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And let them ride off into the sunset as Champs!
Let's just pray that they don't play like they did in front of Homer Simpson's house today…
And let them ride off into the sunset as Champs!
Let's just pray that they don't play like they did in front of Homer Simpson's house today…
ESPN. The worldwide leader in sports….or is it something else, something dishonest, something false, something almost as fake as an E! television show.
Although I do enjoy watching my Top 10 from time to time…and those damn 30 for 30s are just too good to pass up, lately ESPN's news coverage has been a bit unbearable….in fact downright shameful.
It all started last fall with Les Miles and his "pending termination" from LSU.
For a good two weeks ESPN wouldn't shut up about LSU firing Les Miles, interviewing anyone they could find on campus to ask them their thoughts on the matter. Yes, of course, one of the best college football coaches in the land who has taken his team to 11 bowl games with a 7-4 record, a coach that weaseled his way into convincing the NCAA to share a BCS Championship with USC, a coach who has an overall winning record with 112 wins and 32 loses is going to get canned. Makes sense to me.
Hell the guy is environmental for god sakes, he actually drinks grass. Why would LSU get rid of this guy?
It was so over-publicized that for his last home game in Baton Rouge, his team literally carried him off the field (RUDY, RUDY), because ESPN successfully convinced them that this was the last time they would be playing for Les Miles.
ESPN fasho was front row and center for the post-game press conference for "The Announcement." Sorry Lebron, not this time.
And you think it couldn't get any worse? Introducing Super Bowl 50, Cam Newton vs. White America. I'm sure no one can exactly pin point who began this idiotic discussion, but I would definitely bet that ESPN had something to do with it. And why wouldn't they? Race is a hot enough topic that always ignites rapid fire op-eds and discussions in the news and beyond. Some would say that's just good journalism…..puke in my mouth.
"The Plight of the Black Quarterback," they are calling it. Cam Newton is making headlines not because he has led his team to their second Super Bowl or the fact that he is highly favored to win this year's MVP, but because of his celebratory antics and "fun" behavior on the field.
Unfortunately, the rules that apply to other star quarterbacks in the NFL don't seem to apply to Newton. And according to ESPN reports, he apparently knows exactly why.
"I'm an African-American quarterback that may scare a lot of people," Newton said frankly just days after winning the NFC Championship game. "[B]ecause they haven't seen nothing that they can compare me to."
Paging Russel Wilson……an African American Quarterback who actually has a Super Bowl ring honey, hold up.
Perhaps Cam Newton is the one who brought up the issue, but ESPN is having a fucking FIELD DAY, covering the story like white on rice….sorry bad choice of words there.
There is not much talk about Peyton Manning, no real talks about the point spread, only talks about Cam Newton and his race.
Linking his antics to his race is somewhat of a cowardly blow (YEAH CAM). However, it is not 'pathetic cowardice' that ESPN is worried about it. No, they need to hold the attention of their viewers at all costs, even if it means hosting an on-site poll asking fans to vote what they think of the issue.
Newton's "race" really isn't the issue to begin with. The only reason it is an issue is because ESPN is making it "THE ISSUE." The true issue, which the ESPN poll participants have so sensibly concluded, is his behavior. Nothing about his childish behavior is linked to the color of his skin. Nothing about his college antics of cheating on a number of final exams, stealing expensive electronics from students' dorm rooms, getting arrested in 2008 with charges of grand theft, burglary, and obstructing justice. And who can forget his father, Cecil Newton, seeking $120,000 to $180,000 for his son to sign with the Bulldogs out of junior college.
His past and present actions speak louder than race. In fact, they SCREAM.
By the way, someone should snatch that Heisman back…..
Bringing up race is never a good idea, unless you are running a news station I guess. I understand why ESPN is fixating on the issue, but I feel that sports is the one place where ACTIONS should speak louder than one's words or appearance. Only performance on (and off) the field should be judged. ESPN should know better.
I can't speak for everyone, but I don't think we are judging Cam Newton by his race. We are judging him strictly on his actions, both past and present. Yes, he loves to have fun on the field and wants everybody to recognize it. Fine, cool, go for it buddy. Just make the cheerleaders look bad why don't you.
But why ESPN…WHY must you focus on his race? This merely makes the rest of us look bad because by watching your programming (which is prtety inevitable if you are a sports fan), we are unconscionably placing this topic of concern in our own minds, putting the discussion in the forefront, ultimately undermining what we have worked so hard to achieve as a society, where race shouldn't the ultimate judgement. It's in the Constitution y'all!
Now I am truly scared to see what type of questions ESPN reporters will ask Newton after the Super Bowl, win or lose. "So Cam, do you feel any BLACK-ER winning/losing the Super Bowl….?"
The subject of women have recently been all the buzz in the sports world lately (and no, not exactly for athleticism….but by the way: Go Team USA)
Women have been popping up all over ESPN because men have been popping them in the face! And frankly, the overexposure has become a bit overwhelmingly nauseating.
High-powered athletes are getting caught taking a few swings at the females. So what else is new? The media has been covering domestic violence issues amongst athletes for as long as I can remember. So what makes is worse now?
Well for one, social media. No matter how much we can love social media for how it instantly connects us to the entire world, it would be naive to ignore the bad that comes with it. We want to know everything that is out there and we want to know it NOW! We are all like children eating up any news that we find entertaining and dramatic, and notable athletes beating up women on camera is something we can't get enough of. The same goes for those who do the actual reporting of the news as well.
Thanks to social media, we will always be in the"know" because we now can freely join in on the conversation without even being invited. #Rude
Dare I say that our actions have led me to believe that we unconsciously reward these miscreants? Yes, I do. Take for instance, De'andre Johnson, former quarterback of the Florida State Seminoles. Right after he clocked a female college student in the face at a bar and was promptly dismissed from the football team by Coach Jimbo, ABC's Good Morning America Sports scooped him up for a sit down interview within 1 week of the released footage. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but don't sit down interviews require some sort of compensation? Compensation for Mr. Johnson, and granted, his Mother!
Something isn't right there….
Same goes for Ranay Rice, Ray Rice's personal punching bag for one fleeting moment in an Atlantic City hotel elevator. That domestic dispute alone got more media coverage than the Super Bowl. I'm sure Ranay Rice was compensated for her in-person interview(s) as well. Believe me, there were multiple interviews.
I know, I know, these in-person interviews aren't all that bad. For one, they shed light on an important issue that needs to be discussed and dissected in order to mitigate any similar future misfortunes. And two, it gives women who may have been victims of domestic abuse a voice, a once ignored voice that many can and need to relate to.
But do we really need to give all of these convicted male athletes another platform to plead their case? Do we need to hear more of their excuses for hitting a woman? Don't get me wrong, female athletes can be guilty for the same actions. Just look at Hope Solo parading around the Women's World Cup like she is has never even touched a fly. Homegirl has three domestic violence incidents under her belt, with her being the Fight Club culprit! One of the very few situations where the double standard works to the advantage of women. Sigh.
I think we heard enough from males discussing the domestic mistakes they've made in the past. Good for them….but do we really need to see it, hear it? Can we, as viewers, even tell if these guys are telling the truth? By us merely watching their ESPN/Good Morning America TV spots on the domestic issues at hand inadvertently rewards these guys, listening to their forced apologies and considering absolution. We aren't directly rewarding them for their actions but we are subconsciously thanking them for entertaining us, and of course, giving television channels their precious ratings.
If compensation is actually accepted, then we clearly have our cultural priorities fucked up. If we wanted to preserve any dignity that is left in these assailants' souls, even their families, we as a society would let the armed forces deal with the legality of the situation (DUH!), but more importantly, we would merely walk away. Why pay attention to someone who doesn't deserve your attention, doesn't deserve your beloved ESPN watching? The only reason we are paying attention to these stories is because violence is so engrained in our American culture. What can I say, America don't take shit from no one.
We need to make a conscious effort to stop rewarding these guys. Paying more and more attention to these men is cowardice and shameful. We are cowardice ourselves if we give these guys the time of day. Go watch something more positive and constructive, like Animaniacs.
Let's stop rewarding these guys by giving them the pleasure of sitting down and explaining themselves. Who cares? You hit a woman. You are scum. Go away……
OR Rhonda might call you out.
The Resurrection is real people. And no, I am not talking about Easter. But if you put it that way, this may be an Easter of sorts….an Easter for one.
Tim Tebow is gracing the NFL with his holy presence yet again. I don't know about you, but frankly, I am quite excited about this revival.
