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The letter below should be self-explanatory, you can read the original on our letterhead 2011 Dec 9 open ltr re Verizon horrendous DV not enough.
NCFM LA still plans a protest tomorrow (click on link for directions), please attend if you can.

This is not the first time Verizon has been involved with producing misandric videos, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpgeACOMS9o

Several addresses and email addresses are included below if you wish to send support for the letter below. More addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses are in the earlier letter.

December 9, 2011

OPEN LETTER regarding the domestic violence video Monsters produced by the Verizon Foundation and National Domestic Violence Helpline:

First, the following response our earlier letter from Verizon Media Relations Director Alberto Canal regarding the above video is greatly appreciated,

“Monsters” has been removed from YouTube. The intent of the Verizon Foundation was to shine the light on the devastating issue of domestic violence and the impact it has on the most vulnerable –our children. We do not want to distract from that message or the issue of domestic violence, so we have decided to remove the video. As an organization, we believe in listening to the voices of the many and the few. It’s important to note that the majority of the responses we have received have been overwhelmingly positive, and we have received hundreds of requests for the video.”

We also appreciate Mr. Canal’s telephone call this afternoon to ensure that his response above had been received. However, we are still concerned that Verizon has distributed or will distribute the video by means other than the Internet.

Mr. Canal assured me there were “no plans” to distribute DVDs of the video but stopped short of confirming Verizon had destroyed the video and would not participate in distributing it in any manner or form. Consequently, we ask that Verizon (1) recall all distributed copies of the above video (2) destroy all copies of the video, and that (3) Verizon and its various organizations and subsidiaries not participate in the distribution, release, or showing of this video in any manner or form, including the direct and/or indirect funding of any activity or effort that will or may cause the distribution of the video, like for example only, funding such things through the National Domestic Violence Hotline and similarly minded organizations.

NCFM is committed to ending relationship violence. If Verizon would like to commission another video please involve us to ensure it is factually correct, gender neutral, and gender inclusive. In so doing together we can take a huge step toward the making the world a better place for all of us.

Respectfully,

Harry Crouch

President

Distribution Verizon Communications Inc. 140 West St. New York, NY 10007 Primary Phone: 212-395-1000 Toll-Free: 800-621-9900

Ivan G. Seidenberg Chairman of the Board

Lowell C. McAdam President, CEO, and Director

Francis J. (Fran) Shammo EVP and CFO

Peter W. Thonis Chief Communications Officer

Rose M. Kirk President Verizon Foundation

Bob Varettoni Executive Director of Media Relations: robert.a.varettoni@verizon.com

Bill Kula, APR Director, Media Relations william.kula@verizon.com

Bobbi Henson Director, Media Relations bobbi.henson@verizon.com

Alberto Canal Director, Media Relations alberto.c.canal@verizon.com
.
.

Link here:

http://ncfm.org/2011/12/news/mens-health/verizon-pulls-offensive-video-from-internet-but-does-not-commit-to-destroying-it-or-not-distributing-it-by-other-means


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Dec
08.


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Download Verizon “Monster Video” letter and contact information here.

Verizon-Monster-Video-flyer-FINAL


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PR: Verizon Abuse Video Sparks Controversy, Condemnation

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Teri Stoddard

Telephone: 301-801-0608

Email: tstoddard@saveservices.org

Verizon Abuse Video Sparks Controversy, Condemnation

Washington, DC/December 6, 2011 — SAVE is charging the Verizon Foundation with misleading the public about domestic violence, after the corporate giant released a video filled with one-sided images and controversial claims. Titled “Monsters”, the video presents a bleak picture of home life in America: fathers as abusers, wives and daughters as victims, and sons as future batterers (1).

Research shows levels of partner aggression are the same among males and females (2), an observation highlighted by the recent TV clip of starlet Kim Kardashian punching her husband Kris with a closed fist. A recent Washington Post article documents growing levels of aggressive behavior among women on campuses and in schools (3).

The provocative Verizon video has stirred controversy and invited condemnation.

