Two gentlemen play at Black Bear
EVER FIND THE 21st century a drag and wish for a time when suspenders, polite conversation and hot jazz were all the rage?
Well, you are not, in fact, alone. There are at least two men who have "forsaken all other full-time or part-time employment" to musically immerse themselves -- top hats, kazoos and all -- into a bygone era,rings, and they'll take the stage at 6 p.m. tonight at Black Bear Burritos on Pleasant Street.
The Two Man Gentlemen Band is a rare talent -- a jubilant concoction of ragtime, jazz, country and the occasional double entendre. The duo, made up of big city men (New York City,thanksgiving bangles, to be exact) Andy Bean (banjo) and Fuller Condon (bass), just recently opened three nights for Bob Dylan and made a trip across the pond to England in May. Both opportunities are a long leap from the "Hurricane [W.Va.] barn parties" the group has been used to playing, said Bean.
Together for three years, The Gentlemen have released four albums. The latest of which, "Drip Dryin', " is the group's most laidback to date -- with songs about minivans, rabbit meat and highend alcoholic beverages,buy tiffany rings, referred to simply as "Fancy Beer." And in case you're curious, the songs -- which manage to make you chuckle while appreciating what fine musicians these guys are -- are based, at least to some degree, on real-life experiences, or as Bean so aptly phrases it, "ripped from the headlines, like 'Law and Order.' "
The banjo player -- the more gregarious of the duo -- said he wrote the title track "Drip Dryin' " while in his shower when he couldn't find a towel, and says he did once own a pet rabbit, though thankfully he didn't eat it, as is depicted in "The Rabbit Foot Stomp."
"We wanted to make a feel-good party record," he said. "[Historically] the lyrics were just for fun. We like to embrace that tradition."
As for the duo's 1920s sensibilities, Bean assures it's not just for show. He and Condon met in college at Columbia, proceeded to join a number of garden-variety rock bands and eventually broke off to do their own thing.
"We both listened to old records,cheap tiffany cuff Links, and when we went to write songs of our own, they came out sounding like this,tiffany bangle," he said. "Lots of bands try to make themselves sound like bands 40 years ago, we just go back a little further."
And if you get the chance to check The Gentlemen out tonight (you should) and note their garb -- which you can get a taste of on page 2-C -- be aware, there are no jeans and T-shirts awaiting these two when the show is over. "We've been doing it for so long," Bean said. "They're the only clothes we own. Right now I'm wearing a shirt and suspenders, and very nice trousers. You know the advent of shorts is fairly recent. Any man with dignity used to wear pants. We try to capture that spirit."
LINDSEY FLEMING is a Lifestyles writer/copy editor. E-mail lfleming@dominionpost.com.
First Gentleman cleared
Former elections chairman Benjamin Abalos and Social Security System president RomuIo Neri will be charged with graft before the Sandiganbayan for their alleged part in the controversy-ridden contract between the government and Chinese firm ZTE Corp. for the national broadband network (NBN) project.
However, the Office of the Ombudsman absolved First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo of the same charges.
"Quite interestingly,tiffany Pendants clearance, the only memory that stands out during this meeting (at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong) was (Mr.) Arroyo's statement that (Jose) de Venecia (III) was told to back off from the project," read the resolution.
"There is no other independent statement or source of evidence that the meeting was purposely availed of to allow (Mr.) Arroyo to influence the project.
"Thus,buy tiffany Pendants, the panel continues to maintain the position that only surmises and conjectures have been presented to this panel for assessment. To be certain, this presumption cannot be given any weight."
The Ombudsman stood firm on Neri's sixmonth suspension.
At Malacañang, deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar said proceedings in a court of law will be of a higher standard of due process than an inquiry in the Senate.
"We hope that everyone involved will remember to conduct themselves according to the rules,buy tiffany bracelets," he said.
Ruy Rondain, Mr. Arroyo's lawyer,tiffany, said several months ago Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez issued a resolution clearing his client of any culpability.
