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Blagojevich Jurors Deliberate, Enjoying Privacy
29 JulThe Huffington Post
CHICAGO — As jurors retired to deliberate Wednesday in the corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, they entered a cocoon of privacy not all jurors in high-profile cases enjoy.
No e-mail messages from "the King of Japan," no fake letters from President Barack Obama postmarked in Iowa, no expletive-laden voicemail messages on their phones, like the ones that Judge James B. Zagel has received. No chance of Facebook postings using their names, either.
The ubiquity of e-mail and social networking and the Internet Age-urge for everyone to express their opinions were among the reasons Zagel cited when he prohibited the release of the 12 primary and five alternate jurors' names until after the verdict in the trial of the disgraced governor.
Withholding juror names is more common in trials involving alleged mobsters or terrorists, for security reasons, and media organizations contested Zagel's ruling. But the judge maintained that the jurors' ability to impartially decide an "inarguably" high-profile case could be impaired by unsolicited interruptions.
"His arguments for not releasing the names make perfect sense," said Chicago attorney Michael Helfand, reflecting sympathy with Zagel's decision in legal circles. "People could Google your name, call you – or connect with you on Facebook. This trial is enough of a disruption to (jurors') lives. Why disrupt it further?"
There's also the danger someone could alter a juror's ability to think clearly, Zagel said recently. If jurors "picked up a phone and heard a spewing of profanity – that could have a mood-altering impact," he said. In the judge's final ruling, he acknowledged that inappropriate contact of jurors is not a new issue, but said the risk was greater because of the "astounding" pervasiveness of e-mail and social media.
So, unlike in previous trials – such as that of former Illinois Gov. George Ryan, Blagojevich's predecessor – most of what's known about the jurors determining Blagojevich's future is their occupations and a few details gleaned from the judge's questions during jury selection.
There's a math teacher, a retired public health official, a former Marine injured serving in the Middle East, a Navy veteran, an avid marathon runner and a man born in a U.S. internment camp for Japanese-Americans during World War II.
They will decide between the Blagojevich portrayed by prosecutors as a greedy, smart political schemer determined to use his power to enrich himself throughout his administration and the man defense attorneys characterized as an insecure bumbler who talked too much and had terrible judgment – but never did anything to enrich himself.
The ousted governor, 53, has pleaded not guilty to 24 counts, including trying to sell or trade an appointment to Obama's vacated Senate seat for a Cabinet post, private job or campaign cash. If convicted, he could face up to $6 million in fines and a sentence of 415 years in prison, though he is sure to get much less time under federal guidelines.
His brother, Nashville, Tenn., businessman Robert Blagojevich, 54, has also pleaded not guilty to taking part in that alleged scheme.
After Zagel gave jurors instructions Wednesday morning about their deliberations, two wire carts full of exhibits entered into evidence during the nearly two-month trial were wheeled into the jury room. That includes transcripts of the FBI wiretap tapes at the heart of the prosecution's case.
The jury's first orders of business were to elect a foreman and organize their deliberations. They decided to deliberate 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, courtroom deputy Donald Walker said.
What they do next is up to them. They could start by simply gauging feelings around the room, or reviewing jury instructions, or perhaps setting aside the ousted governor's case and starting with his co-defendant brother's, who face fewer counts.
Media scrutiny in the Ryan case helped expose two jurors who had apparently lied on their jury questionnaires at the start of the trial, leading to their dismissals during deliberations.
When an attorney representing the media alluded to that at a recent hearing about releasing the jurors' names, Zagel bristled.
"I reject categorically there have been many trials like this one," Zagel shot back. "This is, I think, the largest one I have ever seen – and it's not even close."
Prosecutors echoed that in urging Zagel not to release the names.
"Crackpots are everywhere," said Debra Bonamici, speaking for the prosecution. "But it's the high-profile nature of this case that brings them out of the woodwork."
Zagel says he's more worried about a pervasive belief among Americans that "their opinion somehow counts" on any subject – and that non-crackpots couldn't help trying to persuade jurors with reasoned argument.
He said a bigger risk in the Blagojevich case was not only the trial's high visibility but that so many people felt a personal link to the twice-elected governor – either as one-time constituents or as viewers who watched him as a reality TV contestant or other TV shows.
"We are dealing here with perhaps millions of people who voted for the defendant, who may feel betrayed by the defendant," Zagel said. "This is not ... something that happened to someone else."
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Mapping Google's legal issues
29 Julwww.guardian.co.uk/media/digital-media/
New map pinpoints where web giant faces lawsuits
Ever wondered what it's like to be an internet company operating multiple products built on the philosophy of openness and sharing?
This map of lawsuits faced by Google shows just what comes with video-sharing sites, street mapping services and internet search.
[MAP EMBED CODE:]
Competitive analysis firm Aqute Intelligence are behind the map, referencing each litigation placemark to a news article.
The Aqute research director, James Macaonghus, explains the motives behind the map: "We created this map a couple of weeks ago. There's a few countries where the services have been blocked so they're blank.
"The point we're trying to make is that as Google gets more powerful it's coming up against more legislature and they've got a lot of balls to juggle at the same time. We'll update on a regular basis and keep up as long as the issues keep arising."
Of course, the map does not take into account investigations by information officers in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Canada, the Czech Republic and Italy. And it should be remembered that legal action is par for the course for most multinational technology giants.
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UK Rules Google Innocent of Capturing Private Data
28 JulReadWriteWeb
The first survey has been done on the private data Google gathered with its Street View cars. Investigators from the Information Commissioner's Office in the United Kingdom have reviewed samples of the data and ruled that there is no meaningful information swept up in the harvest. Code had been included in the software that powers the cars' cameras and they wound up collecting much more information than was allowable in most cases. This resulted in a host of investigations and lawsuits.
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According to PC Magazine, the ICO released a statement that said, in part:
"(I)t is unlikely that Google will have captured significant amounts of personal data. There is also no evidence as yet that the data captured by Google has caused or could cause any individual detriment."
This same office cleared Google Street View of charges several years ago by privacy activists.
"Google is putting in place adequate safeguards to avoid any risk to the privacy or safety of individuals."
Perhaps they were right. But then again, perhaps the British threshold for tolerance of data compromise will prove to be lower than other countries. The U.K., after all, has the most extravagant public surveillance system in the world in place. Exactly how many is impossible to say, as that information is not made public. Several years ago, it was calculated at 4.2 million, one camera for every 14 people. Other countries, from France and Italy to Canada and the U.S. may be somewhat more demanding in their definition of terms like "significant amounts" and "individual detriment."
Just a week ago, we reported that 38 of 50 U.S. states' highest law enforcement authorities had agreed to collaborate on an investigation of Google.
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Online marketing ensures that it becomes visible and popular over the web. Website optimization takes care of the fact that it does well on the search rankings. When visitors do a Google search, they will see your website right up there amongst the best. This will solidify their conviction that the recommendation was not futile and the website is indeed a popular entity and worth doing business with. -
Toronto International Film Fest 2010 Line-Up is Announced
28 JulFirstShowing.net
The 35th Toronto International Film Festival has announced a total of 50 Gala/Special Presentation films as part of the lineup at this year's festival, which runs September 9th to 19th in Toronto, Canada. The line-up so far this year is incredible, tons of great films premiering like Darren Aronofsky's latest, Robert Redford's film, Ben Affleck's The Town, Ryan Reynolds's Buried, It's Kind of a Funny Story, Never Let Me Go and Michael Winterbottom's new film. I'll be gearing up for another massive month long festival tour soon and it looks like Toronto will be an awesome stop. You can check out a full list of Toronto films below.
