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Thursday, January 31, 2013
First Firearms-Related Bills Introduced In NC General Assembly
A number of bills concerning firearms rights have been introduced in the last couple of days in the North Carolina General Assembly as it starts its new session. The firearms bills in this session will probably be more evolutionary than revolutionary as the Castle Doctrine, universal reciprocity, and parks carry were passed in the last session. Restaurant carry made it through the State House last session but ran out of time in the State Senate. That is addressed in a new bill in the State House as well as the confidentiality of concealed handgun permit holders. While it hasn't been introduced yet, I fully expect a bill to be introduced to clarify the language of parks carry to prevent cities like Winston-Salem from perverting the intent of the bill.
With one exception, the bills below are favorable towards gun rights. The one exception is a bill that would curtail the universal reciprocity by only recognizing carry permits held by residents of the state that issued it. Non-resident permits would not be recognized for reciprocity under the bill. Sean Sorrentino has much more on this backwards step.
State House
HB 17 - Gun Permits/Restaurants and Confidentiality
This bill would allow concealed handgun permit holders to carry in eating establishments and restaurants unless the restaurant or eating establishment had been posted by the owner prohibiting carry. Unlike last year, it does not include the prohibition against consumption of alcohol. This bill would also make the list of permit holders and their application information confidential. It would only be available to law enforcement and would no longer be public data.
Primary Sponsors: Rep. Burr (R-Stanley), Hager (RR-Rutherford), Hollo (R-Alexander), and J. Bell (R-Wayne)
Other Sponsors: Rep. Arp (R-Union); Blust (R-Guilford); W. Brawley (R-Mecklenburg); Brody (R-Union); R. Brown (R-Davidson); Bumgardner(R-Gaston); Cleveland (R-Onslow); Collins (R-Nash); Fulghum (R-Wake); Hardister (R-Guilford); Holloway (R-Stokes); Horn (R-Union); Iler (R-Brunswick); Jones (R-Rockingham); Jordan (R-Ashe); Martin (R-Pitt); McElraft (R-Carteret); McGrady (R-Henderson); McNeill (R-Randolph); Millis (R-Pender); Moffitt (R-Buncombe); Pittman (R-Cabarrus); Saine (R-Lincoln); Schaffer (R-Mecklenburg); Setzer (R-Catawba); Shepard (R-Onslow); Speciale (R-Craven); Starnes (R-Caldwell); Steinburg (R-Chowan); Stone (R-Lee); Szoka (R-Cumberland); Torbett (R-Gaston); Warren (R-Rowan);
HB 49 - Firearm in Locked Motor Vehicle/Parking Lot
This bill provides that no business, commercial enterprise, or employer may prohibit the transportation or possession of firearms and ammunition when kept out of sight in a locked motor vehicle. Among other provisions it releases the business, commercial enterprise, or employer from civil liability for damages from another person's actions involving a firearm or ammunition stored in a locked car that complied with state law.
Primary Sponsor: Rep. Shepard (R-Onslow)
Other Sponsors: Rep. McElraft (R-Carteret; Pittman (R-Cabarrus); Warren (R-Rowan)
State Senate
SB 17 - Concealed Carry Permits/Validity
This bill would not provide reciprocity for any carry permit held by a person who was not a resident of the issuing state.
Primary Sponsor: Sen. Stan Bingham (R-Davidson)
SB 27 - Public School Protection/Firearm Amendments
This bill would create school safety marshals. These would be persons certified by the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and designated by local school boards or boards of directors of charter schools to possess and carry firearms on school property. The intent of the bill is to provide additional protection for students and staff.
Primary Sponsor: Sen. Stan Bingham (R-Davidson)
Other Sponsors: Sen. Andrew C. Brock (R-Davie); Bill Cook (R-Beaufort); Warren Daniel (R-Burke); Clark Jenkins (D-Edgecombe); E. S. (Buck) Newton (R- Johnston); Norman W. Sanderson (R-Pamlico); Jerry W. Tillman (R-Randolph);
SB. 28 - Gun Permit Information/No Publication
This bill would provide for the confidentiality of concealed handgun permits and pistol purchase permits. The information would only be available upon request to law enforcement agencies and to the courts or other appropriate parties in response to either a subpoena or court order.
Primary Sponsor: Sen. Stan Bingham (R-Davidson)
Other Sponsors: Sen. Tom Apodaca (R-Henderson); Chad Barefoot (R-Wake); Andrew C. Brock (R-Davie); Bill Cook (R-Beaufort); Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell); Brent Jackson (R-Sampson); Clark Jenkins (D-Edgecombe); E. S. (Buck) Newton (R-Johnston); Norman W. Sanderson (R-Pamlico); Trudy Wade (R-Guilford);
WV Citizens Defense League Joins The Firearms Policy Coalition
The Firearm Policy Coalition added another state to their organization - West Virginia. They will be joined by organizations from California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Illinois, Florida, Hawaii, and Texas.
BELLEVUE, WA (January 31, 2013) – While the U.S. Senate held hearings on new federal gun control proposals, another prominent Second Amendment rights group joined the fast-growing Firearms Policy Coalition, noted managing director Brandon Combs. In addition to the existing Coalition representation in Washington, D.C., California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Texas, West Virginians now have the backing of FPC's innovative and dynamic cross-state gun rights advocacy platform.
"The West Virginia Citizens Defense League is pleased to partner with the Firearms Policy Coalition in the defense of our rights," commented WVCDL president Keith Morgan. "We recognize and support the need for nationwide cooperation in this critical fight."
Morgan's televised interview on The State Journal's "Decision Makers" program in mid-January became an internet sensation among gun rights activists and gun owners across the nation, receiving nearly 200,000 views since being uploaded on January 13.
"One thing is clear, and that's gun owners are taking a stand against gun bans no matter where they might reside," said Alan Gottlieb, chairman of FPC's national group Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. "People see through the outright lies of the gun-grabbers and know that the only real option is to fight back through real cooperation and hard work. No question about it, there's strength in numbers."
"It's exciting to see our Second Amendment advocate friends in West Virginia combining forces with those in other states, like Illinois and New Jersey, through the power of FPC's technology," explained Combs. "Hopefully other gun rights groups, especially those in key states like New York, Connecticut, and Colorado, take notice and realize that they don't have to go it alone any more. We're here for them."
"The Coalition is very much looking forward to working with Keith and the WVCDL membership to secure a strong right to keep and bear arms throughout the U.S."
Dave Kopel's Testimony At Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing
Dave Kopel replaced Fordham Prof. Nick Johnson at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on gun violence (sic) yesterday. Below is his prepared testimony before the committee. It also includes Dave answering questions from some senators.
While not as dramatic as the "testimony" that former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords gave, it is a lot more instructive on the issue. Unfortunately, the national media will concentrate on the former and ignore this.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Ted Cruz At The Senate Judiciary Committee Hearings
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) is the junior senator from Texas and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. In his comments and questions today at the Judiciary Committee's hearing on gun violence (sic) he brought out that the bill proposed by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) is concerned with cosmetics and not functionality. It is a message that most Americans are not getting. I think Cruz is correct when he asserts the average American thinks of full-auto firearms when the term "assault weapon" is used.
Wayne LaPierre's Prepared Testimony In Today's Gun Control Hearing
The NRA-ILA has published Wayne LaPierre's prepared testimony given before the Senate Judiciary Committee today. It was for their hearing on "What Should America Do About Gun Violence (sic)?"
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee:
It's an honor to be here today on behalf of more than 4.5 million moms and dads and sons and daughters, in every state across our nation, who make up the National Rifle Association of America. Those 4.5 million active members are joined by tens of millions of NRA supporters.
And it's on behalf of those millions of decent, hardworking, law-abiding citizens … to give voice to their concerns … that I'm here today.
The title of today's hearing is "What should America do about gun violence?"
We believe the answer to that question is to be honest about what works – and what doesn't work.
Teaching safe and responsible gun ownership works – and the NRA has a long and proud history of teaching it.
Our "Eddie Eagle" children's safety program has taught over 25 million young children that if they see a gun, they should do four things: "Stop. Don't touch. Leave the area. Tell an adult." As a result of this and other private sector programs, fatal firearm accidents are at the lowest levels in more than 100 years.[1]
The NRA has over 80,000 certified instructors who teach our military personnel, law enforcement officers and hundreds of thousands of other American men and women how to safely use firearms. We do more – and spend more – than anyone else on teaching safe and responsible gun ownership.
We joined the nation in sorrow over the tragedy that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut. There is nothing more precious than our children. We have no more sacred duty than to protect our children and keep them safe. That's why we asked former Congressman and Undersecretary of Homeland Security, Asa Hutchison, to bring in every expert available to develop a model School Shield Program – one that can be individually tailored to make our schools as safe as possible.
It's time to throw an immediate blanket of security around our children. About a third of our schools have armed security already – because it works.[2] And that number is growing. Right now, state officials, local authorities and school districts in all 50 states are considering their own plans to protect children in their schools.
In addition, we need to enforce the thousands of gun laws that are currently on the books. Prosecuting criminals who misuse firearms works. Unfortunately, we've seen a dramatic collapse in federal gun prosecutions in recent years. Overall in 2011, federal weapons prosecutions per capita were down 35 percent from their peak in the previous administration.[3] That means violent felons, gang members and the mentally ill who possess firearms are not being prosecuted. And that's unacceptable.
And out of more than 76,000 firearms purchases denied by the federal instant check system, only 62 were referred for prosecution and only 44 were actually prosecuted.[4] Proposing more gun control laws – while failing to enforce the thousands we already have – is not a serious solution to reducing crime.
I think we can also agree that our mental health system is broken. We need to look at the full range of mental health issues, from early detection and treatment, to civil commitment laws, to privacy laws that needlessly prevent mental health records from being included in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
While we're ready to participate in a meaningful effort to solve these pressing problems, we must respectfully – but honestly and firmly – disagree with some members of this committee, many in the media, and all of the gun control groups on what will keep our kids and our streets safe.
