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As horrible as this off-season has been for Indians fans as we feel like that kid looking out of the window at recess time, watching everyone else have so much fun while we sit quietly away from all of the action, let's attempt to gain some perspective again, if only to combat the pervasive "the Indians are on the cusp of walking through the desert for another 40 years" rhetoric that has become accepted as fact locally and (at least when they mention the Tribe) nationally. Is it depressing to see three of the four other AL Central teams making prudent, high-upside deals as the Twins retain Pavano and Thome (at reasonable numbers and years) while adding a middle-infield import that should upgrade their team, as decimated as their bullpen has been with departures? Of course, just like it's painful to acknowledge the fact that the White Sox and Kenny Williams put on their annual rabbit-out-of-the-hat off-season, signing Adam Dunn to the deal that I think most will look back on as the best deal of the off-season, retaining Paul Konerko, replacing Fat Bobby Jenks with Jesse Crain, and keeping what looks like the best rotation in the AL Central intact and potentially healthy? As much fun as it is to think about everything that could go wrong in Motown (with their perpetual "we'll think about tomorrow some other time" contracts), even the Royals overcame their initial stumble out of the gates (with Francouer and Melky) to add some rotational fodder in Francis and Chen to deals that I wouldn't have minded seeing the Indians taking on? Even going outside of the AL Central, news that the Rockies signed Joe Crede to a Minor League deal has Tribe fans wondering why Jack Hannahan will be in Goodyear this Spring and not Crede, given the nature of both signing Minor League deals. Forget that I spend some days convinced that Jack Hannahan is going to be the 3B out of Spring Training because everyone else who is a candidate there feels like a square peg/round hole situation. There's plenty of time to get to that though as the season approaches and once the season starts and begins to flesh out as the performances of Francis and Chen will be on display in our division and the paths that Crede and Hannahan take in 2011 will be obvious once April begins. For now, let's get into a Lazy One as I don my little green visor (Google tells me it is a "green eyeshade") and pull out my leather-bound ledger to get off on some Tribe talk and run some numbers and attempt to provide some context for those numbers.
The reason that numbers and calculators come up coincides with the big news of the week of the arbitration signings and how they, in effect, set the 2011 payroll somewhere around $46M or so, and I'll use the $46,413,000 that the IPI salary chart lists. As I pull my hair out, let me just shreik "OH THE HUMANITY!"...am I doing this right? Kidding aside and thinly-veiled shots at the "DOLANZ R CHEEP" crowd out of the way, take a deeper look at that link to IPI and check the salaries by year for the Tribe, with the last decade looking like this, with the inclusion of 2000 being important because it represents the first full year of Dolan ownership, but also because the 2000 payroll it was the highest payroll in Indians' history…until the next year, when the Dolans would once again preside over the highest payroll in Tribe history. For your enjoyment, here's an interesting link to an announcement of the sale in November of 1999, full of tidbits that I just don't remember. Nevertheless, here's the payroll by year: 2011: $46,416,000 2010: $61,453,967 2009: $81,579,166 2008: $78,970,066 2007: $61,673,267 2006: $56,031,500 2005: $41,502,500 2004: $34,319,300 2003: $48,584,834 2002: $78,909,499 2001: $93,360,000 2000: $76,500,000 If you want to go back further, you can see that the shining beacon of Cleveland baseball, Mr. Dick Jacobs, presided over a payroll of $8,236,166 in 1992, which was less than half of the 4th lowest payroll of the Orioles. Seriously, check this list out... Of course, that 1992 team had guys like Albert Belle, Carlos Baerga, Kenny Lofton, Sandy Alomar, Jr., Jim Thome, Charles Nagy, and Jose Mesa on the team that would finish 76-86 and still reek of unrealized potential and with the team's highest paid players being Felix Fermin ($950K) and Joel Skinner ($700K)...no, really. But wasn't that the "Original Plan" back in the mid-1990s...to assemble a massive amount of young talent, allow the wheat (Thome, Belle, etc.) to separate from the chaff (Glenallen, Whiten, Jack Armstrong, etc.) and sign the players that distinguished themselves to long-term deals? The payrolls increased slowly (1993 - $15.72M, third lowest in MLB for a team that would go 76-86 again; 1994 - $28.49M, 10th lowest in MLB in strike-shortened season and so on) as the players that the Indians identified as "core" players accumulated service time and were paid at higher rates (usually with long-term deals that gave them up-front money while buying out FA years) as the years progressed. As much as everyone remembers the Indians of the late-1990s, with John Hart wheeling and dealing and the Indians being major players on the FA market (thanks to the revenue stream provided by a new ballpark), the way that the Renaissance of baseball in Cleveland started was the accumulation of young near-MLB-ready alent and the identification of certain players as a "core" to build around. As I remember, it worked out pretty well from those humble beginnings, essentially rescuing baseball in Cleveland and setting the stage for the "Golden Age" of the franchise. Not to continue to bore you with history as I'm sure you're aware of all of this, stay with me here and take a look at what happened after the Indians started anew in the early-to-mid-2000s, after the roster had been purged and the majority of high priced "talent" found themselves elsewhere. Remember that whole idea that the optimistic view of the 2011 season would be to duplicate the performance of the 2004 team (80-82), with certain young players stepping forward with significant production? Well, since most of the criticism of the Indians is that their roster consists of veteran question marks, a couple of players who are underpaid (by virtue of service time) and league-minimum fodder, check this:2004 payroll - $34,319,300 Here's the list of players on that 2004 team that DIDN'T simply make the league minimum: Matt Lawton - $7.25M Omar Vizquel - $6.25M Bob Wickman - $6M CC Sabathia - $2.7M Ronnie Belliard - $1.1M David Riske - $1.025M Jake Westbrook - $925K Lou Merloni - $560K Scott Elarton - $480K Tim Laker - $450K Every other player on the team made $352K or less, including Hafner, Victor, Clifton Phifer and Blake. What about the following year, for the team that won 93 games?2005 payroll - $41,502,500 Again, here is the list of players on the 2005 team that made more than the league minimum: Kevin Millwood - $7M CC Sabathia - $5.25M Arthur Rhodes - $3.7M Aaron Boone - $3M Jake Westbrook - $2.9M Bob Wickman - $2.75M Ronnie Belliard - $2.5M Casey Blake - $2.25M Jose Hernandez - $1.8M David Riske - $1.425M Alex Cora - $1.3M Bob Howry - $900K Scott Elarton - $850K Victor Martinez - $700K Juan Gonzalez - $600K Scott Sauerbeck - $500K As a quick aside here, do you notice where a lot of the money is spent on that 2005 team – in an attempt to construct a bullpen because of a lack of internal options? There is $9.25M on that list being paid to relievers (only one of which was "homegrown" in Riske), meaning that 22% of the payroll was tied up in 4 relievers as the Indians attempted to cobble together a bullpen, perhaps providing a glimpse at what would be the Achilles' heel of the team for the next few years...if not 2005 specifically. To that end (and I know I've hit on this before as have others), the Indians certainly seem to be putting much more of an emphasis on that "homegrown" bullpen, with Jordan Bastian hitting on a couple of relevant names with some great information in this piece that lends some credence to the idea that a lesson was at least learned in terms of bullpen construction in the mid-2000s to what we see today. Nevertheless, back to that 2005 payroll, realize that (again) Hafner and Lee find themselves below the names on list above, now joined by Sizemore and Peralta, among others on that 2005 team as players being paid league minimum on a 93-win team that had a $41.5M payroll. What was that 2011 payroll looking like...$46M or so? Compare the lists above to the one provided by Bastian of players on the 2011 Indians that will be pulling in paychecks above league minimum:2011 payroll - $46,416,000 Again, these are the players that will be paid salaries higher than the league minimum: Travis Hafner - $13M Grady Sizemore - $7.5M Fausto Carmona - $6.1M Shin-Soo Choo - $3.975M Chris Perez - $2.225M Asdrubal Cabrera - $2.025M Rafael Perez - $1.33M Austin Kearns - $1.3M Joe Smith - $870,000 Jensen Lewis - $650,000 Anyone else notice that the number here (10) is the same number on the 2004 team that was paid above league-minimum salary? Probably not, but I think you understand where this is attempting to go in providing some context with the last two "rebuilding" processes that the Indians undertook at the beginning of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2000s. While the success of those two rebuilds is public record (and the sustenance of the rebuilds is the main separator, though not the only one), so is the salaries associated with the players that keyed those rebuilds and the manner in which the team built a team from the bottom up. Whether what we're currently experiencing is going to replicate the "success" (as lasting or as fleeting as that may be) will be ultimately be determined by the talent on hand or just beneath the surface. Ultimately, it's on the young minimum-salary players to prove that they're "core" players just like those linchpins of the 1990s did and the way that the players that we just said goodbye to did in the mid-2000s. Around the diamond and on the mound, the Indians seem to have options that have shown enough talent to be highly considered – and just recently Chisenhall was named the 2nd highest rated 3B in MiLB, with Kipnis being ranked as the 4th highest rated 2B in MiLB and thank goodness because the situations at those positions are horrifying, made worse with the news last week that the Indians are considering moving Donald to 3B and made somewhat palatable when Andrew Humphries at LGT invoked every vaudeville comedy act (well, at least two of them) possible to point out the absurdity of both situations, evolving as they may be – but whether all of this potential is realized or not will determine how far the Indians move towards contention. Ultimately, talent will determine if this team finds its way back to success, not payroll and there are certainly question marks up and down the roster as it pertains to future success, with Anthony Castrovince providing a nice synopsis of the area of biggest question - the starting rotation, putting a bow on where the Indians have failed (which of course, played a huge role in a lack of sustainability after 2007) and where the Indians almost have to succeed to be close to contention. With that talent however, the situation really isn't different from 1993 or 2004 as the group, as it stands right now, doesn't look to have too many departing FA or pending FA in the next couple of years. Yes, Sizemore's guaranteed years are up after this year (and I'll get to him) but the rest of these guys are locked in for at least the next three years. As much gripping as everyone does about Choo being a FA, isn't it odd that everyone sees Hafner as a guy who will be around forever...but that both he and Choo are under club control for the exact amount of years, through 2013? Going further than that and keeping it associated with payroll, as IPI's handy-dandy chart tells us, the only addition to the arbitration crowd (Choo, Perezes, Cabrera) next year will be Justin Masterson and guys like Carlos Santana and Carlos Carrasco won't even be eligible for arbitration until after the 2013 season, so the "fixed costs" for a lot of these players (much of them being league-minimum) are known more than a couple of years into the future. Given the Modus Operandi for this team in the past, wouldn't you think that once some of these guys establish themselves as potential "core" players for the next team's incarnation into (hopefully) contention, that long-term deals get bandied about? Don't forget that back in January of 2005, the Indians gave a 31-year-old Casey Blake a 2-year deal worth $5.4M with a club option for 2007 ($3.75M) that bought out his 2nd year of arbitration eligibility in an attempt to lock down known salaries for even the stop-gap guys when they felt that Blake was able to help them as a complementary player to what was then their burgeoning "core". Who among the current Indians (either in Cleveland or below) is going to constitute that "core" going forward? That's the big question that will be answered by as little questions find answers but in the process of finding those answers (big and small), the Indians shouldn't be adding to their payroll simply for the sake of having a higher number because they shouldn't be spending on the band-aids that aren't going to help this team get to the level of competence where contention looks plausible. To flesh this idea out, consider Kansas City GM Dayton Moore's comments after the news that Gil Meche would be retiring because of shoulder problems, essentially giving up the $12.5M that was guaranteed to him (yeah, seriously) as Moore said that the Royals would not be spending that "found" money, explaining the rationale thusly:"Our plan is not going to change with regards to the young players we have on the horizon. We aren't going to do anything with long-term contracts that will restrict their transition to the majors. I don't see a lot out there that's better than what we have or will potentially have in 2011 or 2012." This is not the first time that I've mentioned this coming out of Kansas City (who just locked up Billy Butler in a 4-year deal that will pay him $30M AND buys out a FA year) and realizing that praising the Royals for anything is opening myself up to criticism, but doesn't that sound like a more cogent and logical explanation than what the Indians have been spouting? By the way, the Royals' payroll figures to be about $40M in 2011 as they wait on their young players to emerge from the Minors to potentially form a "core" of their own, something that has been missing in KC for far too long... Regardless and back to the corner of corner of Carnegie and Ontario, perhaps the financial climate has irrevocably changed for the Indians and we are witnessing the beginning of what could has been termed the "spiral of death" by some, but depending upon what happens in 2011, I wouldn't be at all surprised if the Indians approached Cabrera, C. Perez, and Masterson regarding some deals that might buy out their FA years past 2013 and past 2014. To be honest, I wouldn't be all that surprised if the Indians picked up Sizemore's 2012 player option and attempted to add on some years to his deal if Sizemore shows any kind of resemblance to his former self as that would not be without precedent for the Indians, who did exactly that with CC Sabathia in 2005. In case you don't remember that CC situation, with a $7M club option for the 2006 remaining, the team guaranteed that option prior to the 2005 season, adding two more years on the deal for $17.5M additional in 2007 ($8.75M) and 2008 ($9M) with incentives tied into those two extra years. If Sizemore shows anything to start the season, the Indians could pick up that club option that represents a higher number (the club option is for $9M) than Grady would conceivably get on the open market, given his recent injury history. In exchange for that guarantee of $9M in 2011 (and remember, we're talking about Grady showing something to justify this), the Indians could ask for Sizemore to add a couple of years to his deal just as they did with Sabathia, though they'd likely ask for a discounted rate due to Sizemore's injury history of the past few years. Earlier in the week, Grady showed up on some radars as Buster Olney had a nice, little fluff piece on Sizemore recovering from his knee injury, relaying all of the "it's difficult to watch these guys play" and "I can't wait to be out there again" quotes that litter any comeback piece. While the focus of the piece was supposed to be highlighting Sizemore's comeback, much of the attention was paid to the following paragraph from the piece:If Sizemore comes back and is a star again, a whole lot of logical questions will follow: Because Sizemore's current contract has a 2012 option for $8.5 million, would it make sense for the Indians to pick up the option? Would it make sense for them to trade him, in their effort to rebuild their pitching? Since Buster Olney has apparently been using Jim Ingraham as a resource for Indians-related material, let's revisit this proviso in Grady's contract that if he's traded during this season, his club option for 2012 (which was bumped to $9M because of incentives previously reached, not the $8.5M that Olney references) becomes a player option, meaning that if a team acquired Sizemore during the 2011 season, the decision to exercise his 2012 would fall to Sizemore. This is interesting in two ways, largely dependent upon Sizemore's performance as if Grady shows some promise but is light-years away from being his former self and the Indians trade him, Sizemore could survey the FA landscape (for about a second) and exercise the $9M option that his new team would be on the hook for. Conversely, if Grady somehow turns back into the player whose rank in WAR from 2005 to 2008 was 17th (2005), 3rd (2006), 17th (2007), and 8th (2008) in all of MLB, he could decline the $9M option with the idea that he would earn more on the open market as a FA. Regardless of how the Sizemore situation plays out over the course of the year, he still represents what the Indians have done and what they are likely to replicate over the next few seasons. Sizemore's presence on the list of players from the previous incarnation of the Indians that remains on the Indians' payroll still is the reminder of what kind of players the Indians target, the risks they do assume after they put a particular player in their crosshairs (remember that they gave him a 6-year deal after playing just one full season in MLB…and read this for some "WOW" moments and quotes with the benefit of hindsight), and the manner in which they are likely to build this next group of players into a contender. As much attention is paid to total payroll and FA inactivity this off-season, retention of in-house talent once they prove to be worthy of long-term deals (or extra years) is where the Indians are likely to spend money at any point in the near future and the parsing of the group of players to find that next "core" figures to be on display on the field in 2011…and hopefully beyond.