For more information and a closer look at the schedule and line-up, visit the official TIFF website: tiff.net
Galas:
The Bang Bang Club
(dir. Steven Silver, Canada/South Africa)
The Bang Bang Club was the name given to four young photographers, Greg Marinovich, Kevin Carter, Ken Oosterbroek and Joao Silva, whose photographs captured the final bloody days of white rule in South Africa and the final demise of apartheid. The film tells the remarkable and sometimes harrowing story of these young men – and the extraordinary extremes they went to in order to capture their pictures. The film stars Ryan Phillippe, Malin Akerman, Taylor Kitsch, Neels Van Jaarsveld and Frank Rautenbach.Barney's Version
(dir. Richard J. Lewis, Canada/Italy)
From producer Robert Lantos, Barney’s Version is a film based on Mordecai Richler's prize-winning comic novel. Barney Panofsky (Paul Giamatti) is a seemingly ordinary man who lives an extraordinary life. Barney’s candid confessional spans four decades and two continents, and includes three wives (Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver and Rachelle Lefevre), one outrageous father (Dustin Hoffman) and a charmingly dissolute best friend (Scott Speedman).Black Swan
(dir. Darren Aronofsky, USA)
A psychological thriller set in the world of New York City ballet, Black Swan stars Natalie Portman as Nina, a featured dancer who finds herself locked in a web of competitive intrigue with a new rival at the company. Black Swan takes a thrilling and at times terrifying journey through the psyche of a young ballerina whose starring role as the duplicitous swan queen turns out to be a part for which she becomes frighteningly perfect. Black Swan also stars Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey and Winona Ryder.Casino Jack
(dir. George Hickenlooper, Canada)
Based on a true story, Kevin Spacey stars as Jack Abramoff, the former high-powered lobbyist whose bribery schemes and fraudulent dealings with Indian casinos ultimately landed him in prison, and stunned the world. It remains the biggest scandal to hit Washington, D.C. since Watergate. The film also stars Barry Pepper, Kelly Preston, Rachelle Lefevre and Jon Lovitz.The Conspirator
(dir. Robert Redford, USA)
While an angry nation seeks vengeance, a young union war hero must defend a mother accused of aiding her son in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Directed by Robert Redford, the film stars James McAvoy, Robin Wright, Kevin Kline, Evan Rachel Wood and Tom Wilkinson.The Debt
(dir. John Madden, USA)
Helen Mirren, Jessica Chastain and Sam Worthington star in this thriller about three Israeli Mossad agents on a 1965 mission to capture a notorious Nazi war criminal. Thirty years later, secrets about the case emerge.The Housemaid
(dir. Im Sang-Soo, South Korea)
In this erotic thriller, the housemaid of an upper-class family becomes entangled in a dangerous tryst. A satirical look at class structure, reminiscent of the work of Claude Chabrol, this sexy soap opera is a story of revenge and retribution.Janie Jones
(dir. David M. Rosenthal, USA)
Aspiring recording artist Ethan Brand gets a stunning surprise on the opening night of a tour – a strung out former groupie appears unexpectedly, pleading with him to care for their daughter while she pulls herself together. Enter Janie Jones.The King's Speech
(dir. Tom Hooper, United Kingdom/Australia)
The King's Speech tells the story of the man who would become King George VI, the father of the current Queen, Elizabeth II. After his brother abdicates, George ‘Bertie’ VI (Colin Firth) reluctantly assumes the throne. Plagued by a dreaded nervous stammer and considered unfit to be King, Bertie engages the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Through a set of unexpected techniques, and as a result of an unlikely friendship, Bertie is able to find his voice and boldly lead the country into war.Little White Lies
(dir. Guillaume Canet, France)
Despite a traumatic event, a group of friends decides to go ahead with their annual beach vacation. Their relationships, convictions, sense of guilt and friendship are sorely tested. They are finally forced to own up to the little white lies they have been telling each other. Directed by Guillaume Canet and starring: François Cluzet, Marion Cotillard, Benoît Magimel, Gilles Lellouche, Jean Dujardin, Laurent Lafitte, Valérie Bonneton and Pascale Arbillot.Peep World
(dir. Barry Blaustein, USA)
On the day of their father’s 70th birthday party, four siblings come to terms with the publication of a novel written by the youngest sibling that exposes the family’s most intimate secrets.Potiche
(dir. François Ozon, France)
A bourgeois housewife (Catherine Deneuve) takes on a rough union leader (Gerard Depardieu) in François Ozon's sparkling comic war between the sexes, and the classes.The Town
(dir. Ben Affleck, USA)
The Town is a dramatic thriller about robbers and cops, friendship and betrayal, love and hope, and escaping a past that has no future. In the Boston neighbourhood of Charlestown, Doug MacCray is the leader of a crew of ruthless bank robbers. But everything changed on the gang’s last job when they took bank manager Claire Keesey hostage. Questioning what she saw, Doug seeks out Claire. As their relationship deepens, Doug wants out of this life and the town, but now he must choose whether to betray his friends or lose the woman he loves.The Way
(dir. Emilio Estevez, USA)
Martin Sheen plays Tom, an American doctor who comes to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to collect the remains of his adult son, killed in the Pyrenees in a storm while walking The Camino de Santiago. Driven by his profound sadness and desire to understand his son better, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage. Along the way he learns what it means to be a citizen of the world again and discovers the difference between “The life we live and the life we choose.”West is West
(dir. Andy De Emmony, United Kingdom)
Manchester, Northern England, 1976. The now much-diminished, but still claustrophobic and dysfunctional, Khan family continues to struggle for survival. Sajid, the youngest Khan, is under heavy assault both from his father's tyrannical insistence on Pakistani tradition, and from the fierce bullies in the schoolyard. His father decides to pack him off to Mrs. Khan No 1 and family in the Punjab, the wife and daughters he had abandoned 30 years earlier. The sequel to East is East, West is West is the coming of age story of both 15-year-old Sajid and of his father, 60-year-old George Khan.Special Presentations:
Another Year
(dir. Mike Leigh, United Kingdom)
A happily married, middle-aged couple are visited by a number of unhappy and lonely friends who use them as confidantes. When an unmarried friend falls for their young son, they watch as events unfold. The film stars Jim Broadbent, Lesley Manville, Ruth Sheen, Peter Wight, Oliver Maltman, David Bradley, Karina Fernandez and Martin Savage.Beginners
(dir. Mike Mills, USA)
When his 71-year-old father (Christopher Plummer) comes out of the closet, Oliver (Ewan McGregor) must explore the honesty of his own relationships. From the director of Thumbsucker.The Big Picture
(dir. Eric Lartigau, France)
Paul Exben is a success story. He has a great job, a glamorous wife and two wonderful sons, except that this is not the life he has been dreaming of. A moment of madness is going to change his life, forcing him to assume a new identity that will enable him to live his life fully. The Big Picture, an adaptation of the novel by Douglas Kennedy, is directed by Eric Lartigau and stars Romain Duris, Marina Foïs, Niels Arestrup and Catherine Deneuve. It is produced by Pierre-Ange Le Pogam.Biutiful
(dir. Alejandro González Iñárritu, Spain/Mexico)
This is a story of a man in free fall. On the road to redemption, darkness lights his way. Connected with the afterlife, Uxbal is a tragic hero and father of two who's sensing the danger of death. He struggles with a tainted reality and a fate that works against him in order to forgive, for love, and forever. The film stars Javier Bardem.Blue Valentine
(dir. Derek Cianfrance, USA)
Blue Valentine is the story of love found and love lost, told in past and present moments in time. Flooded with romantic memories of their courtship, Dean and Cindy use one night to try and save their failing marriage. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams star in this honest portrait of a relationship on the rocks.Brighton Rock
(dir. Rowan Joffe, United Kingdom)
Based on Graham Greene's 1938 novel, we follow the odd relationship between a young thug on the rise in the British underground and a tea room waitress who witnesses a crime he has committed.Buried
(dir. Rodrigo Cortés, Spain/USA)
When Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds) wakes up six feet underground with no idea who put him there or why, life for the truck driver and family man instantly becomes a hellish struggle for survival. Buried with only a cell phone and a lighter, poor reception, a rapidly draining battery and a dwindling oxygen supply become his worst enemies in a tightly confined race against time.Conviction
(dir. Tony Goldwyn, USA)
Conviction is the inspirational true story of a sister’s unwavering devotion to her brother. When Betty Anne Waters’ (two-time Academy® Award winner Hilary Swank) older brother Kenny (Sam Rockwell) is arrested for murder and sentenced to life in 1983, Betty Anne, a Massachusetts wife and mother of two, dedicates her life to overturning the murder conviction.Cirkus Columbia
(dir. Danis Tanovic, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
After twenty years of exile, a husband returns to his hometown in Herzegovina to settle some scores with his ex-wife, armed with a new Mercedes, a sexy new girlfriend and a mangy black cat.Dhobi Ghat
(dir. Kiran Rao, India)
In the teeming metropolis of Mumbai, four people separated by class and language are drawn together in compelling relationships. Shai, an affluent investment banker on a sabbatical, strikes up an unusual friendship with Munna, a young and beautiful laundry boy with ambitions of being a Bollywood actor, and has a brief dalliance with Arun, a gifted painter. As they slip away from familiar moorings and drift closer together, the city finds its way into the crevices of their inner worlds.Easy A
(dir. Will Gluck, USA)
After a little white lie about losing her virginity gets out, a clean-cut high school girl (Emma Stone) sees her life paralleling Hester Prynne’s in The Scarlet Letter, which she is currently studying in school – until she decides to use the rumour mill to advance her social and financial standing.Henry's Crime
(dir. Malcolm Venville, USA)
After serving three years in prison for a bank robbery he did not commit, an amiable but aimless man decides to rob the bank for real. His plan involves infiltrating a local theatre company, but his scheme gets complicated when he falls for the company’s lead actress. The film stars Keanu Reeves, Vera Farmiga, James Caan, Fisher Stevens, Peter Stormare, Danny Hoch and Bill Duke.The Illusionist
(dir. Sylvain Chomet, United Kingdom)
From the director of The Triplets Of Belleville comes a film of grace and unique beauty. Working from a never-produced script written by Jacques Tati for his daughter, Chomet tells the story of a magician who was pushed aside by rock and roll, yet finds one young girl who appreciates his magic. The film stars Jean-Claude Donda and Eilidh Rankin.In A Better World
(dir. Susanne Bier, Denmark/Sweden)
The story traces elements from a refugee camp in Africa to the grey humdrum of everyday life in a Danish provincial town. The lives of two Danish families cross each other, and an extraordinary but risky friendship comes into bud. But loneliness, frailty and sorrow lie in wait. Soon, friendship transforms into a dangerous alliance and a breathtaking pursuit in which life is at stake.I Saw the Devil
(dir. Kim Jee-woon, South Korea)