Throwing the words "resurrection" and "revival" could be a bit of a stretch, but hey, who am I to hate on one of Jesus's football disciples? Granted Tebow never went to Notre Dame, but I am sure he has a poster of "Touchdown Jesus" pasted up on one of his walls next to his Florida Gator crucifix.
Just like Jesus, Tebow has seen and experience adversity in his days. The NFL maliciously swallowed and spit out Tebow 2 years ago, leaving him nothing except his unrelenting faith in GOD and in the good graces of the almighty SEC Network.
The comeback of Tebow is upon us and I couldn't be more excited. And to top it off, I couldn't think of a better city to open up their loving arms and embrace the God Squader like a brother than Philadelphia. Although the Philadelphia Eagles already have a so-called "quarterback," Tebow could be the perfect accessory to Chip Kelly's fast-paced offense.
Will Tebow get any action? Who the hell knows. He only signed a 1 year contract agreement. As a die-hard USC Trojan fan, you would think I would be rooting for the ladder. Don't get me wrong, I am fully pulling for Matty Barkley to dazzle the City of Brotherly Love with his cannon of an arm and Little Rascal smile. Also pulling for Mark Sanchez to fully recover from his butt fumble concussion and come to realize that retirement would be more of a favor to the entire sports world than just himself.
But you have to admit, there is just something about Tebow that is unrelentingly charming. Setting aside his "Don't Get an Abortion Because I Was Almost One" SuperBowl commercial, Tebow has a great attitude on his shoulders, a contiguously positive attitude that many could and should envy. Can't hate a guy for trying and trying and trying and trying to make his dreams come true.
Rooting against Tebow is like rooting for Moses to drown in the Red Sea or for Joseph to never find that Technicolor Dreamcoat. No…..that's just wrong.
And the best part of all? Tebow-ing will be making it's comeback with a vengeance…..in PRETZEL FORM.
The NFL Football Draft is almost upon us and the prospective picks are definitely the "buzz." But can we really take these meat heads seriously?
In fact, can we take any professional football analyst, NFL scouts or coaches seriously? Can we trust their judgement when it comes to selecting players who they deem worthy enough to take them to the Super Bowl promise land? It's important to remember that more than half of these analysts, scouts and coaches were former football meat heads themselves.
I love College Football, but honestly come NFL Draft season, I can't help but get a little discouraged. Not only do you feel for these players whose futures lie in the decrepit hands of 60-something men who are either geniuses or don't know what the hell they are doing, but you also can't help but get your hopes up. "Future of the Franchise" they will say!
If you are a football fan, you can easily count the number of NFL busts. Although the list may be plentiful, it is still soul crushing to recall the fact that these once great athletes are now either in jail, on weight watchers, making PURPLE DRANK, addicted to drugs, etc. It is the type of sad feeling that makes you evaluate and reflect on your own life and the choices you make along the way.
Hello, have you seen Moneyball…?!
What isn't sad is predicting the next upcoming NFL busts. Maybe because it has yet to happen or makes you feel like a Jedi Knight predicting the future, but the point is that these players' reality has yet to set in and the potential for them to "bust" is up in the air. Feelings of grief and sorrow may or may not occur. So hey, don't feel bad!
So here are my top 5 predictions for this year's potential NFL busts. The players on this list aren't necessarily newbies or rookies. Some are players who have played professionally for a few years and are on the verge of "busting." SO let the judging begin.
1. Jameis Winston
Jameis Winston seems like an obvious choice for the top pick in the 2015 draft. He not only led Florida State to an undefeated season and a national championship, but he won the Heisman Trophy behind some incredibly efficient numbers.
However, this past 2014 season? Not so much. With 21 touch downs and 17 interceptions this year despite an offense with a massive talent advantage, I highly doubt that he has the budding future of a franchise QB.
His long list of off-field antics is just embarrassing. His shameful behavior has caused many to doubt whether he is too much of a risk to consider a franchise quarterback. You have to admit, any 20-year who has the college football world at his feet is going to have some indiscretions under his belt. But steering clear of the "no duh" obvious, a professional man would exercise some civility. Yea, good luck with that Crab Boy.
2. Johnny Manziel
Oh Johnny. Where to begin….?
Short, Frail, Incompetent, Party Boy, Immature, Out of the Pocket Scrambler, Fugly…..these are just some of the words that accurately describe Johnny Football. Although he was an exciting player to watch at Texas A&M, he has barely seen any noteworthy action in the Pros.
For starters, he didn't make his first start until the season was all but lost. When he did start, let's just say that it didn't go so well. In total he has only thrown 175 yards with ZERO touchdowns. Go Team Hoyer.
All he has been actively demonstrating is his lack of respect. Although he may not look the part, he is definitely a Gronkowski "Meat Head" wannabe, partying it up every chance he gets (My apologies for sullying the name of "Gronk," the meat head actually has a Super Bowl Ring). Manziel's partying ways took him all the way to rehab prior to his upcoming 2nd NFL season, which could more or less be the stark realization that he may not be cut out for the NFL limelight.
Not exactly sure if one can surmise that he is not talented or dedicated enough for the game, but one thing is for certain, he is well on his way to becoming a bust.
3. Mark Sanchez
OMG, does this guy suck. I have to admit, I DO love saying that 🙂
Although he has played a number of years in the NFL, Sanchez has yet to experience any well-deserved credit for his less than stellar athletic ability. And who the hell would give it to him anyway?
In his four years as a starter for the Jets, he was historically bad at playing quarterback, a fact that didn't stop the Jets from signing him to a multi-million-dollar extension. Also, lest we never forget: the butt fumble. One of the most glorious moments in NFL history… well not if you are a Mark Sanchez fan.
The "Sanchise" quarterback is now the backup in Philadelphia, Nick Foles #2, another Pac-12 quarterback who didn't nearly experience similar success at Arizona University. My the tables have turned for Dirty Sanchez.
4. Colin Kaepernick
This may be a long shot, but Kaepernick's performance towards the end of the 2014 was anything but stellar. With the sudden departure of his winning head coach Jim Harbaugh, the expected trade of their powerhouse running back Frank Gore and locker room shenanigans erupting, Kaepernick's fate seems a bit muddled.
Sure he runs like a gazelle and has made a Super Bowl appearance, but without strength in leadership as well as support from his fellow teammates, Kaepernick may surely lose it. He can be just as disposable as his former mentor, Alex Smith.
However, I do have to acknowledge the fact that Kaepernick wasn't necessarily a top pick coming out of Nevada. Being drafted in the second round isn't bad at all. But when the label "NFL Bust" is flung around the locker room, it is assumed that the player in question was initially expected to perform at a high level before seeing any professional action. I am not sure if high expectations surrounded Kaepernick during the draft, nevertheless, his performance this last season along with the ambiguous future of the 49ers may mark the beginning of the end.
(Yea, you tell him Sherman)
5. Ray Rice vs. Adrian Peterson
The issue among these two players isn't based on their athletic ability. It's their off-field antics that may haunt them for the rest of their lives, so much so that they may not recover.
Both were caught in the act of beating one of their family members publicly, who were then dually reprimanded by the NFL, forcing them to leave the game in the 2014 season. Although Rice's actions erupted a mass attack on the NFL and their domestic abuse policy, Peterson's "debatable" actions also ignited an open commentary on corporal punishment. It was so serious that the NFL had to give up a precious Super Bowl commercial slot addressing domestic violence, losing millions and millions of dollars, money which could have been allocated towards something that benefits everyone, like beer.
Public perception has the keen ability (and perhaps burden) to either positively or negatively effect an individuals' appearance and character. Despite evidence to the contrary, that perception can be everything, especially in this digital age where information is at everyone's fingertips in an instant.
This wouldn't be your feel good come back story of the season folks. Rice and Peterson did some not so nice things and people will not let them easily forget, score a few touchdowns and collect their checks. Public opinion may never let these athletes recover.
Despite the setback, I am certain that both Rice and Peterson will return to the NFL. Whether they return triumphantly is highly questionable.
Visit this site now: http://simplymeasured.com/
Hover over the logo on the top left hand corner.
You will thank me later.
(Go Seahawks!)


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On a warm spring day at 10,200 feet, we decided to head lower and maximize the temps. We drove to a BLM campground just outside of Salida, Colorado, on the Arkansas River. We drank suds around the fire, grilled meat and vegetables, and talked about everything and nothing at once. The next morning, the fish didn't bite. But it was OK. We sat in the sun and let its rays warm our skin. Then we drove home to the snow and the rest of the ski season.
