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Army Demonstrates a Weapon That Shoots Laser-Guided Lightning Bolts
Over at Picatinny Arsenal, the research and development facility and proving ground for the U.S. Army's weaponry, engineers are developing a device that shoots lighting bolts along a laser beam to annihilate its target. That's right: lighting bolts shot down laser beams. This story could easily end right here and still be the coolest thing we've written today, but for the scientifically curious we'll continue.
The Laser-Induced Plasma Channel (LIPC) can be used to destroy anything that conducts electricity better than the air or ground surrounding it (unexploded ordnance seems a good candidate here). It works off of some pretty basic principles of physics, using a laser to carve an electromagnetic path through the air that accommodates a high-voltage beam. Create that path, crank up the voltage, and your target is toast.
It works like this: a high intensity, super-short duration (maybe two-trillionths of a second) laser pulse will actually use air like lens--surrounding air focuses the beam, keeping the laser pulse nice and tight rather than scattering it. If the pulse is strong enough, it actually creates an electromagnetic field around itself that's so powerful it strips electrons from air molecules, essentially creating a channel of plasma through the air. Since air is composed of neutral particles (that act as insulators) and the plasma channel is a good conductor (relative to the un-ionized air around it) the path of the laser beam becomes a kind of filament.
In other words, just as lightning arcs from cloud to ground via the path of least resistance, a high-voltage current will find its way down this filament rather than arcing unpredictably through the air. In other words, the laser just creates the path of least resistance between the power source and the target. Laser, lightning, destruction of target--in that order.
Of course, the LIPC requires a lot of hardware, like a laser capable of really short pulses and a power source to provide both laser and lightning. In other words, it's not very practical (as with most laser weapons, it suffers comparatively from the fact that bullets fly straight, have a long shelf life, are easy to carry, and are really cheap). But a laser-guided lightning weapon? It doesn't have to be practical to be amazing.
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This is not "new" technology apart from it's adaptation into a weapon. This takes it roots from researchers being able to redirect a lightening bolt mid-strike with an infrared laser.
There is a popsci article about the same thing, but lets use an external source for once. :D
It would be very simple to use this technology to redirect a lightening bolt into a large filament array submersed in water. Lightening hits, and vaporizes the water = instant power generation (if not infrequent power generation).
Sadly the coolest technology gets adapted into weapons for destructive purposes, even when the power they yield can fuel progress and construction considerably.
I think this is cool, it makes a good science experiment and it may have non-military applications like long distance power transmission or something like that. The problem with lasers and plasma weapons like this is I think they're easily defeated in a military application. How would a laser work against targets covered in a reflective skin? How would a plasma weapon like this work against fiberglass, plastic, rubber, etc.? You don't need tons of armor, just the right coating on the outer surface and the weapon is rendered useless.
The U.S. doesn't have energy problems. But, this is a general human issue that poises to effect us all in a not so foreseeable future (which is not reason to forego doing something about it as soon as humanly possible).
The issue with laser based weapons platforms is they are brand new. The technology is not advanced enough to mass produce by the thousands at a relatively cheap rate. However, the same could be said about machine guns, airplanes, and ships. These technological pieces are popped off of assembly lines like sheets of paper spewing from a printer.
It may not be now or 20 years in the future, but there will come a time where this technology will be miniaturized and mass produced. Then energy based weapons will make projectile based weapons (bullets, bombs, missiles) obsolete in modern warfare, and only collectibles for those passionate about antiquities or utilizing ancient weapons for recreational purposes (e.g. fencing; no one really uses swords conventionally anymore).
"It's not just science. It's never just science. It's a weapon." -- John Crighton
That's just the way we are. Scientist postulate theories of natural science that someone brilliant enough to understand the concept (an engineer) can find practical application to use the concept in the real world. The divide is where you get a group of engineers together on a scientific concept. One sees a device. Another sees a process or protocol to govern functions of already existing devices. Another sees a weapon, and yet another sees a defense against a weapon.
"Hidden in the subconscious is an insatiable lust for conflict." -- James Moriarty, Ph.D
To overcome the human condition requires overcoming the human condition. We'd have to evolve beyond the human state before we can change the way we behave. The world is a bit of better place on the surface for the progress civilization has made over the thousands of years of existence. Even if things beneath the surface aren't so great, they could be worse. They could be how they were in the past.
A lightning laser magnetically-pinched-nuclear-fusion power-generator is described in the Nasa Create The Future Design Engineering Contest entry May 17, 2012 where a lightning laser is used to capture real lightning from the sky which is then used to ignite nuclear fusion reactions! Atrificial lightning generated by a tesla coil is sent along ionized channels of air which were ionized by an ultraviolet or other lasers into the clouds and ionosphere to discharge available lightning which then travels down the lightning laser ionized path beam to a magnetically confined fusion generator. The captured real lightning is transformed to higher amperages which are used to magnetically pinch deuterium-tritium creating supersonic shock waves that ignite the fuel while it is confined in a magnetic bottle.
Materializer, 1 nice name, and 2 what were to happen if we were to be able to build this thing and, say, a mini sun appears, creating a powerful grav flux to throw everything away or towards it? You would have to have two of these little fusion reactors just to keep the gravity from destroying everything. And why not just use the lightning as its own battery? use cloud seeding to produce big storms over a single area, and force the lighting down a magnetized barrel, which would be designed to drag power from the bolts as they come down. We wont be able to get ALL of them, lightning is just too fast and powerful, but then we have the quantity vs. quality. Big enough storm could have a few hundred bolts, and if we seed it to be negative every time, we can pull a good bit of power from said bolts.
JellyBelly, planes get struck by lightning all the time, and don't crash. If bad guys were to weaponize this, the worst they could do was scratch the paint. To be effective, the plane would have to be on the ground, that is why birds can stand on a power cable and not become barbeque, they are not GROUNDED.
Bullets do not fly in a straight line. They fly in an arc. As anyone with an understanding of motion in a gravity field knows.
In order to hit a target at over 1000 meters, there is essentially a trigonometric problem that has to be solved.
The appeal of laser weapons is that they do travel in a straight line.


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CHICAGO, Sept. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- JBT Corporation (NYSE: JBT) today announced that it will present at CL King's 11th Annual Best Ideas Conference on Thursday September 12th in New York. Representing the Company will be Charlie Cannon, Executive Chairman of the Board.