A hard-boiled thriller from Korean master Kim Jee-woon, I Saw the Devil is a tale of bloody vengeance against a dangerous psychopath who has committed a gruesome series of murders.It's Kind of a Funny Story
(dir. Ryan Fleck, Anna Boden, USA)
Stressed-out teenager Craig checks himself into a mental health clinic – where he finds himself in the adult ward. Sustained by friendships on both the inside and the outside, Craig learns more about life, love and the pressures of growing up. The comedy-drama stars Keir Gilchrist, Emma Roberts and Zach Galifianakis.Jack Goes Boating
(dir. Philip Seymour Hoffman, USA)
Adapted from Bob Glaudini's acclaimed Off Broadway play, Jack Goes Boating is a tale of love, betrayal, friendship and grace centered around two working-class New York City couples. The film stars John Ortiz, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Amy Ryan and Philip Seymour Hoffman, with Hoffman making his feature directorial debut.L'Amour Fou
(dir. Pierre Thoretton, France)
Yves Saint Laurent built one of fashion's most celebrated empires. This moving documentary chronicles his rise, his lifelong partnership with Pierre Bergé and their decision to auction off a lifetime of precious art and objects.The Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen
(dir. Andrew Lau, Hong Kong)
In 1920s Shanghai, hero Chen Zhen single-handedly avenges his mentor’s death by killing all the Japanese at a dojo in Hongkou, only to be showered with bullets while making his legendary flying kick. Now, years later, Chen Zhen, who is believed dead, returns in disguise to infiltrate a criminal empire and to dismantle the evil collusion that plagues the country.Lope
(dir. Andrucha Waddington, Brazil/Spain)
Andrucha Waddington brings famed Spanish playwright Lope de Vega’s passionate life to the screen. The young poet returns to Madrid from war and gets his foot in the door of Madrid's most important theatre troupe – quickly charming his boss's daughter. His childhood friend, Isabel de Urbina, also falls under the spell of his poems. So much seduction eventually brings misfortune and he must flee Madrid.Love Crime
(dir. Alain Corneau, France)
Dangerous Liaisons meets Working Girl in this deliciously caustic tale of office politics. Starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Ludivine Sagnier as mentor and ingénue, Love Crime is a remorseless clash of two competing egos.Made in Dagenham
(dir. Nigel Cole, United Kingdom)
Sally Hawkins stars as Rita O’Grady, the catalyst for the 1968 Ford Dagenham strike by 187 sewing machinists which led to the advent of the Equal Party Act. Working in extremely impoverished conditions for long, arduous hours, the women at the Ford Dagenham plant finally lose their patience when they are reclassified as “unskilled.” With humour, common sense and courage, they take on their corporate paymasters, an increasingly belligerent local community, and finally the government itself. The film also stars Bob Hoskins, Miranda Richardson, Geraldine James and Rosamund Pike.Miral
(dir. Julian Schnabel, United Kingdom/Israel/France)
From the director of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Before Night Falls and Basquiat, comes Miral, the visceral, first-person diary of a young girl growing up in East Jerusalem as she confronts the effects of occupation and war in every corner of her life. Schnabel pieces together momentary fragments of Miral’s world – how she was formed, who influenced her, all that she experiences in her tumultuous early years – to create a raw, moving, poetic portrait of a woman whose small, personal story is inextricably woven into the bigger history unfolding all around her.Never Let Me Go
(dir. Mark Romanek, United Kingdom)
Kathy (Carey Mulligan), Tommy (Andrew Garfield) and Ruth (Keira Knightley) spent their childhood at a seemingly idyllic boarding school. When they leave the shelter of the school, the terrible truth of their fate is revealed and they must confront the deep feelings of love, jealousy and betrayal that threaten to pull them apart.Norwegian Wood
(dir. Tran Anh Hung, Japan)
Adapted from Haruki Murakami's bestselling novel. Watanabe, a quiet and serious college student, becomes deeply devoted to Naoko, a beautiful and introspective young woman with whom he shares the tragedy of their best friend’s death. When Naoko suddenly disappears, Midori, an outgoing, vivacious and supremely self-confident girl marches into Watanabe's life. The film stars Kenichi Matsuyama, Rinko Kikuchi and Kiko Mizuhara.Outside the Law
(dir. Rachid Bouchareb, France/Algeria/Tunisia/Italy/Belgium)
Bouchareb's follow-up to Days of Glory is an epic French gangster movie in the tradition of Once Upon a Time in America. The film follows three brothers from childhood in Algeria through turbulent years in Paris, as their paths diverge towards radical politics and violent crime.Rabbit Hole
(dir. John Cameron Mitchell, USA)
A family navigates the deepest form of loss in John Cameron Mitchell's screen adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize winning play by David Lindsay-Abaire. Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart deliver captivating performances as a husband and wife who fight to save their marriage in the life that begins again after tragedy.A Screaming Man
(dir. Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, France/Belgium/Chad)
One of Africa's preeminent film artists, Haroun returns to themes of family and loyalty in war-torn Chad. A father and son work together at the pool of five-star hotel, but the civil war forces life-and-death choices upon them.Stone
(dir. John Curran, USA)
Robert De Niro and Edward Norton deliver powerful performances as a seasoned corrections official and a scheming inmate whose lives become dangerously intertwined. Stone weaves together the parallel journeys of two men grappling with dark impulses, as the line between lawman and lawbreaker becomes precariously thin. The film also stars Milla Jovovich and Frances Conroy.Submarine
(dir. Richard Ayoade, United Kingdom)
British comic Richard Ayoade delivers his hotly-anticipated feature debut Submarine. One boy must fight to save his mother from the advances of a mystic, and simultaneously lure his eczema-strafed girlfriend in to the bedroom, armed with only a vast vocabulary and near-total self-belief. His name is Oliver Tate.That Girl in Yellow Boots
(dir. Anurag Kashyap, India)
Ruth is searching for her father – a man she hardly knew but cannot forget. Desperation drives her to work without a permit, at a massage parlour, where she gives ‘happy endings’ to unfulfilled men. Torn between several schisms, Mumbai becomes the backdrop for Ruth's quest as she struggles to find her independence and space even as she is sucked deeper into the labyrinthine politics of the city's underbelly.Tamara Drewe
(dir. Stephen Frears, United Kingdom)
Based on Posy Simmonds’ beloved graphic novel. When Tamara Drewe returns to the village of her youth, life for the locals is thrown upside down. Tamara – once an ugly duckling – has been transformed and is now a minor celebrity. As infatuations, jealousies, love affairs and career ambitions collide among the inhabitants of the neighbouring farmsteads, Tamara sets a contemporary comedy of manners into play.The Trip
(dir. Michael Winterbottom, United Kingdom)
Follow two good friends in this hilarious road movie as they embark on a tour of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales of Northern England, eating, chatting and driving each other crazy. The film stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon.Trust
(dir. David Schwimmer, USA)
Safe and sound in their suburban home, Will and Lynn Cameron (Clive Owen and Catherine Keener) used to sleep well at night. When their 14-year-old daughter, Annie, made a new friend on-line – a 16-year-old boy named Charlie – Will and Lynn didn’t think much of it. But when Annie and Charlie make a plan to meet what happens in the next twenty-four hours changes the entire family forever. Charlie is really a 40-year-old serial pedophile (Tom McCarthy) and, once Annie’s rape comes to light, it becomes a touchstone event that reverberates through the entire family.You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger
(dir. Woody Allen, United Kingdom/USA/Spain)
Woody Allen's latest comic ensemble piece follows a group of Londoners struggling with failing marriages, restless libidos, the perils of aging and desires that drive a series of decisions with unforeseen consequences. The film stars Antonio Banderas, Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, Gemma Jones, Lucy Punch and Naomi Watts.Out of these, I've already seen The Housemaid, Another Year, Biutiful, Blue Valentine, Buried, Outside the Law and You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, but there are still plenty more I'm looking forward to seeing. What a great line-up this year, can't wait to head up to Toronto! Additional titles will be announced soon.
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The View From Your Window Contest: Winner #8
27 JulThe Daily Dish - By Andrew Sullivan
Readers are starting to get scary-good at this game. One writes:
Alright you bastard. This is the first one that looked familiar to me but only in a general way. I can't make out any specific clues, even when zooming in Photoshop. Sicily is as close as I can get. I can't see as how anyone gets closer than that, even using Google Maps/Google Earth as has been done previously.
Another writes:
The cobblestone courtyard indicates it's not North Americaand the 1728 (or 1723?) inscription on the fountain indicates it's probably not South America either. Also, there's that peaked roof in the background. That'sFrench (well, there's a neighborhood like that in Long Beach, CA, butthat's not Long Beach). So it feels southern French to us, because ofthe tile roofs. Something Provencal. It's not Corsica, as the mountainin the distance isn't big enough. My wife and I are going with Marseilles.
Another:
Not many clues to go on here. 1728? Nothing much happened according to Wikipedia. I'm not an expert but the blue car looks like a Peugeot, suggesting perhaps a French-speaking country. The pointy building behind the corrugated roof is reminiscent of central Europe. It also appears to be rather mountainous. So I'm going to guess St. Etienne, France.
Another:
This one isn't as easy as last week's. I lean towards Europe, though the cloud cover seems to indicate it is not Mediterranean like I would have liked to guess. The mountain in the background indicates a rough terrain, perhaps the Basque region? I glanced into any 1728 references of Basques, and came up with possibly Spain, specifically Azpeitia - maybe the Sanctuary of Loyola?
Another:
I think this is a view from inside the University of Havana, Cuba, overlooking a fountain commemorating its founding in 1728. (I looked up other 1728 establishments, but somehow I don't think this one is the Swedish Academy of Sciences in Uppsala.)
Another:
Western Europe for sure, but the architecture looks wrong forUK/Ireland. Also quite certain it's not Benulux, Scandinavia, Iberia oranywhere near the Alps ... which leaves us the big three. It doesn'tlook dry or semi-tropical enough for Italy or southern France. Theparking sign is definitely not a German one, and the license plateseems to be yellow (also not German). So, best guess: Sedan, France.
Another:
I recognize many aspects as familiar but Icouldn't place the location ... then I saw the pattern of the pavingtiles!
I lived for 5 years or so in Northern Germany, as a streetmusician. I sat on, stood on, and stared at this exact pattern ofpaving the whole fucking time. I even took a photo of the pattern touse as a background for the back cover of a CD I produced. Does it helpme? Not likely. It's Germany, I'm sure of - the tall roofed house, thestreet sign and lamp, the masonry - but even then these styles arecommon throughout that part of Europe. Hmmm. I've spent far too long onthis already so I'm going with Hildesheim.
