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Hugh Jackman has been confirmed for 'X-Men: Days Of Future Past'.
The 44-year-old actor will definitely reprise his role as clawed superhero Wolverine in the sequel to 2011's 'X-Men: First Class', joining an all-star cast including Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult.
Director Brian Singer announced the news via Twitter, posting: "I would officially like to welcome @RealHughJackman to the cast of #Xmen Days of Future Past. Very excited! More to come..."
This will mark the seventh time Hugh - who unveiled his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last Thursday (13.12.12) - has played Marvel comic book character Wolverine on the big screen.
He recently roused speculation he would be appearing in the film by hinting he was negotiating a bigger role which would give his muscular alter ego a more exciting storyline.
Hugh said: "I did a three-hour, three-word cameo in the last one. It literally took me three hours. I have been talking to Bryan Singer about doing something in this. There will be more claws in this."
The Australian-born hunk will next be seen in spin-off 'The Wolverine', which he believes will be the "best" film of the franchise to date as the titular character delves deeper into his identity.
'X-Men: Days Of Future Past' is set for release on July 18, 2014.
tagged in Hugh Jackman X-Men X-Men: Days of Future Past


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Apple news for the eleventh week of 2009 was scattered across the map. The recently released Mac mini was dissected, Ars reviewed iLife 09, rumors of an Apple netbook resurfaced, and Apple announced a press event to preview iPhone OS 3.0. It was a diverse week with something for everyone, so read on for our most popular coverage to catch up:
More Mac mini details: soldered processor, drive upgrades: We have learned more information regarding the new Mac mini and how it can (or cannot) be upgraded. This may just make or break your buying decision.
The case for—and against—an Apple netbook: The rumor mill is churning once again after a Chinese newspaper says two companies are currently working on supplies for Apple's netbook. This seems to go against the Apple party line on netbooks, but we can think of two reasons for (and against) such a venture.
New Snow Leopard test build has more Cocoa goodness: A fourth build of Snow Leopard has been released to developers for testing, with more Cocoa, a refined QuickTime Player, and Safari 4 beta. Further, Core Text will see some serious enhancements when the OS is released.
More sources "confirm" Apple's netbook plans: Two unamed sources now seem to confirm that Apple will launch a touchscreen netbook "as early as the second half of this year." This supports similar rumors from earlier this week, though details are still slim.
Ars reviews iLife '09: publishing online with iWeb: Apple's iWeb may not be the most glamorous member of the iLife '09 suite, but it nonetheless has a following among Mac users who want to publish online as quickly and painlessly as possible. In this review, Ars takes a look at the latest iteration of iWeb, and we break down what's new, what has changed, and what should have changed.
Apple has no clue what's going on with dev contracts: Apple seems to be caught flat-footed and unprepared for the upcoming deluge of developer renewals for its iPhone program, Ars has learned. Here's what we found regarding the status of both ADC and iTunes Connect renewals.
QuickTime X is more player, less chrome in latest 10.6 build: Details of the new QuickTime X player have emerged since last week's release of an updated Snow Leopard test build. The new version is said to drop all window chrome for a completely HUD-style interface.
iPhone now has more commercial apps than Windows Mobile: Apple's App Store has reached the 25,000 application mark after adding another 5,000 applications in less than a month. The new tally also means that the App Store now has the most applications of any mobile platform, beating out the collection Windows Mobile has built up over nine years.
Apple invites media to sneak peek of iPhone 3.0 on March 17: Apple has sent out invitations to a special media event on March 17 to discuss the impending release of iPhone 3.0. Time to start speculating!

subset: commoncrawl


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We recommend upgrading to the latest Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Firefox.
What makes a good residency program?
The People: residents who care about each other, faculty who are passionate about teaching and who support residents' personal growth, and topnotch administrative staff.
The Places: facilities that support the learning environment, a variety of clinical settings in which to learn, state-of-the-art simulation facilities.
The Opportunities: for collaboration, for academic stimulation, for individualized learning plans, for variety, and for fun.
USF Pediatrics and Med-Peds offer all of these qualities and more. For almost 40 years, the Department of Pediatrics has trained residents and produced leaders who serve in our community and throughout the U.S. We have an excellent history of placing residents at a variety of top fellowship programs throughout the country, in addition to training excellent primary care pediatricians. We are known for creating a caring but challenging environment. We are very proud that many of the pediatricians in the Tampa Bay area trained at USF, which has strengthened our medical community. Our enthusiastic team looks forward to sharing with you this exciting program, and encourages you to consider USF as you search for your next learning environment. Tampa is an incredible place to live and USF Health is a transformational place to work. As the Chair of the Department, I am committed to the USF Pediatrics and MedPeds residency programs and will work to make the People, the Places and the Opportunities the best possible to support your education. I encourage you to visit, and look forward to talking to you about USF in person.
Best of luck with your education.


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New Bedford Solar Now Program Gaining Steam
First City Resident Signs Contract for Solar Installation
Louisville, CO (November 15, 2012) – In September, Frank Lima of New Bedford, MA became the first City resident to contract with Real Goods Solar for a solar electric installation through the New Bedford Solar Now Program. One of three innovative programs under the New Bedford Energy Now Program, New Bedford Solar Now is a partnership between community groups, local and trusted businesses, and City offices, designed to amplify the benefits of efficient buildings, clean energy and community development and create local jobs in the process.
The City of New Bedford has taken on the challenge of raising awareness about energy efficiency and is working at the community level to help residents see the benefits of weatherization, renewable energy, and changing personal resource use habits.
"The City of New Bedford has made a major commitment in recent years to changing how we think about energy — both from a consumption and sourcing standpoint," said Mayor Jon Mitchell. "This is demonstrated in our installation of electric car charging stations, of hundreds of solar panels on municipal buildings, and our plan to install hundreds more. Still, we have a long way to go, and part of the vision is to greatly expand the number of residential solar installations in the city. This, along with energy efficiency retrofits, will be good for our residents' financial health and for the health of the city and the planet. Add these efforts to our continued push to become the center of gravity for off-shore wind development, and we could once again become the City that Lights the World."
At the core of the New Bedford Solar Now program is an outreach and education effort spearheaded by community partners, and developed in coordination with the City and Real Goods Solar. This same group also worked together to design an offer for a solar power installation that includes the ability for New Bedford residents to go solar for as little as $0 down and has the potential to save local homeowners thousands of dollars.
According to Mr. Lima, the opportunity to reduce his electric bills and have a positive impact on the environment was too good to pass up. "This program opens up an opportunity for me to make a difference to the environment and in my community. I have looked into renewable energy before but could never afford it. By fixing my electric rate for the next 20 years I won't see my rates go up – who can say that today?" explained Mr. Lima.
"A solar lease offers homeowners the ability to fix their electric costs and protect themselves against future utility rate increases. There are no maintenance costs and the start-up costs can be as low as zero down," explained Jim Oliva, New England Sales Manager for Real Goods Solar.
About New Bedford Energy Now
NB Energy NOW! is an umbrella program that integrates the solar and efficiency work in New Bedford. "NB Energy NOW," is a City-wide initiative that brings together three specific programs – NB Efficiency Now (focused on buildings' efficiency and weatherization), NB Solar Now (focused on residential solar), and the NB Challenge Now (to help residents be aware of all the carbon reduction opportunities, as also relates to diet, travel, etc.). NB Energy NOW coordinates marketing and organizing across organizations and initiatives, bringing together several partners including the City of New Bedford, non-profit partners, and business partners.
About Real Goods Solar
Real Goods Solar, formerly Alteris Renewables, is a leading solar energy integrator, having installed over 13,000 solar electric systems. We offer turnkey solutions, and have 34 years of experience in solar energy, beginning with the sale of the first retail solar photovoltaic panels in the U.S. in 1978. With offices in California, Colorado and the Northeast, Real Goods Solar is one of the largest residential solar installers in the country. For more information, visit RealGoodsSolar.com, or call 888-56-SOLAR.


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In a reaction to his arrest along with two other players for suspicion of felony theft by UCLA police last week, the school dismissed former Kaiser linebacker Josh Shirley from the football team today. Shirley, a two-time first-team all-Sun player, was arrested along with Gardena Serra wide receiver Paul Richardson and Los Alamitos defensive back Shaquille Richardson.
Jon Gold's UCLA blog detailing the dismissal can be accessed here. Apparently there is a possibility for Shirley to return in January according to the blog.


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SensoLyte® 520 Calpain Activity Assay Kit *Fluorimetric*
The calpains are a family of intracellular Ca2+ dependent cysteine proteases. The best-characterized calpains are isoforms 1 (µ) and 2 (m). They respond to Ca2+ signals by cleaving many specific proteins, thereby irreversibly modifying their function(s). Calpains are implicated in a variety of Ca2+ regulated cellular processes as well as various pathological phenomena such as ischemic injury, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, cataract, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, andCancer. Calpains represent potential therapeutic targets for drug discovery. The SensoLyte® 520 Calpain Activity Assay Kit is optimized for detecting calpain activity. This kit contains a novel internally quenched 5-FAM/QXL® 520 FRET substrate. Calpain protease cleaves the FRET substrate into two separate fragments resulting in the release of 5-FAM fluorescence which can be monitored at excitation/emission= 490/520 nm. Increase in fluorescence is proportional to the calpain activity. The assay can detect both calpain 1 (µ) and 2 (m) activities and is ideal for kinetic study of theseEnzymes. The long wavelength fluorescence of 5-FAM is less interfered by the autofluorescence of components in biological samples and test compounds. The assays are performed in a convenient 96-well microplate format.