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In this blog I am addressing the second of the 'Ten Key Issues on (Development) Communication' that states that there is a sharp and profound difference about a good everyday communicator and a professional communicator. I apologize to those of you who have this distinction clear in your minds and find this an obvious point. Unfortunately, many, too many, managers and decision makers in development institutions do not always seem to understand the difference between the two.
I have heard many times the sentence 'He/she is a good communicator', a seemingly positive statement. However it is a statement that can be rather frustrating when used interchangeably to denote a person skillful in presenting ideas and points of view and a person with a professional expertise in the field of communication. An individual's skills and effectiveness in delivering a speech, defending an argument or persuading the public about the validity of what was presented should not be automatically assumed to mean that that person has skills and competencies in the field of communication. On more than one occasion I have seen brilliant speech writers being assigned to design complex communication strategies in the development context. On other occasions I have seen individuals with some background in journalism or individuals with an effective 'ars oratoria' being assigned to design and manage complex communication programs, and often with less than satisfactory results. After all, many dictators were excellent speakers and had outstanding communication skills, but would they be up to the task if asked to design and lead a communication for development intervention?
Of course, there is nothing wrong with experimenting, but there is something intrinsically wrong when communication strategies designed to improve people's lives fail to achieve the intended results due to lack of skills and expertise by the communication specialist. To avoid this ambiguity, Luis Ramiro Beltran, one of the most renowned Latin American communication scholars, suggested that we rename the communication specialist as 'communicologist', highlighting the specific set of knowledge, competencies, skills and, I dare to say, attitude that s/he should possess.
First of all, s/he should have a deeper knowledge of the theoretical body of knowledge on communication and its various branches such as political communication, mass communications, communication research, participatory communication and all the rest. Secondly, to be able to apply communication effectively in all sorts of situations the communicologist should be familiar with the basic principles of a number of other disciplines, namely anthropology, ethnography, sociology, political economy, adult education and participatory approaches. Thirdly, the communicologist would need to be familiar with the development field and the project cycle, in order to conduct assessments and develop strategy that from their inceptions use communication to engage stakeholders and define objectives, thus making the planning and implementation more effective and sustainable.
Finally, the communicologist should have the right attitude, one of the rarest commodities to be found in many specialists. S/he should be ready and willing to listen, listen and then listen again, before even trying to understand, assess and propose solutions. S/he should have a high degree of empathy towards the stakeholders groups involved in the process of change. S/he should be willing to use two-way communication to build trust, achieve mutual understanding, mediate and seek consensus on issues that need to be improved.
When working in governance, it is even more important than the communicologist appreciates the socio-cultural context, understands the political structures and institutions of the country and that s/he has basic skills in negotiation and mediation in addition to the most traditional communication skills. There is no doubt that every human being, just by being raised in a complex social environment, is a capable communicator, but there can also be little doubt, that to be a professional communicator, or communicologist, implies more than just expressing one owns ideas effectively!
Photo Credit: Flickr user DailyPic
The point raised by Paolo is
Please recommend
Hi Daniel,
Hi Daniel,
I recommend The God Effect —Brian Clegg
Brian discusses quantum mechanics and entanglement theory for laypersons; its implications when applied to interpersonal communication are mind boggling.
and, The Intention Experiment —Lynne McTaggart.
Lynne describes dozens of remarkable experiments having to do with intention as a communication variable.
Dear Daniel, I am glad to
Thanks for sharing this post.
AMAZING! That was exactely
AMAZING! That was exactely what I was looking for when I typed my research about "Communicologist". It is unacceptable for me to be called as a communicator if I studied as much as I did to become a professional communicator, then hell yes! A COMMUNICOLOGIST!

