Covering the Worlds Coverage - The New World Media, by Robert Paisola, Election 2008

Your News Coverage Team, Live from Salt Lake City, Utah ; Dr. RG Williams, Steve Cloward and Robert Paisola


Robert Paisola for CNN I Report, Live from the Utah Republican Party Headquarters


Robert Paisola with ABC News


Steve Cloward with BANDS FOR FREEDOM Recipient


Robert Paisola broadcasting Live Via Satellite to the World


Robert Paisola, Steve Cloward and Dr. RG Williams with the Rob Bishop Campaign Staff


Robert Paisola Reporting Live


Steve Cloward and Robert Paisola with Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff


Robert Paisola with Senator Orrin Hatch (R) Utah 2008


Robert Paisola with Senator Robert Bennett (R) Utah


Fifteen years ago, you had three choices, ABC, NBC or CBS. This was the way Americans got their news handed to them.

That is all different today.

Covering the 2008 Election Campaign as a blogger, journalist and CNN I Reporter, presented many open doors that have been previously considered closed and hidden to the average American Citizen.

The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah was the host to the local and national media, both traditional and non- traditional, covering the Utah Republican Party Election Campaign Results Live. And we were there!

The results of the election were all the same and the information was equally avaliable to all the media, including myself, Robert Paisola, however the way the information was delivered by our dedicated team at such warp speed to a worldwide audience on the CNN Network and the Wire Services top whom we report, often called "New Media Journalism" gave even the most seasoned journalist cause to wonder.... How is this possible?

"Don't you have to have that approved by your Editorial Committee?" she said.

As a reporter with a local National Public Radio Station stated, she was completely astounded that we could take photos and video and immediately post them online to sites such as CNN. This was completely foreign in her world, but this is the world that we rule, the world of the NOW GENERATION!

We were also approached by some of the top names in news. We were asked by a national Network Affiliate how we liked what we were doing. "Awesome, we said" and we do not get paid a dime! You could feel the tension... or was it jealousy?

Welcome to the era of Citizen Journalism. The era where YOU have the ability to take a stand on an issue and have your voice broadcast around the WORLD in minutes. No longer are you stuck watching your local Affiliate dictate carefully crafted words in order to make sure that they remain "in the bounds of the stations predicated ideology"

You, as a citizen journalist, have the entire worlds attention at your fingertips and all it takes is the desire, a little bit of money for equipment, and the ability to accept nothing less than full equality in the media circles where you circulate to make it happen.

Tonight was our night to shine and that is exactly what we did.

We sat at the same media tables that ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX used.

We had the same equipment, (many times ours was even better), and we had the desire and ability to simply MAKE IT HAPPEN.

We will tell you that the State that we were covering on this particular night was the State of Utah. We will also tell you that Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and Attorney General Mark Shurtleff both easily coasted to re-election ,along with one of our favorites, the new Utah House Representative, Jason Chavez, who kicked his opponents butt!

So, welcome to the world of new media, and welcome to the world where anything is possible. We hope you enjoy the videos and photos that we took, because we are very proud to have been part of this historic process. And you can count on us to be there giving you the facts 24 hours a day... just the way you deserve your news.

This, my friends is only the beginning!

Oh, and that reporter with that large television station that asked if we were hiring....nope.... we do it all for free, because WE CAN!

Reporting Live from Salt Lake City, Utah for CNN I Report, Associated Content, The New York Times TV Decoder, and the MSNBC Citizen Journalist Campaign , this is Robert Paisola Reporting LIVE from Salt Lake City, Utah

CONTACT INFORMATION
Robert Paisola, CEO,
Western Capital Multimedia
www.RobertPaisola.com
801-671-7843
1-877-517-9555

Odyssey House Sexual Abuse Update May 19, 2008, by Robert Paisola

Albert W. Nieto , Odyssey House Staff Member Accused of Sexual Abuse on a patient... Odyssey House Pays Victim (Click Link Below) $17,500

9-28-2008 ODYSSEY HOUSE ABUSE UPDATE
ODYSSEY HOUSE PAYS $14,500 to SETTLE SEX ABUSE VICTIM CLAIM, AS REPORTED BY
CNN IREPORT

We have just received a formal copy of an agreement by and between the insurance company that represents Odyssey House and the victim that is discussed in this article. We have copies of bank statements confirming the deposit, the official contract and the details confirming the validity of this story. The total payment was $14,500.00 and was deposited into a Wells Fargo Bank Account. We will post a copy of THE CHECK DEPOSIT and THE FULL CONTRACT. This can be verified by contacting the Director of Odyssey House, Greg Lambert, located at 42 S 500 E
Salt Lake City, UT 84102 and can be reached at Phone: (801) 596-1990

We would STRONGLY RECOMMEND that anyone who attempts to post despairing remarks regarding this matter in the future or the actions that were perpetrated upon this victim by Albert Nieto, which caused this payment for damages seek legal counsel prior to attempting to defame and slander this author.

