Prosecutors: Zimmerman profiled Trayvon Martin

George Zimmerman, center, stands with a Seminole County deputy and his attorney Mark O'Mara during a court hearing??

[ EDITOR'S NOTE: This story will be updated throughout the day. Refresh this page for updates. ]

UPDATE, 3:45 p.m. ET: The affadavit filed Wednesday by prosecutors to establish probable cause of second-degree murder in the Trayvon Martin case has been released by the court. In it, prosecutors claim that George Zimmerman profiled Martin on Feb. 26, and during his call to the police dispatcher "made reference to people he felt had committed and gotten away with break-ins in his neighborhood."

More from the four-page court filing:

Later while talking about Martin, Zimmerman stated "these ---holes, they always get away" and also said "these ----ing punks."

During this time, Martin was on the phone with a friend and described to her what was happening. The witness advised that Martin was scared because he was being followed through the complex by and unknown male and didn't know why. Martin attempted to run home but was followed by Zimmerman who didn't want the person he falsely assumed was going to commit a crime to get away before the police arrived. Zimmerman got out of his vehicle and followed Martin. When the police dispatcher realized Zimmerman was pursuing Martin, he instructed Zimmerman not to do that and that the responding officer would meet him. Zimmerman disregarded the police dispatcher and continued to follow Martin.

Zimmerman confronted Martin and a struggle ensued. Witnesses heard people arguing and what sounded like a struggle. During this time period witnesses heard numerous calls for help and some of these were recorded in 911 calls to police. Trayvon Martin's mother has reviewed the 911 calls and has identified the voice crying for help as Trayvon Martin's voice.

Zimmerman shot Martin in the chest. When police arrived Zimmerman admitted shooting Martin. Officers recovered a gun from a holster inside Zimmerman's waistband. A fired casing that was recovered at the scene was determined to have been fired from the firearm.

Assistant Medical Examiner Dr. Bao performed an autopsy and determined that Martin died from the gunshot wound.

Click here for a PDF of the full affadavit.

1:40 p.m. ET: Trayvon Martin shooter George Zimmerman appeared in a Florida courtroom shortly after 1:30 p.m. He entered the courtroom in handcuffs.

Flanked by a police officer and his lawyer, Mark O'Mara, Zimmerman acknowledged the second-degree murder charge against him. He spoke only briefly, saying "Yes, sir" twice, and did not enter a plea.

The judge agreed there was probable cause to proceed, and set for a formal arraignment on May 29, at 1:30 p.m. ET. O'Mara said Zimmerman would plead not guilty.

Zimmerman is being held in protective custody without bail in Seminole County Jail. O'Mara did not ask the judge to set a bond, but asked for the case file to be sealed. The prosecutors agreed to the request.

1:20 p.m. ET: Trayvon Martin's mother Sybrina Fulton, who said on the "Today" show early Thursday that she believed Zimmerman's fatal shooting of her son was an "accident," has retracted those comments.

"George Zimmerman stalked my son and murdered him in cold blood," told MSNBC in a separate interview.

"I believe it was an accident," Fulton told Ann Curry in the initial interview. "I believe that it just got out of control and he couldn't turn the clock back."

1:10 p.m. ET: George Zimmerman is due in court at 1:30 p.m ET. Watch the video below.

12:43 p.m. ET: Is George Zimmerman safer in jail or out? That's the question the judge overseeing the second-degree murder charge against him will consider at his arraignment later today, when Zimmerman's attorney, Mark O'Mara, plans to ask the judge to release his client on bond.

"You could make an argument that he would be safer to remain in custody," Charles Rose, director of the center for excellence and advocacy at the Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Fla., told CNN.

"I think nobody would deny the fact if George Zimmerman is walking down the street today, he would be at risk," O'Mara, said Wednesday.

But the judge may opt to release Zimmerman because of the "nightmare" it would be to guarantee his safety in jail, Rose said.

And while lawyers for Trayvon Martin's family contend Zimmerman is a "flight risk," Rose said that given the intense media coverage of the case, Zimmerman's face is too recognizable for him to be able to flee.

"I would not be surprised to see him walk in the door and walk out the door," Rose said.

12:20 p.m. ET: According to the Orlando Sentinel, George Zimmerman "can ask to have the second-degree-murder charge against him dropped without having to stand trial in the death of Trayvon Martin."

