Outbreak Specialists Track Down Recent Coronavirus

Health officials are trying to figure out if the virus is moving from person to person

By Helen Branswell

Image: BioWiki

Maria Zambon was having d?j? vu. Earlier this fall, she found out about a new coronavirus that had come seemingly from nowhere to kill a Saudi man in Jeddah in June and seriously sicken another.? The survivor had been flown from Qatar to a London hospital. His lungs were overwhelmed with infection, his kidneys failing. Virologists at Erasmus Medical Center (EMC), in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, were already working on an isolate from the Saudi man to decode the virus's genetic sequence. They named the virus HCoV-EMC, short for human coronavirus and the institution's initials.

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The situation reminded Zambon, director of reference microbiology for Britain's Health Protection Agency, of the SARS outbreak of 2003, which spread from China to as far as Toronto and killed 916 people. Fortunately, the recent coronavirus appears to be emerging more slowly than SARS did (also a coronavirus). To date, only seven cases have been reported?five in Saudi Arabia and two in Qatar. Three of the infections have been fatal. The fear, however, is that the virus will start spreading from person to person, fanning out more broadly to infect people around the globe.

A recently discovered cluster of illnesses in Saudi Arabia has raised concerns that the virus may be able to move from person to person. Four men who lived in the same household in Riyadh became sick with similar symptoms within a short period of time. Three of the men?tested positive for the virus. The fourth?is currently classified as probable case and his?infection status may remain ambiguous. With the source of the infection unknown and the incubation period unclear, authorities may never get a definitive answer about whether these family members were all infected from a common source, or whether one of them got sick and infected the others, says Anthony Mounts, the World Health Organization's technical expert for the outbreak. "It sure raises your concern. But it's not definitive." If the virus spread from person to person in that Riyadh household, it has apparently since sputtered and died out.

Still, the discovery of additional cases, some in a cluster, has prompted WHO to cast a wider net in its search for other cases. The Geneva-based global health agency had initially warned countries to be on the lookout for cases of severe and unexplained respiratory illness in people who had visited or were residents of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Now it is convinced that whatever the source of the virus is, it is probably not unique to those countries. By getting health authorities around the world to look harder for possible cases, it hopes to answer another question that people like Mounts and Zambon have been asking themselves: Is this virus actually new, or has it just newly come into view? If it is the former, then worries about what the virus might do will remain high.? But if it has been infecting people for years but was only spotted because two severe cases brought it to light, then the virus may seem like less of a threat.

"There's always a question of 'Well, actually, has it been around forever and a day and we just missed it because we haven't tested?'" Zambon notes. It is commonly accepted that medical science has not identified all the bugs that make people sick. In fact, before the SARS outbreak, only two viruses in the coronavirus family were known to infect people. In the years after SARS became the third, the human coronaviruses NL63 and HKU1 were added to that list.

Finding the answer means testing more patients with similar symptoms to see if they too are infected with the EMC virus. Some countries?Britain among them?have been testing sick pilgrims returning from this year's Hajj, the world's largest annual pilgrimage that brings roughly three million Muslims to? Mecca every year. So far there have been no reports of additional cases among the returning Hajjis. And as time passes, concerns about the pilgrimage as a disease-amplification opportunity are starting to wane. "The government of Saudi Arabia does quite extensive surveillance during the Hajj and was particularly vigilant during this season. They have reassured us that nothing unusual happened," Mounts says.

Source: http://rss.sciam.com/click.phdo?i=54eb21de9ee4b76a6f15108d38fdae6e

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Penneys - Payroll Accountant - Jobs.ie - Jobs in Ireland. Irish Jobs.

Primark is a retail group in the value sector and operates a total of 254 stores in Ireland (where it trades under the Penneys brand), the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Belgium and the UK. Primark employs more than 40,000 people.

In the financial year 10/11, Primark opened twenty new stores ? Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen in Germany; La Coru?a in Spain; Las Palmas and El Mirador in Gran Canaria; Hoofddorp in the Netherlands; Sintra (Lisbon) and Portimao in Portugal; Bournemouth, Cwmbran, Harrogate, Ilford, King?s Lynn, Perth, Scunthorpe, Stockport, Stratford City, Winchester, Worcester and Yeovil in the UK.

Primark now operates from over 7.8 million sq ft of selling space and has 39 stores trading from over 50,000 sq ft of which 10 trade from over 70,000 sq ft.

First established in 1969 as Penneys in Mary St (Dublin), Primark Stores Ltd., is a subsidiary of Associated British Foods (ABF)

Primark is successful because it offers:
? Super-competitive prices (the

Source: http://www.jobs.ie/ApplyForJob.aspx?Id=1219975

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Investing in our environment

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Investing in our environment

30/11/2012

Measures to boost the environmental worth of Scottish farmland will benefit from the latest round of Rural Priorities funding, worth more than ?19 million.

Organic producers will benefit from ?1.47 million of support alongside projects to enhance biodiversity on protected designated sites, support black grouse and improve water quality.

This brings the total of Rural Priorities funding approved to around ?568 million since it was launched through the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) scheme in 2008.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

?This latest round of more than ?19 million of Rural Priorities funding will provide much-needed support to environmental and forestry projects across rural Scotland. This essential funding will support a wide range of activity from planting new woodland to investing in organically managed farmland across Scotland.

?These projects will not only benefit the rural communities which are being supported but will also make a substantial contribution to meeting climate change and favourable condition targets, protecting and enhancing some of our most valuable areas designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

?Over the past five years, we have approved around ?568 million of Rural Priorities support benefiting thousands of projects across rural Scotland. This vital funding under the Scotland Rural Development Programme will continue to deliver wider environmental benefits across the country for many years to come.?

Projects approved in the Axis Two ?agri-environment? and forestry funding round include:

A collaboration of projects in Tayside will work with the Saving Scotland?s Red Squirrels project to coordinate control of grey squirrels by landowners across the region. Around ?300,000 will be distributed over the next five years. This will fund a total of 18 cases to create barriers for grey squirrels to help halt the decline of the native red squirrel, one of our most iconic species.

David Kirkpatrick of Auchenbainzie, Thornhill has been awarded ?40,228 over five years, to manage water margins, habitat mosaics and wetland. This funding will also create two hectares of new woodland over fifteen years. These projects will restore, conserve and enhance species and habitats that are important to Dumfries and Galloway, providing nesting areas and habitats for a wide array of plants, insects and birds.

Jeff Stoddart of Halls Farm, Penicuik has been awarded ?100,518 over five years, to deliver a conservation grazing programme on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The restructuring of livestock management on the farm will benefit grassland and fen habitats in the SSSI. This will improve the quality of the land for a diverse array of species through targeted planting and sensitive grazing.

Alexander Cook of Mosshead, Inverurie has been awarded ?93,420 over five years to convert his entire 84 hectares farm to organic production. This will enable the business to farm all of the land at Mosshead organically, delivering associated biodiversity, pollution control, energy efficiency and soil protection benefits. This proposal also contributes to the national target of increasing the area of organically managed farmland in Scotland.

The approved schemes aim to meet the key Axis Two outcomes of improving water quality, mitigation of climate changes and the protection and enhancement of Scotland?s bio-diversity and landscape. This will make a significant contribution towards helping Scotland meet its international commitment, set out under the Natura Directives, UN and EU policy, to reach climate change and favourable condition targets on designated protected sites (SSSIs).

There will also be a considerable range of biodiversity benefits which include; helping to maintain traditional grazing management on fragile land, active management of semi-natural habitats and providing feeding and nesting sites for a range of farmland breeding birds.

