text:
Strasbourg, 2 September 2002 CommDH(2002) 6
Original version in French
ON HIS VISIT TO HUNGARY11-14 JUNE 2002for the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly
I. Rights of minorities and of the Roma/Gypsy community 4Rights of minorities 4The Roma/Gypsy community 4II. The situation of certain vulnerable groups 6 Domestic violence against women and children 6Children suffering from mental disability 7Homeless persons 7The homosexual community 8III. The rights of detained persons 8Arrest, police violence 8Detention conditions in prisons 9Pre-trial detention in police stations 9Committal to psychiatric establishments 10IV. Foreigners and asylum-seekers 10V. Freedom of association 11
In accordance with Article 3(e) of Committee of Ministers Resolution (99) 50 on the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, I was pleased to accept the invitation extended by Mr Laszlo Kovacs, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, to pay an official visit to Hungary. I would like to thank the Minister for his invitation and for the resources he placed at my disposal throughout the visit to Budapest and Göd, from 11-14 June 2002. During this time, I was accompanied by Mr Zoltan Pecze, from the Directorate of Human Rights at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ms Caroline Ravaud and Mr Fernando Mora, members of my Office. I should also like to thank the staff of the Hungarian Permanent Representation to the Council of Europe for their excellent co-operation and readiness to help before and during this visit. Finally, I should like to thank the Hungarian authorities for their openness and transparency. As well as for all the documents they provided before, during and after this official visit.
The visit began with a long meeting with representatives of Hungarian non-governmental organisations (NGOs), held at the premises of the European Youth Centre in Budapest. I also had an opportunity to meet Ms Monika Lamperth, Interior Minister; Mr Péter Barandy, Minister of Justice; Mr Laszlo Kovacs, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr Andras Barsony, Political State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr Ibolya David, Deputy Speaker of Parliament; members of the parliamentary Committee on Human rights, Minorities and Religious Affairs; the Ombudsmen; Ms Kinga Göncz, State Secretary for Health, Social Affairs and the Family; the Presidents of the Minority self-government, and representatives of the Roma/Gypsy minority. I also visited the detention centre for foreigners at Budapest airport, the TOPhAZ hospital for children suffering from mental disabilities in Göd, the District VIII by foot and a Refuge Foundation hostel located in the same District.
General observations
1. Hungary was one of the first countries to benefit from the special guest status created by the Parliamentary Assembly in June 1989 for the parliaments of central and Eastern Europe. Following its accession to the European Cultural Convention (November 1989) and the country's first free elections (in March 1990), Hungary became the first country from central and Eastern Europe to join the Council of Europe, on 6 November 1990. Now an applicant state to the European Union, Hungary is pursuing EU membership negotiations with a view to their completion by the end of 2002 and EU membership from 1 January 2004. At national level, this is reflected in far-reaching institutional changes and a willingness to conform to existing EU legislation.
2. As regards respect for human rights, Hungary has signed and ratified the European Convention on Human Rights and its Protocols N° 1, 4, 6 and 7; it has signed Protocols N°12 and 13; it has also signed and ratified the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and, in 1999, the European Social Charter. Generally speaking, Hungary has made significant progress in a very short time, and this fact deserves to be highlighted. This report is based on the Hungarian Government's stated wish to improve the situation further. It was in this spirit that I found it essential it consider further in this report certain issues raised during my meetings with parliamentarians, members of the government, local authorities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as certain observations made during visits on the ground. These concern the rights of minorities and of the Roma/Gypsy community (I); protection of certain vulnerable groups (II); the rights of detained persons (III) and of foreigners and asylum seekers (IV); finally, certain questions relating to freedom of association (V).
3. The major reforms undertaken in the economic and institutional fields in recent years have been reflected in considerable progress in Hungarian society. Nonetheless, the speed of these reforms has left certain disadvantaged groups behind, and they have borne the brunt of the economic crisis. The authorities are aware of the challenges now posed to Hungarian society by this two-tier development and are resolved to meet them head-on. I am confident that their work will produce the expected results.
I. Rights of minorities and of the Roma/Gypsy community
Rights of minorities
4. The legislative and institutional framework for the protection of minorities in Hungary is particularly well developed. During my visit, I had an opportunity to meet members of the 13 minority self-governments, which are officially recognised in Hungary. I was able to exchange views with representatives of the German, Slovak, Bulgarian, Ukrainian, Slovenian, Greek and Croat minorities, who informed me of their opinions and concerns. All acknowledged that the 1993 Law on National Minorities had helped considerably in resolving the discrimination and integration problems faced by minority communities in Hungarian society, but also indicated that certain problems persisted.
5. One problem mentioned by all the representatives concerns appropriate representation of minorities in Parliament. Parliamentary representation of minorities, provided for in the Constitution, was to have been introduced via implementing legislation, something the Constitutional Court pointed out as far back as 1992. Even now, however, this constitutional requirement has still not been matched by appropriate legislative action. At the same time, political representation of minorities does exist at local level; but here too, the minority representatives expressed their concern that representatives are not elected solely by members of each minority, but by the electorate as a whole; this concern was again expressed by representatives of Roma/Gypsy organisations whom I had occasion to meet during the visit I carried out to District VIII in Budapest. The Deputy Speaker of Parliament and the members of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights, Minorities and Religious Affairs, to whom I conveyed these reservations, acknowledged that it is time to analyse the effects of the 1993 Law and, if necessary, amend it.
6. We also discussed a draft law on the fight against discrimination. Ms Lamperth, Interior Minister, expressed an interest in receiving my opinion on this draft law, which has been presented by the Ombudsman for minorities. Needless to say, I am prepared to examine the draft law in question as soon as it is finalised and when the Minister considers it timely to contact me.
7. Finally, the national minorities are also calling for greater resources so as to develop their programmes, and a better co-operation policy with the local administrative authorities.
The Roma/Gypsy community
8. The Hungarian authorities have been making considerable efforts to improve this community's situation for some time. Indeed, it is clear that the Roma/Gypsy community in Hungary includes an intellectual elite and is fighting for its rights, with tangible objectives. By including Roma/Gypsy candidates on the electoral lists of national parties, the Roma/Gypsy community has succeeded in obtaining a number of seats in Parliament. In addition, the various representatives and leaders of the Roma/Gypsy community whom I personally met are perfectly conscious of the nature and scale of the problems they must tackle. They are also ready to act in a determined and organised way. For my part, I must pay tribute to their lucidity, resolve and willingness to fight at all levels of public life to ensure that their rights are fully recognised, in particular through exercise of their civil rights in the various electoral processes. To a certain extent, this situation is also due to the authorities' official policy, and I hope that this will continue. I was informed that the Prime Minister intends to establish a post of deputy State Secretary with responsibility for Roma/Gypsy affairs, within his office, in the very near future, and this is a particularly positive move. Indeed, I met the Roma Member of Parliament who, in theory, is to be appointed to this post, and had an opportunity to speak to him, particularly during my visit to Budapest's District VIII.
9. Following the visit to District VIII, the Roma/Gypsy community organised, at my request, a meeting with leaders from Hungary's various regions at the premises of Radio C, a Roma/Gypsy radio-station based in this District. Several NGOs and Roma/Gypsy organisations were present and we had a long discussion that was both very cordial and productive on the problems encountered by the community.
10. The Roma/Gypsy community is undoubtedly the group most directly affected by the adverse impact of Hungarian society's transition to a market economy. Its members must now deal with difficult situations arising, inter alias, from job insecurity, discrimination in access to education and the lack of decent housing.
11. In terms of access to employment, there is no doubt that Roma/Gypsies were the first to lose their jobs when the market economy was introduced. Frequently less technically qualified than other employees, they were – and still are - the first to be made redundant. In addition, the prejudices to which they are often subject mean that they face considerable difficulties in maintaining or re-finding employment. According to information I received from community representatives, more than 60% of Roma/Gypsies would appear to be currently unemployed. I know that governmental employment programmes exist already at county level with a view to ensure training assistance for unemployed individuals and that the government has the strong intention to improve the situation in this field. I welcome this stand.
12. Unemployment has an immediate impact on access to housing, and the situation is scarcely better for those who do have accommodation. Frequently, the latter can no longer pay rent or maintenance costs, and landlords take advantage of this situation to evict them, demolish substandard buildings and subsequently erect new buildings in which flats are offered at rates that they cannot afford. Many Roma/Gypsy families thus find themselves homeless or in run-down and unsanitary housing, as I saw for myself when visiting Budapest's District VIII; according to various sources, this district is not in fact the city's most dilapidated. The same phenomenon, or even worse, is to be found in other regions of Hungary, particularly in the east of the country, where living conditions for all citizens, and Roma/Gypsies in particular, are especially difficult and the unemployment rate is highest.
13. The community's representatives called for the immediate adoption of an assistance plan. Such a plan would be targeted at fighting discrimination as regards employment, through the adoption of a legislative text and particularly the introduction of tangible measures to encourage the creation of small enterprises. More specifically, it would appear necessary to envisage measures that would facilitate access to loans by Roma/Gypsies, e.g. by making provision for direct financial assistance and/or providing partial government guarantees for loans contracted between Roma/Gypsy enterprises and banking institutions. Consideration might also be given to granting tax breaks for entrepreneurs who employ Roma/Gypsies.
14. At the same time, it is necessary to set up vocational training programmes for the community, so that those individuals who are unemployed because of insufficient qualifications can find work.
15. The Roma/Gypsy community's third cause for concern is access to education. The absence of good-quality education may indeed be a factor in current and future discrimination against this community. I took note that particular emphasis was put by the Hungarian authorities on scholarships to Roma/Gypsy students by increasing the total scholarship amount by 16 in the last 5 years. For the school year 2001-2002, for example, the number of scholarships announced is 12777.