Photo by Devon O'Neil

subset: commoncrawl


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Hello everyone! My friend Jen (from Jen's Polish Wonderland) is a holo freak so it only seemed natural for her to guest post for me this week. Jen is very sweet and takes great pics, plus she has a LOT more holos that I do!! You should definitely check out her blog and follow her!! :-) I was planning on saving her post for a few more days but I was so busy today I didn't have time to do my nails! Eek! So we shall stare at Jen's gorgeous nails with Speciallita HITS Zeus...
Hello everyone! I was so excited when Ashley asked me to join holo week! She knows I cannot resist a holo! I decided to bring you Zeus from the Brazilian brand, Speciallita Hits. Zeus is a beautiful smokey charcoal holo. I used 3 coats and 1 coat of Poshe for the photos below. I cannot wait to see this in natural sunlight, it is going to be stunning! The holographic effect under artificial lighting is amazing!!!
I purchased this from the lovely Leah Ann! You can check out her site here. Be sure to check out her facebook page too!
I purchased this from the lovely Leah Ann! You can check out her site here. Be sure to check out her facebook page too!
Thank you so much for checking out my guest post! Are you enjoying holo week as much as I am!?


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Hello my lovelies!
Long time no see! I have missed blogging! Apologies for the lack of posts but being a student can also mean hardly any time for hobbies due to exams, essays, performances.. It's been a super busy term! However, my final bit of coursework was handed in the other day and I now have a bit more free time!
Today's post is based on mine and Chris's amazing experience to Brighton for his birthday which I treated him to :) this is a post I could not wait to write about as I just love talking about what an amazing time we had!
Ice cream on the beach
Beating Chris at air hockey!
Cheeky 'Sex on the lucky beach' cocktail on Chris's birthday
Our hotel
The weather could not have been better, it's what made our stay so amazing!
I also treated Chris to the Warner Bros Studio Tour which was another amazing experience! Overall I think Chris had a great birthday and I know I would love to do it all over again! We said that we would definitely want to go back to the same hotel & try to request the same room as the view was phenomenal to wake up to!
Have you been to Brighton before?
- 03:34
- 0 Comments


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What is a Checking Account?
A checking account is a bank account that allows easy access to the funds in your bank account. Also called a transactional account, it's the account that you will use to pay your bills and make most of your financial transactions.
If you have a checking account you can access your money by writing a check, setting up an automatic transfer or using your debit card. These transactions are debits to your account, while a credit is a deposit. Money that you put in a checking account usually won't stay there for long, since it's where your everyday spending, bills, and other debits occur.
What Are the Differences Between a Checking and Savings Account?
Most checking accounts do not have rules about the number of transactions you can complete each month, while a savings account may limit the number of withdrawals you can make from an ATM or in person. There are also limits on the amount of transfers you are allowed from savings to checking accounts.
Generally, you can't make payments directly from a savings account, due to a federal law called Regulation D that limits certain withdrawals. Though it's fairly easy to spend money in your checking account via taking money out of an ATM, writing a check, using your debit card, or paying for something electronically. If you're looking for an account for your spending money, a checking account is a good option.
Choosing the Right Checking Account
You will find that most banks offer many options for checking accounts. You should carefully consider the features you need when choosing your checking account.
Pay particular attention to the minimum balance requirements, and be sure you can maintain them. You do not want to end up with a minimum balance that you cannot maintain and end up owing the bank money each month.
Some accounts also limit the number of checks or debit transactions you can have a month. Others limit the number of bill pay transactions. You should be aware of these limits and be sure they work for your spending style. If the numbers seem too restrictive, consider moving your account elsewhere.
Additionally, you should consider the monthly service fee and overdraft fees for each of the accounts. Credit unions often offer lower fees. Also, keep in mind that many banks have monthly service fees if you have an automatic deposit or meet a minimum number of monthly transactions. However, fee-free checking accounts do exist.
Opening a Checking Account
Once you have found a checking account that meets your needs, the next step is to open the account. When you go to the bank to open your new checking account, you will need to provide your Social Security number and a valid form of identification.
Most banks will not open a checking account for a minor, so if you are younger than 18 years old, you will need a co-signer on the account. When you open up a checking account the bank will also run a quick background credit check. If you have been reported to ChexSystems or a similar company you will not be allowed to open an account until you clear that up, as the bank won't risk losing money on you. (Can't open a checking account? You have other options.)
Using a Checking Account
When you first open your checking account you will need to keep a running balance in order to track the amount that you have in your account. This will prevent you from overdrawing your account. Remember, the balance you receive at the ATM or see online may not be the most recent balance, because not all the charges may have cleared your account yet. This is why it is essential to keep track of your transactions on your own. If you're not a pen-and-paper kind of person, online budgeting and money software can help you do this.
Additionally, it is very important to balance your account each month, as this will help you to catch any errors that you or the bank have made such as deposits to the wrong account or unauthorized transactions. Keep in mind that sometimes your funds may not be immediately available, it is important to understand your bank's policy about making your deposits available.
Understand Your Overdraft Options
You should also find out about any overdraft protection that your bank may offer. Some banks or credit unions will allow you to link another account to the funds and will transfer money over to cover you when you go into the negative. Other banks will link a line of credit to your checking account and will transfer money into your account to cover you. Others will allow you to overdraw up to a certain limit and then begin returning checks.
If you are prone to overdrafting your accounts, you should educate yourself on the best overdraft protection offered by your bank, as well as the fees that go along with it.
Protecting Your Money
A checking account is insured by the FDIC for up to $250,000. However, if you have that much money, you are likely better off to put the majority into a savings account or another type of investment tool.
Your checking account should really only contain the funds that you need for your daily transactions during the month. Though some banks do offer interest-bearing checking accounts, the rates are usually lower than a savings account. Also, if your checkbook or debit card is stolen, it is important to report it immediately. The bank can put stop payments on your account and prevent you from losing a large amount of money.
Updated by Rachel Morgan Cautero.


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The website of local watchdog Utility Consumers' Action Network (UCAN) has a photo of executive director Michael Shames. Underneath, it says that Shames "serves as an expert witness and attorney on behalf of UCAN." (Italics mine.)
Groups such as San Diego's watchdog network frequently participate in hearings before the California Public Utilities Commission. The commission approves payments of "intervenor compensation" to these participants. In 2009, for just one example, UCAN filed for "attorney fees" for Michael Shames — $330 an hour for a total of $49,500.
A whistleblower on Shames's staff filed a complaint with the utilities commission, noting that Shames wrongfully calls himself a lawyer. The complainant cited numerous instances in which both UCAN and the utilities commission referred to Shames as an attorney, and other times when Shames put "Esq." after his name. (According to USLegal, Inc. "Esq." is a title used by lawyers in the United States.)
Records of the State Bar of California show that Shames was admitted to the bar in 1983 but has been inactive since 1988. The state utilities commission dismissed the complaint, noting that a person does not have to be a lawyer to participate in hearings, but there are serious questions about Shames's nonlawyer status under bar rules and state law.
"If [Shames] calls himself an attorney and is not, this is an issue that has to be resolved," says a person who has been near the top of the UCAN hierarchy for a number of years. Internally, "This has been a subject of quite a bit of discussion; I don't know how he got himself in that position."
This is one of several reasons why the board of the Utility Consumers' Action Network hired a San Diego attorney, Paul Dostart, to look into whistleblower allegations against Shames, who cofounded the organization in 1983 when he was a law student. Dostart, an expert in nonprofit organizations, was a natural pick to do the investigation. Among many things, he has been chair of the California Bar Tax Exempt Organizations Committee.
On June 8, Dostart submitted a report on the various charges against Shames to Kendall Squires, president of the action network's four-person board. (Squires would not return my calls.)
Dostart's report is not a rip-snorter, but it does raise some serious points for the board to consider. Since San Diego's action network is considering a merger with San Francisco's utility watchdog operation, Dostart's findings may play a key role in the future of the local organization. (The report is marked "confidential and privileged," and Dostart can neither confirm nor deny its existence. However, after doing some interviews, I concluded that it is completely legitimate.)
Full disclosure: I have always been an avid supporter of UCAN and have worked closely with Shames. Thus, I was surprised when he initially suggested that the report I asked him about might be a hoax. Later, he said it was a preliminary report, although Dostart says at the investigation's end that "The delivery of this report concludes our work" other than appearances before the board and audit committee. He has talked at length to the board.