This is the 13th round of funding under Rural Priorities and focuses on Axis Two (agri-environment and forestry) projects.

Rural Priorities is a competitive funding mechanism under the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). It delivers targeted environmental, social and economic benefits to 11 designated regions of Scotland. The priorities for each region are agreed with local stakeholders and contracts are awarded for the proposals which are best able to deliver those priorities.

The Scottish Government and European Union funding covers part of the cost of individual projects, with the remainder coming from the applicants ? a healthy sign that rural businesses and community groups are investing in their future.

Related information

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP/RuralPriorities/KeyFacts/Case-Studies

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP/RuralPriorities

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP/RuralPriorities/WhatRegion

Source: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/ID3/271593

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Ronda Rousey: ?I try to have as much sex as possible before I fight?

UFC/Strikeforce women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey appeared on Jim Rome's show on Wednesday. What does the champion use as her training secret? Does she have high-level training methods not available to amateur athletes and workout warriors?

Nope. She likes to have as much sex as possible before fights. Though Mick advised Rocky that women weaken the legs, Rousey believes it has the opposite effect on women.

"For girls it raises your testosterone, so I try to have as much sex as possible before I fight actually. Not with like everybody, I don't put out like a Craigslist ads or anything, but if I got a steady I'm going to be like, 'Yo, fight time's coming up,'" Rousey said.

She is not the first athlete to claim sex has benefits on the field of play. Elias Figueroa, a Chilean soccer player, said his coach advised him to have sex before important games. Argentinian soccer players were advised they could have sex during the World Cup, as long as it was with a regular partner and not accompanied by champagne.

There is little medical evidence that says sex has an effect, positive or negative, on an athletic performance.

"It certainly doesn't fatigue you in any particular way. So if we actually test your strength or your endurance the day after you've had sex, there's no effect," said Ian Shrier, a sport-medicine physician at the Jewish General Hospital at McGill University.

But if there is an exception, it's in combat sports like MMA. Maria Cristina Rodriguez Gutierrez, the director of sports medicine at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, told CNN that sex can reduce aggression.

"For combat athletes like fighters or boxers, having sex before an important fight can reduce the aggressiveness and make them passive," although effects vary from person to person.

It clearly works for Rousey, who has steamrolled every opponent she has faced on her way to the championship and a 6-0 record. She's won every fight with a first-round submission, and she recently was named the first woman in the UFC. Though her opponent and the date for her first UFC fight are currently unknown, UFC president Dana White said her bout will be a main event on a pay-per-view.

Rousey is also a two-time Olympian, and she won a bronze medal for judo in 2008. It was a fight before the Beijing Olympics that made her think she could be successful in the cage.

"Yes. I got in a fight with a couple of guys at the end of 2007 in a movie theater. It was four couples so four guys and one girl tried to get into it. And I had two friends with me. But I was only really handling two guys by myself. They sued me for assault because it didn't really go too well for them. I guess if you lose a fight in Santa Monica the next option is to sue. Everyone in the theater was cheering for me. I was thinking I might have a future in this. It was before the whole MMA thing."

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/ronda-rousey-try-much-sex-possible-fight-171940850--mma.html

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Mercury Contains Water Ice at its Poles

It may be the closest planet to the Sun, but even Mercury has water ice. A lot in fact?as much as 100 billion to 1 trillion tons, according to a trio of studies published today by scientists working with NASA?s MESSENGER orbiter. The findings, out today in the journal Science, are the first to give strong evidence of water in Mercury?s polar regions, following decades of speculation.

Using the neutron spectrometer aboard MESSENGER?which in March became the first spacecraft enter Mercury?s orbit?scientists detected unprecedented high concentrations of hydrogen within the craters in Mercury?s polar regions. Combined with the temperature models created from topographic data taken with the orbiter?s laser altimeter, the researchers had their evidence: Pure water deposits on Mercury.

"If it was the neutrons alone, it would be harder to say, 'Bang, it's water ice,'" says David Lawrence, MESSENGER participating scientist. "But when you combine that with the radar data, the topography, thermal maps, they're all pointing to the same conclusion?it's got to be ice."

It may seem improbable that a planet where temperatures can register as high 800 F at the equator would have ice, but the surface of Mercury is a place of extremes. Since Mercury?s rotational axis isn?t titled like the Earth's, craters within the polar regions of the planet are permanently shaded from the Sun?s rays, causing temperatures within their depths to sink as low as -370 F. That's certainly cold enough to retain any ice from a comet impact millions of years ago, Lawrence says.

While the recent discovery doesn't improve our understanding of how the planet initially formed?a topic that continues to confound scientists to this day?it does pose a new set of questions for researchers.

"In the planetary science community we've been living with this idea of water ice for 20 years," Lawrence says. "But the new questions are, how do we measure this is more detail? How deep does it go?" Further study into the ice will hopefully reveal the source of the ice?perhaps comet impacts?and its extent. With enough fuel to last it until 2015, MESSENGER will give scientists plenty of time to find out.

Source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/how-to/blog/mercury-contains-water-ice-at-its-poles-14799501?src=rss

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Save Senn | Your Auto Insurance Plan

Arlington Auto Insurance There are more drivers hitting the road each year. This can lead to an increased likelihood of a car accident. If you get in a car accident, the auto insurance you have can make a big difference in the experience you have. So how do you know what type of car insurance you need and how much to buy? Insurance requirements vary by state/province, but typically include the following: Liability: It pays for the expenses you are responsible for in a car collision, including injury and property damage. If you are in legal trouble, it also pays your legal fees. State laws typically mandate standard amounts, but larger amounts can be purchased and are usually recommended. Personal Injury Protection: Personal injury insurance is mandated in some states and is optional in others. It pays you or your passengers for medical treatment resulting from a crash, regardless of who may have been at fault, and is often called no-fault coverage. The minimum amount of personal injury protection is typically set by local government. Medical Payments: Medical payment coverage is available in non-no-fault states; it will pay regardless of who may have been at fault. All reasonable medical or funeral expenses will be covered under this type of policy. Collision: Pays for damages to your vehicle caused by a collision. Comprehensive: This kind of insurance protection covers any damages not caused by a collision. This may include fire damage, vandalism, and robbery. Uninsured Motorist: If you are hit by a driver without insurance, this type of insurance will make sure you are covered. Under-Insured Motorist: There are other drivers who have liability insurance that can?t cover all the expenses they are supposed to take care of. Under-insured motorist coverage covers you in accidents involving those drivers. Emergency road service, car rental, and other types of coverage can also be purchased. What you pay for auto insurance varies based on the company and will depend on multiple factors, including: * What coverage you select * The make and model of the vehicle you drive * Whether or not you have been in an accident * Your age, sex and marital status * The place where you live Don?t procrastinate buying auto insurance; you should never be on the road without it. Review your needs, research your options, and with the support of your insurance agent, make the decision that best suits you.

This entry was posted in Auto Insurance. Bookmark the permalink.

Source: http://savesenn.org/your-auto-insurance-plan/

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Job Interview? Write a Thank You Note! - Speak Up For Success

Once upon a time, almost anyone who could write, knew how to write a thank you note. But today, a well-written note is so rare that it places you ahead of the pack.

The best thank you notes are short, sincere, and specific to each interview. So:

1. Be Prepared for Thank You Note Success

• Before going to your interview, buy an attractive blank?note card from a card shop. No humor, and nothing fancy or with writing on the inside. This needs to reflect?you, so keep the card simple and write your note in your own words.
• Take the card and a stamp with you to your interview.
• Be sure to ask your interviewer for their business card, so that you know where to send your thank you.
• After your interview, go sit quietly (if you?re an introvert, want to take some notes) or call a friend (if you?re an extrovert, or want to talk things out) and think through what went well and what you?d like to do differently next time.

