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Julie Ruvolo, Contributor
Starting September 7, .XXX domains are for sale. (That is, if you own a porn site or a trademark to protect – the rest of us have to wait till December 6 and hope nobody scoops our name first).
It's like the internet is growing up a bit. There's certainly enough porn to justify .XXX, if .biz gets its own extension.
But the arrival of .XXX begs the question:
How much of the internet is actually for porn?
PlugthequestionintoGoogle and you reach an abandoned corner of the net: an article from 2005, a mess of answers from 37-80% and the Avenue Q Wikipedia page.
Surely there must be a better way.
So I asked Ogi Ogas, one of the amazingly nerdy neuroscientists behind A Billion Wicked Thoughts, who says he and co-author Sai Gaddam are sitting on what they think is "the most comprehensive collection of porn-use stats on the web."
(At least, till they stopped counting last July. Now they're busy with their book tour.)
So Ogi: How much of the Internet is actually for porn?
There are a couple ways of thinking about the proportion of the Internet that is porn:
● In 2010, out of the million most popular (most trafficked) websites in the world, 42,337 were sex-related sites. That's about 4% of sites.
● From July 2009 to July 2010, about 13% of Web searches were for erotic content.
Both of these are from our research in Billion Wicked Thoughts. We consider our data the best available. It's an impossible task to say exactly what % of *ALL* websites are pornographic or anything else, because the web is both so enormous and so dynamic; looking at the million most popular sites is a very reasonable sample.
You could also look at the number of "adult sites" that are blocked by various parental filtering software programs–for example, CYBERsitter claims to block 2.5 million adult Web sites–though it's not clear how they're deciding a site is an adult site; the sites may not necessarily be sexual sites, and they may be exaggerating their numbers.
Only 4% of the top million websites? That feels… underwhelming. I was thinking at least half.
There have been a bunch of false and ultimately mythic stats floating around for years that say half the Internet is porn or one third of the Internet is porn, though this has never been remotely true.
In the early days of the Web, when the vast majority of users were guys, there was a much greater proportion of searches for porn–I think in 1999 that 4 or 5 of the top 10 searches on the Web were for porn–though the % of websites that were porn may actually have been lower than today.
Web filtering companies used to always release competing figures on the number of porn sites they blocked, but these numbers were almost certainly boosted to get sensationalist headlines and to seem competitive with other filtering companies that filtered "less" adult sites. For example, N2H2 claimed there were 260 millionpornsites (ed. correction: pages) –haha, one for every American citizen! :) Conservative groups are always coming up with porn figures that are crazy high, too, especially with regard to children's exposure to porn.
You and Sai Gaddam are sitting on arguably the largest collection of porn data in the history of mankind. Was this the first burning question on your minds?
This was one of the first questions we tackled while working on Billion Wicked Thoughts. We did our best to locate every previous measure and quickly realized that most available stats were completely fabricated or bogus.
The only systematic scientific attempt to determine how much of the Web was porn was Berkeley professor of statistics Philip Stark's 2006 study carried out at the behest of the US Department of Justice under Bush.
Stark found that about 6% of searches were for sexual content – he must have used crazy stringent definitions of "sexual content" because all the numbers we found in our own data sets was higher. Stark also found that about 1.5% of all web sites were porn sites. We took issue with his method of random sampling sites; we looked at the million most popular websites in the world, since we figured that would give a more realistic indication of a random person's experience on the Internet.
So how do you go about measuring how much of the internet is for porn?
I think the two best metrics for analyzing the level of human interest in sex on the Internet is: (1) how often do people freely search for it and (2) what amount of web traffic goes to porn sites.
The best way to evaluate (1) is by counting porn searches on Internet search engines; the numbers are usually from 10-15% these days (higher as you go back in time to more men and less women online).
The best way to evaluate (2) is by looking at the number of sites out of the million most highly trafficked websites and seeing how many are porn sites (about 4% according to us, higher than Philip Stark's random-sample 1.5%).
You could even count the monthly traffic to all of these porn sites, which I admit we didn't do, though it would be pretty straightforward. In our book we have a table of porn traffic to the five most popular porn sites, varying from about 7 million to 16 million visitors a month.
What about porn downloads? Isn't that a lot to account for?
The only reliable source I know of that can measure "porn downloads" is Nielsen, but I'm not sure how they measure this. We actually spent some time trying to get Nielsen to share data with us, but they never did, so I have to be skeptical of their calculations. I'm sure they're not considering torrents or other P2P sources of downloads.
I also don't know how they're categorizing porn. Also, now that video streaming is so widespread, I'm sure the percentage of downloads that are porn is lower.
.XXX domains go on sale today. Will the number sold tell us how much of the internet is for porn?
Probably not. All the online porn webmasters I know don't like the .XXX domain, since they think it will be too easy for ISPs and other network administrators to block them. On the other hand, I suspect many porn operators might simply use two (or many more) domain names, including a .com and a .XXX. But there's also tons of erotic sites run by amateurs, not for profit, and they probably won't feel any compulsion to switch to .XXX.
But they could establish some sort of minimum?
Yes, the number of .XXX sites will certainly place a lower limit on the number of porn sites on the Web. I bet we'll see many articles about online porn start with something like, "There are over 200,000 .XXX sites on the Web," giving an artificially low sense of the total amount of porn because of the ease of calculating that statistic.
So what's the most popular porn site on the planet?
The single most popular adult site in the world is LiveJasmin.com, a webcam site which gets around 32 million visitors a month, or almost 2.5% of all Internet users!
You're telling me a webcam site is more popular than PornHub?
LiveJasmin is the most popular adult site on the Web by a huge margin.
Basically, it's interesting that what men prefer the most is watching women strip on a webcam and being able to talk to them while they do, telling the women what they want to see. Once this became available (through high-quality broadband streaming of webcam video) it just shot to the top of popularity; it's even more popular than the tube sites like PornHub and RedTube.
The fact that 2.5% of the billion people on the Internet are using LiveJasmin each month is pretty extraordinary.
A global phenomenon! Where do the webcam women come from?
Almost all of the webcam girls are from eastern Europe or southeast Asia. At $8-$15/hour with no benefits, it doesn't pay enough for American women… except teenage girls and college students.
Most of the foreign women do it without the knowledge of their friends and family and only do it for Americans so that acquaintances in their homeland won't hear about it.
Porn tourism, interesting. How about search queries? Is this a broader trend?
In our search data from English-speaking searchers (mainly Americans, Canadians, and British), Blacks are the most popular ethnicity, followed by Asians, with no other ethnicity in the top 100 most popular sexual searches. I say "blacks" rather than African-American because "black" is the term people always use in their searches. Blacks and Asians also have the most porn sites devoted to them, though Latino sites are also well-represented.
We also looked at searches on PornHub, where the most popular ethnic searches are quite different: PornHub features an international audience, including non-English speakers. The most searched for ethnicities, in decreasing popularity, are: (1) Indian, (2) German, (3) French, (4) Japanese, (5) Russian, (6) Black, (7) Italian, (8) Arab.
It's hard to draw conclusions from this since we don't know the geographic regions of the audience who are searching for each of these ethnicities, though a good guess is that Indian men are searching for Indian women.
But it's worth observing that PornHub offers three specific ethnic porn categories: Asian, Ebony, Latina. This suggests that PornHub believes these are the most popular ethnicities across all of their Western audiences–Western because PornHub doesn't generate much revenue from their non-Western audiences so don't try to cater to their tastes.
Any idea how big the porn industry is in dollars?
There's no knowing how much money goes into the porn industry. You should treat any such statistic about how much money is spent on online porn as bogus and completely unreliable. We spent effort on this in the early going, but you quickly see that the vast majority of porn operators are small (1-10 employees) who hide or cook their books.
The big companies report earnings, but talking with industry professionals suggests there's all kinds of financial shenanigans going on even with the big ones. (Maybe not Playboy or Penthouse…) There's no clearinghouse of information on adult companies, so any estimate of the online porn market is going to contain wild extrapolations.
A $3 billion online porn industry in the USA? I don't think so. PornHub, the most popular online porn video site, has 16 million viewers a month, but they're still no DreamWorks. Where's all the millionaires?
Last question. Does anyone still pay for porn?
Utah may have the highest per-capita porn subscribing rate. I've heard from different adult operators that the Republican states have higher per-capita subscription rates. Meaning, they're more likely to pay money—they don't know about free porn viewing.
Read my rundown on Ogi Ogas and Sai Gaddam's A Billion Wicked Thoughts in The Internet is for Porn (So Let's Talk About It) for Forbes.com.
The early purveyors of Porn were pioneers in the Internet Marketing arena. What is really interesting is not what they serve up but how they initially got visitors to their site in the first place.
Early search engines (< 96) were easily manipulated by keyword stuffing. Often they would stuff irrelevant keywords and then hide them by blending the color of the text with the background of the page. It wasn't unusual in those days to search for Gardening Tips and suddenly and unexpectedly find yourself on a site called Big Boobs extravaganza or something similar.
The consequence was that they spawned (pun?) an entire multimillion dollar industry that we now know as Internet Marketing. Because the industry was born of deception it has in many cases, grown up to be poor citizens of the Internet and continued to offer services that have at there foundation deceptive practices.
Porn sites continue to deliver millions of visits to unsuspecting and legitimate small businesses and these small businesses are often oblivious to the fact that someone expecting to see a porn video clip found themselves visiting the ABC Realty Company of Spokane; a lose lose situation for both the Porn Monger and the Realtor. A huge win for the SEO/SEM company that delivered them.
Barrie Featherstone
Author, The ultimate Guide to Internet Marketing (Coming soon).
I watch porn quite often and this LiveJasmin gets a ridiculous amount of visits because of pop ups while trying to stream videos. I feel that most of it's traffic involves pop ups that a few moments later are closed.
Those are some crazy facts…
It alway buggled me how many porn sites we have according to http://porno.ws and http://babecake.net models directory correspondingly
That's a crazy world we are living in
I like how that last bit is a slam on Republicans as being noobs with no idea about free porn. I think the issue is that in most Republican states people are less likely to find outlets for what they want, i.e. strippers, than what they would find in bluer states. With less access, those who want that kind of thing have to pay more. LiveJasmin is not a free site.
I guess no comments for me today
LiveJasmin only has so many visitors because so many sites, even non-porn sites, open it in popup windows.
I think that there are a lot of porn websites out there. I recently discovered http://theporndude.com/ and they have a huge list of 750 adult websites.
I assume as time goes by that there will only be more. Certainly with the new extensions coming up like .porn .adult, etc
I realize this article is from 3 years ago, but I would like to point out that livejasmin.com's number are possibly extremely inflated. I don't look at a ton of porn, but livejasmin opens in a pop-up window on about half the sites i use when trying to stream content. therefore, i have never chosen to go to the site, but i have to close it about half of the time i look at porn.


