NRA likens universal checks to gun registry

WASHINGTON (AP) ? The National Rifle Association's executive vice president continued to oppose background checks for all gun purchases despite polls indicating that most NRA members don't share his position.

The NRA's Wayne LaPierre tells "Fox News Sunday" that background checks for all gun purchases would lead to a universal registry of gun owners. Critics say such a registry could lead to taxes on guns or to confiscation.

Mark Kelly, a gun owner married to the former Arizona congresswoman who survived a 2011 shooting, asked LaPierre to listen to his members. He said the current system prevented 1.7 million gun purchases since 1999. However, those potential buyers had other options because many gun sales don't require a background check.

Kelly and LaPierre agree more people seeking to buy guns illegally should be prosecuted.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/386c25518f464186bf7a2ac026580ce7/Article_2013-02-03-Gun%20Checks/id-b721ce1241a946fcb375bd96e8ef7f47

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Ping Fu: Sad, But Not Broken

I am shocked, heartbroken and deeply saddened by the smear campaign that is taking place against me personally and my book, Bend, Not Break, which was published on Dec. 31, 2012.

It took six years of personal exploration and encouragement from friends to summon up the courage to publicly share my life story. It is a story about a life lived in two worlds: China and America. It tells of one person's journey from nobody to somebody. It reflects how my past experiences influenced who I am today and how I make decisions as an entrepreneur. It is a story about resilience.

Bend, Not Break has received many wonderful reviews. Unfortunately, the book generated an attack by an influential Chinese blogger, Mr. Fang Zhouzi, who challenged me primarily based on an article that appeared on Forbes.com. Fang's piece generated a storm of negative reviews and fierce criticisms. I reached out to Forbes, asking them to correct a few facts and translation errors. Since then, many personal attacks have been posted and continue to appear on Amazon, Barnes and Noble's website, as well as on other articles and the Wikipedia page about me. Most of these comments appear to be made by people who copy and paste their remarks from previous postings.

I understand that although many Chinese people lived through the Cultural Revolution as I did, everyone has their individual experience of what happened during that decade, just as everyone has their individual experience of their life today. Their life circumstances may very well be different from mine; all experiences are equally valid.

Bend, Not Break is not a book about "poor Ping Fu." It is not my attempt at garnering sympathy. Nor is it an attempt to bash China. I intend the book to give people hope. I want to show readers who are stuck, facing difficulties, and feeling obstacles are insurmountable, that there is a way to a better life. I wrote this book not as a selfish, self-promotional act, but rather as an act of generosity. I genuinely believe that my story has the potential to help people -- young people, entrepreneurs, career mothers, and others who might be struggling to come to terms with their own lives. Also, I wrote this book for my daughter, who just turned 18 and went to college. I want her to know the story in my own words.

Finally, I wrote Bend, Not Break because I didn't have a voice when I was little. I was not free to express my opinions, and even my journals where I recorded my private thoughts were burned. I was told repeatedly that I was a nobody. In writing this book, I speak out on behalf of that frightened, lonely young girl who had the courage to survive.

Ironically, this is exactly what my attackers are making me feel again: that I am nobody, that I have no right to speak my truth. It carries me back to my youth and makes me relive the emotional abuse of my childhood. I try to stay strong. I tell myself that I have a voice now. I live in the United States of America, where I have a right to share my story freely. This incident makes me appreciate democracy and freedom of speech even more.

For this I am called a traitor to China? I am no traitor. It was a journey for me to realize that my childhood experience did not define China, but I made my peace with that long ago. I understand that China has a long history and rich culture, and that most Chinese people are kind-hearted.

But this smear campaign reveals the dark side of China. Who is anyone to say that this is not my life and not my experience? They demonstrate a willingness to treat other people with anger and abuse, rather than with love and compassion. I'm so sad to see this.

I don't know what to say. I'm traumatized by this smear campaign because it is the polar opposite of what Bend, Not Break is about and what I intended when I wrote it. I wrote it to inspire by illustrating, in some small way, how resilience, compassion, generosity, trust and love led me to a better life. In return, I have received mistrust, criticisms, accusations, hatred, anger and denial. I am deeply hurt, but I will not be broken.

I am human. This is a human story. I have made mistakes in my life, as have we all. That doesn't make the story untrue.

This is my life. I carry the scars. This is my story. I tell it, authentically, in the book.

?