Law-abiding gun owners will not accept blame for the acts of violent or deranged criminals. Nor do we believe the government should dictate what we can lawfully own and use to protect our families.
As I said earlier, we need to be honest about what works and what does not work. Proposals that would only serve to burden the law-abiding have failed in the past and will fail in the future.
Semi-automatic firearms have been around for over 100 years. They are among the most popular guns made for hunting, target shooting and self-defense. Despite this fact, Congress banned the manufacture and sale of hundreds of semi-automatic firearms and magazines from 1994 to 2004. Independent studies, including a study from the Clinton Justice Department, proved that ban had no impact on lowering crime.[5]
And when it comes to the issue of background checks, let's be honest – background checks will never be "universal" – because criminals will never submit to them.
But there are things that can be done and we ask you to join with us. The NRA is made up of millions of Americans who support what works … the immediate protection for all – not just some – of our school children; swift, certain prosecution of criminals with guns; and fixing our broken mental health system.
We love our families and our country. We believe in our freedom. We're the millions of Americans from all walks of life who take responsibility for our own safety and protection as a God-given, fundamental right.
Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, I thank you for your time and consideration.
[1] Pre-1981 data from National Safety Council, Accident Facts (annual); 1981 forward from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, available at http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/fatal_injury_reports.html.
[2] Gary Fields et al., NRA Calls for Arms in School, Wall Street Journal, Dec. 22, 2012, available at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324461604578193364201364432.html.
[3] Calculated from U.S. Department of Justice data available through Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, http://tracfed.syr.edu.
[4] Ronald J. Frandsen, Enforcement of the Brady Act, 2010: Federal and State Investigations and Prosecutions of Firearm Applicants Denied by a NICS Check in 2010 , available at https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/bjs/grants/239272.pdf.
[5] Jeffrey A. Roth & Christopher S. Koper, "Impact Evaluation of the Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act of 1994, (1997), available at http://www.sas.upenn.edu/jerrylee/research/aw_ban.htm.
Firearms Legislation Introduced This Week In Congress
Three more bills affecting gun rights and shooting opportunities have been introduced since Monday. Two are anti-gun and come from well-known gun prohibitionists and the third is a bill that would protect hunting, shooting, and fishing on public lands. It is interesting to note that on Carolyn McCarthy's HR 437 that 70% of the co-sponsors come from states that severely restrict gun rights.
HR.437 - Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY)
Rep Bishop, Timothy H. [D-NY-1] - 1/29/2013
Rep Blumenauer, Earl [D-OR-3] - 1/29/2013
Rep Brady, Robert A. [D-PA-1] - 1/29/2013
Rep Carney, John C., Jr. [D-DE] - 1/29/2013
Rep Cartwright, Matt [D-PA-17] - 1/29/2013
Rep Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1] - 1/29/2013
Rep Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9] - 1/29/2013
Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [D-MI-13] - 1/29/2013
Rep DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1] - 1/29/2013
Rep DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3] - 1/29/2013
Rep Deutch, Theodore E. [D-FL-21] - 1/29/2013
Rep Eshoo, Anna G. [D-CA-18] - 1/29/2013
Rep Esty, Elizabeth H. [D-CT-5] - 1/29/2013
Rep Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22] - 1/29/2013
Rep Grijalva, Raul M. [D-AZ-3] - 1/29/2013
Rep Hahn, Janice [D-CA-44] - 1/29/2013
Rep Himes, James A. [D-CT-4] - 1/29/2013
Rep Holt, Rush [D-NJ-12] - 1/29/2013
Rep Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2] - 1/29/2013
Rep Jackson Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18] - 1/29/2013
Rep Larson, John B. [D-CT-1] - 1/29/2013
Rep Levin, Sander M. [D-MI-9] - 1/29/2013
Rep Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-19] - 1/29/2013
Rep Lowenthal, Alan S. [D-CA-47] - 1/29/2013
Rep Lowey, Nita M. [D-NY-17] - 1/29/2013
Rep Maloney, Carolyn B. [D-NY-12] - 1/29/2013
Rep Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-6] - 1/29/2013
Rep McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4] - 1/29/2013
Rep McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2] - 1/29/2013
Rep Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5] - 1/29/2013
Rep Meng, Grace [D-NY-6] - 1/29/2013
Rep Miller, George [D-CA-11] - 1/29/2013
Rep Moran, James P. [D-VA-8] - 1/29/2013
Rep Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-10] - 1/29/2013
Rep Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6] - 1/29/2013
Rep Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [D-NJ-9] - 1/29/2013
Rep Perlmutter, Ed [D-CO-7] - 1/29/2013
Rep Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5] - 1/29/2013
Rep Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9] - 1/29/2013
Rep Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA-28] - 1/29/2013
Rep Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3] - 1/29/2013
Rep Serrano, Jose E. [D-NY-15] - 1/29/2013
Rep Sherman, Brad [D-CA-30] - 1/29/2013
Rep Sires, Albio [D-NJ-8] - 1/29/2013
Rep Slaughter, Louise McIntosh [D-NY-25] - 1/29/2013
Rep Speier, Jackie [D-CA-14] - 1/29/2013
Rep Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-15] - 1/29/2013
Rep Takano, Mark [D-CA-41] - 1/29/2013
Rep Tierney, John F. [D-MA-6] - 1/29/2013
Rep Tsongas, Niki [D-MA-3] - 1/29/2013
Rep Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD-8] - 1/29/2013
To regulate assault weapons, to ensure that the right to keep and bear arms is not unlimited, and for other purposes.
Referred to the House Judiciary Committee
(Since the text hasn't been received yet, I am presuming that this bill is the House version of Feinstein's S.150 - Assault Weapons Ban of 2013)
S.170 - Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) - 1/29/2013
A bill to recognize the heritage of recreational fishing, hunting, and recreational shooting on Federal public land and ensure continued opportunities for those activities.
Referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
S.174 - Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
Sen Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ] - 1/29/2013
Sen Murphy, Christopher S. [D-CT] - 1/29/2013
A bill to appropriately restrict sales of ammunition.
Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee.
113th Congress,
Carolyn McCarthy,
Lisa Murkowski,
Richard Blumenthal,
Bitter's Live Blog Of The Senate Hearing
I have been occupied with other things today so I haven't been able to watch the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on "What Should America Do About Gun Violence?"
Fortunately, Bitter at Shall Not Be Questioned has been live blogging this hearing. I suggest going there to read it.
UPDATE: Links for the prepared testimony of the participants in the hearing (other than Wayne LaPierre) are below:
Mark Kelly
Chief James Johnson
David Kopel
Gayle Trotter
gun control,
Senate Judiciary Committee
We Need To Clone Jessie Duff
Champion shooter Jessie Duff appeared on Fox New's Justice with Judge Jeanine speaking about firearms and the Second Amendment. She was poised, she was confident, she knew her stuff, and she looked fantastic. It is an image that needs to repeated over and over to break the barely articulate, old overweight white guy in camo stereotype that the media and the enemies of gun rights wishes to perpetuate.
Judge Jeanine Pirro served first as a county judge and then as the District Attorney of Westchester County, NY for 12 years. She lost the race for Attorney General of NY to current Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2006.
Paul Erhardt, writing in today's The Shooting Wire, points out the value of a Jessie Duff and how well she had done.
One bright spot in recent days has been by Jessie Duff, the Taurus sponsored national champion shooter who hosts her own show (along with husband Matt) on the Outdoor Channel. She appeared on Fox News Channel three times in the last week to 10 days and has done an excellent job.Erhardt is right. We need to be better at getting our message out and we need to be better prepared.
Putting Jessie out front on the gun issue is a great move and there are a few more women from the competition world that could, and should be, utilized the same way.
However, imagine how much more effective Jessie and other women shooters would be if the industry invested in them well before all this with media training and messaging - assuming there was an actual message. We might be in a slightly better position.
Jessie Duff,
Judge Jeanine Pirro,
Paul Erhardt,
The Shooting Wire
Shall Issue Concealed Carry Bill Introduced In Illinois
Illinois State Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg) introduced HB997 - the Family and Personal Protection Act - yesterday. This bill would, if passed, would bring shall-issue concealed carry to Illinois.
From the bill's synopsis:
Creates the Family and Personal Protection Act. Provides that the Department of State Police shall issue a license to a person to: (1) carry a loaded or unloaded handgun on or about his or her person, concealed or otherwise; (2) keep or carry a loaded or unloaded handgun on or about his or her person when in a vehicle; and (3) keep a loaded or unloaded handgun openly or concealed in a vehicle. Prohibits the carrying of the handgun in certain locations. Provides that the license shall be issued by the Department of State Police within 30 days of receipt of a completed application and shall be valid throughout the State for a period of 5 years from the date of issuance. Provides for renewal of licenses. Establishes qualifications for licensees, certified firearms instructors, and instructor trainers. Provides for home rule preemption. Provides that the provisions of the Act are severable. Amends the Freedom of Information Act. Prohibits from inspection and copying information about applications for licenses to carry a handgun and about license holders contained in the database created by the Family and Personal Protection Act, except as authorized by that Act. Amends the State Finance Act and the Criminal Code of 2012 to make conforming changes. Effective immediately.Having read the bill in its entirety, let me highlight key components of the bill.
First and foremost, this bill provides for Shall-Issue concealed carry permits. The permit would allowed a permit holder to (a) carry a firearm, loaded or unloaded, "concealed or otherwise", on his or her person; (b) on his or her person in a motor vehicle; or (c) in a vehicle either openly or concealed while not on the person. Concealed is defined by the law to mean "completely or mostly concealed". This should take care of the issue of incidental exposure or printing. Moreover, as I read "concealed or otherwise", I think a strong argument could be made that this would make open carry permissible with a CCW.
The Illinois State Police will be in charge of issuing the permit. The fee is $25 to apply with a 30-day turnaround time. As I noted above, the permit is shall-issue. However, a sheriff or municipal chief law enforcement officer can object in writing to the issuance of a permit to an individual especially if they feel the person would be a danger to him or herself or others. The burden of proof is upon the state to prove this and the applicant has a right to know. Applicants consent to a complete background check including psych records and juvenile court records. Applicants "may" be requested to provide fingerprints with the cost to the applicant of no more than $15.