Now use this simple approach to craft your note:

2. Start By Thinking About Your Audience

In this case, your ?audience? is the person, or people, who interviewed you. To put them solidly in mind, ask yourself:

• Did they enjoy our conversation?
• Where, in particular, did we connect?
• Was their interviewing style more on the ?warm and friendly? or more on the ?strictly business? end of the scale?

OK, got it? Now you?re ready to write.

3. Use ?The Rule of 3? to Write Your Note

Three sentences, plus a date, a greeting, and a close, are all you need to get this job done.

At the top of the note, in the right-hand corner, write today?s date.

Then, on the left, write, ?Dear [Their Name].? If the person was super friendly, a first name will do; it they were super formal, use their title. In between ?Mr.? or ?Ms.? and their last name is correct.

Then write:

Sentence: #1 Thank the person for meeting with you.

• If you liked them, or if they were particularly friendly, you can say something like ?Thank you for making my interview today so pleasant.?
• If they were more businesslike, just say something like, ?Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.?

Sentence #2: Mention something that you liked about the interview.

• If they were personal or friendly, say something personal, such as, ?I particularly enjoyed our talk about [whatever you?and they?particularly enjoyed talking about].?
• If they were more businesslike, say something businesslike, such as, ?I was glad to learn more about [name of organization].?

Sentence #3: Repeat your interest in the job (but don?t?repeat your qualifications or act as if the interview is still going on!).

• Friendly version: ?I would be thrilled to work for [name of organization], and hope to meet you again as a colleague.?
• Business version: ?I am now even more interested in working with [name of organization], and appreciate your help with the process.?

Here?s what those two notes look like when you put it all together:

Friendlier Version:
Thank you for making my interview today so pleasant.?I particularly enjoyed our talk about [whatever you?and they?particularly enjoyed talking about].?I would be thrilled to work for [name of organization], and hope to meet you again as a colleague.

More Businesslike Version:
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.?I was glad to learn more about [name of organization].?I am now even more interested in working with [name of organization], and appreciate your help with the process.

Sign it ?Sincerely,? then print your name so that you?re sure they can read it. If you have a business card, include it.

And Last But Not Least?

Go home, put your feet up, and have a glass of wine or hot tea.

The hardest job in the world is looking for a job. So congratulate yourself on a job well done today, and be kind to yourself while you?re waiting for the results.

Tagged as: career, job interview, public speaking, thank you note

Source: http://speakupforsuccess.com/6056/thank-you-note/

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UK press braces for verdict of ethics inquiry

LONDON (AP) ? Britain's rambunctious press braced Thursday for censure and tougher scrutiny as an ethics inquiry triggered by tabloid phone hacking released its wide-ranging report.

Lord Justice Brian Leveson was due to release the findings of his yearlong inquiry, which heard evidence from hundreds of journalists, politicians, lawyers and victims of press intrusion.

His report, reportedly running to 2,000 pages, was due for release at 1:30 p.m. (1330 GMT, 8:30 a.m. EST). As the public waited for the release of the report, victims of phone hacking including actor Hugh Grant arrived at the Queen Elizabeth II center to hear the conclusions.

Prime Minister David Cameron set up the inquiry after revelations of illegal eavesdropping by the now-defunct News of the World tabloid sparked a criminal investigation and a wave of public revulsion.

Leveson is expected to criticize the cozy relationship between politicians, police and the press and to recommend stronger newspaper regulation.

Many politicians and members of the public want a regulatory body enshrined in law, but some lawmakers, editors and journalists fear that could limit press freedom.

Parliament would have to approve any legal changes the report recommends, and Cameron is under intense pressure from both sides. He is also tainted by his own ties to prominent figures in the scandal.

It erupted in 2011 when it was revealed that the Rupert Murdoch-owned News of the World had eavesdropped on the mobile phone voicemails of slain schoolgirl Milly Dowler while police were searching for the 13-year-old.

Murdoch shut down the 168-year-old newspaper in July 2011. His U.K. newspaper company, News International, has paid damages to dozens of hacking victims, and faces lawsuits from dozens more.

The former Murdoch editors and journalists subsequently charged with phone hacking, police bribery or other wrongdoing include Cameron's former spokesman, Andy Coulson, and ex-News of the World editor Rebekah Brooks, a friend of the prime minister.

Coulson and Brooks were appearing in court Thursday on charges of paying public officials for information.

Cameron, who received a copy of Leveson's report on Wednesday, is due to make a statement about it in the House of Commons later Thursday.

He and other senior politicians insist they will not curb Britain's long tradition of free speech.

"Everybody wants two things: firstly, a strong, independent, raucous press who can hold people in positions of power to account, and secondly to protect ordinary people ? the vulnerable, the innocent ? when the press overstep the mark," Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said Thursday.

"That's the balance that we are trying to strike and I am sure we will."

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/uk-press-braces-verdict-ethics-inquiry-101004083.html

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Art auction Friday will benefit KU student with brain cancer

Today's University Daily Kansan tells the tale of Zach Graas, a KU sophomore who about a year ago discovered he had brain cancer after his right hand went numb in the shower one day.

Read the story to see what his life has been like for the last year ??chemotherapy, daily cocktails of pills, a loss of movement in his right hand. (A warning for those who'd like to be warned: There's a bit of PG-13-level language.)

You can also read a message from Graas in this Lawrence.com Final Fridays preview (you'll have to scroll down a bit) because a silent art auction Friday will help raise money for his family to pay his many medical bills.

The auction will be 5 to 9 pm. Friday in the Alton Ballroom at Pachamamas, 800 New Hampshire St.

Source: http://www2.kusports.com/weblogs/heard_hill/2012/nov/27/art-auction-friday-will-benefit-ku-stude/

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London Eye?s Views

OK! I have my hands up ? see? I admit to taking the?Michael, the Micky and the Michelle! To celebrate her new eyes, Tara over at Sticky Fingers has posed the theme of ?Eyes? for the Gallery this week.

I know I?ve been naughty and will do my penance but before you clap me in chains ? enjoy the view!

This entry was posted in Gallery and tagged eyes, London Eye by Tanner. Bookmark the permalink.

Source: http://jfb57.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/london-eyes-views/

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Self-Defense ? The Best Ways To Protect Yourself ... - jackie's bazaar

Related eBooks

Self defense products like stun guns and pepper sprays and a foundation in self-defense techniques are the best ways to protect yourself against an assault. Read on to learn more.

Source:Self-Defense ? The Best Ways To Protect Yourself

Related Reading:

The Psychology of Self-DefenseWhether you are a stay-at-home mom, a police officer, or an experienced Martial Artist, this book will open your mind to a new way of thinking. Real, effective self-defense begins with a mindset. Here is your guide to developing that mindset. Learn what it takes to OVERCOME conflict, and PROTECT yourself and those you care about. In this book you will discover: what real-life self-defense actually is - and how to survive in today's world; why self-defense training should be a priority for everyone; the difference between self-defense and martial arts; and that's just the beginning! The information in this book has empowered people from all walks of life to be stronger, more confident, and safer. When self-defense is a MUST - nothing else will do. This book is written by Chris Sutton is an experienced law enforcement officer, Martial Arts school owner, and creator of the C.O.B.R.A. Self Defense System. C.O.B.R.A. is an internationally licensed Self-Defense Program founded in 2001. The Psychology of Self-Defense has been read by S.W.A.T. officers, military personnel, business owners, students, and people from every walk of life. This book is based on the author's 20-plus years of training, research and experience. It's a MUST for all! Self-DefenseDr. Alex Delaware doesn?t see many private patients anymore, but the young woman called Lucy is an exception. So is her dream. Lucy Lowell is referred to Alex by Los Angeles police detective Milo Sturgis. A juror at the agonizing trial of a serial killer, Lucy survived the trauma only to be tormented by a recurring nightmare: a young child in the forest at night, watching a strange and furtive act.