Lawyer Ernesto Francisco Jr.,buy tiffany earrings, one of the complainants in the case, said the anti-graft agency's action was designed to ensure that Mr. Arroyo and several others charged would be absolved while President Arroyo is in office.
"This also proves that we cannot trust the present Ombudsman to really go after those charged with corruption," Francisco said.
He will study the possibility of having the investigation reopened in the next administration to include Mrs. Arroyo among those to be investigated, Francisco said.
Beautiful day to start a tradition
Saturday was a picturesque day at Aiken Golf Club, which seemed appropriate since it is likely many will look back on it as a memorable day. That's because the first round of the inaugural City of Aiken Amateur Championship was held at the nearly 100-year-old golf course.
"It's just fun being here," said Chuck Woodard, one of 80 golfers to complete the first round of the 36-hole event which will conclude today. "I'm amazed it didn't start 50 years ago."
Given the rich tradition and standing golf has in Aiken, it's hard to believe there hasn't been a singular championship for either the city or the county prior to this tournament.
"It had been discussed with clubs and the city on and off for years," said Tom Soderstrom, the tournament director. "Bo McCullough, one of the members (at Aiken Golf Club), and Lorraine Morgan, the golf shop manager, took initiative for it to get off the ground. They took the bull by the horns. Now, the city is very enthused by it. The concept is to create an annual event that rotates between the Aiken city clubs in hopes that it becomes one of the major amateur golf events."
Saturday was the culmination of the years of conjecture regarding the City of Aiken Amateur Championship. When Terry Montgomery hit his tee shot on No. 1, the tournament was official.
"I got to hit the first shot in the city inaugural championship," said Montgomery, a member at Aiken Golf Club.
He finished with 92, second best in his foursome composed of Aiken Golf Club members Charles Osborne (90), Charlie McPherson (95) and Ray Parker (117).
It was another foursome with Aiken Golf Club members, however, that produced the co-leaders at the end of the first round. McCullough -- who took the initiative to make the tournament a reality -- shot 2-under-par 68, tying him for the top spot on the leaderboard with reigning Aiken Golf Club champion Ron Schroder.
"It feels pretty good," McCullough said of leading, although he said he didn't play that great. "I'm more happy the tournament is going so well and that the players are having a good time."
That was definitely the consensus of the players as they returned to the clubhouse. Regardless of their score, most were pleased to be in the field of the inaugural event.
"I think it's great for the community,cheap tiffany key rings," said Patrick Cunning,thanksgiving money clips, who is three shots off the lead after his first-round 71.
"I'm honored to be a participant," said Mike Wiland, who was unhappy with his performance although he's in fourth place after shooting 72. "It's an honor for the Aiken Golf Club to have the first one, and I'm glad the McNair family got it."
The McNair family's fingerprints were all over the event. Ellyn McNair, widow of Jim McNair, Aiken Golf Club's former owner,thanksgiving gift ideas, was on hand. She was there, in part, to cheer on her grandson, Jim McNair III, who was in the field and shot 80.
"I think it's fantastic,thanksgiving teacher gifts," Ellyn McNair said. "This will set a high standard for other clubs, hopefully."
Much of the credit can go to Jim McNair Jr., owner, head golf professional and superintendent at Aiken Golf Club. He set up the course for the championship. By all accounts, it was in top condition.
"The course is in excellent shape," said Bob Petrulovich after carding an 87. "It was difficult but fair. You couldn't ask for anything more."
Most players echoed those sentiments. It seems that the course -- which is playing at a distance of 6,tiffany cuff Links sale,007 yards for the Regular and Senior Division and 5,660 yards for the Super Senior Division -- compensates for its lack of distance by demanding accuracy around the green.
"If you get on the wrong side of the hole, be careful," said Todd Fields, who shot 77. "This golf course, its only defense is the greens, and they're rolling fast."
"Pin placements is what made it challenging," said Matt Musolf, who played with Fields and shot 73, leaving him tied for fifth with Stephen Anaclerio and Chaz Masters. "The greens won today."
McCullough might have summed it up best, saying, "The way Jim has it set up is awesome."