A copy of the investor presentation will be available on September 12th through the events and presentations section of the Company's Investor Relations website http://ir.jbtcorporation.com.
JBT Corporation (NYSE: JBT) is a leading global technology solutions provider to the food processing and air transportation industries. JBT Corporation designs, manufactures, tests and services technologically sophisticated systems and products for regional and multi-national industrial food processing customers through its JBT FoodTech segment and for domestic and international air transportation customers through its JBT AeroTech segment. JBT Corporation employs approximately 3,200 people worldwide and operates sales, service, manufacturing and sourcing operations located in over 25 countries. For more information, please visit www.jbtcorporation.com.
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Any new mods for the Summer ?????
What is new everyone ? I been on and off a lot , I been just working and playing with the SS . Did anyone get new mods for the summer and if so what kind ? I got a Joe Gibbs Engine Cover and new sneakers 305/50/R20 General UHP with BBS Rims
markLast edited by RockHead; 03-27-2012 at 08:54 PM.
SuperCharged 2006 Silverado SS 2WD
For My Mod List go to my Profile then to MY GARAGE :great:
03-27-2012, 09:03 PM #2Your Tire and Rim package looks excellent. I have never seen those tires before but they have a very nice sporty tread on them. Keep us posted on the mileage and wear you get out of them. It looks like something I might want to put on my wifes Nitro.
(Scott) Myrtle Beach, SC
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03-27-2012, 09:08 PM #3here is a link from tire rack http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....el=Grabber+UHP on the tires
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Report: Rockets to make another run at Howard
UPDATE: The Houston Rockets have reconstructed their trade proposal to the Orlando Magic for Dwight Howard. They are prepared to take on the contracts of Jason Richardson, Glen Davis and Chris Duhon in addition to sending Orlando multiple future first-round draft picks, according to ESPN.com
The Houston Rockets have reportedly decided to use their amnesty provision on forward Luis Scola, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
Citing a "league source," Wojnarowski tweets that the team will likely file the paperwork with the league on Friday.
Scola is set to earn $21 million over the next three years, and the Rockets are reportedly clearing that cap space to make a run at Magic centre Dwight Howard. Houston has been one of the teams, along with the Nets and Lakers, involved in Howard rumours.
With Wednesday's news that the Nets are temporarily out of the running for the All Star big man's services, the Rockets have emerged as a potential favourite to land Howard.
Scola averaged 15.4 points and 6.4 rebounds while playing in all 66 games for the Rockets in 2011-2012. The 32-year-old power forward has career averages of 14.5 points and 7.7 rebounds in five NBA seasons, all spent with the Rockets.


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2012-05-06 16:11
Big lenders weary about secondary banking purge
While financial authorities continue to push forward their efforts to clean up Korea's messy secondary banking sector, it remains to be seen whether they could properly finish what they started. In its latest attempt to purge secondary lenders that were crippled by exposure to the country's toxic property sector, the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) suspended the Solomon Savings Bank, Mirae Savings Bank, Korea Savings Bank and Hanju Savings Bank Sunday. This extended the list of savings banks shelved by financial regulators to 20. The financial regulator had arranged the previously suspended savings banks purged, be cut up and absorbed by the country's biggest commercial banking groups like Woori Financial, KB Financial, Hana Financial and Shinhan Financial. It remains to be seen whether they could push the same process now, when banking groups are expressing reluctance to eat anymore bad apples. Talking to reporters at the sidelines of the annual Asian Development Bank (ADB) conference in Manila, the Philippines, KB Financial Group President Lim Young-rok, who happens to be a former finance ministry official, made it clear the company doesn't intend to acquire another troubled savings bank. The state-run Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation (KDIC) also admits its purse is close to being depleted after spending nearly 16 trillion won on the restructuring processes of the 16 savings banks suspended last year. It would need at least 5 trillion won to restructure the newly suspended four banks, according to market sources. ``The last time we shouldered responsibility as the banking sector's leading player and absorbed a savings bank. While savings banks had profited significantly during the latest property boom on project financing loans, their business models are limited now, especially when considering this is a low-interest rate environment,'' Lim said. ``We can't afford to swallow another savings bank. It's not the time for us to expand, but to strengthen ourselves internally.'' Authorities are concerned that the problems at savings banks, which account for around 3 percent of Korea's financial services industry, could eventually blow up and shake the country's financial stability. Savings banks indulged in a lending spree over the past decade, principally funding property investment to exploit the rampant speculative demand. All this came tumbling down in the economic turmoil in 2008, which had banks running for cover and calling in loans. Many borrowers were unable to repay, which led to crises at many of these banks before regulators mercifully pushed them to the sidelines. After suspending 16 savings bank last year, FSC Chairman Kim Seok-dong had said the clean-up process of the savings bank industry was virtually completed. That obviously has proved not to be the case, not even close when the market's major player Solomon was among those sidelined and now looking to be delisted from the stock market. KB last year absorbed the suspended Jeil Savings Bank, while Hana took over the Jeil 2 Savings Bank and Ace Mutual Savings Bank. Shinhan acquired Tomato Savings Bank, Woori took Samhwa Mutual Savings Bank and Busan-based BS Financial acquired Prime Savings Bank and Parangsae Savings Bank in a packaged deal. However, the process was far from smooth as commercial banking groups complained about being forced to acquire the distressed lenders. Shinhan and BS recently demanded KDIC compensation as the financial health of the savings banks they acquired were found to be in even a worse state than thought. The KDIC is required to compensate these companies in cash, meaning that its finances will be stretched even thinner. The KDIC is also experiencing trouble in selling off the foreign branches, real estate, golf courses and other assets that had been owned by the suspended savings banks, sources said. |


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M.I.A./The Arcade Fire
Long Hot Summer Topics
M.I.A.: Maya (Deluxe Edition) (Interscope)
Since self-made celebrities with pretensions always stumble eventually, I figure it's my place in the food chain not to act like a hyena when they do. So I kept listening, and concluded that while this is no Kala, what is? Arular is the analogy, only there she strove to ingratiate and here she elects not to‑-with immensely more success than MGMT on Congratulations and rather more success than Kanye West on 808s and Heartbreak. The stark beats take some getting used to, and there are lyrical miscues that still make me wince when they catch my ear‑-only it's been a while, because I'm too busy loving those beats and the spunky, shape-shifting, stubbornly political, nouveau riche bundle of nerves who holds them together. I admit that I'm now less inclined to hear "Teqkilla" as a lust song for her just plain rich honey and more as a red flag about her alcohol consumption. But if you've ever been a fan, this isn't where to stop. Just play it a few more times than the fools who clocked dollars for the job and you'll get your money's worth. And I do mean on all 16 new songs‑-three of the four bonus tracks are upper 50th percentile for sure. A
The Arcade Fire: The Suburbs (Merge)
With beats this straight and stolid, you'd better keep the anthems coming, and they do, almost. Acclimate yourself and maybe you'll check in with track three (at 1:20, the "chosen few" stuff) or even track two (just 29 seconds until "Businessmen they drink my wine"). Certainly track four, the sub-four-minutes reproach "Rococo" ("ro-co-co-ro-co-co-ro-co-co-ro-co-co," although that rendering shortchanges the rhythmic nuances). Then you'll put the record aside for a week or two, and when you return you'll be back to backgrounding it till track five, six seconds of violin pre-climax to the speedy intro to the sub-three-minutes Régine Chassagne feature "Empty Room," followed hard on by the determined "City With No Children." After that it'll be as back-and-forth as Win Butler's thematics till Ms. Chassagne climaxes the opus with the wholehearted "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)." Then you'll remember just why you wanted to put it on, and soon you'll be coming in at "Rococo" yet again. A MINUS
love the M.IA. (maybe my album of the year?). like the Arcade Fire. can't wait to see what you make of the latest Kanye and Girl Talk releases.