16. According to the information I received from the community representatives and my other speakers, Roma/Gypsy children are systematically placed in so-called special, or "C", classes; these classes are also said to receive children from underprivileged backgrounds, who suffer from a social handicap as a result, and the academic level is consequently lower. About 70% of the pupils in "C" classes are said to be Roma/Gypsy children and follow a simplified curriculum, without experienced teachers and with poor facilities. Thus, poverty and Roma/Gypsy origin are allegedly a fat of discrimination in access to education, and this inevitably makes it highly likely that inequalities and social discrimination will be perpetuated. It is clear that this situation must end as soon as possible: the "C" classes must disappear and the State must instead provide resources for academic support and assistance to the most disadvantaged children, so that this flagrant discrimination is halted.
II. The situation of certain vulnerable groups
17. The situation of certain particularly vulnerable groups was mentioned during my meetings with NGOs and the Hungarian authorities. The latter informed me of the measures they intend to take and the programmes that they wish to develop.
Domestic violence against women and children
18. According to the information received, domestic violence is common, and women would appear not to receive adequate protection from the police, who are often the first authority to be contacted by them. Apparently, the concept of inviolability of the marital home means that, where assault occurs, the police allegedly often do no more than inform the female victim of her right to begin formal proceedings.
19. The other problem raised was the lack of reception facilities for battered women. Very few such centres currently exist, and most of these are run by private humanitarian organisations. In fact, the state subsidies that were granted in the past have been cut or have even disappeared, with the result that many centres have had to close their doors.
20. With regard to child victims of sexual violence, the main problem is that proceedings sometimes last for more than two years: there are no appropriate centres where child victims can stay during this time and the child would remain within the circle that abuse of him. This shortcoming could be particularly serious in cases where the presumed aggressors are family members.
21. The Interior Minister, to whom I conveyed my observations, was sensitive to these problems and aware of the need to analyse the phenomenon of domestic violence in depth and take tangible measures to tackle it, beginning with more intensive training for police officers in
the area of protection for women and children. I found the same awareness at the Ministry for Health, Social Affairs and the Family, together with a wish to tackle this social scourge with appropriate and urgent measures, according to the Junior Minister.
Children suffering from mental disability
22. I visited the TOPhAZ centre for children suffering from mental disability in Göd (about 30km from Budapest). 220 children, aged from one to eighteen have been placed here (although I thought that I could spot several who were clearly older). Some of them are very badly ill. I observed the considerable pedagogical efforts being made by the staff, and their devotion and tenderness towards the patients, some of whom have been bed-ridden for several years on account of illness.
The building, opened in 1977, is showing its age, resources are uncertain but suitable and there is a clear need for additional space, particularly to enable the centre to accept patients in the 3-4 year age-group, who remain on waiting lists for at least six months to a year. According to the Director, there is an acute shortage of such institutions and those that do exist require additional resources if they are to fulfil their role properly.
23. These establishments must immediately be provided with the necessary material and human resources, as appropriate, as well as financial resources corresponding to their needs.
Homeless persons
24. I believe it is essential to mention the situation of one particularly vulnerable section of society: homeless persons.
25. In Budapest alone, which has a population of two million, there are allegedly about 6000 homeless persons, according to estimates provided by the Refuge Foundation; this figure does not include individuals who have not been identified as homeless because they have not requested assistance or contacted a refuge. In calculating the number of homeless persons, it is now necessary to include pensioners, who, on account of the closure of "workers' hostels" (at prices they could afford), are said to be unable to afford moderately priced accommodation and end up on the street.
26. Budapest has 60 night shelters and three hostels for homeless people. I was able to visit the Refuge Foundation's centre in Budapest's District VIII, where I observed for myself the scale of the problem and noted that the homeless population includes not only elderly people, but also individuals of about 45-50 years who had lost their jobs. When I asked whether many members of the Roma/Gypsy community used these centres, I was told that this did occur, but not frequently, on account of the tradition of family solidarity within that community.
27. This experience leads me to emphasise the need to establish protection programmes for the most disadvantaged groups in society, who have been hit by the economic crisis and who cannot be reintegrated into the labour market on account of their age or physical or mental health. Accordingly, it is essential to create suitable establishments and allocate sufficient resources for running them, or to consider partnerships with non-profit private organisations that are willing to co-operate in ending this worsening situation.
The homosexual community
28. With regard to the homosexual community, the two main issues raided by NGO representatives are, firstly, the continuing difference in treatment between homosexuals and heterosexuals as regards the age of consent for sexual relations, as set out in Article 199 of the Criminal Code. This article has recently been abolished by the Constitutional Court. The Justice Minister's opinion in this matter is that the question should be resolved by legislative means rather than through the courts.
29. The second problem concerns the exclusion of homosexuals from military service, solely on the basis of their sexual orientation, on the grounds that they are allegedly suffering from mental illness, which is obviously unacceptable.
III. The rights of detained persons
30. This heading will cover certain issues concerning arrest, police detention, custody and prison conditions, as well as various questions concerning committal to psychiatric units.
Arrest, police violence
31. The Hungarian police has been subject to frequent and numerous criticisms in recent years, including that made by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) in its reports on visits in 1994 and 1999 (particularly the report on the visit from 5-16 December 1999, para. 14 onwards). In particular, this criticism has focused on the severity, even brutality, which the police has allegedly shown towards Hungarian citizens, especially members of the Roma/Gypsy minority (a matter also raised by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) in its 2nd Report on Hungary, adopted on 18 June 1999). Although the situation has now improved, certain grievances persist. According to human rights organisations, 1,200 complaints are lodged annually against the police for ill treatment, but on average few are successful on the grounds that the majority are allegedly based on unreliable testimony.
32. Criticism is also heard of the police's inability to protect citizens effectively, especially the vulnerable groups in society.
33. During my visit to the police station in Budapest District III, I met the heads of the municipal police, who assured me they were aware of the problem; however, they claimed that the police cannot respond fully to citizens' expectations, firstly because of a lack of suitable staff training and, secondly, because of inadequate financial and staff resources. Specifically, they believe there are currently 10,000 police officers working in Budapest, and that an additional 1000 police officers were needed, 600 of whom are needed for road safety duties alone.
34. I discussed this situation with Ms Monika Lamperth, the Interior Minister, who informed me of the measures she had taken. She had already begun by appointing a new Director General of Police, and she expected that new measures would be adopted rapidly in order to eliminate such behaviour. In particular, Ms Lamperth informed me of her intention to integrate members of the Roma/Gypsy community into the police force, a move that would certainly facilitate better relations between the police force and this community.
Detention conditions in prisons
35. According to data provided by Mr Istvan Bökönyi, National Director of the Prison Administration, there are 32 prisons in Hungary, 14 of which are exclusively for convicted adults prisoners, the remainder being for persons in pre-trial detention and minors (562 youths, aged 14-18). In total, there were said to be 11,011 places available and on the day of my visit to the Budapest District Prison, the prison population was 17,823 detainees. 4122 people were seemingly in pre-trial detention, and about 13,000 persons had been sentenced to imprisonment. There were said to be 1082 women prisoners, 288 of whom were being held in pre-trial detention. Finally, there were allegedly 853 foreigners being held in the Hungarian prison system.
36. These figures reveal a serious problem of prison overcrowding (60% more prisoners than places). The authorities are aware of the problem, especially the Minister of Justice, who told me that new prisons are being built. However, these measures will not be sufficient to resolve the problem completely. At best, the rate of prison overcrowding would fall by 20% or 30%. This situation raises questions about the reasons for the size of the prison population and the possible use of alternative forms of punishment for minor offences, rather than prison sentences. The Minister himself suggested that this solution be looked into.
37. I observed the problem of prison overcrowding when visiting a prison establishment in Budapest's District V, used exclusively for receiving and redistributing detainees (in transit) from other regions or towns; consequently, this establishment is not used as a detention centre for prisoners serving sentences. In the course of various meetings and individual conversations with prisoners, I heard no allegations of ill treatment within the prison, but there were criticisms of the clear lack of space and absence of activities for prisoners (apart from the daily one-hour walk).
Pre-trial detention in police stations
38. The question of persons held in pre-trial detention in police stations deserves particular mention. In order to understand the experience of these detainees more clearly, I asked to carry out an unscheduled visit to a police station in which persons in pre-trial detention are held. The visit took place in District III of Budapest, and I must thank Ms Monika Lamperth, the Minister, for her co-operation in arranging this.
39. This police station had eleven cells, in which up to three persons were held. In one cell there were three women; in another, two minors. Six of the detainees had been held for more than 150 days; they were on the fourth floor, and could go out for only one hour per day to a very small courtyard. The detainees with whom I spoke did not report ill treatment: on the other hand, they did complain about the length of time they had been held in such conditions and the total lack of contact with the duty lawyers.
40. However, this problem is widespread, since approximately a third of persons in pre-trial detention are held in unacceptable conditions in police stations for many months at a time, a fact the CPT had already highlighted in the above-mentioned 1999 report (para. 42-44 of the CPT report, ibid).
41. The authorities confirmed that although some police stations had been closed because of their dilapidated state, there were apparently between 400 and 500 persons currently still detained (under police arrest or in pre-trial detention) in 13 district police stations in Budapest, which would appear not to have appropriate facilities for detention of this kind.
42. Conscious of this situation, Parliament has established a maximum period of two months for pre-trial detention in the Code of Criminal Procedure. However, the entry into force of this reform, essential for protecting detainees' human rights, has been postponed until 2003.
43. It is now urgent that this reform enter into force as rapidly as possible, so that pre-trial detention occurs in prison establishments that have been designed for this purpose and that meet the required criteria, which police-stations clearly do not.
Committal to psychiatric establishments
44. Committal of an individual is an extremely sensitive issue: it is the state authorities' duty to surround the procedure with a maximum number of practical and legal guarantees in order to avoid any form of abuse. In the case of Hungary, placement of patients suffering from mental illness in psychiatric hospitals is governed by recent legislation and requires a medical report within three days of the patient's admittance.