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News from WTOP
News from the AP
Mike Causey
Shows & Panels
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- The 2014 Big Picture on Cyber Security
- AFCEA Answers
- Ask the CIO
- Building the Hybrid Cloud
- CDWG/NetApp
- Connected Government: How to Build and Procure Network Services for the Future
- Continuing Diagnostics and Mitigation: Discussion of Progress and Next Steps
- Federal Executive Forum
- Federal Tech Talk
- The Intersection: Where Technology Meets Transformation
- Maximizing ROI Through Data Center Consolidation
- Moving to the Cloud. What's the best approach for me
- Navigating Tough Choices in Government Cloud Computing
- The New Generation of Database
- Satellite Communications: Acquiring SATCOM in Tight Times
- Targeting Advanced Threats: Proven Methods from Detection through Remediation
- Transformative Technology: Desktop Virtualization in Government
- The Truth About IT Opex and Software Defined Networking
- Value of Health IT
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Feds plan to shell out more money to get to work
Without Congressional action, the public transit benefit that many federal employees use to take the subway, bus or vanpool to work will decrease on Jan. 1 from $230 to $125 per month. Feds said, for the most part, they'll continue to use mass transit even if it costs them more to get to work.
Tags: mass transit benefit , NTEU , Colleen Kelley , congress , Ben Cardin , Barbara Mikulski , Shannon Richardson , FEMA , Caroline Tiplin , Keith Eichenholz , HHS , Emily Kopp , telework , pay and benefits
Friday - 12/16/2011, 05:35am ESTListen

subset: commoncrawl


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Philadelphia Eagles
Connor Barwin - #98 - LB
|6' 4"/ 268 lbs.
|Southfield, MI
|Years played
|2009, 2nd round, 14th pick by Texans
Snow postpones Vikings-Eagles to Tuesday
The NFL has postponed Sunday night's Vikings-Eagles game to Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET because of snow.
Vikings-Eagles prediction
Everything points to an Eagles win Tuesday night, a very big win, PFW's Eric Edholm writes.
Coleman next Eagle who must rise up
Just as Jamar Chaney was asked to fill a big pinch-hitting role when MLB Stewart Bradley went down with an elbow injury, now Kurt Coleman must step up with Nate Allen out for the season.
Vikings-Eagles matchup of the day: Friday
Let's take a look at one final key matchup as the Eagles and Vikings get set to face off Sunday night in Philadelphia.
Vikings-Eagles matchup of the day: Thursday
Here's yet another crucial matchup as the Vikings get set to face the Eagles in Philadelphia in Week 16.
Vikings-Eagles matchup of the day: Wednesday
Here's another key matchup to consider as the Vikings get ready to head to Philadelphia to face the Eagles in Week 16.
Vikings-Eagles matchup of the day: Tuesday
Let's take a look at a key matchup for the Vikings as they prepare to face the Eagles on Sunday night in Week 16.
Can Eagles' offensive weapons compensate for 'D'?
The Eagles are still buzzing following their epic comeback against the Giants, but their defensive injuries are starting to mount.
Eagles' Jackson turns it up a notch
Say what you will about the sometimes petulant and immature DeSean Jackson, but he's the most lethal open-field threat in the NFL.
Eagles FS Allen done for the year
Eagles rookie FS Nate Allen will have season-ending surgery on a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee.
Avant delivers knockout block for Eagles
Jason Avant threw a huge block on DeSean Jackson's game-winning punt-return TD, but didn't see the play after he was temporarily knocked out.
Week 15 Players of the Week
This week, PFW selects Eagles QB Michael VIck, Chiefs DE Wallace Gilberry and Eagles WR-RS DeSean Jackson as its Players of the Week.
Eagles stun Giants with fourth-quarter comeback
DeSean Jackson scored on a 65-yard punt return on the final play of the game and the Eagles scored 28 points in the final 7:28 to stun the New York Giants 38-31 and take over first place in the ...
Eagles put hopes in rookie MLB Chaney
With no time to work him in slowly, the Eagles will turn to Jamar Chaney at middle linebacker in the place of Stewart Bradley, whose elbow likely will keep him out at least until the playoffs.
Spencer, Middleton fined for QB hits
Cowboys LB Anthony Spencer and Jaguars DB Will Middleton were fined this week for hits to quarterbacks during last Sunday's games.
Barwin was lost for the season when he broke his right ankle in Sunday's 34-24 win over Indianapolis.||||||| Barwin went down in the first quarter when Houston defensive tackle Antonio Smith accidentally slid into him while they were chasing Joseph Addai on a running play. Barwin ripped off his helmet in obvious pain, and Houston coach Gary Kubiak joined medical staff on the field. The injury hurts the Texans' depth on the defensive line.
Barwin was carted off the field in Sunday's opener against Indianapolis with a right leg injury. Barwin was lifted onto a cart, and several Texans surrounded Barwin before the cart left the field.||||||| Barwin went down in the first quarter when Houston defensive tackle Antonio Smith accidentally slid into him while they were chasing Joseph Addai on a running play. Barwin ripped off his helmet in obvious pain, and Houston coach Gary Kubiak joined medical staff on the field.


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October 19, 2010
The metros will be developed and manufactured in Alstom's Brazilian plant in Lapa, where the company employs 850 people. Delivery will take place by mid-2012.
August 24, 2010
Metro Area Transit, which will now go by "Metro," purchased 24 new buses and debuted its redesigned website -- www.ometro.com.
May 8, 2009
Grand Champion award recognizes the bus operator and maintenance team that has the highest combined score.
April 1, 2009
For the first time, more than 16,000 riders who board buses daily on the 16th Street Line in Northwest Washington have the option to ride a new limited-stop service.
February 27, 2009
Riders will be able to call home from any cell phone, access the Internet from any Web-enabled cell phone and, eventually, have Wi-Fi access in the rail system.
February 18, 2009
Transit Access Pass is the new electronic fare payment system that will eventually unify all of Los Angeles County's transit operators through a single, reusable payment card.
September 24, 2008
MetroLINK, rebranded as Metro, is rolling out major changes, including a new slogan, logo, bus stop signs, graphics for the buses,and an Internet microsite.
Join the Metro E-Newsletters and receive the latest news in your e-mail inbox once a week. SIGN UP NOW!
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Express Tuesday | Express Thursday | University Transit
Mass Transit Capital Planning An overview of the world-class best practices for assessing, prioritizing, and funding capital projects to optimize resources and align with the organization's most critical immediate and long-term goals.
The Benefits of Door-to-Door Service in ADA Complementary Paratransit Many U.S. transit agencies continue to struggle with the quality of ADA service, the costs, and the difficulties encountered in contracting the service, which is the method of choice for a significant majority of agencies. One of the most basic policy decisions an agency must make involves whether to provide door-to-door, or only curb-to-curb service.
Mass transit mobile Wi-Fi & the public sector case study How Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority successfully implemented Wi-Fi on its light rail and bus lines
More white papers
The full contents of Metro Magazine on your computer! The digital edition is an exact replica of the print magazine with enhanced search, multimedia and hyperlink features. View the current issue
Copyright © 2014 Metro Magazine. All Rights Reserved.