also, lookin' particularly forward to any notable reissues (either new or old--i'm not too picky) you may stumble upon now and again. and how 'bout the occasional Turkey Shoot?
about the blogger
Starting in 1967, Robert Christgau has covered popular music for The Village Voice, Esquire, Blender, Playboy, Rolling Stone, and many other publications. He teaches in New York University's Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music, maintains a comprehensive website at robertchristgau.com, and has published five books based on his journalism. He has written for MSN Music since 2006.
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Report To Congress Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
Executive SummaryPursuant to SBREFA, the FTC hereby reports to Congress on its achievements between March 28 and December 31, 1997, with respect to: (1) providing compliance and other kinds of assistance to small businesses; and (2) affording leniency in the determination of civil penalties for small businesses found to be in violation of FTC rules. Some of these achievements are highlighted below.
IntroductionThe Federal Trade Commission has prepared this report to comply with the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act ("SBREFA").(1) The Federal Trade Commission is a small agency(2) with a big mission: to maintain a free and fair marketplace for both business and consumers. The Commission enforces the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. § 41 et seq., and has enforcement responsibilities under 37 additional statutes. The Commission enforces 19 rules promulgated pursuant to specific statutory directive and 13 trade regulation rules promulgated under the rulemaking authority of the FTC Act. The Commission has always been aware of and attentive to the special needs and interests of small businesses subject to its jurisdiction. Pursuant to SBREFA, the Commission developed policy statements describing how it considers small business interests in two areas: (1) providing compliance assistance, and (2) determining appropriate civil penalty amounts when bringing enforcement actions.(3) The Commission's Small Business Compliance Assistance Policy Statement describes various forms of assistance available to small businesses to help them understand and comply with obligations imposed by the statutes and rules enforced by the Commission. The Commission's Civil Penalty Leniency Program Statement discusses mitigating factors the Commission considers when small businesses are subject to civil penalties for violation of a rule or statute enforced by the Commission. Both policy statements were issued by the Commission on March 28, 1997, implementing sections 213 and 223 of SBREFA, 5 U.S.C. § 601 note, and were published in the Federal Register on April 8, 1997.(4) The policy statements also are available through the Internet, on the Commission's website at http://www.ftc.gov. In further compliance with SBREFA, this report discusses the scope of the Commission's programs, the number of small businesses using the programs, and the programs' achievements. The report covers a nine-month period from March 28, 1997, when the policies were formally adopted, through December 31, 1997. The cut-off date was chosen to allow for collection and analysis of the responsive information and preparation of the report. Small Business Compliance AssistanceSection 213 of SBREFA required agencies regulating the activities of small businesses to establish, by March 29, 1997, a program to answer inquiries and provide information and advice on compliance with the law and to report to Congress, one year later, on the scope and achievements of the program, as well as the number of small businesses using the program.(5) The Commission has had such programs in place for most of its history, and in recent years has taken a number of steps to enhance these efforts. As described below, the agency offers an array of services, involving both general guidance and individualized advice, to help small businesses understand their obligations under the laws and regulations administered by the Commission. As a result of SBREFA, the Commission approved a policy statement describing the various forms of assistance available, and monitored use of these resources during the described reporting period. Reporting on the number of small businesses that used the FTC's compliance assistance program necessitates making some informed assumptions. Nevertheless, the Commission believes it can provide a reasonable estimate of the number of small business participants in its program. (How the Commission derived these estimates is explained in detail on pages 6-11.) The Commission estimates that more than 16,800 small businesses requested and received individual compliance advice from Commission staff. A much larger number of small businesses received more general compliance advice. These include nearly four million recipients of the Commission's consumer education materials, many of which are also relevant to small businesses, and approximately 260,000 recipients of its business education publications. The Commission believes it would be reasonable to assume that small businesses requested and received a significant percentage of these materials. In addition, as described below, Commission staff members made about 100 presentations to groups and organizations representing small-business interests. The audiences and participants at such events varied widely, but the Commission believes that many small businesses received compliance assistance from the FTC at these events. In the sections below we will first describe the general guidance that the Commission offers, and then the specific guidance offered to individual firms. General GuidanceThe Commission offers general information in a variety of forms to address issues and questions that small businesses frequently raise. Published information often satisfies the needs of these businesses for guidance as to their own obligations. In particular, the Commission distributes a guide to its enforcement generally, business education materials, and consumer education materials. A Guide to the Federal Trade CommissionThis brochure describes the principal antitrust statutes and consumer protection laws enforced by the agency. Approximately 1,360 copies of this booklet, explaining how the FTC enforces the law to protect the workings of a free market, were distributed. Business Education MaterialsVarious Commission publications or statements of policy explain how particular kinds of businesses, including many small ones, can conduct their affairs in compliance with the laws and regulations administered by the FTC. More than 50 such publications are currently available. 26 business compliance guides and publications explain the requirements of specific Commission rules in a plain-English, non-technical manner.(6) Six business compliance publications were created or revised during the reporting period to help businesses comply with the law. Many small businesses are included in the target audiences for these six publications:(7)