45. With regard to the living conditions in these establishments, the CPT had criticised the use of caged beds and net-beds in its report on Hungary. During my meeting with the NGOs, they drew my attention to the existence of such net-beds in eight of the 52 establishments included in a recent study. Following my conversations with the Ombudsmen on this subject, they said that this had indeed been the case until very recently, but that these beds had now practically disappeared. The State Secretary for Health, Social Affairs and the Family, and the Justice Minister, referred to the 1991 Law, which clearly prohibited the use of caged beds; there are still net-beds, but their number is very small and the procedure was gradually disappearing as progress was made in providing more staff for psychiatric establishments. The Minister and the State Secretary believe that the problem lies not so much at legal level as in the fact that the law is not always respected in everyday practice. I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that these procedures are totally abandoned and that both legislation and practice guarantee effective and ongoing supervision of any decision regarding committal to psychiatric units.
46. The question of placing certain patients suffering from mental illness in "welfare hostels" raises other problems. Those welfare hostels are intended for elderly people and, consequently, do not have the appropriate resources to provide medical care for people suffering from mental illness; equally, since they are not classified as internment centres, there is no medical or judicial framework for these persons' placement.
47. I drew the authorities' attention to the risk of abuse inherent in this situation, particularly on the part of unscrupulous families, who could take advantage of a family member's temporary or permanent disability. The Junior Minister for Health, Social Affairs and the Family indicated that she was in agreement with ending placements in these establishments and substituting more suitable forms of care for persons suffering from mental illness persons.
IV. Foreigners and asylum-seekers
48. Its geographical location makes Hungary a transit country for economic migration, and it is consequently subject to the pressure of illegal immigration flows towards European Union countries. The authorities are fully aware of this situation, and show a genuine desire to control the phenomenon whilst simultaneously respecting human rights. Considerable progress has been made in the area of right to asylum, and the situation of asylum-seekers has improved substantially. The 1997 Law on Asylum allows asylum seekers to obtain legal aid and assistance. It further gives the UNHCR representatives the possibility to take part in the process that determines the status of refugee.
49. However, out of a total number of 9000 asylum-seekers in 2001, only 174 obtained refugee status; in addition, it appears that in most cases insufficient reasons were given for decisions rejecting asylum applications. In my meetings with the Interior Minister, I emphasised the need to guarantee all asylum seekers effective access to the procedures for deciding on refugee status, including the right to have a lawyer and to appeal should one's application be rejected. While noting that Hungary's average acceptance rate for asylum applications was higher than that in European Union countries, Ms Lamperth informed me of her intention to call a meeting of specialised NGOs in the near future so that they could discuss arrangements for co-operation. I can only support this initiative.
50. In addition, it seems that very few measures have so far been taken to facilitate the integration of those receiving refugee status or persons whose entitlement to temporary protection has been recognised. I am aware that the government is in the process of setting up an integration programme for such individuals in Debrecen, a region that has been badly affected by the economic crisis and is relatively poor; according to local NGOs, it offers few opportunities for successful integration. I conveyed this concern to the Interior Minister, emphasising the need for a policy that will avoid the creation of ghettos. I am sure that she is monitoring this affair very closely.
51. As for the detention of foreigners who enter the territory illegally and are threatened with expulsion, the period of detention should in principle be limited to 30 days; after this period, foreigners should be transferred to open establishments where they could be at large until such time as they are repatriated.
52. Finally, I should like to congratulate the immigration service at Budapest airport on all the measures it has taken to provide an appropriate transit area and reception centre where the rights of persons arriving on Hungarian territory illegally or without papers are respected.
V. Freedom of association
53. The right to set up and belong to a trade union organisation is not only recognised by Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights and guaranteed in the European Social Charter, but is also one of the essential pillars of any democracy. In Hungary, this right is also recognised in the Constitution. It is exercised through legally constituted trade unions; I met the representatives of these organisations.
54. The Hungarian trade unions condemned the resistance, not to say obstruction, put in the way of exercise of freedom of association, particularly by foreign-capital companies that have entered the Hungarian market and primarily hypermarkets and supermarkets. Although the presence of foreign investors is of prime importance for economic development, in a democratic society this goes hand-in-hand with fundamental social rights, such as freedom of association, the right to respect for employees' dignity, the right to have a salary commensurate with one's experience and professional skills, and non-discrimination in access to employment. Prime responsibility for ensuring that these rights are respected lies with the authorities; without these rights, prosperity would be short-lived. Bearing in mind the unemployment figures, the difficulties in access to employment experienced by women (between 45-50) and disadvantaged groups, such as the Roma/Gypsies, and the fact that the lowest wages are taxed, the social divide between those with resources to survive and those without them is likely to widen. Experience shows that trade unions are aware of social unease before it is too late and tend to propose solutions. In the ministries, I met people who are willing to take tangible measures. For this reason, I believe it is important that dialogue continue between both sides of industry or be introduced where it is lacking. Management and labour can only benefit from such a move.
Final comments and Recommendations
55. Human rights are respected in Hungary. Having successfully taken up the challenge of consolidating democratic institutions and moving to a market economy, the country is now facing the challenge of joining the European Union. The authorities are conscious of the advantages and disadvantages entailed by the rapid development of Hungarian society. In order to assist and encourage them in their task, and in accordance with Article 8 of Resolution (99) 50, the Commissioner recommends that Hungary:
1. adopt legislation that would allow for representation of minorities within Parliament, as provided for in the Constitution, and analyse the effects of the 1993 Law with a view to amending it if necessary;
2. pursue the already existing employment programmes and provide an assistance plan for the Roma/Gypsy community, with a view to combating the discrimination they face in access to employment, through legislative measures and targeted financial help;
3. increase the number and improve the quality of vocational training programmes for the Roma/Gypsy community, and provide their children with high-quality and non-discriminatory education;
4. analyse the phenomenon of intra-family violence and draw up a programme of specific measures to tackle it, beginning with more targeted training for police officers in the area of protection for women and children;
5. establish care programmes for elderly people and persons suffering from mental illness, including the opening and/or rehabilitation of suitable establishments to which sufficient funds are allocated;
6. develop further training programmes for police officers, particularly in order to eliminate potential police violence, and ensure that adequate procedures exist in cases of abuse;
7. put into effect the revised provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure concerning pre-trial detention, and simultaneously take urgent measures to ensure that pre-trial detention occurs in prison establishments intended for this purpose;
8. ensure that both legislation and practice guarantee effective and ongoing supervision of any decision regarding committal to psychiatric establishments;
9. consider the possibility of cooperating with the specialised NGOs in the reception process for foreigners and asylum-seekers;
10. ensure that freedom of association is scrupulously respected by all interested parties in Hungary and that social dialogue is instituted where absent.
56. In accordance with Article 3(f) of Resolution (99) 50, this report is addressed to the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly.
Additionnal comments
57. This report has been presented to the Committee of delegated Ministers of the Council of Europe, on September 11, 2002. At the end of this presentation and in the light of the comments brought by the permanent representative of Hungary, the Commissioner decided to add the following precise details concerning the measures taken by the hungarians authorities following his visit:
I. Measures in relation to the Roma/Gypsy community
- Within the Prime Minister's Office under the authority of Political State Secretary Mr. László Teleki, a State Secretariat in charge of Roma affairs was established during the recent administrative changes. For the improvement of coordination within the administration, special ministerial commissioners responsible for Roma issues are being appointed in the ministries concerned.
- Within the Ministry of Employment Policy and Labour a Directorate General for Equal Opportunities was created this summer. One of the main tasks of this Directorate General is to facilitate the integration of the Roma community in the field of employment. The Directorate General also intends to reduce the inequality of opportunities hitting disabled persons and women. Simultaneously the Ministry of Employment and Labour has launched a programme for equal opportunities which aims at overcoming social and regional disadvantages.
- In August 2002 within the Ministry of Education a ministerial commissioner responsible for the disadvantaged and Roma children's rights was appointed. The task of the commissioner is to ensure equal access to education, and to establish integrated education.
- The draft Law on the National Housing Fund is under preparation. This piece of draft legislation aims at improving the housing conditions of the disadvantaged families with low income. The government supports the social housing programme, and with the involvement of local authorities has launched a programme directed at assisting families living in unsanitary conditions.
- The new comprehensive anti-discrimination act, which is likely to be adopted during the course of next year, will be a milestone in the fight against discrimination in general, and also in particular in the struggle against the discrimination of the Roma community in access to employment and education, and police misbehavior. The draft law is being prepared with the involvement of a wide-range of non-governmental organizations. - Professional conciliation on the amendment of the Criminal Code had started at the beginning of August 2002. According to this draft, hate-speech will be considered as a crime, and will be punished with imprisonment up-to three years.
II. Measures taken concerning asylum-seekers and refugees IIAccording to the recent (2002) amendment of the 1998. Government Decree on the provision and assistance of asylum seekers and refugees the Office of Immigration and Nationality may launch programmes targeted at facilitating the social integration of refugees. The first such pilot project will be launched in September 2002.
III. Reform of the criminal procedure IIIAct No. 19 of 1998 on Criminal Procedure will enter into force on the 1st of January 2003. Its provisions substantially amending the institution of detention on remand will enter into force on the 1st of January 2005.
IV. Steps taken with respect to income policy IVAs of 1 September 2002, the minimal wage is exempt from taxation.
58. The Commissioner take note with satisfaction of those developments.
Alvaro Gil-Robles,Commissioner for Human Rights