The players will return for the final round today. The first group is set to tee off at 8 a.m., with the leaders slated to start at 11:20 a.m.
While some players are likely out of the running for the overall title, the event has been flighted to give all players a chance to win prizes, regardless of the overall scores.
There will be a champion who will have his name emblazoned on the championship's trophy. It will be in the unique position of being on top of all future winners.
"The player who wins the city championship is going to be a player who has all facets of the game," Jim McNair Jr. said.
Contact Noah Feit at nfeit@aikenstandard.com.
Within The Hustle-Bustle Of Fairfield County, A Be
One of my favorite rides at the country fair was "The Scrambler." You would climb aboard, sit in the middle of the seat for a brief moment and then the carnival operator would push that green button and you would smash into the sides of the seat and twist and spin, all the while getting a lesson about the forces of gravity.
That's what you feel like after a visit to Monroe's Webb Mountain Park, a 136-acre preserve high on the banks of the Housatonic River. You scramble up to the top of an overlook known as "Goat Rock,discount tiffany Pendants," with a gorgeous view downstream of the river whose name, translated from the Native American, means "beyond the mountain place."
And if you travel slightly out of the park's boundary,tiffany rings sale, you scramble up an imposing rock formation along the Connecticut Forest and Park Association's blue-blazed Paugussett Trail before passing more scenic overlooks and scrambling down the other side. This hike is not only a good journey through the natural world,tiffany Pendants for sale, it'll give you a good workout, too, with four or five miles worth of trails.
My journey started along the fire road that brings visitors into the park. For those who want to experience the entire Webb Mountain, there is a parking area at the entrance. Those looking for one of the easiest climbs to a lookout can park where the red trail crosses the road and follow the path to one of the largest free-standing boulders I've seen in the state. Visitors can then hike along the purple path to the lookout.
The red path travels through the heart of Webb Mountain, along a picturesque stream filled with boulders covered with large mats of moss. Although only a trickle this time of year, the stream has multiple waterfalls during the wet season.
After the overlook,money clips, I followed the red trail to the fire road where a family was camping at one of the dozen sites offered by the town. At the last campsite, a trail takes visitors down to an old railroad line that runs along the banks of the Housatonic. The tracks will take you past the Stevenson Dam on Lake Zoar, the fifth-largest lake in the state.
The hydroelectric dam is an impressive structure with myriad power lines and transformers buzzing with electricity. A trail cuts down to the road, where hikers can cross the dam and see the huge, greenish lake on one side and a rocky chasm where the Housatonic starts its flow again on the other.
Visitors can hook up with the Paugussett Trail along the tracks and return to Webb Mountain. The path offers some beautiful views of Lake Zoar as well as some imposing 100-foot rock outcroppings. Be sure to keep an eye on the blue blazes because it can be a bit confusing; there are a number of unnmarked trails.
So scramble off to Webb Mountain and enjoy a ride through the natural world. The beauty of this ride is you don't need a ticket.
Route 15 (Wilbur Cross/Merritt Parkway) to exit 58. Continue on Route 34 west, turning left on Bridge Street. Take a right on Route 110 and take a right at the light onto Maple Avenue, which turns into East Village Road. Follow the signs to Webb Mountain Park/Webb Mountain Discovery Zone. Visit http://www.monroect.org/webmountain.aspx for a map of the park.
Questions or column suggestions are welcome. Peter Marteka may be reached by phone at 860-647-5365, by mail at The Courant,tiffany money clips on sale, 200 Adams St., Manchester, CT 06040, by e-mail at or by fax at 860-643-8548. Visit courant.com/cthiking for more adventures in Connecticut's natural world
Prosecutor reveals $1m details of Madoff’s jewellery mailing list
The extent of Bernard Madoff's attempts to transfer his family's valuables was revealed yesterday as prosecutors detailed contents of at least five packages shipped from his Manhattan apartment to relatives and others.
The list reads less like a court document than a catalogue of the trappings of Park Avenue privilege: diamond Cartier and tiffany jewelry watches, a diamond bracelet, four diamond brooches, a jade necklace, a gold watch and other assorted jewellery.