The paper reports that in 2010, the Florida Supreme Court "ruled that anyone claiming 'stand your ground' immunity in a death, battery or assault case can request a hearing on the evidence."

However, there is no indication Zimmerman will do so. His attorney, Mark O'Mara, said Zimmerman will plead "not guilty" at his arraignment later today.

11:00 a.m. ET: George Zimmerman's attorney Mark O'Mara said he's concerned about his client's safety, but would like the judge to grant bail because he needs Zimmerman's assistance in building a case outside of jail.

"I would like to get him out," O'Mara said in an interview with Soledad O'Brien on CNN. "I need him out to assist me in going over all the evidence and preparing our defense. I'm concerned about his safety to a certain extent, but I'm truly hoping that there will be a receding of the frustrations or anger now that the process is moving forward. ... There are certainly still some animosities and some high emotions around the case."

O'Mara also dismissed the assertion by Zimmerman's former legal team that his client is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder: "A diagnosis like that should be made by a professional psychologist or psychiatrist.? I'm not going to make a diagnosis like that. He is stressed. He's tired. He's been through a lot with the way this case has been handled. I'm just hoping that his mental health stays well and that we can move forward with getting the case figured out."

George Zimmerman's booking photo provided by the Sanford Police Department. (AP)

8:36 a.m. ET: George Zimmerman is expected to be arraigned Thursday on the second-degree murder charge in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.

According to his attorney, Mark O'Mara, Zimmerman will plead not guilty. O'Mara said he will ask the judge to set a bond for his client, who is being held in protective custody without bail in Seminole County Jail.

Martin's parents, Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, spoke out early Thursday saying they just want justice for their son.

"I believe it was an accident," Fulton said on the "Today" show. "I believe that it just got out of control, and he [Zimmerman] couldn't turn the clock back."

"We just want him [Zimmerman] to be held accountable for what he's done," Fulton said. "And by him not being arrested, that would not have been done. So we are happy that he was arrested so that the committee gives his side of the story."

Zimmerman, the 28-year-old neighborhood watchman who shot and killed Martin on Feb. 26 in Sanford, Fla., told police he was acting in self-defense, and that Martin attacked him.

The criminal charge was announced on Wednesday by Angela Corey, the special prosecutor in the case.

"Three weeks ago our prosecution team promised [Martin's] sweet parents we would get answers to all of their questions, no matter where our quest for the truth led us," Corey said at a news conference in Jacksonville. "And it is that search for justice for Trayvon that has brought us to this night."

Read the rest of this post »

Justin Bieber Promises New, Fresh "Boyfriend" Video


Justin Bieber continues to give his fans a taste of his forthcoming video for "Boyfriend," with new teaser clips (below) and interviews on the topic.

"I think people are going to be really happy [with the video] and ... I think it's going to make people like the song more," Bieber told MTV News.

"The song, and the album (Believe), in general, is just really new and fresh and I think that people are going to be really happy to hear it."

The song represents a more mature sound for the 18-year-old, but he says "Boyfriend" is just one component of the album's overall sound.

"I think it's part of it," he said. "My whole album is so different and every song's different, I think that what's special about it; nothing sounds the same."

Bieber also teased that he would be hitting the studio with his mentor Usher, who in turn tweeted a bit more about working with his understudy.

"Ohh ... and trust we got a duet coming for 'LOOKING 4 MYSELF' and 'BELIEVE,'" he said of working with the teen star on both their forthcoming albums.

"He has come a long way. Proud to see his evolution as an artist!"

We're guessing 19,863,129 Beliebers (as of this post) concur.

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Diversity Is Important If You Are Choosing Roofing Companies In ...

Browsing through the roofing companies in Denver will be an intimidating task. However, it?s important to focus on what you want and thats a brilliant searching roof. No matter what type of roof you want, whether it?s wooden or asphalt shingles, Spanish tiles or something else, your roofing company could be confident to offer it to you.

Drive around the city and go into a few of the communities. Take photos associated with the roofs that you love thus that you may have something to show the different roofing companies when you meet them. Pay close attention to the colors and styles that you love.

When you meet with the roofing companies in Denver, not all them {will have the ability to offer you with the appearance that you?re after. In actuality, many companies can try to market you a completely different product if they don?t have what you want.

Should you are confident that you want a certain feel on the roof of the dwelling, then thats what you should get. Don?t let an organization s bad selection sway you from the feel you are after. Instead, thank the roofing company for coming out right after which delay for the following company to come out and meet to you.