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ping-fu/sad-but-not-broken_b_2603466.html

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Peter Thiel On His ?Super-Futuristic? Investments And The Chess Strategy Founders Should Know [TCTV]

Peter Thiel, the tech industry magnate known among other things for co-founding PayPal and investing very early in Facebook, took home the VC of the Year award at the 6th annual Crunchies this week for his individual investments and his work with Founders Fund, the San Francisco venture capital firm he co-founded in 2005 focused on companies with "revolutionary technologies." I think Thiel is one of the most fascinating and forward-thinking people in technology today -- and the business world overall -- so I was really pleased to get the chance to talk with him backstage for a few minutes just after he collected his award.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/aLHfqxgNcsE/

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UK PM Cameron urged to delay gay marriage vote

LONDON (Reuters) - Members of British Prime Minister David Cameron's Conservative party urged him on Sunday to delay a parliamentary vote this week on gay marriage, warning the issue could weaken the party and harm his chances of re-election.

Cameron has pledged his personal support for a gay marriage bill but many in his party and among his legislators oppose it on moral grounds and say the government has no mandate to push it through parliament.

As the bill is supported by Britain's two other main parties, opposition Labour and Conservative coalition partners the Liberal Democrats, it is in no danger of being defeated.

But a letter signed by more than 20 chairmen of local Conservative associations was being handed in to Cameron's Downing Street residence on Sunday afternoon.

"We feel very strongly that the decision to bring this bill before parliament has been made without adequate debate or consultation with either the membership of the Conservative Party or with the country at large," the letter said.

It added: "Resignations from the party are beginning to multiply and we fear that, if enacted, this bill will lead to significant damage to the Conservative Party in the run-up to the 2015 election."

One Conservative association leader, Geoffrey Vero, said Cameron should have taken the issue more slowly.

"I think a number of Conservative supporters and voters will sit on their hands on the issue and that may well seriously affect David's opportunity to get re-elected in 2015," he told Sky TV.

"We think that is a dangerous risk to take with your core supporters."

PUBLIC OPINION

The proposals, due to come into effect in England and Wales in 2014, will also allow civil partners to convert their partnership to a marriage and enable married people to change their legal gender without having to end their union.

Usual rules requiring loyalty to the party line have been lifted for Tuesday's so-called "free" vote and political analysts say as many as half of the 303 Conservative MPs might vote against the bill or abstain.

The issue has sparked heated debate in Britain, particularly among faith groups, but 55 percent of British people support same-sex marriage, according to a YouGov survey in December.

Gay marriage supporters say that while the existing civil partnerships for same-sex couples give the same legal rights as marriage, the distinction implies that they are inferior.

Cameron himself said two months ago: "I'm a massive supporter of marriage and I don't want gay people to be excluded from a great institution."

But the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches are both strongly opposed and the bill will not force them to conduct gay marriages.

Other religious groups, such as Quakers and liberal Jewish groups, could choose to marry gays, but under the proposals no individual minister would be compelled to wed a same-sex couple.

After the expected approval in the Commons on Tuesday, the bill will move to parliament's upper house, the House of Lords, which is expected to vote on it in May before the bill returns to the Commons for a second vote.

(Reporting by Stephen Addison; editing by Andrew Roche)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/uk-pm-cameron-urged-delay-gay-marriage-vote-121850539.html

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Amazon Expands Its Original Video Lineup With Five New Children?s Pilots, Including Those From The Jim Henson Company & Blue?s Clues Creator

For parents, Amazon's latest additions to its original video lineup is kind of a big deal. Today, the company says it has green-lit five new children's test pilots to beef up its catalog of original video content on Amazon Instant Video and Prime Instant Video, as well as on European counterparts LOVEFiLM UK and LOVEFiLM Germany. One of the new pilots, "Teeny Tiny Dogs," is produced by The Jim Henson Company and created by Howard Baker of "Rugrats" fame. Another is an animated series called "Creative Gallery," which comes from Angela Santomero. Parents may not recognize her name, but they'll know her work - she's also the creator of "Super Why!," as well as Emmy-nominated "Blue's Clues," and "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood," the latter which extends the legacy of Mister Rogers' world of make-believe into a new series.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/AnBL09bLS4U/

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Amazon freshwater ecosystems are vulnerable to degradation

Feb. 1, 2013 ? A study published in Conservation Letters this week found that freshwater ecosystems in the Amazon are highly vulnerable to environmental degradation. River, lake and wetland ecosystems -- encompassing approximately one-fifth of the Amazon basin area -- are being increasingly degraded by deforestation, pollution, construction of dams and waterways, and over-harvesting of plant and animal species.

The study was led by Dr. Leandro Castello, a research associate at the Woods Hole Research Center (WHRC), in collaboration with scientists from various institutions in the United States and Brazil. These included the Amazon Environmental Research Institute (IPAM), the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB), Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

Damage to Amazon freshwater ecosystems greatly impacts Amazonians, who historically have been so dependent on freshwater ecosystem goods and services that they have been called 'water peoples.' Current per capita fish consumption in the Brazilian Amazon averages 94 kg/yr in riverine populations, which is almost six times the world average. Increasing fishing pressure has shrunk the size of harvested species, partly due to the progressive depletion of high-value, large-bodied species. A century ago, the mean maximum body length of the main species harvested in the basin was ~206 cm -- today it is ~79 cm.