Illinois residents with a current out-of-state carry permit would be allowed to carry concealed for up to 180 days after enactment. After that, they would be required to have an Illinois CCW.
Section 25 of the bill sets the qualifications:
- Age 21 or more
- Valid FOID card if a resident
- Not prohibited by either state or Federal law from possessing a firearm
- Not under pending arrest warrant that would be a disqualifying offense
- Not a chronic abuser of alcohol in prior 3 years as evidence by either (a) residential or court-ordered detox or treatment for alcohol abuse or (b) 2 or more DUIs.
- Has completed approved training and education component
Permit renewals would cost $25 and require a shooting requalification. This could be satisfied by either shooting in a competition such as IDPA or USPSA within six months of renewal or by showing evidence of a range exercise with a certified instructor.
The bill does provide for non-resident permits and waives the FOID card requirement. It would require a notarized statement from the home state that the person is eligible under state and Federal law to possess a firearm. More importantly, the bill provides for reciprocity with other states that recognize the Illinois permit and that have substantially similar requirements to that of Illinois.
The bill does have a substantial list of restricted areas which would apply to where a permit holder could carry concealed. There are exceptions in some of these areas if consent is given or if the holder is a judge or a State's Attorney.
- Any building under control of the Illinois General Assembly including district offices. Members could carry concealed in their district offices.
- Courthouses
- Meeting places of local governments
- Bars but not restaurants that merely serve alcohol
- Airport secure areas
- Area prohibited by Federal law
- K-12 schools without consent
- Child care facilities without consent
- Casino
- Gated areas of amusement parks
- Stadiums and other sports venues
- Colleges and universities without consent
- Public libraries without consent
- Police stations and sheriff's offices without consent
- Prisons, jails, and other correctional facilities
Permit holders would be required to disclose if carrying as soon as possible if stopped by law enforcement officers. The bill prohibits carrying under the influence which is defined as 0.08 blood alcohol or higher.
The training requirements can be fulfilled by passing the NRA Basic Pistol course, the NRA Personal Protection in the Home course, the NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home course, or another 4 hour course approved by the State Police. In addition, there is a live fire component that also must be passed. A person must fire at least 30 rounds with a 70% hit score of a B-21 silhouette or similar. Of these 30 rounds, the bill specifies 20 rounds at 7 yards and 10 rounds at 15 yards. The fees for training are allowed to be set by the instructor. Instructors can be anyone who is an NRA certified instructor, a retired law enforcement officer who has passed the qualifications to carry, an active or retired military member with a combat MOS, or a person certified by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training State Board.
Finally, and second only in importance to the bill mandating Shall-Issue carry permits, the bill contains a very strong state preemption clause. It prohibits any home rule unit from regulating the possession, carrying, or transportion of firearms. The only exception is that local governments can post buildings owned by them against carry. In addition, no home rule unit can regulate the number of handguns owned or require the registration possessed by a person under the act. Violation of Section 95 brings a $10,000 per day per individual affected punitive fine.
This is a very strong shall-issue law with reasonable costs and reasonable training requirements. The prohibited areas are similar to many other shall-issue states. The preemption clause is a critical component of this bill as it prevents the City of Chicago from setting their own draconian regulations. You can expect that Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago legislators under his sway will fight this part of the bill tooth and nail. In conclusion, I think Rep. Brandon Phelps - a Democrat, mind you - should be congratulated for drafting and introducing a good bill. For the sake of the people of the State of Illinois, I hope it passes.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
For Zombie Aficionados
I know zombies have jumped the shark. Still I couldn't resist when I saw this picture of Dorothy on Pinterest especially with the movie World War Z coming out this summer.
Steyr L-Series Pistol
I have always been intrigued by the Steyr pistols due to their low bore axis as well as their fairly smooth - for a striker-fired pistol - triggers. They have now launched the new L Series which is a full size service pistol available in 9mm and .40 S&W.
In the video below from Tactical Life, you can see some of the details of this new pistol. The only thing that I object to is the keyed lock on the slide. Checking the M and S Series, I see they both have it. It seems to me to be superfluous and just one more thing to break.
STEYR PISTOL L-A1 Technical Data
Technical Data | STEYR PISTOL L-A1 | |
Length x Height x Width |
188 mm x 136 mm x 30 mm
| |
Weight (without ammunition)
appr. 810g
| |
Barrel length |
102 mm (4")
| |
Calibers |
9x19, .40 S&W (9x21 on request)
| |
Magazine Capacity |
9x19 and 9x21: 15 cartridges
.40 S&W: 12 cartridges | |
Grip |
Synethetic balck
| |
Trigger way |
4,0 mm (app. 0,2") (constantly)
| |
Sights |
triangular / trapezoid shape
| |
Extras |
rectangular sights with or without Trilux, match sights
2013 SHOT Show,
Steyr L9-A1,
What's Banned In New York
The office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) has provided a graphic summary of what rifle features are now banned under NYSafe. That is the draconian law pushed through so quickly that even law enforcement if prohibited from having more than 7 rounds in their magazines. NY(un)Safe stands for Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act.
As you look through the pages of the graphic you need to ask yourself how the absence of a bayonet lug or a muzzle break will make the people of New York State any safer. The obvious answer is that it won't.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo,
gun control,
New York State,
Hear, Hear, Mr. Ong!
Henson Ong is an immigrant to the United States. Yesterday he testified before the Connecticut legislature's Gun Violence Prevention Public Hearing. Listening to his testimony, it quickly becomes evident that Mr. Ong has a better understanding of and a better appreciation for the Constitution than many sitting on the panel. He certainly has more of an appreciation for it than do those in the gun prohibitionist community who would seek to do away with the Second Amendment and to deny First Amendment rights to their opponents.
As Mr. Ong noted to the panel, if gun control actually worked, then Chicago and Washington, DC would be the safest cities in America - which they aren't.
gun control,
state legislature
CCRKBA On Rahmbo's Strong Arm Attempt
Mayor Rahm Emanuel of Chicago is trying to use the "Chicago Way" to hurt firearms manufacturers. He has "suggested" to Bank of America and TD Bank that that should end lending to Sturm, Ruger and Smith & Wesson. Like most, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms is taking a dim view of this.
BELLEVUE, WA – Anti-gun Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is taking his demagoguery to a new level by attempting to coerce banks into refusing service to firearms manufacturers, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms said today.
CBS News in Chicago reported that Emanuel was pressuring two major banks, identified as Bank of America and TD Bank, to stop lines of credit to Smith & Wesson and Sturm, Ruger, two of the largest gun makers in the industry. In letters to bank executives, Emanuel reportedly said he wanted to send a message to gun makers that they must buckle under to gun control measures being pushed by the Obama administration.
"This is outrageous," said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb. "Mayor Emanuel is acting like a Chicago gangster instead of a public servant, and we are very concerned that there might be legal ramifications. How dare the mayor engage in this kind of anti-gun lobbying effort, trying to cut off operating capital to a pair of perfectly legal companies that happen to be engaged in perhaps the most heavily-regulated business in the country.
"Gun owners and people who believe in the Bill of Rights should stop giving Chicago a line of credit by purchasing municipal bonds," he added. "Rahm wants to send a message, and the nation should send him a reply.
"Mayor Emanuel is allegedly contending that lines of credit should dry up unless Smith & Wesson and Sturm, Ruger submit to operating their businesses the way anti-gunners demand," Gottlieb continued. "That conduct seems more in the realm of a street thug than a political leader, but then, again, we're talking about a mayor who presides over a city with Draconian gun laws and a murder rate rivaling a Third World country.
Emanuel is a career anti-gunner who served in both the Clinton and Obama administrations, typically as point man on some kind of gun control effort.
"Mayor Emanuel seems to be under the illusion that he can force banks to act as his surrogates in an unrelenting campaign to crush the firearms industry and erase the Second Amendment," Gottlieb said. "This is insidious and we hope the banks recognize it for the kind of below-the-belt political chicanery for which Chicago politicians have become famous. No wonder they sometimes refer to him as 'The Godfather'.
Bank of America,
Rahm Emanuel,
TD Bank
Monday, January 28, 2013
"Gun laws are not the problem"
Mark Mattioli lost his 6-year old son James to the madman in Newtown, Connecticut. Today, he testified before the Gun Violence (sic) Task Force of the state legislature. His testimony was moving and not exactly what gun control proponents were expecting to hear.
You can see the highlights of his testimony below:
gun control,
state legislature
Adolf Gets Irate About His PMag Order Being Delayed
In the never-ending stream of Hitler parody videos, we now have one about the shortage of AR magazines. Hitler gets irate when his PMag order from Brownells doesn't get delivered. You could just as well substitute MidwayUSA, AIM Surplus, 44Mag, or any number of other vendors and the result would be the same.
I love the comments about looking like a noob on Arfcom.
H/T Yamil Sued
The Next Round Of Congressional Legislation
Certain congressmen and senators have been busy introducing new legislation that may impact gun rights. A number of bills dealing with school safety have also been introduced and I'm including them in this list until such time as the text of the bill becomes available. Never forget that deceptively named bills can cause immense problems for gun owners.
House of Representatives
HR.359 - Rep. Robert "Bobby" Scott (D-VA)
Rep Cummings, Elijah E. [D-MD] - 1/23/2013
Rep Wolf, Frank R. [R-VA] - 1/23/2013
To establish and operate a National Center for Campus Public Safety.
Referred to the House Judiciary Committee
HR.404 - Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA)
Rep Davis, Danny K. [D-IL] - 1/23/2013
Rep DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT] - 1/23/2013
Rep Lee, Barbara [D-CA] - 1/23/2013
Rep Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY] - 1/23/2013
Rep Moran, James P. [D-VA] - 1/23/2013
Rep Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC] - 1/23/2013
Rep Pierluisi, Pedro R. [D-PR] - 1/23/2013
Rep Sherman, Brad [D-CA] - 1/23/2013
Rep Slaughter, Louise McIntosh [D-NY] - 1/23/2013
Rep Takano, Mark [D-CA] - 1/23/2013
To enhance criminal penalties for straw purchasers of firearms.