text:
A week after pleading guilty to perjury, George Zimmerman's wife, Shellie, is filing for divorce.
Shellie Zimmerman, 26, told freelance journalist Christi O'Connor that Zimmerman had, "beaten down her self-esteem," but she is "looking forward to getting her life back."
"It put great stress on
their marriage," O'Connor said of the trial in which Zimmerman was found not guilty of second-degree murder of Trayvon Martin.
"Constantly having to move. She got threats. A lot of threats. She doesn't want to reveal from who…. They are constantly living under fear of being attacked."Shellie Zimmerman is serving a year on probation and must complete 100 hours of community service in the misdemeanor perjury charge.

subset: commoncrawl


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In today's very visual world, St. Edward High School has taken a 21st Century approach to learning that gives students hands-on exposure to the growing multi-media industry of film and video production.
According to Matthew Stepnowsky, English and film teacher, the school's recently added Film Department offers two programs. They include the two-year International Baccalaureate World School Film Program and the Introduction to Film and Film Production class for non-IB students.
The IB Film Program
In the IB Film Program, students look at the inception of film as an art form through the present day. Students study American and non-American films, as well as the whole spectrum of film theory and production processes. They learn screenwriting, shooting, and editing and take their knowledge of genre and theory and blend it into their scripts.
"What's really unique about the program is that students demonstrate their knowledge of the history of film by making their own films. It's a very active, production-based assessment structure where class lessons are demonstrated through the films they make," he said.
"Instead of pen and pencil tests, which they do take, the program focuses on project-based learning," indicated Stepnowsky.
"With their films, students work in small groups to plan, light, shoot, and edit their films. Then they can very publicly share their films on Vimeo. They want to make the best film that they can because they want their peers and families to see what they've created," said Nick Kuhar, English and film teacher.
"It's really exciting to see the enthusiasm in the students. They are here after school working on their scripts and editing their films. They want to do well because it's so public. And it's a medium that students were raised by. They know the language before we ever start talking about it. To a certain extent, they are like advanced level learners just by default," said Stepnowsky.
"Students learn how to collaborate, make concessions among their peers, and how to story-tell in a visual way," Kuhar stated.
According to Kuhar, all of the films are live-action films shot by the students. The school has camcorders that the students can sign out, and the school has a full editing studio and sound production area.
Students enjoy the challenge and creativity
St. Ed's Film Department students had very positive feedback regarding the program.
"Film Studies at St. Edward has been interesting to partake in. It's almost like a second High Level English class, just using different terms to describe what the film is trying to get across instead of a work of literature.
"Film Studies allows you to talk about film and to look at film in a way that pays attention to the story the camera is telling. The subtle hints of the directors/cinematographer and the choices of mise-en-scene, much like in an English course, talk of "word choice." Overall, I've had a great time with Film so far, and I'd recommend the course to any hardworking student who enjoys movies," said Dakota Reeder.
"The Film Program at St. Ed's gives students the opportunity to have hands-on learning. We make and analyze movies and learn a broad scope about what having a job in film would be like, all in a fun and relaxed environment. Every two to three weeks we learn a different genre. We have film groups for making movies. Each student has a specific role in making the film, much like it would be in real life. One student may be the editor and the other the cinematographer or writer. We collaborate together to submit a film that we are proud of," indicated Jimmy Allen.
"The Film Program at St. Edward has sparked my creativity and brought it to a whole new level. I now know that I can make something that is completely my own, something that makes me proud," Adam Williams said.
"The new Film class has been an awesome new experience for me. We're learning the history of film, as well as the stages of production, including writing, acting and actual filming and editing. The class has opened new doors to competitions. One of my short films was recognized in a contest on Vimeo.com, so that was really exciting. The class is a great new addition and enjoyable," said Corey Mueller.
According to Stepnowsky, St. Edward Film Department has established partnerships with the Cleveland International Film Festival and the Cleveland Film Commission.
"Our students will be submitting to the Cleveland International Film Festival this July, which is really exciting," indicated Stepnowsky.


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Thank you for visiting Marines' Memorial Club & Hotel Press Room for news featuring our historic San Francisco hotel. Be sure to visit this page frequently as we continue to update you on the latest news and reviews on our Marines' Memorial Hotel, Leatherneck Steakhouse and San Francisco travel opportunities. Find out what people are saying about Marines' Memorial Club & Hotel, a Classic San Francisco Union Square Hotel.
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- Wilkes Bashford Toasts 80 with Fundraiser (PDF 130KB) May 22, 2013
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The Delgado Community College baseball team completed a doubleheader sweep Friday with successive shutouts against Mott Community College, winning 3-0 and 10-0 against the Flint, Mich.-based school, in Orlando, Fla.
The second game was shortened to six innings due to a 10-run rule. The games were part of a three-day, six-game visit for Delgado to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
The Dolphins will conclude their stay with two games Saturday, at 11 a.m. against Gloucester County College and 1:30 p.m. against Monroe Community College.
No. 3-ranked Delgado (19-2) returns home for a doubleheader March 15 against St. Charles Community College.
Against Mott, the second game ended with Jordan Caillouet's two-run double with one out in the sixth, after Frankie Watts hit a two-run homer in the fourth. Starting pitcher Jacob Neil surrendered one hit and walked none in six innings.


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When you walk through the Henry Viscardi School, you invariably encounter smiling children of all ages, most of them navigating the halls in wheelchairs or walkers.
Jack Kemp, president and CEO of the Albertson school for children with physical disabilities and mental impairments, sees the school as an oasis of opportunity for these special students to learn academic skills along with essential life skills.
"The physical therapists and occupational therapists along with the teachers and parents allow these children to be liberated to learn," Kemp said. "They're not encumbered by barriers. We focus on their abilities."
Now observing the 50th anniversary of its founding, the school currently has a population of 185 students in grades K through 12, according to Kemp. They come from communities on Long Island, Westchester and New York City to attend the school, which is the only one like it in the New York metro area.
This year represents a triple milestone, as the school also observes the 100th anniversary of the birth of its founder, Henry Viscardi, and the 60th anniversary of Abilities, the non-profit organization Viscardi also founded to teach disabled World War II and Korean War veterans practical working skills.
Viscardi, who was born with abnormally short arms, began Abilities in a garage in Hempstead in 1952, relocating it to the grounds of the location it now shares with the Viscardi School five years later. His initial objective was to give physically disabled people like himself skills to enable them to be responsible for their own lives.
Today the school boasts a high graduation rate, with 70 percent of its high school graduates going to college.
"We're proud of our academic standards," said Kemp, who noted the students are also provided the assistance they need beyond the classroom. "We support them medically, technologically and humanly."
During a tour of the school, Kemp encountered C.J., a senior in a wheelchair who's been attending the Viscardi School since seventh grade. His next stop after graduation will be York College.
"It's awesome," he said of his experience at the school.
Kemp, who is the third head of the school, grew up as a paraplegic in North Dakota, where he experienced first hand the unequal education opportunities that existed for the disabled at that time. He later left a position as a partner in a Washington, D.C. law practice handling disability rights cases to take the job.
Viscardi spent most of his life as president of the school and was president emeritus until he died in 2004.
The campus has expanded considerably over the years, adding components to the Viscardi School and Abilities campus. The Nathaniel H. Kornriech Technology Center provides the use of assistive technology for education and employment of people with disabilities. The Smeal Learning Center contains a fully accessible conference center with video teleconferencing and web-casting.
Classrooms are equipped with Smart screens displaying information that can be readily downloaded to the laptop computers that sit on each student's desk.
"These kids are just like everybody else. Most of our kids can't walk. Many of them can't speak. They use augmentive communication devices," Kemp said. "You put an iPad in front of them and they're home."
Some high school seniors need supplemental academic work to qualify to be graduated.
Frank Brigante, a teacher in the technology center, is one of a crew of instructors who use technology to help high school students gain the academic skills they need.
"We can train them and help them with what they may want to do," Brigante said.
In mathematics classes, Viscardi students learn shopping skills in the tech lab. In English classes, they learn to write letters to the editor. Social studies sessions are issue-oriented as students gain debate skills they might eventually apply to public meetings they attend.
"Every student wanted to learn how to cook," Brigante said, so they were taught how to do so in a disabled-accessible kitchen.
They take weekly yoga classes to relax them as well.
They're also learning to help others. Students from the Viscardi School do volunteer work among elderly patients at the Parker Jewish Center in the North Shore-LIJ complex.
"The hope is they'll continue and realize they can do it," Brigante said.
Students engage in regular gym activities as well in what Kemp calls "the best adaptive sports program in the country. They compete in all sports and also swim in the school's pool.
High school students gain practical experience by working in the school's UPS store and its This-and-That clothing store set up by the Gap.
Education for the disabled changed dramatically in 1975 with the passage of the federal Individuals Education Disabilities Act, which mandated education opportunities for disabled students equal to those for non-disabled students. But maintaining educational support for the disabled continues to be a struggle.
Last year, Gov. Andrew Cuomo sought to cut $98 million in education aid to 4,201 schools such as the Viscardi School. Kemp talked to Cuomo, asking him to consider what would happen to Viscardi students if they weren't properly prepared to cope in the real world.
Ultimately, state Sen. Jack Martins and other members of the state Senate were able to restore funding. But the school relies heavily on private contributions to maintain its programs.
"We have a big responsibility to raise money," he said.