Another:
Not a lot of internet research or anything, but this looks an awfully lot like a little Plaza that I wandered into when I was exploring Cusco, in Peru.
Another:
The stonework and window treatments suggest a Venetian influence. The tile and mountains make me think Croatia. Could this be the old town in Korcula?
Another:
This jumped out at me as looking a lot like where I took my honeymoon - Porto, Portugal. I actually looked at my pictures from the Porto Se Cathedral, but could not confirm that this was it. I was going to try Google Images, but that sorta takes the sport out of the contest, no?
Another:
Another:Just a guess here since I don't have the time to do the satelliteanalysis. The fountain looks typically Swiss, as do the mountains inthe background. It all seems to be facing east, so I'm guessingNeuchatel. I happen to be living in Switzerland right now, so I amprobably biased towards seeing Switzerland everywhere.
Salzburg, Austria? The cobblestone pattern, courtyard aesthetic, date on the parkitecture, and solidity of the buildings walls suggest Europe – the orderly painted parking lines urge me toward the north. The restoration of the building evident suggests perhaps a rebuilt German city. But the yellow paint from where the photo was taken reminds me of the Salzburg. And while the distant relief seems perhaps too low and the turquoise roof tops that are also distinctive in that city are absent, I’m sticking to my initial guess. And since your obsessive readership will no doubt nail this down to the precise GPS latitude and longitude, I’ll guess somewhere near Mozart’s home on the western bank of the river in the hopes of being close enough.
Another:
This photo was taken in Lausanne, Switzerland, from a building overlooking Rue Cité-Devant at approximately 2/3 of the way from the Cathédrale to the Château Saint-Maire. The view looks westerly past the Gymnase de la Cité toward the Palais de Rumine and the Place de la Riponne. Coordinates approximately 46° 31'25.85 N, 6° 38'07.79 E.
Correct! Another reader was even more impressive:
This one was tough to crack, but there are bunch of clues that help narrow it down. First, the combination of an obviously European landscape, the yellow road paint, style of cobbles, white license plates on the car, design of the speed limit sign and lamppost all suggest Switzerland; the architecture (both close-up and in the distance) and roof tiles further narrow it down to the French-speaking part.
Definitely not Geneva: I live there and there isn’t anywhere that looks like that. The angle and length of the shadows suggests that the photographer is facing somewhere between West and North – which would make it likely that the hills in the background are the Jura mountains, which rules out Neuchatel. Basel and Bern don’t have the right topography in their old towns to get the landscape, and Yverdon is too flat.
Which leaves Lausanne. The fact the photographer wasn’t facing South was a bit of a head-scratcher for a while. Nevertheless, with a little help from Google maps, it’s possible to pinpoint the exact location: it’s taken from a West-facing first floor window (2nd floor in U.S. terminology) at the Amis de la Cité building on Rue Cité-Devant 11bis, Lausanne. Google map here.
More impressive still:
I found a photo of the window from which thepicture is taken:
Another ups the ante forevermore:
I am an Australian living in Switzerland and have enjoyed your blog for several years. My family has been enjoying the VFYW contest and we were delighted to see one in our part of the world. The architecture was clearly Swiss Vaudois, the mountains looked more like the Jura than the Alps, the height of the city made it most likely Lausanne, and the street looked like it was in the lanes behind the Cathedral. So it was a good excuse to take my visiting parents for a Sunday drive and go VFYW hunting. Sure enough we had guessed correctly and found the fountain:
Thanks for a fun afternoon.
Thanks to you! Despite these impressive feats of Dishness - and 11 correct guesses in all - we just have to award the photo book to this couple (how could you not?):
It's Lausanne, Switzerland! Just today I was walking there with my wife. It's on a road called Rue Cité-Devant, which goes from the back of the beautiful Cathedral up to the Castle. Really a must-see. It's a picture taken from Rue Cité Devant #12 it would seem. The mountains in the back are the Jura mountains.
I knew I wanted to marry my wife when she and I stopped at that very fountain for a sip of water last year!
I love this contest!
France - Google - Germany - South America - Switzerland
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The Vatican: a very Italian institution | John Hooper
27 Julwww.guardian.co.uk
The reaction to an exposé of gay priests highlights the deference of the Italian press – and the complacency of the Vatican
Not the least interesting thing aspect of the exposure of the double life of some gay Catholic priests in Rome is the way it was handled by the Italian media. Panorama, the news magazine that carried out the investigation, tipped off the rest of the press last Thursday afternoon. Italy's biggest news agency, Ansa, carried a brief dispatch on the magazine's exclusive at 5.32 pm. By 7 o'clock it was number six on its "billboard" of the day's top stories.
Yet not a single national newspaper picked up on Panorama's story. It was only the following day – by which time the Rome diocese had responded with a statement berating the magazine for "defaming all priests" – that the Italian press felt able to run "balanced" reports leading with the diocese's advice to gay priests to "come out" – and get out.
Why this reluctance? Some will doubtless argue that the report, accompanied by photographs of half-naked priests, one still wearing his dog collar, was pure smut. I disagree. It went to the heart of the paradox, let us call it, that underlies many of the Catholic church's current problems. While condemning gay sex as disordered and at the same time insisting on celibacy in an age in which heterosexual clerics can no longer get away with the hypocrisy of "housekeepers", the Vatican is gradually creating a predominantly gay priesthood in all but the developing world. The most reliable estimate suggested that up to half of US Catholic priests are homosexual.
The story had another intriguing dimension. Panorama is owned by Italy's prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi. He cannot be expected to know about everything reported by the three television stations, two daily newspapers and one news magazine that his family influences. But it is hard to believe that he, or his immediate staff, was not alerted to Panorama's spectacular exclusive. And yet, in the three days since it was published, no one in a country addicted to conspiracy theories has posed any awkward questions in public about a possible connection between Panorama's ownership and a story that severely embarrassed the church.
What we have is an example of something with repercussions that go far beyond Italy – the deference with which the media closest to the Vatican treats it and the church that it administers. I hardly need to tell readers of this corner of Comment is free that since January, Europe has been swept by clerical sex abuse scandals involving Catholic priests and bishops. The impression given in the Italian media has been that they have solely affected the German-speaking world and a few other countries like Holland and Norway. In fact, cases of clerics accused of molesting or raping children have surfaced repeatedly in Italy and been systematically ignored. In 2005, a former abbot in Arezzo in Tuscany confessed to molesting 38 children. In 2008, a priest was convicted by a court in Ferrara of abusing children as young as three. He was sentenced to six years and 10 months. Right now, the parish priest of a Rome suburb is on trial in a case involving seven alleged victims. None of this has excited more than passing interest, let alone raised questions about the responsibilities of the priests' superiors. In at least one of case, the accused is known to have been confirmed in his post after the first claims against him were made.
I mention all this not to make a point so much to make a point about the media as about the Vatican and the Italian church. It has frequently been remarked that the Catholic hierarchy from the pope downwards seemed not to realise the gravity of what happened this year until it was too late. Its initial reaction to the scandals was to denounce them as part of a conspiracy. But, seen from Rome, this is not at all surprising. Wrapped in the dense, comforting cotton wool of Italian media respect, the Vatican just does not feel or hear the outrage that has been generated.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the Vatican communicates largely with Italian journalists. On the scale of values of most members of the pope's bureaucracy, the Roman curia, Il Messaggero, with a circulation of maybe 200,000 but based in Rome and traditionally Christian Democrat in outlook, counts for far more than CNN or Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. This in turn is a reflection of how little the Vatican has been internationalised even though it is now 32 years since the last Italian pope. The curia manages a vast, international organisation.
Yet it still manned to a disproportionate extent by Italians with Italian – and, to an even greater extent, Roman – sensibilities and priorities. Sooner or later, that is surely going to have to change.
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds -
75+ Upcoming Social Media & Tech Events
26 JulMashable!
Every Monday, Mashable puts together a calendar of upcoming social media and web events, parties and conferences. Would you like to have your conference or event listed here? If so, please contact us at least one month before your event to establish a media partnership. For more upcoming event listings, check out Mashable’s Events section.This August, don’t forget to check out the Mashable U.S. Summer Tour that’s making stops at:
Here are some tips on how to network, share your information and/or promote your event using social media:
- HOW TO: Plan and Promote Events with Social Media
- 35+ Ways to Find and Plan Events Online
- 8 Ways to Create Paperless Business Cards
- 5 Useful iPhone Apps for Business Networking
Mashable’s Weekly Social Media and Marketing Event Guide is proudly supported by Eventbrite, the Web’s Event Marketplace.
July 26-28, 2010 Chicago, IL: Celebrate the fifth anniversary of the eduWeb Conference, a premier annual event for higher education. We have four tracks, 46 presentations, four pre-conference workshops, two receptions and a dynamite program. Professionals in marketing, PR, alumni, admissions, advancement, student affairs, IT, athletics and other HE departments attend eduWeb to learn how to strategically communicate through their online presence. Register now and save an additional $50; use discount code: 10eduWebMash.
July 27, 2010, New York, NY: The Future of Jewish Nonprofit Summit (#FOJNP) gathers handpicked professionals, volunteers and lay leaders to candidly interact in a laid back setting to unlock the full value of moving this vital industry forward. Some of the most respected nonprofit professionals, social media experts, marketers and online fundraisers are coming together to share their best practices, ideas and case studies. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Visit http://www.fojnp.com for complete details. Use registration code mashable for 15% off.
July 28-29, 2010, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Asian Bloggers and Social Media Conference 2010 will bring together top prominent speakers from the Asia region to introduce and educate individuals and business on how to adopt and effectively take advantage of social media. The event will also introduce the concepts and tools of social media and how they can assists individuals and business to gain profit. Keynote address will be delivered by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the 4th Prime Minister of Malaysia, a visionary global leader and blogger of our time. Just to name a few of the notable guest speakers are Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes (CEO of Air Asia), Thomas Crampton (Asia Pacific Director, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide) and Paul Moss (General Manager of Alt Media). For a 10% discount, please use the code ABSM-MAS at registration.