One editorialist deplored the video’s “misandric boy bashing” and charged the information “has the potential for spreading harm and hate.” (4) The pro-feminist blog Jezebel has described the video as “disturbing” (5). Deploring the overt biases in the video, a blogger at RoarforFreedom wrote, “My mother still tries to convince all of her adult children–as well as the grandchildren, what an idiot and monster my father is” (6).

The Monsters video is not the only source of false information from the Verizon Foundation.

The Verizon website makes the claim, “Domestic violence is the single greatest cause of injury to women ages 15 to 44 in the U.S. – more than muggings, car accidents and rapes combined.” (7).

But leading family researcher Richard Gelles counters, “as good a sound bite as it is, the statement is simply not true.” (8) The overwhelming leading causes of injury to women in this age group are accidental falls and automobile accidents.

The Verizon website claims, “One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.” But a balanced statement would indicate that one in four men also experience domestic violence in their lifetimes.

By focusing on aid only for female victims, Verizon ignores half of the population in need of help and perpetuates inappropriate stereotypes.

“Verizon’s video smears fathers as the only potential abusers in a household, when in fact women are as likely to abuse their partners, and more likely to physically abuse children,” explains SAVE spokesman Philip W. Cook. “This scary animated video labels all fathers as potential ‘monsters,’ and frightens impressionable children.”

Misinformation and false stereotypes are widespread and undermine legitimate abuse-reduction efforts: http://www.saveservices.org/downloads/SAVE-DV-Educational-Programs.

(1) http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52044-verizon-foundation-national-domestic-hotline-video-launch-monsters

(2) http://csulb.edu/~mfiebert/assault.htm

(3) http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/violent-incidents-involving-female-students-surge-on-campuses-in-schools/2011/11/11/gIQAOsMJJN_story.html

(4) http://ncfm.org/2011/12/action/the-verizon-foundation-and-the-national-domestic-violence-hotline-team-up-to-promote-hate/

(5) http://jezebel.com/5865167/domestic-violence-ad-implies-only-men-are-abusers?autoplay

(6) http://www.roarforfreedom.com/comment-on-domestic-violence-psa-boycott-verizon-for-portraying-all-men-as-abusive-monsters-and-all-boys-as-potential-abusive-monsters-by-thegirlinside/

(7) http://foundation.verizon.com/core/domestic.shtml

(8) Gelles R. The politics of research: The use, abuse, and misuse of social science data. Family Court Review Vol. 45, 2007, page 45.

Stop Abusive and Violent Environments is a victim-advocacy organization working for evidence-based solutions to partner violence: www.saveservices.org.


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Way Back Home – Danny MacAskill


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Way Back Home is the incredible new riding clip from Danny MacAskill, it follows him on a journey from Edinburgh back to his hometown Dunvegan, in the Isle of Skye.



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http://www.agvsport.com/blog/?p=446

AGV Sport “Venus” Women’s Jacket Review

AGV Sport “Venus” Women’s Jacket Review

by “Smalls” for webBikeWorld.com

Summary: AGV Sport has been in the motorcycle apparel business for many years and their gear is very popular with street riders in the U.S.A.

A company doesn’t survive that long without quality products, so for details about one of their women’s high-quality, armored leather jackets, read on…
Background
In the spring, my obsession with motorcycles and engines went to another level — I took a job in parts and accessories at a motorcycle shop.

I resigned after four months (I prefer working for myself) but in that time frame I learned even more about the industry and mechanics of motorcycling.

I thought I had a good working knowledge of motorcycle engines and parts until I pulled up my first parts fiche.

Holy cow! There are more parts in an engine than I realized – I swear, some carburetors had over twenty parts alone!

Concerning accessories, I now understand why many motorcycle shops don’t carry more women’s gear. A store might end up stocking a product that doesn’t sell for whatever reason — do that enough times and it’s very costly.

We women are picky (well, I am) and want a certain look, and it’s impossible for shops to carry a little bit of everything.

It is still frustrating when I want to try something on that isn’t in the store, but now at least I understand the complexities involved.

This is where gear reviews come in handy — a rider can get an idea of the quality and fit of a product before making a purchase. Reviewing motorcycle gear is a dirty job, but someone has to do it and I’m willing to make that sacrifice (yes, all my motorcycling friends hate me)!