Now Lucy?s dream is starting to disrupt her waking life, and Alex is concerned. The power of the dream, its grip on Lucy?s emotions, suggests to him that it may be more than a nightmare. It may be the repressed childhood memory of something very real. Something like murder.

From the Paperback edition.

Common-Sense & Self-DefenceCommon-Sense & Self-Defence?Strategies & Techniques that Work!

Common-Sense and Self-Defence is an e-book designed to help women avoid the trauma of a sexual assault or rape. Simple, Powerful & Effective!

It is a handbook of Common-Sense and Self-Defence techniques that can be used effectively by females of all ages.

We do not propose to have an answer for every conceivable situation that may occur.

Every would-be assailant, every potential victim, and every environment where an attack takes place contains its own set of unique situational advantages and disadvantages.

However, we suggest that by adapting some Common-Sense Techniques into her life, and by becoming aware of her mental and physical potential, a women can, in many cases, protect herself from sexual assault and rape.

In this book, we have set forth some easy to follow guidelines that when adapted into her individual lifestyle, will help a woman completely avoid the possibility of an assault.

We realize though, that women are assaulted even under the most cautious of conditions, and it is for these situations that we offer Self-Defence alternatives.

In Self DefenseIn Self Defense is inspired by the true-life story of a martial arts legend who died at the hand of his own son. After fighting in the jungles of the South Pacific in World War II, Willy Wetzel and his family migrated from Indonesia to America in 1956. Willy opened one of the first martial arts schools in the United States in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. He was a pioneer and became known worldwide for his mastery of many martial arts forms. The finest pupil Willy ever taught, was his second son, Roy Wetzel. The Wetzels all had their battle scars, some more visible than others. When Roy returned from Viet Nam with a Purple Heart, he hoped for a peaceful life at home. Instead Roy found himself in a fight with his father.One fateful night, their strained relationship finally came to a head. As Roy's young daughter lay asleep in the next room, a weapon-filled brutal fight between father and son ensued. The aftermath of Willy's last skirmish would leave Roy bloody and beaten and charged by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with Murder. This led to a controversial trial and the original court transcripts contained in the second half of this non-fiction novel give a compelling account of the prolonged legal contest that stirred up many debates. Following the lives of the Wetzels in intricate detail, In Self Defense will keep you turning the page till the very end.

Tags: self defense

Source: http://www.jackiesbazaar.com/womensinterests/self-defense/self-defense-the-best-ways-to-protect-yourself

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Everton vs Arsenal Live Stream England Premier League Soccer ...

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28 November 2012 3:45 PM EST
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Video: Hillary Clinton: Mandela the most unforgettable person I ever met

Sorry, Readability was unable to parse this page for content.

Source: http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/49984966/

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Nobel Peace Laureates Call For Military Boycott Of Israel | Common Dreams

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Source: http://realityzone-realityzone.blogspot.com/2012/11/nobel-peace-laureates-call-for-military.html

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Jozewicz v. GGT Enterprises, LLC; 2010 U.S. Dist ... - Recreation Law

Posted: November 26, 2012 | Author: Jim Moss | Filed under: Legal Case, Skiing / Snow Boarding, Product Recall, Utah | Tags: Product liability, Ski binding, Salt Lake City, CPSC, K2, Jarden, Product Recal, Park City Utah, Indemnity, Alta Ski Area, Jarden Corporation, GGT, Utah Supreme Court |

Jozewicz v. GGT Enterprises, LLC; 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 53937

Laura Jozewicz, Plaintiff, vs. GGT Enterprises, Llc; K2 Corporation; and Jarden Corporation, Defendants.

Case No. 2:09-cv-00215-CW

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF UTAH, CENTRAL DIVISION

2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 53937

June 2, 2010, Decided

June 2, 2010, Filed

CORE TERMS: public policy concern, preinjury, binding, alert, distributor, rental, consumer products, consumer, retailer, citation omitted, ski, risks of injury, skiing, sports, skis, serious injury, manufacturer, recreational, invalidated, safety standards, public policy, unreasonable risk, manufacture, notice, hazard, release agreement, unenforceable, collectively, inventory, rented

COUNSEL: [*1] For Laura Jozewicz, an individual, Plaintiff: Jordan P. Kendell, Robert G. Gilchrist, LEAD ATTORNEYS, EISENBERG & GILCHRIST, SALT LAKE CITY, UT.

For K2, a Delaware corporation, Defendant: Cobie W. Spevak, Gainer M. Waldbillig, LEAD ATTORNEYS, FORD & HUFF LC (SLC), SALT LAKE CITY, UT.

For Jarden, a Delaware corporation, Defendant: Gainer M. Waldbillig, LEAD ATTORNEY, Cobie W. Spevak, FORD & HUFF LC (SLC), SALT LAKE CITY, UT.

For GGT Enterprises, a Utah corporation, Defendant: Adam Strachan, LEAD ATTORNEY, STRACHAN STRACHAN & SIMON, LITIGATION, PARK CITY, UT.

JUDGES: Clark Waddoups, United States District Judge.

OPINION BY: Clark Waddoups

OPINION

MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER

INTRODUCTION

While skiing at Alta ski area, Plaintiff Laura Jozewicz (?Jozewicz?) fell and injured her neck. Jozewicz contends she fell because the binding on her skis unexpectedly released due to a product defect. Jozewicz rented the skis from Defendant GGT Enterprises, LLC (?GGT?). At the time of rental, a recall notice was in effect for the binding, but GGT did not remove the product from its rental inventory. Nevertheless, GGT seeks dismissal of Jozewicz?s negligence claim on the basis that she signed a release from liability at the time she rented [*2] the skis. For the reasons discussed below, the court denies GGT?s motion to dismiss.

FACTUAL BACKGROUND

On March 17, 2008, GGT rented skis to Jozewicz. On March 18, 2008, Jozewicz fell and injured her neck while skiing at Alta ski area. Jozewicz claims her fall occurred when the Marker MI Demo binding on her rental ski released unexpectedly. Jozewicz alleges that Defendants K2 Corporation and Jarden Corporation (collectively ?K2/Jarden?) manufactured the ski binding. Prior to Jozewicz?s fall, K2/Jarden notified the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (?Commission?) regarding the binding, and the Commission subsequently issued a recall alert on May 30, 2007, due to ?Unexpected Release, Fall Hazard.? ¹ The recall alert stated that ?[s]ki shops with these bindings in their rental inventory should not rent this equipment to consumers until it has been upgraded.? ² The recall further stated that ?[s]kiers can unitentionally displace a lever at the rear of the binding,? which ?[i]f it is fully displaced, . . . can result in the unexpected release of the binding and possibly cause the user to fall.? ³

1 Recall Alert (May 30, 2007) (Docket No. 29, Ex. A).

2 Id.

3 Id.

Prior to renting her [*3] skis from GGT, Jozewicz signed an ?Equipment Rental and Liability Release Agreement,? which states in relevant part:

I understand that the binding system cannot guarantee the user?s safety. In downhill skiing, the binding systems will not release at all times or under all circumstances where release may prevent injury or death, nor is it possible to predict every situation in which it will release. . . .