Referred to the House Judiciary Committee
HR.410 - Rep. Steve Stockman (R-CA)
Restore the Constitution Act of 2013 (To provide that any executive action infringing on the Second Amendment has no force or effect, and to prohibit the use of funds for certain purposes.
) Referred to the House Judiciary Committee
HR.427 - Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL)
Rep Chu, Judy [D-CA] - 1/25/2013
Rep Deutch, Theodore E. [D-FL] - 1/25/2013
Rep Grijalva, Raul M. [D-AZ] - 1/25/2013
Rep Lee, Barbara [D-CA] - 1/25/2013
Rep Moran, James P. [D-VA] - 1/25/2013
Rep Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC] - 1/25/2013
To prevent the illegal sale of firearms, and for other purposes.
Referred to the House Judiciary Committee
HR.431 - Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA)
Rep Bishop, Timothy H. [D-NY] - 1/25/2013
Rep Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR] - 1/25/2013
Rep Cicilline, David N. [D-RI] - 1/25/2013
Rep Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY] - 1/25/2013
Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [D-MI] - 1/25/2013
Rep Ellison, Keith [D-MN] - 1/25/2013
Rep Farr, Sam [D-CA] - 1/25/2013
Rep Grijalva, Raul M. [D-AZ] - 1/25/2013
Rep Holt, Rush [D-NJ] - 1/25/2013
Rep Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA] - 1/25/2013
Rep Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY] - 1/25/2013
Rep Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC] - 1/25/2013
Rep Pingree, Chellie [D-ME] - 1/25/2013
Rep Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL] - 1/25/2013
Rep Schwartz, Allyson Y. [D-PA] - 1/25/2013
Rep Slaughter, Louise McIntosh [D-NY] - 1/25/2013
Rep Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD] - 1/25/2013
To restore certain authorities of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to administer the firearms laws, and for other purposes.
Referred to the House Judiciary Committee
S.129 - Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
A bill to save money and reduce tragedies through prevention grants.
Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee
S.134 - Sen John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV)
Sen Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT] - 1/24/2013
Sen Coburn, Tom [R-OK] - 1/24/2013
Sen Heller, Dean [D-NV] - 1/24/2013
Sen Johanns, Mike [R-NE] - 1/24/2013
A bill to arrange for the National Academy of Sciences to study the impact of violent video games and violent video programming on children.
Referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
S.145 - Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
A bill to amend title 32, United States Code, to authorize National Guard support for State and local efforts to keep schools safe from violence, and for other purposes.Referred to Senate Committee on Armed Services
S.146 - Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
A bill to enhance the safety of America's schools.Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
S.147 - Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
A bill to establish minimum standards for States that allow the carrying of concealed firearms.Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
S.148 - Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
A bill to safeguard America's schools by using community policing strategies to prevent school violence and improve student and school safety.Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
S.150 - Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
See this post for more information on this bill.
A Short And To The Point Letter To Send To Congress
I have been asking people to share letters that they have used to tell Congress no new gun control. The following letter was sent to me by Brent. It is short, sweet, and to the point. I think this one would be suitable for email, faxes, or letter sent in the mail. I would send this letter to both my congressman and both senators.
California Senator Feinstein is once again pushing for a ban on so called "Assault Weapons".
This is a thinly veiled attack on all private gun ownership. Her own publications make it clear that her proposal is not about the features of the firearms, but instead is about removing as many firearms as possible from private ownership, despite the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
Please help support the law abiding gun owners of (insert your state) and the United States by just saying "NO!" to all gun and magazine ban or registration proposals.
The NRA-ILA has a "write your reps" address locator. It can be found here. Either way, write them, call them, AND fax them. Moreover, do it like voting in Chicago - early and often.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Necessity Is The Mother Of Invention
Tonight I happened upon the picture below of an improvised holster on Pinterest. A Yaqui holster by Andy Langlois it ain't but it looks like it actually might work.
Whomever said necessity was the mother of invention definitely must have had this in mind.
Andy Langlois,
Comment Of The Day
SayUncle links to a story in the New Republic in which Barack Obama says when asked if he has ever fired a gun, "Yes, in fact, up at Camp David, we do skeet shooting all the time." To which Tam replies:
Yeah, he was busting clays with Mantei's girlfriend.Just like Joe Biden saying he isn't going to give up his Beretta O/U, Obama saying this to suck up to hunters and skeet/trap shooters just doesn't ring true. Like someone else commented, the White House Press Office would have released pictures of this a week or two before his press conference outlining his gun control plans.
Pics or it didn't happen, Urkel.
Barack Obama,
skeet shooting,
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Senate Judiciary Committee: "What Should America Do About Gun Violence?"
Sen. Patrick Leahy, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has set January 30th as the date for a hearing on "gun violence" according to a posting on the committee's website.
The Senate Committee on the Judiciary has scheduled a hearing entitled "What Should America Do About Gun Violence?" for Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 10:00 a.m., in Room 216 of the Hart Senate Office Building.
By order of the Chairman.
Witness List
Hearing before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary
"What Should America Do About Gun Violence?"
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Hart Senate Office Building, Room 216
10:00 a.m.
Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.)
Americans for Responsible Solutions
Tucson, AZ
Nicholas Johnson
Professor of Law
Fordham University School of Law
New York, NY
James Johnson
Chief of Police
Baltimore County Police Department
Chair, National Law Enforcement Partnership to Prevent Gun Violence
Towson, MD
Gayle Trotter
Attorney and Senior Fellow
Independent Women's Forum
Washington, DC
Wayne LaPierre
Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer
National Rifle Association
Fairfax, VA
I learned of the hearing thanks to a post by Stranger at Extrano's Alley. He thinks that with the exception of Wayne LaPierre all the participants are anti-gun.
The first four witnesses are anti's. Mark Kelley is Gabrielle Giffords husband, and the titular head of an anti-gun group. Given that every restrictive gun law in history has driven violent crime rates sky high, it would be more accurate to say Kelley is head of a pro-crime group.I must respectfully disagree on part of his comments. Mark Kelly and Chief James Johnson are most definitely anti-gun activists. However, from what I know of Professor Johnson he is most definitely not an anti-gun activist. Professor Johnson is a co-author with Dave Kopel of the first law school casebook devoted to the Second Amendment - Firearms Law & the Second Amendment: Regulation, Rights, and Policy. Likewise, Gayle Trotter recently penned an article saying that gun control disarms women.
Chief Johnson is an anti-gun activists as is Trotter. The same comments apply to Johnson and Trotter that apply to Kelly.
While this hearing seems to be an effort to push the Obama Administration's gun control agenda, three of the five witnesses are on our side. This might not turn out as bad as some think it will.
Five More Groups Join The Firearms Policy Coalition
The Firearms Policy Coalition is a joint effort by the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, Second Amendment Foundation, CalGuns Foundation, and the California Association of Federal Firearms Licensees. It is intended to be an agile, effective, and scalable vehicle for advocacy, education, and grassroots action to advance Second Amendment civil rights. From my perspective, I see the FPC as using the CalGuns model of agility and guerrilla activism and bringing it to the national scene.
They announced yesterday that five more groups have joined their effort. They are Florida Carry, Illinois Carry, Commonwealth Second Amendment, Hawaii Defense Foundation, and the Lone Star Shooting Association.
BELLEVUE, WA (January 25, 2013) – As the debate over new gun control laws continues to take top billing in state and national news, organizations representing gun owners and Second Amendment rights in five U.S. states have recently joined Firearms Policy Coalition, noted managing director Brandon Combs.
New FPC members include Commonwealth Second Amendment (of Massachusetts), Florida Carry, IllinoisCarry, Hawaii Defense Foundation, and Lone Star Shooting Association (of Texas).
"In the midst of one proposed gun ban after another, the addition of these outstanding organizations to our Coalition means that those working hard to secure our Second Amendment rights are coming together to tell President Obama and our state legislatures that enough is enough," remarked CCRKBA founder Alan Gottlieb. "The millions of law-abiding American gun owners have had it with being scapegoated for the crimes of the evil and insane."
"There's never been a more critical time for all of us fighting for the advancement of Second Amendment rights to work together," observed Brent Carlton, president of Comm2A. "Our litigation efforts are critically important, but it's equally important that gun owners be informed and take action every day to oppose those laws which infringe on their rights." Continued Carlton, "FPC provides an opportunity for Massachusetts gun owners to have an impactful and far-reaching effect, both in terms of their own state's laws as well as proud Americans who value their federal Constitutional rights."
"This partnership brings Florida Carry to the forefront of the national public policy debate on private firearms ownership," said Sean Caranna, Executive Director of Florida Carry, Inc. "As Florida's largest and most active Second Amendment rights organization, we're proud to be a part of this coalition and through it extend our grassroots efforts to combat gun control laws in Florida and everywhere."
IllinoisCarry spokesperson Valinda Rowe added, "IllinoisCarry is pleased to join efforts with the Firearm Policy Coalition. Not only must we actively work toward beating back irrational gun control laws in our home state of Illinois but we must also work toward protecting and preserving our rights on a national level. This would be a daunting task if not for a nationwide coalition of Second Amendment groups like the FPC. We thank the FPC for creating this opportunity to work together, coast to coast across the nation. Together, we can stand up to those who would strip us of our Constitutional rights and insure the Second Amendment remains strong for many generations to come."
"Over the past two decades, many states have used common sense and protected the civil liberties of their residents, such as through permit-less and accessible shall-issue firearm carry laws," said Chris Baker, president of Hawaii Defense Foundation. "However, some states just can't seem to grasp the plain meaning of the Constitution. To those states, we say this: we will fight hard together, we will fight smart together, and we will win together. That is exactly what we and the Firearms Policy Coalition will do."
