Star Wars people? Dad-son talk key to viral video

KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) ? The young American boy sums up what his father does for a living: "You stop the bad guys from being mean."

Yes, the father says, but who are the bad guys? The child thinks, then offers a guess: "Star Wars people?"

Though a galaxy away from this preschooler's American upbringing, the truth is far more sinister.

The bad guys are Joseph Kony and his Lord's Resistance Army, a brutal Central Africa militia that has kidnapped thousands of children and forced them to become sex slaves, fight as child soldiers and kill family members.

The father-son conversation is one of many gripping moments in a 30-minute video that has rocketed through cyber space since its release Monday. By late Thursday it had been seen more than 37 million times on YouTube.

The father, Jason Russell, is the co-founder of San Diego-based Invisible Children, an anti-LRA advocacy group, and the film's director. He asks his son, Gavin, what he thinks should be done about Kony.

"Stop him," Gavin responds.

The boy's words are quickly echoed by Luis Moreno-Ocampo, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, where Kony is wanted for crimes against humanity. "Stop him," Moreno-Ocampo says on camera, "and (that will) solve all the problems."

The video is part of a campaign called KONY 2012, and it's goal is to see Kony captured ? after 26 years in the jungle ? this year.

Despite an International Criminal Court arrest warrant and the deployment last fall of 100 U.S. Special Forces to four Central African countries to help advise in the fight against Kony, few Americans know who he is.

To those 99 percent, Russell poses this challenge: Make Kony and his crimes so infamous that governments view it as imperative that the mission to capture him succeeds.

"If we take the pressure off, if we're not successful, he is going to be growing his numbers," Jim Inhofe, a Senate Republican from Oklahoma, tells the film's cameras. "People forget and you've got to remind them. ... And if interest wanes it will just go away. ... It's got to be 2012."

The LRA began its attacks in Uganda in the 1980s, when Kony sought to overthrow the government. Since being pushed out of Uganda several years ago, the militia has terrorized villages in Congo, the Central Africa Republic and South Sudan.

"Kony is a monster. He deserves to be prosecuted and hanged," Col. Felix Kulayigye, spokesman for Uganda's military, told The Associated Press.

Because of the intensified hunt for Kony, LRA forces ? once thousands strong ? have diminished in number, splitting into smaller groups that can travel the jungle more easily. Experts estimate the LRA now has about 250 fighters.

Victims are mutilated by machetes, their faces slashed into grotesque shapes. Women are raped and killed. Young girls are forced into sexual slavery.

Jolly Okot was abducted in 1986 by the militia group that later became the LRA. The then-18-year-old could speak English, so she was valuable to the militants, who also forced her into sex slavery.

Today, Okot is the Uganda country director for Invisible Children. She said the group is helping 800 people affected by LRA violence to attend high school and college. The program has given hope to kids who previously dropped out of school.

"The most exciting thing about this film is that I'm so grateful that the world has been able to pay attention to an issue that has long been neglected," she said in an interview. "I think it is an eye-opener and I think this will push for Joseph Kony to be apprehended, and I think justice will get to him."

Moreno-Ocampo said it has been hard to raise public awareness about Kony since issuing the arrest warrant against him in 2005.

"Kony is difficult. He is not killing people in Paris or in New York. Kony is killing people in Central African Republic, no one cares about him," Moreno-Ocampo told the AP. "These young people from California mobilizing this effort is incredible, exactly what we need."

"They are not fighting, they are just putting the right focus: stopping the crimes, arresting Kony, helping people," he said. "Perfect."

The burst of attention has also brought some criticism of Invisible Children's work, including questions over the ratio of the group's spending on direct aid, its rating by the site Charity Navigator and a 2008 photo of three Invisible Children members holding guns alongside troops in what is now South Sudan.

Invisible Children posted rebuttals to the criticism, saying it has spent about 80 percent of its funds on programs that further its mission, 16 percent on administration and about 3 percent on fundraising. The group said its accountability score is low because it has only four independent voting members on its board of directors, but is seeking a fifth.