July 28, 2010, Webinar: The Social Commerce Webinar will highlight how Hallmark and Alvenda Launched a Social Commerce Channel on Facebook. Discover how merchants create relevant shopping experiences for their fans, how Hallmark and others are monetizing social media, and how social psychology affects purchasing decisions. For more information, please register here.
July 29, 2010, Atlanta, GA: There’s nothing quite like a college campus to spark the learning juices, especially if there’s no final to pass. That’s why Communitelligence is taking the ESSENTIAL SOCIAL MEDIA SKILLS PRACTICUM to some of the world’s best universities, starting at Georgia Tech. It will be an intense day of challenging interactive discussions, illustrative case studies and hands-on tutorials (bring your laptop). You’ll leave armed with the knowledge, inspiration — and a social network — to help you start hitting some social media home runs for your organization. Register with promo code mashable10 to receive $100 off registration. Isn’t it time you went back to the CLASSROOM?
July 29, 2010, Santa Monica, CA: Back by popular demand, Schmoozd 3 is scheduled to make another go-around at the Wokcano. The last event had over 300 people from a variety of fields: entertainment, tech, medical, marketing, venture capitalists, the press and many more. Schmoozd is an exclusive social mixer bringing together professionals in marketing, advertising, technology, social media and startups. The event is designed to facilitate knowledge sharing, relationship building and deal making. For more information, please visit www.schmoozd.com. Mashable readers get 50% off when registering via this link.
July 29-30, Philadelphia, PA: For nine years, Supernova has anticipated the major business, technology and policy trends of the Network Age. Supernova Forum 2010: Perestroika will combine the best aspects of executive, academic and participant-organized conferences. Produced with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, it features compelling innovators, leaders, intellectuals and policymakers in a dynamic networking environment. Hear Beth Noveck (U.S. Deputy CTO), David Cohen (Comcast), Jeff Jarvis (BuzzMachine), Danah Boyd (Microsoft Research), John Borthwick (Betaworks), faculty from the world’s top business school and other thought leaders. Save 25% with discount code mash10 at http://www.supernovahub.com.
August 2 – 3 & 5 – 6, 2010, Singapore & Hong Kong: The Mobile Marketing with Social Media Conference is a 2-day conference that will provide you with the latest trends, strategies and techniques for engaging new-age customers through mobile and social media (SM). Be updated with the mobile adoption pattern in Asia. Hear how global brands such as Starbucks, Microsoft, Lufthansa, Adidas, Virgin, Air Asia, Swire, Hong Kong International Airport etc. developed holistic marketing approaches. Understand how location based advertising allows greater engagement. Discover measurement analytics and tools to help quantify the performance of your mobile SM campaigns. Register today and save 10% when you enter the code Mashable under’ Additional Info’.
August 3, 2010, Mountain View, CA: See Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors and SpaceX, and Jason Calacanis, CEO of Mahalo.com, speak at the The Founder Showcase. This quarterly startup pitch and networking event brings together over 275 investors, founders, and members of the press in Silicon Valley to hear talks from leading CEOs and pitches from 10 hot technology startups. Over $1MM has been raised by presenting companies at previous Founder Showcase events. Tickets start at just $40 — to register or enter the free Pitch Competition, go to foundershowcase.com. Mashable readers get 15% off by using discount code mashable_15.
August 5, 2010, New York, NY: Web Design for Startups. Web design is one of the most important determinants of a startup’s success. A well-designed website increases user engagement, virality and conversions. A poorly designed site can turn off prospective users and leave a lasting negative impression. This event will provide an overview of the essential web design skills (interactive design, information architecture, usability testing, graphic/visual design, logo/identity design, etc.) and show you how to find and hire cost-effective designers to make your application usable and keep people coming back. Mashable readers can receive 25% off registration with promo code mashable.
August 10-11, 2010, Rosemont, IL: The InterACT! Conference is a two-day event focusing on how video, print, social, web, e-mail and mobile work together interactively to drive your business. Join your fellow marketers and brand managers at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare for this unique two-day program featuring experts, in-depth case studies and hands-on teaching labs for a roll-up-your-sleeves conference that will change your business. Learn more and register now. Please use the discount code Interact_Mashable to receive $100 off the standard package.
August 11-13, 2010, Washington, D.C.: Whether you’re a researcher, a system administrator, or a policy wonk, come to USENIX Security ‘10 to find out how changes in computer security are going to affect you. The 3-day program includes an innovative technical program, starting with a keynote address by Roger G. Johnston of the Vulnerability Assessment Team at Argonne National Laboratory; invited talks, including “Toward an Open and Secure Platform for Using the Web,” by Will Drewry, Google; a refereed papers track, including 30 papers presenting the newest advances; and a Poster session displaying the latest preliminary research. Gain valuable knowledge on a variety of subject areas, including detection of network attacks, privacy, Internet security, Web security and more. Learn more at http://www.usenix.org/sec10/mash. Receive $100 discount by entering SEC10MASH upon registration.
August 13, 2010, Nashville, TN: Top View Social Media Series begins in August! You’ll be able to tap into presentations from business executives who will help you take your social media strategies to the next level. All at absolutely no cost. Vaco, a consulting and placement firm specializing in technology, accounting/finance and administration will present this on-line series to lift the veil and demystify how social media brings true ROI to business! Executives from across the nation will share their tips to help you monitor and grow your return on investment at your company–all on http://www.topviewseries.com
August 13-15, 2010 – Boston, MA: The 6th Annual Second Life Community Convention 2010 brings Residents of the Second Life community together to network, build friendships and to discuss Second Life in a common forum. This year’s convention will be held at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel and Towers, with a new organizing committee at the helm. In addition to new programming and content, AvaCon, Inc. has also launched a new website at http://www.slconvention.org which has all the details for the convention. SLCC is the largest virtual world convention combining art, business, community events, education, music, non-profit and the technical aspects of Second Life, other virtual worlds and related technologies in one location. Register Now & save an additional 10% using the discount code Mashable2010 at http://slcc2010.eventbrite.com/?discount=Mashable2010.
August 14-15, 2010, Chicago, IL: SocialDevCamp Chicago is two days of developer-centric sessions about making the most of the social web. It’s the unconference for social application and platform developers, mobile social developers, evangelists and enthusiasts. You’ll join hundreds of passionate developers and creators for a weekend of talks on social applications, platforms, APIs, mobile applications, identity management and new media.
August 15-17, 2010, New York, NY: Affiliate Summit East, the premier affiliate marketing conference, is taking place August 15-17, 2010 in New York City. This three day conference includes an exhibit hall with affiliate merchants, vendors and networks, as well as multiple tracks of educational sessions covering the latest trends and information from affiliate marketing experts. Use discount code mashable for 10% off any pass type.
August 16-17, 2010, Las Vegas, NV: Join us for the Restaurant & Hospitality Social Media Marketing Bootcamp. This event provides the practical knowledge and insights required by restaurant and hotel operators to establish objectives and strategies for your market, properly select the social media platforms to engage guests and monitor and measure the results of these efforts for a greater ROI. This event is presented by RestaurantWorx Consulting and Inside Hospitality. Use the Code “MASHABLE” (all caps) when registering and receive VIP pricing on “Day 1″ or “Day 1 & 2 Attendance” tickets. See complete event details on the event website at RestaurantSocialMedia.com.
August 16-20, 2010, San Francisco, CA: Discover the tools of engagement at this year’s SES San Francisco. No longer just lecturing your customers, learn to listen and converse in a more social world. Our experts will show you how integrating search, social media and video in even basic ways will transform both your site’s visibility and profitability. Packed with sessions on PPC management, information architecture, social media, local search, mobile application development, video optimization and other advanced topics, we have created an educational and networking environment designed for both beginners and veterans in digital marketing. Register by July 30th and SAVE up to $554 with code MHNY15.
August 16, 2010, Charlotte NC: The social media conference for marketers, Social Fresh is not about concept, but focused on drilled down learning and case studies from the front lines. Learn what social media can really do for business bottom lines. One day, 25 speakers from companies like GM, Sprint, AT&T, Bank of America, Rubbermaid, H&R Block and many more. As well as keynote Amber Naslund of Radian 6. Register now and use coupon code mashable for 25% off.
August 17-19, 2010, Seattle, WA: Taking place during Seattle Geek Week, pii2010 (privacy identity innovation) will explore how emerging technologies and business models are impacting the way data is created, shared and aggregated and how to strike a balance between protecting sensitive information and enabling innovation. The conference will also serve as the official launch pad for pii Labs, an open forum for brainstorming and collaborating that will be held at the Space Needle building. Tickets start at $345 and Mashable readers save 20% when they register with this Discount Code: 4MASH. Sign up today at http://www.pii2010.com!
August 19-21, Vancouver, BC Canada: GROW2010 Conference, Dealmaker Media’s inaugural technology conference brings together leading entrepreneurs, influencers and investors from Silicon Valley and Canada to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship. The theme: Turning today’s entrepreneurs into tomorrow’s leaders. Join 400 industry executives for three days of networking, connecting, deal-making and outdoor adventure. Hear Zynga, Linkedin, Groupon, Zappos, SuperRewards, Mint and Get Satisfaction talk about founder passion, challenges and opportunities for building companies on the web. For all events details, click here.