Assays & Kits


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TORONTO — Stock markets ended lower on Thursday as traders were disappointed with the outcome of the European Central Bank's attempt to tackle the debt crisis in the region.Here are the closing numbersTSX — 11,506.50 -112.03 -0.96%S&P 500 — 1,365.00 -10.14 -0.74%Dow — 12,878.88 -92.18 -0.71%Nasdaq — 2,909.77 -10.44 -0.36%Hopes were high the ECB would announce more immediate steps, considering the ECB president's pledge last week to do "whatever it takes" to keep the euro intact, but those expectations were quickly dashed, sending markets in Europe lower as well.Toronto's S&P/TSX composite index closed down 112.03 points to 11,506.50 and the TSX Venture Exchange moved down 15.98 points to 1,173.65.The Canadian dollar was down 0.19 of a cent to 99.29 US cents.On Wall Street, the Dow Jones industrial average fell 92.18 points to 12,878.88 and the broader S&P edged down 10.32 points to 1,365. The Nasdaq was off 10.44 points at 2,909.77.The ECB disappointed markets once again after Draghi's earlier comments pumped up expectations, BMO senior economist Benjamin Reitzes said in a note."With inflation expected to fall below 2% in 2013 and downside growth risks, the ECB's lack of bold action to boost the crisis-wracked region borders on irresponsible."In Europe, Germany's DAX ended down 2.2% at 6,607 while the CAC-40 in France fell 2.7% to 3,232. The FTSE 100 index of leading British shares was down 0.9% at 5,662.However, Draghi did say that more action would be taken, in particular a new effort to purchase government bonds in an effort to lower borrowing costs for Spain and Italy. Specific details are likely to be revealed in the coming weeks, Draghi said."Draghi can talk all he wants, but the trouble is that (the ECB) really isn't (like) the Fed in the U.S. — it doesn't have the same capabilities," said Chris King, portfolio manager at Morgan, Meighen and Associates."Quite frankly, U.S. markets had a pretty good run, and Europe had a pretty good bounce up in the last little while … this hasn't really pulled back that much."The TSX energy sector was down 2% as the September crude contract on the New York Mercantile Exchange closed $1.78 lower to US$87.13 a barrel.The gold sector was down 0.6% while the price of gold was down for the third consecutive session. December gold fell $16.60 to close at US$1,590.70 an ounce.Kinross Gold Corp. has replaced president and chief executive Tye Burt in a decision it says is necessary to move forward with its plan to improve the Toronto-based miner's lagging performance. Shares were down 45 cents to $7.56.September copper moved down 8.4 cents to US$3.29 a pound.In U.S. data, more people applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week, though the data was likely skewed higher by seasonal factors.Weekly applications increased by 8,000 to a seasonally adjusted 365,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, fell for the sixth straight week to 365,500, the lowest since March 31.In earnings, Enbridge Inc. says its second-quarter profit shrank by 96% to $11-million, as a decline in the fair value of its derivatives portfolio offset gains in the company's operational profit. Its shares fell 61 cents to $39.90.Valeant Pharmaceuticals International shares were up after the pharma company reported a $21.6-million net loss, or seven cents per share, in the second quarter compared to $56.4 million or 18 cents per share a year earlier. The company's weaker results were related to restructuring and acquisition charges, and also the settlement costs of a class-action lawsuit. Its shares gained five cents to $47.21.Gildan Activewear Inc. says its third-quarter profit fell to US$78.6 million, almost $10-million below the same time last year, as it absorbed restructuring and other costs related to an acquisition in May. Shares were up seven cents to $28.30.First Uranium, which is winding up its operations, cut Thursday the amount it estimates unitholders will receive to at least 12.5 cents per unit from approximately 22 cents per unit. The company attributed the lower estimate to changes in exchange rates as well as lower than expected gold prices and production from the operations. Shares dropped 38%, or nine cents, to 14.5 cents.Here's the news investors were watching today:ECB lack of action 'borders on irresponsible'ING considers sale of Canadian online banksBill Gross, Jeremy Siegel spar as death of equities debate rages onPaul Rollinson takes over as Kinross CEORIM launch of LTE PlayBook set for Aug. 9 in CanadaON DECK FRIDAYECONOMIC NEWSUNITED STATES8:30 a.m. Employment report (July): Economists expect a gain of 100,000 jobs and for the jobless rate to remain unchanged at 8.2% 10 a.m.Non-manufacturing ISM index (July): Economists expect a reading of 52, just about flat from last month CORPORATE NEWSCANADAAgrium Q2 earnings: Analysts expect US$4.62 SNC-Lavalin Q2 earnings: Analysts expect 56¢ Telus Q2 earnings: Analysts expect $1.02 Manitoba Telecom Q2 earnings: Analysts expect 65¢ Power Corp Q2 earnings: Analysts expect 62¢ Power Financial Q2 earnings: Analysts expect 66¢ Brookfield Office Q2 earnings: Analysts expect 26¢ GMP Capital Q2 earnings: Analysts expect 7¢ UNITED STATESThe Procter & Gamble Co. Q4 earnings: Analysts expect 77¢ a share NYSE Euronext Q2 earnings: Analysts expect 50¢ Southwestern Energy Q2 earnings: Analysts expect 25¢ Viacom Inc Q2 earnings: Analysts expect US$1 The Washington Post Co Q2 earnings: Analysts expect US$5.74 read more
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Missing winter already? And it is the middle of summer…
It shows I have been living for too long here in Florida and I don't know what season we are in. I wish I had more winter and more mountains!
The photos were taken at the end of April 2009 in Snowbird Utah, skiing at 20C was weird but fun, ice in the morning, a wet melt in the afternoon, but well worth the trip, the scenery is incredible.
Pattern: from Crochet Magazine
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool
Matching scarf with some needle felting on fleece and yarn remains:


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MWC 15 Special
Following the success of Samsung's Galaxy Note, LG has announced ahead of the upcoming Mobile World Congress its latest Android smartphone - the LG Optimus VU:. Equipped with LG's advanced LTE and IPS display technology, the Optimus VU: offers a unique combination of tablet-like viewing with smartphone portability. Running on a powerful 1.5 GHz dual-core processor and powered by Android 2.3/Gingerbread, the Optimus VU: comes with 32 GB internal memory and a large 2,080 mAh battery as well as the VU: features a 5" XGA IPS touchscreen which has a nowadays pretty uncommon 4:3 aspect ratio. The 8 megapixel main camera on the back comes with a supporting LED flash, the front-camera supports 1.3 megapixel.
According to LG, the 4:3 aspect ratio makes viewing documents, books, Internet and multimedia contents easier and more comfortable and the 4:3 aspect ratio is optimized for viewing to grasp more at a glance and note taking to increase productivity in everyday life. Moreover, the IPS display realizes every color in its natural state for the best viewing experience even under bright sunlight.
Backed by unparalleled speed and performance from LG's advanced LTE technology, the Optimus VU: boasts unmatched productivity. Its unique built-in QuickClip hotkey allows users to conveniently capture screenshots and memos with a single push. Jotting notes is also possible with a finger or with the dedicated Rubberdium pen. Among many productive apps installed in the Optimus VU:, the included Polaris Office allows users to open any document, spreadsheet or presentation while on the go.
At only 8.5 mm, the Optimus VU: is the slimmest among all LTE phones currently on the market and is perfectly suited for a hand and fits comfortably in a jacket pocket. Despite the large 2,080 mAh battery, the Optimus VU: adopts LG's exclusive floating mass technology to appear slimmer than its actual dimensions.
In addition to HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), Optimus VU: comes with 32GB memory and an 8-megapixel camera. While it will initially launch running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, an update to Android 4.0/Ice Cream Sandwich is said to be already in the works.
The Optimus VU: will be introduced in Korea in March but LG has not given any further information about a worldwide availability.
Cheers ~ Arne
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Apricot & raspberry buckle
Nutrition and extra info
- Freezable
Nutrition: per serving
- kcal437
- fat24g
- saturates14g
- carbs53g
- sugars33g
- fibre2g
- protein6g
- salt0.72g
- 175g self-raising flour
- 200g softened butter
- 2 tbsp demerara sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
A fragrant spice which comes from the inner bark of a tropical tree. When dried, it curls into…
- 175g caster sugar
- 3 eggs
The ultimate convenience food, eggs are powerhouses of nutrition packed with protein and a…
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 6 apricots, stoned and sliced
A relative of the peach, nectarine, plum and cherry, apricots are fragrant, with a soft, velvety…
- 200g raspberry, fresh or frozen
A member of the rose family, raspberries have a wonderfully intense, sweet taste, and many…
Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Butter and line the base of a 23cm square tin. For the crumble mix, put 2 tbsp flour and 25g of the butter with the demerara sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Rub between your fingers until it resembles damp breadcrumbs.
Tip the remaining flour and butter and the caster sugar, eggs and vanilla in a bowl, then beat until well combined. Lightly fold in half the apricots and raspberries, then spread over the prepared tin.
Scatter over the remaining fruit, then sprinkle with the crumble mix. Bake for 45-50 mins until light golden, then cool for 10 mins and remove from the tin. Cut into squares and serve warm with cream or ice cream for dessert, or cold for tea.


