March 26, 2010 Nº 887 - Vol. 8
"The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are."
Joseph Campbell
In today’s Law Firm Marketing: 8 steps to build your image as an authority
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Read Migalhas LatinoAmérica in Spanish every Tuesday and Thursday. Visit the website at www.migalhas.com/latinoamerica
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Vatican denies Pope failed to act on sex abuse claim
The Vatican has condemned claims that Pope Benedict XVI did nothing about a US priest who is suspected of molesting up to 200 deaf boys decades ago. Hardly a day goes by without new allegations of sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests somewhere in the world being reported in the media. The Catholic Church has been plagued in recent months by abuse cover-up claims in Europe, echoing pedophilia scandals that rocked the institution in America eight years ago. The Pope's spokesman defended Benedict, saying the Vatican department which the future pontiff was in charge of had not been informed of these latest allegations until 1996 - 20 years after the priest's victims first informed the police. But the Vatican's rather lame excuse for lack of any action is that canon law, as Church law is called, "does not envision automatic penalties". The Catholic Church teaches that pedophilia is a grave sin, but the evidence is that accused priests were usually moved to another parish rather than punished.
Osama Bin Laden threatens retaliation over 9/11 trial
A message said to be from Osama Bin Laden threatens to kill Americans if the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks is executed by the US. Al-Jazeera news channel broadcast an audiotape reportedly from the al-Qaeda leader talking about Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other suspects. The tape said that if the US made the decision to execute, al-Qaeda would also "execute" anyone it captured. The five suspects are due to be tried in New York for the 2001 attacks. Prosecutors are expected to seek the death penalty, while White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said in January that Mohammed was going to "meet his maker" if found guilty. The White House has been criticized for planning to put the five suspects on trial in New York. Critics say the trial near the Ground Zero will be expensive and disruptive. White House officials have yet to decide if the trial will take place in a federal courtroom, or in a military commission.
EU-US airline deal on ownership
A new agreement between the EU and the US to further liberalize trans-Atlantic air travel paves the way for foreigners to take major stakes in US airlines. EU airlines will allow US investors to take majority stakes in themselves. Foreign control of US carriers is currently capped at 25% - US airlines could gain ownership of EU carriers above the current 49.9%. The deal has been hailed as a "major step forwards" in the so-called Open Skies liberalization process.
E.U. weighs its own system to track cash for terrorism
The European Commission said Wednesday that it wanted to develop its own system to track terrorist finances and that such a system would require the United States to contribute information on American citizens' transactions. The announcement is part of intensifying efforts by Brussels to resolve an acrimonious battle within the European Union over how to identify, track and pursue suspected terrorists and their financiers. Last month, the European Parliament blocked a provisional deal between the European Union and Washington to permit the continued exchange of such data.
UN Secretary-General calls for eradication of modern slavery
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday called for a renewed international commitment to eradicate all forms of slavery. Ban's comments took place on the International Day of Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, which is held annually pursuant to General Assembly resolution A/62/L.32. In his statement, Ban said that the fight against slavery continues even though the practice may now take different forms than it has in the past: "Slavery is abhorrent. It is explicitly prohibited by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the United Nations has reaffirmed this principle many times, including in the Durban Declaration adopted at the 2001 World Conference Against Racism. But slavery and slavery-like practices continue in many parts of the world. Slavery is mutating and re-emerging in modern forms, including debt bondage, the sale of children, and the trafficking of women and girls for sex. Its roots lie in ignorance, intolerance and greed. We must create a climate in which such abuse and cruelty are inconceivable. One way is by remembering the past and honoring the victims of the transatlantic slave trade. By reminding ourselves of past injustices, we help to ensure that such systematic abuse of human rights can never be repeated."
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MiMIC Journal
Chinese mobile firm drops Google
China Unicom is to stop using Google search on Android handsets. The second biggest operator in China is believed to be taking the step in reaction to Google's decision to stop offering a censored search service. Instead of using Google search, handset makers will be able to decide which search service to use on phones that run Google's mobile operating system. At the same time Google said it would withdraw more of its uncensored search services in China.