Sizing and Construction
In my opinion, the AGV Sport Venus Leather Jacket runs true to size based on their sizing chart and my measurements; I ordered a size small and it fits well.

Designed specifically for women, the Venus Jacket is definitely not a down-sized men’s cut. Princess seams (rounded seams in women’s tops) form a close fit that compliments women’s figures. Velcro waist tabs let the rider make adjustments.

The sleeve length is great and the pre-curved construction means a comfortable fit without bunching when riding. The cuffs stay securely closed with 5.5 inch (14 cm) long zippers and snap closures; replacement snaps are included. On my Venus Jacket, the inside circumference of the cuffs is 7.75 inches (19.7 cm) and the cuffs are narrow enough to fit under many gauntlet gloves.

Zippered chest intake vents and back exhaust vents are well-placed for maximum airflow. The 100% polyester mesh lining has leather pieces sewn into the underarm seams to prevent ripping. The vents and mesh lining will get a rider through warm weather, but this is not a hot weather jacket — although a great deal depends on the rider.

For instance, I get cold easily and in 62 degree (16 Celsius) weather with just a T-shirt underneath, I actually got a little chilled with all the vents closed; others might have been comfortable in those conditions.

The waist on AGV Sport Venus Leather Jacket is slightly longer in the back than the front, but not by much. The back of the jacket is approximately 2 inches (5.1 cm) shorter than other jackets I’ve reviewed. When I wore this jacket with my low-rise riding pants I didn’t have as much back coverage as I’d have liked riding my Ninja 500. A high-waist riding pant may pair better with the Venus Jacket.

A moisture-wicking neck liner at the back of the banded collar adds more comfort. The AGV Sport logo is embroidered on the collar and appliquéd in leather on the sleeves and lower back.

Protection and Visibility
If you’re going to zoom your body along at 75 MPH with only a motorcycle between you and the pavement and other vehicles, you’d be wise to invest in protective gear. The cost of gear is small when compared to medical bills or even worse, the priceless cost of a life.

I’m probably preaching to the choir, since you’re reading this article…so I’ll get to what you’re waiting for: What does the AGV Sport Venus Leather Jacket have to offer?

For starters, the Venus Jacket is made with 1.1 mm to 1.3 mm thick leather, with the thinner leather over the body and thicker leather over impact areas. The main seams are stitched multiple times to help prevent tearing.

Included are removable CE-approved shoulder and elbow armor and a 1 cm thick foam back pad for increased protection.

I’m fanatical about night-time visibility and the AGV Sport Venus Leather Jacket does not disappoint. The back and front of the jacket contain 3M reflective piping which becomes bright under lights.

Rounding out the protective features, there is a waist connection zipper for attachment to riding pants; this helps keep your back covered during rides and in the event of a slide. If the zipper doesn’t connect to your favorite riding pant, simply remove the bottom portion of the jacket’s zipper and sew that piece to any pant below the back waistband.

Zippers and Pockets
There’s no shortage of pockets on the AGV Sport Venus jacket. The two hand-warming pockets are slightly shallow for me — I can’t get my hands all the way inside them, but then again, I have large hands.

However, there are three large pockets on the inside. A vertical zipped pocket is 6 inches (15.2 cm) long and 5.75 inches (14.6 cm) deep. A non-zipped horizontal pocket (sometimes called a map pocket) measures 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) wide and 7 inches (17.8 cm) deep.

Last, but not least, there is a zipped, waterproof media pocket with additional pockets inside it for a cell phone and iPod, including an opening and tab for tangle-free earphone use. All zippers are YKK and the main zip has a custom AGV Sport logo pull.

Conclusion
The AGV Sport Venus Leather Jacket is another fine example of a well-made, armored leather jacket designed specifically for women.

Leather and CE-approved armor offer optimum protection while princess seams and colored panels flatter women’s curves. If you’re looking for an understated yet eye-catching jacket, you may have just found it.