Industry guides address common compliance issues under the FTC Act, as applied to particular industries or particular practices.(8) During the reporting period, the Commission's Jewelry Guides (16 CFR Part 23) were revised to offer advice on the marketing of jewelry made in whole or in part of platinum, including the incorporation of International Organization for Standardization marking standards, thus facilitating international trade. Antitrust guidelines and policy statements explain the application of antitrust laws to particular practices or industries.(9) Specific examples and illustrative fact patterns show how the agency would apply the law to a particular set of facts.(10) For example, last year the Commission and the Department of Justice revised their joint 1992 Horizontal Merger Guidelines in order to clarify how the agencies analyze efficiency claims in mergers under review by the federal government. The revised guidelines provide a roadmap as to how they assess whether efficiencies will lead merging firms to lower prices, create new products, or otherwise enhance competition. They also make clear what merging firms must do to demonstrate claimed efficiencies. The revised guidelines bring the analysis of efficiencies in mergers up to date with comparable analyses in other areas of antitrust law, and up to date with our contemporary competitive environment. Guidelines on other antitrust issues, published in previous years, remain in effect. Some of these are of particular relevance to small business, such as the guidelines issued jointly by the FTC and the Department of Justice on various aspects of the health care industry. For example, the Health Care Office in the Commission's Bureau of Competition makes available to doctors, both in print and on the Commission's Internet site, a set of guidelines to a number of physician issues, including guidelines and "safe harbors" relevant to physician joint ventures. Consumer Education Materials More than 200 print and broadcast items directed to consumers also benefit small businesses by identifying practices that may generate consumer protection problems between businesses and their customers and describing the applicable laws and regulations.(11) Also, small businesses are frequently consumers themselves. Materials on such topics as office supply scams and disclosures to prospective franchisees can help small firms avoid problems. During the reporting period, the Commission created four new publications designed specifically to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs or help them avoid being defrauded.
Distribution of Business and Consumer Education InformationAll of these materials are readily available to small businesses and others directly from the Commission, on the Commission's website, or from various other public or private sources.(12) During the reporting period, the Commission distributed its business and consumer materials in response to individual requests. In addition, it identified appropriate audiences and disseminated materials in large quantities. The Commission also distributed its educational materials through numerous other organizations, including federal distribution centers, state agencies, the military, schools and libraries, churches, financial institutions, the media, consumer and non-profit organizations, and trade associations. The FTC continued to work with the Small Business Administration to distribute its educational materials through SBA regional centers. It is impossible to determine the actual number of publications provided to small businesses; however, it is fair to assume that small businesses constituted a significant segment of the audience for FTC publications. Print DistributionThe Commission distributed a total of 145,929 business compliance publications, 115,364 other business education publications, and 3,859,792 copies of print materials directed to consumers. Of this total, the Commission's ten regional offices distributed 18,312 business publications, and 55,347 consumer publications. Public Service Announcement DistributionThe FTC produced and distributed a radio public service message concerning Franchise Opportunities. The Commission estimates that from October to December 1997, there were 13,364 broadcasts of this message to an estimated audience of 18,030,040. Industry DistributionThe Commission cooperated with business groups and others in the development and distribution of publications. For example, the Commission recently coordinated with industry groups to distribute, primarily to funeral casket retailers (most of which are small businesses), 28,000 copies of the business booklet Complying With The Funeral Rule. Such joint efforts multiply the outreach of the agency's consumer and business education program. FTC Internet DistributionThe FTC made extensive use of the Internet to distribute materials. The FTC website, http://www.ftc.gov, includes both the Commission's consumer and business education publications. The BusinessLine section of the Commission's website, which provides access to the Commission's business education publications, had 29,023 "hits" during the reporting period. The ConsumerLine section of the FTC's website, which provides access to the Commission's consumer education publications, had 522,619 "hits" during that period. An additional 500,000 publications were retrieved through these two sections of the website. The entire FTC website, which includes guidelines, policy statements, staff advisory opinions, press releases, copies of recent orders, texts of major speeches and other materials, had a total of 15,960,143 "hits" during the reporting period. The FTC website is accessible as a "link" from online services at the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Also during the reporting period, the Commission began to distribute its business publications through the U.S. Business Advisor website available through the Small Business Administration. Other Internet DistributionIn addition, the Commission has joined with other agencies to provide Internet users, including small businesses, with a new source of consumer news and information at http://www.consumer.gov. The website allows users to easily access government information while obviating the need for them to be able to identify the agency responsible for the subject matter. It offers a broad array of consumer information on topics that include health and safety issues, money and credit, children and education, the environment, transportation, food, how to avoid scams, and more. This ongoing project is a cooperative effort of several agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission, Food and Drug Administration, Consumer Product Safety Commission, and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, that consolidated the information from their own websites at consumer.gov. Commercial Publication DistributionCommission guidance also can be found in commercial publications describing the Commission and its enforcement activities. For example, the Statements of Antitrust Enforcement Policy in Health Care are published at 4 CCH Trade Regulation Reporter ¶ 13,153. Official DocumentsOther sources of information about the Commission and its policies include proposed Commission consent agreements, final orders, and other formal documents. These are available in the FTC's Public Reference Room/Consumer Response Center. Many are available on the Commission's website as well. SpeechesCommissioners and Commission staff members frequently speak to business groups and conduct programs where they explain statutory and regulatory requirements and answer questions from individuals. Such presentations often include appearances before groups representing or including small-business interests. Small business groups may request speakers by contacting the Commission office that specializes in the subject matter of interest.(13) During the reporting period, Commissioners and Commission staff members made about 100 presentations to business groups and groups and organizations representing small-business interests. The speeches covered a broad range of subjects including, among others, developments in antitrust law and antitrust enforcement; health care mergers; advertising law and Internet advertising; telemarketing fraud; the Fair Credit Reporting Act and credit repair; investment, franchise, and business opportunity fraud; the FTC Funeral Rule; the FTC Care Labeling Rule; and textile product labeling. The Commission's Health Care Office made a special effort to provide information on health-care antitrust through speeches during this time. Members of the office addressed state medical societies in Michigan, California, Missouri, and New York, as well as the American Medical Association, a national laboratory association, and a national association of physician networks. Individual AdviceThe Commission provides advice to individuals in a variety of ways and on many topics. Responses to Specific QuestionsSmall businesses may ask specific questions of the Commission or its staff, at headquarters or one of the FTC's ten regional offices.