August 20-22, 2010, Washington, DC. The iPhone/iPad Boot Camp: 24 hours of training in iPhone/iPad Development covering basic to advanced features. It is an established certificate training program that trained over 400 iPhone developers since 2008. The D.C. instructor is Dan Pilone, author “Head First iPhone Development” for O’Reilly Press. Developers are able to develop an app after the training. The workshop offers a money-back guarantee after the first day. For limited time only – a 10% discount off the discounted early bird rate – a $400 savings – is offered on the registration page using the discount code mashable.
August 23-27, 2010, Los Angeles, CA: Interactive and New Media BootCamp. This one-week course includes an intensive schedule of lectures, guest speakers, case study discussions and experience days, complete with professional networking events. The program demands action-oriented decision-making, and will bring you together with industry leaders to help you understand the constantly evolving landscape of Interactive and New Media. Mashable readers may register at http://uclanewmediabootcamp2010.eventbrite.com and use the discount code MASHABLE for 30% off.
August 23-24, 2010, Chicago, IL: Windy City Social’s http://www.windycitysocial.com/summit/
Social Media Masters’ Summit was created to bring together brands, bloggers, agencies and consultants to connect and share social media best practices. Learn how Kenmore, ConAgra, General Motors, Tide, Microsoft, Weight Watchers and other large brands are leveraging social media to connect with customers and increase their bottom line. Use code MASH20 to save 20% off registration.
August 25, 2010, San Francisco, CA: Ubergizmo will host Digital Summer, an event that brings together the most international, professional and glamorous crowd in San Francisco to celebrate photography, fashion, art and technology. Among the unique features of this one-of-a-kind event is a live runway fashion show showcasing designers Colleen Quen Couture, Jan Warnock, Harputs OWN and Sofie Olgaard. Invitees will also have a chance to enjoy a professional photo-shoot and lots of time to socialize. Intel and Verizon are sponsoring the event and will showcase their newest, coolest products.
August 26-27, 2010, Windsor, CT: This seminar will help financial services firms develop and implement a cohesive social media strategy that drives distribution and grows market share. Social media experts and trend-setting industry practitioners will review strategy elements and key information to 1) Uncover opportunities for enhancing sales and service 2) Identify hurdles to implementation 3) Reveal how companies are clearing those hurdles and 4) Provide concrete takeaways for crafting and implementing your firm’s strategy. Register with promo code 100MASHDIS to receive a $100 discount until August 6, 2010.
August 26, 2010, Galway, Ireland: Attend BlogTalk 2010: the 7th International Conference on Social Software. Join developers, researchers, practitioners and others who share, analyze and enjoy the benefits of social software and social media. Keynote speakers including Stowe Boyd, Dan Gillmor and Don Thibeau will share insights and discuss future developments. There will also be a one-day workshop on microblogging as part of the event. The cost is €200 for early birds and €250 for regular registrants. Use the mashtalk promotional code when registering to save 10%. We will also have a medieval banquet, but space is limited so register early.
August 26, 2010, Orange County, CA: Engage or Die: A Special Night of Networking with Brian Solis – Well known author, A-list speaker and social media guru Brian Solis will be in Orange County for one night only! Just when you thought you had social media marketing and PR all figured out. Learn tactics and strategies about engaging customers that are changing the rules of marketing again! With themes from his new book Engage! and a stellar networking opportunity with some of the top marketers, social media influencer’s and business talent in SoCal, we hope you’ll join us.
August 29-September 21, 2010, Lake Tahoe, NV: The Social Media Insider Summit is a three-day event that brings together the brightest minds in social media marketing to share leading-edge information and experiences in a think-tank environment while exploring new technology, strategies, and tactics for effective use of social media as a marketing vehicle. Attendance for the Summits are capped to ensure conversations, learnings and overall experiences are intimate, productive and highly useful. Our sponsors are in the unique position of receiving unparalleled access to summit VIP attendees over three truly unforgettable days. Register with promo code SOCSUMMASH and save $1100 off the on-site registration price!
August 30-31 & September 2-3, 2010, Singapore & Hong Kong: Join us at the Integrated Marketing Communications in a Social Media Age Conference. Through a showcase of best practices from global brands, this two-day conference will equip marketers with strategies and insights to funnel core messages with conviction and consistency. Find out how you can capitalize on social media and integrate it seamlessly with offline channels to engage consumers and combat message dissonance. Register now and save 10% when you enter Mashable under “Additional info”.
September 6–7 & 9-10, 2010, Singapore & Hong Kong: Join us at the Social Media Marketing & Measurement Workshop. Through hands-on exercises, interactive discussions and case studies analysis, expand your knowledge in Social Media (SM) Marketing strategy development and implementation techniques and pick up skills in measuring social media efforts in financial and non-financial terms. Marketers can look forward to hearing how to design and integrate social media with existing marketing platforms and how to measure and monitor social media campaigns using free and paid tools. Register today and save 10% when you enter the code Mashable under ‘Additional Info’.
September 8-9, 2010, Minneapolis, MN: Event Camp Twin Cities is about inspiring event professionals to try new communication and collaboration paradigms at their events. Today’s attendees are more educated, more experienced and have more information at their fingertips than ever before. Event Camp Twin Cities will show you new ways to harness this new attendee power and transform that energy into new ideas and solutions that change business. Come to Event Camp and discover the collaborative community of event professionals that are leading the events industry into the world of Social Media. Save 15% using discount code mashable.
September 9-11 2010, Denver, CO: BlogPaws 2010 West is the only social media and blogging conference for the pet industry. Join us and more than 300 bloggers, pet-focused media and brands to learn, network and create change for pets in need. You’ll walk away from this exciting weekend with new ideas, a fresh perspective and a supportive network of new friends and partners to help you further your mission online. Whether you blog for business, fun or for a pet-related cause, the inspiring keynotes and action-oriented breakout sessions by pet industry and social media experts will provide you with the inspiration, guidance and tools you need to build and promote your online presence. Register with promo code MASHABLE for a 20% discount! Learn more and register here.
September 13-14, 2010, San Francisco, CA: APPNATION is the first global conference and exposition to focus exclusively on the burgeoning consumer applications marketplace. The event will cover social and mobile apps across all devices and platforms including social media platforms, smartphones, tablets, internet-enabled televisions and other emerging connected devices. Speakers include Adobe, Accel Partners, Getjar, The North Face, Marvel, Sequoia Partners, Smule, Time Inc., The Wall Street Journal and more.
September 13-14, 2010, Charlotte, NC: Social Media 4 Responders is the first hands-on social media conference specifically designed with responders in mind. Law enforcement; fire service, emergency management, public health, disaster and crisis aid, emergency medical services, public utilities and the list goes on! Seven hands-on workshops and four power packed sessions over two-days that will provide you with the knowledge & skill you need to get your organization engaged in the fastest growing means of communication in the world. Follow us on Twitter hashtag #sm4r. Use promo code Mashablesm4r to save 10% on your registration fee.
September 13-15, 2010, Silicon Valley, CA: DEMO is the premier launch event with a 20-year track record of successfully identifying and delivering the world’s most innovative new products and services to the market. Companies like: VM Ware, Palm, Skype, Google, EA, Microsoft, IBM, Nokia and Citrix have launched new products at DEMO. DEMO Fall 2010 will showcase the top B2B, B2C and vertical innovations coming to market—innovations on track to evolve or disrupt the markets they serve. Don’t miss the chance to experience first hand the latest technology game changers in social and media, health and life sciences, clean and sustainable technology, cloud and enterprise computing and more! Register for DEMO at http://www.demo.com/EDFPartner and save 25% off the current public price for DEMO.
September 14, 2010, Lawrence KS: Social Media Marketing Boot Camp with Sarah Evans: Limited tickets will be available for this unique boot camp style event with renowned expert Sarah Evans. You’ll spend a full six hours of session time with Sarah, taking an in-depth look at the role of social media in marketing your business or organization. You wont just learn effective social media marketing techniques, but will look at how social media works in conjunction with traditional marketing, practical ways of engaging customers and prospects, case studies, help with creating a social media based marketing plan, hints and tips, ways to make your brand stand out online, tools and resources and plenty of opportunities for discussion and Q & A. Use the discount code MASHABLE to receive a 20% discount at registration.
September 15-16, 2010. Cologne, Germany: The dmexco is the leading European exposition for digital marketing & advertising. The exposition covers among others the theme areas online marketing, targeting, tracking, digital contents (moving images, audio advertising), social, mobile, performance marketing, affiliate, email marketing, search engine marketing and in-game advertising and offers agencies (media agencies, creative agencies, full-service agencies) a presentation platform. The dmexco is organised by the Koelnmesse, its industry partners are the BVDW (Federal Association of the Digital Industry) and the OVK (Online Marketers Circle).
September 15, 2010, Los Angeles, CA: Announcing our 2nd annual Digital Media Pipeline conference which will offer the only industry event that has as its primary focus – the distribution pipeline that helps connect the world’s leading digital media content providers with the end user. Digital Media Pipeline offers an opportunity for digital retailers, Hollywood studios and aggregators, technology and service providers to share learnings and experiences in the business of retailing digital entertainment. Join us; register now and use the discount code MASH45 to receive $45 off.
September 15, 2010, Antwer, Belgium: Out of Site proudly presents its very first Social Media and Google Optimization seminar. In two 60-minute sessions which take place in Out of Site headquarters in Antwerp (Belgium) you will gain more insight in the possibilities Social Media can offer your brand or company. Also an in-depth view of Google’s role in your sales process will add to your key-knowledge of web technologies available to us today. Regular fee is 35 euro a person, which includes an incentive gift, lunch and drinks. Mashable readers can save 15% by entering the discount code OOSMASH159.