"While Texas residents may not face the same gun law challenges as those in Massachusetts, California, or Illinois, all Texans are Americans first and know that gun control laws anywhere are an affront to liberty everywhere," commented Gary Burris, president of Lone Star Shooting Association. "We're proud to join with FPC and work cooperatively to secure our fundamental rights so that law-abiding gun owners can exercise their rights across our great state and country, in Texas and in Toledo."
"Firearms Policy Coalition has reached millions of Americans since launching in December and we're looking forward to reaching millions more," said FPC's Combs. "The overwhelmingly positive reaction to our message of civil rights and the facts about gun control really drives home how much Americans value their freedom. These new FPC member organizations are key to ensuring that the Second Amendment means what it says."
"While some power-hungry politicians want nothing more than to undermine the Second Amendment and important legal decisions like Heller and McDonald, we're confident that the Constitution provides the best policy: the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not - and must not - be infringed."
Another Example Of A Letter To Send
One of the administrators at The AK Forum, KrinkFreak, has been posting a series of letters to send to Congress. The letter below is the sixth in the series. I look it as a comprehensive, everything and the kitchen sink, sort of letter. This is the sort of letter you might send if you want to hit all the bills. However, you could cut it apart and make it multiple letters by only referring to a couple of letters at a time.
Dear Elected Official,Here are a couple of the links where you can find the names and addresses of your state's US Senators. First, by state, from the US Senate's webpage. Click on the senator's name to be linked to their home page. From there you can find their fax numbers. Second, the NRA-ILA has a "write your reps" address locator. It can be found here. Either way, write them, call them, AND fax them.
I am writing to express my concerns with the recent onslaught of Gun Control legislation introduced in the House and Senate chambers. The legislation introduced by some lawmakers seriously infringes on my rights guaranteed under the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Specifically, I would like to address:
H.R. 21, NRA Members' Gun Safety Act of 2013, Sponsor: Rep. James Moran, D-VA. This would require background checks for every gun purchase, require background checks on gun shop employees, bar those on the terrorist watch list from buying firearms, require gun owners to report to police when their guns are lost or stolen, and establish minimum standards for concealed carry permits.
* This is nothing more than a legislation "blitz" effort by the anti-gun legislators to sway public opinion against law-abiding gunowners and to infringe upon the Second Amendment. These requirements are already addressed in existing laws. Enforce the existing laws, don't waste time creating new ones.
H.R. 65, Child Gun Safety and Gun Access Prevention Act of 2013, Sponsor: Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas. This would raise the age of Handgun Eligibility to 21 and prohibit youth from possessing semi-automatic weapons.
* Handgun Eligibility is already 21 years of age. Also, youths already cannot legally own/purchase semi-automatic weapons, etc. when under the age of 18. Enforce the existing laws, don't waste time creating new ones.
H.R. 133, Citizens Protection Act, Sponsor: Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky. This would repeal the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990, which makes illegal the possession of a gun on school grounds or within 1,000 feet of a school.
* This legislation is one of the few coming out Congress that makes sense. Repealing this law would allow school teachers and administrators the ability to legally carry firearms to protect students from criminal and mentally ill persons that want to harm our children.
H.R. 321, Firearm Safety and Public Health Research Act of 2013, Sponsor: Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y. This would amend the continuing resolution to add money for research into gun violence.
* Will this taxpayer money be used to research why video games depicting gun violence, blood, gore, etc. are specifically targeted towards are children? Will this taxpayer money be used to research why Hollywood glorifies gun violence, blood, gore, etc. in the movies specifically targeted towards the American people?
H.R. 141, The Gun Show Loophole Closing Act, Sponsor: Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y. This would require criminal background checks on all firearm transactions at gun shows.
* Is the Federal Government going to fund/provide free FBI NICS Background Checks for law-abiding citizens to utilize when legally selling their firearm to another individual? Or is this another example of the Federal Government forcing the America people to purchase something as in the case of the Affordable Care Act?
H.R. 137, Fix Gun Checks Act of 2013, Sponsor: Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y. This would require background checks for every gun sale, make sure that those barred from buying firearms are listed in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
* FBI NICS checks are already required for the legal purchase of firearms at gun stores that have Federal Firearms Licenses. Are you going to finally address the issue of requiring the Mental Health Care agencies and law enforcement agencies to identify persons with mental disorders, as well as persons that are the subject of Protection Orders and convictions of Domestic Violence to be identified in the NICS database? If so, I applaud the effort.
S. 22, A Bill to Establish Background Checks Procedures for Gun Shows, Sponsor: Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J. This would ensure that those who buy guns at gun shows undergo background checks.
* Is the Federal Government going to fund/provide free FBI NICS Background Checks for law-abiding citizens to utilize when legally selling their firearm to another individual? Or is this another example of the Federal Government forcing the America people to purchase something as in the case of the Affordable Care Act?
S.150, Assault Weapons Ban of 2013, Sponsor: Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-CA. This bill would stop the sale, manufacture and importation of 158 specifically named military-style firearms and ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. It would also ban an additional group of assault weapons that accept detachable ammunition magazines and have at least one military characteristic.
* This is nothing more than an assault on law-abiding American citizen's right to own guns under the Second Amendment. Senator Feinstein's measure would exempt weapons used by government officials, law enforcement and retired law enforcement personnel. Is this a precursor to effectively disarming the American people and paving the way for wholesale government tyranny?
In summary, as a law-abiding American citizen I am deeply concerned and fearful of what our elected officials are trying to legislate in Congress. I recommend that all elected officials read and refresh their memory on the content of the U.S. Constitution, specifically the Bill of Rights. I encourage you to focus your legislative efforts on addressing the problems plaguing the mental health system, not the Second Amendment.
As my elected official, as a law-abiding citizen, I expect your support in protecting my Second Amendment rights. If you cannot support me, I cannot support you in future elections.
As I said, I will be posting more letters. I have a handful that have been sent to me by readers and I need to get those up. If you have a letter that you like, please send it to me at jpr9954 AT gmail DOT com.
113th Congress,
grassroots action,
gun control
Friday, January 25, 2013
S.150- Assault Weapons Ban of 2013
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced S.150 - the Assault Weapons (sic) Ban of 2013 - to much hoopla yesterday. She may have even pulled a David Gregory when she used 10 firearms prohibited by the District of Columbia in her presentation. While the bill as it stands may not even get enough Democrat votes to pass the Senate, I have the feeling that it will be used as a negotiating tool.
S.150 has 17 original co-sponsors and has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Sen Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT] - 1/24/2013While there are no Republican co-sponsors to this bill, the Washington Post reported today that Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) is working with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) on other gun control measures.
Sen Boxer, Barbara [D-CA] - 1/24/2013
Sen Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD] - 1/24/2013
Sen Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE] - 1/24/2013
Sen Durbin, Richard [D-IL] - 1/24/2013
Sen Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY] - 1/24/2013
Sen Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ] - 1/24/2013
Sen Levin, Carl [D-MI] - 1/24/2013
Sen Menendez, Robert [D-NJ] - 1/24/2013
Sen Mikulski, Barbara A. [D-MD] - 1/24/2013
Sen Murphy, Christopher S. [D-CT] - 1/24/2013
Sen Reed, Jack [D-RI] - 1/24/2013
Sen Rockefeller, John D., IV [D-WV] - 1/24/2013
Sen Schatz, Brian [D-HI] - 1/24/2013
Sen Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY] - 1/24/2013
Sen Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA] - 1/24/2013
Sen Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI] - 1/24/2013
The full text of S.150 is not yet up on the Library of Congress' Thomas server. However, a full text copy have been loaded on Scribd and can be found here. Appendix A lists a large number of single-shot, double-barreled, pump, bolt-action, and some semi-automatic rifles and shotguns that would be expressly exempted from the provision of S.150.
To be frank, Appendix A reads as if some staffer sat down with old copies of Gun Digest and started copying names. For example, it exempts the Ithaca Model 87 pump shotgun but makes no mention of the Model 37. The Model 37 was renamed the Model 87 for a brief period of time and then reverted back to the original name of Model 37.
A summary of the provisions of S.150 can be found here. While grandfathered firearms were not put under the National Firearms Act as previously speculated, it still contains onerous provisions. It contains a safe storage requirement for grandfathered firearms and forbids the sale or transfer of grandfathered magazines. Grandfathered firearms would be allowed to be sold but must go through a FFL and a NICS check.
If you haven't written to your congressman or senator, start now. Even if you live in California or one of the states of her fellow-traveler co-sponsors, write anyway. Don't let anyone say they didn't get letters, emails, and faxes in opposition.
As Leon Trotsky, one of the fathers of the Communist Revolution, said to his Menshevik opponents, and it could just as readily be applied to Feinstein, her bill, and its backers, "You are pitiful, isolated individuals! You are bankrupts. Your role is played out. Go where you belong from now on—into the dustbin of history!"
"It's Too Hard For Women To Use" - Carolyn McCarthy
I know I shouldn't be surprised when I hear nonsense about guns coming out of Rep. Carolyn McCarthy's mouth. I really shouldn't. That said, I'm just shaking my head over this little tidbit. It leaves you wondering just how someone like this could ever have been elected much less re-elected numerous times.
To read the transcript of this little interview, go to Breitbart.
Feinstein's Other List
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) is all about lists. In addition to her list of firearms with ugly (to her) cosmetics, she has thoughtfully provided a list of those people and organizations who don't support your constitutional rights. One might go so far as to refer to it as an "enemies list".
In addition to the usual politicians and gun control groups, Feinstein lists a number of religious, medical, education, and other non-profits supporting her Assault Weapons (sic) Ban of 2013. I would say it provides a convenient list of the groups who won't be getting my charitable donations.
I would add one caveat. Many of the groups listed are national umbrella organizations whose endorsement is for themselves only and not for their member organizations. For example, Catholic Charities USA is listed as an endorser of Feinstein's bill. As I give substantial donations to my diocesan Catholic Social Services and have been a member of its board of directors in the past, I sought clarification on this endorsement from the executive director of the diocesan organization. He informed me that this endorsement only covers Catholic Charities USA and not the many diocesan Catholic Charities or Catholic Social Services who are constituent members. I'm sure that this may be the same for a number of the other organizations listed.