The money manager, who is accused of perpetrating a $50bn (pound(s)33bn) "Ponzi" scheme, sent the items in an apparent violation of a court order and should be jailed pending trial, US prosecutors claimed in a court document made public yesterday.
One package contained about 13 watches, one diamond necklace, an emerald ring and two sets of cufflinks and could exceed $1m. At least two packages were sent by Mr Madoff and his wife to his brother and an unidentified couple in Florida.
Mr Madoff's lawyers said last night he should remain free because he "simply did not realise that [the asset freeze] necklaces to these personal items". They added "the value of these items was purely sentimental".
Mr Madoff's sons alerted prosecutors last week that they had received jewellery in the post from their father. Mr Madoff's alleged fraud came to light last month when his sons turned him in. Ira Sorkin, Mr Madoff's defence attorney, had said that the packages contained heirlooms innocently sent to Mr Madoff's children and brother, Peter.
Under a $10m bail agreement struck by prosecutors and his lawyers following the charge of security fraud, Mr Madoff is under 24-hour house arrest in his Manhattan flat. White-collar defendants are rarely jailed pending trial.
But his continued release presented "a danger to the community of additional economic harm and further obstruction of justice", wrote Marc Litt, the assistant US attorney. There was no practical way "to prevent the dissipation" of Madoff's assets, and asset transfers made it more difficult, "if not impossible", to recover all available assets to recompense victims.
Mr Madoff's lawyers said there was little risk of flight and the bail conditions are "more than adequate". silver bangles may submit additional papers today and a federal magistrate judge is expected to rule by tomorrow.
Comment, Page 11 Madoff scandal, Page 23
Textile heiress’s treasures up for bid
Want to buy some 19th-century sofas and tables?
How about documents signed by George Washington or Andrew Jackson?
Treasures from one of the state's most storied families will go up for public auction Saturday during the sale of Mariam Cannon Hayes' estate.
There's even a 19th-century Conestoga wagon among the 600 or so items in the auction.
Hayes, a philanthropist, Cannon Mills textile heiress and mother of U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes, died last year at 91.
The quality, number and variety of items in her estate make this sale special, say officials with Iron Horse Auction Co. of Rockingham and Leland Little Auction and Estate Sales of Hillsborough.
"We sell fine things all the time. Having them together under one roof is what's exciting," auction house president Leland Little said.
Tom McInnis, managing partner with Iron Horse, agreed: "There's more sterling silver here than 10 houses would have."
While some lots could sell for five-figure prices, they said, others are more affordable, in the $50-to-$300 range, such as a glass vase, a sterling silver brush set and some afghans.
Little and McInnis said they expect the priciest item to be the oil painting of Venice by Elliott Daingerfield, who worked in North Carolina and New York. Hayes' parents, Charles and Ruth Cannon, bought the painting.
Auction proceeds will go to Hayes' family and to local causes she supported, said Robin Hayes.
He said his mother had many items squirreled away around her Concord house, and it took quite some time to catalog them after family members claimed what they wanted. The Washington document, for instance, was perched with little fanfare in a corner of the den.
Washington's signature adorns the 1783 document honorably discharging a private from the N.Y. infantry. Jackson's autograph sits on an 1833 letter to the Secretary of War.
Elsewhere in the collection is a book signed by Lady Bird Johnson and an autographed picture from Dwight Eisenhower to Charles Cannon.
You could lie down on history with a bid on a Southern plantation tester bed from the 1840s. Cannon family history says it is from the Phifer home in Charlotte, where Jefferson Davis presided over the Confederate Cabinet's last meeting April 26, 1865.
Maybe you want a postcard used by the rich and famous, or a mounted sable antelope head.
Heck, people can even bid on a stone birdbath "with a whimsical gnome seated on a mushroom at the base."
And who wouldn't look good in an art deco sapphire-and-diamond ring? Its estimated replacement value is $20,945.
This story is reprinted from today's Cabarrus Neighbors.
Want to bid?