Although the state utilities commission rejected the complaint about Shames not being a lawyer, Dostart points out that under state law, "No person shall practice law in California unless the person is an active member of the State Bar," and a person advertising or holding himself or herself out as a practicing attorney who is not a member of the State Bar is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail.
"So where did I practice law?" responded Shames to my question on the matter. However, Dostart in the report said that while it is clear that nonattorneys can participate in state utilities commission hearings, "It is not crystal clear whether a person who has been licensed as an attorney by the State Bar of California is eligible to hold inactive status while [participating in commission hearings]." Dostart is not certain that the utilities commission accurately stated California law in turning down the complaint.
Concluded Dostart, "Our recommendation is that Shames should style himself as an 'advocate' or 'representative' rather than an 'attorney' on papers filed with the [utilities commission]."
Another allegation Dostart tackled was Shames's practice of taking 10 percent of the intervenor fees. I was shocked on learning this and so was the person close to the top of UCAN whom I spoke with. Last year, Shames received $202,208.36 in wages, and $87,708.44 of that came from the 10 percent he took off the top of intervenor fees. His wages were reported to the Internal Revenue Service, and the practice is not illegal, reported Dostart.
However, Dostart could find only one reference to the 10 percent fees in board meetings — one on February 7, 2008. Dostart reviewed minutes of board meetings from 1999 through 2010 and found no mention of specific 10 percent bonuses to Shames.
"This is actually dead wrong," said Shames. "The bonuses were revealed to the board every single year and even included in the budgets that the board approved annually. I find it hard to believe that Dostart actually said this." Dostart hedged and said it's possible that the board monitored those payments to Shames, but that "cannot be determined from the minutes."
My source high up in the organization said he had never heard of the 10 percent bonuses until he read the Dostart report. I was stunned because I had always thought Shames made only around $70,000 a year.
The Internal Revenue Service formerly took the position that percentage compensation would result in revocation of a charity's tax exemption but no longer feels that way. However, under California law, the board is required to approve every change in a charity's chief executive officer's compensation.
"We recommend that UCAN procure a compensation study for the compensation package paid to...Michael Shames," concluded the Dostart study.
There are other whistleblower charges that Dostart addressed, but Shames's misidentification of himself as a lawyer and his 10 percent bonuses appear to be the main ones.
The report doesn't touch on other matters that insiders complain of: complete disorganization, Machiavellian personnel relationships, Shames's domination of the board, and the question of whether the utilities commission, the watchdog groups, and the utilities have a cozy relationship that rapes ratepayers. Those considerations will probably come later. ■
More from SDReader
- More stories by Don Bauder
- SDG&E decries Michael Shames's attempt to get fees — Feb. 25, 2014
- San Diego Gas & Electric rates are nation's highest — April 24, 2013
- Does new UCAN board want reform? — Jan. 2, 2013
- UCAN: Misspelled Accounts Add Up — Oct. 17, 2012
- Consumer advocates UCAN and its woes — Dec. 3, 1987
"While Inactive, you are still a member of the State Bar and entitled to all of the benefits of membership, except you are not eligible to practice law in California or vote in the Board of Governors' election."
While I agree I'm surprised by this revelation, especially by a person whose whole career has been advocating for others. I too was very surprised to read about the level of his compensation. It seems greed has once again clouded good judgement and common sense, causing controversy and tarnishing the reputation of the individual and organization to say the very least.
It also can't be about fees and the continuing education time requirements.
...Under the Bar rules, members on voluntary Inactive status do not have to accumulate MCLE hours during the period of time that they are on Inactive status, and they are not required to report compliance to the State Bar.
I'm just wondering, what's his side of this story?
As the column stated, Shames says that in appearing before the CPUC, he doesn't have to be a member of the State Bar. The CPUC agrees. His quote was, "So where did I practice law?" He cited the CPUC decision. I got no quote on state law or bar rules. Best, Don Bauder
While I agree I'm surprised by this revelation, especially by a person whose whole career has been advocating for others. I too was very surprised to read about the level of his compensation. It seems greed has once again clouded good judgement and common sense, causing controversy and tarnishing the reputation of the individual and organization to say the very least.
Shames has done NOTHING wrong nor illegal.
He was NOT "attorney of record" for anyone- nor did he hold himself out to be. He is a licensed attorney in good standing and as such he can file for active status at ANYTIME.
This was the exact same argument made against Jerry Clown when he was elected AG of CA. That he was not eligible b/c he was "not an attorney" for the 5 years before his election (his license was on "inactive" status) therefore he could not be AG.
Guess what-BIG SURPRISE, the bar and everyone else said Clown WAS an attorney-an attorney on inactive status, and as we all know Clown become AG of CA.
Presdient Obama resigned from the IL Bar, he is therfore NOT an attorney. He is NOT on inactive status but resigned. That makes a difference.
The column clearly states that the CPUC is not troubled that Shames is not an attorney. However, on Shames's own documents, he claims to be an attorney. The same is true with CPUC document; Shames gets intervenor fees and is listed as an attorney. The report by Dostart, who knows more about charitable organizations than anybody in San Diego, I would guess, says that the CPUC may not have adequately taken state law into consideration in its judgment. I don't think Shames has done anything illegal in this matter; however, I do think it is wrong to keep calling himself an attorney. Best, Don Bauder
However, on Shames's own documents, he claims to be an attorney. The same is true with CPUC document; Shames gets intervenor fees and is listed as an attorney
He IS an attorney, but inactive. Being inactive does not make him a non-attorney. Unless he is claiming to be representing someone, anyone, which he is not then he is free to refer to himself in this manner. / / I do think it is wrong to keep calling himself an attorney. ============== I disagree. Perfectly reasonable.
Let me ask you this Don, if a Doctor stops practicing medicine and goes into another profession, is it wrong to still refer to him as a doctor???? Of course not. He will always be a doctor, whether he is practicing medicine or not. Same with Shames. He is a lawyer, always will be, even if he is not doing it for a living.
Would you like to be on the operating table when the head surgeon introduces himself as Dr. SurfPuppy? Then y find out that he was a doctor for only half a year and has been a shoe salesman for 25 years? Best, Don Bauder
Peddling "Hush Puppies"? I often wonder why ex-politicians are addressed by their former title(s), especially when they abdicate, á la that Quitterqueen from Alaska.
I too have worked closely with Michael and often admired his advocacy, but I must say I was shocked to learn he is not a practicing attorney. If you do a Google search for "attorney Michael Shames" (in quotes) it is clear he has been portrayed as an active attorney and certainly is making lawyer wages as we see in PUC documents stating such things as "UCAN seeks an hourly rate of $310 for attorney Michael Shames, for work performed in 2005 and 2006. For 2005 work, we previously approved a rate of $300 for Shames and adopt that rate here. For 2006 work, the $310 rate for Shames is consistent with the guidelines in D.07-01-009, and adopted here."
UCAN has been Michael's baby since about 1985 and we often see in non-profits thatjust as with for-profits, the board is selected by and beholden to the founder/chief executive and rubber stamps proposals and passes budgets with little detail. I worked for a chamber of commerce where a top official had his car allowance cut by the board, but just buried it into another budget category and they never knew it (under his "leadership" the chamber almost went broke).
Incidents like these led me to long ago conclude that "non-profits" can be very profitable for the people who work there although the public (and donors) still have the notion that employees of non-profits are making a sacrifice for the public good. At the executive director level, that is frequently not the case, although I will say that there is often a big contrast between executive compensation and the regular worker bees at non-profits. I am sure some of those who've toiled for little or nothing on behalf of UCAN have been as shocked as the rest of us.
At this point the board needs to take control, set up clear compensation policies and report itself to the PUC and others who have been led to believe that Shames was an active attorney. There my be no penalties for that, but UCAN was certainly remiss in not correcting the PUC, journalists and others who for so many years have used the phrase "attorney Michael Shames."
Michael, you've done good work, now it's time to be as honest and forthcoming as you expect the PUC and utilities to be.
Incidents like these led me to long ago conclude that "non-profits" can be very profitable for the people who work there although the public (and donors) still have the notion that employees of non-profits are making a sacrifice for the public good.
Are you kidding me, "non-profits" are one of the bigest scams going.
The NFL is a "non-profit". The Red Cross is a "non-profit", the same San Diego Red Cross who had their CEO pulling down a $400K comp package a few years back.