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As the son of a Muslim father and a Protestant mother, Nima Adelkhani grew up with an international outlook on the world.
On his first trip to the Middle East as an adult, he gained an appreciation for the entrepreneurial spirit of the people.
But back in the States, innovation has long been part of Adelkhani's life. He served as VP of Business Development for the Founder Institute, a start-up accelerator that assists entrepreneurs.
As an innovator, he instinctively took note on his trips to the Middle East of the significant challenges faced by entrepreneurs there.
First, he cites an incomplete grasp of the global market. Middle Eastern entrepreneurs, he said, are often unable to think on a broader scale and are thus "prisoners in their own world."
Second, he discusses a lack of effective collaboration, in that many entrepreneurs are concerned that their ideas will be stolen if they are shared.
Most importantly, he addresses the fact that due to culture, religion and politics, the Middle East is in many ways disconnected from the rest of the world.
Adelkhani believes that with the right touch, these hurdles can be overcome. His company, Progress in Technology Middle East (PITME), which officially launched on August 21, will work with Middle Eastern companies to refine their product offerings and then link them up with major Silicon Valley players such as Apple and Google for partnerships or acquisitions.
PITME will first find companies they believe are established enough to sell to a Silicon Valley audience.
"We have a solid team of high level people who can quickly evaluate companies," said Adelkhani, noting that his team members can decipher within minutes whether a company has acquisition potential.
Companies that are identified as having promise will then receive what Adelkhani calls "Incubation 2.0," involving optimizing their offerings for acquisition and partnerships with major Silicon Valley players.
This, he says, will put companies on a fast track to success.
Adelkhani sees innovation in the Middle East not just as a path to success for his company, but also as a visionary move to create economic development in the region and make it a better place.
Start-ups, he says, are also a way to inspire social change, as they are one of the few work opportunities available for women.
While many such companies offering connections charge consulting fees, Adelkhani stresses that PITME will only accept payment as part of an acquisition or partnership arrangement they help make happen.
"Our income will be based on results," he said. "It's a 'win-win' for entrepreneurs and large companies."
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Women's Summer SoireeAugust 2, 2014
4:00pm - 6:00pmHome of Board Member Laura Brill and Ellen EvansLos Angeles, CA
Save the Date for Lambda Legal's Women's Soiree in the Hollywood Hills! Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails with fellow Lambda supporters. Hear an update from Staff Attorney Carmina Ocampo on our ongoing work and from Plaintiff Julia Frost.
Seattle Garden Party 2014August 7, 2014
5:30pm - 8:00pmHome of Kay Bullitt1125 Harvard Ave EastSeattle, WA
Join Lambda Legal's Seattle Leadership Committee for an evening of fabulous cocktails and hors d'oeuvres as we celebrate an unprecedented year of victories for equality following last summer's striking down of DOMA! Guests will hear updates of Lambda Legal's work on the lovely grounds of Kay Bullitt's Capitol Hill home among friends and supporters. We will be joined by Kevin Cathcart, Lambda Legal's Executive Director, and we will be honoring Scoutmaster Geoffrey McGrath and the Rainier Beach United Methodist Church for their courageous stand against the Boy Scouts of America's (BSA) policy excluding openly gay adults from leadership positions.
Northalsted Market DaysAugust 9, 2014
11:30amNorth HalstedChicago, IL 60613
Lambda Legal is delighted to be in Chicago for the Northalstead Market Days Pride on August 9th!
Please join us for an hour or two to help raise awareness about Lambda Legal and our work.
Lambda Legal Landmark DinnerAugust 9, 2014 - August 10, 2014
6:00pm - 2:00amHotel Palomar5300 East Mockingbird LaneDallas, TX
Be a part of the celebration! Join us for dinner and dancing at the Palomar Hotel as we host our 5th Annual Landmark Dinner & Anniversary Celebration. For more information please contact Carla McKinzie at 214-219-8585, ext. 221.
Ticketing Note: Online ticketing will close Thursday, Aug. 7 at 12:00AM ET. If you would like to purchase after the deadline, please email Thai Pham at firstname.lastname@example.com or call (214) 219-8585 to secure your reservation. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
Into the WoodsAugust 23, 2014
7:00pm - 10:30pmThe Home of Erik Kolacz and David Kroeger17170 River Bluff DriveNew Buffalo, MI 49117
Hosts Erik Kolacz and David Kroeger invite you to the party of the summer: Lambda Legal's 18th Annual Into the Woods.
Support ground-breaking civil rights work and explore modern design at their country retreat, a Stanley Tigerman original. Venture Into the Woods with Lambda Legal for craft cocktails and gourmet fare, at Harbor Country's signature celebration of equality.
Atlanta Black Gay PrideAugust 30, 2014 - August 31, 2014
12:00pm - 9:00pmAtlanta, GA
Lambda Legal is delighted to be in Atlanta for Atlanta Black Gay Pride from August 30th to 31st!
Please join us for an hour or two to help raise awareness about Lambda Legal and our work.
Las Vegas PrideSeptember 5, 2014 - September 6, 2014
11:00am - 11:00pmDowntown Las VegasLas Vegas, NV
Lambda Legal is delighted to be in Las Vegas for Las Vegas PRIDE on September 5th and 6th!
Please join us for an hour or two to help raise awareness about Lambda Legal and our work.
Pride location is to be determined.
Libations and Litigation VI: An Annual LBT Women's EventSeptember 11, 2014
6:00pm - 8:30pmCredit SuisseOne Madison AvenueNew York, NY
Join Lambda Legal and supporters at our annual NYC Women's Event, Libations & Litigation, to celebrate and support women in the LGBT community and Lambda Legal's work for LGBT equality. Guests will enjoy an open bar of beer, wine, and hors d'oeuvres generously hosted by National Sponsor, Credit Suisse, while learning more about Lambda Legal's critical work for equality. Featuring remarks from a Lambda Legal Staff Attorney. Pre-registration required due to security.
Indiana BenefitSeptember 19, 2014
6:30pm - 10:30pmIndianapolis Museum of Art4000 Michigan RoadIndianapolis, IN
Join us for a robust program and festive party with cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres and open bar. The LGBT civil rights movement enjoys unprecedented momentum, pushing all of us further toward full equality, and Lambda Legal's efforts in Indiana and around the country are making historic strides.
Lambda Legal Summer Send OffSeptember 20, 2014
3:00pm - 6:00pmHome of Dorian BergerLos Angeles, CA
It's time to send summer on a honeymoon! Join us for the fourth annual Summer Sendoff Party in support of Lambda Legal. It's an open-bar garden party where hundreds of young LGBT and Ally professionals celebrate Lambda Legal's fight for the civil rights of LGBT people and those with HIV. This year, as we march toward equality in all 50 states, your involvement and attendance are more important than ever.
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Surrounded by a landscaped park ( 5000 sqm ) with mature trees , this picturesque , fully restored stone house built in the 19th Century in which there are three charming apartments and a bit away from the main house two picturesque single family homes . All apartments have separate entrances and direct access from the living room into the romantic garden , a private outdoor patio, garden furniture and sun loungers , fly screens + fans. Of course, it is not missing the oval pool 10 x 5 m, surrounded by a Mediterranean palm garden. A large sand play area with climbing and rocking equipment is available. Other positive things : satellite TV and bicycles, washing machine , biol.Olivoil and wine ( own production) , bread service, on request our legendary Tuscan evening with 4-course menu , in the winter, a Christmas tree ready , dogs are welcome. We speak English , Italian , German. W-Lan free of charge.
Directions : You will pass on the highway from north to Pisa Livorno + , always towards Rome - Grosseto . In Rosigniano Marittima is the highway to the end ( toll booth ) . From there go on the SS1 ( expressway ) Tailgating, direction Grosseto until exit Gavorrano scalo . Please do not previously left towards Gavorrano and Bagno di Gavorrano ! Now , follow the directions Ravi . On this Country Road (old Aurelia SS1 ) ca. 7 km drive , then comes Bivio Ravi , shortly after there is a roundabout , not turn here after Ravi , situated on a mountain top , but continue 1km straight towards in direction Grosseto until shortly before a Total petrol station ( clue ) , right here the 2.turn to Ravi. Then from there exactly1300m go on this small road until on the left is a gravel road. Please turn,after about 50m then turn to the left into the courtyard of La Fornace . Finally! Welcome .
In order to come to us, there is also the possibility to fly, eg to Pisa or Rome with TUIfly , Ryanair, Easyjet , etc., and to take in Pisa or Rome a car
Culture: For art and culture lovers is so much offered that a holiday certainly not sufficient to have seen it all. Since we are in the center of the ancient Etruscan civilization in the middle , it is to excavations , ancient sites not far , for example, Vetulonia , Populonia , Roselle , Vulci , Tarquinia , etc. Of course, the dream cities Massa Marrittima , Siena , Florence and Its museums are not to be forgotten. Even the magnificent city of Rome you can visit for a day excursion from here. Who more indulges in sports and leisure activities , here comes probably also at his own cost . In 15-20 minutes you are right on our beautiful coastline with miles of wide sandy beaches, as they exist in Castiglione and Punta Ala, romantic beaches , picturesque little coastal towns , with a large sports facilities and a funky nightlife. Those who want to dine like king of Italy ' and taste our excellent wine , here from the small trattorias to gourmet temples anything can beat a gourmet 's heart beat faster .
We are a German / Italian couple who is born in Erding one part, the other in Florence ... from this Bavarian-Tuscan alliance was created with much love, energy and creativity of our little paradise that we now more than 20 years like to share with our guests ..., o)) We live and work here on our property, my husband is a farmer and cherishes and maintains his 380 olive trees, and produces an excellent organic olive oil.
This nearly 200 year old stone house had fascinated us for a long time before we finally bought ... but the restoration was so complex and expensive that it sometimes seemed hopeless ... but we have persevered and today we are very proud of our little paradise that we continue to maintain and pleased if this house also others like this ...
This stone house, hidden in the (then) neglected olive grove like a sleeping beauty castle, with scents of wild rosemary and lavender, was love at first sight for us. Even when we realized that our beloved had many shortcomings, we did not let down, because if you really want to achieve something, then it overcomes all difficulties ... but it needs a large measure of commitment and passion.
Today this property is something special, a treasure and real paradise ... so if you just want to relax the soul, would like to again focus on the essential and recharge your batteries, this is the place ... This is pure relaxation ...
Ravi is a small, very picturesque village on a hill and is located in an unspoiled , sparsely populated landscape,still largely untouched by mass tourism.
This part of Tuscany called Maremma, which is so characteristic with his evergreen maquis , which is unique in its wild beauty .
Below the mountain village of Ravi , about 15 minutes drive from the sea ( Castiglione della Pescaia) , is the stone house La Fornace , fully integrated into nature . Surrounded is our country house of 5 acres of land with olive trees and meadow. In Ravi , 2 km from the house , you will already find the first of several excellent restaurants. Some trails go directly from the house into the bush forest of cork oak and chestnut forests. The German / Italian owner ( always in a good mood and full of energy ) , which inhabit their small house on a neighboring property , always have an open ear and the best insider tips for their guests ready. Especially popular are the Tuscan Maremma evenings with specialties from Mama Alba, good wine , music and candlelight.
Golf : Approx. 10 minutes drive from La Fornace away is the beautiful newly designed golf Club Toscana with 18 holes . In about 30 minutes you reach one of the most beautiful golf courses in Italy , if not Europe, the Golf Club Punta Ala . This 18 -hole course is nestled in the oak groves by the sea with breathtaking views.
|Rate Period
|Weekend Night
Jul 5 2014 - Sep 12 2014
7 night minimum stay
Sep 13 2014 - Oct 17 2014
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Library Quick Links
- Ask a QuestionYou can reach us by phone, e-mail, live chat. If you'd like to meet with a librarian, you can make an appointment or just drop by.
- Library Hours
- Borrowing & Returning MaterialsCall 785-628-4434 to renew by phone.
- Alphabetical List of All Article Databases
- Interlibrary LoanUse this service to request materials from other libraries. More information is available on the Interlibrary Loan page of this guide.
- Test Proctoring ServiceFor information on having a test proctored at the library, call 785-628-4434 or e-mail us at firstname.lastname@example.com.
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Or Search It All with a single search.
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Library Locations
Take a Virtual Tour of Forsyth Library.
General Collection: Books that can be checked out. Located on the 2nd floor, west side. Books are shelved in LC order.
Reference: Encyclopedias, factbooks, maps, etc. These items cannot be checked out without permission from a librarian.
Government Documents: Federal, State, Foreign, and United Nations documents; many of these can be checked out. Located on 2nd floor, east side.
Periodicals: Journals dated 1994 - present are shelved in the Periodicals area on the Main Floor. Older journals are shelved in the basement.
Special Collections: The Special Collections/Archives room has several different collections for the researcher. Subjects range from the history of the West to military history, geneaology and the history of FHSU. Located on the main floor. Contact Patty Nichols, Archivist, for an appointment.
Center for Ethnic Studies: This room houses a variety of genealogical materials and other resources relating to the Volga German heritage of this area of Kansas. Contact Patty Nicholas for an appointment.
Digital Collections: This growing collection of library materials available online includes FHSU Masters Theses, photos of the early days of FHSU, Ben Franklin letters, items from Sternberg Museum and Kansas Cosmosphere, and more.
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Campaign For America's Libraries
To provide oversight on the strategic direction for the Campaign for America's Libraries. To develop educational opportunities for members to learn about the campaign and effective public awareness-building techniques. To cultivate internal and external partnerships with ALA divisions and offices and with corporate, media and non-profit and government allies. To develop outreach efforts that target Hispanic/Latino communities and parents and children.
Roberto Carlos Delgadillo (Member, January 25, 2014, to January 25, 2016)
Lisa R. Rice (Member, January 25, 2014, to January 25, 2016)
Cathleen Bourdon (Staff Liaison, May 16, 2014, to June 30, 2016)
Megan McFarlane (Staff, January 5, 2010, to June 30, 2016)
Displaying active committee roster as of 08/01/2014. Last retrieved on 08/01/2014. Members can log in to view full contact information for committee members.
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- Men
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Re-Building a city is hard work. With a fist full of motor city pride, Chrysler and Carhartt have teamed up to make clothing for this monumental task. It was designed in Detroit, Made in America and built for the people who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. Learn more.