To hear voicemails from Albert Nieto's wife are now live at http://www.AlbertNieto.org You will not believe this lady! Words can not describe her, maybe she needs an examination from a competent professional, like Albert Nieto, just a thought.


Sexual Messages from Therapist Albert Nieto to Theraputic Client

The above photos are the sole property of Robert Paisola and CNN and May Not be reproduced with the express written approval of Robert Paisola of CNN I Report







EXCLUSIVE- DRUG TREATMENT PROGRAM ODYSSEY HOUSE “Provide Sex or You Go Back to Jail", By Robert Paisola for CNNIREPORT

Dateline May 19, 2008--UPDATE
Salt Lake City, Utah
Robert Paisola for CNN IReport
Live from Mexico City, Mexico

We just received a call from the Sexual abuse victim that we have been profiling on this CNN Site, and have been told that today, she contacted The Executive Director of Odyssey House in Utah, Eric Schmidt, requesting that she be able to pick up her completion certificate so that she can personally deliver it to the Judge in Logan to show that she complied with his treatment order.

Eric Schmidt stated that he would not release the certificate of completion until she signed a settlement agreement with Odyssey House. He further stated that he would not contact the Logan, Utah court and have the pending warrant lifted, even thouh the sexual perpertuator, Albert Nieto has been fired and the charges "have been verified"

We will keep you updated on the sexual abuse case as it happens and in the meanwhile, if you are also a sexual abuse victim that has been molested or raped, we want you to contact Odyssey House and tell them your feelings on being molested and how counselors have abused you around the country. Also, If you are willing to go on camera for national television, please contact investigations@odysseyhouse.net

Here are the numbers to call:

The State of Utah Attorney General
Utah State Capitol Office
Office of the Attorney General
Utah State Capitol Complex
350 North State Street Suite 230
SLC UT 84114-2320

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Investigation Division
Missing and Exploited Children's Program
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
810 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20531
Phone: 202-616-3637
FAX: 202-353-9093
Crisis Line: 800-843-5678
E-mail: laney@ojp.us.doj.gov

National Child Abuse Hot-Line
800-422-4453

National Organization for Victim Assistance
1757 Park Road NW
Washington, DC 20010
Phone: 202-232-6682
Toll-free: 800-TRY-NOVA
FAX: 202-462-2255
E-mail: hwinfo@healthy.net
*Assists children and adult victims of family violence with a 24 hour hotline and short-term counseling, maintains information clearinghouse, provides training and technical assistance to state and local programs.


National Victim Center
2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201
FAX: 703-276-2889
Toll-free 800-FYI-CALL
(800-394-2255)
*Provides information referrals and materials free of charge to victims of all violent crime. Distributes safety information and maintains an extensive list of community resources assisting in the battle against victimization.

Odyssey House Contacts

Executive Director Eric Schmidt (801) 428-3403

Director of Administration Adam Cohen 801) 428-3449
Director of Adolescent Services ALBERT NIETOS FIRED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF A PATIENT


Director of Adult Outpatient Services Brad Garvin 801) 428-3424 Director of the Adult Residential Program Arvell Brinkerhoff (801) 428-3465

Director of the Parents with Children Residential Program Karen Williams 801-428-3979

Director of Development- Kim DeMille 801-428-2408

Director of Finance Ken Miller (801) 428-3404

Adolescent Admissions Supervisor Chris Madsen 801) 428-3448

Adult Admissions Supervisor Kristine Freeman 801-428-3417

Adult Outpatient Admissions Kristi Johnson 801) 428-3422

Odyssey House’s Main Number is: (801) 322-4257

Fax: (801) 322-2831

Adolescent Main Number: (801) 363-0203

Fax: (801) 359-3455

Adult Residential Main Number: (801) 322-1001

Fax: (801) 359-3864

Adult Residential Admissions Main Number: (801) 322-3222

Parent and Children Main Number: (801) 596-1990

Fax: (801) 355-4607

Adult Outpatient Main Number: (801) 322-1185

Fax: (801) 322-4002








Dateline May 17, 2008--UPDATE
Salt Lake City, Utah
Robert Paisola for CNN IReport