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For John LeBlanc, patience was the key virtue yesterday, but aggressiveness was not too far behind.
Parlaying an oxymoronic patient-and-attack plan, LeBlanc "played the best set of his career" en route to a 6-0, 6-2 win over Adam Gleichenhaus in the Jim Ryan Memorial Men's A championship at Wagner College.
"I waited for my opportunities and did basically what I wanted to do," said LeBlanc, whose combination of winning lobs, drops, volleys and forehands had Gleichenhaus out of sorts most of the 78-point match.
"I was out of my comfort zone," admitted Gleichenhaus, who failed to hold serve in seven chances. "John is consistent and quick. It's hard when you make errors against him."
It was difficult for Gleichenhaus from the beginning, though the non-seed did recover from a 0-6 start in Saturday's semifinal. LeBlanc was on his game with lobs and volleys and Gleichenhaus, despite a first-game game point, never got any consistency going.
"I took advantage of Adam's mistakes," added LeBlanc, who ran off 12 straight points at one stage, needed just two break points in the fifth and closed out winning 25 of the first set's 33 points in 29 minutes.
"John forced me into a game I'm not comfortable with," said Gleichenhaus, who could not convert a winning net game. "I'm not good at that and he did it well."
Gleichenhaus finally got a break point — and converted — in the second set's second game. But when he had a chance to finally hold in the fifth after going up 30-love, LeBlanc cracked an overhead and his adversary's errors did him in.
"It's a shame, I had a big win (over No. 1 Kevin Gabel on Saturday) and now a big loss," lamented Gleichenhaus.
"Things worked out for me," countered LeBlanc. "There was a little more pace today (vs. Saturday's semis win over No. 2 Rob Klein). I felt good out there."
NOTES: Angel DeRuvo, a 2005 winner, won the Women's A. Chris Auteri took the Men's B. Auteri also won the one-point tourney. Anastasia Malinouskaya snared the junior girls' title ... Don't forget Saturday's Staten Island Mixed Doubles Tournament at Richmond County CC. The draw will be Thursday. Call Tom Carlson (718-442-5028) or Dot Ryan (718-227-3210). Reminder: White is the dress code.
Women's A
Angel DeRuvo def. Michelle Pasko, 7-5, 6-3.
Men's B
Chris Auteri def. Mike Rossilli, 6-3, 6-3.
Junior girls
Anastasia Malinouskaya def. Jillian Auteri, 6-2, 6-2.


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A little over a month ago, the USA Today published its annual NCAA coaches' salary rankings, listing University of Massachusetts football coach Charley Molnar as the third-highest paid in the Mid-American Conference at $418,930 a year.
Thursday, the USA Today continued its look at collegiate coaching salaries, publishing numbers for over 900 assistants across the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Included in the report are the 2013 salaries for nine of the University of Massachusetts football team's assistant coaches. The list is highlighted by defensive coordinator Phil Elmassian, who at $168,394 (which includes $3,050 of "other pay") is the highest paid UMass staff member under Molnar and the second-highest paid assistant in the Mid-American Conference, trailing only Akron defensive coordinator Chuck Amato ($196,000).
Here are the complete numbers:
- Phil Elmassian, def. coord./LB: 165,344 base salary ($3,050 in "other pay") – $168,394 total
- Dave Sollazzo, def. line: $101,097 ($2,260) – $103,357
- Dave Johnson, off. line: $90,000 ($0) – $90,000
- Shane Waldron, tight end/recruiting coord.: $75,285 ($2,260) - $77,545
- John Bond, off. coord. [no longer with team]: $75,000 ($0) – $75,000
- Greg Burns, def. backs: $70,000 ($0) – $70,000
- Ted Daisher, special teams/LB: $64,611 ($2,260) – $66,871
- Roderick Plummer, running back: $61,050 ($2,260) – $63,310
- Allen Suber, wide receiver [no longer with team]: $55,963 ($2,260) – $58,223
Staff total pay: $772,700
The Minutemen's defense under Elmassian this season was not especially pretty, but was clearly the strength of the team and represented an improvement statistically from UMass' first go-round in the FBS.
Points allowed per game fell from 40.2 in 2012 (last in the MAC) to 33.0 this season (10th), despite several key injuries to the linebacking corps and defensive line. Total yardage allowed also fell, 461.3 to 433.3
The methodology for USA Today's rankings can be found here.


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Bangalore, also known as Bengaluru, is one of India's most modern cities. When the high-tech revolution arrived in India, it made its home in Bangalore, which quickly became the new Silicon Valley of India. In addition to being known for its high-tech industry, Bangalore is also known for its beautiful gardens.
Unlike many other cities in India, Bangalore is very pleasant during the summer, which is why the summer is a popular time of year to book flights to Bangalore. There is never a bad time to get flights to Bangalore as the weather is nice year round. Flights to Bangalore are easy to find on Vayama.com, so book your flights to Bangalore today. Bangalore's nickname is the Garden City of India. If you've booked flights to Bangalore, then you must check out its two botanical gardens, Lal Bagh and Cubbon Park. The Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens are home to the largest collection of tropical plants in India as well as a lake, aquarium and greenhouse modeled after London's Crystal Palace. One great way to see Bangalore is to take a walking tour. Your first stop should be City Market, a market absolutely overflowing with flowers.
If you're interested in touring temples, Bangalore has plenty; the Bull Temple, Maha Bodhi Society Temple, ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple, Shiva Temple, Ragi Gudda Temple and Maruthi Mandir Temple are just a few of the temples in town. In addition to the typical tourist attractions, Bangalore is home to several well-known spas. Some high-class spas include The Spa, Jiva, SPA.ce, Shreyas, The Golden Palms Spa and Angsana Oasis Spa. After a relaxing trip to a spa, check out Bangalore's major shopping centers located on Brigade Road, Commercial Street, Bannerghatta Road and M.G. Road. Bangalore is a pretty diverse city, and if you want to get a taste of this diversity, just visit one of the Muslim, Indian, Korean, Italian, Japanese, Arabian, Chinese or Western style restaurants located throughout the city. If you're looking for something really unique to Bangalore, check out the vegetarian restaurants and Muslim cuisine. It's easy to find flights to Bangalore on Vayama.com, so visit the site and purchase your flights to Bangalore today.
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ROCKVILLE CENTRE, L.I. — Right-hander Lauren Ready tossed a two-hitter and Emily Conroy was 3 for 4 with three RBI to lead South Shore to the Little League Section 5 10s All-Star Tournament title via a 5-1 victory over Downtown Manhattan Friday.
South Shore opens state tournament play Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. against an undetermined opponent in Fishkill, N.Y.
"The girls worked really hard for the last month and it's paid off," said South Shore manager Al Reyes, whose team turned two double plays and received an outstanding catch from left-fielder Victoria Fastaia. "They really wanted to win this badly from the very beginning and despite (hot weather conditions a lot of days), they never complained and found a way to get it done.
"Now they got a chance to go to the states."
Ready, who no-hit Downtown Manhattan last Saturday, allowed just one earned run, walked five and struck out 11 to earn the complete-game win.
"She was really on and showed a lot of grit despite the hot weather," praised Reyes. "And even in the one inning (she struggled), she bounced back nicely."
South Shore took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Julia Romano singled, stole second and came home on Conroy's run-scoring single.
After Jenna Martin made it 2-0 with a bases-loaded walk in the second, Ready (single) and Romano (walk) were on first and second with one out in the fourth when Conroy ripped a two-run single to left center.
"We did a good job taking the extra base and coming through with some clutch hits," said Reyes, whose team added its final run on an error in the fifth. "We put down some good bunts and stole some bases too."
Ready struggled a bit with her control in the home fifth, allowing a bases-loaded walk in the process, but escaped further damage to keep the score 5-1.