subset: commoncrawl


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So get out the butter and put away the sugar, we're going to make apple butter, real apple butter, the "slow food" approach to homemade apple butter. In this recipe, the apple butter is naturally sweetened with apple cider, dotted with a little butter for richness and spends a long (loooong!) time in the oven or in a slow cooker.
So yes, this apple cider is "sugar free" – or better put, has "no added sugar" and "no sugar substitutes" like Splenda and the like. It's just gorgeous, very apple-y, what apple butter is "supposed to taste like" – I hope you love it!
My two burning questions about apple butter.
First, why doesn't apple butter call for – um, well, you know – butter? My recipe does, just a touch, which gives this lovely butterscotch-colored apple sauce, an unctuous mouth feel. After several hours in the oven at low temperature, it's so smooth, so creamy, it's on the verge of something akin to custard, albeit it egg-free, cream-free and sugar-free.
Second, why do apple butter recipes include, without fail, cups and cups and cups of sugar, which turns already-sweet apples into, well, just a sugar-sweet apple mess?
So get out the butter and put away the sugar. We're making apple butter, real old-fashioned apple butter, apple butter so delicious you'll sit up straight to ask, "Why is it that there's no butter in apple butter? And why does apple butter need sugar?"
Spread the word. This is apple butter the way it's meant to be.
RECIPE for
Time to table: 7 - 10 hours
Makes 3-1/2 cups
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 pounds Jonathan apples (or another baking apple), peeled and cored, cut into quarters
- 3 cups apple cider
- Zest and juice of a small lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
In a large oven-proof pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter on medium. Add the apples as they're prepped, stirring occasionally to coat with fat. Add cider, cover and let gently simmer for 30 minutes or until soft but still intact. Process until smooth with an immersion blender or a food processor. Stir in remaining ingredients.
Set oven to 250F and place the pot, uncovered, inside. Stirring every 30 minutes, let cook for 5 - 6 hours for a butterscotch-smooth apple custard and another 2 - 3 hours for a cinnamon-dark apple butter.
Refrigerate and use within two weeks.
An Apple a Day ...
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Mmm. Need to go and get another batch of apples from my mum :)
Pille ~ I bought more apples to make another batch just yesterday and yes, must 'fetch' them.
Marie ~ I would think so but didn't actually test the recipe in a slow cooker. In part it depends on the temperature, of "low" and "warm". There's just a lot more control in an oven. If you try it this way, let me know!
I have made apple butter in my crock pot much as you describe it in the oven. The time may vary but it is a certain color and consistency you are looking for anyway.
Oh, and I love your photo!
Carole ~ Love your idea of anise, I just bought another big bag of apples, one will be flavored with anise!
moo ~ Thanks to you too for the crockpot confirmation. I've been working on pumpkin butter too, really want something that is less sweet and still really tastes like pumpkin. Tisn't easy!
Pat ~ I haven't tested the recipe in a Crockpot (when I was testing a year ago, mine was on the fritz) but from what others are saying, it would look likely. I would watch the timing / stirring very carefully however.
Post a Comment
Thank you for taking a moment to write! I read each and every comment, for each and every recipe. If you have a specific question, it's nearly always answered quick-quick. But I also love hearing your reactions, your curiosity, even your concerns! When you've made a recipe, I especially love to know how it turned out, what variations you made, what you'll do differently the next time. ~ Alanna


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Magical Peloponnese
Kyllini lies on the western coast of the Peloponnese,
in the region of Ilia, just 45 minutes from Araxos airport
and 100 km from the seaport of Patras.
Ancient Olympia
During classical times Olympia was the city where the Olympic Games took place, the greatest athletic event of the then-Greek world. Ancient Olympia is a village and a municipality of Ilia, built in the valley of river Alpheus. Nearby lies the archaeological site, one of the most popular ones in Greece, which attracts every year tourists from all over the world.
Peloponnese is one of Greece's most unspoilt regions, renowned as much for its archaeological treasures as its outstanding natural beauty. Myths and legend lie around every corner of the mountainous landscape, which is dotted with colourful villages and fragranced by olive and citrus trees, herbs and flowers.
An abundance of sandy beaches, cultural and historical experiences and warm Greek hospitality makes the region the ideal destination for family holidays.There are many places worth your visit, spread in a short distance in the area surrounding the Resort: Beautiful landscapes, unique ancient monuments like the temple of Apollo Epikouros, traditional settlements like the picturesque Lambeia and the colourful villages of Andritsena, Karytena and Dimitsana, the famous mineral springs of Kaiafa, the seaside settlements of Kourouta and Arkoudi well known for their intense night life and the unique sunset over the Ionian Sea- and, of course, the fabulous Forest of Foloi, that used to give shelter to the mythical Centaurs.
Rates & Reservations
Book Online
or Call +30 26230 64400
or Call +30 26230 64400
Temple of Zeus in Olympia
The most important building in the Altis, standing in its very centre, is the largest temple in the Peloponnese, considered by many to be the perfect example of Doric architecture.
Yachting to Zakynthos island!
Summer concerts in the Castel Tornese
(10' drive from the hotel)
A private wine tasting in renowned Greek vineyards that produce some of the best wines in Europe.
Ask the concierge to make the necessary arrangements.
Why Peloponnese
The playground of the ancient gods and the modern traveller!
• Kyllini lies on the western coast of the Peloponnese, one of Greece's most unspoilt regions
• Outstanding natural beauty, olive groves, citrus trees and farms
• Ancient Olympia – the birthplace of the Olympic Games
• The Temple of Apollo Epikouros
• Mountainous landscapes dotted with quiet, secluded villages
The Forest of Foloi the home
of the mythical Centaurs
Loutra Kyllinis, Peloponnese
Tel: +30 26230 64555
Central Reserv. Office:
+30 210 7280433
Learn our latest news by writing
here your e-mail address and press send
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here your e-mail address and press send


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Trussart and Grosh come to Liverpool.
James Trussart
Since 1980, James Trussart has been making custom steel body guitars and basses for high profile artists. What makes Trussart's guitars so distinctive is their amazing steel bodies that sing with equally amazing beautiful tones. Recently James' guitars became avaiabl in the UK and Dolphin have snapped up a Holey Rusty Steelcaster More than any other model, this guitar has found it's way into the hands of many guitarists including Billy Gibbons, Robert Cray, Tom Morello (Rage against the Machine, Audioslave), Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Pearl Jam, Marc Ribot, Metallica and Joe Perry, to name only a few. Crafted of perforated rust encrusted metal, this classic shape guitar is an amazing example of contemporary guitar design
Don Grosh
Don Grosh has a distinguished history custom-building and reparing guitars for some of today's greatest players. Grosh's own line of guitars are not factory-produced, but hand-crafted in his Southern California workshop. Building a limited number of guitars each year, his work rivals anyone in the world. Each guitar is designed from the "ground up" as an individualized, "complete-unto-itself" instrument. Utilizing state-of-the-art building techniques, combined with the best tone woods available and a real lacquer finish, Grosh's extraordinarily good looking, playing and sounding guitars are applauded as "acoustically alive" instruments. We are getting a gorgeous custom "11 bent top"