We have just learned that a private meeting took place between the CEO of Odyssey House and the Sexual Abuse Victim. The meeting was held this week and the information we received confirms that Albert Nietos is guilty of the sexual abuse charges, that the State of Utah Department of Licensing is now involved and is conducting an investigation into this. We will post the phone number of the investigator, and that The CEO of Odyssey House made a token offer of $10,000 To resolve this matter.

The victim declined the offer and 2 days later was contacted by an independent adjuster from New York representing ARCH INSURANCE COMPANY wherein he stated that this matter is of the upmost importance to ARCH INSURANCE.

The Value of this case based upon Lexis Nexis is at least $500,000 and will grow higher daily.

The victim was recently hospitalized this week, because of this event.

We will keep you advised on the status of this investigation and have submitted 3 tapes for transcription, where we will then post them for you, our readers to listen and read.

If you are a victim of Odyssey House Utah please send an email to odysseyclassaction@mycollector.com

LET THE MARATHON BEGIN- ODYSSEY HOUSE BEGINS THE BRUTAL "MARATHON" PUNISHMENT PHASE FOR ALL CLIENTS, by Robert Paisola for CNNIReport

Today we learned that The Salt Lake City Utah Odyssey House ( www.odysseyhouse.net )
has begun the process of beginning a MARATHON. This is a punishment method in order to force compliance to the stringent rules that are used, as if in a cult like setting.

We asked our sources "What is a Marathon?" "Well they do this when 'the house is dirty' or when rumors get started or rules are broken". We were told "If people talk too much to each other or violate any rules ( like speaking to the media ) they are required to enter into a room in silence and sit on the floor for 4 hours per day from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, this "shunning process" can last for weeks, until the upper staff deems the client "Clean" and the counselors are watching from afar and from the next room.

One by one each client is told to go to the interrogation room where the client must "come clean" on what they have done wrong against the program. During this Marathon Shunning Process, there is to be no eye contact with any other client in the program and the client is to look at the wall only. We are told that the clients are permitted to read a book while sitting on the floor. That is all they can do to pass the time, waiting to hear their name called.

We were provided with a master list of residents and out patient residents currently in the program, with their phone numbers that we are going to interview.

If you are a client of odyssey house please send us your story to investigations@cnnlegal.com and we will guarantee your anonymity. This list is supposed to be a "Support System List" and members are told to call other residents in the event that there is a problem. We have approximately 30 names that we will soon post for the media that read this site around the world.

Tomorrow we will be interviewing the Director of Psychological and Forensic Services for the Mayo Clinic to provide you with a clear understanding WHY this abuse is going on.

For CNNIReport, this is Robert Paisola reporting from Los Angeles, California
____________________________________________________________________
Dateline May 9, 2008--UPDATE
Salt Lake City, Utah
Robert Paisola for CNN IReport

Today we performed a live recorded interview with a current Odyssey House Client who is choosing to remain annonymous, due to the revenge that Odyssey House Utah could impute upon him.

We were told that on Thursday of this week that there was a House Meeting. A Staff Member named BRAD announded that he was in charge, as he had a serious matter to discusse with the approximately 40 people in attendance.

Brad stated that he forbade any client from speaking to any person on the termination of Albert Nietos, a therapist.

The Entire basis of the Odyssey House program is based on self disclosure, so we are highly concerned at the comments that were madw to the clients not to discuss this matter. Further, our source told CNN IReport that "for those of you who know, keep it on the hush (sic) and for those of you who do know, do not ask any questions" He continued, " Are we permitted to bring this up un group" and the Director of the Program, stated that this may turn into a 'Media Frenzy' and you will be approached by the media, but you are forbidden to discuss this" The CEO, Eric Schmidt, reiterated that the residents were not to discuss this inside or outside the confines of Odyssey House.

The source that we spoke to explained in detail in a recorder interview that "accountability is what the program is based upon" and that he feared for his safety to reveal his name, as he could go back to prison if they violated him for talking to this reporter, which would mean going back to prison.

We were also advised that a three weeks ago one of the other Odyssey House Therapists, Marae Evans, submitted a dirty Urin Test and was quietly let go. This was also covered up according to the source.