China miner to buy Brazil's Itaminas iron ore mine
A state-run Chinese mining company said Thursday it has agreed to buy the Itaminas iron ore mine in Brazil from its owner, Bernardo de Mello. The East China Mineral Exploration and Development Bureau, based in Nanjing, said it had bargained the asking price for the mine, which produces 3 million tons of high-grade iron ore a year, down to $1.22 billion from the original asking price of 2 billion.
China officials wrestle publicly over currency
Leaders are engaged in a bitter struggle over whether to allow the renminbi to rise against the dollar or to escalate a war of words with the U.S.
How to build your image as an authority
Follow These 8 Steps
by Trey Ryder
Authority is not a fact, it's a perception. If clients and prospects think you're an authority, you are.
In his book Influence, social psychologist Robert Cialdini explains that you attract prospects and persuade them at the subconscious level when they look upon you as an authority. In addition, prospects who see you as an authority are more likely to follow your advice when you suggest a specific course of action.
What's more, when editors and producers recognize you as an authority, they often give you easy access to the media, which reinforces the perception. So your efforts to be seen as an authority snowball, further enhancing your image, helping you attract more and more new clients.
How do you build your image as an authority?
Simple: You do what authorities do. Here are eight steps you can take.
1. Write articles for publication. One of the quickest ways to build the perception that you're an authority is to write articles and submit them to newspapers and magazines that reach your target prospects. Then mail reprints to your prospects and clients -- and watch your status soar!
2. Appear as a guest on radio talk shows. Send the shows' producers a query letter, outlining who you are, your qualifications, and what you can discuss that will interest the listening audience.
3. Offer opinions and advice on the TV news. Start by sending assignment editors a query letter explaining why your opinion or advice on a particular topic is credible, important and timely.
4. Present seminars to other lawyers. When you educate other attorneys, and mention this in your biography, prospects perceive you as the lawyers' lawyer, further elevating your stature as an authority.
5. Present seminars for your prospects. The more information you offer, the more credibility you build -- and the sooner prospects see you as a recognized authority in your field of law.
6. Write and publish a newsletter. This is a simple way to gain authority status, build credibility, persuade prospects and generate referrals.
7. Write a book. This time-proven method is still one of the best. Plus, if you get a major publisher, the publisher does the marketing for you.
8. Host a web site. Today, this is a must for lawyers. If you don't have a web site, prospects think something's wrong with you. And if you build an education-based web site, they think you're an expert. Plus you'll get higher search engine rankings than with a typical law firm site.
In addition, you can take advantage of the trappings of authority -- things you already have or can acquire, like these:
9. Titles. The fact that you're a lawyer gives you a high level of credibility and authority.
10. Background and experience. The more you emphasize your education, skills and experience, the more you bolster your position as an authority.
11. Memberships. Emphasize your memberships in lawyer groups and bar associations. Also, feature every court to which you're admitted.
12. Clothing. Prospects are more willing to take direction from a person in a well-tailored suit than someone in casual clothes. When you're acting in your role as authority, make sure you're dressed for it.
13. Car. Motorists are slower to honk their horns at new, luxury cars than at older models. Luxury cars exude authority.
14. Office. The bigger your office, the more prospects see you as an authority. And if you have a corner office -- or a picture window with a view -- who could possibly question your advice!
The sooner prospects and editors perceive you as an authority, the sooner your momentum will snowball -- and the sooner your river of new clients will overflow its banks. Don't allow this powerful marketing force to slip through your fingers. Start acting as an authority today.
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© Trey Ryder
FREE LAWYER MARKETING ALERT: If you'd like to receive Trey Ryder's weekly Lawyer Marketing Alert, send an e-mail to [email protected]. Write "Subscribe LMA" in the subject line and write your name and e-mail address in the body of the message.
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Deuda - Argentina
La Cámara de Apelaciones del Segundo Distrito de Nueva York, Estados Unidos, levantó un embargo sobre fondos de la Administración Nacional de la Seguridad Social (ANSES) de Argentina, que había sido promovido por representantes de fondos privados del exterior. En el país sudamericano se destacó que la justicia norteamericana haya reafirmado la "inembargabilidad" de estos activos, que son de carácter previsional y no comercial.