The auction will start at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Embassy Suites Hotel Charlotte-Concord Golf Resort and Spa, 5400 John Q. Hammons Blvd., Concord, off Exit 49 of Interstate 85. People may bid online through eBay Live Auctions at www.ebayliveauctions.com; or they can prearrange phone or absentee bidding by calling 919-644-1243 by 5 p.m. today.Previews will be at Hayes' home, 52 Spring St. N.W., Concord, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Friday.
Up for auction
--An 8 1/2-by-12-foot Persian rug from the 1930s.
--A Tiffany sterling silver trumpet vase from about 1931.
--An antique shoeshine kit.
--A Chippendale-style arm chair, late 19th century.
--A Philip Moose watercolor of a Lincolnton scene.
--A UNC Charlotte autographed baseball.
--A crystal chandelier.
--A 1932 Davidson College yearbook.
--A first-edition copy of John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men."
--A vintage mink coat.
Adam Bell
Jagged Noodle’s system for a successful Valentine’s Day
Every year, tens of thousands of emperor penguins brave voracious predators and bitter cold to mate and then to forage for food for their hatch lings. Many perish in the struggle, devoured by oreas and leopard seals. It is a tragic and horrific ritual that is a necessary part of the circle of life, and thus a great metaphor for tiffany jewelry Valentine's Day.
Like thousands of guys around the country, I dread Valentine's Day. When you are single, February 14th is like an overgrown playground bully, taunting you and amplifying your very sad status. And you cannot help but hate your friends who are in relationships and want to grab them and slap them around a little and imagine how ugly their kids would be. (What, you know you do it too).
But now that I am in a relationship, I realize that attached people have it just as rough. And guys probably have it worse, because somehow the onus is upon us to take initiative in doing something romantic. To me, a perfect Valentine's evening is spending time on the couch with my girlfriend, watching House or Law and Order while a Trader Joe's pizza is baking in the oven, followed by other activities of an affectionate nature. That's it. I am a simple man. The girlfriend, however, does not seem to agree with this laid-back approach. Last year, she spent hours coordinating a treasure hunt, with clues that led to other clues that led to a collection of a dozen little gifts, each one symbolic of something. "This is a lavender-growing kit," she said, "we can plant the seeds and they'll grow in this little pot. It represents our love!"
For those of you guys out there struggling to survive another Valentine season, here is a simple system I've devised after many years of courtship as well as watching a few chick flicks. Basically, the things you do on Valentine's Day can be rated with Affectional Standard Points (ASP). Things that are simple will have lower ASP. Go through this list below and see how you score.
1. Flowers: a single rose, 1 ASP; a dozen roses, 2 ASP; a personalized bouquet, 3 ASP
2. Chocolates: box of random truffles you got at Walgreens, .5; Godiva, 2.5; gourmet crap you valentines key rings ordered from the internet, 3; you whipped up a batch of chocolates yourself, 4.
3. Cards: card from Target you grabbed at last second , 1. Card with a heartfelt message pre-written, 2. If you wrote a deep and meaningful message yourself, pouring out your soul, 4. You made the card yourself, and it's obvious you spent a lot of time, 5.
4. Dinner: Applebee's because everything else. was booked, 1 ; her favorite restaurant where you two always hang out, 2. A fancy restaurant that takes months to reserve, 4; you spent several days researching and preparing a homemade gourmet meal, (S.
5. Excursion: day-trip, 3; staying at a romantic lodge with a spa, 6. Paris, France, 700.
6. Gifts: jewelry, 3. A book she might enjoy 4. you wrote her a poem, 4. Book of collection of pictures of you two, 4. Song,
5. You, wrapped in cellophane, .25.
7. Activities: movie, .1 . scavenger hunt, 5. Some sort of class together, such as tango
6. Opera, theater 4.
Tally up all your points: If you score 0 to 3, you're a fool and no one can blame her for cheating on you with your best friend. 4 to 6: You are putting in good effort, but you still need to do more. 7 to 12: Right on, buddy. 1 3 to 20: You're kind of a stalker, aren't you? Maybe back up a little bit. 700+: Hey, I'm Huy, valentines necklaces how you doin'?