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Business travel shouldn't be hard. Take a moment to sit back and see our vision for the future of business travel.
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460 N. Euclid Ave.
Upland, Ca 91786
(909) 931-4100
Monday - Thursday
8am - 6pm
Learn basic hand, body and foot motions related to graceful Hawaiian dancing in time to hula at a luau. This class is specifically designed for seniors to keep their hands flexible and their body limber. Its exercising, relaxing and fun! Instructor: Donna Tovar
Please contact the Gibson Senior Center to register at (909) 981-4501.
Sign-ups are limited.
Start Date: Friday, 12/31/2010
Days: Wednesday
Time: 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Number of Classes: On Going
Ages: 55 yrs +
Location: Gibson Senior Center, 250 N. Third Ave., Upland
Fee: Free


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By Jessica Bagley
Niagara Gazette
Niagara Gazette — BUFFALO — The 87-year-old man accused of brutally beating his roommate at a Town of Tonawanda assisted living facility was arraigned Wednesday on a charge of first-degree manslaughter.
Although Chester Rusek was initially charged with first-degree assault after the incident, the victim, Salvatore Trusello, 86, succumbed to his severe injuries and died Dec. 27.
The case was then sent to a grand jury, which returned an indictment of manslaughter, according to Erie County Assistant District Attorney Paul Bonanno.
Rusek, appearing in court in a wheelchair, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to the charge before State Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Burns.
Rusek allegedly attacked Trusello at 9:30 a.m. on the morning of Nov. 26, while the victim was still in bed at the Kenwell De-Paul Senior Living Community.
Rusek had fashioned a weapon from a speaker magnet, tied to a 2 1/2 inch piece of string. He used the weapon to beat Trusello repeatedly in the head, chest and wrist.
After the assault, Rusek, with the assistance of a walker, shuffled down to the front desk and told an employee to call for medical help for Trusello, telling her, "I just beat his (expletive)."
Shortly thereafter, police arrived, and Trusello, in a semi-conscious state, was able to identify Rusek as his attacker.
Trusello was sent to Erie County Medical Center's intensive care unit with a broken rib and punctured lung, police said, where he died the next month.
Rusek cooperated fully with authorities, and was taken back to the police department for an interview following the assault. Police said he confessed to the crime, and said he was angry at Trusello for stealing his records.
He allegedly told officers, "I didn't want to kill him, I just wanted to get even."
Bonanno said he has a tape of the interview as evidence, and provided Rusek's lawyer, Barry Dolgoff, with a copy Wednesday.
Rusek has been held in the Erie County Holding Center without bail since shortly after the incident.
"It's a sad case all the way around," Dogloff said. "The elderly are discarded, and confused ... they think differently than we do, because we have means ... we are thinking clearly. Their world is completely different once they are housed."
Dogloff did not say whether or not Rusek's treatment or mental stability would be an issue during court proceedings.
If convicted, Rusek faces a maximum prison sentence of 25 years.
"Any prison sentence will be a death sentence for him," Dogloff said. "He is in poor health ... he walks with two canes, he walks so slowly and so feebly."
Burns granted Dogloff's request to have 45 days to file motions.
Dogloff said he expects the case to go to trial.
"That is probably the ultimate place it will end up," he said.


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• Basic Equipment to have on Hand
• A focal light source (halogen Finoff transilluminator)
• A direct ophthalmoscope or a indirect ophthalmoscopy lens
• Loupe for Magnification
• Serrated Thumb Forcep
• Schirmer Tear Test Strips
• Fluorescein strips
• Rose Bengal strips
• A Kimura spatula or a #10 blade
• Glass Slides
• Sterile cotton tipped swabs
• Culture Swabs and transport media
• Proparicaine
• Tropicamide 1%
• 23g IV catheter
• Digital camera
Historical Data
A good ocular examination begins with a complete medical history. The saying goes that the eyes are the window to the soul
– to the ophthalmologist they are often a window to illness elsewhere in the body. The general medical history should be scrutinized
starting with signalment and work/play/housing environments. Travel history can be important when considering some infectious
diseases that have different geographic occurrences. Many Arizona snowbirds have returned to the Midwest bringing with them
pets with Valley Fever (coccidiomycosis) which is endemic in the Southwestern US. A vaccine and deworming history can also
be integral in finding answers to the problems at hand. Other clinical signs not thought to be directly related to the ocular
condition may be very important to an accurate diagnosis. Ie, skin lesions or GI signs with can accompany ocular histoplasmosis.
When assessing the primary ocular complaint, onset of signs, duration of and response or lack of response treatments as well
as current medications should be considered.
The best restraint for an ocular exam is normally the least amount necessary. Sedation will often make the examination more
difficult by causing protrusion of the third eyelid (TEL), enophthalmos, and rolling down of the globe in the orbit. The TEL
is often a formidable obstacle to getting a good exam done even without sedation. Dogs will utilize the retractor bulbi muscles
to pull the globe caudally causing TEL elevation, while cats have a direct mechanism to raise the TEL. Keeping the animal
alert, positioning them over the edge of a table or making noises to attract their attention will often help to keep the TEL
in its normal position. There are times that proparicaine and a serrated thumb forceps or a cotton swab will be required to
move the lid out of the field of view. A systematic exam and short periods of exposure to the bright light of the exam will
allow for the most affective and complete exam.