I understand that the sports of skiing, snowboarding, skiboarding, snowshoeing and other sports (collectively ?RECREATIONAL SNOW SPORTS?) involve inherent risks of INJURY and DEATH. I voluntarily agree to expressly assume all risks of injury or death that may result from these RECREATIONAL SNOW SPORTS, or which relate in any way to the use of this equipment. . . .

I AGREE TO RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS the equipment rental facility, its employees, owner, affiliates, agents, officers, directors and the equipment manufacturers and distributors and their successors in interest (collectively ?PROVIDERS?), from all liability for injury, death, property loss and damage which results from the equipment user?s participation in the RECREATIONAL SNOW SPORTS for which the equipment is provided, or [*4] which is related in any way to the use of this equipment, including all liability which results from the NEGLIGENCE of PROVIDERS, or any other person or cause.

I further agree to defend and indemnify PROVIDERS for any loss or damage, including any that results from claims or lawsuits for personal injury, death, and property loss and damage related in any way to the use of this equipment. ⁴

GGT claims the release agreement bars Jozewicz?s negligence claim.

4 Equipment Rental & Liability Release Agreement (Docket No. 13, Ex. 2) (emphasis in original).

ANALYSIS

I. STANDARD FOR REVIEW

Defendant GGT brings this motion under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6). When considering a 12(b)(6) motion, ?a court must accept as true all well-pleaded facts, as distinguished from conclusory allegations, and those facts must be viewed in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party.? ⁵ The complaint must include ?enough facts to state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face.? ⁶ ?The court?s function on a Rule 12(b)(6) motion is not to weigh potential evidence that the parties might present at trial, but to assess whether the plaintiff?s complaint alone is legally sufficient to state a claim [*5] for which relief may be granted.? ⁷ Consequently, a court does not look at evidence outside of a pleading to determine such motions. ⁸ If a court does rely ?on material from outside the pleadings, the court converts the motion to dismiss into a motion for summary judgment.? ⁹ Because the court relies on material outside of the pleadings in this case, the court converts this motion into a motion for summary judgment.

5 Shero v. City of Grove, 510 F.3d 1196, 1200 (10th Cir. 2007) (citation omitted).

6 Bell Atl. Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 570, 127 S. Ct. 1955, 167 L. Ed. 2d 929 (2007).

7 Peterson v. Grisham, 594 F.3d 723, 727 (10th Cir. 2010) (citation omitted).

8 Dobsen v. Anderson, No. 08-7018, 2008 U.S. App. LEXIS 22820, at *8-9 (10th Cir. Nov. 4, 2008).

9 Id. at *9 (quotations and citation omitted).

II. PREINJURY RELEASES

A. Limitations on Preinjury Releases

Without question, individuals ?may contract away their rights to recover in tort for damages caused by the ordinary negligence of others.? ¹⁰ The Utah Supreme Court has recognized, however, ?that preinjury releases are not unlimited in power and can be invalidated in certain circumstances,? including when (1) the release offends public policy, (2) the release is for activities [*6] that fit within the public interest exception, or (3) the release is unclear or ambiguous. ¹¹ The second limitation is not at issue here because ?preinjury releases for recreational activities,? such as skiing, ?cannot be invalidated under the public interest exception.? ¹² Likewise, the third limitation is not at issue because Jozewicz conceded during oral argument that the release is not unclear or ambiguous. Thus, the prevailing issue in this case is whether a public policy concern overwhelms the effect of the preinjury release that Jozewicz signed.

10 Pearce v. Utah Athletic Found., 2008 UT 13, P 14, 179 P.3d 760, 765 (citations omitted).

11 Id. (citations omitted).

12 Id. P 18.

B. Public Policy Considerations

Preinjury releases must be compatible with public policy to be enforceable. ¹³ Previously, the Utah Supreme Court has invalidated preinjury releases when they were contrary to public policy set forth in statutory provisions. The court has recognized that ?[w]hen . . . the Legislature clearly articulates public policy, and the implications of that public policy are unmistakable, we have the duty to honor those expressions of policy in our rulings.? ¹⁴ Thus, in Hawkins v. Peart, the [*7] Utah Supreme Court held that public policy invalidated a preinjury release signed by a parent on behalf of a minor child. ¹⁵ The court looked to Utah statute and found that it ?provides various checks on parental authority to ensure a child?s interests are protected.? ¹⁶ In particular, it found that when a child is injured, statutory law precludes a parent from settling a claim, unless the parent is appointed as conservator for the child. ¹⁷ Based on this clear legislative intent to protect a minor?s interest post injury, the court concluded that a preinjury release for a minor child likewise was unenforceable. ¹⁸

13 Id. P 15 (citing Rothstein v. Snowbird Corp., 2007 UT 96, P 7, 175 P.3d 560).

14 Rothstein v. Snowbird Corp., 2007 UT 96, P 20, 175 P.3d 560.

15 Hawkins v. Peart, 2001 UT 94, PP 12-13, 37 P.3d 1062.

16 Id. P 11.

17 Id. (citing Utah Code Ann. ? 75-5-404 (1993)).

18 Id. PP 12-13.

As applicable to this case, Congress has expressed its concern about product defects that pose a significant risk of injury or death. In an effort to protect the public from such defects, it enacted the Consumer Product Safety Act (the ?Act?). The stated purpose of the Act is:

(1) to protect the public against unreasonable [*8] risks of injury associated with consumer products; (2) to assist consumers in evaluating the comparative safety of consumer products; (3) to develop uniform safety standards for consumer products and to minimize conflicting State and local regulations; and (4) to promote research and investigation into the causes and prevention of product-related deaths, illnesses, and injuries. ¹⁹

Through this legislation, Congress has stated its intent to create laws that protect the public from unreasonable risk of harm from defective products and to provide a uniform regulatory scheme to promote product safety.

19 15 U.S.C. ? 2051(b) (2010).

Under 15 U.S.C. ? 2064(b), manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are required to notify the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission when they become aware a product (1) fails to comply with applicable safety standards, (2) fails to comply with other rules, regulations, standards, or bans under any acts enforced by the Commission, (3) ?contains a defect which could create a substantial product hazard,? or (4) ?creates unreasonable risk of serious injury or death.? ²⁰ Recall alerts arising from such notices are specifically designed to prevent serious [*9] injuries. Under 15 U.S.C. ? 2068, manufacturers and distributors are charged with honoring the recall alerts issued by the Commission. The law in effect at the time of Jozewicz?s accident stated:

It shall be unlawful for any person to ?

(1) manufacture for sale, offer for sale, distribute in commerce, or import into the United States any consumer product which is not in conformity with an applicable consumer product safety standard under this chapter;

(2) manufacture for sale, offer for sale, distribute in commerce, or import into the United States any consumer product which has been declared a banned hazardous product by a rule under this chapter. ²¹

20 Id. ? 2064(b).

21 Id. ? 2068(a)(1)-(2) (2006). This Section was amended on August 14, 2008, after Jozewicz?s injury occurred. Section 2068(a) now prohibits the sale, manufacture for sale, distribution, or importation of any product (1) ?that is not in conformity with an applicable consumer product safety rule,? (2) that is subject to a voluntary corrective action, (3) that is an imminent hazard and subject to a Commission?s order, or (4) that is a banned hazardous substance. Id. ? 2068(a)(1)-(2) (2010).

Congress enacted the statute to ensure [*10] safe products are provided to the public and to limit the risk of injury. Once a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer reports a defect to the Commission and a recall alert is published, the alert would have no effect if other retailers were not required to take action to correct the defect or remove the product from their inventory. The law requires distributors and retailers to heed recall alerts issued by the Commission and ensure defective products are either fixed or not sold.