(14) Each substantive area under the Commission's laws and regulations has one or more staff members responsible for responding to inquiries about the law's requirements. Every year, the Commission staff responds to large numbers of inquiries from businesses, including many small businesses. Inquiries come to the Commission by telephone, letter, fax, or e-mail. Inquiry by telephone is encouraged because it is the agency's experience that the give-and-take of a conversation facilitates understanding an issue. If it appears that more detailed or complex information is needed to address an issue, the FTC staff may then ask the caller to send a supplementary letter. A staff member may determine that the agency's published material provides the assistance sought and send that material to the inquirer. If the sources of general information are insufficient to provide the needed guidance or assistance, the staff member may provide specific, informal advice or arrange for a formal response in the form of an advisory opinion. To provide the Congressional Committees with specific information on Commission responses to inquiries from small businesses, it was necessary to develop a means of systematically recording such inquiries and responses over a period of time. During four selected weeks in 1997 (in May, June, September, and October), all Commission staff at headquarters and in the regional offices were alerted to keep a record of inquiries from, and responses to, businesses. The data from these four weeks has been used to project estimated total responses to inquiries for the reporting period. The information regarding inquiries and responses was recorded, collected, and entered into a computer database. Whenever possible, the staff responding to inquiries was asked to record the number of inquiries from small businesses. In many cases, this necessitated asking telephone callers whether they represented a small business (without necessarily asking for the identity of the particular company). In the case of letters, the staff was called upon to make judgments about the size of the business, based primarily on the nature of the industry. Capturing this information inevitably involved some informed assumptions. Nonetheless, the Commission believes it can provide a reasonable estimate of responses to small business inquiries. Bureau of Consumer Protection ResponsesDuring its four weeks of data collection, the Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection received 1,260 requests for compliance assistance on a wide range of topics from businesses. Of this total, 689 inquiries, or nearly 55%, appeared to come from small businesses or trade associations representing small businesses. During the entire reporting period, therefore, the Bureau of Consumer Protection estimates that it responded to a total of 12,285 requests for compliance assistance from businesses. Of this total, the Bureau estimates that it responded to 6,757 requests for compliance assistance from small businesses. Separately, during the reporting period, Commission staff responded to approximately 1,300 requests for compliance assistance from small businesses regarding amendments to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which became effective September 30, 1997. Additionally, during the reporting period, Commission staff estimates that it responded to approximately 8,250 requests from small businesses for compliance assistance and information about Registered Identification Numbers (RNs), issued by the FTC for use on labels on clothing and other textile or fur products. Textile, wool and fur products, covered by the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act, the Wool Products Labeling Act, or the Fur Products Labeling Act, are required to bear a label identifying: (1) the fiber or fur content; (2) the business name of the manufacturer, importer, distributor, or seller; and (3) the country of origin. Businesses located in the United States may apply to the FTC for an RN number, which they may use on the label in place of the name. During the reporting period, the Commission placed information about RN numbers, including the RN number database with more than 100,000 entries, on the Internet at the FTC's website, http://www.ftc.gov. This makes frequently requested information about the identity of RN holders more readily available to the public. Bureau of Competition ResponsesThe Commission's Bureau of Competition, which enforces the antitrust laws, has fewer occasions than the Bureau of Consumer Protection to give small businesses advice concerning their obligations under the law. The antitrust laws typically impose obligations on firms that possess market power, and firms with this degree of market power are large businesses more often than small ones. Nonetheless, in those cases where the issues have been relevant, this Bureau also has provided small businesses with guidance on their legal obligations. The Bureau's Office of Policy and Evaluation, which serves as a point of contact for inquiries and complaints from the business community, responded to approximately 3,700 requests for legal guidance, including 17 specific requests for assistance in complying with legal obligations, from small businesses during the reporting period. The Bureau of Competition's Health Care Office, which handles, among other things, mergers, joint ventures, and boycotts involving physician practices, also responds to inquiries from small businesses. Because the primary-care medical industry is relatively decentralized, and because physicians generally compete in local markets, the conduct of individual physician practices, which generally are small businesses, can be of competitive significance. Physician-related antitrust issues come up particularly often in the context of physician joint ventures. These ventures have become more common since the advent of managed care, because health plans often prefer to contract with a single large panel of doctors. During the reporting period, the Health Care Office handled 75 inquiries from individual physicians or small businesses seeking guidance on the relevant legal standards. The FTC's Bureau of Competition has a special program to provide advice to firms that must give premerger notification pursuant to the terms of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. While premerger notification is generally required only for larger transactions valued at more than $15 million, some parties to such transactions may meet the definition of a small business. Any firm that is required (or believes it might be required) to give notification may receive guidance on the proper procedures from the Premerger Notification Office, in writing or by telephone, at (202) 326-3100. Interested firms also may obtain a set of written guides describing the program and explaining how to determine whether a particular firm must file. During the reporting period, the Premerger Office estimates that it responded to 672 inquiries from small businesses attempting to determine whether and how their planned mergers should be reported. Order Compliance AdviceThe Commission has a special procedure to provide advice to any person or firm subject to an order of the Commission. The Compliance Division of the Bureau of Competition and the Enforcement Division of the Bureau of Consumer Protection are responsible for overseeing enforcement of and compliance with the competition and consumer protection administrative orders issued by the Commission. The Commission's general practice is to send a letter to each person or business subject to an order shortly after the order becomes effective. In addition to describing the general requirements of the order, the letter provides the name and telephone number of a staff person responsible for the matter. Staff of the Compliance and Enforcement Divisions are available to handle telephone and written inquiries concerning outstanding orders. Questions concerning the requirements or scope of a competition order may be sent to: Compliance Division, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580; questions regarding a consumer protection order may be sent to: Enforcement Division, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Washington, D.C. 20580. Telephone inquiries may be made to the Bureau of Competition Compliance Division at (202) 326-2687, and to the Bureau of Consumer Protection Enforcement Division at (202) 326-2996. During the reporting period, Commission staff provided assistance and advice to 20 small businesses subject to Commission orders. Advisory OpinionsIf the above sources of advice are insufficient for the inquirer's purpose, the Commission has procedures for providing, when appropriate, a Commission advisory opinion or, more commonly, a staff advisory opinion.