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Southern Africa Encompassed (DAJJ)
When it comes to raw, in-your-face wildness, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe are incredible—and from the vantage of our rugged overland vehicle—even more spectacular. Witness traditional dancing, explore the Okavango Delta with a game walk and bush camping, track rhinos on foot in Zimbabwe's Matobo National Park and capture the Big Five (with your camera, of course) in South Africa's Kruger National Park. All the while, camping keeps you close to the incomparable scenery. This quick tour isn't simply a taste of Africa; it's a full-course meal—with seconds.
Highlights: Spot the Big Five in Kruger National Park, gaze out across Victoria Falls, track rhinos on foot in Matobo National Park, feel the pulse of a continent at a dancing demonstration, discover four diverse countries, explore the Okavango Delta the traditional way on a mokoro canoe excursion.
Cape Town to Joburg Adventure (DATJ)
Like action, adventure and wildlife documentaries? Then you're going to flat-out love this trip. The itinerary reads like a special double-issue of your favourite travel mag: towering sand dunes, impossibly deep canyons, game drives in Etosha, Kruger and Matobo National Parks, the bone-shaking roar of Victoria Falls, Shangaan village tour, campouts under a sprawling blanket of stars—and that's just a sample! With expert CEOs and loads of optional activities available each day, you'll run out of time before you run out of things to do, see and experience.
Highlights: Cruise the Okavango Delta in a dug-out canoe, meet the San Bushmen, marvel at Fish River Canyon, spot the Big Five in Etosha and Kruger National Parks, search for wildlife from a 4x4 in Matobo National Park, witness Shangaan traditions, discover the less-visited Zimbabwe.
Southern Africa Encompassed (DAJJ)
Cape Town to Joburg Adventure (DATJ)
|Service Level
|Starting Price
|Southern Africa Encompassed (DAJJ)
|15 days
From $2099
|Cape Town to Joburg Adventure (DATJ)
|28 days
From $3199


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Slideshow posted in Photos | Tuesday, January 03, 2012
185 of 192:
Comedian Russell Brand and singer Katy Perry were married in a traditional Hindu ceremony in India, on October 22, 2010. Friends and Family close to the guests gathered at a luxury resort at Aman-e-Khas wildlife retreat and the ceremony was conducted by a Hindu priest. Brand initially proposed to Perry in India on New Year's Eve 2009.
In December 2011, Brand filed for divorce from his wife of 14 months.
'Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage,' the 36-year-old comedian told the Associated Press on Friday. 'I'll always adore her and I know we'll remain friends.'
Brand cited "irreconcilable differences" in the documents, which were filed in a Los Angeles Superior Court on December 30. The couple had no children together.'
Pictured: Russell Brand in a scene from 'Get Him to the Greek.'
(Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures and twitter.com/KATYPERRY)


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Hotel horror stories???
Quoting pau_p1 the first one shared her experience in a hotel in Bangkok... I don't know the name but it's at least a 3 star hotel... anyways.. she narrates her one night experience when in the middle of night she felt something heavy over her whole body like someones on top of her...she could feel ...
favorite festival
Quoting pau_p1 I've not been to festivals outside the country.. but the best I've been to locally would be the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban.... though the best locally would be the Sinulog Festival of Cebu City.. The Masskara festival in Bacolod is also rather good! ...
Two days in Pau
Visiting Jennifer and Mourad in Pau! We had nice walks, saw the castle of Henri 4th and ate specialties from the region. Thank you guys for two very relaxing days! Its good to be out of Bordeaux for a while! ...
Posted in European adventures by mcgoubi
koln to lescar (for pau)
and was in hosp. in pau (france). p called the hosp and found out it was a very serious situation and we decided ...
Posted in our motorhome adventure by spiderface
Two days in Pau
Posted in European adventures by mcgoubi
Hva er viktigere for deg?Pris Populæritet


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Rise of the Guardians tells the story of a group of heroes -- each with extraordinary abilities. When an evil spirit, known as Pitch, lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces for the first time to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children all over the world. In 3D at select locations.
Sorry there are no upcoming showtimes for Rise of the Guardians


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Andrew Crumey studied Theoretical Physics and Mathematics at St. Andrews University and Imperial College, and did postdoctoral research at Leeds University on nonlinear dynamics. He received Scotland's Saltire Prize for Best First Novel for Music, In a Foreign Language. He lives in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Andrew Crumey


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Tulku Thondup Rinpoche was born in East Tibet and was recognized to be a tulku at age five. He studied at Tibet's famed Dodrupchen Monastery, settling in India in 1958 and teaching for many years in its universities. He came to the United States in 1980 as a visiting scholar at Harvard University.


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Graham Corporation is a leading designer and manufacturer of vacuum and heat transfer equipment for energy markets and process industries worldwide. Customers rely on Graham for engineered-to-order equipment to meet their most complex technical challenges. Graham analyzes the specific and unique needs of each customer to provide a thorough integration of product and process, delivering precise Engineering Answers.
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"It's just a fun thing to do."
If you ask Regina Myers what she's talking about, be prepared for a long list of "fun things to do."
She paints. She sews, knits, crochets and quilts. Scrapbooks. Takes pictures. Builds miniature dollhouses.
She collects and makes teddy bears (one smaller than a pinky nail), and tiny baby dolls.
She's done ceramics. Stained glass.
In Mexico, she zip-lined over the rain forest, swam with the dolphins and visited Mayan ruins.
"I started sewing for survival," she said with a laugh. "When the kids were little, I learned to knit, sew and crochet. I enjoyed having my break and time to do what I wanted to do.
"My grandkids are my real hobby," she said.
"I wish I could find just one thing that I enjoyed and stuck with it. But I can't ... not yet. I'm still looking."
She started painting back in 1976. Then, true to form, she gave it up.
"I was raising four kids. And then about 10 years ago, my mother-in-law went to a class with me. It's just a fun thing to do."
For a brief while, she lived in Georgia. To occupy herself, she bought a dollhouse kit. And a big love for miniatures was born.
"I now have a barn and three houses. I decorated this one for Christmas. It was build as you go. It's just a fun thing to do.
"I didn't have a dollhouse when I was little. My mother said I never even played with dolls. And now I collect them."
She takes photos.
"I have more than 30,000 photos on that computer ... of my grandchildren, of course," she said, laughing. "A couple of them have painted with me. They enjoyed it so much."
She quilts.
"I quilted off and on. I made this West Virginia quilt over Christmas. I sewed when the kids were little. I started making baby quilts at Christmas for the church. We donated them to the Union Mission.
"I'm so tender-hearted I never could go to those Christmas parties. But one year I made a duck blanket. A little boy opened it and started crying. 'My ducky blanket came back,' he said."
It's hard to keep track of where she went from quilting.
"I start out and really enjoy doing something, and then I get bored and try something different."
She made a quilt from T-shirts one grandson had worn to different baseball tournaments.
"He'd outgrown them, so I thought, 'Why not?' Now he'll have it forever."
She takes photos and stores them in her computer and in scrapbooks she makes.
"I'm never bored," she said.
She's got projects in just about every room in her house and would love to add on a "just Regina" room.
"If I could put everything in one room, for me, that would be the ultimate."
She does have a craft room, with cabinets stuffed with various paints, materials and supplies. She's even got digitized computer software with patterns hooked up to the sewing machine.
"It makes it easier. Just something I play with," she said.
She hasn't tried woodworking yet.
"It's so creative. To me, it means more if somebody makes me something rather than go out and buy it. They spend the time and energy into making something and that makes me feel like they really care."
She does the same with her creations. She'll give them away.
"I do this just for my own. I don't sell things."
She's taught ceramics and done stained glass.
"I've done cake decorating, but I haven't taken any cooking classes," she said. "I don't know if that's on my agenda."
When the family went on camping trips, she and her father would draw nature scenes.
"I'd put things in that I saw but he didn't, like a rabbit. We had a lot of fun doing that."
All these hobbies are much more than plain busy work.
"It's therapy. I can't sit and watch TV. I like to read, Christian romances mostly. I read on my iPad some, but I still like the feel of a book. I don't think books will ever go out."
Zip-lining was just another item on her bucket list, she said.
"It seemed like it would be something fun to do. We did seven different stations over the rain forest. After the first few, it got kind of boring and not as exciting. But it was fun."
If she had to give up all her hobbies but one, she'd keep quilting, she said.
"It's so old-fashioned. We're losing those skills our grandparents had, even things we want our grandkids to have."
She's willing to try almost anything, she admitted.
"I don't know what's next."
"Take 5" is featuring local residents with interesting hobbies. To be included as a Wednesday "Take 5" feature, contact Debra Minor Wilson at 304-367-2549 or email@example.com.
Email Debra Minor Wilson at email@example.com.
My Hobby
Fun things to do
"It's just a fun thing to do."
- My Hobby
Quite the master
Everybody knows Dora Grubb as the master of Marion County history.
But you may not know that she has this competitive side, and is really quite the master.
Wild blue yonder
Up, up and away!
For as long as he can remember, Michael Bond has been fascinated by things that fly.
"I grew up around aviation," he said. "My dad was a pilot and managed a small airport in New Jersey. I followed in his footsteps and became a pilot."
A scrappy hobby
You could call Debbie Cooper a scrappy kind of person.
She wouldn't mind. She's been that way for a long time.
Thrill of the hunt
When he was able to hold a tube of glue, Bob Rogers started putting together model cars.
Now that he's older, he still does ... only they're real cars and he uses real tools.
Restoring cars is one of his passions, he said.
Intricate models
Please don't ask Charlie Fawcett if he makes those little model ships in a glass bottle.
Just don't.
Sharing stories
When he was growing up, Jack Daft would hear all these wonderful stories from his parents, Lewis and Edith Cole Daft.
It's our history
The tall young soldier rests against the long muzzleloader that's become his best friend. His bright red coat blazes against the gray weather-beaten wooden fence of the Indian refuge fort in the background.
Fix it his way
Since he was 6 years old, Garry Boros has been putting together models.
The first, a robin, was given to him by his dad, Louis Boros. The youngster put it together and painted it "exactly the way you're supposed to," he said. He did that with the next model, a submarine.
A good, clean game
Terry McLain leans over the red felt-lined billiards table, draws a bead on a white cue ball and, aiming carefully, raps it with his cue stick.
Holding a memory
It isn't often you can hold a memory in your hands.
But Jon "Tom" Merrifield can.
One of his most cherished memories of growing up in Barrackville is seeing and hearing all the trains that passed through the small town on their ways to and from the coal mines.
- More My Hobby Headlines
- Quite the master