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BROOKSVILLE — While numbers of people who recycle increased slightly statewide last year, a new report shows Hernando had lackluster participation and placed in the lower half of Florida counties during that period.
Hernando ranked 38th of Florida's 67 counties for its recycling efforts in 2013. Among the county's approximately 173,000 residents, 25 percent recycled items such as newspapers, plastics and cans. That percentage remains unchanged from the previous year.
Environmental Services Director Susan Goebel-Canning said she is not surprised by the mediocre recycling numbers because education efforts dropped off after the county eliminated the position of recycling outreach coordinator in 2009.
Goebel-Canning said she has $55,563 in her budget to hire someone to fill that position next year.
"I think it's critical that we get our numbers back up there," she said. "I want to see our educational outreach efforts improved."
The average Hernando County household generates about 30 pounds of recyclable material every month, county data shows.
Statewide, 38 percent of people recycled in 2013, according to a Florida Department of Environmental Protection report.
County commissioners are hoping a new automated pick-up service, called single-stream, will make it easier for people to recycle their discarded items.
Under single-stream, customers place all their recyclables in one container rather than separating plastics, newspapers, cans and other material into separate bins.
The recyclables then are taken to a center where the various materials are separated into appropriate bins.
The city of Brooksville already offers single-stream recycling. Goebel-Canning said the county must advertise for a contractor to provide the service; she hopes to do so by November.
"We really need to have someone in place come January," she said.
County commissioners said recycling products would free space at county dumps.
County Commissioner Jim Adkins said he believes recycling numbers increase dramatically when single-stream is available because it makes participation so easy for people.
"Once that gets started, it will be 100 percent," Adkins said.
In 2008, the Florida Legislature established a statewide recycling goal of 75 percent by 2020.
"As we get closer to the 2020 deadline … we need all Florida residents to step up recycling efforts," said Jorge Caspary, director of the state's division of waste. "While we have made modest improvements again this year, it is still critical for the commercial sector to increase its recycling efforts before the goal can be achieved."
Meanwhile, in the most recent report, these Nature Coast counties posted percentages higher than Hernando's: Hillsborough (43 percent); Pasco (36 percent); Citrus (33 percent); Pinellas (31 percent).
(352) 544-5290


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MONSON -- Police responded to a serious motorcycle accident on Cedar Swamp Road late Monday morning.
The accident was reported shortly after 11 a.m. and a medical helicopter was summoned to the scene, police said.
Additional information was not immediately available.
This is a developing story. Details will be posted as our reporting continues.


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Sporting groups in Queensland losing millions of dollars in fraud and financial mismanagement
- From: The Sunday Mail (Qld)
- February 10, 2013
SPORTING groups across Queensland are losing millions of dollars in fraud and financial mismanagement.
As tens of thousands of junior players sign on this weekend for the next season of league, rugby, soccer, AFL and netball, senior police are warning that tough economic times make clubs tempting targets for fraudsters.
And an expert in policies and procedures for sporting and community organisations says fraud and financial mismanagement is rife.
Detectives are investigating several cases in Queensland, involving hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The biggest include the Emerald Junior Soccer Association in central Queensland and the Western District Netball Association in Brisbane.
Police confirmed that a 31-year-old woman was charged on Monday with stealing $177,385 from the Soccer Association and would appear in the Emerald Magistrates Court on March 12.
Barry Morssinkhof, president of the Western District Netball Association, confirmed police had been called in to investigate "an alleged fraud".
The Sunday Mail understands up to $250,000 is involved in the complaint.
Meanwhile, Brisbane City Council is negotiating with Cannon Hill Netball Association over the repayment of a $38,000 grant for court repairs that were not done.
President Vicki Raine said the incoming committee called in police to investigate finance concerns two years ago but no charges resulted.
And Wynnum "Bugs" rugby club on Brisbane's bayside has revamped its financial mechanisms after the disappearance of $95,000 two seasons ago.
Police inquiries ended when a former club official died.
Queensland Police fraud and corporate crime group head Detective Superintendent Brian Hay could not comment on specific cases but said a shortage of volunteers for committee roles, combined with a lack of skills and proper management and auditing mechanisms could leave groups perfect prey.
He said the risk rose in times like this.
"When you have significant economic stress, people sometimes take desperate actions . . . Someone might seem such a lovely person that you could never imagine them doing something like that. But fraudsters are called conmen for a reason - they can be skilled communicators and very personable and win your confidence."
He urged all non-profit groups to tighten financial controls.
"Don't worry about hurting someone's feelings that you are going to have their books audited. All organisations should have good due-diligence procedures and people in those roles should welcome those processes."
Vicky Roofayel, director of RSC Solutions which provides consultancy and training to non-profit groups, said: "There's no doubt there is fraud in sports and community organisations. Some clubs have been badly burnt. I've been doing this for close on 29 years and I've done a lot of crisis management in the last five years. Clubs are seriously struggling. I know of a club ripped off twice, eight years apart, in north Queensland."
Ms Roofayel said some fraud was planned but "in some cases they are just doing what they think they're entitled to. They can't afford the extra costs involved in the role - phone bills, petrol and so on - and recompense themselves".
But she said 99 per cent of club problems were mismanagement caused by a lack of skill and controls.
Books were sometimes in such a mess it was impossible to work out if money had been stolen. "One organisation is $280,000 in the red - no-one even knows if there is fraud involved."
She said "0.01 per cent" of organisations had good selection processes for appointing volunteers and more should look at buying in such services.
"They are lucky to get three people to go on a committee, let alone finding someone with the right skills.
"Committees are elected by popular vote - if you are the only applicant the club has, the club has to take you unless you have a criminal background and clubs usually would not know that."
Wynnum Bugs president Damien Cleary said the sense of betrayal created by allegations of theft from within was a big blow for any club, but they could get through it with a loyal membership.
"It's been a roller-coaster ride. There was a lot of anger at the start and then there was suspicion but we've been able to rebuild.
"The big lesson is to have a good strong committee and we were lucky to get (financial) help from a member. Lots of financial procedures have been improved to ensure we do not go through this again."


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Washington, D.C.– At the National Review Institute summit Friday night, columnist Charles Krauthammer touched on his "disappointment" with President Obama, the "conservatism as a second language" espoused by Mitt Romney and what's it was like changing careers from psychiatry to political commentary.
We were there and we pulled the highlights…
–On the 2012 election, Krauthammer said the country made a decision, though "not a conscious decsion," to "decline" by reelecting Obama.
–He said Obama is a "social democrat at heart" who looks to the European model: Direct all resources to "social welfare." The problem with that, he said, is that Europe could look to the U.S. to provide its defense, whereas the U.S. has no one to turn to if it shifts resources from defense to social programs. "You can ignore your enemies but they won't ignore you," he said.
–Krauthammer on Romney's failure as a presidential candidate: He said 2010 was a "resounding rejection" of Obama's agenda. It was "purely ideological because there were no personalities involved. … You were voting on issues … Obamacare, the expansion and government … the relationship between citizen and State." Krauthammer said in 2012 the injection of a personality (Romney) that couldn't frame the race in terms of ideology is what cost Republicans the race. Romney was a "bad candidate … He wasn't the best man on our side" to make the election about ideology, he said. "He made it about one issue: The economy." The money quote: "Romney was a man who spoke conservatism as a second language. … He said he ran a 'severely conservative' administration in Massachusetts. … Severe is a word you associate with head wounds… not governing."
–On his past "hope" for Obama: "In his first term he made very centrist appointments,' Krauthammer said, naming former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers. "These are not radicals."
–Krauthammer explained his impression of Obama, after a three-hour meeting. "He showed extreme… respect… in understanding a contrarian argument." He said Obama now responds to arguments by accusing his opponents of "bad faith, putting party over national interest." Krauthammer: "I know [Obama] has the capacity to understand the other side, but he demagogues to show that the other side is not serious."
–He talked about his past career as a psychiatrist: "The truth is that I'm a psychiatrist in remission… I haven't had a relapse in 25 years." On being a political analysist, Krauthammer said it "really isn't that differen't from being a psychiatrist: He's still dealing with the "paranoid" and "delusions from grandeur." He added, "the ony difference is that in D.C., those with paranoia have access to nuclear weapons."
–Krauthammer on the GOP's supposed demographics problem: "I don't believe in the demographic theories." He said so long as Republicans "stay the conservative party … they will succeed … The reason is we are a center-right country." One problem with the GOP: "Republicans have lost the Hispanic vote … I think it's unnecessary … I think that's one community if we were running ideologically, we'd win." The way to approach illegal immigration, he says: Convince the country that the border has been secured and that laws will be enforced while granting illegal immigrants currently in the country a type of amnesty without citizenship.