I hope that helps. Go get yourself some ASP. If not, there is a far less painful way to deal with Valentine's Day: Get devoured by a leopard seal.
On Valentine’s Day, Binational Gay and Lesbian Couples Struggle to Stay Together
The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, and Immigration Equality, a national group aimed at ending LGBT discrimination in immigration law, lauded today's introduction of the Uniting American Families Act. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and tiffany and co Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), will provide lesbian and gay Americans the same opportunity as different-sex couples to sponsor their partner for immigration purposes. During a media conference call, Rep. Nadler joined HRC President Joe Solmonese, Immigration Equality Executive Director Rachel B. Tiven, and Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund Legislative Staff Attorney John Amaya to discuss the importance of this legislation, along with two binational couples who face the prospect of being forcibly separated under existing immigration laws.
"It should be an outrage to all Americans that our government continues to deny one set of citizens the fundamental rights enjoyed by the rest of its citizens," said Rep. Nadler. "It is time that we as a society finally acknowledge that a committed, loving family is a committed, loving family, no matter whether a couple is gay or straight. It makes no difference. We should be encouraging and rewarding stable families rather than sweeping them into the margins. We must now pass UAFA, the Uniting American Families Act, and grant gay and lesbian binational families the same legal protections--and the same human dignity--as other Americans."
"Like many people across the country, there are Vermonters whose partners are foreign nationals and who feel key rings abandoned by our laws in this area. The promotion of family unity has long been part of federal immigration policy, and we should honor that principle by providing all Americans the opportunity to be with their loved ones. I hope all Senators will join me in supporting equality for all Americans and their loved ones," said Sen. Leahy.
"For far too long, our elected officials have ignored the devastating real-life consequences that current immigration policies have had on thousands of gay and lesbian couples in loving, committed relationships," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "We thank Representative Nadler and Senator Leahy for their leadership to ensure that these couples are treated equally under the law. We commend Immigration Equality for their continued leadership in fighting this unjust policy." Under U.S. immigration law, U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents may sponsor their spouses for immigration purposes. But gay and lesbian Americans are not afforded this basic right. Consequently, many binational gay and lesbian couples are kept or torn apart. The Uniting American Families Act would allow U.S. citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their same-sex partners for family-based immigration by meeting the same standard as different-sex couples. The bill would impose harsh penalties for fraud, including up to five years in prison and as much as $250,000 in fines. This inequality affects more than 36,000 gay and lesbian Americans, according to the 2000 Census and research commissioned by Immigration Equality and conducted necklaces by Gary Gates of the Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles. "This Valentine's Day, thousands of gay and lesbian Americans who have fallen in love across borders must grapple with an impossible choice between being with the person they love and staying in their country," said Immigration Equality Executive Director Rachel B. Tiven. "These couples simply want the same opportunity to prove that their families deserve to stay together."
GUILTY PLEAS IN LIVESTRONG BRACELET COUNTERFEITING CASE
The New York State Attorney General issued the following news release:
Attorney General Eliot Spitzer today announced that an illegal enterprise that imported and sold counterfeit LiveSTRONG bracelets in New York City has been put out of business and that the participants in the criminal enterprise have pleaded guilty in state court. In addition, the defendants in the case have turned over $111,830 to the Lance Armstrong Foundation as part of their sentences.
"This was a cynical scheme to profit from the public's strong support for the Lance Armstrong Foundation's work," said Attorney General Spitzer. "The sale of each counterfeit bracelet deprived the charity of money that could further its work in cancer treatment and research. I am pleased that the ill-gotten gains we recovered from this illegal enterprise will be turned over to the Lance Armstrong Foundation."
"The New York Attorney General's office has made substantial progress in ensuring that when Lance Armstrong Foundation supporters buy a LiveSTRONG wristband, they can feel confident that the LAF and people living with cancer benefit from their generosity and support," said Betty Otter-Nickerson, chief operating officer of the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
The Attorney General's Office secured guilty pleas in the case after shutting down the counterfeiting ring in April when investigators from Spitzer's office and the State Police raided two distribution facilities in Queens and Manhattan. During the raids, more than 80,000 counterfeit bracelets and over $100,000 in cash cufflinks were seized.