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Born: December 14, 1962
Claudio Scolari has always been focused on the study of timbre with regard to his instruments, paying particular attention to the compositional aspect and to the writing techniques of contemporary jazz, jazz rock and electronic music. His way of organizing sound elements shows a clear intention to delve into ancient sonority in which rhythm mingles with instrumental noise and timbre, supported by modern keyboards and sequencers.
Claudio Scolari took a diploma at the College of music A.Boito in Parma with professor Stefano Cantarelli, his artistic carreer developed in two different areas: the Classical and Contemporary music one and the Avantguard Jazz music one in collaboration with some of the most prestigious sinphonic orchestras in Italy e.g.The Scala Philarmonic Orchestra of Milano,The RAI National Simphonic Orchestra of Turin going on tour in Spain, Switzerland Austria ,Germany and France from 1989 to 2009 and collaborating with the following Orchestra Directors: Giuseppe Sinopoli, Luciano Berio, Fruhbech de Burgos,Whun Chung, Eliahu Imbal, Jeffrey Tate, Yutaka Sado, Georges Pretre, Daniel Oren, Aleksandr Lazarev, Dmitrij Kitaenko, Gianandrea Noseda, Kristian Jarvi, Gyorgy Gyorivanyi Rath, Lu Jia, Yuri Ahronovitch, Riccardo Chally, Ingo Metzmacher, Michel Plasson, Gennadij Rozdestvenskij, Garcia Navarro, James judd, Gianluigi Gelmetti, Sylvain Cambreling, Daniele Callegari, Yan Pascal Tortelier, Gary Bertini, Emmanuel Krivine, Zoltàn Pesko, Daniele Gatti, Kazushi Ono, Vladimir Delman, Josè Serebrier, Ion Marin, Isaac Karabtchevsky.The Simphonic Orchestra of theater La Fenice of Venice, the Simphonic Orchestra of theater Della Rena of Verona, Simphonic Orchestra Arturo Toscanini of Parma, the Simphonic Orchestra of the Italian-Swiss Radio, the Philarmonic Orchestra of Parma.He also partecipated to the concert held in Rome in honour of Pope John Paul The Second. He partecipated to the concert to celebrate Luciano Pavarotti's birthday held in Montecarlo. He partecipated to the Pavarotti & Friends editions of 1999 " 2000 " 2002 and 2003, where he met the American drums player STEVE GADD.He played at the "Biennale di Venezia" with the American drums player Chad Wackerman executing a composition by Frank Zappa. In contemporary music he took part in the following ensembles: CARME (Italian Society of Chamber Music) "Gruppo Musica Insieme di Cremona", I Virtuosi Italiani, Ensemble Edgard Varèse. For RAI has recorded two CD with the percussions band titled THE CONCERTS OF POLITECHNIC and PERCUSSION & FRIENDS. He was member of the Jazz band Euforia partecipating to the Jazz Festival of Modena, concert which gained several consenses by Italian press, journals such as Repubblica underlined the quality and originality of the pieces of the band....
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The new project by Italian musician Claudio Scolari is a fascinating mix of acoustic and electronic sounds creating an almost cinematic atmosphere. For this album Claudio has the collaboration of Daniele Cavalca on drums, bass and vibraphone and Simone Scolari on trumpet.
Scolari music, like the tracks Electric light over water and Emotion appearance can be described as avant-garde jazz but it is so much more. It has elements of classical music, and other jazz styles. For example Variations of movement has some latin influences and the title track, Colors of red island with Simone Scolari majestic sound on trumpet reminds me at times of Miles music from the album Birth of Cool.
Daniele Cavalca plays the vibraphone in the funky Improvised sentimental song, Cold landscape and in Movement inspiration, a track with a blend of acoustic and futuristic sounds creating kind of a mysterious mood. This mysterious mood continues in Dialogues night with an interesting almost hypnotic percussion.
Earth dances explosions is even more futuristic, with a sound effect loop that provides the background to Simone trumpet improvisations.
Colors of red island, Movement inspiration, Variation of movement, Dialogues night, Earth dances explosions, Improvised sentimental song, Electric light over water, Emotion appearance, Winds of metamorphosis, Infinite silence, Cold landscape.
CD Title: Colors of red island Year: 2010 It's A Jazz Thing on UK Jazz Radio - 12th to 19th May 2010 by: Mark Robinson. Part 1 features my "CD of the Week" by Italian drummer Claudio Scolari it's an great cd, very much in the ECM vein with some wonderful inventive music.
CD Title: Landskap Live Year: 2001 Jazzreview by: Lee Prosser
was a total surprise when I listened to it. It is charming, it is intricate, and it carries a sweet jazzy feeling for those who listen to the piano work of Sandro Animini and the percussion work of Claudio Scolari.The title is LANDSKAP LIVE 2001 and it is well worth your time to listen to. A very inventive collection of songs, it seems it starts playing only to conclude all too soon.This collection weaves its own spell, and it is one you will enjoy.This brilliant collection of material will remind jazz listeners of the some of the finest of the jazz music found in the old coffee houses of the late 1950s, music that makes sense, has melody, and is inventive in its handling of jazz motifs. The piano and percussion work is flawless. Very nice!
CD Title: Reflex Year: 2004 Jazzreview by: Michael Casano
This is not your typical jazz CD and perhaps that is a good thing.Percussionist Claudio Scolari's Reflex CD is an experiment in electronic music that borrows conceptually from world music and jazz, as well as electronic ambient music. The compositions are strong, and the willingness to experiment electronically is a much-needed shot in the arm for experimental jazz music.What makes this CD even more interesting is that Scolari's background is in classical music, thus his percussion style is never overstated, and is always complimentary of the music at hand. From top to bottom, this is an enjoyable CD that opens many doors for those tempted to enter the mesh and wires of electronics and jazz.
CD Title: The My Fourteen Songs Year: 2005 Jazzreview by: Savon Edwards
Every once in a while, we as music listeners are blessed to have someone come along who is not like anyone else. A musician who finds the bar and proceeds to go beyond that. A student of life and of music. A master craftsman, someone who is willing to dedicate their last breath for their passion. I believe that Claudio Scolari is this type of person. The My Fourteen Songs, released on Principal Records in 2005, is a highly personal recording. There is more than plenty of emotions passed through from Scolari on this classic avant-soul-fusion record.It sounded strange and beautiful and as I listened more and more, I explored the multi-textural music stylings that are incorporated. Everything from 70s big rock guitar to hip-hop beats, but there is more to it. There are elements that remind me of Miles Davis' On the Corner. That same sort of funkiness, that feeling of the music actually being inside of you. Also containing the spiritual side of, dare I say Coltranes' A Love Supreme." A sonic enlightenment. A spiritual journey. Claudio is one half of the musicians on the record, taking responsibilities of drums, percussion, voice and synths. And let's not forget about composing the music, in which you will find the true strength of the music. Donnie Romano makes up the other half by contributing guitars and voice. You do not hear jazz guitar players like Romano. He is extremely talented in both theory and pure expressionism. Donnie plays with a fierce intensity on the one side, then on the other is cool and collective. This perfect mixture makes a challenging and welcomed addition to the "colours" of Claudio Scolari. In short, let me just say blessed are those who listen.
SynthesisPrincipal Records
Colors Of Red IslandSelf Produced
Dreams And Emotions Of CityPrincipal Records
The My Fourteen SongsPrincipal Records
ReflexPrincipal Records
ReflexResonance Records
This information is provided by discogs.com or the profile administrator.
Primary Instrument:
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
Claudio Scolari is currently professor of percussion instruments at the Musical Institute "V. Bellini" of Caltanissetta (Italy).