Jozewicz argues that Congress?s public policy concern to prevent unreasonable risk of serious injury or death to the public meets the public policy standard set forth by the Utah Supreme Court, and therefore invalidates her release of GGT?s negligence. GGT contends, however, that Congress did not intend for the Consumer Product Safety Act to preempt state law, and no private cause of action exists under 15 U.S.C. ? 2064(b). While this is true, this does not nullify the stated public policy concerns that override the right of parties to contract away tort liability. The rental of the ski bindings at issue in this case became unlawful once the recall notice became effective. Public policy should not favor [*11] allowing a party to insulate itself from harms caused to others arising from unlawful acts. Moreover, a decision that public policy causes a preinjury release to be invalid in this case does not cause GGT to be held liable under the Act, nor does it preempt state law. It merely recognizes Congress?s concern to minimize unreasonable risk to the public of serious injury or death. Such a concern is particularly relevant when a latent defect exists of which distributors and retailers are or should be aware, but not a consumer.

The implication of allowing distributors and retailers to contract away liability for noncompliance with established safety standards would increase the risk of injury and would be contrary to Congress?s express public policy concerns. Furthermore, validating the release of liability for noncompliance with Federal law would effectively reduce or eliminate the responsibility that distributors and retailers have to make sure the products they sell or rent are safe. Public policy should encourage compliance with safety laws, not disregard for such laws. Due to a strong public interest in ensuring adherence to recall alerts, the court concludes that GGT?s release is unenforceable [*12] as a matter of public policy.

CONCLUSION

GGT?s preinjury release is unenforceable and invalid as a matter of public policy. For this reason, GGT?s motion is DENIED. ²²

22 Docket No. 12.

DATED this 2nd day of June, 2010.

BY THE COURT:

/s/ Clark Waddoups

Clark Waddoups

United States District Judge

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Source: http://recreation-law.com/2012/11/26/jozewicz-v-ggt-enterprises-llc-2010-u-s-dist-lexis-53937/

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Nobel winner and organ transplant pioneer Joseph Murray dies at 93

By Mary Slosson

Mon Nov 26, 2012 11:04pm EST

(Reuters) - Dr. Joseph Murray, the surgeon who carried out the first successful kidney transplant and later won a Nobel Prize for his work in medicine and physiology, died on Monday in Boston at the age of 93.

Murray died after suffering a stroke last Thursday, Brigham and Women's Hospital spokesman Tom Langford said.

Murray and his team completed the first human organ transplant in 1954, taking a kidney from one identical twin and giving it to his twin brother, opening a new field in medicine, the hospital said.

"The world is a better place because of all Dr. Murray has given. His legacy will forever endure in our hearts and in every patient who has received the gift of life through transplantation," hospital president Dr. Elizabeth Nabel said in a statement.

Later in his career, Murray continued to search for ways of suppressing a patient's immune response to prevent it from rejecting foreign tissue, eventually becoming a co-winner of the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1990.

"Difficulties are opportunities. This is a quote that sits atop my father's desk at home. It reflects the unwavering optimism of a great man who was generous, curious, and always humble," his son Rick said in a statement.

Murray began a career in medicine on graduating from Harvard Medical School in the 1940s, and developed an interest in transplanting tissue while working with service personnel injured in World War Two, according to the Britannica Online Encyclopedia.

He completed his surgical training at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and later returned to join the staff and serve as chief of plastic surgery.

With broad interests beyond medicine, Murray said in a brief autobiography for the Nobel Prize organization that he and his extended family had been "blessed in our lives beyond my wildest dreams."

"My only wish would be to have 10 more lives to live on this planet. If that were possible, I'd spend one lifetime each in embryology, genetics, physics, astronomy and geology," he said.

"The other lifetimes would be as a pianist, backwoodsman, tennis player, or writer for the National Geographic."

More than 600,000 people worldwide have received transplants since Murray's innovation, the hospital said.

(Additional reporting by Tim Gaynor; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

Source: http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/scienceNews/~3/qZB7WdB0_Gk/us-murray-idUSBRE8AQ05Z20121127

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Another Nexus 4 batch expected to ship out this week, says Google

Many of our hearts sank when the e-mails started rolling out indicating that there would be a three-week delay in shipments of some "backordered" Nexus 4 handsets. Now many users are seeing a more encouraging e-mail landing in their inbox, informing them that their devices are expected to ship this week. Credit cards will be charged and tracking numbers sent once the devices finally get out the door. That said, we're still lacking actual dates. But we're not going to look this gift horse in the mouth.

This falls right into line with the three-week timeframe we heard before, so let's hope that this batch triggers availability in the Play Store again. Maybe this round we'll see orders stay up for more than 15 minutes. There are lots of eager potential buyers that want to get their hands on a Nexus 4.

More: Google Nexus 4 Forums

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/_qMPM4-hhpc/story01.htm

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Slovakia teachers walk out over demands for higher wages

BRATISLAVA (Reuters) - Thousands of Slovak teachers went on strike on Monday, forcing most of the country's schools to close, as they demanded a 10 percent pay rise from the government which is battling to trim its budget deficit.

More than 4,000 teachers gathered in Bratislava waving signs that read "For how long will we educate the nation for a pittance?" and "We give money to Greece, but don't have any for schools".

Teachers in the euro zone's second-poorest country currently earn an average of 687 euros ($890) a month, the lowest in the OECD group of developed nations.

Unions said they had rejected a government offer to pay teachers 5 percent more, half the increase demanded by teachers. Further meetings were scheduled with the government on Tuesday.

"We don't just want higher salaries, we also want to highlight how bad situation is in Slovakia's education sector. It is on the edge of an abyss," Pavel Ondek, head of the teachers' unions, told protesters in the country's capital.

A 5 percent pay rise would cost the government 60 million euros, but still leave an average teacher's salary below the country's mean monthly wage of 793 euros.

Teachers in Slovakia are often forced to seek second jobs to supplement their incomes, and it is quite common for parents to be asked to contribute to school costs, although education is free under the Slovak constitution.

Centre-left Prime Minister Robert Fico won a March election on a pledge to help poorer Slovaks.

While his government decided to raise taxes on companies and the rich in 2013, it has angered some supporters with measures aimed at cutting the budget deficit to below the European Union ceiling of 3 percent of gross domestic product.

Slovakia's economy is expected by the European Commission to grow by 2 percent next year, making it the second-fastest growing country in the bloc next year.

But analysts say the growth, driven by exports of cars produced in the country, would only provide a limited boost to budget revenues.

Union leaders said the strike had shut 80 percent of grammar schools and 70 percent of high schools in the central European country of 5.4 million.

($1 = 0.7717 euros)

(Reporting by Martin Santa; Editing by Michael Winfrey and Sophie Hares)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/slovakia-teachers-walk-over-demands-higher-wages-155121893.html

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ComScore: Black Friday online spending rings in at a record $1.04 billion

Considering the parody-worthy dangers of America's busiest shopping day, it's no surprise to hear that online consumerism is on the rise. According to ComScore, 57.3 million Americans took their wallets to digital storefronts on Black Friday, spending a record $1.04 billion in the process. "With Black Friday online sales up 26 percent and surpassing $1 billion for the first time, coupled with early reports indicating that Black Friday sales in retail stores were down 1.8 percent, we can now confidently call it a multi-channel marketing phenomenon," stated ComScore Chairman Gian Fulgoni. The organization also noted that digital content sales are on the rise, too, citing a 29 percent increase in the category over the same period last year. Finally, Fulgoni projected Cyber Monday sales in excess of $1.5 billion, based on observations culled from the years past. Read on for ComScore's official numbers.