(15) Advisory opinions are intended to clarify the law applicable to a course of action that the inquiring firm proposes to undertake. For small businesses, such opinions are a valuable source of advice and compliance assistance from the Commission and its staff. During the reporting period, the Commission staff issued 25 advisory opinions relevant to small businesses. These letters addressed a broad range of competition and consumer protection issues requiring analysis of guidelines, statutes and rules within the Commission's jurisdiction, including the U.S. Department of Justice/FTC 1996 Statements of Antitrust Enforcement Policy and Analytical Principles Relating to Health Care and Antitrust, the FTC Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the FTC Franchise Rule. In one well publicized opinion, for example, Commission staff responded to a request on behalf of the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) for an advisory opinion regarding its proposal to require that each DMA member: (1) participate in DMA's Mail Preference Service and Telephone Preference Service and honor consumers' requests to refrain from future contacts; (2) disclose to consumers whether and how it disseminates information on its customers; and (3) upon the customer's request, refrain from transferring information about that customer to others. On the basis of the information DMA provided, Commission staff advised that it would not recommend an antitrust challenge to DMA's proposed new policies. All of the above programs to provide both general guidance and individual advice are offered by the Commission to assist small businesses in understanding their obligations under the laws and regulations administered by the Commission. Civil Penalty LeniencyScope of the Commission's Civil Penalty Leniency ProgramUnder Section 223 of SBREFA,(16) agencies regulating the activities of small businesses were required to establish, by March 29, 1997, a policy or program for "the reduction, and under appropriate circumstances for the waiver, of civil penalties for violations of a statutory or regulatory requirement by a small entity." The statute suggests that "[u]nder appropriate circumstances, an agency may consider ability to pay in determining penalty assessments." The statute further provides that the policy or program shall contain conditions or exclusions, which may include, but shall not be limited to:
Section 223 provides that the policy or program is "[s]ubject to the requirements of other statutes," and thus does not supersede existing law on penalties. Also, because the leniency policy is prescribed only for civil penalties for violations of a statutory or regulatory requirement, it does not apply to Commission cease and desist orders, federal court injunctions, affirmative requirements for fencing-in or redress contained in Commission orders, or civil penalty actions under Section 5(l), 15 U.S.C. § 45(l), for violations of Commission orders. None of the statutes or rules enforced by the Commission provides for the mandatory imposition of non-discretionary penalties. In most instances, the Commission is not authorized to assess civil penalties itself, but rather selects a civil penalty amount to be sought in a federal court action brought by the Department of Justice. In developing a policy statement with regard to civil penalty leniency for small businesses, the Commission considered that it already exercises its discretion in a variety of contexts to consider mitigating factors when selecting penalty amounts. This experience suggested a list of factors suitable for selecting the penalties appropriate to small businesses. First, Section 5(m)(1)(A) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. § 45(m)(1)(A), authorizes the Commission to seek, in federal district courts, up to $11,000 per violation of certain Commission rules,(17) if the defendant knew or should have known that its acts violated the rule. In determining the appropriate amount of a penalty, the courts are directed by Section 5(m)(1)(C), 15 U.S.C. § 45(m)(1)(C), to take into account the degree of culpability; any history of prior such conduct; ability to pay; effect on ability to continue to do business; and such other matters as justice may require. The Commission also evaluates these factors to determine appropriate penalties in cases that are not litigated. Second, one Commission rule has a separate enforcement mechanism. Under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6303(a), the Commission has authority to assess administrative civil penalties, up to $110 per violation, for violations of its Appliance Labeling Rule, 16 CFR Part 305. The Commission's Rules of Practice provide that factors to be considered in determining the amount of penalty include the respondent's size and ability to pay; the respondent's good faith; any history of previous violations; the deterrent effect of the penalty action; the length of time involved before the Commission was made aware of the violation; the gravity of the violation, including the amount of harm to consumers and the public caused by the violation; and such other matters as justice may require.(18) Third, civil penalties may also be imposed for violations of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, 15 U.S.C. § 18a ("HSR Act"). Under the HSR Act, acquisitions above a certain amount,(19) involving businesses above certain sizes,(20) cannot be consummated unless certain information is filed with the Commission and with the Department of Justice and certain waiting periods are observed. By statute, civil penalties of up to $11,000 for each day a person is in violation of the HSR Act may be imposed in a federal court action brought by DOJ. The Commission is charged with administering the premerger notification program established by the HSR Act, and recommends actions and penalty amounts to DOJ. The Commission generally will consider the firm's ability to pay when recommending appropriate penalties. The Commission generally will not seek an enforcement action for a violation of the HSR Act that appears to be truly inadvertent and where the filing is made promptly after discovery of the oversight. If the violation is the firm's first, and is not the result of gross negligence or a reckless disregard for the filing obligation, the Commission staff generally sends a letter calling attention to the filing obligation but indicating that no further action will be taken if the filing requirement is promptly met. Fourth, judicial opinions interpreting Section 5(l) of the FTC Act, which provides for civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation of FTC administrative orders, are instructive.