Last year, Invisible Children began installing high frequency radios in Africa's remotest jungle to help track militia attacks. People in areas without phones can report attacks on the radios to people who put them on a website called the LRA Crisis Tracker.

Invisible Children's 2012 anti-Kony campaign is asking celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Bono and Bill Gates, as well as policy makers like former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, to get involved.

In the video, Russell tells of meeting a Ugandan boy named Jacob who watched LRA fighters kill his brother. The American promises the African child he will do whatever he can to help. Nearly a decade later, Jacob is part of Invisible Children's campaign to bring awareness of the atrocities to college campuses in America and beyond.

The film opens with Gavin's birth, and Russell's philosophy that in the interconnected world the globe has become, "where you live should not determine whether you live." If Gavin, born in American, can have a happy upbringing, Jacob should too.

"We are not just studying human history, we are shaping it," Russell says. "At the end of my life I want to say that the world we left behind is one Gavin can be proud of, one that doesn't allow Joseph Konys and child soldiers. A place where children no matter where they live, have a childhood free from fear."

Gavin shakes his shaggy head of blond hair and says: "I''m going to be like you dad. I'm going to come with you to Africa."

___

Straziuso reported from Nairobi, Kenya. Associated Press reporters Elliot Spagat contributed from San Diego and Mike Corder from The Hague.

___

On the Internet:

www.kony2012.com

Invisible Children's reaction to blog accusations: http://s3.amazonaws.com/www.invisiblechildren.com/critiques.html

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/star-wars-people-dad-son-talk-key-viral-215938257.html

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Trademark applicants beware : LoTempio Law Blog

Recently the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a warning to all trademark applicants regarding ?Non-USPTO Solicitations that Resemble Official USPTO Communications.?

The trademark office warned that companies not affiliated with the USPTO were using the USPTO database to find and locate new trademark applicants and are sending out notices that resembled an official notice.

Shortly thereafter a few of my recent trademark applicants called me and asked me if they should pay "bill" from the trademark office. I told them it was just a scam solicitation and that the services they were soliciting will be taken care of by my office. You have to wonder how many people received this type of letter and just paid it thinking they were paying an official bill.

I wonder how many big companies receive letters like this and it goes to their accounting department just gets paid. The companies sending out these letters must be making money off it otherwise they wouldn't continue to send these letters out.

Is what they are doing illegal? Probably not. Supposedly they are providing the services which they tout in the letter. Each one of those services are services that a trademark applicant could possibly use. However does every trademark applicant need those services?

The bottom line it's just the sleazy way that it's presented; sending out letters that confuse somebody to believe that it's an official government invoice.

Here's an example of letter that a trademark applicant received:In the United States patent office warning they listed examples of services which the letters solicit, which so happen to coincide with the letter that I posted above:

• for legal services;
• for trademark monitoring services;
• to record trademarks with U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and
• to ?register? trademarks in the company?s own private registry.

The USPTO indicates that the companies use names that resemble the USPTO name, including, for example, the terms "United States" or ?U.S.? this letter clearly tries to confuse people by using the name "United States Trademark Registration Office."

USPTO warning page further goes on to say:

Increasingly, some of the more unscrupulous companies attempt to make their solicitations mimic the look of official government documents rather than the look of a typical commercial or legal solicitation by emphasizing official government data like the USPTO application serial number, the registration number, the International Class(es), filing dates, and other information that is publicly available from USPTO records. Many refer to other government agencies and sections of the U.S. Code. Most require ?fees? to be paid.

All official correspondence will be from the ?United States Patent and Trademark Office? in Alexandria, VA, and if by e-mail, specifically from the domain ?@uspto.gov.?

I tried a Google search using the words "United States Trademark Registration Office" and mostly legitimate sites, particularly the actual website for United States Patent and Trademark Office came up on the first page of the Google search.