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ACParadise Network: American Cosplay Paradise American Cosplay Experience American Cosplay Snapshots
Cosplayer Roxie > Costume of Rider from Fate/Stay Night
- Most Recent Photo
- 04-11-2012
- Series
- Fate/Stay Night
- Character
- Rider
- Year Completed:
- Construction Difficulty:
- Normal
- Awards
- 1st place Masters Craftsmanship
- Costume worn at:
- Anime Boston 2012
About this Costume
- Construction Details:
All hand sewn except for 2 seems that hold the dress together. The pink trim is hand painted and the boot covers are hand made. As well as the weapons.
- Personal Thoughts:
- Very excited about this costume!
Add a Comment


text:
Dinner and a show. What sounds like a simple concept has long dogged PlayhouseSquare, which until recently was surrounded by a cavern of storefronts.
Yes, you could hunt around the corner and get a quick sandwich, a decent Asian meal and something akin to fine dining. But when Bricco opened across the street in February, it brought the kind of full-service splash that befits the pomp and circumstance of a date with a touring Broadway show -- and with the second largest performing arts venue in the country. (New York's Lincoln Center is the first.)
I'm not sure this understudy from Akron -- the original sits near Canal Park -- fills the bill in a culinary way. Not all dishes I tried rated a standing ovation. But there are critical things it does right: Offers a park-once option for dinner and show; serves food with a user-friendly Italian slant; charges moderate prices; fills the plate; and works its tail off to get you to the show on time. And get this: It's open until 1 a.m. many nights for after-show dining.
For many of us, that's worth the price of admission.
There are times when Bricco can dazzle under its trendy, tangerine-drenched setting. Its pan-seared salmon ($18), caramelized golden on top, blushed with heat and moistness inside, rivaled some of the best I've had. This was the bargain in both my visits. Good too, if pricier, was the full-flavored 8-ounce filet ($26) married well to a rosy dab of tomato butter, and a satisfying hunk o' garlic mashed potatoes. I loved the refreshing salad of spinach, arugula, shaved fennel and grapefruit slices, available, like most of the salad choices, in half or full portions ($8, $4).
Little of this menu is groundbreaking, but most is in tune with popular trends.
Really late for the show? Three of the appetizers could easily serve as speed-dialed, hunger-slaking meals. A crock of goat cheese pooled with warmed, spicy marinara ($7) disappears quickly with fried pita wedges. A mini serving of seared duck breast on greens ($9) satisfies a medium appetite. A toss of calamari and chorizo with olives ($8) capitalizes on its soothing and spicy combo.
Still, the calamari and chorizo combination, the pita wedges and an orzo and kalamata olive side dish all suffered from too much oil. Bricco really must learn the difference between bravura and bombast.
The most worrisome dish was a pizza so thick with bean dip and cheese ($13) that the seasonings turned into a stew of flavors rather than a series of bright lights. The mass of it also threatened to slump off each piece. It was a downright nacho-ization of pizza, overwhelming an otherwise pleasant thin crust.
The penne with pink vodka sauce, sausage, caramelized onions and banana peppers was so rich it could have satisfied four light eaters also ordering salads.
Stay for dessert, if you can. We'd avoid the soggy bread pudding and head straight to the well-balanced mango cheesecake and an ethereal creme brulee. That's how to finish with a big, loud "bravo."
TASTE BITES / Bricco
Where: 1438 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.
Contact: 216-862-2889; www.briccodowntown.com.
Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Prices: Most lunches, $7-$13; most dinners, $10-$26.
Reservations: Definitely before a show at PlayhouseSquare.
Credit cards:American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa.
Cleanliness: Good.
Kid-friendliness: Kid menu items around $5.
Quality of service: Pleasant, even under pressure.
Noise level: Can get loud, but without major damage to conversation.
Bar service: Full. Huge martini menu.
Accessibility: Full, if using Hanna Building entrance.
Grade: **
Ratings are based on a scale of zero to four stars. (One star means fair; 2 stars, good; 3 stars, very good; 4 stars, exceptional. Zero stars: not recommended.) Each rating should be measured against comparable restaurants; a casual ethnic spot is not graded against a fine dining establishment. Plain Dealer reviewers make at least two anonymous visits to each restaurant and do not accept complimentary meals. Read past Plain Dealer restaurant reviews online in Cleveland.com's Dining & Bar Guide at www.cleveland.com/dining


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Come visit us in booth 2448 and see why we are the most trusted name in UV!]]>
Please contact your salesman to request a free sample to experience the next sense of UV coating , TEC Essesnce.]]>
On March 29, 2012, Grupo Printer, located in Central America, will be hosting an event demonstration that is sure to turn heads. Migdalia Mazariegos, Support Manager for Grupo Printer, is administering the event at the Hotel Crowne Plaza in San Salvador. The event will feature an array of TEC Lighting UV coaters in correlation with the Konica Minolta Bizhub Press C7000 series of printers.
Despite our short 1 year affiliation with Grupo Printer, their three offices located in Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica, have managed to sell an astounding 14 units. TEC Lighting is honored to be partnered with Grupo Printer, and is thrilled to be the leader in UV coating in these three countries. For more information on UV coaters in Central America, please email firstname.lastname@example.com.]]>
With a booming demand for UV coating and curing equipment in Mexico, Mr. Cristóbal Gutiérrez and family, owners of PrintaPronto in Mexico City, are responsible for expanding the TEC Lighting name in this region. Mr. Gutiérrez and his team have been affiliated with TEC Lighting for the past 3 ½ years, and have sold an impressive amount of units. In addition, his impeccable professionalism and business sense have been the driving force in generating a remarkable clientele list in just a few short years.
For more information on the TEC Lighting brand of UV coaters in Mexico, please contact Cristóbal Gutiérrez at email@example.com.]]>
As a TEC Lighting partner and dealer for 2 years, Schiebeler & Co. have had a successful track record in selling TEC Lighting's line of reliable UV coaters. Their impressive showroom of UV coaters displays an array of TEC Lighting products, enabling prospective clients to see first hand how efficient the TEC Lighting brand of UV coaters are.
Congratulations to our proud partner, Schiebeler & Co., for their continued success. We are honored to be affiliated with such a diligent and thriving company. For more information on TEC Lighting's line of UV coaters in the Trinidad area, please contact Schiebeler & Co. via email at firstname.lastname@example.com or by phone at (868) 674-3000.]]>
Here at TEC Lighting, we would like to thank our new customers and are honored to be chosen to meet your service expectations. We appreciate your trust, and we'll do our best to provide the finest service you deserve. Rest assured, the TEC Lighting line of UV coaters will help increase the productivity of your business, with the luxury of convenience and simplicity.
Your continued patronage is a vital part of our growth, and for that we are most thankful. TEC Lighting is proud to have a solid clientele, and we are anxious and excited to display our reliable UV coaters at the next trade show.]]>
Even with online communications increasing in popularity, the digital craze still can't compete with print media. Conventions such as Dscoop, provide the resources for companies in the printing industry to discover the latest technological breakthroughs. These innovations ultimately balance out online marketing with tangible print materials.
Dscoop is the perfect opportunity for TEC Lighting to absorb inspirational insight, as well as unveil our 16" TruCoat Inline, which is compatible with the HP Indigo Line of presses. The TruCoat Inline is a sophisticated UV coater that was designed from the ground up to accommodate to your existing printing equipment flawlessly. To see the TruCoat 16" in action, stop by booth # 707 at the annual Dscoop Convention. Click HERE to find out more information on the TruCoat 16".]]>
Ty Ahrentzen, a freelance director, helped steer the TEC Lighting team in creating a visual demonstration that will help customers ingest the functions of each UV coater. Director of Sales and Marketing, Daniel Hodhod, and VP of Sales, Moses Nuno, were the brains behind creating an appealing, yet effective video shoot that will ultimately help promote their products.
The first machine to see the spotlight is TEC Lighting's own TruCoat. This sophisticated machine is offered in both a 21" and 30" design, which is extremely easy-to-use. Its quick change, textured rollers can use an array of finishes for less than ½ cent per square foot. In addition, it is compatible with all digital and inkjet printers and takes less than 5 minutes to set up and start. Click HERE to read more on the TruCoat UV Coater.
Corporate video production and on-line marketing is on the rise in 2012, and TEC Lighting is prepared and fully equipped to fulfill this progressive demand. Stay up to date with TEC Lighting News to see the release of the TruCoat with optional]]>
It's that time again! After a long four-year wait, TEC Lighting, Inc. will be attending DRUPA, the largest printing exhibition in the world. This highly anticipated trade show in Düsseldorf, Germany will comprise of thousands of industry experts that are expected to launch new printing technologies that will modernize current printing standards.
For the first time, TEC Lighting will unveil the XB18, Double-Sided UV Coater at DRUPA from May 3-16, 2012. This technology is an industry innovation, making it the very first of its kind. This state of the art design is the first 18" (wide) double-sided UV coater to have the ability to coat both sides of a sheet of paper with a variation of coatings. For example, the XB18 can coat a satin coating on one side of a sheet of paper and a gloss finish on the other at the same time. Click Here to read more on the revolutionary XB18.
In addition to the release of the XB18, TEC Lighting will also display their entire line of UV coaters including the MegaCoat, the MegaCoatXL, the TruCoat, the Xtra Mini and the XtraCoat Offline. If you're in Deutschland the first two weeks of May, come and experience the future of the printing industry. The TEC Lighting booth can be found in Hall 9 at booth #C41. Come and experience the most renowned and impressive printing showcase in the world. And don't forget, "TEC Lighting completes what printing can't finish!"]]>