FMI – México
El FMI le renovó ayer una línea de crédito flexible a México por US$ 48 mil millones, fondos que, según el organismo, el país mantendrá como reserva y no los proyecta girar. El subdirector ejecutivo del organismo, John Lipsky, señaló a EFE que la renovación fue decidida tras determinarse la buena gestión económica financiera de México.
Banca – Venezuela
El Congreso venezolano aprobó una ley dirigida al sistema financiero que prohíbe que los bancos tengan en su propiedad empresas del mercado de capitales, así como firmas de seguros. Además, se creará un ente central que regulará a los bancos, aseguradoras y empresas relacionadas con el negocio bursátil.
Toyota asks to combine 200 cases
Lawyers for Toyota and those suing the car firm over alleged accelerator pedal problems have asked for more than 200 claims to be heard as a single case. Both sides are asking a legal panel to consolidate the cases so that they are examined together by the same judge. The hundreds of separate cases include dozens of personal injury claims as well as requests for compensation. It is the first legal challenge from owners who say they have suffered from a range of faults in their Toyota cars.
UN calls for Burma elections to be credible
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has urged the government of Burma to create the conditions for credible elections. He was speaking after a meeting of a group of nations established to back the UN's efforts to promote democracy in Burma. The group called on the military government to free political prisoners, especially the detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Burma's new election laws in effect ban Ms Suu Kyi's participation in the vote.
Brazil to shelve probe of Central Bank president
The Brazilian Supreme Court says it will shelve a request to authorize an investigation into Central Bank President Henrique Meirelles. In a statement issued Thursday, the court noted that Brazil's penal code stipulates that the case be shelved unless new evidence emerges, "and no new facts have appeared".
Obama team to unveil new foreclosure-fight plan
The White House is expected on Friday to unveil a new effort to help homeowners facing foreclosure because of unemployment or whose homes have dropped so much in value that they owe more than their homes are worth. According to reports, the administration will lay out a plan meant to encourage banks to reduce the principal on mortgage loans. Before now, the administration focused on interest-rate deductions.
France to propose law banning full face veil in public
French President Nicholas Sarkozy said Wednesday that the government will introduce legislation to ban traditional Muslim face veils in public places. Sarkozy's announcement comes weeks after a French parliamentary commission charged with investigating whether to enact laws banning the wearing of burqas or other "full veils" released its report calling for a partial ban that would apply in public facilities, including hospitals, schools, and public transportation, and to any individual attempting to receive public services. Sarkozy supported the commission's suggestions, saying: "The full veil is contrary to the dignity of women. The answer is to ban the full veil. The government will introduce a bill to ban consistent with the general principles of our law." While many people in France approve of the proposed legislation, such measures have also faced opposition from critics who say such a law would alienate France's Muslim minority and violate the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), of which France is a signatory. Sarkozy did not give details about when or how the proposed law would take effect.
US changes rules over gays in the military
The Pentagon has issued rules making it more difficult for gays to be dismissed from the US military. US service staff can be dismissed if they reveal they are gay. New measures include increasing the rank at which officers could initiate investigations and tougher requirements for evidence used against homosexuals.
Chavez extends Venezuela Easter holiday to save energy
Chavez has added three days to Venezuela's Easter holiday to deal with a growing energy crisis. The move - which will close government and public offices - means most Venezuelans will have a seven-day break starting on 1 April. Chavez said the aim of the measure was not to encourage "laziness, but to save energy".
New search starting for Air France black boxes
The lead investigator of last year's Air France jetliner crash that killed 228 people off the coast of Brazil said Thursday he hopes a third search for debris and flight and data recorders will be successful and help authorities determine what happened.
Charges in scheme to sell fake drugs
A Chinese national arrested in Hawaii faces charges that he manufactured and imported fake weight-loss medication with ingredients that could cause headaches, anxiety and chills. He and his accomplice have been charged with crimes including the delivery into interstate commerce of unapproved new drugs.
Germany agrees to curb drugmakers' power to dictate price of new medicines
Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition agreed to curb the power of drugmakers to influence the price of new medicines as it tries to slow the surging cost of health care.