New York State Police Superintendent Wayne Bennett said: "Stealing money from cancer survivors and their families is despicable. These arrests have stopped a criminal enterprise that in reality had multiple victims: the individual consumers who were defrauded, whose intentions to contribute to cancer survivors were thwarted; and a legitimate charity and its deserving beneficiaries."
The counterfeiting operation was headed by Li Ping Liang Chen, who operated Eastlink International, Inc. - an import-export company - from her home in Queens. Chen arranged to have the counterfeit LiveSTRONG bracelets produced in China, and imported into the United States through Kennedy International Airport. Undercover investigators working on the case purchased a box containing over 1,000 counterfeit wristbands at a store at 34 West 27th Street operated by some of the defendants in this case. According to US Customs agents, the airbill number on this box of counterfeit bracelets established that it was imported by Eastlink International.
In prosecutions related to this case:
Li Ping Liang Chen, of 6846 Dartmouth Street, Queens, pleaded guilty to Trademark Counterfeiting in the Second Degree, a class E felony, and was sentenced to pay $101,830 to the Lance Armstrong Foundation;
* Su Qin Weng, of 34-19 69th Street, Queens, pleaded guilty to Trademark Counterfeiting in the Third Degree, a class A misdemeanor, and was sentenced to pay $5,000 to the Lance Armstrong Foundation;
* Ding Chai Ye, of 37-10 64th Street, Woodside, pleaded guilty to Trademark Counterfeiting in the Third Degree, a class A misdemeanor, and was sentenced to pay $5,000 to the Lance Armstrong Foundation;
* Wei Hua Chen, the husband of Li Ping Liang Chen, of 6846 Dartmouth Street, Queens, tiffany pleaded guilty to a violation and was sentenced to seven days of community service;
* Su Ping Qu, husband of Su Qin Weng, of 34-19 69th Street, Queens, pleaded guilty to a violation and was sentenced to five days of community service; and,
* Xi Chen, of 143-30 Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing, pleaded guilty to a violation and was sentenced to four days of community service.
Founded in 1997, the Lance Armstrong Foundation is a charitable organization that funds programs providing services to cancer patients. The foundation also funds scientific and clinical research that seeks to better understand cancer's physical, emotional and practical effects.
The foundation sells distinctive bright yellow wristbands engraved with LiveSTRONG for $1 each. Proceeds from the sale of the bracelets are used to further the foundation's mission. To date, approximately 55 million wristbands have been sold since the LiveSTRONG fund-raising campaign began in the Spring of 2004.
Attorney General Spitzer thanked Senior Investigator Eliezer Roman and Investigators William Connolly and Eric Castellar of the New York State Police for their work in investigating this case.
The New York City counterfeiting sweep follows a case in which the Attorney General's Office shut down an operation that was selling fake LiveSTRONG bracelets from a kiosk in a shopping center in Greece, near Rochester. In that case, $12,000 was returned to the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
Consumers are encouraged to report any sales of counterfeit LiveSTRONG bracelets by calling the money clips Attorney General's toll-free help line at 1-800-771-7755.
The New York City counterfeiting case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Johanna Sullivan of the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau under the supervision of the Deputy Bureau Chief Viola Abbitt.
Christmas items for sale at holiday bazaar
Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 1801 Skylyn Drive, will hold its Christmas tiffany and co bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.
Christmas decorations, handmade items and baskets, canned and baked goods, and some vintage items will be sold. The church also will serve a lunch of homemade vegetable soup and corn bread. Takeout will be available.
The church is just beyond Mary Black Hospital. Call 583-6463.
Call, e-mail or mail Kim Kimzey at silver earrings:
-- 864-562-7264
-- kim.kimzey@shj.com
-- In the Pews, Herald-Journal, P.O. silver key rings Box 1657, Spartanburg, SC 29304