"Usually when a Therapist goes away (sic) they have a little going away party, but she simply disappeared just like Ablert Nietos did (sic)" he said. The group asked management why she was gone and they said that "they could not elaborate on this, and nobody was to discuss this matter also"

We were also shoked to hear that The Therapist that abused the original victim had "Replased" This comment was verified by an Odyssey House Employee names Stacy who is a therapist. This statement alone means that Odyssey House Utah had prior knowledge of Albert Nietos propensity to abuse his patients.

Update- SEX ABUSER , ALBERT NIETOS, TERMINATED FROM ODYSSEY HOUSE IN SALT LAKE CITY

As of 9:33 PM MST 5-8-08, Our sources have confirmed that one of the sexual perpetrators , Albert Nieto, of Salt Lake City, Utah has been forced to resign his position as Director of Adolescent Treatment at Odyssey House in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our sources also report that Albert Nieto's license to practice as a clinologist in the State of Utah will also be suspended and terminated.

This is only the beginning of what will be a very costly lesson for the Odyssey House Organization.

We will soon bring you the story of a resident client who simply stated that because of all of the media coverage, that he/she was not comfortable in the ODYSSEY HOUSE ENVIRONMENT and was IMMEDIATELY PROVIDED WITH A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION FOR THE COURT.

WE STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED A FORMAL STATEMENT FROM GLEN LAMBERT, so stay tuned to http://www.odysseyhouseabuse.com/ for further updates.

Albert Nietos Cell Phone Number is 801-637-7161

We have also just been informed that The Entire Odyssey House Client Base was called into a meeting tonight and told that under no circumstances should they speak with the media. This is called a HOUSE or TOWN HALL MEETING and it took place because of these incidents. Our sources at the program recorded the ENTIRE MEETING and we are in the process of having the data transcribed for you, as well as the full audio from the administration demanding that the clients cease and desist talking with media such as CNN, KSL, NBC NEWS, DATELINE, and all worldwide news organizations.

Not a Very Smart Move for such a Large Company with unlimited financial exposure

We were also just informed that the target of the sexual abuse that was the original basis for this story now has a bench warrant issued for her arrest in a Logan, Utah Court because of her failure to concede to Albert Nieto's Sexual Advances, which resulted in a non completion certificate being sent to the Court resulting in the warrant for arrest. We will have more live coverage on this issue tomorrow.
________________________________________________________________________________

May 7, 2008
For Immediate Release
Los Angeles, California
BY ROBERT PAISOLA- CNNIREPORT

GARY LAMBERT, DIRECTOR of ODYSSEY HOUSE

The Odyssey House Adult Treatment Program of Salt Lake City UTAH
is a Utah Based private, non-profit program that provides treatment of drug and alcohol addiction, emotional problems, and anti-social behavior. Odyssey House was opened in 1971 and is a major diversonary source for Utah Courts to sentence offenders who present themselves with Drug Abuse and Mental Health issues.

All of that is now in question as investigators are looking into an alleged "Sex of Completion" deals that have been made to female attendees at this program.

The Odyssey house Program is almost entirely based upon court ordered treatment. Individuals are permitted to go through the odyssey house program as an alternative to being incarcerated.

This reporter has interviewed several females who were forced to attend the Odyssey House Program and were told very explicitly that in order to complete the program that they would have to complete sexual acts with senior members of the Odyssey House Staff including the Director of Adolescent Services, Albert Nieto.

Albert Nieto is listed on the Odyssey House Website as a senior manager of the program and multiple recorded voice messages and text messages that have been seen by this reporter clearly indicate the "Sex for Completion Certificate" protocol was not simply aberrant conduct.

A victim we spoke to who wished to remain anonymous because of her pending legal against Odyssey House and their Insurance Companies, stated that she was a victim of rape at a young age, and has underwent many types of therapy.

However when approached by Nieto, she was told that if she did not comply with his sexual demands, that she would be pulled from the program and placed in jail. “It’s Your Choice” she said

We learned tonight that inmates at the Odyssey House Program whom are still active are being pulled from group and individual therapy and are being interrogated by staff members on this issue.

We made multiple attempts to contact the executives of Odyssey House including Glen Lambert, Mr. Eric Schmidt, the Director, Adam Cohen, the Director of Administration and Brad Garvin, the Director of Outpatient Services.