This task can have to arise several occasions before you find a roofing company that possesses an expansive selection for you to choose from. Especially with regards to asphalt shingles, there are many different colors available. Should you have a particular shade in your mind, then settling shouldn?t be an alternative.

With numerous roofing companies in Denver, among them possesses the appearance you are after. Companies with a limited selection are probably not going to offer you with what you want. The larger the selection is, the greater chance you may have of getting the desired effect for your roof.

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Confidentiality agreements - Business Management Daily

A confidentiality policy should be implemented to protect trade secrets and other proprietary information from leaving your organization. Some organizations go even further and make certain employees sign individual agreements.? These agreements and policies are easier to implement than noncompete agreements because state laws are much more restrictive for noncompete agreements in order to protect an individual?s right to earn a living.

1. Is a formal confidentiality policy truly necessary?

Do not take employee discretion for granted! Since trade secrets and other proprietary information can make or break the success of your company, you shouldn?t leave their protection to chance. Instead, establish clear policies concerning the confidentiality, nondisclosure, and noncompetitive use of sensitive information. Use the following clause to introduce your proprietary information and confidentiality policy.

?Employees understand and agree that in the course of employment, they will receive information on projects, practices, customers, and potential customers that is confidential in nature. Employees agree to maintain the strict confidence of such proprietary information both during and after the term of employment.?

Here are some additional steps for enforcing your confidentiality policy.

  • Since different employees know different pieces of information, you may want to talk one-on-one with each worker to emphasize exactly what they are obligated to keep confidential.
  • Disclosures are often made inadvertently, so educate employees on the kinds of situations in which they may unwittingly reveal protected information.
  • Utilize other safeguards, aside from policy, including computer passwords, locked file cabinets, coded documents, and documents clearly marked as confidential.
  • Make it perfectly clear that work-related ideas belong to the company, not the employee.
  • Reiterate why the policy is in place and what the consequences are for violating it.
  • Be prepared to act. Serious violations may require going to court to uphold a non-compete agreement or to prosecute information theft.
2. In addition to having a confidentiality policy, what can employers do to keep their proprietary information a secret?

Here are some examples of agreements employees can be required to sign to keep important information confidential.

  • Noncompete agreements: seek to prevent former employees from going to work for the competition or from setting up a competing business.
  • Nondisclosure agreements: prohibit employees from revealing proprietary information during and after employment.
  • Nonsolicitation agreements: prevent employees from soliciting clients from your company.
3. What are some additional precautions employers can take to prevent proprietary information from falling into the wrong hands when employees leave their employ?

In today?s mobile workforce, an employee who works for you today may be working for your competition tomorrow. Take these precautions to prevent proprietary information from leaving with your employees:

  • Establish written policies that inform employees about the need for confidentiality and outline what information employees cannot disclose, as well as the penalties for violations.
  • Enforce policies regarding proprietary information and confidentiality consistently.
  • Use exit interviews to reinforce employees? confidentiality obligations and remind them of the terms of any agreements signed.
  • Find out if the employee is going to work for a competitor, and write a letter advising the new employer of the employee?s confidentiality obligations.

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Electric Cars to Tell Power Grid When to Charge Them

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Multi Level Marketing Software |

Multi level marketing software provides access to vital information shared between managers and distributors, thus encouraging communication and growth. Some of the features used by both parties include profile information, commissions and bonuses, reporting and tracking tools, account balances, monthly earnings summary, and email management. Multi level marketing software packages help managers keep track of advertising programs through organizing, budgeting, and tracking. Keeping track of leads is also a component that is usually included with programs showing active history and follow up of each lead. Keeping accurate records is vital when working on leads because forgetting to follow up with one prospect could mean a missed opportunity. Running a home based business from the computer at home is a dream of many individuals. Many opportunities have developed over the Internet for these types of ventures. A company who truly wants to be successful through multi-level offers will provide their distributors and managers with the necessary tools to do so. Multi level marketing software is one of the most important tools out there for networking opportunities. Running a home based business can seem very attractive especially for an individual suffering from job burnout or for someone who wishes to do something different. Opportunities online include selling many different types of products and recruiting others to do the same. It is wise to try the products firsthand so that when a customer or recruit asks about a specific item it will be easier to provide an answer. This can also be said of having a ministry, as the scripture tells us to be able to give an account to any who might ask about our relationship with Christ. "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (I Peter 3:15).