Below is the complete list of those people and organizations who have lent their name in support of Feinstein's bill.
Law Enforcement
International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators
International Association of Chiefs of Police
Major Cities Chiefs Association
Police Executive Research Forum
Police Foundation
Women in Federal Law Enforcement
Chaska (Minn.) Police Chief Scott Knight, former chairman of the Firearms Committee, International Association of Chiefs of Police
Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca
Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck
San Diego Police Chief Bill Lansdowne
U.S. Conference of Mayors
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
Ventura County Board of Supervisors
Oakland Unified School District Superintendent Anthony Smith
Boston City Council
California mayors
Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox
Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa
Oakland Mayor Jean Quan
Petaluma Mayor David Glass
Pleasant Hill Mayor Michael Harris
Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson
San Diego Mayor Bob Filner
San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee
San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed
Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido
Santa Cruz Mayor Hilary Bryant
Saratoga Mayor Jill Hunter
Tiburon Mayor Emmett O'Donnell
California cities
Calabasas, Calif.
Lemon Grove, Calif.
Los Angeles
Stockton, Calif.
Ventura, Calif.
West Hollywood, Calif.
Gun safety (sic)
Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence
Coalition to Stop Gun Violence
Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence
Mayors Against Illegal Guns
Violence Policy Center
Washington CeaseFire
Education and child welfare
20 Children
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Federation of Teachers
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Child Welfare League of America
Children's Defense Fund
Every Child Matters
Moms Rising
National Association of Social Workers
National PTA
National Education Association
San Diego Unified School District
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Alliance of Baptists
American Baptist Churches of the South
American Baptist Home Mission Societies
American Friends Service Committee
Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America
Camp Brotherhood
Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Health Association
Catholic Health Initiatives
Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good
Catholics United
Church of the Brethren
Church Women United, Inc.
Conference of Major Superiors of Men
Disciples Home Missions, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Dominican Sisters of Peace
Franciscan Action Network
Friends Committee on National Legislation
Health Ministries Association
Heeding God's Call
Hindu American Foundation
Interfaith Alliance of Idaho
Islamic Society of North America
Jewish Council for Public Affairs
Jewish Reconstructionist Movement
Leadership Conference of Women Religious
Mennonite Central Committee, Washington Office
National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd
National Council of Churches
National Episcopal Health Ministries
NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby
Pax Christi USA
PICO Network Lifelines to Healing
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Public Witness
Progressive National Baptist Convention
Rabbinical Assembly
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
San Francisco Interfaith Council
Sikh Council on Religion and Education, USA
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
United Church of Christ
United Methodist Church
United Methodist Women
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Washington National Cathedral
Women of Reform Judaism
Health care
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American College of Surgeons
American Public Health Association
Doctors for America
National Association of School Nurses
Alliance for Business Leadership
American Bar Association
Black American Political Association of California
Grandmothers for Peace International
National Parks Conservation Association
Sierra Club
Washington Office on Latin America
Thursday, January 24, 2013
2013 SHOT Show - Day 3 With Michael Bane & Ed Head
I know the SHOT Show was over last week but I just came across this report from day three by Michael Bane and Ed Head. They discuss AR pistols, Nightforce scopes, the Ruger Bearcat Shopkeeper revolver in .22LR, and the growth in reloading sales. Ed Head was saying that the manufacturers he spoke with had a 50 to 80% increase in sales. With the ammo shortage, reloading is coming back strongly as an option as well as practicing with .22s.
Frigid Cold... In LA!
I just stumbled across this video by Jimmy Kimmel of the reaction (or overreaction) to a burst of cool weather in Southern California.
I feel really bad for them having to suffer those cold temperatures.
However, it might toughen them up a bit so that they could come to my part of the sunny South where the current temperature is 23º with an expected overnight low of 18º. We are expecting snow and sleet for most of tomorrow.
H/T Tiger McKee
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text:
5 Medical Innovations of the Civil War
By the mag
by Chip Rowe
As it turns out, the bloodiest war in American history was also one of the most influential in battlefield medicine. Civil War surgeons learned fast, and many of their MacGyver-like solutions have had a lasting impact. Here are some of the advances and the people behind them.
1. Life-Saving Amputation
The General Who Visited His Leg
The old battlefield technique of trying to save limbs with doses of TLC (aided by wound-cleaning rats and maggots) quickly fell out of favor during the Civil War, even for top officers. The sheer number of injured was too high, and war surgeons quickly discovered that the best way to stave deadly infections was simply to lop off the area—quickly.
Among those saved by the saw was Daniel E. Sickles, the eccentric commander of the 3rd Army Corps. In 1863, at the Battle of Gettysburg, the major general's right leg was shattered by a Confederate shell. Within the hour, the leg was amputated just above the knee. His procedure, publicized in the military press, paved the way for many more. Since the new Army Medical Museum in Washington, D.C., had requested battle-field donations, Sickles sent the limb to them in a box labeled "With the compliments of Major General D.E.S." Sickles visited his leg yearly on the anniversary of its emancipation.
Amputation saved more lives than any other wartime medical procedure by instantly turning complex injuries into simple ones. Battlefield surgeons eventually took no more than six minutes to get each moaning man on the table, apply a handkerchief soaked in chloroform or ether, and make the deep cut. Union surgeons became the most skilled limb hackers in history. Even in deplorable conditions, they lost only about 25 percent of their patients—compared to a 75 percent mortality rate among similarly injured civilians at the time. The techniques invented by wartime surgeons—including cutting as far from the heart as possible and never slicing through joints—became the standard.
As for the nutty-sounding behavior of the leg-visiting commander, Sickles can be justifiably accused. In 1859, while serving in Congress, he shot and killed U.S. Attorney Philip Barton Key, the son of Francis Scott Key, for sleeping with Sickles's wife. Charged with murder, Sickles became the first person in the United States to be found not guilty by reason of temporary insanity.
2. The Anesthesia Inhaler
A Knockout Breakthrough
In 1863, Stonewall Jackson's surgeon recommended the removal of his left arm, which had been badly damaged by friendly fire. When a chloroform-soaked cloth was placed over his nose, the Confederate general, in great pain, muttered, "What an infinite blessing," before going limp.
But such blessings were in short supply. The Confederate Army had a tough time securing enough anesthesia because of the Northern blockade. The standard method of soaking a handkerchief with chloroform wasted the liquid as it evaporated. Dr. Julian John Chisolm solved the dilemma by inventing a 2.5-inch inhaler, the first of its type. Chloroform was dripped through a perforated circle on the side onto a sponge in the interior; as the patient inhaled through tubes, the vapors mixed with air. This new method required only one-eighth of an ounce of chloroform, compared to the old 2-ounce dose. So while Union surgeons knocked out their patients 80,000 times during the war, rebels treated nearly as many with a fraction of the supplies.
3. Closing Chest Wounds
The Cub Doctor Who Kept Lungs From Collapsing
In the early part of the war, Benjamin Howard, a lowly young assistant surgeon, was shuttled to the sidelines with medical grunt work: changing bandages, suturing wounds, and grabbing grub for the docs. But when the other surgeons decided there was no point in treating chest wounds, Howard experimented with a new life-saving procedure.
At the onset of the war, a sucking chest wound was almost certainly a death sentence. Among French soldiers shot in the chest during the Crimean War (1853–1856), only 8 percent survived. The problem, as Howard came to realize, wasn't the wound itself, but the sucking. The negative pressure in the thorax was created by the opening in the chest cavity. The effect often caused the lungs to collapse, leading to suffocation.
The cub doctor found that if he closed the wound with metal sutures, followed by alternating layers of lint or linen bandages and a few drops of collodion (a syrupy solution that forms an adhesive film when it dries), he could create an airtight seal. Survival rates quadrupled, and Howard's innovation soon became standard treatment.
4. Facial Reconstruction
The Plastic Surgery Revolution
Carleton Burgan of Maryland was in terrible shape. The 20-year-old private had survived pneumonia, but the mercury pills he took as a treatment led to gangrene, which quickly spread from his mouth to his eye and led to the removal of his right cheekbone. He was willing to try anything. In a pioneering series of operations in 1862, a surgeon from City Hospital in New York used dental and facial fixtures to fill in the missing bone until Burgan's face regained its shape.
The doctor was Gurdon Buck, now considered the father of modern plastic surgery. During the war, he and other Union surgeons completed 32 revolutionary "plastic operations" on disfigured soldiers. Buck was the first to photograph the progress of his repairs and the first to make gradual changes over several operations. He also pioneered the use of tiny sutures to minimize scarring.
To some, it seemed pretty wacky, like sci-fi for the 19th century. An Illinois newspaper enthusiastically and erroneously described the new treatments: "Such is the progress of the medical department in these parts that half of a man's face demolished by a ball or piece of shell is replaced by a cork face!"
5. The Ambulance-to-ER System
The End of Drunks and Cowards
President Abraham Lincoln and General George B. McClellan at Antietam
The Union went into the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861, expecting a mere skirmish. The rebels brought a war. Although 1,011 Union soldiers were wounded, empty ambulances led the retreat to Washington, D.C. Most of the civilian drivers at the time were untrained and "of the lowest character," according to Dr. Henry Ingersoll Bowditch, an activist whose son died after lying wounded for hours following a charge. Many were cowards or drunkards, he added.
It took Jonathan Letterman, the medical director of the Army of the Potomac, just six weeks to implement a brilliant system to evacuate and care for the wounded, becoming the model for the ambulance-to-ER system we know today. On September 17, 1862, the Battle of Antietam left 2,108 Union soldiers dead and nearly 10,000 wounded. Letterman established caravans of 50 ambulances, each with a driver and two stretcher bearers, to ferry the injured to field hospitals. He hired private wagons to carry medical supplies to circumvent enemy damage to railroad lines. He even introduced spring suspensions to ambulances and added a lock box under the driver's seat to make it harder for soldiers to steal protein, bedsacks, and morphine reserved for the wounded. The rest is history.