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Privates from
169.00 pn
Facilities» View all
- No Wheelchair Accessible
- No Breakfast Included
- No Travel/Tours Desk
- Yes 24 Hour Check in
- No Air Conditioning
- Yes Internet Access
No reviews
Location map » Full map
Image Gallery: Hotel Damu Addis Ababa
Hotel Damu Addis Ababa
Bole Road,, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Hotel Damu is new modern Hotel very well equipped by European standards. Hotel Damu is located close to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, in Bole road Street. The hotel has a bar and a restaurant, TV Lounge, 24-hours reception and shuttle service. All rooms are features Mini Bar, safe in the room, internet access and bathtub in the bathroom.
Addis-Ababa with 4,5 million people, this city is located in the geographic center of the country. There are more than 120 international missions and embassies in Addis-Ababa, making the city a fore front for international diplomacy concerning Africa. The headquarters of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa can both be found in the city. The United States and the European Union both have two delegations in Addis, one for bilateral relations with Ethiopia and one for the African Union. Addis Ababa is one of the important cities in Africa. Addis Ababa is also one of the best and biggest shopping cities in Africa with 12-15 shopping centers in the centre of Addis Ababa.
Temperatures in Addis Ababa are remarkably constant from month to month due to its proximity to the equator.
- In order to proceed with your reservation we require valid credit card. The remaining amount of the reservation will be preauthorized and charged on arrival date of the booking by Travelmed Hotels Group. For non valid credit cards you will receive an e-mail notification. We require your reply and valid credit card details within 3 working days. If you do not provide valid credit card details within 3 working days your booking may be cancelled as a result.
You have up to 3 days prior to arrival to cancel the reservation without charge. If the reservation is cancelled within 72 hours prior to arrival you will be charged 1 night stay. Same day cancellations, no shows or early check out will result in 1 night charge.
Check in: 13:00
Check out: 11:00


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A History of Australia: The beginning of an Australian civilization, 1824-1851
Melbourne University Press, 1962 - History - 508 pages
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another prov1nce for br1ta1ns gentry
a br1t1sh prov1nce w1th a laudable purpose
h1gh noon for moral 1mprovers 1n south austral1a
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A flavoursome cider made potent in the oak of a Glen Moray whisky cask with lingering tastes to be savoured. A gentle whisky flavour initially intermingles with subtle, medium dry cider, giving way to the distinctive full bodied flavour of the cask; finishing overtones of whisky. It offers all the flavour of the cask whilst keeping the light, fruity aspect of all the Thistly Cross Ciders.- Learn more about Thistly Cross
Born out of a passion for making cider in the best possible way, combined with belief in the quality of Scottish produce, and asking 'why not?', came Thistly Cross Cider, Scotland's award winning farmhouse ciders. Established as a collaboration between farmer, Ian Rennie, and artist-turned-cidermaker, Peter Stuart, in 2008, Thistly Cross has gained a reputation for making ciders that people rave about.
Based at the Cider Shed just outside Dunbar, in the heart of the East Lothian countryside, we're involved in every aspect of making our award-winning Scottish farmhouse cider. From pressing the Scottish apples and strawberries, to achieving the smooth, balanced Thistly Cross flavour by fermenting with Champagne yeast then maturing for six months; we're invested at every step of the cider-making process, from apple to cider.
Things at Thistly Cross are always growing and improving; we're beginning to shape the company Peter and Ian dreamed of when standing in the driving rain at the Farmers Markets imploring people to just give our cider a chance. It was the best market research money couldn't buy. We're still small but growing fast, always aiming high but keeping our core values at heart; quality is never compromised.View the Thistly Cross page
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Q&A's schedule was done with the last round posted. There may be no more Q&A, or they may pick up a new schedule of them after Toy Fair. It's hard to say. Hell, we could get a new schedule tomorrow even, but I'm better Toy Fair will yield the future of Q&A.
How did these sets do and are there any plans to continue the line of Mini Muggs?
At Toy Fair it was announced that the Galactic Heroes line has ended. Any word if, when and where the Galactic Heroes AT-ST might see a stateside release?
Just please tell me SOMEBODY cornered a Hasbro rep and determined the AT-ST's fate.
"Up in the air". There is a small chance TRU could take it for Christmas, but that isn't finalized/official. Maybe we'll get an update at SDCC.
Is Hasbro planning on taking steps to correct these issues for future runs of these figures? Will currently available Clone figures (both ROTS and 212th versions) be treated as defective and recalled from retail? Mods, if you choose to submit this question, feel free to modify it as necessary. The more I see the yellow helmeted Clones at retail, the more irritated I get. I'd be willing to bet that part of the reason they are pegwarming is because of the horribly discolored helmets.
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Hello everyone,
I am sending data to my computer serially/using USB, I want to know if I can use java to collect that data and plot it vs time. I think plotting can be done but I don't know whether I can collect that data or not !!
Your help will be appreciated.


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Fact Check: Obamacare critics' claims and budget office analysis
WASHINGTON – New estimates that President Barack Obama's health care law will encourage millions of Americans to leave the workforce or reduce their work hours have touched off an I-told-you-so chorus from Republicans, who've claimed all along that the law will kill jobs.
But some aren't telling it straight. The analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office predicts the law will give several million people an opportunity to work less or not at all, because they won't be stuck in jobs just for the sake of keeping the health insurance they get from employers.
To some Republicans, that amounts to "wreaking havoc on working families," "dire consequences for workers" and pink slips across the land — conclusions unsupported by the report.
The study estimates that the workforce will be reduced by the equivalent of 2.3 million full-time workers by 2021 as people choose to leave it. More would take early retirement, work fewer hours or otherwise rearrange their work-home balance to take advantage of new subsidies for health insurance.
In a key point overlooked in the GOP response, the report says: "The estimated reduction stems almost entirely from a net decline in the amount of labor that workers choose to supply, rather than from a net drop in businesses' demand for labor."
In other words, workers aren't being laid off. They are taking themselves out of the workforce, in many cases opening job opportunities for others.
As if recognizing that fellow Republicans were getting a bit overheated, Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, House Budget Committee chairman, introduced a reality check when questioning Douglas Elmendorf, budget office director, during a hearing Wednesday.
"So just to understand this, it's not that employers are laying people off, it's that … people aren't working in the workforce, aren't supplying labor," Ryan posited.
"That is right," Elmendorf replied.
Claims and facts
A look at some of the Republican claims and how they compare with the facts:
SEN. MARCO RUBIO of Florida: "Just yesterday, the Congressional Budget Office found that Obamacare will cost millions of Americans their jobs."
REP. JOHN KLINE of Minnesota: "The president's health care law is destroying full-time jobs. … This fatally flawed health care scheme is wreaking havoc on working families nationwide."
REP. PHIL GINGREY of Georgia: Obamacare creates "unprecedented uncertainty for job creators that, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, will leave millions of people looking for work in the next few years."
THE FACTS: No one knows whether the health care law will turn out to be good or bad for jobs and the economy. Everything is guesswork, however educated the guess.
The budget office, generally respected by both sides but not infallible, predicts some elements of the health care law will help job growth and other parts will hurt it.
On the plus side, for example, it expects lower-income people to have more money to spend because more of them will have their health insurance partially or fully paid for by government under the law. On the negative side, Elmendorf told Ryan's committee that in the short run, the law would increase employers' costs for their workers and reduce the number of people they hire. Over time, this could put downward pressure on wages, he said.
But those effects, good and bad, are expected to be modest. Of more consequence is the expectation that millions will take themselves voluntarily out of the labor force because they can afford to
The budget office forecast that over the next several years, there will be plenty of unemployed people available to fill those jobs. But over the longer term as the economy improves, the supply will shrink, and because of that, total employment and the number of hours people work will be less than it would have been without the health care law.
That could present a problem for the economy. But it's not a problem rooted in people's struggles to find work.
Some Republicans picked their words more carefully than others in reacting to the report.
House Speaker John Boehner, for example, said the report backs up Republican arguments that Obamacare "hurts take-home pay," a plausible point as far as it goes. Ryan said the availability of health insurance subsidies will be a disincentive to find work, a claim supported by the study.
But the predicted withdrawal from the labor market is no more a killer of jobs than today's surge of retirements by baby boomers entering old age. If anything, it could open job opportunities for people who can't get in the workforce now.


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Since 2007, the state Authorities Budget Office each year has issued an annual report on the finances and activities of New York's 574 state and local authorities. But for the first time the ABO this week broadened the scope of its report to include a five-year look at authorities' costs, debt, staffing and compensation practices.
The numbers this longer-term examination produced were interesting, to say the least. Some examples:
- At the end of 2012, state authorities had $151.1 billion in outstanding debt, an 18.6 percent increase since 2008.
- Debt issued by the state authorities for their own public purposes declined as a percentage of total outstanding debt to 27.3 percent from 40.8 percent. By contrast, the percentage of outstanding debt issued by state authorities "at the direction of state government for purposes unrelated to the mission of these authorities" climbed to 38.9 percent from 34.9 percent, and "conduit debt" on behalf of third parties also increased.
- Outstanding industrial development agency debt fell from $21.7 billion in 2008 to $16.4 billion in 2012. But, the ABO noted, since 2008 IDAs have not been allowed to issue debt for civic facilities. Since then, a dramatic increase in debt outstanding reported by not-profit local authorities-which increasingly are used to finance such projects-has occurred.
The 280 IDA projects first approved in 2008 and still active in 2012 received nearly $183 million in financial assistance based on commitments to create 9,100 jobs. As of 2012, however, they had generated only 7,458 new jobs.