The United Way where KFC Sanders was CEO and pulling down a HUGE comp package is a "non-profit". Most Universities are "non-profits" where the faculty and admin are comped several hundred grand per year......
There is no question that there are multiple abuses in so-called "non-profits." Best, Don Bauder
The morale at UCAN is abysmal and has been for a couple of years. Best, Don Bauder
The morale at UCAN is abysmal and has been for a couple of years.
No kidding, they hired that convicted felon City Councilman at what $250K per year, while everyone else works there for peansuts, $25K or less-that might get people's moral down????????
Was it Zuchett they hired at $250K-the one in that stripper scandal??? I don't recall.
I don't recall anyone in the stripper scandal being hired, but it's possible. Let's say this: there have been some strange hires, and that's one reason for the poor morale. Best, Don Bauder
I Googled this-it was Zucchet. Zucchet served as a San Diego city council member from November 2002 to July 2005.
Zucchet worked at the Utility Consumers' Action Network (UCAN) as a Project Manager in 2006. He was making a cash salary of $225 or $250K as I recall-it was OUTRAGEOUS!!!! Z
ucchet became acting Mayor after Dick Murphy resigned July 15, 2005. But three days later, he too resigned after he was convicted in U.S. District Court of one count of conspiracy, five counts of wire fraud and three counts of extortion. This was in connection with a scheme involving fellow City Councilman Ralph Inzunza to get the city's "no touch" laws at strip clubs repealed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Zucchet .
I remember interviewing with UCAN when I graduated from college, and they were paying essentially minimum wage for a college graduate. I think it would have been a very cool job, but the pay was a joke, a 100% deal killer. So when I hear stories like Zucchet-who was a convicted felon- I really am glad I stayed away from them.
As I recall, the judge threw out most of the Zucchet convictions. He was to be retried on two counts, but eventually those charges were dropped, too. He now heads the union for municipal employees. He was with UCAN at one point. Best, Don Bauder
I recall reading in City Beat a few months ago that it was Sol Price who helped Zucchet get his position at UCAN. Essentially, he made a "donation" to them providing most of the funding for his position. According to the City Beat article, the day he resigned, Sol Price called and asked him what he needed. Zucchet said he needed a job and help with legal bills. The two men met that afternoon, and Price laid out for Zucchet how he was going to fund a new position at the nonprofit organization of Zucchet's choosing
One should not allow oneself to become distracted by minutiae, nor should one fail to apply timely corrective action before a total blow-up.
I have often wondered, however without any solid evidence, whether UCAN might be largely cosmetic. One direct experience (not with Shames but with one of the higher-ups--perhaps a rung under him?) did little to shore up my confidence in UCAN or in NGO's in general. I offered to assist with a matter of immediate concern (or so the publicity stated), but was brushed off, even though I had something to offer that UCAN didn't have.
What U CAN do is send money. This does not make you a "member." To me "member" ALWAYS means PARTICIPATING member. Boards are self-perpetuating in most so-called "non-profits," and member participation is inconsistent with their maintaining absolute power.
I have let my "membership" expire in ALL of the non-profits in which I had "member" status. One time I was a paid consultant to a major national non-profit and had my contract cancelled because "they" didn't like a Op-Ed piece I wrote. Unfortunately, it was published by the New York Times and was picked up off the wire by several dailies, resulting in very wide dissemination. The resulting losses were in the high five-figures. Being a "member" too, I had received "information" from the organization that I considered outright lies. What we have here, is a "profession" of "admin" types who specialize in non-profits and other lobbying groups who are not driven by the "good deeds" that are supposed to be carried out by the NPO's. Governmental organizations operate in much the same way. I think "you have to be there" to understand just how pervasive this habit is.
As the column states, there are some who believe that UCAN is a charade. SDGE wants a 10% rate increase. It asks for 15%, Shames protests, and it gets knocked back to 12%. Then UCAN gets a big intervenor fee, of which Shames takes 10% off the top. SDGE is delighted; it gets more than it wanted. Some believe the whole thing is a big orchestrated dance. I have not necessarily believed that, but it is worth looking into, certainly. Best, Don Bauder
Evidence, evidence, evidence.
Keep up the good work, Don.
If UCAN is a diversionary display window, a well-placed brick might be in order?
Come now. No violence. Or threat thereof. Best, Don Bauder
Note the "if" (and the "brick" should, of course, be figurative, not literal, nor made of straw-men).
That's better. Best, Don Bauder
Re: Bob_Hudson 10:10 a.m., Jul 27, 2011
". . . At this point the board needs to take control, set up clear compensation policies and report itself to the PUC and others . . ."
Regardless of facts, this board and all other boards of such self-perpetuating perpetuators perpetrating misleading hyperbole, whether by commission or omission, intentional or not, upon members and the public "needs" to RESIGN, calling for elections among the membership, AND, they "need" to maintain crystal-clear transparency by the ultimate in openness in every way. I should not have to mention that this includes ALL financial information in detail and consistent adherence to the organization's charter, all of which should be provided to all members and prospective members, whether or not they ask for it.
"Self-perpetuating perpetrators" -- San Diego in a nutshell. Best, Don Bauder
The concept behind UCAN was a strong one--SDGE was running roughshod and amok with its arrogance and isolation from the local population. So, an advocate for the ratepayers would provide a counterbalance to unbridled SDGE rapacity. Too often these non-profits end up hijacked by a power structure that is mostly involved in increasing its own compensation. That is what has happened here. UCAN is all about Shames filling his pockets for a few years and then bailing out. I sent small contributions to UCAN a few times, several years ago. Those stopped about the time that UCAN got into commentary about gasoline prices (not involving a public utility at all) and a couple other local costs-of-living. It would be good for all consumers to be very skeptical about the value, effectiveness and overall honesty of many of these advocacy groups. Too many are not doing what they claim to do but are just living the life of Riley and neglecting their mission.
I hope your analysis is not correct but I am looking into it. A lot of people fear this is exactly what happened at UCAN. Best, Don Bauder
Totally a smear job. This piece is sad.
1st of all, the way lawyer's fees work is pretty universal - the organization (usually a partnership) makes the hourly rate and the lawyer gets a salary and a bonus if they are hard workers (or lucky, or are sleeping with a partner), usually that bonus is based on them taking more than a set number of billable hours a year and frequently is known up front by all parties. That's how you get to be a partner anyway.
2nd, UCAN charged the amount for Shames that a non-lawyer expert is allowed to charge if they have more than 13 years of experience, which dude obviously has if he's been doing this since the mid 80s (some of that time as a lawyer, too). If you want to suggest there was fraud, where's the harm? He's charging no more than a non-lawyer would be making (less, in fact, than he even could be under the rules) and the entity he's representing (which he runs right?) surely knows he's not providing them legal counsel (which you would never hire your director for anyway).
Even if dude is a jerk and the organization eats babies you're better off writing about that than what you wrote about. A little research might actually help too, unless that would be too "journalismy"
here's their IRS filing. 2009: ~$1.3 million in revenue, around the same in salaries and professional fees. http://foundationcenter.org/findfunders/990finder/
here's the PUC info on compensation rates (for a legislatively mandated program): http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PUBLISHED/FINAL_RESOLUTION/132649.htm
average (of 5000) non-profit CEO salary is $150K, with low ones in places like montana and winston-salem (none from San Diego):
and a whole corner of the internet devoted to the subject on CEO compensation for non-profits:
"Journalismy?" I won't charge you with specious coinage. Actually, you would be surprised to know how much research went into this piece -- a couple of years worth. On the surface, it didn't appear to be there. There is much more to this story. Best, Don Bauder
It's a shames that we live in such a cartoon-world . . . or IS it?
What would we do without cartoons to satirize our world? Best, Don Bauder
Don's "article" is a disturbing demonstration of the decline of investigative journalism. It is riddled with factual inaccuracies and, most importantly, only one side of the story. Here's the inside scoop: I offered to sit down with and spend "as long as he needed" today (Friday) discussing every and all aspects of UCAN with him. "No holds barred", I offered. Don rejected my offer and insisted he needed to meet last week because of his self-imposed deadline to get the story out yesterday. When I explained to him that I was in the midst of week-long hearings in San Francisco, in which I'm trying to get the regulators to deny SDG&E a $39 million increase he seemed to feel that his story was more important than those hearings.