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Rutgers University is transforming relations with the business community, thanks to its merger with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, a school official told a gathering of entrepreneurs today.
Christopher Molloy, Rutgers senior vice president of research and economic development, said the school's combination July 1 with the former UMDNJ, a state-run health and sciences institution, provides a more credible platform to engage the private sector.
"The bottom line is Rutgers is open for business, and I think you're going to find Rutgers has changed a great deal," Molloy said.
The combined entity receives about $700 million annually in federal funding from various agencies — a level that ranks among the top 25 universities in the country, but has long lagged in attracting corporate support, Molloy said.
Molloy said the merger allows opportunity to better centralize its public-private partnerships and "break down a bunch of silos that have existed within the university."
"It's certainly high time," he said. "What we're trying to accomplish is to recreate Rutgers into being an economic development engine as well as an academic engine."
Molloy said the university will do a better job of making known its intellectual property and scientific resources that can benefit business, including employing more staff scientists — apart from the teaching faculty — who are available for external contracts and partnerships. He said Rutgers employs six such scientists now, but to plans to add more.
The school also needs to step up its partnerships with economic advocacy groups like Choose New Jersey as well as the governor and lieutenant governor's office.
"New Jersey finally has its Penn State and Ohio State," said Molloy, noting that the school's entry into the Big 10 conference is one year away.
The event today at the university's student center on College Avenue in New Brunswick also included speeches and panels consisting of investors and executives as well as networking opportunities.
"I want to hear from you about how Rutgers can better interact with industry, with innovative, startup companies," Molloy said. "We want to bring know how and entrepreneurship back to a state where there is a lot of talent, student talent and professional talent."
"We know we can't grow by adding tuition dollars from our students," he said. "We have to reinvent ourselves with growth and partnerships."


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SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) ? Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly wasn't about to quibble with recruiting experts who called the recruiting class he signed Wednesday his best.
"I love agreeing with experts," he joked.
Most recruiting services had the Irish ranked in the top five in the country. Kelly said the 23 players signed by the Irish show that Notre Dame has returned to elite status this past season, being ranked No. 1 for the first time in nearly 19 years and playing against Alabama in the BCS title game, which the Irish lost 42-14.
"It's a recruiting class that when you're looking at it from my perspective, it meets the time and place as to where we are right now. We're a team that has gone from unranked to top 10 ranking, top five ranking, at times we're the No. 1 team in the country, and I think your class begins to reflect that as you move forward," he said.
Running back Greg Bryant of Delray Beach, Fla., was an example of that. Bryant, who rushed for 1,447 yards and 17 touchdowns on 186 carries last season, had committed to Oklahoma and the Irish hadn't contacted him since May. But after Bryant decommitted from Oklahoma and the Irish were off to an 11-0 start and ranked No. 1, recruiting coordinator Tony Alford decided to give him a call just before Thanksgiving and quickly found there was interest.
"The season, 11-0, we were first in the country, that certainly had an impact with him as far as piquing his interest," said Alford, who also is the running backs coach.
Among the other highly touted players in the class are linebacker Jaylon Smith of Fort Wayne, running back Tarean Folston, who rushed for 1,186 yards and 13 touchdowns for Cocoa (Fla.) High School, and safety Max Redfield of Mission Viejo, Calif. The Irish were still waiting to hear from defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes.
Smith won the Butkus Award as the nation's top high school linebacker, the same award Manti Te'o won four years ago.
"He's got all the things that you're looking for, that quickness, that ability to strike," Kelly said.
Redfield is one of four defensive backs who will add depth in the secondary. After starting cornerback Lo Wood and safety Jamoris Slaughter went down with season-ending injuries, the Irish had to depend on sophomore safety Matthias Farley and freshman cornerback KeiVarae Russell, two players who were recruited on offense.
The Irish also added depth along the offensive line with five recruits: 6-6, 290-pound Hunter Bivin, 6-5, 300-pound Steve Elmer, 6-7, 280-pound Mike McGlinchey and 6-5, 305-pound John Montelus. Kelly said the Irish were so thin along the line that at times as the Irish practiced to get ready for Alabama he only had five healthy linemen at some practices. The Irish are expected to be at the 85-player scholarship limit for the first time since Tyrone Willingham was coach, which Kelly said should help.
"That impacts your program, I'm telling you," Kelly said. "It impacts the way you practice. You don't get a chance to tackle quite as much, and all those things begin to show themselves when you're below the scholarship numbers."
The Irish also added two wide receivers with well-known fathers: wide receiver Torii Hunter Jr., whose father plays with the Detroit Tigers, and Corey Robinson, whose father, David, played basketball with the San Antonio Spurs.
Recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CBS College Sports called the recruiting class Notre Dame's best since 2008, when the Irish had the consensus No. 2 class. That class featured Michael Floyd, tight end Kyle Rudolph, defensive back Robert Blanton and linebacker Darius Fleming. Each was an NFL draft pick.
Lemming said the key for the Notre Dame coaching staff is to follow this year's class up with another strong class next year.
"If you want to be in Alabama territory that means you have to put four great classes back-to-back-to-back-to-back. Notre Dame has not been able to do that. So depth-wise, talent-wise they're not able to practice as hard as Alabama is because one guy goes out they have another guy just as good to come in. Notre Dame didn't have that luxury," he said.
Kelly said the priority for 2014 will be adding offensive and defensive linemen.


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Amelia Earhart Captured!
By: Piper L.
Iowa, Age 10
Eye witnesses report the seeing of Amelia Earhart and Fread Noonan around the Garpan prison. Wally Earhart comments that Earhart and Noonan were captured by the Japanese then died in Saipan,also where their brief case was found. He also comments that the plane was cut up in Saipain.
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- 3Bed
- 3Baths
- 215Sqft
- $3,686Price/Sqft
- FC8LWJWeb ID
Southwest-facing Apartment In Santa Ponsa
Fantastic, southwest-facing apartment with great views over one of Santa Ponsa ´s golf courses , located in an exclusive community just a few steps away from the Santa Ponsa Country Club. The community offers well maintained gardens and a beautiful pool, being only a few minutes away from the local beaches, restaurants and shops. The accommodation consists of three bedrooms with en-suite facilities (one with separate entrance), cloakroom, fully fitted kitchen, a spacious living room with dining area and fireplace and a large terrace. Features include under floor heating. hot/cold air conditioning, double glazing, a garage parking space for one car plus an additional parking space.


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Love Shack: Creating a Blanket Fort for Valentine's Day
I tend to leave things until the last minute. So, here I am 30 minutes until the official start to Valentine's Day with no plan. Trying to be creative instead of spending money, I have decided to construct a good old fashioned blanket fort. Read on about how to create your own love shack after the jump!
What you'll need:
- Blankets, quilts, and sheets
- Clothespins, twine
- Fort Decor - twinkle lights, flowers, toss pillows
1. Find a nice open space and drape a lightweight sheet to the back of your sofa, side chairs or dining table. The key is to find something with a little height, so you have at least enough room to sit up straight. You can also create a higher roof by taking twine and anchoring it to two different tall points that span your space, like the top of armoire or the top of door.
2. Tie knots, tuck or use clothespins to secure the sheet(s) to the anchor pieces. Once you have a roof, start filling in the sides with pillows and blankets until you have a cozy space.
3. Now, for the fun part. Decorate! String twinkle lights haphazardly to create a happy glow. Toss in comfy pillows and quilts. Suspend handwritten love notes with clothespins or a favorite photo of you and your sweetie.
I can't wait to build my little love shack and I hope I've given you inspiration too! Happy Valentine's Day!
Images: 1. booooooom | Wild Things! Forts! Winners! ; 2. Mark Allen | Couch Cushion Forts / Blanket Forts; 3. Flickr user Dear, max licensed by Creative Commons via So Fawned | Fort Love
• Grown-Up Hideouts: A Wild Things Fort-Building Contest!
• Nature vs. Nurture: A Critique of Couch Cushion Architecture
• WikiHow/How to Make a Blanket Fort
• Simple Mom/How to Build A Great Blanket Fort
• Mark Allen/Couch Cushion Forts/Blanket Forts


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May The Schwartz Be With You Black T-Shirt
Famous quote from movie SPACEBALLS (1987).
This durable pre-shrunk 100% cotton heavyweight t-shirt is imprinted with high quality materials and newest technology that doesn't crack, peel or fade. More precise and more detailed than screen printing or embroidery. The imprinting material itself contains no harmful chemicals and it's safe and pleasant to wear. All our t-shirts are regular fit, unisex size.