Obviously the name is used to confuse the people who receive this letter; it actually confused a Google search. I did find one article recently published by David Lazarus in the Los Angeles Times where he reports about the USPTO notice and how these companies are "preying on the unwary with official looking letters."

I guess the bottom line is don't just pay official looking bills. Understand that once you file a trademark application and your application is posted on the USPTO website you'll be added to a mailing list and likely become a target of these solicitations. Before you pay anything to anyone: make sure you know what a paying it for and who you are paying it to.

Source: http://www.lotempiolaw.com/2012/03/articles/trademarks/trademark-applicants-beware/

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China's inflation falls as food prices ease

BEIJING (AP) ? China's inflation fell sharply in February, giving Beijing more leeway to stimulate its slowing economy.

Consumer price inflation declined to a 20-month low of 3.2 percent from January's 4.5 percent, data showed Friday. Inflation in politically sensitive food costs declined even more markedly, falling to 6.2 percent from the previous month's 10.5 percent.

The decline gives Beijing room to cut interest rates or ease other curbs to stimulate slowing economic growth without concern about igniting a new price spiral. The World Bank and International Monetary Fund have warned China and other developing countries to prepare for a possible global slowdown this year.

"China's February price data makes it clear that inflation pressures are easing," said Moody's Analytics economist Alaistair Chan in a report. "This gives the government scope to ease monetary policy."

Inflation is politically dangerous for the Communist Party because it erodes economic gains that underpin the party's monopoly on power. A price spike last year stoked frustration among a public that is angry about pervasive corruption, a yawning gap between rich and poor, pollution and product safety scandals.

Inflation had declined steadily from July's 37-month peak of 6.5 percent but rebounded in January, sparking concerns that pressure for prices to rise had not been extinguished.

The government's official target calls for holding inflation below 4 percent this year.

Consumer inflation for the combined January-February period was 3.9 percent, the National Bureau of Statistics said. Analysts often look at the two months together to compensate for the weeklong Lunar New Year holiday, which falls at different times during that period each year and distorts data on factory production and consumer spending.

Economic growth slowed to a 2 1/2-year low of 8.9 percent in the final quarter of 2011 as Chinese leaders tried to steer a rapid expansion to a more sustainable rate. They reversed course in December and promised easier lending after exporters were hurt by weak global demand. But they say controls meant to cool surging housing costs will stay in place.

The government has yet to announce major changes, but financial analysts say regulators are quietly easing access to credit. Housing prices have begun to ease but are still near record levels and Chinese leaders say they want further declines.

The IMF warned last month that China's projected growth this year could be cut by nearly half ? to 4 percent ? if Europe, its biggest trading partner, suffers a sharp downturn due to its debt problems.

The World Bank warned earlier that a possible global slump might hit developing economies harder than the 2008 crisis did.

___

Online:

National Bureau of Statistics (in Chinese):

http://www.stats.gov.cn

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/chinas-inflation-falls-food-prices-ease-015429298.html

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Share With Friends: | | Politics - Top Stories News, News Feeds and News via Feedzilla.

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/209268397?client_source=feed&format=rss

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Grants Pass Oregon Real Estate Investing Ideas | Article Listings

If you are wanting to start investing in real estate, you might want to consider buying a vacation home. Unlike a conventional home that is lived in by tenants full time, you can use the vacation home when you want to escape to the hills or the seaside. When you arent staying in your vacation home, you can put it on the vacation rental market so youll have funds to pay for the expense of maintaining two homes. You can procure the services of a rental company so you will not have to deal with keeping your property leased and cleaned.

There has never been a better time to buy vacation real estate in certain areas of the country. To make the most appropriate, it is a good idea to research your target city first. The recession hit some areas of the country seriously and real estate prices have plummeted significantly. Homes in other locations have not had their price affected nearly as much.