If he had sat down with me today, as I had offered, he would have learned a couple of essential facts that never made it into his story. He spends an awful lot of time talking about the Dostart report. Turns out, the version of the Dostart report that he had in his possession was an early draft whose facts had not been verified and, in fact, are wrong. It was wrong about my salary and bonuses. It was wrong in that it left out the fact that ALL the attorneys at UCAN get the same 10% bonus and have been working under that arrangement for over 15 years. And it had been approved by the UCAN Board numerous times.
He seized on a year in which I received $202,000 in salary and bonus. That was the year in which I received a 10% bonus on a case that dragged on for three years and in which UCAN received over $1,000,000 in reimbursed costs and fees. In that same case, UCAN was cited by regulators as having presented essential evidence that got the Sunrise Powerlink moved out of Anza-Borrego State Park and in which we were credited for having submitted a redesign of SDG&E's transmission operations that results in 10s of millions of dollars in operational savings. Did Don check to see the compensation for other non-profit attorneys with 25-years experience who also served as the executive directors of those organization? Of course not.
There are actually a number of other "facts" in Don's piece which are either wrong or inflated. But had Don really been so interested in getting the facts right, he might have tried to find out why I had chosen to be an inactive member of the Bar. (check out http://articles.latimes.com/1987-01-22/news/mn-405_1_state-bar) Or what steps I took to make sure that I didn't fall afoul of State Bar rules. For example, did I seek compensation rates at the level that licensed attorneys charge? It is all in public records, but Don didn't bother checking that out. Or, if he did, he declined to mention it in his story.
Michael Shames
Due to space limits, I have had to divide my response into two comments.....
For all of Don's bluster about whether I was misleading the CPUC by "masquerading" as a licensed attorney (which I wasn't) he hasn't identified who was harmed? Clearly, the CPUC wasn't misled. How about the public? Did he find someone who said "I'd never have given money to UCAN if I knew that Mr. Shames had become an inactive member of the State Bar." And would that same public member have disagreed that when I went inactive it was as a protest against the rampant mismanagement of that very controversial regulatory entity back in the 80s? Not likely. In fact, at the time I did it, I was lauded for "walking the walk" and sending an important message to the State Bar.
The reality is that Don wants to try to paint UCAN as a mismanaged, out-of-control non-profit. He alludes to there being only four Board members, yet doesn't mention that there were eight members up until March of this year, when a UCAN employee threatened to personally sue the volunteer UCAN Board members. Four of them chose not to expose themselves to that kind of litigation exposure and I don't blame them. For what Board members get paid (nothing), who needs that aggravation and legal exposure? I'm hugely impressed with the Board members who stayed and chose to fight purely on principle.
Nor does Don point out WHO is making these accusations about UCAN and what are their motivations. Would it matter if they were employees who had been terminated from their jobs because of non-performance? He mentions that the Dostart report didn't address a number of other management controversies -- none of which are documented or supported. Nor did he look into the cause of "complete disorganization" to which he alludes in his closing paragraph. For one, it is totally untrue. And second, any internal discord stems from my announcement to staff and others back in 2010 that I was no longer going to serve as Executive Director of UCAN after the end of the 2011 SDG&E General Rate Case. An internal staff battle for control of the organization and its significant assets ensued. Of course, Don didn't bother mentioning any of that. And all because he needed to get his story out under his timeline and his convenience.
So welcome, San Diego Reader customers, to convenient journalism where we get whatever facts are conveniently available and that can be made to sound salacious and scandalous, even if no such scandal exists. Apparently, the problem isn't isolated to Rupert Murdoch-owned news outlets. Then again, did his News Corporation buy the San Diego Reader when we weren't looking? Perhaps Don could investigate that as well.
Michael Shames
The reality is that Don wants to try to paint UCAN as a mismanaged, out-of-control non-profit.
Paying Zucchet $250K, or whatever it was, while everyone else gets close to minimum wage is a pretty good indication of mismanagement to me (and out of control as to the $250K salary).
That's only one example. Best, Don Bauder
I stand by every word of the Shames article. I think it was quite fair to Shames. It appears he is unaware of the depth of unhappiness within his own organization. This unhappiness is based on sound reasons. Best, Don Bauder
MS: Why not take a few deep breaths, then cite, one by one, the exact quotes from Bauder's piece that you consider inaccurate, then refute them with facts and evidence?
Fascinating! I await Mr. Bauder's response.
My response to Shames's answer is above. I was out of town and didn't get to it until today (July 31). Best, Don Bauder
I have been very disappointed in Mr. Shames' seeming lack of support for those who report health effects from San Diego Gas & Electric's pulsed radiation-emitting smart meters (now on every building including your home). He has insisted on peer-reviewed studies to prove the smart meters were causing harm, even when the meters were "sprung" on an unsuspecting public just in the past year, without any safety testing. My question, never answered adequately, was, "why, Mr. Shames, do you support the smart grid and smart meters without peer reviewed studies to show they were safe ahead of time, but when thousands report illness (like sleeping problems, headaches, dizziness, seizures, etc.) you want peer-reviewed studies to prove it is from the meters?" (As if we could order them up ourselves.) The only other entities who conduct themselves like this are the utilities and I thought UCAN should be more concerned about the sick customers. To his credit, he did file a UCAN Application to have CPUC require SDG&E to allow customers who didn't want smart meters for any reason, to be able to opt-out. This was important. I just wish that people reporting illness from the dangerous radiation-emitting meters would have been treated better. I am sick from my meter and called and wrote UCAN and felt very badly after the interchange. And yes, the website said he was an attorney, I remember that. But today it doesn't. Maybe it should have said "inactive attorney". Lastly, I wonder if this attack on Mr. Shames might have come because he has confronted SDG&E with the opt-out application...? Visit www.smartmeterdangers.org for more info on smart meters and health problems. EVERYONE needs to learn about that and help get these dangerous wireless meters off our homes.
The question about salary might be - is it commensurate with other nonprofit directors' salaries? Bonuses sound unprofessional to me, personally. But a commensurate salary sounds appropriate.
The question about salary might be - is it commensurate with other nonprofit directors' salaries
No, it has nothing to do with what anyone else was making.
If Zuchett was pulling down $250K while the grunts on the front linex, the employees doing the REAL WORK and are only getting $20K-$25K, then you have problems.
Zuchett was connected in. He was paid 10 times what the hardcore frontline workers were receiving.
That is all you need to know-IMO- to know mismanagement there was rampant.
Yours is a good point, SP. Other similar examples may enter this part of the discussion. Best, Don Bauder
Of course, to know whether Shames's take-home money is commensurate with that of chief executives in similar organizations (such as TURN) one would have to be sure that he/she knew Shames's total take-home pay, from whatever source. The same would be true of the organizations whose CEO pay is being compared with Shames's. Best, Don Bauder
You raise an interesting point. Best, Don Bauder
"Smart Meters May Cause Cancer and Autism", according to a well known European scientist, Andrew Goldsworthy, PhD, past scientific advisor to European Space Agency on the biological effects of non-ionizing radiation. A huge related issue which is not being looked at enough by UCAN are the dangerous utility smart meters that SDG&E has put on our homes and workplaces - pulsed radiofrequency radiation in high bursts, pouring through your home at the speed of light, every 75 seconds (84,000 times a day) at levels associated with serious biological and health effects, including cancer. Do we need this just so SDG&E can make billions off gouging us during peak hours and laying off their meter readers? Yet, UCAN is gung ho over the smart grid and has been, for years. Not doing their homework. Not really supporting the utility customers as they said they were. Rude to me when I brought forth this VERY important issue that risks the health and lives of millions. I take issue with this and invite Don Bauder to do an investigative story on this - in addition to the last one in April, 2011. That one scratched the surface. www.smartmeterdangers.org. Join Southern Californians Against Smart Meters at www.electrosmogprevention.org. Email me at [email protected] if you have smart meter problems or concerns. Mr. Shames, what say you on this topic, here, publicly?
Want to see what sick people who have been harmed by smart meters have to endure from UCAN?????:
Read the conversation about smart meters including Michael's comments on http://www.ucan.org/forum/forums/energy/sdg_e_disputes/billing_dispute.
and also Health Effects of Smart Meters -- Overstated & Underproven Posted April 7th, 2011 by michael
"UCAN News
An increasing number of SDG&E customers are raising concerns about smart meters' impacts upon their health. The non-ionizing radiation emitted from smart meters has become an increasingly polarizing issue. A few customers view the meters as deadly ray-emitters polluting their homes. While others couldn't care less. We care. We care enough to say that, so far, there's no compelling evidence that smart meters being installed in San Diego pose a real and present danger to any customers. And here's why.