The ABO report is long on such numbers, but short on analysis. Others rushed to fill that gap. Some IDA officials said the data on jobs created are wrong or misleading because they are pulled from a period when the economy was throttled by a severe recession. The opposing view is that tax breaks are just giveaways to companies.
Our own take is this: Overall, state and local authorities continue to add debt to an already hefty total. Regarding IDA tax incentives, yes, they do help create jobs-but at nearly $25,000 per job, the price is steep.
The ABO report is a useful starting point for a much-needed discussion about the operations of public authorities in this state.
7/12/13 (c) 2013 Rochester Business Journal. To obtain permission to reprint this article, call 585-546-8303 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Through sections 3, 4 and 5 the scope and definitions of the data from various collections is progressively adjusted to assist in comparisons.
The paper concludes with a summary of the main points raised throughout.
There are many national collections which present statistics on crime victimisation. Broadly speaking, these collections can be divided into:
This section outlines a number of the key collections and presents the objectives, scope and characteristics for each. Although the focus is on Australian sources, the International Crime Victims Survey (ICVS) is discussed below as it produces data at the national level for Australia and has been referred to by some users in the context of providing national crime victimisation data.
Administrative data on crime victimisation can be derived from a number of sources including police, hospitals and community service agencies. The ABS has two relevant national collections based on administrative data: Recorded Crime - Victims and Causes of Death.
Recorded Crime
The annual Recorded Crime statistics collection (RCS) provides indicators of the level and nature of recorded crime in Australia and a basis for measuring change over time in criminal victimisation. The collection is a census of all victims of selected crimes reported to, or detected by, police, whose details are subsequently recorded on police administrative systems. Data have been provided by state and territory police agencies on a calendar year basis since 1993. National standards and classifications are applied to all aspects of the collection.
Causes of Death
The annual Causes of Death collection brings together statistics and indicators for all deaths, including perinatal deaths, registered in Australia. The statistics are compiled from data made available to the ABS by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages in each state or territory. Deaths from external causes are attributed to the event leading to the fatal injury as described in Chapter 20 of International Classification of Diseases Revision 10 (ICD-10). The Causes of Death collection has been collected and published on a calendar year basis since 1964. National standards and classifications are applied to all aspects of the collection.
The ICD-10 category of death through external causes can be further disaggregated to the category of death through assault which can be compared to murder/manslaughter in the RCS collection.
One of the limitations with administrative data on crime victimisation is that incidents may never come to the attention of authorities such as police, or the victim may never speak of the incident to anyone else. Surveys of individuals in the community provide a way of asking people directly about their experiences of crime, and therefore the victimisation rates from surveys are generally considerably greater than rates from administrative systems.
General Social Survey
The ABS General Social Survey (GSS) is a new multi-topic survey conducted for the first time in 2002 and expected to be repeated four-yearly. The survey was conducted to give social researchers the ability to cross-classify a broad range of social characteristics relating to the same person at a single point in time. The GSS is an interviewer based survey in which one respondent, randomly selected per household and aged 18 years or over, is asked a series of questions by an ABS interviewer for each area of social concern. For the crime and safety topic the GSS questions asked about assault, break and enter and feelings of safety.
National Crime and Safety Survey
The ABS National Crime and Safety Survey (NCSS) is a regular survey (run in 1983, 1993, 1998 and 2002 to date) and expected to be conducted three-yearly in future. It is specifically designed to collect crime and safety information from individuals in selected households and enable investigation of movements across crime topics, populations, geography and time. In 1983 the NCSS was completed by personal interviews. Since 1993 the NCSS has been a mail-back collection conducted as a supplementary survey to the ABS monthly Labour Force Survey. All persons aged 15 years and over within selected households are in the scope of the survey, with the exception of a separate module on sexual assault which is only enumerated for persons aged 18 years or over (1993 and 1998 was female only).
Women's Safety Survey
The first Women's Safety Survey (WSS) was conducted by the ABS in 1996 and a repeat is planned for 2005, but with the coverage anticipated to be extended to include men as well as women. This survey was conducted to provide information on the safety of women at home and in the community. The WSS was an interviewer based survey in which one respondent, a female randomly selected per household and aged 18 years or over, was asked a series of questions by a female ABS interviewer regarding her safety in the home and the community. The majority of interviews were conducted face-to-face, however telephone interviews were available for respondents who did not wish to proceed with a face-to-face interview.
International Crime Victims Survey
The International Crime Victims Survey (ICVS) is an international survey. It was conducted in 1989, 1992, 1996 and 2000 across a selection of industrialised and developing countries spanning all continents. The survey was conducted to monitor crime and perceptions of crime and criminal justice internationally in a standardised way, and to provide comparative information on the patterns, contours and effects of victimisation in both developed countries and the rest of the world. The ICVS is a telephone based survey (in Australia and most other countries) in which one respondent, randomly selected per household and aged 16 years and over, is asked a series of questions by an interviewer. The Australian component of the ICVS was coordinated by the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) with fieldwork conducted by Roy Morgan Research.
This section compares statistics on crime victimisation from various sources, including survey and administrative data.
Differences between various sources of official statistics may include any number of the following:
Differences may also occur within the same source of administrative data (e.g. state/territory police agencies), due to factors such as:
To provide an indication of the numeric differences, the following table illustrates homicide rates sourced from the two administrative datasets considered in this paper.
The figures show that homicide rates according to RCS are consistently higher than those from the Causes of Death collection, and in 1999 the rates differed by 0.4 deaths per 100,000 persons. There are two main differences between these two sets of figures that make direct comparisons difficult:
To illustrate the differing statistics between administrative data and surveys, and surveys themselves, the following section focuses on assault victimisation statistics. Assault was chosen because:
The above table indicates that prevalence of assault victimisation ranges from 0.8% (2002 RCS) to 9.0% of the population (2002 GSS and 2000 ICVS). These rates are significantly different between the surveys, with the exception of the ICVS and GSS not being significantly different.
The smaller victimisation rates for the RCS collection are to be expected as it is well documented that only a small proportion of victimisation is subsequently reported to and recorded by police (e.g. ABS (a), 2002; Statistics Canada, 1997). A crime must progress through a series of victim, and then police, decisions before it may be recorded by police in official administrative systems. These decisions include:
Looking just between surveys, there are some basic scope differences between the survey collections relating to age and sex of victims which will affect the victimisation rates. These include:
It is possible to adjust for these age and sex scope differences. The table below presents prevalence rates for a comparable scope of females aged 18 years and over.
3. ASSAULT PREVALENCE RATES, Adjusted only for comparable respondent group (females aged 18 years and over)
However, even with the output amended for comparability on age and sex of victims the assault rates are still significantly different. The assault rates for the GSS, WSS and ICVS are significantly higher than the NCSS rate. The ICVS assault rate is significantly higher than the WSS rate. Therefore, consideration must be given to other factors within each of the collections where differences may arise and ultimately impact on an individual's decision to report being a victim of assault. These are outlined and discussed in detail in section 4 and the impact these differences may have is discussed in section 5.
This section describes methodological differences between survey sources.
Decisions on the appropriate sample size, distribution and method of selection are dependent on a number of considerations. These include the aims and content of the survey, the level of disaggregation and accuracy at which the survey estimates are required, and the costs and operational constraints of conducting the survey.
The General Social Survey (GSS), National Crime and Safety Survey (NCSS), Women's Safety Survey (WSS) and the International Crime Victim's Survey (ICVS) aim to provide national estimates of the nature and extent of victimisation for selected crime, with assault being the selected crime type collected in all four surveys.
General Social Survey - 2002
The GSS sampled from private dwellings in urban and rural areas and excluded sparsely populated areas. A random sample of households was selected using a multistage, area based, sample design. Respondents were selected within households using an ARA (Any Responsible Adult) selection methodology.
National Crime and Safety Survey - 2002
The NCSS was a supplement to the ABS Labour Force Survey. The NCSS included private dwellings and excluded sparsely settled areas, similar to the GSS above. A random sample of households was selected using a multistage, area based, sample design. All persons aged 15 years and over in the selected household were selected as respondents.
Women's Safety Survey - 1996
The WSS sampled from private dwellings in urban and rural areas and excluded sparsely populated areas. Specific training and support was provided for interviewers, and therefore the size of the sample selected in rural and remote areas was reduced due to interviewer costs. A random sample of households was selected using a multistage, area based, sample design. Respondents were selected in households using an ARA selection methodology applied to women who were usual residents of the household.
International Crime Victims Survey - 2000
The ICVS sampled from private dwellings with at least one phone connection, in urban and rural areas of the mainland states and the urban areas of Tasmania. The Northern Territory was included as part of rural South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory as part of rural New South Wales. An adaptation of random digit dialling was used to select private dwellings. Within each household one respondent aged 16 years or over was randomly selected.
The scope and coverage for each of the above surveys was based on usual residents of the selected household and included:
The following persons were specifically excluded from the GSS, NCSS and WSS:
In addition, the NCSS also excluded members of the permanent defence forces.
For the ICVS, where persons selected as respondents were absent for the duration of the survey period, were incapable of responding, deaf, suffered from an illness or disability or were too old, another person in the household was selected.
Each of the surveys used a different introductory statement and different questionnaire format.
General Social Survey - 2002
The GSS was introduced to respondents as being a general social survey using the following introductory statement:
The GSS collected information in three parts and included information on selected topics such as crime and safety. The survey averaged 45 minutes per household to complete and had the following structure:
National Crime and Safety Survey - 2002
The NCSS was introduced as a crime and safety survey using the following statement:
The survey collected data on safety followed by data on crime (the same order as the GSS). Feelings of safety were measured at the beginning of the survey straight after a question relating to perceived neighbourhood problems. The second part of the survey relates to experiences of crime and the reporting of incidents.