Continue reading ComScore: Black Friday online spending rings in at a record $1.04 billion

Filed under: Misc

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/25/comscore-black-friday-online/

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Pete Doherty Reveals Love Affair With Belated Singer Amy Winehouse

Pete Doherty Reveals Love Affair With Belated Singer Amy Winehouse

Pete Doherty has revealed that he was once in love with the late singer Amy Winehouse, who passed away last year at the age of 27. Both Amy and Pete, who used to be the lead singer for The Libertines, had their singing talents overshadowed by their drug and alcohol addictions. Doherty said in a ...

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Source: http://stupidcelebrities.net/2012/11/pete-doherty-reveals-love-affair-with-belated-singer-amy-winehouse/

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NC Governor Pat McCrory: Family Law Reform For Shared Parenting

Fathers and Families is asking NC Governor Pat McCrory to start talking with NC Senate and House leaders about bringing the presumption for Equally Shared Parenting to NC Children so that they can experience direct support, love, guidance, and nurturing from both parents and extended families. As a reader of this article, be it a non-custodial parent, step-parent, grandparent, or other interested party, it is important to widely share this article with other NC non-custodial family members on sites like Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and other networks to help rally them around this issue. Governor Pat McCrory needs to hear from NC non-custodial families numbering in the millions that they are tired of being marginalized in their childrens lives as visitors 5 days a month. NC Governor Pat McCrory needs to understand that having two equal parents at the table for children that are providing emotional, physical, psychological, and direct financial support to them brings far greater resources and opportunities than any big government enforcement agency like child support enforcement can ever deliver. Fathers and Families strongly believes that in situations where custodial parents who are receiving expanding social services like educational assistance, housing assistance, food assistance, medical assistance, job assistance, and other programs which is creating havoc on the NC budget, that there will be less of a need for these programs when you have the non-custodial parent and extended family in the lives of children. NC Governor Pat McCrory needs to understand that currently in the NC Family Law system, non-custodial parents and families are pushed to the margins of kids lives and can only offer financial help to their children.

Fathers and Families did not endorse Candidate McCrory in his run for the Governor, nor is the posting of this video meant to imply an endorsement for future elections. This video is here to remind Governor McCrory of NC non-custodial family struggles as outlined below.

Governor Pat McCrory and the NC Family Law System

• Governor McCrory must understand that the current family law courts are about one parent winning, and the other parent losing. This system sets the stage for further despair, animosity, anger, and anxiety for the non-custodial parent and extended family after a divorce. Father and Families believes that no one parent should win in the court system, and that courts should reward two parents for working together for the betterment of the children.
• Governor Pat McCrory and the NC Legislature must understand that the current Family Law system puts NC children at an economic disadvantage for decades. Currently, the average child custody battle costs EACH parent about $20,000 and statistics show that these parents will fight two in eighteen years. Additionally, parents will find minor contempt battles, child support enforcement battles, custody modification battles, and other battles costing more money. Fathers and Families believes that NC Parents spend at a minimum of $100,000 over the life of the minor child. Fathers and Families would like to see this money go towards a child?s education, healthcare, a home, or to start a business.
• Governor Pat McCrory and The NC House and Senate needs to understand that the current NC Family Law System pits two parents against each other in an attempt to win a court battle. NC Parents are using every means available to win and this has dramatic negative effects on children. Through Shared Parenting, there is nothing to win because both parents will be equalized. When NC Judges change the current stage from ?OK, You guys fight it out and whoever has the most dirt loses? to that of ?You both are going to present a shared parenting plan for the benefit of the child and whoever does not abide by it loses? then you will see less conflict between parents.
• Consistently, more and more studies show that children who have significant access to fathers (the usual non-custodial parent) do better in school, have less emotional problems, are able to resist drugs, and avoid pregnancy until later in life.
• Governor Pat McCrory must understand that we believe hundreds of thousands of NC non-custodial parents do not have the money for an attorney to seize visitation rights to their children, or advocate for them in the courts. There should be no pay wall for a parent to see his/her children.
• Governor Pat McCrory and NC Representatives and Senators must understand that 40% of children born today in NC come from non-married parents, and under current law, the biological father has zero rights and access to the child unless he can find $5000-7000 and hire an attorney to legitimate the children. This is assuming if he is ever aware that he has a child.
• Governor Pat McCrory and the NC Legislature needs to understand that NC non-custodial families are going bankrupt hiring private attorneys at $5000 per incident when custodial parents get free government lawyers each time child support wants to be modified by the custodial parent.
• Governor McCrory and NC Representatives should be aware that whenever a custodial parent gets into trouble financially, social service is able to save them using housing assistance, job assistance, food assistance, medical assistance, psychological assistance, other assistance programs and tax incentives. When non-custodial parents get into trouble financially, they go to jail. Governor, would it not make more sense to strengthen BOTH parents for the good of NC children?
• Fathers and Families is sending the message to NC Governor Pat McCrory that it is time to stop ALL NC adoptions until amended legislation is in place protecting a biological father from having a child he did not know existed from being adopted out. Consistently, we are hearing more and more fathers tell us that they learned about a biological child of theirs being adopted out because the mother of the child refused to help adoptions agencies discover the father. Fathers and Families is not against adoptions, but we do believe that a biological parent?s natural love outweighs an adoptive family?s love. This issue not only affects NC Fathers, but the many women in paternal families who have a natural love for their biologically related children.

Statement on Positive Outcomes with NC Shared Parenting

Fathers and Families believes there are many positive outcomes for NC children in families with shared parenting, and we are asking Governor Pat McCrory to review this information when considering legislation surrounding it.

• First and foremost, despite the breakup of a marriage, NC Children still have a family. Equally Shared Parenting is the next best thing to preserving that feeling of knowing that you have a mother, father, grandparents, and aunts and uncles that are consistently in your life. Under current NC Law and in the family law courts, non-custodial parents and extended families are pushed far into the margins of a child?s life.
• A NC Equally Shared Parenting initiative means less drain on Welfare and Low Income Assistance programs. When NC non-custodial parents, step-parents, and other family members are brought into equality with the custodial parent and have considerably more time to directly support children, there will be 50% more resources and opportunities to meet kids needs, thus decreasing the need for public assistance.
• Governor Pat McCrory should know NC Family Law reform and equally shared parenting creates more free time for custodial mothers to further a college education (or add to formal education), learn a trade, start a business, or pursue social endeavors.
• Equally Shared Parenting will allow fathers the opportunity to put into action fatherhood initiatives have taught them. Why have a fatherhood initiative if you are never going to allow these parents to put what they learned into action?
• Mandating shared physical custody or equally shared parenting will lead to a reduction in bitter, destructive child custody battles, which put intense emotional strain on children following a divorce or separation. Fathers and Families believes that Governor Pat McCrory surely understands the importance of this.
• NC Shared Parenting will decrease domestic violence. Many times prior, during, and after a divorce, one parent will fear losing touch with their kids because it is widely known in NC that there is a system that mandates that one parent has the majority of time with the children, and the other parent does not. In NC, 85% of parents are fathers in a State that has no presumption for which parent gets custody. Additionally, Family Law Judges consistently allow a custodial parent to move a child hundreds of miles away from a non-custodial family. This fear, anxiety, despair, and emotional struggle unfortunately leads to domestic violence.