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Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicks off its second season in Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park where thousands of fashion industry professionals will gather to see over 85 of the world's most established and up-and-coming designers present their Collections for the Fall 2011 season.
Each year, the 232,000 attendees at Fashion Week generate more than $466 million in direct visitor spending and contribute $1.6 billion in annual tax revenue to the City's fashion industry.
Click ahead for some memorable images from this year's Fall Fashion Week.
By Oliver Quillia
Posted 14 Feb 2011


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Pfc. Nicholas Young, with 87th Sapper Company, places concertina wire on the Arizona-Mexico border wall on Nov. 10, 2018.
Photo via Associated Press
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Enter to win a year's worth of mortgage or rent payments! BBMC's annual "We've Got Your Six Sweepstakes" is now open to veterans, active duty, and spouses. Learn more and enter.


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Talk about the novels, new and used books that Mackey has written!
Author Mackey's Book Reviews
Roc, Feb 2004, 6.99, 416 pp. ISBN 0451459601 It is the twenty fourth century and obviously Earth is nothing like we know it. It is made up of five city�states (Hawaiir is succeeding) and our once great country is a shell of its former self. Ten years ago, aliens from another galaxy launched Alien Weapons Platforms (AWPs) that released nanogens sixteen and seventeen on an unsuspecting populace. Number sixteen affected the children changing thei...


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New Weigh Program
This in-person class teaches practical tips for healthy eating and living.
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This 10-week weight loss program emphasizes nutrition education and healthy lifestyle development. Classes offer you access to a skilled health coach or registered dietitian for continued support and accountability and are offered at various locations around San Diego County. To create a semistructured food plan, participants will have the choice of using either their own foods or meal replacements.
The New Weigh class is free to all Sharp HealthCare employees (one class series per employee per calendar year). Please utilize the employee fee type from the drop-down menu before adding your class date to your registration cart.
Sharp Health Plan members may also participate in this program annually at no cost. Please call 1-800-82-SHARP to register.
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Indians Matt Williams impressive in first season
Ten games into his career as quarterback for the St. Stephens Indians varsity football program, Matt Williams is already making huge strides.
The 6-foot, 170-pound freshman is coming into his own after starting the season sharing the snaps for the Indians (3-7, 1-4).
"We knew coming into this season that he was going to be a solid quarterback for us," said Indians coach Fred Whalen. "He worked out with us at the kids camp over the summer. When he worked with us, we saw the potential he had there."
Whalen said he had some initial concerns about starting Williams at the varsity level.
"We honestly kind of hoped he'd stay down on junior varsity and get some experience before we had to 'throw him into the'fire'" he said. "It came to be that he was performing so well that we wanted to give him a shot at varsity."
His first varsity snaps took place in week one against Bandys, a feeling Williams said he remembers well.
"The first game I had I was so nervous," he said. "I was really nervous going out there. When I got through the first series, I was fine. Just getting hit that first time just wakes you up. You know you're on varsity. You just go out there and try to be better than they are."
That game, he completed just 1-of-7 passes for 14 yards and two interceptions.
"I think at the beginning, it was more of a mental thing for him, aside from being nervous," Whalen said. "He didn't know the plays really well and that takes him a while to get used to it. These other guys have been around 3-4 years, so they know what is going on. It took them that long to get comfortable with the plays and to run them correctly."
Eight weeks later, Williams had a career game against North Buncombe, rushing for 117 yards and three scores, while also throwing a TD.
Last week against Foard, he completed 16-of-27 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown.
"He's grown a lot since day one," said senior lineman Brandon Grant. "He is still a little bit nervous, but not as much. He knows the plays now. When you think about your typical freshman, it's not him. He's not shy or scared of anybody. He does his job. He fits right in with the team."
Williams said a lot of his success has been because of strong teammates.
"The team has come together pretty good," he said. "Everyone is together in the team and there aren't any individuals. I think this is one of the best years of my life. Even though we haven't won many games, everyone has been there for each other. If you do something bad, we just pick each other up."
Senior tight end Zach Bumgarner said experiences his freshman year helped him prepare for his future in the Indians football program.
"I remember my freshman year," he said. "We had some pretty big guys on that team. I think they went 7-4 on the varsity level. We had a lot of people to look up to. I think that helps us out now. We just try to imitate those guys. I think that is a lot of what Matt does. As a senior group, we are really tight and play together. I think that's going to help him a lot in the future."
Whalen likes the future potential of Williams and sees shades of a former Indian who also played under center.
"When you see his play-making ability, not just throwing the ball, but running the ball, it reminds me of Tanner Miller, our quarterback last year," he said. "He has flashes of Tanner. When Tanner looked like he was going to be sacked, he got out of it and made a big play down the field. We definitely see that out of Matt. Hopefully, he can continue to get stronger, keep working and be a big impact for us for three more years."


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Toddler Who Went Missing In Brooklyn Park Found Drowned In Lake
A two-year-old who had gone missing Saturday afternoon in Brooklyn's Prospect Park was found dead yesterday evening after having drowned in Prospect Park lake. Ruhshona Kurbonova, 2, had gone missing with her 3-year-old cousin mid-afternoon during a family barbecue.
The girl and her cousin had reportedly gone wandering off during the family barbecue and adult members of the family didn't know.
Via the New York Post:
The body of Ruhshona Kurbonova was pulled from the water by NYPD divers at about 6 p.m., some five hours after she and her 3-year-old cousin were reported missing.
The body of Ruhshona Kurbonova was found in the water by the NYPD. One of the dozens of park-goers who joined in the desperate search for the kids found the little boy, soaked and covered in algae, in a wooded area. He was unhurt.
The toddler's mother was reportedly taken away on a stretcher crying after learning that NYPD divers had discovered the child's body. A collaborative rescue effort had spread like wildfire through Prospect Park once it was learned that Ruhshona had gone missing.