Charges near for Spain's Judge Garzón
Spain's Supreme Court cleared the way for the judge known for indicting Osama bin Laden and Augusto Pinochet to be charged with abuse of power in a probe of Spanish civil war atrocities.
Russia lower house approves bill to ban pre-trial detention for financial crimes
The Russian State Duma on Wednesday approved a bill to ban pre-trial detention for suspects accused of economic crimes. The legislation would allow those charged with financial crimes to be bailed out of jail at any time during legal proceedings for a minimum bail charge of 100,000 rubles (USD $3,300), and 500,000 rubles (USD $16,600) for serious crimes. The bill was introduced earlier this month by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who said that the measure would help cut the prison population and would also prevent prison from being used to pressure businessmen. The bill's introduction was welcomed by the lawyer for Yukos Oil founder Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who was denied bail in 2003. The bill must now be approved by the upper house of parliament, the Federation Council.
Visa, American Express weigh WTO complaint over China's credit-card curbs
Visa Inc., American Express Co. and MasterCard Inc. have talked with U.S. trade officials about taking action against China for shutting the companies out of its $723 billion payment-processing market, people briefed on the issue said.
Bulgaria, Romania legal systems need improvement
The European Commission (EC) released reports Tuesday that said Bulgaria and Romania must do more to combat corruption and organized crime, and conduct judicial reforms in order to enjoy their full rights as members of the EU. The reports represent the sixth assessments for the newest members of the EU under the Control and Verification Mechanism (CVM), which was setup as a way to verify progress of the two nations in meeting EU benchmarks on the issues.
Israeli cabinet to mull US demands
Al Jazeera, Doha, Qatar
Hezbollah Members Questioned in Hariri Case
Asharq Al-Awsat, Pan-Arab daily, London, England
Three outlets fined, eight warned for violation of cooking oil rules
Gulf News, Independent daily, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
No more concessions, Knesset rightists tell Netanyahu
Haaretz, Liberal daily, Tel Aviv, Israel
TUNISIA: Rights Groups Condemn Harassment of Ex-Prisoners
IPS Middle East, International cooperative of journalists, Rome, Italy
'Algeria fears Israeli held by al-Qaida'
JPost, Conservative, Jerusalem, Israel
Deadline for ID cards is end of 2010
Khaleej Times, English-language daily, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Egyptian, Sudanese firms to launch $1b agricultural fund
Middle East North African Network, Online financial portal, Amman, Jordan
France Resumes Search for Airbus Black Boxes
Nahamet, Online news portal, Beirut, Lebanon
Panel formed on Lebanon poll law
Saudi Gazette, English-language daily, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Palestinians await Israeli nod on West Bank project
Times of Oman, English-language daily, Muscat, Oman
Vatican attacks media over abuse
BBC News, Centrist newscaster, London, England
Gilroy makes four changes
BreakingNews.ie, Online news portal, Cork, Ireland
Heathrow groups win runway battle
Daily Express, Conservative tabloid, London, England
GBP 4.75billion raid on private pensions... but public sector schemes will be unscathed
Daily Mail, Conservative daily, London, England
Cable & Wireless demerger effective from 26 March
DMeurope, Online news portal, Amsterdam, Netherlands
EUROPEAN UNION: Eurozone leaders agree on rescue package for Greece
France 24, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
Tattoos that are underground but not from under the ground
Hurriyet Daily News, (Liberal, English-language), Istanbul, Turkey
Cat Deeley: Links of London's New Face!