The NCSS was conducted using a supplementary questionnaire to the Labour Force Survey. Three paper forms were used in the NCSS to collect crime victimisation information and the completion of the relevant form/s averaged 8 minutes per person (the average for victims only was 13 minutes).
Women's Safety Survey - 1996
The WSS was introduced to respondents as being about public safety using the following statement:
The WSS interviews averaged 50 minutes per household and collected information in two parts:
International Crime Victims Survey - 2000
The ICVS is introduced by a Roy Morgan interviewer as follows:
The ICVS interviews averaged 19 minutes per household and the structure of the questionnaire was as follows:
Survey procedures relate to the mode of the data collection and any special procedures required (e.g. communicating with respondents who did not speak English). The procedure used for each of the surveys is outlined below.
General Social Survey - 2002
The GSS involved a face-to-face personal interview using Computer Assisted Interviewing. Interviewers were required to make a number of attempts to contact a household and leave call-back cards before recording a non-response or non-contact. Interviewers were predominately female (around 90%). Follow-up was conducted by telephone (for interviews with less than three missing responses) or in person (for more than three missing responses).
National Crime and Safety Survey - 2002
The NCSS involved a self-administered questionnaire. Questionnaires were either delivered to the selected households by interviewers or mailed to those respondents who completed the Labour Force Survey by telephone. Respondents were asked to complete the relevant questionnaires and return them by mail. Each respondent was provided with an individual mailback envelope, to minimise the likelihood of other members of the household seeing another person's form. Completion of the third form relating to sexual assault was voluntary. A series of mail and telephone follow-ups were undertaken to increase response. The first follow-up was by mail, and the second by mail or telephone.
Women's Safety Survey - 1996
The WSS involved a face-to-face personal interview using pen and paper techniques. However, the option of a telephone interview was offered to respondents who did not wish to proceed with a face-to-face interview. Only trained female interviewers were used.
Interviews were only conducted with women in private. Women selected in the survey were advised that they were under no obligation to respond.
Special procedures were used to conduct interviews with selected respondents who could not speak English (110 respondents in total). These respondents provided a telephone number and an interviewer contacted them. There was no follow-up conducted.
International Crime Victims Survey - 2000
The ICVS is a telephone survey using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI). There was no follow-up in this survey, and phone calls resulting in no replies or engaged numbers were considered ineligible contacts.
Special procedures were used to conduct interviews with selected respondents who could not speak English. These interviews were completed with a bilingual interviewer.
Response rates varied between the surveys. The details for each are outlined below. Fully completed refers to forms where significant amounts of information were not missing.
General Social Survey - 2002
The GSS was fully completed by 15,510 persons aged 18 years or over, achieving a response rate of 91%.
National Crime and Safety Survey - 2002
The NCSS was fully completed by 41,200 persons aged 15 years or over, achieving a response rate of 76%. The 24% of non-responses represented cases where potential respondents refused to participate in the survey, failed to mailback their survey form, or mailed back the form with a significant amount of missing data.
Women's Safety Survey - 1996
The WSS was fully completed by 6,333 women aged 18 years or over, achieving a response rate of 78%. Full refusals accounted for 13% of the sample (1,038). A further 7% of the sample (579) were either unable to be contacted or unable to be interviewed due to language difficulties, death or illness. The remaining 2% of non-respondents were made up of those women who discontinued with the survey part way through.
International Crime Victims Survey - 2000
The ICVS was fully completed by 3,031 persons aged 16 years or over, achieving a response rate of 57% (as a proportion of eligible telephone numbers). However, it should be noted that the sampling was conducted in two stages. The first stage collected data from 2,005 persons aged 16 years or over, whilst the second stage consisted of an additional sample of 1,026 persons aged 65 years or over. The purpose of the older sample was to provide a large enough sample of older Australians to examine crime victimisation among this group. However, available data (as used in section 3) relates to the full sample of 3,031 respondents.
Non-responses represented refusals, terminations, appointments not met and calls terminated due to language problems.
Steps are taken in all aspects of development and conduct of surveys to ensure that data collected are as accurate as possible. However, as with all surveys, information collected can be affected by various types of errors. Sampling error can usually be quantified; however, non-sampling error is difficult to quantify.
The impacts of various methodological differences are discussed below. Where possible, the assault victimisation data (or break-in data for NCSS/GSS comparisons only) from each survey is used to illustrate the extent of the differences.
Sampling errors occur in sample surveys because a sample, rather than the entire population, is surveyed. Various factors that can influence the size of the sampling error include sample design, sample size and population variability. The extent of this variability can be determined by calculating the relative standard error (RSE) of the estimates, which expresses the standard error of the estimate as a percentage of the estimate's value. The standard error is a measure of the variation among the estimates from all possible samples, and thus a measure of the precision with which an estimate from a particular sample approximates the average results of all possible samples.
At the national level, RSEs for the assault victimisation rates from the GSS, NCSS, ICVS and WSS were less than 25%. However, when assault victimisation rates were disaggregated by other data items (e.g. age, sex, state/territory) the RSEs increased (in some cases to over 50%). Where RSEs are greater than 50% the estimates are considered too unreliable for general use.
Errors made in collecting, recording and processing data can occur regardless of whether a sample or complete enumeration of a population is undertaken. These errors are referred to as non-sampling errors. Specific types of non-sampling errors and their possible impact on assault victimisation data are discussed in detail below.
Respondent Errors
Errors made may arise through ambiguous or misleading questions, inadequate or inconsistent definitions of terms used, by the complexity of questionnaire sequence guides causing some questions to be missed, by the use of long recall periods, or by respondent behaviours to particular types of questions or situations.
Respondent error may also occur due to respondents answering incorrectly to protect their personal integrity, their personal safety or to protect another person. For example, respondents may not have reported incidents they experienced, particularly if the perpetrator was somebody close to them, such as a partner or family-member. The WSS attempted to minimise this effect by conducting interviews alone with respondents. The GSS (which reported a higher assault victimisation rate for females than the WSS, and referred to 2002 rather than 1996) did conduct personal interviews with respondents, although there was no requirement for respondents to be interviewed alone and it is unknown what proportion of respondents were interviewed in the presence of a third party. The NCSS involved leaving questionnaires to be mailed back, providing the possibility of respondents completing forms in private or in the presence of other persons, or even for a single member of the household to complete the NCSS on behalf of other in-scope respondents. The ICVS is a telephone based survey with no requirement for the respondents to be alone so, similar to the GSS and NCSS, it is unknown whether another person was present when the respondent completed the interview.
Recent research on surveys conducted in the USA, Great Britain and Germany found that between 37% and 57% of respondents were interviewed face-to-face in the presence of a third party (cited in Zipp & Toth, 2002), and that when the respondent is married, his or her spouse is present in approximately one of every three interviews. Comparable findings in the Australian context are not available. One could infer that for the GSS, NCSS and ICVS between 40% and 60% of respondents reported in the presence of a third party, and may have introduced some level of respondent error to protect personal integrity, safety or safety of another person. However, the true nature and extent of this issue cannot be quantified at this time.
All four surveys asked respondents to recall their experiences of victimisation. An important element of this recall is the time period. Each of the ABS surveys asked about experiences within the previous 12 months from interview date (the WSS also asked about experiences in the last five years). The 2000 ICVS asked about experiences in 2000, 1999 and the last five years respectively, and for publication purposes used the 1999 recall period. Therefore the recall period used for output of results is inconsistent between the ABS surveys and the ICVS, with the ABS surveys using a 0-12 month recall period and the ICVS using a 3-15 month recall period. In addition, it is not possible to identify for the ICVS whether persons reporting as victims did so where victimisation occurred in the three months between the end of the 1999 recall period and the interview dates in March 2000, and therefore whether there was any over-reporting of victimisation.
One study using data from the US National Crime Survey found that victimisation rates for personal crimes based on a three month recall period was almost 40% higher than victimisation rates based on a 12 month recall period (Bushery, 1981). This research excluded series crime (i.e. two or more similar or related incidents which occur during the same reference period). Therefore the results reflect the recall rates of persons experiencing a single type of incident once in the reference period, either within 3 months or 12 months prior to interview. In addition, further research found that recall rates for crimes by relatives and marital partners were worse than recall rates for crimes by other non-strangers (Skogan, 1990). The GSS questions on crime victimisation are preceded by questions on family contact, whilst the NCSS questions on crime victimisation are preceded by questions on neighbourhood problems. The immediacy of reference to family contacts in the GSS may have aided recall of crimes by family contacts leading to a higher rate for older incidents in the reference period that are more difficult to recall (i.e. crime by family members).
Non-Response Bias
Non-response can introduce errors into results when non-respondents have different characteristics and experiences of victimisation from those individuals who did respond. Non-response bias is the difference between the estimate based on the responding sample and the estimate if there were no non-respondents. Non-response bias arises if the respondents in the sample are not representative of the non-respondents with respect to the characteristic under measurement (in this case crime victimisation). Measuring non-response bias is difficult without information about non-respondents, though the likely size of its effect can be considered.
The proportion of non-respondents for the surveys under discussion ranged from 9% for the GSS, 22% and 24% for the WSS and NCSS respectively, through to 43% for the ICVS. Therefore, greater impact due to non-response bias is expected from the ICVS than the NCSS or WSS, and GSS is expected to have the least impact due to non-response bias.