We've reviewed a lot of the literature out in the public domain. Most useful is the report titled "Health Impacts of Radio Frequency from Smart Meters", authored by the California Council on Science and Technology. ...BLAH BLAH
Some VALID, INDEPEDENT sources: Daniel Hirsch, Radiation Expert: Smart Meters Worse Than Cell Phones – Two Orders of Magnitude http://www.smartmeterdangers.org/index.php/ten-things-you-should-know-about-wireless-smart-meters/85-smart-meters-worse
Cindy Sage: SIGNIFICANT SMART METER HEALTH RISKS AT 1 TO 6 FEET http://www.smartmeterdangers.org/index.php/smart-meter-research/82-sage-smart-meter-report-addendum
Dr. Olle Johansson: http://www.smartmeterdangers.org/index.php/position-statements/163-johanssoncpucletter
Obviously, this deserves more discussion and investigation. Best, Don Bauder
ConcernedCitizen, I have no opinion on smart meters either way. But I would suggest that invoking the name of a "well known European scientist" whose Doctorate is in Botany and most of whose work has been related to the effects of electrical and electromagnetic fields on plants, might not be wisest choice. He also wrote this: "There are now a vast number of publications linking exposure to electromagnetic fields to various biological effects, at almost all levels of evolution, including man. In humans, they range from effects on brain function to the promotion of cancer and (amongst other things) have given cause for concern about the health effects of using mobile phones and various domestic appliances. However, there is as yet no proven explanation for the mechanism."
The cell phone controversy seems to be dominating public colloquy on the topic. Best, Don Bauder
As far as I know, my column on SDG&E's smart meters about two years ago was the first printed. At the time, the SDG&E flack was extremely suspicious and reluctant to respond. I attributed that to the fact that she considers anybody who challenges the downtown establishment -- particularly me -- as a menace to society. The more I ponder it, however, the more I think that SDG&E might have been aware of the possible radiation dangers. Frankly, I wasn't even aware of them at the time. Best, Don Bauder
"Leave Mike alone". As far as I am concerned this article is a political hit job. Nothing more than a "swift boat add". Focus on real violations like those perpetrated on the public by SDG&E and its sub contractors with the wireless smart meters and grid. Civil rights, constitutional rights, Disability rights and Consumer rights have been violated by the utility in implementing this unpopular and stealthly installed "wireless smart grid and wireless smart meters"
I think the Reader does a very good job exposing anti-social policies of SDGE. Best, Don Bauder
Don Bauder has done a bang-up job of pointing out the abuses and attitudes of SDGE for a long time. To the degree he could get past his "censors" back in his U-T days, he did the same. In case anyone thinks he's doing a hit job on Shames on behalf of the utility, let me assure you that such is definitely, emphatically, not the case!
Just about the last institution I would protect is SDGE. Its rapacity is harming San Diego. Best, Don Bauder
Don is always true to his journalistic self...of that u can be sure
he's one helluva guy!
Leave it to Nan to step up on behalf of an investigative journalist. Best, Don Bauder
Don't let this issue die. If Shames doesn't respond on point, his credibility will be zero.
There are other points to be considered on this subject. Best, Don Bauder


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From the desk of Victor Pride
Monday, June 3, 2013
Location: Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Monday morning, friends.
The best day of the week. If I could make everyday Monday I would.
Hell, I spent my weekend shooting an AK-47 at coconuts and throwing grenades into the lake in Cambodia and I'm still ready as hell for Monday.
I like to play around on the weekend like everybody else, but Monday is always business as usual here at the Thunderdome.
A couple little tricks to not hating Monday include:
- Not having a job.
- Kicking ass on the weekend instead of "lounging" or "chilling".
Ask Bob in accounting what he did over the weekend.
"Hey Bob, how was the weekend?"
"Oh, hey Tony. Yeah, it was pretty good I guess. The wife and I got caught up on our netflix rentals, then we went to the home improvement store and she spent all my money haha. The weekend sure does go by quick, don't it!"
I haven't actually had a conversation like that in years and, uh, personally I'd prefer to die than go back to living the 9-5 office life.
But I don't have to choose death, see I'm so doggone smart I've figured out the secret.
Do you want to hear it? Work for yourself instead of working for other people.
Now I've exposed the secret to freedom. Stop making someone else rich and do it for yourself.
But! Don't just do anything. Do the smart thing.
I had a conversation with a hotel owner here in Cambodia. We got to talking about profit. The guy makes $1,000-$1,200 per month. I tried to keep a poker face, "uh huh, I see" but I was a little shocked at how measly his investment was paying off.
He had put in about $60,000 to remodel the place and now he's living on peanuts. I didn't have the heart to tell him that Bold and Determined was less than a $30 investment for me and currently gives me over $6,000 per month in return.
And I don't have to sit in a damn hotel all day, worrying about occupancy rates, worrying about my Cambo employee's embezzling, worrying about the damn second coming of Pol Pot dragging me down to S-21, worrying about this and that and every little thing.
So much stress for so little reward and I want no part of it.
I'm too modern and enlightened for that. I want minimum risk for maximum reward.
What I want is freedom, and I'll buy it with money.
Sitting in an office all day making your corporate shareholders rich isn't freedom, being tied to a location isn't freedom, but making money wherever you go and whatever you do, well, that's freedom in my humble opinion.
Once you figure out how to get dollars into your bank account without asking your boss for a raise you have a very special piece of knowledge.
The knowledge that if you did it once you can do it again and again and again and again and again.
I've done it twice in my life in two polar opposite fields.
If the heavens start to rain on me and for some reason Bold and Determined let's me down, hell, I'll just do it again and again and again and again and again.
It starts over again every single Monday.
There's always another chance to make it right.
-Victor Pride


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In the legal system, evidence is an item or statement that helps to prove or disprove a person's guilt. For example, a crime scene might show a discharged bullet casing, a bloody foot print, and a hair follicle. These three things are evidence, but they do not prove as a fact that the person in question shot the gun, stepped in the blood, and lost a hair follicle during the crime. The three piece of evidence do not talk; they just exist and must be interpreted based on the other evidences (and a crafty lawyer). Evidence may strongly imply something, such as the accused criminal being at the scene of the crime, but it still not clear and convincing proof.
Let's apply this to the topic of Evolution and Creationism. If a dinosaur bone is found, one can look at it and identify it as a femur belonging to a Triceratops. You cannot tell how the animal died, what it's skin looked like, or how old the bone is (see the article on radiometric dating flaws). Your evidence is only a bone. Your interpretation of the evidence is based on your worldview. If you believe in the Theory of Evolution, then you will conclude that the dinosaur died out about 65 million years ago (according to current scientific beliefs). If you believe in the Bible, then you will understand that the dinosaur was created on Day 6 during the Creation Week, and the dinosaur most likely died during the catastrophic flood that buried all living things in sedimentary rock, which then turned the dead animals and plants into fossils.


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Nearly 90% of today's consumers use the internet to shop for a car, spending an average of 17 hours online visiting dozens of websites during the research process.
It's challenging for dealers to break through the digital clutter to drive serious car buyers to their websites and, ultimately, their showrooms. And with dealership visits down to roughly one from four over the past few years, it has never been more important to reach and engage with low-funnel, in-market car buyers.
Plenty of attention is paid to digital advertising spend and, in particular, search engine marketing, and there is little doubt having a search presence is critically important to a dealer's marketing efforts. But to really optimize your efforts to drive sales, it's important to understand the behaviors of consumers as they travel through the purchase path so that you reach and engage with them at the right place and at the right stage of consideration—and drive them to the right pages of your website for maximum conversion.
When consumers start the purchase process, they use traditional search to consider multiple makes and models. As they continue along the internet path to purchase, they narrow their choices by going to research sites.
At the critical stage of finalizing their purchase sits vertical search, such as a publisher site or vertical search engine, where consumers find the specific inventory they're looking for before visiting a showroom. And this is where a dealer needs to be.
Just as having a vertical search presence is important, it is equally important to have targeted content to drive engagement. The best offers target content by the exact make and model of interest, plus the consumer's geographic location, for maximum conversion.
This in-market traffic is delivered directly to the dealer's website, typically at a much lower price point than traditional search. When it comes to increased high-quality web traffic at lower cost, you can see why paid-search solutions such as these are growing increasingly popular among dealers and agencies alike.