Look Magazine, London, England
Police murder probe after Cumbrian man bled to death following fall
News & Star, Independent daily, Carlisle, England
Opposition Activists Detained In Almaty
Radio Free Europe, Prague, Czech Republic
BA Crew: 'We Won't Give In To Bullying'
Sky News, Independent newscaster, Middlesex, England
The Greek Bailout Plan: Merkel Risky Hand of Brussels Poker
Spiegel International, Liberal newsmagazine, Hamburg, Germany
I was wrong, says Hoon over lobbying scandal
The Guardian, Liberal daily, London, England
Albert Gonzalez, '$200 million damage' hacker, sentenced
The Independent, London, England
Trapattoni linked with Celtic job
The Irish Times, Centrist daily, Dublin, Ireland
Regions Edge Toward Moscow Time
The Moscow Times, Independent daily, Moscow, Russia
Geoff Hoon: I was 'showing off' on lobbying secret film
The Telegraph, Conservative daily, London, England
ABBA hint at reunion
The Telegraph, London, England
Ned Kelly painting sells for record sum
Times Online, Conservative daily, London, England
TNI seeking to sue American journalist
Antara News, News agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
Democrats send Obama final health measure
China Post, English-language daily, Taipei, Taiwan
10th Seoul International Financial Forum Kicks Off
Chosun Ilbo, Conservative daily, Seoul, South Korea
In Pakistan, money alone can't buy US love
Dawn, English-language daily, Karachi, Pakistan
Stomatologists of Kazakhstan deny probability of mass infection of children with hepatitus C during dental procedure
Gazeta.kz, Official online newspaper, Kazakhstan
Babri demolition: IPS officer points finger at Advani
India Express, News portal, Mumbai, India
Bhujbal downplays Big B sea link row
India Times, Conservative daily, New Delhi, India
Chronicling a collection
Japan Times, Independent centrist, Tokyo, Japan
Universal Studios Singapore shuts down rollercoaster due to glitch
Malaysian Star, Online news portal, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
ESPN pioneer dies at 81
New Zealand Herald, Conservative daily, Auckland, New Zealand
Adaptation to climate change, low-carbon growth crucial to UN MDGs, says UN chief
People's Daily Online, English-language, Beijing, China
Marriages last longer than co-habiting relations
Sify News, Chennai, India
Gaffe sparks web frenzy
Sydney Morning Herald, Centrist daily, Sydney, Australia
Google Inc's deals in doubt amid spat with Beijing
Taiwan News, English-language daily, Taipei, Taiwan
Pioneer lensman's photo retrospective to open in Taipei
Taiwan Today, Government Information Office, Taipei, Taiwan
Goldfish stuns owners after surviving out of water for 7hrs!
Thaindian News, Bangkok, Thailand
Supreme Court lifts stay on Muslim quota in Andhra Pradesh
The Hindu, Left-leaning daily, Chennai, India
Ministry of Agriculture breaks ground in Barbuda for NEW FISHERIES COMPLEX
Antigua Sun Online, Independent daily, St. John's, Antigua
Afghans routinely executed detainees: soldier
Canadian Broadcasting Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Sonia Bush opens new law firm
Cayman Net News, Online news portal, George Town, Cayman Islands
Dominican President met cocaine suspect as partner in Spain's top power company
Dominican Today, Independent daily, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
VENEZUELA: Opposition Leader Arrested for Remarks Denied Bail
IPS Latin America, International cooperative of journalists, Rome, Italy
Rough road ahead
Jamaica Gleaner, Independent daily, Kingston, Jamaica
Peru: Cusco Regional Government bans mining activities in its territory
Living in Peru, News portal, Lima, Peru
Bongs and thongs
The Globe and Mail, Centrist daily, Toronto, Canada
?Man who blocked PM invited
Trinidad Guardian, Independent daily, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
Tsvangirai: No to gay rights move
BBC News, Centrist newscaster, London, England
Congo Could Have Most of Debt Forgiven by June
CongoPlanet.com, Independent online news aggregator
SFO Exposes Kofi Jumah
GhanaWeb, Online news portal, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Apartheid shrink held
iafrica, Online news portal, Cape Town, South Africa
PAC Youth threaten to kill Malema
Independent Online, News portal, Cape Town, South Africa
Dam these patronising Western campaigns against Gibe 3
Jimma Times, Online news portal, Jimma, Ethiopia
Nersa allows Transnet to raise pipeline tariffs
Mail & Guardian Online, Liberal, Johannesburg, South Africa
Malema 'living on handouts'
News24.com, Online news portal, Cape Town, South Africa
Police nab 2 for alleged swindling, forgery
Vanguard, Independent daily, Lagos, Nigeria
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