For example, if you are considering buying a vacation house in Florida, you do have many choices. The Kissimmee area by Orlando has many home developments zoned for short-term vacation homes. If you are looking for a great deal, this is the area, since price tags on houses there have come down a great deal the last few years. Of course, it is a bad plight for buyers who bought Kissimmee vacation homes a few years ago, but it creates a good opportunity for new investors. It is possible to buy an a modern house for a modest cost and that means you will be able to market your vacation house to vacationers who expect the very best. This means you will be able to bill more for lodging fees and earn more from the home.

Keep in mind, the recession has also affected the vacation industry so youll want to keep that in mind when you look over the rental history and calculate the income potential of a home. A great thing about renting to luxury vacationers is they arent as hurt by hard financial times as people who have to travel on a budget, so chances are high you can keep your house leased.

While the real estate market in the Orlando location presents many great bargains, the same isnt true of waterfront real estate along the coast. The reason for this is because there isnt any room for expansion on the barrier islands and no matter how expensive, there is never a shortage of people who want to move near the gulf.

The area around Siesta Key has held its value when it comes to real estate because it is so desirable; youll buy a vacation property here simply because you love it and desire a tropical getaway, not because you will find a good bargain.

Dont forget, the peak travel season in Florida is winter time, and then is when you can charge top prices for your vacation home.

Of course, you dont have to buy a vacation property in Florida.

The Smoky Mountains and the regions around Gatlinburg are popular places to own a vacation property and place it on the vacation market. Peak rental time for these properties is during autumn when the mountains are bright with colorful leaves.

However, some people love to spend summers in the mountains, and winter months too if the property is close to a ski resort.

Before you get your heart set on a vacation home, it is a good idea to talk about all your options with a real estate agent.

There might be laws you are not even aware exist.

For example, vacation homes in Pinellas County, Florida can only be used by the owner for two weeks each year.

Other locations do not have such strict rules. No matter what type of real estate you are searching for, vacation property included, it is best if you have a trustworthy real estate agent to guide you through the transaction.

While looking for real estate in Grants Pass, you will discover great savings to be had. Just ensure that you are working with a capable Agent that can help you get the property of your dreams. If you are financially able to, you could possibly consider purchasing up a rental. Your selection of homes to pick from is quite substantial.

Source: http://www.articlelistings.net/business-career/grants-pass-oregon-real-estate-investing-ideas/

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Ronnie Montrose dies from prostate cancer at age 64 - Reality TV ...

Ronnie Montrose, a guitarist who played with an A-list of musicians when not fronting his own band, has died at the age of 64, his Web site said.

He had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 and died Saturday, rollingstone.com reported. It is unclear where.

"A few months ago, we held a surprise party for Ronnie Montrose's 64th birthday," a statement said on Montrose's official Web site.

"He gave an impromptu speech, and told us that after a long life, filled with joy and hardship, he didn't take any of our love for granted. He passed today. He'd battled cancer, and staved off old age for long enough. And true to form, he chose his own exit the way he chose his own life. We miss him already, but we're glad to have shared with him while we could."

Montrose was born in Denver Nov. 29, 1947 and at 24-years-old was invited to play guitar on Van Morrison's 1971 own breakout album, "Tupelo Honey." He went on to work with jazz great Herbie Hancock as well as Boz Scaggs, The Neville Brothers and Edgar and Johnny Winter. Montrose also worked with Sammy Hagar in his own eponymous group before Hagar left for a solo career.

Many rockers agree Ronny Montrose was a game-changer for rock 'n' roll as evidenced by reactions expressed in their tweets, loudwire.com said.

"'Montrose' is one of the all time great R&R albums. Major influence. RIP man," said Slash of Guns 'n' Roses.

"Ronnie Montrose's first two 'Montrose' albums & his work with Edger (sic) Winter changed my musical life forever. RIP," tweeted Nikki Sixx.

"Saddened to hear the passing of friend Ronnie Montrose. He was a wonderful person & an amazing guitar player, I will miss you dear Ronnie," Peter Frampton tweeted.

Source: http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/ronnie-montrose-dies-from-prostate-cancer-at-age-64--1028457.php

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