Science and policy in the Amazon have focused largely on forests and their associated biodiversity and carbon stocks. Three decades of effort have generated an understanding of some key biophysical transitions in the basin, and established a network of protected areas, largely designed to preserve forests and their biodiversity. Little attention has been paid to freshwater ecosystems, which through the hydrological cycle are interconnected to other ecosystems at local and distant locations, being highly sensitive to a broad array of human impacts.

"Despite some terrestrial protections that are high by global standards, this paper shows key gaps in protection for the Amazon's freshwater systems and species," commented Robin Abell, the Senior Freshwater Conservation Biologist at World Wildlife Fund. The Madeira River basin, for example, is threatened by oil exploration, deforestation and dams in its headwaters, even though protected areas cover 26% of the catchment area. "The pressures that the authors detail need to be addressed now, before conservation opportunities are lost. Restoration can be far costlier than proactive protection," cautioned Abell.

The principal threat to most Amazon freshwater ecosystems is large-scale alteration of the basin's natural hydrology. "There are a total of 154 hydroelectric dams in operation, 21 in construction, and plans to construct 277 additional dams in the future. There are also thousands of small dams located in small streams to provide water for cattle," noted coauthor Marcia Macedo of WHRC. "These infrastructure projects, together with deforestation-induced changes to regional rainfall, could fundamentally change the hydrology of Amazon freshwater systems," she added. The study suggests that, if uncontrolled, such hydrological alterations could disrupt fish migrations and associated fishery yields, threatening riverine livelihoods and food security.

Adequate protection of Amazon freshwater ecosystems requires broadening the forest-centric focus of prevailing environmental management and conservation strategies to encompass aquatic ecosystems. By building upon existing protected areas, it is possible to develop a river catchment-based conservation framework that protects both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, effectively protecting the Amazon river-forest system. The Amazon watershed spans six countries, with Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru accounting for most of the area. Therefore, "A pan-Amazonian, catchment-based approach is critical, in addition to national conservation and management efforts," said coauthor Dr. Laura Hess of Earth Research Institute, UCSB.

"There are environmental issues everywhere, but the case with Amazon freshwater ecosystems is different, because no one talks about it. Their problem has been concealed," said Castello. Emphasizing the need for a shift, he added, "Significant strides in Amazon conservation have been on deforestation because deforestation has been studied and monitored year after year. We now need to do the same for these aquatic ecosystems."

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Woods Hole Research Center.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

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Journal Reference:

1. Leandro Castello, David G. McGrath, Laura L. Hess, Michael T. Coe, Paul A. Lefebvre, Paulo Petry, Marcia N. Macedo, Vivian F. Ren?, Caroline C. Arantes. The Vulnerability of Amazon Freshwater Ecosystems. Conservation Letters, 2012; DOI: 10.1111/conl.12008

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/~3/wuUvyhI0kzE/130201100034.htm

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Villa Maravillosa, the perfect family home?

Finding the perfect family home in Spain can be surprisingly difficult ? if you are looking for somewhere that has character, is well located, private, fully reformed (to a luxurious standard) and suitable for children.

This may seem an odd assertion but look around and you will see that many properties for sale in Spain are on anaemic new estates with an elderly or second home demographic.? To make matters worse, these properties (however luxurious) tend to have small plots and are not located close to schools and services.? Frequently, they have, more or less, a uniform design and minimal accommodation, something that is far from desirable for family life.

Of course, there are exceptions to the general rule.? One is the house of a friend of mine, located close to the vibrant town of Gandia in Valencia Province.? Certainly, it deserves close attention, if you are looking for a Spanish property that is truly exceptional ? and it represents, to my mind, the best luxury family home for sale in Spain (and I have seen hundreds!).

So, what makes this gorgeous villa so different and so perfect?

Well there are four principal reasons:

1.?? It is a very substantial property, comprising some 843m2(!) of build on a 4,439m2 urbano plot.

There are six double bedroom suites (including a vast master bedroom suite) and a separate one bedroom apartment.? The property also has a games room, library, television room, huge main living area, a dining room and study ? so, there is ample space for entertaining, working, relaxing and, of course, for children to play.

As you would expect, the kitchen is very large, open plan and ideal for either family use or the preparation of food for large parties.? It is also perfectly located beside the dining room, whilst having direct access out to the terrace beside the swimming pool.