(21) The statute does not set forth criteria for assessing specific penalties for Section 5(l) violations, but the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in United States v. Reader's Digest Ass'n, 662 F.2d 955, 967 (3d Cir. 1981), cert. denied, 455 U.S. 908 (1982), set out five factors bearing on the selection of an appropriate civil penalty or remedy: the good or bad faith of the respondent; the injury to the public; the respondent's ability to pay; the desire to eliminate the benefits derived from the violations; and the necessity of vindicating the Commission's authority. In each penalty case, the Commission selects an appropriate penalty amount after weighing the above factors, along with the litigation risks and penalties imposed in similar cases. Finally, the Commission has undertaken an innovative approach to achieve compliance with one of its rules. In early 1996, the Commission approved a new program to increase compliance with its Funeral Industry Practices Rule, 16 CFR Part 453, which, among other things, requires funeral homes to give consumers a list of prices for various goods and services offered. The Funeral Rule Offenders Program ("FROP") was developed as a joint effort between the National Funeral Directors Association ("NFDA") and the FTC. Funeral providers that have failed to give test shoppers the itemized price lists required by the Funeral Rule are offered the option of entering the FROP program rather than facing possible formal legal action and the risk of paying a civil penalty. If they choose FROP, they make a voluntary payment to the U.S. Treasury or state Attorney General in an amount lower than would be sought in a civil penalty action and enroll in a compliance program administered by the NFDA. The NFDA program includes a review of the firm's practices, compliance training, and follow-up testing and certification. In light of the Commission's past experience, as well as the factors suggested in SBREFA itself, the Commission adopted the following policy for reducing, or in appropriate circumstances waiving, civil penalties for violations of a statutory or regulatory requirement by a small entity: When the Commission identifies a small entity as not being in compliance with a statutory or regulatory requirement within the Commission's jurisdiction, the Commission will consider the propriety of penalty waiver or reduction. The following factors will weigh in favor of leniency:
Each factor need not necessarily be present for a small entity to qualify for leniency, and, depending upon the particular circumstances, some factors may be weighed more heavily than others. Also, any other factors relevant in particular circumstances will be considered, as appropriate. The above criteria include most of the factors suggested in SBREFA. The one suggested factor that the Commission did not include is one that would limit the penalty reduction policy or program to violations discovered by the small entity through participation in an agency-run or state-run compliance assistance or audit program. The Commission does not have formal compliance assistance or audit programs. Given the variety and scope of the rules and statutes that the Commission enforces, imposing a parallel requirement, such as a self-auditing program, would unnecessarily restrict the availability of penalty waiver or reduction. In addition, the Commission expanded somewhat the scope of two of the factors suggested in SBREFA. First, SBREFA suggests excluding entities that have been subject to multiple enforcement actions by the agency. The Commission broadened this category to include entities that have been subject to actions for the same or similar conduct by other federal agencies or state or local agencies. The law violations prosecuted by the Commission are frequently very similar to violations prosecuted by other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.(22) It is therefore appropriate, in considering whether to exclude entities from lenient treatment, to consider whether similar conduct has been subject to enforcement efforts by such agencies. Second, SBREFA also suggests excluding violations that pose serious health, safety, or environmental threats. The Commission, in addition to such risks, also considers serious economic injury, as that form of injury is the type most often encountered in Commission cases, and in many instances may cause as much serious injury as that arising from health, safety, or environmental threats. Small Business Participation
and Achievements


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Voyager Knit Seamed Jersey Dress
Beautiful dress
I had this dress in black and really wanted it in another color. The teal is just beautiful, a rich deep shade. Same great fabric. Same great drape. Love this dress. I have thrown it in a carry on bag and it comes out perfect. Thanks!
December 6, 2013
another hit
This is the third dress I bought in this style because it fits well and looks elegant. The fabric is lightweight enough to wear year-round here in Arizona.
December 6, 2013
My favorite dress
This dress is the perfect travel dress for me, with flattering seam lines and silhouette, great colors (I have the plum and magenta), and a lightweight fabric that does not show any bumpy bits. I couldn't improve on this dress unless it would be to also have a long sleeve version. So far, I have kept wearing it on into the cooler fall days by adding a sweater that drapes well and continues to show off the lines of the dress. I'm on the slender side, so it might not be for you if you need more structure to hide figure flaws, but for me this is the ONE travel dress. It doesn't ever wrinkle and machine washes and dries in no time. I highly recommend this dress.
November 14, 2013
Easy to accessorize, but susceptible to snags
I have two of these dresses, teal and eggplant. The length and drape are elegant, and the scoop neck is flattering. Paired with a shawl, or a lacy or draped cardigan, they are my choice for a dressier evening when I travel.
Unfortunately, they are slightly prone to snagging, which can't be fixed or disguised. They are holding up well when I save them for evening only, but I don't think they would stand up to everyday wear.
October 29, 2013
This is an update to my earlier review. I love these dresses and have all of the colors now.. Earlier I noted that the material was a slightly thicker product than the previous shipment. I may be wrong. I washed them and now the texture and weight seems similar to my older dress. Regarding the smell from the one dress... after washing I still detect a slight odor from the black Voyager dress. It is not as strong as when I first opened it so it is a keeper! I love it too much to return it.
October 3, 2013
Love these Dresses--- Strange Smell on Black Dress
The real test was when I traveled to see my elderly mother. She said my teal dress was so flattering on me that I should buy more in different colors.
I then purchased the magenta, eggplant, navy blue, in LP and the black in L. I noticed that the fabric was not quite the same as the previous shipment. I also noticed a strange smell coming from the black dress. I am washing it now and will return it if the smell does not go away. This new material is slightly heavier but it is perfect for winter. I liked the previous material as food stains would easily wash off. I would buy more of these dresses with 3/4" sleeves in a variety of new colors.
October 2, 2013
Favorite dress
I now own 2 of every color. We travel a lot and this is absolutely the best dress I have ever owned. No zippers, buttons. Quick rinse and let dry on a hanger and you're ready to go. Light weight. Wear with flats or heels. Jacket for evening or sweater in the day. It never fails to get compliments.
November 14, 2013
love this dress
Got first one (navy) for 3 week trip to Europe last spring--schlepping by bus, train, plane--could scrunch it into a ball and it came out looking great. Light, comfortable silky material in good colors. Washable, can dress it up or down. Just got another one this summer in teal. LOVE IT
July 24, 2013


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November 08, 2012
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Manchester United became the first British side through to this season's Champions League knockout stage after coming from behind to beat Group H rivals Braga 3-1 today.