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Unemployment Stories, Vol. 14: 'Like a Death Sentence'
New research published in The Lancet today estimates that "rising unemployment may account for around a quarter of the excess suicides [above expected levels] observed in the US since 2007"—nearly 400 extra deaths per year. Our unemployment crisis is far from over. Each week, we're bringing you true stories from the unemployed. Teachers, cops, freelancers, you, me, us: this is what's happening out there.
The teacher
I received my teaching credential in 2008. During my time in the teaching preparation program I excelled: honors, excellence awards, and full credit on my evaluations.Throughout the last year of my program many professors told our cohort there were still teaching jobs, but due to our state's budget (I live in Los Angeles) the jobs would be scarce. Towards the end of my student teaching I must have applied to over 50 schools in the area, and only received one interview. There were absolutely no jobs in the desirable school districts. Luckily the lead teacher I student taught for was pregnant and wasn't planning on returning the following school year. I was offered her job, and accepted right away. I was now a second grade teacher at a charter school in South Central LA. Even though he school is in a deprived area and the principal was hard to work for, the kids were amazing and so were the other teachers...
Then came the 2010-2011 school year. Due to the schools poor organization there would only be one second grade class. One of the teachers would have to move to a new position. Since I had only been there two years (compared to the other teacher's 3) I was forced to change grade levels due to seniority. I was informed the only opening was Language Arts seventh grade and it was not full time but 75% time. May pay was going to be prorated. I also did not want to teach this seventh grade. This class was notorious for their behavior. 50% of the students were kicked out of the surrounding schools. And the other 50% had special needs and there was no full time resource teacher at the school. They continually caused destruction to the school, and violently fought at least twice a month. The discipline policy at the school was shaky at best, so this behavior was enabled by the administration. This was easily my worst year yet at the school. I really did try to be the best teacher I could possibly be. I would go home every night around 7:30pm after being at work at 7:00am. I would go home and plan until midnight, and would repeat this for the whole year. However, I became defeated by January. No learning was taking place due to misbehaviors. I tried I really did, but being called a "bitch" everyday, and then asked by the principal, "What more could you do? What could you do differently?" was extremely defeating. I felt like a failure for the first time in my life. I applied to grad school and when I received my acceptance letter I quit.
I also applied for other teaching jobs. I received one interview at another charter my friend worked at. He informed me that over 400 people applied. I'm positive the only reason I got the interview was because my friend gave the principal my resume. Round 1 there were 100 candidates. I made it to Round 2 which was essentially an eight hour interview. I taught a demo lesson, interviewed with parents, teachers, and administration, and participated in a group planning lesson that was video recorded. I was the youngest and least experienced in the group. Many of the candidates I interviewed with were pink slipped and had at least eight years teaching experience. I didn't get the job after all of that.
I started my grad program taking the maximum classes I could take. My tuition was covered through a grant so I decided to take out a subsidized student loan to cover living expenses. I also saved money while teaching. And at least I could get health insurance through the school. I had enough money to last me a year of unemployment. My first year of grad school was great. I loved my classes and maintained a 4.0 GPA. Even though I pulled an all nighter about once a week, this was a cake walk compared to teaching at the school I was at.
Throughout this time I applied to countless of part time jobs with no benefits. I was either over qualified or didn't have a flexible enough schedule to land these jobs. I began to apply to teaching jobs in April of this year. I also applied to other various jobs in the education field as well. Since then I've probably been on a dozen interviews. Panels, individual, group interviews, I've been on them all. Mostly for jobs I'm qualified for. Most of the time the interview goes really well. And most of the time the company/school doesn't even send a rejection email. I've probably applied to over 100 jobs in the past two months. I purposefully took over full time course load last school year, so I would be available to work this coming school year. Elementary schools start in 2 weeks, so I've pretty much given up hope on finding another teaching job and/or any job. My goal is to apply to at least 5 jobs a day. My cover letter and resume are clean, proof read, and tailored for each job I apply for. I search hours upon hours. I've probably received at least 20 rejection notices, if the job even sends one at all. Filling up the day is difficult. I am working on my thesis, so I'll probably be done ahead of schedule, but then what? Another year of searching? To make matters worse CA decided to make student loans for student unsubsidized this year. I do not want to take another one out. My roommate moved to another state because that was the only place she could find a job, and our lease is up at the end of the month. I'm going to have to put my stuff in storage and stay in my mom's one bedroom apartment until I figure things out. I feel like crying every morning (I usually do) and don't really leave the house because I can't spend any money on non essentials. This experience is dehumanizing. I feel myself getting more and more depressed every day. I completely regret leaving my old job. I'd rather be called a bitch every day by 12 year olds than have to apply and be rejected from one more fucking job.
The corrections officer
My father worked seven days a week while I was growing up. Monday through Friday he delivered packages for UPS and on the weekends he worked one of his various side jobs at a bait shop, glass shop, or being a general handyman in homes of a neighboring town. His days at UPS were long, sometimes returning home around eight or nine o'clock after getting to dispatch around six a.m. His weekend hours were about the same, and as a child this angered me; I couldn't understand why he worked so much (and never joined us on family vacations to the Jersey Shore). But his long days allowed for my mother to be home when my brother and I came home from school (though she did clean houses during the day and work at a local supermarket at night). I remember spending a "Bring Your Daughter to Work Day" with my father in the 3rd grade and realizing how long, boring, and physically taxing his days were. Yet he came home every night with no complaints— even during the holidays (when little Timmy MUST have his Tickle Me Elmo delivered in time for Santa to bring it to him!) when he came in the door around 10, 11pm.
After twenty-five years of hefting packages all around Westchester, my dad retired from UPS with a decent pension. It did offer health insurance for him and my mother, but the plan wasn't so great and they still had to pay $400/month for it. My dad wanted to find a new job where he could be eligible for another pension. Not able to find anything that offered benefits, my dad started to work at a friend's glass shop. As soon as something better came along, he'd leave. In the meantime, he put in an application with Westchester's Department of Corrections. It offered a chance at a second pension, stellar health benefits, and more money than my dad had ever made in his entire life. Little did he know that it would lead to the biggest mistake of his life.
The process to enter the Department of Corrections took three years to complete. There are countless tests (written tests, physical tests, drug tests), interviews, background checks-not to mention a hefty price tag (drug tests and application fees aren't free!) and a lot (and I mean A LOT) of waiting around for everything to be reviewed. Three years after my dad's first application was submitted, he was brought in for a "final interview." He did not get the job. A few months later, he had another "final interview" and was hired. I cried when he told me the news. Finally, my father, who busted his ass for almost thirty years, would be getting his dream job-a job with some kind of prestige...
Two weeks before training ended, I got a phone call at work. My dad was in the hospital. During a training session called "Defensive Tactics," an instructor (and fellow corrections officer) was demonstrating how to take down an inmate and handcuff him was a little too zealous in his demonstration and tore my father's rotator cuff...
As a result, the County put my dad on the graveyard shift-11pm to 7am-and "light duty," where he'd have zero contact with inmates (since they'd all be sleeping). Not his first choice, but my father soldiered through it. Most of the time he was assigned to suicide watch, where he'd spend the entire eight hours of his shift standing in front of the cell of a sleeping inmate and writing "the inmate appears to be sleeping" in his log every fifteen minutes.
As more months passed and his injury still wasn't healing as it should, he was told by his doctor that he'd probably never be able to return to "full duty," and be on light duty for the rest of his career. My father was incredibly disappointed, as he excelled in the academy and knew how to handle the inmates. But if having to stay on light duty would allow him to keep his position, he'd deal with it.
Almost a year passed. A few days before his probation was up, my father was called back into work to turn in his badge and uniform. He'd been fired for "poor performance." The ironic thing is that right before my father was fired for "poor performance," he was given a copy of his yearly review in which one of the captains said my father's performance was satisfactory, that if it weren't for his injury, he'd be considered one of the best officers there. They didn't even offer him the opportunity to stay on light duty, but what stung the most was when word got out that the instructor who injured him had started spreading the rumor that my father, who has never touched drugs in his entire life (and refused to take the prescribed ones for his pain), was fired for failing his drug test.
My father was looking into suing Westchester County, but since he was fired before his probation period was up, he has no grounds to sue them. So, to recap: he was injured by the county, fired for "poor performance," has no legal grounds to fight back, and is now permanently disabled. He can't file for disability because he can technically try to find a job that doesn't require physical labor, but physical jobs are all he's ever known and who is going to hire a fifty-three-year-old man with no computer skills (and no college education) for a desk job?
My father tried to go back to the glass shop job he quit before entering the academy, but they had already filled his old position. He collects unemployment (which is a pittance in comparison to the money he was making as a corrections officer) and his UPS pension, but my parents can no longer save any money for their retirement. Every time I think of how he took a chance to better his and my mother's lives and it left him disabled and unemployed, it breaks my heart.