There has been conflicting research regarding the impact of non-response bias on crime victimisation reporting rates. Van Dijk (1990) reviewed the 1989 International Crime Victims Survey and found that there was no clear evidence on the effects of non-response. Strangeland (1995) concluded the same in his survey in regional Spain and went on to state that there appeared to be two counter-balancing effects operating. Firstly, the lifestyle of non-respondents which makes them difficult to locate may also make them more vulnerable to crime. Secondly and alternatively, victims may be more motivated to respond because they have something to tell.
The magnitude of difference between prevalence of crime victimisation among non-respondents and respondents would have to be large for non-response bias to be the primary cause of the discrepancy between survey estimates. This point is made in the following simple example using the NCSS and GSS which reported the greatest differences in assault victimisation. In the NCSS, which had a sample size of 54,418, the non-response rate for victims of assault was approximately 24% or 13,248 individuals. An estimate of the number of respondents who reported to be victims of assault was 1,935, calculated as 4.7% of the number of respondents. Non-response is greatest in the younger age groups and reduces as age increases, whilst prevalence of assault decreases with age. If we assume the overall prevalence of assault for non-respondents in the NCSS was in fact 9.4% (double the rate for respondents), the estimated number of assault victims among the non-respondents would be 1,245. The estimate of the total number of victims from the sample would then be 3,180 persons (1,245 + 1,935), producing an overall estimate of prevalence of 5.8% which is still well below the 9.0% prevalence rate in the GSS.
One of the benefits of the NCSS is that because it is a supplement to the ABS LFS, selected characteristics of most non-respondents to the NCSS are known (i.e. those characteristics that are collected for the LFS). An analysis was undertaken on a range of socio-demographic characteristics for NCSS respondents and non-respondents to determine if there were any significant differences. There were no significant differences.
The weighting methodology applied in the NCSS and GSS may have also reduced the non-response bias, though the size of this reduction is not possible to measure. Such a reduction would have occurred if, within age by sex by state categories, the non-respondents would have provided similar answers to the respondents.
However, comparing the two surveys with the greatest difference in assault victimisation prevalence rates (NCSS and GSS), and with a large difference in non-response rates, non-response bias may explain a small amount of the difference in assault victimisation.
Sample representation
To gain some insight into the representativeness of the sample, the socio-demographic characteristics of survey respondents can be compared to independent estimates of the corresponding population at the time of the survey. Where there are differences in sample representation and these differences are not adjusted for in the final results, the victimisation rates may not be representative of the entire population.
The distribution of GSS, NCSS and WSS survey respondents (classified by geographic location, age and country of birth) conformed reasonably well with the geographic location, age and birthplace distribution of the relevant population at the time of each survey. Each of the surveys under discussion did not sample from sparsely populated areas. As noted in section 4, the ICVS over-sampled persons aged 65 years or over. However these respondents were weighted down in the ICVS to produce estimates that conformed with the age distribution of the population aged 16 years or over at the time of the survey.
As stated above, the NCSS is a supplementary questionnaire to the ABS LFS. Underenumeration in the NCSS results primarily from non-response (in the NCSS), but also, to a lesser extent, from undercoverage in the LFS. Undercoverage, which is present in all household surveys, occurs when certain individuals in the population do not have a chance of being included in a survey (e.g., because they have no place of usual residence, or they are overseas, or because of imperfections in survey procedures). The NCSS weighting process ensures that estimates conform to the distribution of the population by age, sex and geographical area, thereby compensating for any underenumeration in the survey. Bias will only occur if persons not enumerated in the NCSS have significantly different characteristics to the survey respondents in the same age by sex by geography category.
Mode Effects
Mode effect refers to the impact of the survey delivery method on the response to the survey. Different survey modes include self-administered questionnaires (e.g. mailback questionnaires), telephone interviews and face-to-face interviews. Modes can also be different within surveys (e.g. a mailback questionnaire that involves follow-up via telephone interview), and these are often referred to as mixed-mode surveys.
Below is a summary of some of the advantages and disadvantages of using a self administered questionnaire, telephone interview and face to face interview.
The mode of the survey is likely to have some impact on the reporting of crime although it would not solely explain the differences between the survey results. Mode effect is costly to investigate, though it can be quantified. An investigation would require the conduct of parallel surveys using different delivery methods. In the case of crime victimisation this has not been done. What follows is a qualitative assessment of the possible impacts of different modes that should be considered when developing surveys on crime victimisation.
Self administered questionnaires (SAQ), the method used for the NCSS, allow respondents to look ahead and go back to earlier items and may therefore reduce the impact of question order. The likely occurrence of this cannot be quantified at this stage. Personal face-to-face and telephone interviews (GSS, WSS and ICVS) do not allow respondents this opportunity.
There are two factors which should be considered when completing crime questions using different modes: sequencing and the notion of the word 'threat':
The GSS used Computer Assisted Interviewing (CAI) as the means of data collection and this may also have subtler effects on data quality. Notebook computers may still have a novelty value for many respondents, and the use of notebook computers in the respondent's home may effect the respondent's perception of the interview - a survey may be seen as more important or more objective when computers are used to collect data (Tourangeau & Smith, 1996).
The involvement of an interviewer helps maintain respondent motivation (Fowler, 1993). Therefore, for all interviewer based surveys (i.e. GSS, ICVS and WSS) this may assist in keeping respondents focused on providing satisfactory answers rather than trying to find a way to complete the questionnaire as quickly as possible.
In the mail back NCSS, there is more information that is given to the respondent, such as the inclusion and exclusion boxes that provide information for the respondent on what types of events to include or exclude for the questions. Generally for the four surveys being considered the definition of what to include or exclude as 'use force or violence against you' is unclear for the assault-related questions. Furthermore, respondents may attempt to accumulate a common ground based on previous information thereby using this information to determine the context of subsequent questions (Clark & Schober 1992). As the previous topics in sequencing differ in the different surveys it is important that this information on what to include or exclude be readily available to all respondents.
SAQs (such as the NCSS) allow respondents to change their answers. For example, in order to make their responses consistent with the title, some respondents may decide to go back and change their responses after being asked question 61 (form A) 'Do you consider this to be a crime?'. The quantitative impact of this on the NCSS victimisation rates is not known, though it is expected to be minimal.
The NCSS questionnaire included a number of prompts for inclusions and exclusions for main questions. This is necessary in a SAQ as the respondent does not have the presence of an interviewer to assist them. These prompts were developed over a number of iterations to cover the key issues related to the question. The GSS, WSS and ICVS questions are asked of the respondent by the interviewer without prompting which is normal practice for an interviewer based survey. The interviewer will only assist the respondent if asked about inclusions or exclusions and interviewer instructions and training cater for these circumstances. Within the NCSS there is a specific exclusion of incidents involving name calling, swearing, etc. which did not involve a physical threat. In the GSS this was only stated by the interviewer if the respondent specifically asked. Therefore for the GSS, WSS and ICVS respondents may adopt a wider definition of assault than in the NCSS.
The table below shows that if the assault victimisation responses are disaggregated into actual versus attempted assault within each survey, there is a similar difference in the proportions of actual versus attempted assault victimisation for the GSS and NCSS (i.e. 54% actual in GSS and 60% actual in NCSS) whereas the WSS shows a different pattern with 85% of identified assaults being actual assaults. When comparing prevalence rates for actual assault for the GSS, NCSS and WSS, the GSS and WSS are not significantly different from each other though both are still significantly different from the NCSS. This difference in the reporting of actual versus attempted assault in the WSS may be due in part to the difference in the question responses available between the GSS/NCSS and the WSS. In the GSS and NCSS respondents can answer yes or no to a question regarding attempted/threatened assault, whereas for the WSS the respondent is asked to answer yes or no to specific examples.
5. COMPARISON OF PREVALENCE RATES FOR ASSAULT FROM ABS SURVEYS, By actual versus attempted assault
The possible impact of prompts on break-ins was also compared for the NCSS and GSS. The table below indicates that any differences in prompts for attempted break-in does not explain differences in reporting between the two surveys as there is still a significant difference in the prevalence rates for actual break-in. The possible impact of different population bases (i.e. GSS used person population whilst NCSS used household population) has been dealt with by the re-calculation using households as the base population for the GSS. This resulted in a slight increase (approximately 3%) in the rate for the GSS.
6. COMPARISON OF PREVALENCE RATES FOR BREAK-IN FROM ABS SURVEYS, By actual versus attempted break-in
A final difference between self-administered questionnaires and personal interviews involves whether the questions are read to the respondent (auditory) or by the respondent (visual). The personal interview questions are presented aloud for the GSS, ICVS and WSS and this eliminates the requirement that the respondent be able to read. This may be important within sub-populations where literacy problems are common. On the other hand, when the questions are only read aloud, the respondent has less control over the pace of the interview and may be prone to 'primacy' effects, favouring options presented early in the list of permissible answer categories over those presented toward the end (Tourangeau & Smith, 1996). The latter would be unlikely to have had an impact on the GSS and ICVS with regard to victimisation questions as they involve 'yes' or 'no' answers. However, this could be a consideration for the WSS which used a series of possible responses for the crime victimisation questions.
Context Effects
Context effects occur when the preceding questions influence responses to subsequent questions (directional) or when the order in which the questions are administered affects the correlation between the target and the context questions. Context effects are difficult to predict because of their subjective nature, with the impact varying for different people.
It is possible that the context effects may contribute to the differences in reporting of assault victimisation in the surveys listed above. However, as with mode effects, without developing an experiment to compare the differences between the survey methodologies there is no way of quantifying how much each factor contributes to the overall difference in results. Therefore, the following is a qualitative assessment of the possible context effects in the different crime victimisation surveys.