The entire vertical search process culminates with the dealer website visit, which makes the pages to which you drive traffic a critical consideration. Although plenty has been written about the benefits of deep-linking to a VDP page, for example, we advise against it.
Maybe a customer wants to see a range of vehicles in your pre-owned inventory, versus the black sedan to which you directed them. Instead, direct car buyers to more general areas of your website, such as a vehicle search results page where a broader range of models is featured.
And although getting increased volumes of high-quality traffic to your website is great, don't neglect the user experience once consumers get there. Conversions depend on the tools you provide to get car buyers to stop researching and visit your dealership.
- The following are important questions to ask when evaluating your website's tools:
- Do you offer a texting solution backed by a lead management system that assists with compliance?
- Do you offer virtual showroom technology to co-browse key areas of your website with your customers?
- Do you offer shop-by-payment tools?
- Have you implemented instant retargeting technology? It's important to engage with a consumer immediately versus chasing a lead.
You've invested thousands of dollars in your website, but it's only as good as the traffic that lands there—and the conversion tools you offer—to turn website visits into showroom visits. After all, that's really what it's about.
Mindy Howe is senior director of strategic accounts for Autobytel Inc., offering the industry a full suite of high-quality lead products and advertising services, including the AutoWeb paid search solution, TextShield, SaleMove, Payment Pro, and WebLeads+. For more information, text or call (248) 842-3101, or email [email protected]. For more dealer training, tips, advice, and news, visit dealer.autobytel.com.
Latest posts by Mindy Howe
- How to Understand the Behavior of Consumers Throughout the Purchase Path - February 15, 2017
- 5 Ways Data-Driven Video Triggers Dealership Marketing Success - December 19, 2016
- 4 Digital Advertising Best Practices - February 19, 2016


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Beauty and appearance is an important aspect in the society especially for women, and that is why the demand for skilled beautician and professional cosmetologists continue to increase from time to time. Everyone wants to look beautiful and pleasing with their outside appearance because it gives confidence, style, and personality. A beautician exists to offer different kinds of services and treatments to clients and provide amazing enhancements to their looks.
The Job Description of a Beautician
The tasks of a beautician involve a wide vary of beauty services that only he or she can provide after they went through professional training. A beautician identifies the needs and desires of the clients and provides the best and appropriate treatments available. The beauty treatments include face and skin care, nails, and hair body treatments. Beauticians also provide facial massages, eyebrow threading, manicures or pedicures, and skin treatments. Advanced treatments such as permanent makeup, electrolysis and laser therapy are available whenever the client wants to. They sell a variety of products to their clients to purchase related to cosmetic or skin treatments as well as hair styling. A beautician is trained in several areas but mostly practice only one specialty*.
Needed Education and Requirements to Qualify as a Beautician
For a person to qualify as a beautician, he or she must be able to attain training in public or private occupational school where they take a full-time course that generally takes six to twelve months. The training covers bacteriology, hygiene, cosmetic chemistry, marketing techniques and interpersonal skills. Although there are evening courses available, it will take a long time for a person to finish the training and be officially recognized as a beautician. There are states that require beauticians to have license but mostly, a high diploma with a complete formal training on state licensed institution is already enough**.
Job Opportunities for a Beautician
Since the demand for beauticians has tremendously increased and grows fast every year, the job opportunities for them aren't limited. Eventually, the demand is expected to grow in the future which is why being a beautician is one of the most sought after job in the world. Those who had a wide range of expertise and services, however, tend to be hired faster than those who only have little knowledge and less mastery on beauty treatments. On the other hand, there's no need for you to wait just to be hired as a beautician to a certain salon; a lot of people today prefer putting up their own salon to manage and work on. Beauticians may also be seen in barbershops, department store's makeup aisles, unisex superstores, holiday resorts, hotels and spas***.
Are you ready to pursue your beauty career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our beauty degree finder at the top of this page. ↑
*For more information, please visit: http://www.ehow.com/about_5384750_beautician-job-description.html
**For more information, please visit: http://www.wisegeek.com/how-do-i-become-a-beautician.htm
***For more information, please visit: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairdressers-and-cosmetologists.htm#tab-6


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Added to Wishlist
- The Enchanted – Rene Denfield. This seems to be a mix of magical realism and horror, and sounds like it might be beautiful.
- Join – Steve Toutonghi. A sci-fi novel about shared consciousness and everything that that concept means. I like my sci-fi with a side of philosophy.
- Bird Box – Josh Malerman. This was recommended to me on my Instagram account, and it sounds like a fantastic mash-up of the horror and post-apocalyptic genres. The UK cover isn't as strong as some of the international editions, sadly.
- The Rook – Daniel O'Malley. Urban fantasy meets Memento, by the looks of it, which sounds awesome!
- London Falling – Paul Cornell. Technically, this isn't on my wishlist as I found it in a library sale a few days after adding it to my Goodreads 'to be read' list. I still haven't read it though, so it still sort of counts…
- Drown – Esther Dalseno. A twisted take on The Little Mermaid. Yes, please.
Articles of Note
- Title and Cover Design for Neil Gaiman's American Gods. I love behind-the-scenes articles like this.
- HBO Chief Somehow Unprepared to Face Questions About Sexualised Violence on Shows. Apparently, so long as a couple of guys get stabbed, rape is a-okay.
- Interview: Becky Chambers on The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet and Creating Welcoming Sci-Fi. Some good background on The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet but not nearly enough information on the sequel!
- 10 Memories You'll Have If You Were Obsessed With The Babysitters Club Growing Up. I get the feeling that the author of this article didn't actually read The Babysitters Club books, but I still have all the feelings reading this.
- Eowyn Ivey's Favourite Books About Mythical Adventure. I loved The Snow Child, and I'm really looking forward to To The Bright Edge Of The World, so it's interesting to see the type of thing that Ivey recommends.
Bookmarked Recipes
- Blue Cheese Stuffed Portobello Burgers with Grilled Corn and Crispy Shallots. So many good things in one burger!
- Caramac Fudge. There are not nearly enough Caramac recipes in the world.
- Philly Cheesesteak Mac N' Cheese. There are probably enough macaroni cheese recipes in the world, but I'm always happy to add another to my collection.
- Gooseberry Tart from Swallows and Amazons. I have to say, I'm not the biggest fan of Swallows and Amazons. I actually quite fancy rereading it to see if I like it any better now than I did 15 years ago, but with so many books in the world who knows if that'll ever happen? Anyway, I love gooseberries, so it's all good 😉
- Toblerone Brownies. Ah-mazing.
Watching: Private Practice
I recently rewatched the most recent season of Grey's Anatomy, and I remembered reading somewhere that the character of Amelia Shepherd had first been introduced in Private Practice. Now, I gave up on Private Practice after its first season aired, but I like having mindless TV on in the background while I cook, so I thought I'd revisit it. I'm currently at the start of season four and I have to ask – how did this programme last for six seasons? Seriously, how?? It seems like a version of adult life that teenage girls would come up with. Grey's Anatomy is unashamed in its obvious manipulation of your feelings, but Private Practice is ridiculous. It's just full-on drama, all the time. Addison's in love! With this guy! No! With that guy! Wait, she's a cheater! And she wants a baby! She hasn't had sex for, like, six weeks! Her life is over! It's okay, here's another guy! Plus, it seems that, with the exception of Dell who doesn't really count, bad things only ever happen to the women, which makes me a bit judgemental about where the writers are coming from. And let's not forget that we got this instead of a show with Jeffrey Dean Morgan… I'm not gonna lie to you, I'm almost certain that I'm going to watch until the last episode but I'll be thinking 'what the hell??' the whole time. (I love Charlotte though. She is easily my favourite, and I want her to be in pretty much every TV programme ever.)


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Discovery and Planning
Pixentia's discovery and planning process is the first step in your people analytics project. Understanding your organization's analytics goals, available data streams, and in-house resources are just some of elements that go into the practical and pragmatic recommendations you'll get from Pixentia's analytics consultants. Our work includes:
Analytics platform selection, encompassing RFP planning, vendor evaluation, and tools to help you chose the right platform for your organization.
Smart project planning that captures every step of implementation, mobilizes the people, resources, and third-party vendors involved in your project, and sets clear expectations for project outcomes and costs.
Data mapping, capture, and cleansing that can inform project plans and assure smooth integration of organizational information into the analytics platform.
Business cases, project justifications and ROI valuations that demonstrate how your people analytics project will strengthen human capital management and improve the bottom line.