Statement on Social Security Title IV-D Legislation

Fathers and Families wants Governor Pat McCrory to understand that the Social Security Act, Title IV, Part D, and specifically section 458 which is entitled ?Incentive Payments To States? is a revenue stream for NC Social Services Jobs, Programs, and Services. In NC, for each dollar collected by Child Support Enforcement, the State gets back a match amount of federal money that is then used to replenish Welfare money. While at face value this may seem positive, it actually isn?t because the State of NC has become dependent on this money and NEEDS non-custodial parents as far from their children as possible so that they pay greater child support money and trigger greater federal money. Fathers and Families has faith in Governor McCrory, the NC Senate, House of Representatives, and Family Law Judges to find an alternative way to fund Social Services outside of separating kids from half of their family.

Statement For The Argument That Fathers Just Want Shared Parenting To Lower Their Child Support

The argument that Fathers just want to have equal parentage and access to their children to lower child support is a clever argument by those opposed to shared parenting because it tries to rope others into believing the stigma that all Fathers are Deadbeat. The fact is, if this were about money then Fathers would be screaming the loudest AGAINST shared parenting because the fact is, under Shared Parenting Fathers will expend far greater dollars when they have their children equal amounts of the time. This argument is an attempt to socialize responsible fatherhood in with paying a big government enforcement agency money so that Title IV-D funds will be generated back to the State of NC. The greater responsibility in fatherhood is directly supporting children financially, emotionally, physically, and psychologically. This is something that child support enforcement doesn?t offer. Therefore, we encourage Governor Pat McCrory to resist this argument when the opposition and Family Law lobby meets with you.

Statement On Shared Parenting in NC Not Being Needed Because There Is Proof Fathers Do Not Want Shared Parenting

Many groups who oppose equally shared parenting say that fathers give up custody and equal parentage in agreements outside of a court room 80% of the time and this proves that the majority of fathers prefer not to be equal parents. Again, while this is true, the fact is that fathers know that if they go into a family court and ask for equal parentage or joint physical custody/shared parenting, that they will lose and most likely end up with less than what is being offered outside of court and made a deal they were not comfortable with. Why go to a Family Law court and spend $20,000 just to lose and see less of your children that what is being offered outside court for free even if it is not optimal? Again, we encourage Governor Pat McCrory to resist this argument when the opposition and Family Law lobby meets with you.

Opposition Governor Pat McCrory Is Likely To Receive From Those Opposed To Shared Parenting and NC Family Law Reform

• American Bar Association/NC State Bar: If Governor Pat McCrory decides to encourage the NC Senate and House to consider Shared Parenting in NC, he is going to meet serious resistance from Lawyers and Judges. While they will have a myriad of cherry picked reasons why shared parenting is dangerous for children, the fact is under shared parenting, without parents fighting for 18 years NC lawyers are not receiving their enormous retainer fees and hourly fees that are charged in Family Law cases. NC Judges will resist Family Law reform and shared parenting because it will take away their discretion in what they say is needed because every case is different. Unfortunately, with 100% discretion comes the ability to abuse the system and legislate from the bench or allow biases to come into play without an accountability.
• Governor Pat McCrory will undoubtedly meet resistance from ?Womens Rights Groups? like the National Organization For Women? who also will bring cherry picked statistics and reasons why Family Law Reform and Shared Parenting is a bad idea for Women and Children. The immediate problem we see for these organizations is that for decades they were about advancement for equality, but in Family Law they are asking for inequality. To Fathers and Families this smells of disingenuous agendas and politics at play. Furthermore, and this is important, there are a LOT of women who are hurt in a divisive Family Law system. These women include step-mothers, paternal grandmothers, aunts, female step-children, now adult female children, and even custodial mothers with male children who will find themselves marginalized later in life if we do not have Family Law reform in NC.
• Domestic Violence Groups in NC will also oppose any type of Family Law Reform and Shared Parenting because they feel that Shared Parenting means that Fathers will have greater access and chances to kill and hurt children and former spouses. In addition, these groups will have their own set of cherry picked statements and professionals in the radical Womens groups with what seems like compelling data. However, Fathers and Families asks Governor Pat McCrory to use some common sense around domestic violence. First, custodial mothers and women hit, intimidate, and use control every day and nobody in these groups are talking about them crossing some hurdle to be with their kids. And, if you believe THEIR statistics that more domestic violence is committed from men, does it really matter WHO is doing it the most? The problem is Domestic Violence, not which gender is doing it the most. And, in reality, does Governor McCrory really believe that the best way to de-escalate a father from committing domestic violence is to completely alienate him from his children, see them moved hundreds of miles away, and watch as the women in his family get hurt? Fathers and Families is appealing to Governor Pat McCrory not to give into the gender warfare and politics surrounding Domestic Violence by those who want to make it a political football for their agendas.

Statement on False Allegations of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse

Fathers and Families hears daily from many non-custodial families, be it fathers, mothers, and men and women in the extended family who tell us that the majority of child custody battles and child support enforcement cases today involve some type of false allegation of Domestic Violence or Abuse in the hopes of gaining a tactical advantage in the NC Family Courts. Given the emotion surrounding these issues, many NC Judges are allowing these false allegations to proceed to conviction to ?be on the safe side.? The problems with this is, that a simple allegation in NC can lead to complete alienation of children from their fathers, step-mothers, grandmothers, aunts and uncles, and step-siblings.

Governor Pat McCrory and NC Non-Custodial Family Voters

Undoubtedly Governor Pat McCrory is aware of the divorce statistics in NC, and rate at which parents are having children outside of marriage. With that, Fathers and Families believes that roughly HALF of the NC population has either a direct tie or indirect tie to a NC non-custodial family member who sees the struggle they endure within the NC Family Law system and courts. Furthermore, Governor McCrory needs to understand that non-custodial families come from all racial and ethnic backgrounds, political party affiliations, and socioeconomic backgrounds. And, one can clearly see that many WOMEN in non-custodial families are equally hurt in the NC Family Courts unless we bring about reform for the presumption for Equally Shared Parenting.

How You Can Help Send The Message To Governor Pat McCrory That Family Law Reform in NC Is Needed, And That Shared Parenting Is In The Best Interest of Children.

1) Contact the Governor via email and send him to this blog, and be sure to show your support for Fathers and Families Shared Parenting mission: (Coming Soon Once The Newly Elected Governor Has a Website Up)

2) Call Governor McCrory personally and tell him your story as a non-custodial family member: (Coming Soon)

3) Send a message to the Governor on his Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/PatMcCroryNC

4) Using Twitter, tweet this blog to the Governor under his Twitter name: @patmccrorync ? Be sure to add the Twitter hashtags #ncleg #ncga and #ncpol to the end of your tweet.

5) Find your local NC Representative and Senator and email them a link to this blog: For House Representatives: http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/members/memberList.pl?sChamber=House and for State Senators: http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/members/memberList.pl?sChamber=Senate

6) Extensively share this article on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and other networks.

7) Help Support Fathers and Families: http://www.fathersandfamilies.org/give-a-gift

8) Join Fathers and Families on Facebook

9) If you have a website or blog, please copy and paste the code below into your site to help support Governor Pat McCrory in bringing Equally Shared Parenting and Family Law reform to NC.

Ask <a href="http://www.fathersandfamilies.org/2012/11/24/nc-governor-pat-mccrory-family-law-reform-for-shared-parenting" target="_blank">Governor Pat McCrory</a> To Support <a href="http://www.fathersandfamilies.org" target="_blank">Fathers and Families</a> in bringing Equally Shared Parenting and Family Law Reform to NC.

This entry was posted on Saturday, November 24th, 2012 at 9:25 pm and is filed under North Carolina. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

Source: http://www.fathersandfamilies.org/2012/11/24/nc-governor-pat-mccrory-family-law-reform-for-shared-parenting/

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