This article originally appeared in mental_floss magazine.

subset: commoncrawl


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Please note new address: 2900 Thomas Avenue South, Suite 2120, Minneapolis, MN 55416
Mediation by Video Conference Available
Minneapolis Attorney James G. Ryan
In more than 35 years of practice, Jim Ryan has received several honors based on statewide surveys of Minnesota attorneys, including: Top 20 Appellate Attorneys, Top 40 Employment Litigation Attorneys, and Top 40 ADR Attorneys. In addition to being included in the list of SuperLawyers each year during the 22-year period 1998 – 2019, Ryan has been also been named a "Leading Minnesota Attorney" by American Research Corp. in the areas of appellate law, employment law, and mediation.
Areas of Practice
- Appeals
- Mediation/arbitration
- Employment, business, and commercial litigation and advising
- Employment litigation
- Mr. Ryan represents both employers (defendants) and employees (plaintiffs) in litigation involving a wide variety of claims typically arising out of the employment relationship, including:
- Discrimination and other statutory claims:
- Age
- Race
- National origin
- Gender
- Sexual harassment
- Pregnancy
- Religion
- Disability
- Whistleblower
- Retaliation/reprisal
- Breach of duty of fair representation
- Breach of collective bargaining agreements
- Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA)
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, as amended (Title VII)
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
- 42 USC 1983 claims
- Common-law claims:
- Defamation
- Breach of contract
- Promissory estoppel
- Invasion of privacy
- Tortious (or intentional) interference with contractual relations
- Fraud
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Negligent infliction of emotional distress
- Negligent hiring
- Negligent supervision
- Negligent retention
- Assault
- Battery
- False imprisonment
- Noncompetition claims:
- Noncompetition agreements
- Confidentiality agreements
- Uniform Trade Secrets Act
- Unfair competition
- Tortious inference with contract or prospective advantage
Advising, Negotiating and Drafting:
- Executive employment agreements
- Physician employment agreements
- Severance agreements and releases
- Noncompetition and confidentiality agreements
Analyzing and Enforcing:
- Intellectual property disputes (Uniform Trade Secrets Act, noncompetition issues, etc .)
- Minority shareholder disputes
- Partnership disputes
- Breach of contract and statutory claims
Corporate Investigations:
- Conducting internal investigations for corporations of sexual harassment, discrimination, whistleblower, retaliation and other employee claims
Commercial and Business Litigation, General:
- Mr. Ryan represents corporations in commercial litigation against other corporations and individuals for breach of contract, violations of statutory law and other claims commonly arising in the business setting.
Representation of Medical Personnel
Mr. Ryan advises and represents medical professionals (physicians, psychologists, dentists, etc .) in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota and other jurisdictions in connection with:
- Employment issues:
- Impending termination or discipline by hospitals, clinics and practice groups
- Licensing issues:
- Challenges to denials of licensure by licensing boards
- Disciplinary proceedings commenced by licensing boards:
- Minnesota Board of Medical Practice
- Minnesota Board of Psychology
- Minnesota Board of Dentistry
- Licensing boards of other states
Representation of High-Level Executives
Mr. Ryan advises and represents high-ranking executives in connection with:
- Employment agreements:
- Review and negotiation of proposed employment agreements
- Separation agreements and releases:
- Review and negotiation of proposed separation and severance agreements Noncompetition agreements:
- Drafting, review and negotiation of noncompetition agreements
- Enforcement and defending against enforcement of noncompetition agreements
Qui Tam Litigation (False Claims Act)
Local Counsel for Out-of-State Law Firms
- Mr. Ryan regularly serves as local counsel for out-of-state law firms in state and federal court in business litigation, product liability actions (Zoloft, Prozac, etc.), and other cases.
Note: Each tab in this website is intended to stand on its own, resulting in some duplication of information between tabs.


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E-mobility is gaining increasing momentum and importance in Germany as major carmakers seek to use an electro-offensive and reorientation of their model policy to actively and creatively shape the transportation of the future. Globally active HARTING Technology Group is a pioneer and technology partner of the automotive revolution. At the 88th Geneva International Motor Show (March 8-18, 2018), the company will be demonstrating its efficient Fast Charging technology on the Rinspeed "Snap" concept vehicle.
"We're working together with the auto industry to meet the challenges of the mobile traffic of tomorrow by using state-of-the-art technology, customised and environmentally friendly concepts and offerings," says Marco Grinblats, Managing Director of HARTING Automotive.
The subsidiary develops and produces vehicle charging cables and charging equipment for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Among others, these include Mode 2 charging cables with integrated temperature monitoring and DC residual current detection, as well as Mode 3 charging cables in different versions. In addition, the ever-expanding portfolio also covers Europe's Type 2 Combo DC charging interface standard for fast DC charging with 200 kW (200A/1000V) charging power. For the charging cables, the Type 1 connector for AC is UL, CE and JET/PSE certified. The Type 2 connector is certified to UL/VDE.
HARTING's fast charging technology, which debuted in 2016 at the Geneva International Motor Show, can particularly provide a strong boost for electric mobility since almost all new e-car concepts of the big OEMs rely on powerful fast charging in addition to conventional charging technology. HARTING vehicle charging cables are available in the appropriate versions for all AC charging interfaces. As a result, they fit with the three different worldwide plug-in system versions. Customised solutions, e.g. plug systems for In Cable Control and Protective Device (IC-CPD), broaden the portfolio. HARTING charging cables are available as a standard version with a cable length of four meters or with freely selectable sizes. "We offer tailor-made solutions for all relevant markets," says Grinblats.
Rinspeed and HARTING have been successfully working together since 2016. HARTING will use the "Snap" concept vehicle, which can be seen in Geneva, to demonstrate fast charging technology for efficient and environmentally friendly "refueling". The revolutionary "Snap" is a unique mobility concept with interchangeable superstructure – depending on the application and customer needs. HARTING and Rinspeed will also present the "Snap" concept vehicle at the HANNOVER MESSE at the Technology Group's booth (April 23-27, 2018 / Hall 11, Stand C15). Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht is convinced that the future belongs to self-driving cars like the "Snap": "In the foreseeable future, this will solve traffic problems, and not only in urban areas".
Given its many years of experience with connection and transmission technology for Data, Signals and Power, the technology group is always in sync with the times and is an expertise-driven, reliable partner of almost all national carmakers and leading foreign OEMs. At the end of 2016, the Group became a direct supplier of VW with a specific e-mobility solution and is now a Tier 1 supplier for BMW as well. "We are very well positioned in the field of e-mobility and are also intensively involved in standardisation," says Grinblats.


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Uniontown Skunk Removal
Description and Appearance
Skunks are nocturnal and they're omnivores who will eat everything from insects to rodents, amphibians to garbage. They are characterized by that pungent smell they excrete from anal glands and those easily identifiable black and white stripes. That odor can serve as an irritant and can possibly cause temporary blindness. It is also a scent that can be smelled far from the area in which it was sprayed.
Different species of skunks can vary in the pattern of their black and white coloring, including being black with white spots. Skunks are comparable in size to domestic cats with small heads, stout legs, and five-toed paws that they use for digging.
These mammals prefer woodland habitats or areas near woodland habitat including, fields and pastures. They are nocturnal and will take advantage of burrows that have been abandoned by other animals and they will also build dens in hollow logs, brush piles, culverts. Skunks are also animals that will build dens under and around homes, porches, decks, and heating units.
Entry and Damage
The reasons that skunks make their ways into residential areas is because they are on the hunt for food and safe places to build their den. In nature, these animals will feed on insects, small rodents. Fruits, berries, snakes, and even frogs. Once they make their way into residential areas, they will adapt to the food sources that people make available to them like garbage and pet food.
There is a variety of damage that skunks are able to cause. Their habit of digging can damage areas like lawns, gardens, landscaping, and even golf courses. They utilize their spray when they feel they are threatened or cornered and this can cause things like nausea and pain (as well as being really difficult to get rid of). The worst part is that they can spray this odor up to 20 feet away, depending on the circumstances. Skunks can also cause structural damage and damage to insulation and ventilation as well.
Disease and Parasites
The most dangerous part about the damage they can cause is the diseases parasites that they are able to carry. It is a fact that skunks are one of the species that is known to carry the deadly rabies virus. They can also carry tularemia and distemper and all of these diseases are dangerous for people. The fleas, ticks, tapeworms, and mites they carry can also transmit diseases as well.
Trapping and Removal
Professional wildlife removal is the best way to make sure that a home and property are secured. Our professionals have the knowledge to educate a homeowner on the best and most effective control and removal methods. Locking trash cans, storing pet food out of their reach, and controlling the populations of other pests around a home are the best ways to keep them away, to begin with.
If a problem skunk is suspected of being on the property, trapping has been found to be the best way to get rid of them. This is definitely a process where a professional will be required. They are going to be able to handle this pest and do it in a way that is safe for the people who live on the property, themselves, and the skunk.
Other Services Offered
Main Service Areas
- Hudson OH Skunk Removal Services
- Uniontown OH Skunk Control Service
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- New Franklin OH Skunk Control Companies
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- Tallmadge OH Skunk Removal Service
- Silver Lake OH Skunk Control Company
- East Canton Skunk Trapping Services
- North Canton Skunk Control Service
- Copley, Ohio
- Bath, Ohio
Animal Control Specialists, LLC
New Franklin, OH
(330) 608-1718
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bird nest removal


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With Curse of the Silver Pharaoh now out in print, Tee and Pip head to a renaissance festival for hilarity and sheananigans. They invited for their little merry jaunt a pair of Laurens who know a lot about writing Young Adult fiction. So even thought it is Tee's birthday, we are giving YOU a present with this podcast for your Friday!!!
00:00 — Introduction
- Little wins can sometimes include kicking off a podcast
- Epic Sized Introduction Drop-In's for Epic Sized Ladies
- On Tee's To-Do List: Harvesting Kate McKinnon Outtakes
- This visit all started at LaurenCon
- Featuring really good vodka from Murlarkey Distilleries
- Scribe and Scribby spent their visit hanging with the Boom…and the Boom LOVED it!