The freelancer
I didn't realize how useless my degree was until I saw it mocked on The Simpsons. During the first year I was looking for work, after finishing college, I happened to have time to catch up on the episodes I'd missed during my TV-less dorm years. This one was Season 11, Episode 11, in which a college football player is seriously injured by Homer and can never run again. Dr. Hibbert, after being unable to help the guy, says, 'Your playing days are over, my friend, but you can fall always fall back on your degree in (looks at clipboard)... Communications! Oh, Dear Lord!' to which the injured player responds 'I know! It's phony major! I learn nothing!' That's funny - probably written by a fellow Communications major - but it really stung in the fall of 2001 after 6 months of unanswered applications based around my shiny new Bachelor's degree. Was this degree really as much of a joke as it was starting to seem? Never in my life had I been told that a BA wasn't enough education, or that a tech-oriented field like Communications was so trivial, but here I was stuck with it, as well as a bit of debt to pay off. Well, 11 years later, all I can say is that The Simpsons were right - this degree has never opened a door for me, gotten me an interview, or basically been any use whatsoever...
So, it was January 2006 - after 5 years of continually applying for work related to my degree without a single interview - that I finally managed to snag a minimum wage Photoshop temp gig. Yay! Once I was finally given the chance to show what I could do, the temp job became almost-full-time, and within a year I was Creative Director for their quirky niche project. I never made much money - the position was $23k annually, no benefits - but I was so happy to be working on a project that was actually relevant to my skills and in an environment where I could exert a modicum of actual creativity that I didn't much care. After a few years there, I was having a beer with the owner of the company - the same guy who had hired me - and I mentioned something about 'back in college..' and he stopped me and said 'Wait. You went
to college?' He was completely unaware, despite its prominence on my resume, that I had even had a degree - he had hired me based on my self-taught design portfolio, which should have felt pretty awesome, but it mostly just underlined what a complete waste of time and money college had been.
Anyway, as many others have experienced, the economy nosedived and quirky niche products were a little less desirable than they had been in years prior, so, unfortunately, the business shed every non-temp employee. So, back to freelancing. And that's what I've been doing for the last 4 years. And don't take that to mean that freelancing is a remotely sustainable way to make a living, because I'm lucky to break $8k in a year - during that time I have married someone who, after years of searching herself, has found a way to draw a salary to pay off her PhD and keep a roof over our heads. I've never stopped working, (turns out freelancing is largely 7-days-a-week, 24-hours-a-day, on-call kind of work) and I've never stopped applying to any job that looks remotely appealing or relevant. In the 11 years since I graduated, I still have not had a job where my education was relevant, and I've never had another chance to demonstrate my not-inconsiderable abilities or my willingness to work long, dedicated hours because nobody ever, ever writes back for an interview.
Now, you might be thinking, "Wow, your work must be pretty terrible to be so completely ignored for so long!," but some of the musicians I do graphic design for have played SNL and Letterman, and one of them even won a Grammy! Gawker Media's own io9.com has featured my animation work, and there's always somebody who wants me to work on something for them. Even if I'm not completely, brilliantly, amazing, my work has at least proven to be consistently desirable. I love what I do, but there is no money, and, as far as I can tell, just no jobs anywhere in this country for me. I guess I should have gotten a Business degree, or maybe gone into Pharmacology or Nursing, or maybe I should have just sucked it up and gone into Advertising. But I didn't. And now I'm almost 33 and have a huge portfolio of work I'm proud of, but I'm still unemployed, have only a few years of relevant workplace experience, no future prospects for employment, and a joke for a degree.
One of the lucky ones
I was one of two Trend Buyers with a good college degree and years of merchandising experience behind me working for an e-Commerce retailer. The Art Buyers were the main revenue drivers but we were no small potatoes. We were the happening ones. We knew what was going on in pop culture and kept the product and company from seeming stodgy and corporate.
After almost 6 years, in mid-December 2009, myself and the other Trend Buyer apparently had done our jobs too well. They decided that our businesses could run themselves with just our assistants, and of course, their meager salaries. No warning. Nothing. Right before Christmas in the middle of our busiest season. The shock did not wear off for so long it seems. I swear those first few unemployed months are a complete blur; I'm sorry to say that because there is shame there for that. I simply could not process it. I was losing my condo and I had prided myself on being extremely independent, living reasonably, and keeping excellent credit. I used some severance for overseas travel because I had to get out of the country for a bit. It was too painful seeing people, seeing the pity or disappointment, and trying to answer the 'why, and what are you going to do now' questions of which I had no answer.
I returned and shortly thereafter my father had a massive stroke paralyzing him, and a mother who had no self-sufficiency whatsoever. I moved home to help out. That's what you do; my mother needed me full-time. I never thought it would take so long to get them to a place where they were workable without me, but finally they were ok. Then the real nightmare started; the job search for full-time work. I thought what I had just gone through with my father was bad.
I quickly found out that being long term unemployed was like receiving a death sentence. It felt that way. No one would touch you. The black holes of non-response from the hundreds of resumes sent out are unbearable. The online application process is SO demoralizing. You spend 45 minutes filling out so much information (including references, why do they need those?) all for NOTHING? Not even an automated 'no, thank you'? It's truly baffling.
After solid searching for 10 months and unemployment had run out, I finally got a part-time job making barely over minimum wage working at my gym. I got it only because I had been going almost every day to try to alleviate the despair, and by then I knew most of the people that worked there. I've been at the gym 8 months, and I've still been looking constantly for full-time work. It's so depressing. I'm in my early 40's and I've lost my job, my condo, almost my father, and I am living at home with my parents. And yet, I'm one of the lucky ones. I have a familial support system.
Print is dead
I've been unemployed for an unbelievable three years.
I got my first job a week after I graduated with a BA in English - and I worked in book publishing for twenty years, climbing the ladder, happy and successful. I had taken a break between jobs about ten years ago to freelance, and I was easily able to step back into a salaried position when I was ready, so when I was laid off in 2009, I wasn't too worried. That was a major mistake.
At first I was able to pick up some freelance gigs here and there, but they have slowed to a slow drip. My area is print production, and the rise of e-books has just killed me. There are NO production jobs in books anymore, and even though I have been putting ink on paper for twenty years, I can't get arrested in any adjacent industry. Companies seem to want people who have done the EXACT job they are hiring for - nobody wants to have to waste three days training anymore. (I admit that I read a column about this in The New Yorker a few weeks ago, but it is something I have noticed myself.) So even though I am great at buying print, if your company needs someone to buy printing, they aren't going to talk to me, because my experience is in books.
I ran out of unemployment over a year ago. I've sent out more resumes than I can count, and kept in touch with all of the contacts that will still talk to me. I am "overqualified" for everything, apparently - never mind that I would be willing to take ANY job at this point. Let me be over qualified, I will do a great job!!
I made so little money last year that I actually qualified for Medicaid, and if you think THAT wasn't the most humiliating experience of my life - wow. Just takin' my college degree and years of hard work down to the fucking Medicaid office.
That is a day I will never, ever forget.
But it's not a choice - the only reason I am not living under a bridge is that my boyfriend has not thrown me out of what by this time can only be described as his apartment. He's paying the rent and the bills. I'm sure we would have broken up by now if I had ANYWHERE to go. But I need a place to stay, and I take medication that costs thousands of dollars a month, so I swallowed my pride, and now I guess I'm one of those "welfare queens" everybody is so worried about.
In fact, we are two months behind on the rent right now - my boyfriend is in sales, and he has had some commissions fall through — I honestly don't know what we are going to do. I physically can't work in a retail store like Macy's (I've tried it, not that it pays enough to cover the rent, anyway), and I am too old and not pretty enough to get a job waiting tables in NYC (oh, and I lack experience).
There is a real lack of organization in my writing here - it's because it's very hard for me to talk or think about this without getting a little hysterical. I have truly thought of killing myself, just to get OUT of this endless loop - I do worry that I will never get another job - but I worry about what that would do to my mom.
Helpful advice
I won't bother you with my unemployment story. It sucked just like everyone's. But if I could give some advice to the employed people out there. Being unemployed is hard enough, it sucks even more when someone with a job thinks its so easy and that they could help you find a job in no time. In fact these amazing job searchers will always ask the same question and annoy the shit out of a job seeker. So to make anyone who is looking for a job life easier please STOP asking these 5 questions:
1. How did the interview go?
2. You should try volunteering?
3. You ever think about going into another field?
4. Did you try searching on (insert name of job website)?
5. You should network?
We thought of all that, instead ask us if you can buy them a beer or bite to eat.
Oh and for the people hiring other people. STOP being a pussy and send a damn rejection letter especially if you interviewed the person. Getting rejected is a lot nicer then saying nothing.
The previous 13 volumes of our Unemployment Stories series can be found here.
[Thanks to everyone who wrote in. You can send your own unemployment story here. If you'd like to contact anyone you read about here, email me. Image by Jim Cooke, Photo via Getty.]