Marketing resources that are available to distributors will benefit everyone within a company. To give someone a really good shot at being successful means providing them with the tools and training to do so. Multi level marketing software packages are designed to bring all the individuals within a company together at one central location in order to work towards the betterment of the company. This not only makes the company more successful but the managers and distributors benefit as well. Distributors need a place to keep up with leads and contacts as well as being able to check on their earnings on commissions. They also need tools to send out marketing information and make positive contacts with prospects. Resources should include these tools along with the ability to communicate, not only with prospects, but with managers and other distributors.

Beware of false claims such as miracle products, or promises of unrealistic earnings when looking for an MLM opportunity. Look out for programs that require large purchases of inventory or membership fees. Check with the local Better Business Bureau and state Attorney General before joining any program. Do some research on companies that are attractive by visiting their website and reading about their information and the tools they provide distributors to guarantee success. Training and the use of multi level marketing software are two important features to look for. Contact numbers of other distributors can give some insight on the program but talk to several different distributors to get more than one opinion.

Providing solutions for distributors through multi level marketing software packages gives them the power to excel. A personal website brings exposure and provides ecommerce solutions, including shopping cart and payment options as well as keeping track of online sales. Other features or links on a website might include a special customized sign up page for distributors to sign up under other distributors and order first products and training literature and materials. The most important requirements for this type of system to work include a computer that meets hardware requirements and an Internet connection.

One of the best ways to judge a legitimate MLM company is through their communication capabilities. Multi level marketing software usually includes email, voicemail, and fax messaging management for distributors and managers. Being able to communicate with recruits and prospects is vital for the growth of any business. Distributors need up to date information to do their job well and having the right tools could make all the difference between success and failure. The right marketing tools might include, email promotions, letters, brochures, and flyers, and professional website design including search engine optimization.

To totally manage a business, individuals need to be educated on keeping good records through multi level marketing software packages. The program should have the capability of tracking sales, processing orders, accurately calculating sales tax and shipping, and the feature of setting up auto-shipments. Inventory management should be included so that a distributor can keep track of all the ins and outs with orders and sales. The best kind of program will have all of these features and more, including any kind of report that might need to be generated.

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Online Do it yourself Loans ? How you can Finance A Home ...

Finding a qualified contractor for a home improvement project is painless. However, financing a house improvement project often poses an issue. If you own a property, you?ll probably want to make necessary home repairs inside upcoming future. This could be replacing the siding, windows, roof, etc. Since the average homeowner doesn?t need thousands in disposable cash, most will finance the project.

Hel-home equity loans and Home Improvements

There are several approaches to finance your house improvement project. One way involves obtaining a second mortgage on the home. Typically called home equity loans, second mortgages allow homeowners to gain access to money against their home?s equity. Due to a booming housing industry, some homeowners have the ability to borrow thousands of dollars. The interest rate on home equity loans is affordable, and the funds are repaid within a few years.

A low interest rate Rate Retail Bank cards

If your local diy retailer will be managing your own home improvement project, you could consider receiving a store charge account. By doing this, you can get all of the necessary materials and spend the money for balance as time passes. Should your credit is nice, you could be eligible for an a low interest rate or 0% financing for your first 1 year.

Although getting a store bank card is convenient and tempting, carefully weigh the pros and cons before applying. Are you able to realistically afford another payment amount? Furthermore, if you achieve approved to get a charge card, avoid over spending. When you have several home improvement projects that want completing, payoff the balance incurred through the first project before buying materials for the next project.

Finance Do it yourself Project using a Contractor

The majority of diy contractors offer financing. However, the rates are higher and you?ll usually look for a better loan package by yourself. Conversely, should you be creating a tough time securing outside financing, accepting a contractor?s terms is the next best thing.

Before choosing a contractor, get estimates from four or five other contractors. You will put away money by searching. Moreover, tend not to accept a package before you review a duplicate with the final contract. If you have difficulty understanding certain terms or even the language, choose to hold the contract reviewed by a legal professional prior to you signing.

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What are the tax implications of selling a property owned for less ...