- Did I mention Boom is twelve?
- Librarians know how to party!
06:53 — Episode #66: Young Adult Fiction 101 (with Scribe and Scribby)
- We have EXPERTS in the studio on this!
- See, we got The Curse of the Silver Pharaoh out now…and holy crap—it's out!
- Tee's pitch for Silver Pharaoh
- The conversation stems from a recent blogpost of Tee's…
- A brief moment of political discourse…
- First Lesson: Don't treat your audience like kids.
- The danger of talking down to your audience
- Comparing Harry Potter to The Hobbit
- Pacing tends to affect the word count as well.
- How tweens and teens deal with and explore morality, both in groups as well as in individuals
- The matter of POV's in Y.A. Fiction
- An Ember in the Ashes
- Raven Boys
- And Lauren's own works…
- What teens look for
- Second Lesson: Your heroes are not prodigies.
- A collection of Chosen Ones
- The Maze Runner
- Divergent
- The Fifth Wave
- What Harry Potter gets right about handling the Chosen One trope
- Defending the Chosen One Trope
- Tee and Jo? Yeah, we're tight.
- Now, if you want to talk Chosen Ones, TAKE A LOOK AT NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM….
Damn, bro… - How Harry become the Chosen One
- The Fifth Wave, exploring the power of the abs…
- What set Katniss apart from other "Chosen One" heroes.
- WE HAVE A LOT MORE TO SAY ON Y.A. but we will just have to pick up where we left off in two weeks.
30:49 — Writers Off the Clock
- Where were we this weekend? This little party called The Maryland Renaissance Festival
- Pimp that Kiwi — COMING IN 2017 ON THE CW!
- First Stop: Barnes & Noble Power Plant…which was a disaster.
- Next Stop: Barnes & Noble at JMU
- Final Stop: Page After Page at MDRF
- Comparing the North Carolina Renaissance Festival to Revel Grove
- Doc Coleman — Your Map to the Grove
- Tee's Approach to Revel Grove, and how Page After Page is the center of this Tudor Nexus
- Let Tee tell you about Puke & Snot…
- The show Tee never wrote for Shakespeare's Skum
- Another great thing about the Grove: SHOPPING!
- What clothiers want to hear: "I wanna look like Claire."
- Skribby Fangirling is precious.
- Boom's Adventures in Revel Grove
- Stuffed Dragons AT — THE — DOOR!
- Boom was working the crowd like a champ.
- Good first impression on Boom from Loot Crate!
- Hey, LootCrate — how about a Stranger Things crate? Something to think about!
45:15 — Wrapping up
- It's all gold…so should we break this up, you think? (Spoiler Alert: We did.)
- Our next podcast: Three Nasty Women and One Bad Hombre Podcast
- What should be the content of a podcast? Let us know at 703.791.1701
- Quick promo and shout-out for Revel Grove
- Where will Scribe and Skribby be at the end of the year…
- They just moved! (And they are so tired.)
- Leaving really cool digs on the farm for a bachelorette pad of nasty women
- Catching a breath and unpacking boxing
- Bringing Katie and Skribby together — We must make that happen!
- Where are we going to be between now and the end of the year: 18-20 November, PhilCon in Cherry Hill, NJ
- We need to also get in writing with Countless Hues of Crimson
- Mad love for Verena Vorsatz
- Broadening the reach of the Tribe
- Final Fantasy cosplay shenanigans abound
- Where to find Scribe and Skribby
- Check out the website!
- The new podcast: Fandom PhD
- A full Hogwarts house in this recording!
- Lauren dreams up a cosplay…
- You want an amazing Ravenclaw cosplay?
- We are getting your voicemails and email, but we've been recording jam-packed shows of late. We will be getting to them soon! Until then…
- Call us at 703.791.1701 (now accessible through the Instagram app!)
- Send me email — email@example.com
- Send Pip email — email@example.com
- …or find us on social media everywhere.
Find us on Twitter at either Tee's or Pip's account,
leave us a voicemail or questions for the show at 703.791.1701,
or leave us a comment here at the blog.
We'll talk about it!
And remember, you can find the show on iTunes or Stitcher!
Subscribe, listen, and review.
Enjoy the ride
and we'll catch you later.


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If you're thinking about registering more than one domain name, you've got the right idea. Registering and using multiple domains names is great for building your business, protecting your brand name, and creating a dynamic online identity.
When you register multiple domain names, you can:
- Keep your competition from registering a similar domain name drawing customers to them instead of you
- Promote the different products and services you offer
- Drive more traffic to your website
- Enjoy more opportunities to market to — and be listed in — search engines
- Create distinct advertising strategies reaching different target markets
- Provide customers more ways to find you when searching the Internet
- Capture common misspellings of your domain name, instead of sending visitors to an error page
- Protect your brand and online identity


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" I absolutely love this set! It has outlasted all my other personalized silver jewelry by a long shot.
The quality is amazing and I will definitely be adding more to my collection!"
"I asked for a Moissanite ring because I wanted to save our money for other things.
I can 100% say I made the right choice. This ring is literally EVERYTHING."
"The best push present I could've ever asked for! "
"I needed something to wear to work to protect my original ring
But I actually liked this one more!"
" Absolutely magnificent! Substantial, sturdy and beautiful!.
My original engagement rings were stolen years ago and I haven't had anything as pretty or well made until now, I should have ordered these sooner."
"All three of my kid's names fit on it and they stacked perfectly with my engagement ring.
I'm never taking them off!"
"Absolutely LOVE this ring. I bought it to wear in place of my diamond engagement ring.
I wish we'd never gotten the diamond and just gone with the Moissanite."
"I absolutely love them!
I got my dog's names and they couldn't be more perfect for the price."


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Do you find yourself staring at digital screens—computer monitors, cell phones, tablets, televisions—for most of the day? Are your eyes tired, red, or itchy? Are they dry or irritated? If you answered yes to these questions, it's possible that you may have digital eye fatigue.
Also known as computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain, digital eye fatigue is a common problem among people who spend a significant amount of time staring at digital screens. And in 2023, isn't that all or most of us? The symptoms of digital eye fatigue include eye strain, dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches.
Causes and Symptoms of Digital Eye Fatigue
Let's explore five causes of digital eye fatigue:
- Prolonged screen time is the main cause of digital eye fatigue. As technology continues to advance, it entices us to spend more and more time on digital devices, whether that's for work, entertainment, or communication. The resulting prolonged screen time can cause a strain on our eyes.
- Blinking Less. An unintended consequence of so much screen time is that people tend to blink fewer times per minute while looking at digital screens. And because blinking is your body's natural way to lubricate and moisten the eye, blinking less means less moisture — which can irritate the eye and can result in digital eye strain. Yikes!
- Blue Light. Another cause of digital eye fatigue is the blue light emitted by digital screens. Blue light is a type of visible electromagnetic radiation. With a wavelength of 400-495 nanometers, it's one of the shortest and most energetic types of light. Blue light is found in natural light, but it is also emitted by electronic devices. And you guessed it – blue light can cause a strain on the human eye, leading to digital eye fatigue.
- Poor Sleep. A tired body means tired eyes. Research shows that too much blue light can interrupt your body's natural production of the hormone melatonin, which regulates sleep. Here's how that happens: The retina has special ganglion cells that are sensitive to blue light. When exposed to blue light, ganglion cells signal the brain to suppress melatonin production. That means exposure to blue light from electronic devices in the evening can make it harder to fall asleep or lead to insomnia. And less sleep means tired eyes that are more prone to digital eye fatigue.
- Poor lighting can also contribute to digital eye fatigue. If the lighting in a room is too bright or too dim, it can cause your eyes to strain and work harder to see well. That's why it is important that the lighting in your work or living space is optimal for reading, close work, and other eye-intensive tasks.
Treatment Options for Digital Eye Fatigue
While digital eye fatigue is a common problem among people who spend a significant amount of time staring at digital screens, you can take proactive steps to help reduce the strain on your eyes and alleviate the symptoms.
Here are six options to treat the symptoms of digital eye fatigue:
- Take frequent breaks: Apply the 20/20/20 rule. One of the most effective ways to alleviate digital eye fatigue symptoms is to take frequent breaks from the screen. Take a break every 20 minutes to look at something in the distance, or by using the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. And remember to blink!
- Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops are available over the counter at most pharmacies. These eye drops help to lubricate the eyes and relieve dryness and discomfort.
- Blue-light-blocking-glasses. If you can't limit your screen time, blue-light-blocking glasses can reduce the effects of blue light on the eyes. These glasses have a special lens coating that blocks or filters out the blue light emitted by digital screens. This can help to reduce eye strain and alleviate the symptoms of digital eye fatigue.
- Adjust task lighting to alleviate the symptoms of digital eye fatigue. Make sure that lighting is not too bright or too dim, and that light is not shining directly on the screen, which can create irritating glare.
- Leverage technology to help. Another option is to use computer software that reminds you to take breaks every 20 minutes or so. You could also manually set an alarm to go off every 20 minutes. In addition, set your devices to "night shift" in the display and brightness setting, which will adjust the color temperature of your screen to warmer colors that filter out some blue light.
- Annual comprehensive eye exams. We can't overemphasize the importance of regular eye exams to ensure that you have the right correction in your glasses or contact lenses, and to rule out any underlying eye conditions or health concerns that may also contribute to digital eye fatigue.
Call us today to make your annual comprehensive eye exam appointment, where we can discuss your symptoms and offer additional help to minimize the annoyance of digital eye strain and help you see your best!


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Competency management helps organization to assess the level of competency their employees are at and use it to build skills required to perform the job
With the help of PeopleQlik's HR and Payroll Software, improve productivity or develop new skills to do newer business, increase employee's morale and retain them. Managing competencies help identify talent in-house and nurture them effectively. It also helps to align individual behavior with organization behavior and culture.