Robert Paisola or CNNIReport did not receive a call back from any of the parties.

Odyssey House receives funding from: Salt Lake County Division of Substance Abuse Services, Utah County Division of Substance Abuse, Utah Division of Juvenile Justice Services, Utah Division of Child and Family Services and United Way. Odyssey House is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.

We are following this story very closely and will keep you advised (including the text messages and voice mails) on this site.

If you are a victim of Odyssey House in Utah and have been treated in a similar way, please contact Robert Paisola at 801-619-4700

Odyssey House is located at:

Odyssey House Inc
607 East 200 South
Salt Lake City UT,
(801) 363-0203

___
This article is the sole property of Robert Paisola and may not be reproduced with the expressed written consent of The Western Capital Foundation, CNN I Report or its Assigns.

Robert Paisola is a freelance reporter based in Los Angeles, California and covers criminal and legal matters in the country. All media requests should be made to media.relations@robertpaisola.com or 801-619-4700

"I will Slit Your Throat If You Testify" Robert Paisola for Corbis Multimedia

October 11, 2007

Dateline Salt Lake City, Utah
Robert Paisola for Western Capital Publishing

She received a phone call at 2:00 AM from a man claiming to be a friend of her former husband Andre Gustavo Henry Lopez, tired and exhausted, she answered the phone. "Hello" she said in a shattered voice. If your dare to show up to the Third Judicial District Court for the hearing, "I will kill you"

Immediately, the victim, Lindsey Lopez, realized that her ex-husband was not the person that she originally thought; a small catering company owner, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. But was involved with a group of Columbian Drug Lords who utilized his services as a major cocaine distributor throughout the Western United States.

"I could not believe the call" said Lopez "I was given the option to go into hiding" says Lindsey Lopez, his ex-wife, " but I knew that would only let him feel as if he had won" she said

She immediately hung up the phone, called the Draper, Utah Police Department and for 48 greuling hours waited for the pending hearing before the Honorable Third Judicial District Court Judge Robert Adkins.

"The calls continued" she said; "I did not know what to do" she addded. But I am so thankful to the Draper, Utah Police Department for remaining committed to keep me safe. " "They saved my life" "I think they drove by my home every 10 minutes" Lopez Said.

In the end, the Defendant, Andre Gustavo Henry Lopez cried like a child for mercy in the courtroom and plead guilty to all charges. He faces up to eight years in the Utah State Prison In Draper, Utah.

Andre Gustavo Henry Lopez remains in custody at the Adult Detention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is being held on 2 consecutive fifty thousand dollar cash only bails.

"He will never get out" said his attorney to the judge.

Nationwide Credit and American Express, Will they ever be stopped..Again!! Posted by Robert Paisola

Dear Robert Paisola

My name is Victoria . I am 52 years old and live in Texas. I googled Nationwide Credit and somehow ended up on your website. I have had the misfortune of having been contacted by Nationwide Credit yesterday March 18, 2008 as a result of approximately $14,000 I owe American Express. I don't dispute that I owe American Express, I have been making $300 to $350 payments per month. I have records from American Express to verify this. Nationwide has informed that they now have my American Express account and that I must pay them $14,000 in full or at least 80% of the $14,000. They informed me that they would need to investigate if I have any equity on my home (I'm actually upside down) as well as my 401K retirement account. I'm assuming that they will take my home and retirment money, which is only about $5,000. They informed me that I should go to my bank or Citifinancial, who I have done business with in the past, to get a loan to pay off my debt. They told me that it was obvious that I was refusing to take care of my debt, but I want to pay my debt. They have given me untill today, March 19, 2008 by 8:00pm CT to tell them how I will pay my debt. I have repeatedly informed them that I am unable to obtain a loan, and assured them that I was more than willing to accept my responsibility to pay this debt. I offered to pay $300.00 per month. They attacked me personally by saying that I should have thought about my inability to pay before I used the (AmEx) credit card. (Last year I had health issues that resulted in 3 surgeries by the year's end. I'm much better now, except for the worry and stress that this situation has caused me at home and work.) They also stated that if I did not pay at least the 80% that they will take legal action. I have asked them not to call me during normal work hours. I know this is short notice, but I need immediate advise. I can be called at (XXX
________________________________________

If you provide Me with Sex, I will deduct it off of your debt- Robert Paisola Investigates

At first when we received this tape, we could not believe it, but here it is for our listeners and students around the world. If you are treated like this, let us know at investigations@mycollector.com

Robert Paisola
CEO
www.mycollector.com

American Express and Nationwide Credit- Pure Hell on Earth, Posted by Robert Paisola

Watch the Live Nationwide Credit Abuse Video at www.NationwideCreditExposed.com

Robert

Yesterday I contacted American Express in regards to a card that had gone unpaid, I was looking to keep the account from falling into default but was unable to do so since I was informed that Amex had forwarded the account to Nationwide Credit just the day before I had contacted them.