Question by tuna : What are the tax implications of selling a property owned for less than 2 years ? what is the $ you can make
I am hoping to sell my primary residence that I have owned for 18 months and take the profit and invest it into my fiances property. What are the tax implications of this? Is There A Certain amount of $ ?s that you can still make without having to own the property for 2 years ? Best answer:
Answer by

trade_info your gain will be taxed
at 15% capital gains rates, unless somehow you fall into alternative minimum problems. you need to hold off for 6 months or do a exchange 1231st

know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

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Huge quakes strike off Indonesia; tsunami warning issued

BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (Reuters) - A powerful 8.6 magnitude earthquake and strong aftershocks struck off Indonesia on Wednesday, sending people as far away as southern India scurrying from buildings and raising fears of a disastrous tsunami as in 2004.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage in Aceh, the Indonesian province closest to the initial earthquake. But an aftershock of almost the same magnitude, less deep that the first quake, hit soon after he finished speaking.

The first quake struck at 4.38 a.m EDT and an 8.2 magnitude aftershock just over two hours later, at 6.43 a.m. EDT. Two more strong aftershocks hit later.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued fresh tsunami warnings for the entire Indian Ocean after the aftershocks. Authorities in Indonesia said there were reports of sea-levels rising off Aceh, but by less than a metre (3.3 feet).

But authorities in India's Andaman and Nicobar islands, to the north of where the quakes struck, said waves of up to 3.9 metres (13 feet) could hit there.

Individual countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India, issued their own tsunami warnings and people near the coast in six Thai provinces were ordered to move to higher ground. Authorities shut down the international airport in the Thai beach resort province of Phuket.

The quakes were about 300 miles southwest of the city of Banda Aceh, on the northern tip of Indonesia's Sumatra island, the U.S. Geological survey said. The first was at a depth of 20.5 miles.

Indonesia's disaster management agency said power was down in Aceh province and people were gathering on high ground as sirens warned of the danger.

"The electricity is down, there are traffic jams to access higher ground. Sirens and Koran recitals from mosques are everywhere," said Sutopo, spokesman for the agency.

Yudhoyono, speaking after the first quake, said there were no signs of a disaster.

"There is no tsunami threat although we are on alert," said he said at a joint news conference in Jakarta with visiting British Prime Minister David Cameron, who said Britain was standing ready to help if needed.

"The situation in Aceh is under control, there's a little bit of panic but people can go to higher ground," Yudhoyono said.

Warning sirens rang out across the Thai island of Phuket, a tourist hotspot that was one of the worst hit areas in the 2004 tsunami.

"Guests from expensive hotels overlooking Phuket's beaches were evacuated to the hills behind and local people were driving away in cars and on motorcycles. Everyone seemed quite calm, the warning had been issued well in advance," freelance journalist Apichai Thonoy told Reuters by telephone.

OUT ON THE STREETS

Indonesian television showed people gathering in mosques in Banda Aceh. Many others were on the streets, holding crying children.

In the city of Medan, a hospital evacuated patients, who were wheeled out on beds and in wheelchairs.

Yudhoyono said he had ordered a disaster relief team to fly to Aceh, which was devastated by the 9.1 magnitude 2004 quake, which sent huge tsunami waves crashing into Sumatra, where 170,000 people were killed, and across the Indian Ocean.

In all, the 2004 tsunami killed about 230,000 people in 13 Indian Ocean countries, including Thailand, Sri Lanka and India.

Wednesday's quakes were felt as far away as the Thai capital, Bangkok, and in southern India, hundreds of office workers in the city of Bangalore left their buildings while the port of Chennai closed down because of tsunami fears.

The quakes were in roughly in the same area as the 2004 quake, which was at a depth of 18 miles along a fault line running under the Indian Ocean, off western Indonesia and up into the Bay of Bengal.

One expert told the BBC at least Wednesday's first quake was a "strike-slip" fault, meaning a more horizontal shift of the ground under the sea as opposed to a sudden vertical shift, and less risk of a large displacement of water triggering a tsunami.

The quakes were also felt in Sri Lanka, where office workers in the capital, Colombo, fled their offices.

Mahinda Amaraweera, Sri Lanka's minister for disaster management, called for calm while advising people near the coast to seek safety.

"I urge the people not to panic. We have time if there is a tsunami going to come. So please evacuate if you are in the coastal area and move to safer places," Amaraweera told a private television channel.

In Bangladesh, where two tremors were felt, authorities said there appeared to be no threat of a tsunami. Australia also said there was no threat of a tsunami there.

(Reporting by Jakarta, Bangalore, Bangkok and Colombo bureaus; Writing by Raju Gopalakrishnan; Editing by Robert Birsel)

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