September 15-17, 2010, San Francisco, CA: GSMI presents the Social Media Strategies Summit. We have researched the social media buzz to develop and present to you a top of the line marketing conference that you can’t afford to miss. With in depth case studies from the nuts and bolts to microblogging and sustaining online communities, you leave with a refreshed vision to take your marketing plan to the next level for 2010 and beyond. Please use the code “MikeSM” for a discount.
September 16-17, 2010, Dallas, TX: This year’s 2nd Social Media Optimization Summits event, presented by Multifamilypro, brings together small to mid-sized business owners with an interest in putting social media to work successfully within their organizations. The event offers two full days of intensive, hands-on workshops from the intermediate to advanced level, led by top social media experts including Brian Solis of FutureWorks, Jason Falls of SocialMediaExplorer.com, Shama Kabani of The Marketing Zen Group and Shama.TV, Geno Church of Brains on Fire and more. The unique “See it. Hear it. Do it.” approach allows attendees to learn by doing and begin applying newly-acquired skills and knowledge while the event is underway. Register now and save $125 at: http://optimizationsummits.com/. Use discount code Mashable.
September 17, 2010, San Francisco, CA: Social:Email is a one day conference that offers expert-led guidance on how to engage with customers via email and social media, including tips on how to maximize the impact of your campaigns, insights into new tools and services, how to monitor and measure the results, and trends to watch out for. This is the ultimate event for anyone interested in combining email with social media marketing. Speakers include Brian Solis, Kristin Hersant, Dan Martell, Chase McMichael, Luke Brynley-Jones and Murray Newlands. Registerwith code mashable to get a 10% discount.
September 21–22, 2010, London, UK: ad:tech London is the UK’s essential free to attend event for professionals seeking to stay ahead of the latest interactive media, advertising and marketing trends. The event unites advertisers, media owners and agencies to harness the power of digital and deliver real marketing ROI. Alongside the exhibition, there is also a conference featuring 100+ international speakers for serious digital innovators and marketers. Mashable readers can take 20% off their conference ticket price – call John Corrick on + 44 (0) 203 180 6595 and quote Mash10. Register online now at www.ad-techlondon.co.uk.
September 21, 2010, London, UK: Join us at this topical event to ensure that you are fully aware of all the legal and regulatory requirements surrounding data protection, as well as to hear how other organizations are handling these challenges. Speakers include Rosa Barcelo, Senior Legal Adviser to the EUROPEAN DATA PROTECTION SUPERVISOR, and Martin Hoskins of everything everywhere (the company that manage T-Mobile and Orange), who will discuss the lessons learnt from T-Mobile’s data breach experience. Plus, don’t miss out on our post-conference workshop on Cloud Computing. Mashable readers save 10% with the following code: KW8112MASH. For more info or to register, go to http://www.ibclegal.com/dataprotectionmash.
September 21, 2010, Chicago, IL: The New Marketing Labs team will be invading Chicago to hold our New Marketing Experience event. Imagine a world where you can take your One Big Idea and tap over 100 other participating conference attendees and experts and each of their One Big Ideas. All of this in a structured, fast-paced and highly interactive one-day program under the direction of Chris Brogan, Justin Levy and the team from New Marketing Labs. New Marketing Experience is that world. Through six key discussion sessions this program will help you analyze and draw the best of what you need form these Big Ideas. For more information, visit us at: http://nmlevents.com. Use the code “MASH50” for a 50% off discount.
September 21, 2010, New York, NY: NY Games Conference — A Day of Power Networking with Leaders in the Exploding Games and Connected Entertainment Industries! NY Games features a lively and fun debate on timely cutting-edge business topics and demos, as well unrivaled access to some of the most progressive companies in Hollywood, Silicon Valley and beyond. We invite you to join us at the event and take part in the discussion with executives, creators, investors, analysts, press and gamers who will be instrumental in shaping the future of this booming business. Mashable readers can receive 10% off registration with promo code MASH10.
September 22-23, 2010, Santa Clara, CA: The Toy, Game and Technology Summit, in Santa Clara, CA is a one-of-a-kind summit that brings together leaders from the toy, video game and technology industries for in-depth discussion, cross-industry networking and the opportunity to generate new business. Capitalize on crossover business opportunities. Gain insight into toy, game and technology design issues, marketing strategies, exclusive market research and the latest trend forecasts. Toy, Game and Technology Summit is co-located with the Virtual Goods Conference. One registration gets you into both events for unparalleled networking and knowledge. Register with promo code MASHVIP and save 15%.
September 22-23, 2010, Singapore, Asia: At Social Media World Forum Asia, become educated, discover, engage, network, share and collaborate in the world of social media. Ideal for those looking to embrace the latest in brand engagement, monitoring, ROI, advertising and building communities. learn from social networks, brands, advertisers and analysts. Mention you are a Mashable reader to receive a 15% discount.
September 22-23, 2010, Chicago, IL: As we fight our way through a tough economy, “change” is the biggest word in business. Anyone who wants their organization to thrive knows that making change happen is better than watching it happen, and that “new ideas,” “fresh thinking” and “continuous innovation” have to be more than buzzwords. When IBM’s Institute for Business Value recently asked 1,500 chief executives to name the most important leadership competency for the successful enterprise of the future, the number one answer was “creativity” — and creativity is why the Cusp Conference exists. A supercollider for creative thought, Cusp 2010 will feature designers of change like TED founder Richard Saul Wurman, social activist Tim Will, education innovator Diana Rhoten, “doctor of the future” Jay Parkinson and many more. Creativity is contagious. Register with the promo code MASHC and save 10%.
September 23, 2010, Atlanta, GA: Lift Summit is the most comprehensive forum for marketing, social media and social commerce strategies. Join us for the second annual Lift Summit where leading experts and companies will share best practices for creating and managing social media strategies, translating social data into measureable actions, and analyzing sentiment to improve awareness and brand accountability. During this one day, information-packed Summit, marketing and advertising professionals will share real-world examples of Social Commerce strategies and tactics that have driven sales lift, increased customer loyalty, and produced actionable metrics and measurable ROI. Register with the promo code MASH2010.
September 23, 2010, San Francisco, CA: Mediabistro’s Think Mobile conference explores the broadening mobile ecosystem, the application marketplace and the innovation that drives the industry. Hear from visionaries that reinvented businesses by innovating with unique mobile offerings and gain an understanding of key mobile metrics. Speakers include Starbucks CIO Stephen Gillett, Microsoft Sr. Product Manager Anand Iyer, NPD Group Executive Director Ross Rubin, Evernote CEO Phil Libin and more. Register with promo code MASH and save 15%!
September 24, 2010, San Francisco, CA: Mediabistro and Charles Hudson’s Smartphone Games Summit is a one-day conference about emerging trends in the mobile gaming industry. As new developments emerge such as the iPhone Game Center, is it game over for a number of gaming companies, or does it open an even larger opportunity? How do new technologies like the iPad change the game? The conference will bring together leading developers, investors and executives from around the globe to share their collective wisdom on what’s working today and where this exciting industry is heading. Register with promo code MASH and save 15%!
September 25, 2010, Atlanta, GA: Produced by Harvard University’s Berkman Center for Internet & Society & Kennesaw State University’s Center for Sustainable Journalism, Media Law in the Digital Age – The Rules Have Changed, Have You? provides an overview of the new legal landscape, case studies, cautionary tales and how to make the laws work for you. In a one day conference held at Kennesaw State University, learn what Lawyers, Journalists, Educators, Citizen Media Producers, Communications Directors, Academics and Publishers big and small need to know now. Panelists include the Nation’s top Media Law Attorneys, Scholars and Journalists. Register with promo code MASH and save 20%.
September 27, 2010, Miami, FL: Calling all Affiliates, Merchants, Advertisers and Social Media Strategists looking to CONNECT to the right people, LEARN from the experts, increasing their EARNING potential and GROW their business! The Performance Marketing Expo is the premier event for best-in-class educational sessions (become an expert at Landing Page Optimization, Search, Social Media Strategies and Relationship Management), highly effective facilitated networking (in the Tune-Up Shop, Idea Factory, Masters of the Universe Roundtable sessions) and access to the leading Super Affiliates (Stephanie Nelson, Coupon Mom – Zac Johnson, MoneyReign, – Todd Martini, Alex’s Coupons – plus, eCoupons, MarketAmerica, TrialPay, Parent Media and more). Save 15% when using code PME2010MASH at www.iirusa.com/performancemarketingexpo.
September 28-30 2010, London, UK: IIR’s Mobile Broadband World is an absolute must for all those involved in the MBB ecosystem, including Mobile Operators, Content Developers, Financial Investors, Press and Media, Consultants, Technology Partners, Handset Developers and more. To claim your 10% discount courtesy of Mashable, please quote I2GS2MASH when registering.
September 28, 2010, London, UK: Brands are frequently companies’ most valuable asset. The threats to this valuable asset are increasingly coming through online channels. This event will provide practical solutions and risk mitigation strategies for brand owners to combat these critical risks. Join experts from companies including Abercrombie and Vodafone to benefit from the practical advice and guidance they can provide. Not only will they share their own experience of preventing brand abuse, but will explain how they derive real ROI from their brand protection activities. Mashable readers save 10% on the event with the code KW8079MASH. For more info or to register, please go to http://www.ibclegal.com/obpmash.
September 29-30, 2010, Singapore: The Customer Show Asia 2010 is providing a unique platform that links loyalty and experience strategies with the latest technological tools and media. This conference will gather the world’s largest brands, major stakeholders and leading solution providers in the customer care industry to learn, network, establish partnerships and seal profitable business opportunities. For more information, please visit website at http://www.terrapinn.com/2010/customerasia/index.stm . Register with promo code CSAMAS01 and enjoy 10% discounts.