I followed up my call to Amex by contacting Nationwide Credit, they had never contacted me I just thought it would show my intent to make good on my debt if I went ahead and called them first.

That is when my experience became very similar to the call that you have posted on your website, which is what compelled me to join the VIP’s and contact you.
A gentleman named Kenny Clayton (888) 322-2608 x-5004 informed me that I had to pay the entire amount of my account totaling $33,000, I told him that that was an impossible amount for me to come up with.

He told me that the only other payment arrangement would be to pay half up front which exceeded $15,000 and then make payments over the following two months that would total more than $7,000 each and that those were the only two options that Amex gives for accounts that go into default.

I told Mr. Clayton that I wanted to settle my debt but that neither one of those options was realistic he told me there was no other option.

He brought up my FICO score which has dropped from above 700 to around 585 due to this and asked me if this was the first time that I had ever had an account fall into collections…I confirmed that in fact it was the first time this had happened; and he said he thought so because my score was still that high.

Mr. Clayton then suggested that I apply for another credit card and make a balance transfer, apply for a loan at my bank, pull money out of my equity or get the money from family or friends and after putting me on hold to check with his supervisor gave me 48 hours to try and procure the money; that deadline expires tomorrow-Friday February 8 @ 9AM.

Obviously distraught because I knew there was no way that I could make this happen I started doing some searches on the internet which is where I found your website and listened to the phone call posted there.

The delinquency on this account has occurred as a result of the Southern California Wildfires at the end of October 2007.

I own my own seafood market in Ventura County and while my business was not directly damaged the impact the fires had as a result of evacuations and blackouts was devastating on my business where over a three – four week period from late October to mid-November we lost about 70% of our regular business.

During this difficult time pretty much everyone was helpful in aiding us getting back on our feet except for American Express which provided us absolutely nothing in the way of help and immediately started the delinquent notices piling up on the account.

At this point I have absolutely no idea how to approach tomorrow morning and with trying to run a business I don’t have the time to go through and figure out what the laws are governing these agencies, please help me; I am willing to repay my debt but Nationwide Credit has put the fear in me that if I don’t come up with $33,000 that they will pursue me through other means.

Best regards,

(Name Withheld)

The Royal Holiday Resort Scam- God Help Them

Dear Robert,

Pat Hopps mentioned your name to me and had very positive things to say about you.

I got your emails from your website and I wasn't sure which one you use regularly. I am also a victim of the Royal Holiday scam. It is very frustrating because the salespeople lie about what the timeshare offers and then makes people sign an iron-clad contract. Royal Holiday really need to be exposed.

I have done a lot of research about this company and they are definitely a well connected organization. ABC is currently doing a story to expose the lies the company tells people.

I know you are a very busy man and I would appreciate any help that you can provide. I am currently fighting to get a refund and I would also like to expose this company so others won't be scammed by this company anymore.

I set up a simple website so others will know about it so hopefully, they can cancel quickly before it's too late. My website is www.royallyscammed.com.

Sincerely,

Charles Hwang

Monday Edition: Senate Judiciary Considers Shield Law for Journalists, Posted by Robert Paisola, CEO, CRETV.COM

Monday Edition: Senate Judiciary Considers Shield Law for Journalists
http://www.poynter.org:80/content/content_print.asp?id=130265&custom=

By Al Tompkins (more by author)


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This week, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee will take up the Free Flow of Information Act of 2007, sponsored by senators Arlen Specter R-Pa. and Charles E. Schumer D-N.Y. There are 10 co-sponsors from the Senate and 71 from the identical House version.

The Society of Professional Journalists has an extensive resource page on this issue.

The Department of Justice opposes the law, saying it is not necessary because the Feds already have a fine policy of balancing journalists' rights with the public's "interest in effective law enforcement." Click here to read the testimony [PDF] of assistant attorney general Rachel Brand, who spoke before the House Judiciary Committee in June.