There are two ways that context effects can influence the cognitive process of respondents: Assimilation (respondents might interpret new information by associating and including it with existing knowledge) and Contrast (respondents focus on the differences between new information and existing knowledge and exclude the new information). A respondent's comprehension and interpretation of question meaning is affected by the context in which the question is presented. Hence, the more ambiguous the wording, the more the respondent relies on the context of the question to understand the question.
One of the mechanisms producing context effects is the context and retrieval processes. Respondents tap only a small portion of the potentially relevant information when formulating their responses to survey questions. Information that is highly accessible in memory is likely to dominate the respondents response i.e. respondents take what comes to mind easily (Schuman & Presser, 1981).
The NCSS may appear to respondents to be focused on a narrower concept of crime than the other surveys, in particular the GSS. The NCSS is introduced as a crime and safety survey and respondents are able to refer to the purpose of the survey at any time to give them a context or framework to answer the questions (i.e. they may assimilate or contrast new information with the purpose of the survey at any time because the NCSS is a SAQ). Furthermore, the NCSS states that its purpose is about crime prevention and forming a basis for community programs. Respondents may only report assaults which they believe meet this purpose.
Interestingly, when the scope of the ABS survey being considered is confined to females aged 18 years and over, the assault prevalence rate for the NCSS increases and decreases for the GSS, bringing the prevalence rates for assault victimisation closer together (see table 7 below). Looking at this in another way, under the GSS there is a greater proportion of males reporting assault victimisation than females compared to the NCSS. This may be related to the context of the surveys, whereby males do not see themselves as being victims of crime and/or are not interested in crime prevention (the purpose of the NCSS), although they do acknowledge that they have experienced an actual or attempted act of force or violence.
The WSS and GSS were both interviewer based surveys and introduced a more general concept of assault. The WSS referred to 'experiences of aggressive or threatening behaviour' and the GSS referred to 'crimes that may have happened to you'. WSS used specialised procedures to ensure that respondents felt safe and to encourage respondents to report all incidents of aggressive behaviour rather than narrowing this to only crime reported to police. The general survey context along with specific question order context encourages GSS respondents to have a broader definition of crime. The GSS does not mention the topic of crime until this module is reached approximately half way through the interview, and there are no specialised procedures involved in eliciting information on assault victimisation.
The questions asked prior to the questions under analysis (i.e. questions asked prior to those on assault victimisation) can impact on the response. The NCSS and ICVS ask questions regarding robbery prior to questions regarding assault. Any element of force or violence (assault) that is associated with theft is designed to be counted as part of robbery in these two surveys, and therefore should be excluded from the assault counts. The NCSS asks about sexual assault after assault. Checks on the NCSS questionnaire allow any sexual assault data for females aged 18 years or over to be excluded from the assault counts. The WSS asks about sexual assault before assault, and therefore any assault that was in a sexual context is designed to be excluded from the assault counts. The GSS asks about assault victimisation before any other type of victimisation involving the use of force or violence.
Therefore, the assault victimisation figures from the NCSS should not include sexual assault or assault associated with robbery, and the WSS assault victimisation figures should not include any sexually related assault experiences, whilst the GSS may include both sexual assault and assault associated with robbery in the assault victimisation data. For comparability, all assault related offences are aggregated and presented in the table below for the same age and sex respondent group (note that ICVS data for the scope requested is not available at this stage). The assault-related prevalence rate for NCSS is significantly lower than those for the GSS and WSS, even after adjusting for age, sex and offence scope differences.
7. COMPARISON OF PREVALENCE RATES FOR VICTIMS OF ASSAULT RELATED OFFENCES FROM ABS SURVEYS, Adjusted for age and sex and offence scope differences
Question Wording
What may appear to be slight differences in the wording of a question can have a great impact on the responses to that question. For the assault questions in the four surveys being discussed, the wording is the same for the two surveys with the greatest differences in results (GSS and NCSS). For break-in victimisation there is one key difference between the GSS and NCSS. In the NCSS the question stated break-in to your home, with garage and shed in an include/exclude box below the question, whereas for the GSS, home, garage or shed were all read out in the actual question. An analysis of the Recorded Crime statistics indicates that approximately 8% of residential unlawful entries recorded by police are for outbuildings (i.e. garages and sheds). However, these are less serious matters and are often not reported to police, therefore the 8% figure should be seen as a guide only. Using Recorded Crime data as an indication, it seems likely that at least 8% of break-ins will occur in garages or sheds, and therefore differences in question wording (i.e. the exclusion of the mention of garages or sheds in the question) may have some impact on results for break-in between the GSS and NCSS.
Coding Differences
When survey responses are returned to the initiating agency there may be a number of forms where further detail or comment indicates that the response provided may be incorrect. Depending on the proportion of recoding that is completed (or able to be completed) this may result in changes to the crime victimisation rates that are actually published.
For the ABS surveys mentioned above (GSS, NCSS and WSS), only the NCSS contained detailed comments (due in part to being a SAQ). An analysis of the recoding indicated that the change in prevalence and incidence rates based on recoding was not significant (6% of all break-ins were taken out and 3% of all assaults).
Information available from the NCSS has indicated that recoding alone would not make a significant change to victimisation rates for assault or break and enter.
Sources of crime data can vary on many different levels and for a number of valid reasons. Ultimately the choice of which data source is used should be an informed decision made by the user based on an understanding of the purpose of the data source and the methodology behind it. The ABS assesses the fitness-for-purpose of data sources using the ABS Quality Framework (Allen, 2002). The framework contains 6 dimensions of quality that should be considered when choosing a data source: relevance, accuracy, timeliness, accessibility, interpretability and coherence. Users should also refer to the Explanatory Notes in publications in order to assess the fitness of data for use in their situation.
Both victimisation survey data and police recorded crime data contribute to informing users about the nature and extent of crime victimisation. Data from victimisation surveys can be used to contextualise information from the police recorded crime data. Alternatively, the two types of data sources can be used to test alternative hypotheses related to criminal activity (Statistics Canada, 1997). Neither administrative statistics nor victimisation surveys alone can provide comprehensive information about crime. Each is useful for addressing specific issues.
However, even within a particular method of data collection (i.e. survey or administrative data) there are differences between collections. Administrative collections may have limitations due to different practices between agencies supplying the relevant data. For example, information recorded by police agencies may vary between states and territories due to legislation, recording systems and recording practices. Surveys may have limitations due to differences in methodology and changes between successive cycles.
Following a brief comparison of two ABS administrative collections, Causes of Death and Recorded Crime statistics, this paper has presented comparisons of four surveys to illustrate the nature and extent of differences in survey methodologies:
Each collection has its own purpose, such as the comparison and analysis of different social phenomena (e.g. GSS) or the measurement of crime and safety across states and territories over time (e.g. NCSS), and each provide different ways of measuring similar phenomena. As illustrated in section 4, there are numerous elements that combine to make up a single survey methodology. These include:
Differences in any one of these elements may impact on statistics from the collection and on response to an individual question within it. This paper's review of the survey methodologies, using assault victimisation results from the four surveys, is summarised in the following table.
As the table shows, there are a number of methodological factors expected to contribute to the differences between the survey results. However, a number of these factors have not been quantifiable, including the impact of the mode of the survey and the context of the survey and its questions. The ABS is currently investigating the crime victimisation survey methodology, with the aim of ensuring continued collection of quality crime victimisation statistics.
This paper aims to increase community understanding of the nature of crime measurement in Australia, and why findings from data sources may differ. Ultimately, users must decide which measure of crime is fit for their purpose. The information in this paper can help inform that decision.
For further information about this product, please contact Catherine Andersson on Melbourne 03 9615 7375, email email@example.com or email email@example.com
Allen, B 2002, Qualifying Quality - Issues of Presentation and Education. Presented at the International Symposium on Data Quality, Quebec, Canada, 16-19 October 2001.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (a), Causes of Death, Australia (ABS cat. no. 3303.0)
Australian Bureau of Statistics (b), General Social Survey (ABS cat. no. 4159.0)
Australian Bureau of Statistics (c), Labour Force, Australia (ABS cat. no. 6202.0)
Australian Bureau of Statistics (d), National Crime and Safety Survey, (ABS cat. no. 4509.0)
Australian Bureau of Statistics (e), Recorded Crime, Australia (ABS cat. no. 4510.0)
Australian Bureau of Statistics (f), Women's Safety, Australia (ABS cat. no. 4128.0)
Australian Bureau of Statistics (g), Women's Safety - User Guide, Australia (ABS cat. no. 4129.0)
Bushery, J 1981, Recall Biases for Different Reference Periods in the National Crime Survey. Proceedings of the American Statistical Association Survey Research Methods Section: pp. 238-243.
Carcach, C & Makkai, T 2003, The Australian Component of the 2000 International Crime Victims Survey (ICVS), Technical and Background Paper Series, no.3, Australian Institute of Criminology.
Clark, C H & Schober, M F, 'Asking questions and influencing answers', In, Tanur, J.M. (ed) 1992, Questions about Questions: Inquiries into the Cognitive Bases of Surveys. Russell Sage Foundation: New York.
Coleman, C & Moynihan, J, 'Haunted by the dark figure: criminologists as ghostbusters?', In, Maguire. M (ed) 1996, Understanding Crime Data: Haunted by the dark figure. Open University Press: Buckingham UK.