September 29-30, 2010, New York, NY: The Location-Based Marketing Summit in New York City, is the leading event for Fortune 1000 companies seeking to maximize marketing, commerce and business strategies using location-based services. Attendees receive valuable industry insight that can be immediately utilized in developing a location-based strategy. We give you an inside look at the location based marketing activities of major brands. Hear from companies who’ve made the journey and learn from their experiments and activities. We cut through the hype and separate buzz from success. Register with promo code MASHVIP to save an extra $100 off registration. The full schedule and speakers list can be found here.
September 30, 2010, London, UK: Bringing together collective thoughts on Social Media for 2011. We know its going to be much more than an introduction to Social, we’re looking forward into the bigger picture about how we communicate within the platforms and how we measure and integrate Social Media into our strategies. We’re bringing together some of the leading authorities in Social Media, from app developers to word of mouth evangelists to discuss where and how the industry is evolving! – ‘A forward thinking social media conference’. For more information, please visit http://www.social-collective.com. Mashable readers can receive 25% off ticket prices at registration with promo code MASH25
September 30, 2010, London, UK: Get the latest on the attempts to increase regulation surrounding the moderation of UGC. What qualifies as illegal and inappropriate content and how should it be dealt with? This year Luisa Edwards, Head of Commercial, Google Legal EMEA, will share with you her expertise on the interactive online environment, based on experience managing the legal challenges facing Youtube. Plus attend the workshop Social Networking and the Law: Challenges, Risk & Opportunities; a fully interactive guide on protecting your organisation and maximising on the opportunities that social networking presents. Mashable readers save 10% on the event with this code: KW8094MASH. For more info or to register, go to http://www.ibclegal.com/ugcmash.
October 1-2, 2010, New York, NY: The Open Video Conference (OVC) is a multi-day summit of thought leaders in business, academia, art and activism to explore the future of video on the web. Join us October 1-2 for two days of learning and inspiration, and stick around for the OVC hack labs, presented in partnership with NYU ITP.
October 2-3, Vancouver, BC, Canada: The Pacific Northwest Drupal Summit is an annual conference to unite and improve the Drupal Community in the Pacific Northwest region. This year’s Drupal Summit is being organized by volunteers from the Surrey, Vancouver and Victoria Drupal User Groups. The camp will feature both scheduled sessions and “unconference” content on both days. Sessions are proposed by community volunteers and programming decisions will be made based on the interests and Drupal experience level of the attendees. In addition to the scheduled sessions, the camp will feature space for community gatherings, Birds of a Feather (BoF) sessions, hands-on training and more!
October 4-6, 2010, New York, NY: At Search Marketing Expo – SMX East, you’ll learn to maximize ROI from paid search advertising, optimize your website content for superior organic search results, expand your skills with local and mobile advertising expertise, master social media marketing on Twitter, Facebook and other SMM networks, boost conversions… and increase sales. Use code “smx100mashable” and save $100 off your registration. For more info visit http://www.smxeast.com.
October 4-7, 2010, Atlanta, GA: FutureMedia Fest 2010 – Explore new paradigms in how Content is Created, Distributed and Consumed with FutureMedia at Georgia Tech. Join our mash-up of talent, ideas, trends and technology. Hear directly from top industry execs and visionaries. Talk with investors. Meet interactive marketing experts. Network with potential partners. Experiment real-time with open innovation. Industry leaders, academics, entrepreneurs and VC’s will inspire and challenge attendees with provocative panel discussions, facilitated small discussion groups and hands-on demos of next generation technology. Register today at futuremediaglobal.com and use the code FutureMedia 2010.
October 4-8, 2010, Boston, MA: FutureMis the first ever week-long, collaborative, multi-location conference in Boston offering participants the opportunity to tap into the freshest thinkers in marketing, media and technology. Leading innovators will come together to share and explore how the newest technologies and insights are changing the way marketers think, create, engage and measure.
October 5-6, 2010, Prague: EyeforTravel’s Online Marketing & Social Media in Travel Summit brings together top travel brands to share key insights on how to maximize the impact of your online marketing and social media initiatives. The 2 days are packed full of case studies, presentations and networking opportunities. Speakers hail from across Europe and include Lufthansa, Lonely Planet, Expedia, TripAdvisor, P&O Cruises and many more. Use the code MASHABLE to claim your €100 discount on the price to attend.
October 6-7, 2010, Boston, MA: The Inbound Marketing Summit is where the online marketing community gathers to solve today’s marketing and business communications challenges. This event features the brightest minds in the business, including world-renowned authors and practitioners, as well as leaders from some of the companies already using the new tools and strategies. This fast-paced and information-packed event is your check-up on your existing business communications strategies and your prescription for the coming months. On October 6 and 7 join Chris Brogan, Justin Levy and the entire New Marketing Labs team along with hundreds of marketers like yourself and 60+ speakers and sponsors at Gillette Stadium for two days of fast-paced, highly interactive, actionable content. For more information, visit us at: Inbound Marketing Summit. Use the code “MASH50” for a 50% discount.
October 6-7, 2010, Los Angeles, CA: Digital Music Forum West: Over 300 of the most influential decision-makers in the music industry gather in Los Angeles each year for this incredible two-day dealmakers’ forum to network, do deals and share ideas about the business. Digital Music Forum West -– now in its fifth year –- features a lively and fun debate on timely cutting-edge business topics and demos, as well as unrivaled access to some of the most progressive companies in Hollywood, Silicon Valley and beyond. Mashable readers can receive 10% off registration with promo code MASH10.
October 6, 2010, New York, NY: AdWeb 3.0 is an exclusive event taking place at the Cornell Club in New York City focusing upon the latest in business models, solutions and technologies in the digital advertising business in of data, platforms and monetization from the perspectives of buyers and sellers. Registration is open and available at the discount rate of $495. For more information on registration, and a full roster of speakers and sponsors, visit adweb30.com.
October 9-14, 2010, San Francisco, CA: Unlike other conferences out there, DMA2010 is the only Global ROI Marketing Event, focusing on direct and digital marketing integration across all channels! Learn from 300+ experts from brands like Pepsi, LG, HP and Twitter. Network with 10,000 practitioners from 50+ countries giving youaccess to broad and fresh marketing insights. and, create new partnerships with any of 400+ vendors in the comprehensive Exhibit Hall to learn how to merge direct and digital to maximize your ROI! Register and save an additional $250 with the discount code AN500.
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Berlusconi involved in university row
25 JulThe Guardian World News
Chancellor's offer of a teaching job during Barbara Berlusconi's degree ceremony sparks accusation of a bid for funding
It was a scene to warm the heart: a delighted student in mortar board and gown had just heard that she had graduated with 110 e lode (the equivalent in Italy of a starred first-class degree). In the front row of the audience, her father burst into applause, beaming with undisguised pride.
The ecstatic parent, however, was Italy's scandal-prone prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi. And by last night the graduation of his daughter, Barbara, at a ceremony in Milan last Tuesday, had touched off yet another controversy involving the Berlusconi family.
In a letter to the press and subsequent interviews, a professor at Barbara Berlusconi's university deplored what she claimed was an attempt by the chancellor to secure funding from one of the world's richest men by promising his daughter a teaching post.
The prime minister's eldest daughter by his second marriage was awarded her philosophy degree by the San Raffaele Life-Health University after submitting a dissertation on the concepts of well-being, freedom and justice in the work of the Nobel prize-winning economist, Amartya Sen. Roberta de Monticelli, who holds the chair of philosophy of the person at San Raffaele, said that after declaring the results, chancellor Luigi Verzé had turned to Barbara Berlusconi "asking her if she thought a faculty of economics could be founded at the San Raffaele based on the thinking of the author on which she had written her thesis, and inviting her to become a teacher".
Disassociating herself from the chancellor's words, De Monticelli said they were a violation of the rights of the other four graduates at the ceremony and "the ethical requirements of an elite university institution such as the San Raffaele rightly aspires to be".
The university promptly issued a statement insisting that "it certainly was not an offer of work, let alone [an act of] discrimination towards the other graduates". But De Monticelli responded by adding fuel to the flames in an interview in which she described the chancellor's remarks as an "implicit request for funding".
She went on to hint that she had been excluded from the panel that examined the candidates on their dissertations. "The first candidate was programmed for 9.30am. My presence on the panel, however, was scheduled from 10am onwards," she said. "I understood then that the first [candidate] was going to be Barbara Berlusconi."
The professor said that she had asked to see the thesis written by the prime minister's daughter "but there were no more copies".
In another open letter, the head of her faculty and the acting vice-chancellor leapt to Barbara Berlusconi's defence. They noted that, even before she submitted her dissertation, she had accumulated 10 distinctions and almost 100% marks. They dismissed the chancellor's remarks as "a paternal quip".
The affair has nevertheless focused attention on the close relationship between the Berlusconi family and the university. Verzé, who founded the San Raffaele in 1996, is a unusual and intensely controversial Roman Catholic priest who has admitted helping a sick friend to die, yet he is fascinated by the possibilities of prolonging life almost indefinitely.
He has said he first met Silvio Berlusconi when he was a young businessman in 1964. "I told him: 'I shall cure you and you will do great things'," he later said.
In the 1970s, Father Verzé was tried, but never definitively convicted, on a charge of attempted corruption. He also played a role in helping the future prime minister amass his wealth.
The two men jointly approached the government to get flight paths over Milan changed. The diversion of the aircraft brought tranquillity both to a hospital founded by the priest and land on which Berlusconi, then a young property developer, was about to build his first big housing project.
It seems the prime minister continues to benefit from his friendship with Verzé. At the latter's 90th birthday party in March, Berlusconi said: "He listens to my confession and gives me absolution without my saying anything, because he knows me and he knows my sins."
For his part, Verzé told a ceremony in Milan that the prime minister had "been sent by divine providence to save this country".
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