The swimming pool is completely private and very large (15m x 5m!) and has a diving board and salt water cleaning system.? It is a heated pool with an automatic pool cover (essential when small children are around) and a 5m x 2m Jacuzzi with water jets!

The house also has a massive garage with a gym area, workbench and room for three cars ? with an additional storage room.

2.?? The property has a superb and very large (4,439m2) private plot that is not overlooked by any other houses.? This is important, of course, but, gloriously, the plot is mature and blessed with many mature and productive fruit trees, extensive flower beds, a vegetable garden and an extensive area laid to lawn.? The garden is fully irrigated and even has a practice area for golf!

Meanwhile, high fences and hedges surround the garden and make it completely secure, allowing your children and any animals to roam freely and safely.

3.? The villa is located just outside Gandia and has a wonderful position that overlooks the verdant citrus groves of La Safor.? The sea forms a glorious visual boundary to one side of the property with, to the other, dramatic mountains that rise steeply up from the surrounding land.

In fact, one of the delights of the villa is that the fantastic beaches of La Safor are little more than a ten minute drive away, whilst an equivalent journey takes you into the mountains and superb walking in totally unspoilt wilderness areas.? These are also great for mountain biking, rock climbing and bird watching.

Perhaps, most importantly, the villa is within five minutes? drive of a first class, private Spanish school which takes pupils from kindergarten age all the way through to Bachillerato (UK ?A? Level equivalent).? The children of the owners go to this school and can confirm that the school works well and provides a sound and loving education.? Meanwhile, an international school is located in nearby Alzira in which the British curriculum is taught ? should you wish your children to have an English speaking education.

Gandia, of course, is well known as a remarkably well connected town.? It is only 50 minutes? drive (or train ride) to Valencia City and its international airport and is close to two excellent golf courses located at Oliva Nova and Carcaixent (Gandia has a nine hole course and a tennis club).? The town has fine restaurants, hundreds of bars and cafes and all the shops (big and small) that you could possibly need for day to day living.? Indeed, the infrastructure surrounding the villa is very fine and you can obtain anything you need with ease.

4.? The villa has been extensively (and very tastefully) reformed by the current owners, who have spared no expense in making sure that the property is in immaculate condition, with all the fixtures and fittings of the highest quality.

It also goes without saying that this property is fully legal and has the full range of services that you would expect with regard to mains water, electricity and land line telephone lines (with ADSL).

So, can you find somewhere better?

I rather doubt it, frankly, and I have seen thousands of properties in Spain.

So, if you want a luxurious family property in Spain ? one that has a wonderful atmosphere and one that has everything that you could possibly desire ? then La Masia is surely for you!

For more specific details about this unique property do have a look below and, if you are interested in further information, then please do not hesitate to contact me?

DETAILS OF THE BEST FAMILY HOME FOR SALE IN SPAIN!

Plot size: 4,439m2

Constructed area: 843m2

Usable living space: 473m2

Original build date: 1985

Price: 1,495,000 Euros

?Accommodation

*?? Master bedroom suite: large triple aspect main bedroom with views to the sea, large walk-in dressing room, large double aspect bathroom with spa-size bath, two ceiling-mounted showers, twin sinks, separate WC.

*?? A further 5 bedroom suites, all double size bedrooms with walk-in closets and separate bathrooms with bath and shower.

*?? Open plan kitchen/breakfast room with fully equipped modern kitchen: island with induction hob, two ovens, microwave, steam oven, heating drawer, fridge, freezer, wine fridge. Ample cupboard space including larder cupboards.

*?? Separate laundry with washing machine and drier.

*?? Games room.

*?? Library with floor-to-ceiling fitted shelving and wood-burning stove.

*?? Television room with wood-burning stove.

*?? Double-height main living area with gallery and main fireplace.

*?? Dining room with fitted glass cabinets.

*?? Study with floor-to-ceiling fitted cupboards and bookshelves

*?? Massive garage with gym area, workbench, room for three cars. Additional separate storage room.

*?? Separate basement apartment with large bedroom, bathroom and open plan kitchen/living area and french windows opening onto the garden.

*?? Pool bathroom with shower and WC.

Outside

*?? Extensive terraces with views to the mountains and the sea, covered pool-side seating area, paella house, washing house with retractable roof, two garden storage casitas, automatic entrance gates.

*?? 15m x 5m swimming pool with diving board. Salt water cleaning system. Automatic pool cover. 5m x 2m Jacuzzi pool with water jets. Pool heating system.

*?? Garden: irrigation system, extensive lawn area, many mature and productive fruit trees, extensive mature flower beds.

FOR MORE DETAILS PLEASE

CONTACT ME

?

Source: http://casalasafor.com/2013/02/villa-maravillosa-the-perfect-family-home/

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