints so I began taking Move Free Advanced. I almost couldn't believe how quickly it worked. All the Move Free Dancers take it, and we sure can move!"
The current troupe of Move Free Dancers has diverse backgrounds but certainly have one thing in common: they are passionate about keeping fit and will not let anything get in their way. From academics to doctors to parents and even grandparents, the Move Free Dancers are in incredible shape -- and spirit!
Their Artistic Director, Johnnie P., has been a busy and highly respected choreographer for more than 15 years. His works reflect an in-depth, interdisciplinary mastery of jazz, modern, funk, tap and hip-hop. He has choreographed and co-directed 11 musicals. He is house choreographer for "LIVE! with Regis and Kelly" and has worked with high profile artists like Queen Latifah, Little Richard and Ben Vereen. He is the creator of the "NYSC/ALL SHOOK UP" and "SWEET CHARITY Broadway Work Out," as well as the founder of The Adrenaline Dance Company.
The Move Free Dancers maintain a healthy and active lifestyle through proper diet, exercise and a regimen of Move Free Advanced, a daily dietary supplement for joint health from Schiff . Move Free Advanced is a proprietary formula that combines Glucosamine and Chondroitin with two cutting-edge, advanced ingredients called Uniflex and Joint Fluid. Move Free Advanced has been clinically tested. And unlike products that just contain Glucosamine and Chondroitin which take up to 4 to 6 weeks to start working, Move Free Advanced starts comforting sore joints in less than 7 days(1) While results may vary from person to person, many consumers report improved comfort and mobility with Move Free Advanced.
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