Make no mistake about it. Plenty of reporters have gone to jail for contempt of court in the last 20 years after they refused to reveal their sources. Click here for a list.

Here are links to some of the more noteworthy cases:

BALCO -- Grand jury investigation

Josh Wolf -- Grand jury subpoena

Plame -- Investigation

Islamic charities -- Grand jury subpoenas

Wen Ho Lee -- Lawsuit subpoenas

Steven Hatfill -- Lawsuit subpoenas

Taricani -- Home confinement

Lynne Stewart -- Trial subpoenas


The shield law being considered on the federal level would protect traditional journalists at TV/radio stations and newspapers, as well as bloggers.

Both the House and Senate bills say:


The term "journalism" means the gathering, preparing, collecting, photographing, recording, writing, editing, reporting, or publishing of news or information that concerns local, national, or international events or other matters of public interest for dissemination to the public.

The legislation does not provide a complete and total shield against giving up a source. These are the conditions under which a journalist would have to cough up a source's name:

(a) Conditions for Compelled Disclosure -- In any proceeding or in connection with any issue arising under Federal law, a Federal entity may not compel a covered person to provide testimony or produce any document related to information possessed by such covered person as part of engaging in journalism, unless a court determines by a preponderance of the evidence, after providing notice and an opportunity to be heard to such covered person--
(1) that the party seeking to compel production of such testimony or document has exhausted all reasonable alternative sources (other than a covered person) of the testimony or document;
(2) that--
(A) in a criminal investigation or prosecution, based on information obtained from a person other than the covered person--
(i) there are reasonable grounds to believe that a crime has occurred; and
(ii) the testimony or document sought is essential to the investigation or prosecution or to the defense against the prosecution; or
(B) in a matter other than a criminal investigation or prosecution, based on information obtained from a person other than the covered person, the testimony or document sought is essential to the successful completion of the matter;
(3) in the case that the testimony or document sought could reveal the identity of a source of information or include any information that could reasonably be expected to lead to the discovery of the identity of such a source, that--
(A) disclosure of the identity of such a source is necessary to prevent imminent and actual harm to national security with the objective to prevent such harm;
(B) disclosure of the identity of such a source is necessary to prevent imminent death or significant bodily harm with the objective to prevent such death or harm, respectively; or
(C) disclosure of the identity of such a source is necessary to identify a person who has disclosed--
(i) a trade secret of significant value in violation of a State or Federal law;
(ii) individually identifiable health information, as such term is defined in section 1171(6) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320d(6)), in violation of Federal law; or
(iii) nonpublic personal information, as such term is defined in section 509(4) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (15 U.S.C. 6809(4)), of any consumer in violation of Federal law; and
(4) that nondisclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest, taking into account both the public interest in compelling disclosure and the public interest in gathering news and maintaining the free flow of information.
(b) Limitations on Content of Information- The content of any testimony or document that is compelled under subsection (a) shall, to the extent possible--
(1) be limited to the purpose of verifying published information or describing any surrounding circumstances relevant to the accuracy of such published information; and
(2) be narrowly tailored in subject matter and period of time covered so as to avoid compelling production of peripheral, nonessential, or speculative information.
The Newspaper Association of America says this in support of a federal shield law:


More than 40 reporters have been subpoenaed or questioned about their confidential sources, their notes, and their work product over the last few years in criminal and civil cases in federal court. Ground breaking stories, such as conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the Abu Ghraib prison scandal and baseball steroid abuse, would not have been possible without confidential sources. The journalist is becoming the first stop, rather than the last resort, for civil litigants and prosecutors attempting to obtain the identity of confidential sources.



How often are reporters subpoenaed?

We really don't know, and it remains uncertain as to whether the number is rising. It is possible, however, to know how often the federal courts pull reporters into the legal process.

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press says:


Unfortunately, there is no way of recording which subpoenas are issued to members of the news media on the national level, although the Department of Justice guidelines (28 C.F.R. 50.10) do mandate that any federal subpoena issued to a member of the news media must be approved by the Attorney General.
In response to a 2006 Freedom of Information request submitted to Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, the Reporters Committee was informed that "approximately 65 requests for media subpoenas have been approved by the Attorney General since 2001" pursuant to the guidelines. The response listed the following numbers as their breakdown by year, although the Reporters Committee makes no guarantee that this response is accurate:



2001
13

2002
7

2003
16

2004
19

2005
7

2006
3





The Civil Division of the Department of Justice informed the Reporters Committee that they had not submitted any media subpoenas to the Attorney General for approval in recent years, and the Civil Rights Division indicated likewise.