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More Virtual PBX Channel Stories
October 21, 2008
Nextiva Launches Virtual PBX Channel on TMCnet
(Norwalk, CT – October 20, 2008) Technology Marketing Corporation (TMC (News - Alert)) today announced that Virtual PBX Channel, sponsored by Nextiva has been launched as the newest addition to the TMCnet channel program.
The Virtual PBX (News - Alert) channel promotes Private Branch Exchange services for business professionals. In addition, visitors can find valuable resources such as white papers, industry news, product information, and feature articles.
The Virtual PBX channel can be found at: http://www.tmcnet.com/channels/virtual-pbx/.
TMCnet's channels are micro-targeted information portals where readers can find topic-specific news, articles, feature stories and product reviews. TMCnet has over 100 channels covering important topics in the IP Communications, VoIP, IP Telephony, CRM, Call Center and Information Technology industries.
"Nextiva is pleased to join forces with TMC, the leader of communications and technology media," commented the Nextiva team. "Taking advantage of TMCnet's credibility and expertise in driving traffic will reinforce our branding and distinguish Nextiva as a Business VoIP market leader."
"TMCnet welcomes Nextiva's Virtual PBX channel into our program," stated Dave Rodriguez (News - Alert), Vice President of Publications and Conferences, TMC. "They are a well-respected business VoIP services provider that shares our vision in the advancement of new technologies. Our channel program is a community-building vehicle assisting our partners in building their brand, while contributing to the vast array of valuable content which drives traffic to TMCnet, the most-visited communications and technology Web site in the world."
TMCnet the leading Web site for communications and technology professionals. TMCnet received over 3 million unique visitors and 36 million page view in March 2008 according to Webtrends.
For information on TMCnet's channels program, please contact Stephanie Thompson at (203) 852-6800, ext. 139 or e-mail: email@example.com.
About TMC
Technology Marketing Corporation (TMC) is an integrated global media company helping our clients build communities in print, in-person and online. TMC publishes Customer Interaction Solutions, INTERNET TELEPHONY, Unified Communications, and IMS Magazine. TMC is also the first publisher to test new products in its own on-site laboratories, TMC Labs. TMCnet, TMC's Web site, is the leading source of news and articles for the communications and technology industries. According to Quantcast (News - Alert)*, TMCnet reaches nearly one million U.S. unique visitors each month. TMCnet serves as many as three million unique visitors globally each month according to Webtrends. In addition, TMC produces INTERNET TELPHONY Conference & EXPO, Call Center 2.0 Conference and Communications Developer Conference. (*Quantcast is an independent Web site that monitors U.S. Web traffic)
For more information about TMC, visit www.tmcnet.com.
About Nextiva
Nextiva, Inc. is a leading provider of communication services for small and medium sized businesses. Nextiva's award winning line of VoIP phone solutions is powered by its state-of-the-art platform which has helped thousands of businesses run professional phone systems at low flat-rates. Nextiva has also become famous for the speed and effectiveness of its customer support. For more information call 800-983-4289 or visit http://www.nextiva.com.
TMC Contact:
Michelle Robart
Tel: 203-852-6800
Fax: 203-853-2845
Nextiva Contact:
Yaniv Masjedi
Tel: 480-304-5004
Edited by Michelle Robart
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With lawsuits and criticism greeting Gov. Pat McCrorys signing of a complex elections bill on Monday, two national conservative groups on Wednesday rushed to defend him.
The Republican State Leadership Committee blasted N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper, who both in his role as the states top law enforcement official and as a politician, opposed the bill. Not so incidentally, state Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger is chairman of an RSLC subgroup, the Republican Legislative Campaign Committee.
RSLC President Chris Jankowski issued a statement saying Cooper had politicized his role as the states top law enforcement officer by lambasting a law that he will be required to defend.
Noting that Cooper has often been rumored to have his eye on another office, Jankowski added, It should come as no surprise that a Democrat, in the vein of President Obama, has mimicked one of the presidents favorite maneuvers of attacking an election reform law that has been passed and signed by our elected leaders.
Berger, too, has eyed another office, but has not yet committed to joining the Republican primary in the lead-up to Democratic U.S. Sen. Kay Hagans re-election effort.
Also Wednesday, a group of national black conservatives Project 21 thanked McCrory for signing the bill into law.
Im thrilled to see that North Carolina is joining the brigade of states enforcing voter ID, Horace Cooper, co-chairman of the group, said in a release. Voter ID is constitutional and legal and, as the evidence demonstrates, it encourages real Americans to cast their vote knowing they wont be displaced by ghosts, convicts or illegal aliens.
Hunter retiring from N.C. court
Judge Bob Hunter said Wednesday he would not seek re-election in 2014, retiring from his seat on the N.C. Court of Appeals.
Meanwhile, Wake County Superior Court Judge Lucy Inman said she plans to run for Hunters seat. Inman has held her seat for three years.
Hunter, 69, has served on the appeals court for 15 years. He was appointed by Democratic Gov. Jim Hunt and won an eight-year term in 1998. He has participated in an estimated 4,000 cases and written more than 1,500 opinions.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my service, and hope that I have made a positive contribution during my years on the Court of Appeals, Hunter said in a statement. I look forward to continuing this work through the remainder of my term.
Protesters popularity high
The public has a higher opinion of the Moral Monday protesters than it does of the legislature, according to a new survey.
Asked whom they have a higher opinion of, 47 percent chose the protesters and 38 percent chose the General Assembly, according to Public Policy Polling, a Democratic-leaning firm in Raleigh.
The poll found that only 24 percent of those surveyed approved of the job the legislature is doing. Fifty percent said they think the legislature is causing North Carolina national embarrassment, while 34 percent did not.
If the election were held today, 50 percent said they would vote for Democrats, while 41 percent said they would vote for Republicans.
Asked their opinion of the Rev. William Barber, the head of the state NAACP who has led the demonstrations, 28 percent had a favorable opinion, 26 percent had an unfavorable opinion, and 46 percent were not sure.
The survey of 600 N.C. voters was conducted Aug. 8-11. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.
Staff writers Craig Jarvis and Rob Christensen
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HOUSTON - Four minutes into the New Year, Jesse Emmanuel Espinoza embarked on this journey called life.
"Happy that he's healthy," Susanna Garcia, his mother, said Tuesday.
Young Jesse's world is evolving.
"I hope he does better than I've ever done," Jesse Espinoza Sr., his father, said. "Hope he goes to college, finds the right one, hope he becomes a great man (and) settles down."
New research shows the national birthrate at a record low at about half of what it was during the baby boom years which peaked in 1957.
"In my own experience it hasn't decreased, but I can see it as a national trend," Dr. Gerald Bullock, an obstetrician, said.
Bullock, OB chairman at Memorial Hermann - The Woodlands Hospital, estimates he has delivered some 10,000 babies in his career.
"One of the big drives in the OB-GYN college is to make birth control available to pretty much anybody, and we have a lot of lone acting contraceptives that people are using," Bullock said.
Although Houston appears to be an exception, the steepest decline in birthrates is occurring among Hispanic women, recently reaching their lowest level in 20 years according to the research.
As for little Jesse, his father said the baby is in good hands.
"He's got a great mother. I know she'll raise him right, and I'll be there every step of the way, (to) teach him right," Espinoza said.
The study shows access to higher education and the onset of the recession has also played roles in the declining birthrate in recent years.


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Padraig Harrington is confident the Irish Open will attract a strong field.
Rory McIlroy talks to RTÉ Radio about his Open win and future ambitions.
Gary Murphy and David Howell reflect on Rory McIlroy's victory at the Open Championship
Rory McIlroy wins the British Open and his third major title
Rory McIlroy speaks to Greg Allen about his third round at the Open
Sports psychologist Enda McNulty on whether sportspeople can be too intense
Rory McIlroy delighted to be leading after the 1st Rd of the Open
Rory McIlory is bidding to win his first ever Open championship
Rory McIlroy speaks to Greg Allen ahead of the Open Championship


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Blue Ox Jazz Babies renew holiday tradition
Christmas is a time of traditions.
And the Blue Ox Jazz Babies aren't about to buck the trend.
"This is our ninth year in a row," said Jim Hayes, who plays trombone in the Mankato six-piece that has made its concert on Christmas Eve morning at Pub 500 an annual event.
This year, the self-styled "Dixieland ragtime band" plays 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The band also plays 6-9 p.m. on Saturday at the Loose Moose Saloon in Mankato.
Hayes said the band plays the majority of its shows in the summer, performing in 30-40 fairs, festivals, parties and parades. But the Christmas shows, he said, have become a welcome seasonal diversion — both for the band and the Pub 500 patrons.
"You know, sometimes it's good to get out of the house when you have all the decorations up and the family over," he said. "It's great therapy for me."
The Blue Ox Jazz Babies have a long history that dates back decades. Hayes is the only remaining original member — the "lone ranger" as he puts it — and plays alongside the sons and daughters of former members.
The Blue Ox Jazz Babies are: Tim Robinson (trumpet), Barry Clapper (clarinet), Ted Schreyer (tuba) Debbie Owens (banjo), Tom Owens (washboard/singer), and Hayes (trombone).
Habitat for Humanity concert at Patrick's
ST. PETER — The Bass Brand Brass Band and City Mouse are pairing for a benefit concert on Saturday at Patrick's.
During the concert, donations will be collected for Habitat for Humanity of South Central Minnesota.
The Bass Brand Brass Band plays at 8 p.m.. City Mouse plays at 9 p.m.
"It should be a really good night," said Billy Steiner of City Mouse.