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http://www.prweb.com/releases/AGV/AGVSPORT/prweb4379264.htm

________________________________________
AGV SPORTS GROUP: A Quarter Century and Beyond
With 25 years in the making, AGVSPORT products have exceeded expectations in not only providing superior protection for racers and street riders but also in the business world. AGVSPORT leathers are no stranger to the podium and the same winning leathers can be purchased by the public. They are also celebrating the 20th Anniversary of sponsoring the number one superbike school in the nation, California Superbike School, and have recently established a partnership with Motonation, their official U.S. distributor.
________________________________________
Washington D.C. (PRWEB) August 12, 2010

This year marks the 20th anniversary celebrating AGVSPORT’s sponsorship of the California Superbike School. Keith Code, founder of the number one bike school, has taught over 100,000 racers including 15 superbike champions who have taken AGVSPORT leathers to the podium. To add on to their historic year AGVSPORT has reached a long term and exclusive licensing agreement with their official U.S. distributor Motonation, a San Diego based company offering products from Premier American and Italian companies. Motonation now has coverage from head-to-toe of the highest quality motorcycle gear from AGVSPORT, SIDI boots, and VEMAR helmets. With a continued relationship with Keith Code’s California Superbike School and the addition of Motonation as the new US license holder and distributor AGVSPORT continues to grow and be one of the most recognized names in racing and sport apparel.

Founded in 1985, this year marks the 25th anniversary of AGV Sport’s Group Inc which is one of the oldest riders owned and operated motorsports apparel companies in the industry. Under the direction of the founder Michael Parrotte, AGV Sports Group makes sure their products are engineered for maximum functionality without compromising abrasion and tear resistance as well as comfort. With the origin of the company being the importation of AGV Helmets from Italy, the company has a strong technical mentality based on the world of helmet manufacturers.

Michael Parrotte AGV Sports Group
“…Laguna feels as if it had been created by a serious racetrack rider who’d decided once and for all to fix what he didn’t like about wearing leathers.”
-Trackdaymag.com

Apparel design is always geared to their core market being the serious rider and/or racer. Identical products worn by AGVSPORT professional riders, most notably seven-time AMA Superbike champion Mat Mladin, can be purchased by the general public. Each product is designed by riders for riders and function is never sacrificed for aesthetics. Keeping product development with Road Racers and Sport bike enthusiasts in house, they stay loyal to their dedicated followers who respect the quality and value of AGVSPORT gear and apparel.

The 2010 product line has had nothing but good review, which can be seen on the company’s blog site, most notably from trackdaymag.com regarding their Laguna suit. “Overall, the functionality of the AGV Sport suit was so good that when he switched back to his regular leathers later in the day, our tester immediately felt hot… This is one serious suit and the price is right in line with the cost of similar garments from other top brands.” The review goes on to say that the Laguna suit has immense functionality and comfort even after a tedious day at the track. It can be purchased through Motonation or found at one of AGVSPORT’s vendor displays on an upcoming weekend.

Moving forward this year AGVSPORT will have a display garage in the paddock at the 2010 Red Bull Indy MotoGP at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway the 27th to the 29th of August. In addition to the MotoGP, they will also be present at the New Jersey round of the AMA Pro Superbike Championship at New Jersey Motorsports Park the 3rd to the 5th of September. A full range of 2011 AGVSPORT products will be available at both events.

For more information please visit www.agvsport.com or email info@agvsport.com.

Toll free 800-777-7006

AGV Sports Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 547
Buckeystown, Maryland, 21717

Download or order a free 2011 catalog.

History & Mission Statement
The list of riders who have worn AGV Sport products at some point during their career reads like a Who’s Who of road racing – Randy Mamola, Loris Capirossi, Troy Bayliss, Kurtis Roberts, Steve Crevier, Ben Bostrom, Eric Bostrom, Thomas Stevens, Pascal Picotte, Roland Sands, Mike Hale, Randy Renfrow, Aaron Yates, and seven-time AMA Superbike Champion Mat Mladin. Unlike most other apparel manufacturers, the identical AGV Sport products worn by the professional riders can be purchased by the general public.

Each product is designed by riders for riders and function is never sacrificed for aesthetics. By keeping product development and design in house and using experienced riders, we are staying true to the dedicated following of advanced riders who respect the quality and value of performance driven products.

# # #
Click Here or on the image below to visit the AGVSPORT website.


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