Krishna keen to score in Club World CupFijian international Roy Krishna is keen to score a goal for Auckland City in the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco. |
Premier League to kick off in FebruaryFiji Football Association will be kicking off the Premier Division National Football League in February. |
Army breaks 7 year jinx, wins ChallengeThe Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) football team buried a 7-year-old old ghost and defeated Police 1-0 in the Sukuna Bowl Challenge this morning at Buckhurst Park in Suva. |
Spain, Netherlands grouped togetherReigning world champions Spain have been drawn in a tough pool for next year's edition of the tournament in Brazil and will open their defence campaign with a repeat of the 2010 final Netherlands. |
Tuqiri's contract with Leinster endsFiji born former Wallaby winger Lote Tuqiris three month contract with Leinster has come to an end and the Irish club has indicated that they do not want to keep him on its payroll. |
FRU terminates Boivert's contractThe Fiji Rugby Union board has terminated the employment contract of its National Academy Programs Manager, Franck Boivert. |
FRU Special General Meeting postponedFiji Rugby Union's Special General Meeting (SGM) scheduled for this Saturday in Nadi has been postponed to a later date. |
Ryan wary of Aussies, wants improvementFiji 7s coach Ben Ryan is anticipating a tough South Africa 7s against Australia on Saturday night and wants his players to improve further. |
Spain, Netherlands grouped together
Reigning world champions Spain have been drawn in a tough pool for next year's edition of the tournament in Brazil and will open their defence campaign with a repeat of the 2010 final Netherlands. RUGBY
Donaldson penalty saves Police
Fly-half Isoa Donaldson was the saviour of the Police rugby team as his penalty in the dying seconds saw them pip Army 25-24 in the Sukuna Bowl Challenge at the ANZ Stadium this afternoon. FIJI NEWS
Mandela dies at the age of 95
Nelson Mandela has died at the age of 95, the South African government has announced. HEALTH/FITNESS
Chavez in Venezuela after cancer surgery
President Hugo Chavez surprised and in many cases delighted Venezuelans by returning home on Monday, albeit to an uncertain future, ending a more than two-month absence in Cuba for cancer treatment. ENTERTAINMENT
Afghan street kid heads for the Oscars red carpet
An Afghan street kid is off to Hollywood and the red-carpet treatment at the Oscars -- a fairytale ending to a chance encounter that led to a starring role in a movie. TECHNOLOGY
Apple hit by hackers
Apple on Tuesday said it was hit by hackers who wormed their way into the California company's system but evidently failed to steal any data. |


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Why do you need a home inspection when purchasing a home for sale? You are about to make one of the largest single investments of your life when you buy a home. You would not buy a used car without having an expert mechanic check it out, nor should you buy a home without getting the expert opinion of someone who can spot trouble that is hidden, or predict future problems based on poor condition of mechanical, plumbing, or structural issues that have not yet failed, but soon may.
Whether handwritten or computer generated, these reports will be divided into the different systems of the home, and contain specific comments about the condition of each one. The home inspector will visually check each system, and make recommendations about repairing, replacing, or calling in an expert to look at health and safety issues he may uncover.
Some of the issues a home inspector might find are:
- Mold or mildew
- Old roof nearing the end of its life span
- Furnace or Air Conditioning Problems
- Outdated electrical panels or wiring which may pose a shock or fire hazard
- Plumbing issues such as leaking or blocked pipes
- Foundation walls that are cracked
- Structural supports that have failed
- Mortar which has been dislodged between bricks and needs to be repointed
- Appliances that are no longer functioning
- Dry or wet rot of wood
- Visual evidence of insect infestation
Some of the issues the home inspector might uncover may be extensive, or very simple and inexpensive to fix. In a well-maintained home there may be little or nothing of significance found in the home inspection, but it is much better to know if there might be any problems before they occur.
You need a home inspection to prevent any expensive surprises with the systems of the home you wish to buy, and make owning a new home a pleasurable and rewarding experience.
When working as your buyer agent, I will always advise that it is in the best interest of my clients to get a home inspection.
Shannon Holmes, REALTOR® (205) 706-3975
109 Inverness Plaza
Birmingham, Alabama 35242
Shannon Holmes recommends that you always get a home inspection when buying a home. With top quality real estate service and advice as her goal, Shannon wants to be sure you know why you need a home inspection .


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Breaking News: Woman files lawsuit against MCSO & Arpaio after being shackled during birth
Tuesday, December 20th, 2011A woman and her attorney's just filed a lawsuit naming the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office and Joe Arpaio and numerous others as defendants. The suit alleges the woman was shackled during labor and during a cesarean section that was performed while under the custody of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
In part the press release issued by Joy Bertrand, Shannon Peters and John McBee reads as follows:
Phoenix, AZ
RE: WOMAN SHACKLED DURING LABOR SUES JOE ARPAIOMendiola v. Arpaio, et. al
Arizona District Court Number 11CV2512
Yesterday, through her attorneys, Miriam Mendiola-Martinez filed a federal lawsuit against Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the Maricopa Medical Center, Maricopa County Sheriff's Officers, and Maricopa Medical Center doctors and nurses, alleging that she was shackled by Maricopa County Sheriff's officers during labor and after her Cesarean delivery. Her attached complaint, alleges that Sheriff Arpaio and the other defendants violated several constitutional rights, to include the Eighth Amendment rights to be free from cruel and unusual punishment and the right of prisoners to adequate health care.
The complaint states that in December 2009, while she was held as a prisoner in Maricopa County jails, Ms. Mendiola-Martinez was repeatedly shackled during her labor and while she recovered from a Cesarean birth. She also alleges that a MCSO deputy or correctional officer forced her to walk, with her hands and feet shackled, wearing only a hospital gown and with a bleeding surgery wound, out of the hospital and then back into the hospital while she was being discharged from the hospital.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association oppose the shackling of women in labor or recuperating from delivery. In 2008, in Nelson v. Norris, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals
found the shackling of women prisoners during labor to constitute cruel and unusual punishment, in violation of the Eighth Amendment.The Arizona Department of Corrections eliminated the practice of shackling women in labor or in postpartum recovery in 2003. In 2007, the United States Marshal's Service eliminated the practice of shackling women in labor. In 2008,
the Federal Bureau of Prisons eliminated the practice of shackling women in labor.Ms. Mendiola-Martinez is represented by Attorneys Joy Bertrand, Shannon Peters, and John McBee.
The lawsuit is just one more example of the abuses perpetrated against the Latino community. The lawsuit outlines and alleges egregious behavior on behalf of the MCSO deputies who shackled the woman while giving birth and subsequently forced her to walk with a bleeding surgery wound.
Carlos E. Galindo is a radio talk show host & political analyst conducting radio shows in both English and Spanish on four radio stations in Arizona. Mr. Galindo is a weekly contributor to KPFK 98.7 FM and W60 AM Los Angeles and has appeared on CNN, Univision and Telemundo as a political analyst. Mr. Galindo is also an Op-Ed columnist on Prensa Hispana http://www.carlosgalindo.com


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