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this is from an indian movie: when a guy invites himself over someones house and asks for some water, other guy says " we dont drink water here. save water, drink beer. thats our motto"
not much chit chat going on today so I'll make a new thread. What would be one of your favorite saying or quotes. 2 at most.
1. "In the middle, of the journey of our life, I found myself astray in a dark wood, where the straight road had been lost." - Dante's Inferno
2. "Anyone who has never made a mistake in life, has never tried anything new." - Albert Einstein
Check my Profile for information on my PC Tech Support services.
Check my Blog for "Program of the Week" every Tuesday. Suggestions welcome, PM me.
this is from an indian movie: when a guy invites himself over someones house and asks for some water, other guy says " we dont drink water here. save water, drink beer. thats our motto"
Call of Duty FC : 3480 6196 6904
Onslaught FC : 3180 1649 9648
The Conduit - 1891 9137 3932 ( Mr Vihang)
Oh god, I live my life through quotes. I write them down and keep them lying all over my house, my room is strewn with them.
I particularly like "I'm that damn good" because it applies under almost any circumstance, and its quite funny. Near my bed I've got 'Right now, your competition is training,' and thats stopped me from going to bed quite a few times. On the cieling above my bed I've got "There's no need to be inspired when you can be the inspiration," which I absolutely adore, and would probably be my favorite quote of all time.
And then there's quotes from songs, which give a deeper meaning because they are tied to music. I like dedicating songs to people that I know, and then whenever I hear that song I think of them. Its really fun, especially when you tell them about it. I've had friends call me late at night to tell me that 'my song' just played on the radio, I love it.
I'm sorry, I'm done now.
Not to fit a mold,Not to join a trend,Not to follow a crowd
Coco Chanel:
"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous."
Barack Obama:
"What Washington needs is adult supervision."
...meh, sorry they're not all ~*deep*~
"A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools."- Douglas Adams
"The words of truth are always paradoxical"- Laozi
I never add friend codes.
Originally Posted by AndThen?
Aim towards the enemy.
-Instruction printed on US Rocket Launcher
When the pin is pulled, Mr Grenade is not our friend.
-US Marine Corps
Its generally inadvisable to eject directly over the area you just bombed.
-USAF Manual
Try to look unimportant; the enemy may be low on ammo.
-Infantry Journal
^Thanks for the sweet sig, manred!^
Online Wii Games: BWII, MSC, Medal of Honor 2: Heroes, and SSBB
MoH: H2 Persona: Jonny Rambo
MSC Name: Gabe
BWII Name: Gabriel
SSBB Name: GaS
Actually thought of this one myself, but I'm pretty sure someone else came up with it.
"The Most Things You Want In Life Require Patience"
Old Signature"I don't mean to seem like I care about material things, like a social status."
You just stole 2 of mine...Originally Posted by Samus101
"In the end, everything will turn alright. If everything isn't alright, it's not the end." - Unknown
Pain is Weakness Leaving the Body
1, is in my sig
2-winners never quit and quitters never win -michael jordan
PSN ID: zapasant93
"Wahaha, Waaaa!" - Waluigi
*sniff* that got me through a lot of hard times
-=Join The Waluigi Fan Club=-
Spoiler Alert!Latest 5 Members: nickg2894, Cpt.Sorrow, wiwiwili, mario&mr.l, KHgamer
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text:
MARYSVILLE — Marysville-Pilchuck High School students Alexandra Leerhoff and Lorenzo Hubbert were named the Students of the Month for September.
Leerhoff has a cumulative GPA of 4.0, and has been on the Honor Roll since 2010 and on National Honor Society since 2012.
She was named the M-PHS Student of the Year for both 2012 and 2013 in science and English, and was nominated for and awarded a scholarship from the Freemasons this year.
She's currently a college prep scholar through Quest Bridge.
Leerhoff played as a member of the M-PHS Girls Tennis Team Junior Varsity in 2011, and Varsity in 2012-13, and as a member of the school's Knowledge Bowl team in 2012-13.
She received first place district-wide in the PTSA Reflections Art Competition in 2010 and 2012, and in the Scholastic Art Competition, she won the Golden Key in 2012 and the Silver Key in 2013.
Leerhoff's volunteer work for National Honor Society since 2012 has included after-school tutoring.
She also volunteers through the Youth Group at the Shoultes Gospel Hall in Marysville, which she attends twice a week, and she's volunteered at Marysville Middle School PTSA-sponsored events.
In addition to serving as Treasurer for the M-PHS Chapter of National Honor Society, Leerhoff's tenure as a Senior Cabinet member has seen her serve as a Commencement Co-Chair, as well as on the Planning and Setup Committee for the Senior Cruise and Homecoming.
Hubbert has a 4.0 for every year of high school, and received a Freemason Achievement Award earlier this year for outstanding performance in his school and community.
He received a graphic design award from the M-PHS Festival of the Arts in 2011, and the Best Coil Vase Ceramics I Award from the M-PHS Festival of the Arts in 2013.
He also received an honorable mention in the 2013 Scholastic Arts and Writing Competition for his film "The MP Story," and a Tommie Award for hosting the MP Film Festival, in addition to helping the MP Film Club earn a Tommie for the video "The Cure."
Hubbert founded both the MP Film Club and the MP Film Festival to encourage his classmates to express their creativity, and aided M-PHS Principal Andrew Frost in producing the documentary "The MP Story" to chronicle the challenges facing some of his classmates
A Scout since he was 11 years old, Hubbert served as Varsity Team Captain, then Crew President of his Venture Scout Crew, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout by constructing a fence around the Kitchen Garden of Jennings Park.
Hubbert's community involvement has also encompassed the refurbishment of a number of city of Marysville Parks projects in conjunction with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as his current term on the Marysville Youth Council since the start of this year, which has seen him repainting neighborhood fences that were tagged with graffiti.
Hubbert's leadership positions in the quorums of young men in his church have also tasked him with serving as president of the 14- and 15-year-olds, and then as first counselor of the 16- and 17-year-olds.
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Myers, co-author of Our Stolen Future speaks at Maryville College Jan. 22
January 13, 2003
Dr. John Peterson Myers, environmentalist and co-author of Our Stolen Future, will discuss his professional work and the development of his environmental ethic during an address scheduled for 9 a.m., Jan. 22 in Wilson Chapel on the Maryville College campus.
The public is invited.
A zoologist who received his Ph.D. in zoology from the University of California-Berkeley, Myers co-authored Our Stolen Future with scientist Dr. Theo Colborn and Boston Globe reporter Dianne Dumanoski.
First published by Dutton, Penguin Books in 1996, the book is described as a "scientific detective story" that explores the sublethal effects of synthetic chemicals. Time magazine called it "powerful," and critics at the New York Times Book Review assessed: "Its subject is so important and its story so powerful that it deserves to be read by the widest possible audience." Business Week said it could become "the biggest scientific and public-relations bombshell to hit the chemical industry since Rachel L. Carson's 1962 classic, Silent Spring."
Myers' visit to Maryville College is in conjunction with the conclusion of a freshman course entitled "Perspectives on the Environment." In this 3-week required course, students engage in a broad study of nature-related issues (energy, water, solid waste and forestry) and address the basic question of what it means to be a steward of the environment.
Dr. Drew Crain, assistant professor of biology at the College and an instructor of the freshman course, became acquainted with Dr. Myers after the zoologist featured research conducted by Crain and colleagues at the University of Florida in Our Stolen Future. (Crain has researched extensively the phenomenon of endocrine disruption by environmental contaminants.)
" We are very fortunate to have Dr. Myers visit our campus and address our freshmen and college community," Crain said. "I hope that students can see how Dr. Myers has developed an environmental ethic and consistently applied this ethic to his profession and personal life.
" Dr. Myers' writing and work … shows how an individual can maintain a clear, consistent ethic of environmental stewardship," the professor continued. "I hope students will be able to see this."
Myers, who also serves as the editor and publisher of www.OurStolenFuture.org, is senior advisor to the United Nations Foundation and a senior fellow at Commonweal. From 1990 until 2002, he was director of the W. Alton Jones Foundation, a private foundation supporting efforts to protect the global environment and to prevent nuclear war. He has also held the position of Senior Vice President for Science at the National Audobon Society.
He lives near Charlottesville, Va.
Maryville College is ideally situated in Maryville, Tenn., between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Knoxville, the state's third largest city. Founded in 1819, it is the 12th oldest institution of higher learning in the South and maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Known for offering its students a rigorous and highly personal experience that includes an undergraduate research requirement, Maryville College is a nationally ranked institution of higher learning that successfully joins the liberal arts and professional preparation. Total enrollment for the fall 2016 semester is 1,198.