Again, the Reporters Committee does not guarantee that these numbers represent accurate totals. Please also note that these numbers do NOT include any subpoenas not issued pursuant to the guidelines or subpoenas issued in non-federal proceedings.






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Weak Dollar Spurs Spending

The Canadian dollar (also the so-called "loonie," named after the loon on the face of the coin) hit parity with the U.S. dollar last week.

The dollar also took a beating in Europe. All of this may mean the "snowbirds" who come south to Florida, South Carolina, Arizona, etc., will soon be flush with cash unlike when the U.S. dollar was strong against the Canadian dollar. This might mean they'll stay down south longer.

The Associated Press says border cities like Buffalo, N.Y., may start seeing their fair share of Canadian shoppers.

The Canadian Press says:

For the past few weeks, as the loonie inched higher in value, Canadians have been heading across the border to take advantage of their strong currency and U.S. prices that are often inexplicably lower than those in Canada.

And for Canadians who don't want to or can't make the drive, the online market is becoming a much more attractive shopping site for everything from lacy underwear to massive, high-definition TV sets.

"Shopping is so much better here," said Sam Theriault of Hartland, N.B., as she headed into the Wal-Mart in Houlton, Maine - just across the border from Woodstock, N.B.

"The dollar is equal and everything is cheaper over here. I like to support my own country, but being a single mom, you have to find the savings."

American retailers are rubbing their hands in glee as they watch their parking lots fill with cars loaded with Canadian shoppers.

Cara Buckingham, marketing manager at Bellis Fair in Bellingham, Wash. - about an hour's drive from Vancouver - said sales have increased at the popular shopping destination ever since the Canadian dollar started climbing last spring.

"We've seen double-digit increases month to month, compared to the previous year," Buckingham said.


The (Canada) Financial Post points out:

Since the beginning of 2003, the loonie has shot up from US65¢ to US$1. That is a 54% increase that touches the heart of every Canadian nationalist. But look at other major currencies, and you will see that the loonie is not alone in its rise against the U.S. dollar. Most importantly, the euro, which does not have Canada's commodity or surplus stories driving it, is up about 36% against the U.S. dollar.

Compare these two increases and you can argue that two-thirds of the charge to parity over the past five years is due to U.S. dollar weakness. Just one-third is due to the strength of the Canadian dollar. In other words, the loonie has not risen as much as the U.S. dollar has declined -- which is why the Canadian-dollar hitting parity was greeted with yawns in most places outside Canada.







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Do Not Call List Expires in Nine Months

Have you noticed, as I have, that the dinner hour has been quieter since June 2003? The phone no longer constantly rings with telephone solicitors trying to sell me stuff. The source of that bliss is the Do Not Call Registry.

Though it's not perfect, it works better than nothing. But the list will soon expire, and you will have to sign up all over again unless Congress passes legislation that says you will remain on the list until you choose to get off of it.

The Associated Press reports:

Numbers placed on the registry, begun in June 2003, are valid for five years. For the millions of people who signed onto the list in its early days, their numbers will automatically drop off beginning next June if they do not enroll again.

"It is incredibly quick and easy to do," Lydia Parnes, director of the FTC's bureau of consumer protection, said in an interview with The Associated Press this week. "It was so easy for people to sign up in the first instance. It will be just as easy for them to re-up."

But Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Pa., says people should not be forced to re-register to keep telemarketers at bay. Doyle introduced legislation this week, with bipartisan support, to make registrations permanent. [Click here to read the bill.]


"When someone takes the time and effort to say 'I don't want these kinds of calls coming into my house,' they shouldn't have to keep a calendar to find out when they have to re-up to keep this nuisance from happening," Doyle said in an interview.

The FTC built the five-year expiration date into the program to account for changes, such as people who move and switch their phone number, Parnes said.

Congressman Doyle says, on his Web site:

“Without passage of the Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007, over 50 million phone numbers will be purged from the Do Not Call Registry within the next year,” Congressman Doyle observed. “The hassle will be tremendous – with no real pay-off. The best way to deal with this nightmare is to end it before it starts. That’s why I’m introducing this bill. I hope that Congress will pass it as rapidly as it did the legislation authorizing the Do Not Call Registry in 2003.”







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