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Duffy - Beyond the Calico Wall: Rare and Unreleased 60s Classics
NME.COM feature on Duffy - Beyond the Calico Wall: Rare and Unreleased 60s Classics album including album review, artwork, tracks, listen now, tour dates, discography and more.
More Duffy Reviews
Album Review: Duffy, 'Endlessly' (A&M)
Newest release from the soul pop songstress
- Nov 29, 2010
…while this Welsh songstress inspires only cat-fighting. The Bodega Social Club, Nottingham (March 7)
- Mar 20, 2008
- Feb 29, 2008
Duffy News
Duffy forced to flee £12m home after fire
Welsh singer escapes blaze in her west London apartment
Duffy set to quit music?
Singer reportedly thinking of walking after poor album sales
Duffy announces second album details
Singer teams up with certain Strokes member's dad for 'Rockferry' follow-up
Artist/Album artwork images hosted by Last.fm. For copyright enquiries please see here.


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Ken Silverstein, Contributor
I write about the global energy business.
Gun makers have taken a direct hit to the gut. The nation's second largest pension has said that it would completely liquidate all holdings that involve firearms. In making the landmark move yesterday, the California-based fund said that it is about respecting human rights and minimizing risks to human health.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Rifle action from Ruger Model 77 Mark II Stainless (.204) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)"][/caption]
The California State Teacher's Retirement System's heroic move is the catalyst in what is expected to become a national — and perhaps international — trend. Its decision is predicated on a philosophy that the fund declared back in the 1980s — one that had decided to withdraw all investments from the then-racist South African regime. In keeping with that stance, the institutional investor said that the killing of the 20 grade schoolers and six of their teachers is a "tipping point."
"I think we've taken appropriate action, given the unspeakable and tragic loss of life that occurred in Connecticut last month — the latest in an ongoing lime of similar incidents involving assault weapons and mass casualties," says Calstrs Investment Committee Chair Harry Keiley. "This latest incident, which occurred at a school and involved our fellow educators and the children we cherish, is a tipping point for Calstrs and speaks to the correctness of our actions. This is not only the right thing to do but positions us to deal with the financial pressures we anticipate this sector of the industry will face."
The pension has assets totaling $154.3 billion. It says that it has about $8.8 million in private equity in the Freedom Group that makes the type of assault weapon used in the Connecticut massacre. Meanwhile, it also has $1.1 million in private equity invested in Smith & Wesson and $1.8 million Sturm Ruger. The fund will also divest from those firms that make high-capacity ammunition clips, which are now illegal in California.
The pension's board members met yesterday, which was accessible via the web. They took up a proposal submitted by the California Treasurer, Bill Lockyer, who requested that Calstrs disinvest from those gun makers whose semi-automatic products are banned from the state.
"Divestment in such firms would comply with Calstrs' existing investment policy and comport with the board's fiduciary duty to members and beneficiaries," writes Lockyer, noting that assault weapons clearly fall into the category of being a product "detrimental to public health and safety."
And it's not just California that is moving in this direction. It's also Connecticut, Pennsylvania and New York. Consider New York: Its public pension fund holds $150 billion in assets and $15 million of that is invested in gun manufacturers. Meantime, the teacher's fund there has about $38 billion in assets of which $7 million is invested in gun makers.
New York's Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said during a radio interview with WCNY that his office is actively investigating the possibility of withdrawing all monies from gun makers. But he says that he and his managers will examine the products that those companies market. All decisions, he adds, will be based on his fiduciary obligations to plan participants.
"We are not going to be reactionary," DiNapoli told the radio station. "When we manage pension fund dollars, it is not with a political judgment. You have to tie it back to shareholder value."
After the mass killings in Connecticut, the National Rifle Association released a statement saying that it would be accommodating in subsequent talks regarding future safeguards. But only days later, its chief executive, Wayne Lapierre, appeared before cameras as defiant as ever. He was then roundly denounced for his insensitivity and his belligerence.
The NRA gets most of its funding from gun manufacturers, which are pushing the political agenda — desiring to sell increasing amounts of weapons. LaPierre, who avoided service during Vietnam despite a reported low draft number and who has referred to federal law enforcement as "jack-booted thugs," is paid about $1 million a year by his clients. Interestingly, NRA's President David Keene's son has been imprisoned for firing his gun during a road rage incident outside Washington, D.C.
The public mood has dramatically shifted and now favors sensible gun controls: a ban on all semi-automatic weapons and their high-capacity clips, as well as background checks at all gun shows. Still, the NRA is determined to stop such reforms and is vowing to increase gun sales. Some lawmakers who have been bullied and threatened by those lobbyists have said enough is enough. Others, though, won't budge, meaning the future of new federal legislation is uncertain.
Therefore, the move by Calstrs is seen as a major step forward for those who favor restricting the use of high-capacity rifles — the kinds used in the Newtown, Connecticut and in the Aurora, Colorado mass killings. The money controlled by institutional investors is a key lifeline for these gun makers, who have chosen to hide behind their hired hands. If they lose their capital, they will be forced to negotiate or they will be driven into the ground.
Thanks for the response.
According to that link you provided, unless I'm reading it completely wrong, people are even more AGAINST banning semi-automatic weapons than they were eight years ago.
From the USA Today/Gallup Poll
"Are you for or against a law which would make it illegal to manufacture, sell, or possess semi-automatic guns known as assault rifles?"
Now: For = 44%, Against = 51%
8 Years Ago: For = 50%, Against = 46%
Hello Ken,
Considering the amounts of gun and ammunition sales along with the purchase of NRA memberships, your poll must be wrong.
Try again.
I looked at your polls and found the words "random", "randomized", etc. missing. Any of these poles could be achieved by polling a base with a known political view.
Not a single unbiased source in any of those listed polls. They were all done either by left leaning institutions or paid for by them or done by right leaning institutions or paid for by them.
By your own statements they are therefore not good for any real information and should be distrusted.
The only way we will ever know how people really feel on the subject it to put it on a ballot and let everyone vote on it.
But, according to the Supreme Court decision in DC vs Heller most of this debate is a waste of time as they already determined that banning a complete class of weapons would be a violation of the 2nd amendment and that the 2nd amendment may even mean that private citizens could need more modern and powerful weapons in order to meet the meaning of the 2nd amendment and be able to stand against modern armies with modern and powerful weapons like tanks and bombers.
Ken polls are a dime a dozen and they are usually not as accurate as the people using the information to make a point want them to be. If you go to your local gun stores or shows I think the American people are putting out a poll that is much more accurate, it's called sales. Sales is what companies live and die on you should know that having written and participated in the investment industry. The stocks California divests you know as well as I do will be scarfed up as fast as they hit the market. It would seem that you are attempting to write an article with a persuasive bent just like English 102 creative writing, instead of just being informative which is what news pieces used to be.
I DID respect Forbes, but after this extremely slanted article, I think I'll cut every tie to them I have. It seems you support the downfall of the firearms manufacturers in this country. I'm not sure you really understand the industry well enough to comment because you are wrong. They will not be negatively affected in the long-term, but let's not argue that because your are a contributor to Forbes so you must know it all.
Think about this…cars kill 10 times more people each year than guns. Mostly because of alcohol and distracted driving and people using them unlawfully (speeding, etc.) Did you support the bailouts of the auto companies? Our government propped up those companies that mass-produce killing machines. Only difference with cars isyou don't have to be a sadistic psycho to kill someone with an automobile. People are accidentally killed by cars every day. You can't say that about guns.
You call the NRA spineless. No, instead of standing on the graves of those elementary school children, like you, they kept quiet for a week out of respect. Then, they came out with a definitive plan that would prevent more innocent children from dying in schools. But all you can think about is getting rid of guns. Real genious!!! Just like our government.
And such is the problem with how "The Market" operates today. Holdings are controlled by fewer and fewer people (Think fund managers) as compared to the individual investors. Social engineering fund managers are not upholding the fiduciary responsibilities when they play these political games. It's a rigged game as far as money and now it is a rigged game as far as foisting policy onto those that disagree with their own retirement money. Can those Calstrs contributors opt out of these decisions ? No they can not.