Fowler, F J 1993, Survey Research Methods. Sage Publications: Newbury.
Holbrook, A, Green, M & Krosnick, J 2003, 'Telephone versus face-to-face interviewing of national probability samples with long questionnaires: Comparisons of respondent satisficing and social desirability bias', Public Opinion Quarterly, Vol 67: pp. 79-126.
Schuman, H & Presser, S 1981, Questions and answers in attitude surveys: experiments on question form, wording and context. Academic Press: New York.
Skogan, W G 1990, 'The Polls - A Review: The National Crime Survey Redesign', Public Opinion Quarterly, Vol 54: pp. 256-272.
Statistics Canada 1997, An Overview of the Differences between Police-Reported and Victim-Reported Crime.
Strangeland, P 1995, The Crime Puzzle: Crime Patterns and Crime Displacement in Southern Spain, cited in The effect of interview method and response rate on victim survey crime rates, presented at the AIC conference in Adelaide.
Tourangeau & Smith 1996, Asking Sensitive Questions. The Impact of Data Collection Mode, Question Format, and Question Context. Public Opinion Quarterly, Vol 60: pp. 275-304.
Van Dijk, J M 1990, Experiences of Crime around the World: Key Findings from the 1989 International Crime Survey, Kluwer Law and Taxation Publishers, Deventer, Netherlands.
Zip, J F & Toth, J 2002, 'She said, he said, they said: The impact of spousal presence in survey research', Public Opinion Quarterly, Vol 66: pp. 177-208.
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playlist please for Giraffes on Fire 2/4/08
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White Rabbit
playlist please for Giraffes on Fire 2/4/08
February 04, 2008 03:18PM
Registered: 12 years ago
Posts: 3
could some someone post the playlist
Re: playlist please for Giraffes on Fire 2/4/08
February 04, 2008 07:15PM
Registered: 13 years ago
Posts: 1,330
in the next few days, check the "Playlist" thread for this entry:
Filly McFillin & Friends' Monday Brunch Exchange 2/4
That will be the playlist for this show ( Krauty McKraut filling in)
i'm pretty sure that Giraffes On Fire has retired - erin had a great show and will be missed.
Re: playlist please for Giraffes on Fire 2/4/08
February 05, 2008 03:56PM
Registered: 13 years ago
Posts: 351
here ya go:
Eternal Tapestry- "Vibrations" Vibrations New Dawn 2007
Tom Nehls- "Dawn In The Park" I Always Catch The Third Second of a Yellow Light 1973
George-Edwards- "Magnetic Variation" 38:38 1977
Nothing People- "I Can't Find a Monkey" Problems 7" 2006
Flesh Eaters- "Satan's Stomp" A Minute To Pray A Second To Die 1981
Geeks- "Too Fat Pig" Too Fat Pig 7" 1979
Manfred Mann- "Snakeskin Garter" Chapter Three 1969
The Sons of Adam- "Feathered Fish" (1966) V/A Tony the Tyger Presents...Fuzz, Flaykes & Shakes Vol. 6
Moses- "Skaev" Changes 1971
Jarvis Street Revue- "Mr. Oil Man" Mr. Oil Man 1969
Van Halen- "Everybody Wants Some (demo)" Women and Children First Sessions 1980
Slicing Grandpa- "The Parasite" Split 7" 2006
Evil- "Moral Outrage and Other Human Atrocities" A True Untimely Atocity 10" 2007
Oho- "Ain't Life Dumb" Okinawa 1974
Cigarettes- "Gimme Cigarette" Gimme Cigarette 7" 1978
Gates of Freedom- "Havu Godel-Baruch Shenatan" A Religious Rock Service (for the Reading of Scripture) 196?
Up- "Together" Killer Up! 1969-72
Rationals- "Smokestack Lightning" Fan Club LP 1966
Stonemen- "Faded Colors" (196?) V/A Psychedelic Experience Vol. 4: Ultra Rare Acid Punk Fuzz Monsters from the 60s!
Mark Tucker- "64ZO37375 Part 1/Sideways Love Forever" Batstew 1975
Rabble- "Buttercups Blue" Give Us Back Elaine 1969
Mike Rep and the Quotas- "Rocket Music On" Mama Was A Schizo, Daddy Was A Vegetable Man 7" 1975
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Aku ada terima emel yang menerangkan cara murah untuk mengawal atau membunuh nyamuk iaitu hanya dengan menggunakan pencuci pinggan mangkuk. Aku sendiri pun tak try lagi, tak tau efektif atau tidak, dan kalau anda nak try boleh la baca tips yang diberikan di bawah.
The mosquito control technique using Harimau Kuat Lemon or Lemon Fresh Joy flavoured dish wash liquid (yellow bottle and about RM2.80) and..... it actually works.
It's cheap and non poisonous like Ridsect of Fumakilla and the others.
Try this simple MOSQUITO Control Technique.
Put some water in a white dinner plate and add a couple drops of Harimau Kuat Lemon/Lemon Fresh Joy dish wash liquid.
Set the dish on your porch, patio, picnic table, park bench, or other outdoor area.
Not sure what attracts them, the lemon smell, the white plate colour, or what.
BUT .. mosquitoes flock to it, and drop dead shortly after drinking the Lemon Fresh water mixture, and usually within about 10 feet of the plate.
TRY IT--- it works just superb!
It may seem trivial, but it may also help to control mosquitoes around your home, (especially in areas where the West Nile virus is reaching epidemic proportions in mosquitoes, birds, and humans).
Pass this on to anyone who likes sitting out in the evening, or when they're having a cook out.
I wonder how many of your will try this. Most people will just read this and do nothing.
This is worth a try, don't you think so?


text:
ABC's previously announced celebrity impersonator reality series begins casting next month, and it has a new name.
Previously called The Impostor, the series is now called awkwardly called The Next Best Thing: Who is the Greatest Celebrity Impersonator?. Renaming the show sounds like part of ABC's 10-step "squeeze all life out of good reality show concepts before they make it to air" strategy, which last summer led the network to air and then immediately cancel a bunch of crap shows.
Anyway, the show will award $100,000 to the best among contestants "who look, sound and act like a celebrity"; viewers will vote for the winner. The show will be hosted by Michele Merkin and judged by Lisa Ann Walters and two others.
The show casts March 5 and 6 in Los Angeles, March 11 and 12 in Las Vegas, March 20 and 21 in New York, and March 28 to 29 in Orlando. More details are in an ABC press release and, allegedly, on
nextbestthingshow.com and abc.com, although the latter two currently have no casting information whatsoever. That's part two of ABC's strategy: Withhold casting information from our crappy web site to ensure that only the most obsessive freaks audition.


text:
Search warrants in the murder case of a North County Marine wife reveal evidence collected in the investigation including a stun gun, blue latex gloves and a suicide note allegedly written by one defendant.
A state appeals court ordered the release of four search warrants in the Brittany Killgore murder case - documents that the San Diego County District Attorney's office wanted to keep secret.
Dorothy Grace Marie Maraglino, 36; Jessica Lynn Lopez, 25 and U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Louis Perez, 45, have pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the killing of the 22-year-old Marine wife.
Killgore was last seen April 13 wearing a purple evening gown. Four days later her body was found abandoned near Lake Skinner in Riverside County.
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The day's top national and international news.
The search warrants show a 2001 White Ford Explorer owned by Perez was caked with mud on its bumpers and running board, what investigators say is evidence that the truck had been used to dump Killgore's body in Lake Skinner.
A shopping bag containing blue latex gloves and a stun baton was also found during the investigation according to the warrants. Both the bag and the gloves had a red substance on them, that tested positive for blood the documents show.
In the warrants, investigators say that San Diego County Crime Lab technicians confirmed the blood to be "a match for the DNA profile of Brittany Killgore."
The passenger seat did not have a seat cover when investigators searched the car however, detectives said the seat had an imprint that led them to believe a seat cover may have been removed according to the documents. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
Detectives included timing of text messages from the victim's cell phone and between the defendants on the night Killgore was last seen alive. According to the warrant, Killgore texted "Help" to a friend about 13 minutes after Perez picked her up that night - 7:50 p.m.
Perez sent Maraglino a text at 7:57 p.m. "Kitten?" the warrants show.
Then 21 minutes after Killgore's "Help" text message, detectives say Perez texted "Come home" to Maraglino. That text message was sent at 8:11 p.m. according to the warrant.
On April 17, detectives attempted to contact Maraglino at a Point Loma hotel after a vehicle registered to her was located in the parking lot.
Once officials gained access to the hotel room, they spotted blood on the bed and saw a woman who identified herself as "Rosalin" inside, the search warrants document.
"Rosalin" was later identified as Jessica Lopez.
Also inside the hotel room were large knives in the bathroom and a note on the dressing area mirror "Pigs read this" the documents show.
On the dressing table officers said they found a seven-page handwritten letter that began: "I'm sorry Mistress I know you would've tried to stop me….You have the wrong f--king person" according to the warrants.
The letter went on to say "I hid the body of that whore in plain sight" investigators stated in the warrants. One of the search warrants contains the note, which describes the injuries Killgore reportedly suffered and how she was murdered.
The search warrants also reveal more about the unusual sexual activity that prosecutors say was happening at a home on East Fallbrook Street, the residence of Maraglino and her roommate Lopez.
According to the warrant, an ex-girlfriend of Perez allegedly told police they were involved in bondage, whipping, cutting and spanking.
She told police that on one occasion a female was held in the sex dungeon and not allowed to leave without Perez' permission according to the search warrants.
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