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Assassin's Creed II 4-Years Later Review
Having entered the Animus and discovering the Templars' plot, gamers had to wait two years to return to the past in Assassin's Creed II. While Desmond Miles returns as the modern-day playable character, we do not experience the life or Altaïr, the Assassin of the first game, but instead Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a Renaissance Era Italian. Now Desmond is not only searching for information, but also trying to learn how to fight and survive.
As you would hope with many sequels, numerous changes have been implemented to the gameplay, including an economy, weapon selection, and subtitles! Upgrading to Animus 2.0 has its benefits. Of course among the changes are new ways to kill people, so it should not be surprising that Assassin's Creed II has an M rating from the ESRB for blood, intense violence, strong language, as well as sexual content.
Does Assassin's Creed II stand the test of time, or is it best left in the forgotten past? Read on to find out.


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CLEVELAND (AP) White Sox slugger Jose Abreu has already done a lot of damage in the first half of his rookie season.
He kept on going Saturday in Chicago's 6-2 win over the Cleveland Indians. Abreu hit his major league-leading 29th homer, a two-run shot that helped the White Sox end a three-game losing streak.
''He's good,'' his manager Robin Ventura said. ''I'm glad he's on our side.''
Abreu, picked for the AL All-Star team, broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning with a drive off Zach McAllister (3-5). The homer cleared the fence in right field and landed in the White Sox bullpen for Chicago's first hit.
After White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez, another member of the All-Star team, left the game with a stiff back following a leadoff walk in the fourth. Abreu homered on the next pitch.
Ramirez said he doesn't think his back will prevent him from playing in Tuesday's game in Minnesota.
Abreu is batting .287 with 73 RBIs, good for second in the league.
''I am very proud of what I have accomplished so far in the first half,'' he said through a translator. ''I'm very happy to participate in the All-Star game. It's definitely an honor.''
Abreu is 7 for 35 with five homers and 15 strikeouts against the Indians.
''Abreu is obviously a very dangerous hitter,'' Indians manager Terry Francona said. ''That's probably the understatement of the year.''
All-Star outfielder Michael Brantley hit a leadoff homer in the eighth for Cleveland.
Scott Carroll (4-5) held the Indians to two hits in five shutout innings before being pulled because of a stiff lower back.
''I felt it a couple of innings before that,'' he said. ''It really kind of hit me in the fifth. I tried to stay out there as long as I could.''
The rookie right-hander has won two straight starts, in which he hasn't allowed a run over 11 2-3 innings. Carroll allowed one hit over 6 2-3 innings in Monday's 4-0 victory at Boston. He was 0-5 with an 8.10 ERA in his previous six starts.
Gordon Beckham broke a 1-for-32 skid with a two-run double during a three-run ninth. Indians reliever Austin Adams made his major league debut and gave up all three runs. He got only one out.
Adam Dunn had an RBI single in the Chicago sixth.
White Sox relievers Zach Putnam, Javy Guerra, Eric Surkamp and Jake Petricka combined to allow two runs over the final four innings.
Carroll hasn't given up an earned run in 14 innings over three appearances against Cleveland. His first career loss was to the Indians on May 3 when he allowed two unearned runs in six innings of a 2-0 defeat.
Carroll retired the first eight hitters before Mike Aviles' two-out single in the third.
McAllister, recalled from Triple-A Columbus to make the start, gave up three runs in seven innings. His only major mistake came to Abreu.
''I wasn't thinking about a home run,'' Abreu said. ''I was trying to hit the ball the other way. I hit a line drive, and I was lucky it went out of the park.''
Jason Kipnis drew a bases-loaded walk in the seventh for the Indians. Earlier in the inning, Yan Gomes hit a line drive that was originally called a catch, but was overturned after Indians manager Terry Francona challenged the ruling.
The Indians moved designated hitter Jason Giambi (sore left knee) to the 60-day disabled list following the game. Giambi, batting .128 with two homers and five RBIs in 15 games, had been on the 15-day DL since June 12.
Before the game, Francona said Giambi will ''definitely'' play again this season. The move was made after Cleveland acquired LHP Nick Maronde in a minor league trade with the Angels and added him to the 40-man roster.
NOTES: The White Sox optioned RHP Andre Rienzo to Triple-A Charlotte and will add a position player before Sunday's game. Rienzo was 4-5 with a 5.87 ERA in 14 games. ... McAllister began the season in Cleveland's rotation and was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sore back on May 22. ... Indians OF Chris Dickerson was scratched from the lineup with a tight left hamstring. Aviles started in left field. ... White Sox OF Adam Eaton (jammed left wrist) wasn't in the lineup and is likely to sit out Sunday. ... White Sox LHP Jose Quintana will start the first game after the All-Star break on Friday. ... The Indians optioned RHP Vinnie Pestano to Columbus. ... Browns QB Brian Hoyer, a Cleveland native, threw out the first pitch. ... LHP John Danks will start for the White Sox on Sunday against RHP Trevor Bauer (3-4).


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I have over the past few day built a master/slave arm set. the master is 4 100k potentometers mounted on a frame to fit my arm, and wired into a joystick port. 2 pots in the shoulder give elevation, and rotation. 1 pot for the elbow. and one for the gripper. 4 sevos make up the arm, 1 coresponding directly to each potentometer, and making an arm that is roughly the same dimensions as my arm, and has nearly the same degree of freedom, though it is somewhat weak.
the interface is an ifi robotics issac16 setup, the operator interface takes joysticks as input, and gives a wireless link to the robot controller. the robot controller is a basic stamp 2 or something, and has 8 PWM outputs.
I am planning to use it to hand out candy for halloween.


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SANTA CLARA — Colin Kaepernick is the quarterback to lead the 49ers on the Quest For Six.
Yes, he is that dude.
His performance in the NFC Championship game, despite its obvious warts, demonstrated once more why that is the truth.
Some of the throws Kaepernick made Sunday, especially the touchdown to Anquan Boldin, displayed his rare ability to make plays. His effectiveness scrambling had the best defense in the NFL discombobulated.
Yes, his inaccuracy — and perhaps his stubbornness — led to another season-ending pass attempt to Michael Crabtree. A slightly better throw, three inches higher or six inches wider, and everything is different. The 49ers are going to the Super Bowl, Kaepernick is being celebrated, and there is no question that Kaepernick is the man now and beyond.
The truth: He is that dude anyway.
Kaepernick is the very reason the 49ers are where they are. He's the player who makes them dynamic and dangerous. He's the one player on the team who can win a game the 49ers might otherwise have no chance of winning. He is the reason they still were in the game until the final seconds. He is the reason, even if they had fallen behind by two scores, they still would have had a chance.
Save for two passes, one against the Baltimore Ravens last February, he would be wearing a Super Bowl ring and about to play for a second. Nobody has more to do with this team's level of success. Nobody more embodies the heights to which this team can reach.
That was evident against the Seahawks. The sky above CenturyLink Field was collapsing. The game plan was falling apart. You could argue the officials weren't giving the 49ers a fair shake. Yet, the 49ers were right there, because of Kaepernick.
San Francisco's ground game had been silenced by Seattle; Frank Gore couldn't go anywhere. The defense was being outplayed by Russell Wilson's crew. Throw in the intimidating environment and the high stakes of the game, and you had the ingredients for a blowout.
But the 49ers had Kaepernick. His will nearly won them the game. In what could be deemed a poor overall performance, he remained the chief reason the 49ers nearly pulled it off. He's not the stereotypical quarterback many would prefer. But he is so impactful, he can change a game even on a bad day.
You'd be hard-pressed to find a greater natural talent at quarterback. And it's punctuated by his sheer will. He's got that young Brett Favre swag.
Yes, Kaepernick is that good. So good, he gives the 49ers a chance to win every game they play. If he ever gets the polish to his game — getting his feet set on deep throws, developing his patience and awareness in the pocket, consistently applying the right touch to throws — he'll be so good as not to cost the 49ers games, either. When that happens, look out.
It is inconceivable to think Kaepernick won't get better. His teammates say he trains like a linebacker, so there's no worry about his putting in the effort. And if experience is the best teacher, Kaepernick's learning is ahead of the curve.
He has started 29 games in three years. Six of them were under the weight of postseason play, and only once did he have home-field advantage. Still, he's two passes away from being 6-0.
You can take away two wins — the Ravens and the Seahawks did — but you can't take away the big-game experience he has gained at such an early stage.
The real question about Kaepernick isn't whether he's the man, now and beyond, but how much better he can get.
Can he learn pocket presence? Consistent accuracy? Can a better game plan capitalize on his strengths (instead of abandoning the designed quarterback runs in the second half, as the 49ers did) and minimize his weaknesses? Can a better running game alleviate the need for Kaepernick to be perfect?
Contact Marcus Thompson II at email@example.com. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ThompsonScribe.
Colin Kaepernick fumbles as he is hit by Cliff Avril During Sunday's NFC Championship game loss.


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Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's tennis team wrapped up an impressive weekend homestand by beating Michigan Tech on Sunday (March 24) by a 8-1 score in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) action inside the FSU Racquet and Fitness Center in Big Rapids.
The Bulldogs won their second match in as many days to improve to 8-2 overall and 5-0 in conference play this season. FSU had posted a 9-0 win over Lake Superior State in Saturday's league home match to start the homestand.
Ferris State again bolted out to a quick start by winning all three doubles flights, including an 8-6 win at the number one position in the lineup.
In singles play, Ferris State took five of the six spots with MTU's lone victory coming in three-sets at the number three flight. FSU also won a three-setter at number four singles and the other four wins came in straight-sets.
The Bulldogs hit the road to continue GLIAC play next weekend as FSU visits Lake Erie, Walsh and Malone over a three-day span from Thursday to Saturday (March 28-30). The stretch begins a five-match conference road swing for the Bulldogs prior to the regular-season home finale on April 12 versus Grand Valley State in Big Rapids.
Below are the complete match results:
Ferris State 8, Michigan Tech 1
Mar 24, 2013 at Big Rapids, Mich. (FSU Racquet & Fitness Center)
|Singles competition
|1. Laurent Galarneau (FS) def. Felipe Dos Santos (MT) 6-1, 6-2
|2. Sergiu Laza (FS) def. Javier Oliveros (MT) 6-3, 6-3
|3. Built Yumuang (MT) def. Tyler Marengo (FS) 6-4, 4-6, 10-7
|4. Razvan Mag (FS) def. Pedro Rodriguez (MT) 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 10-8
|5. Otto Keresztes (FS) def. Nick Kremkow (MT) 6-2, 6-2
|6. Aaron Dial (FS) def. Jimmy Konarske (MT) 6-4, 7-6 (8-6)
|Doubles competition
|1. Laurent Galarneau/Razvan Mag (FS) def. Felipe Dos Santos/Pedro Rodriguez (MT) 8-6
|2. Sergiu Laza/Tyler Marengo (FS) def. Javier Oliveros/Built Yumuang (MT) 8-2
|3. Otto Keresztes/Aaron Dial (FS) def. Jimmy Konarske/Andrew Kremkow (MT) 8-2


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miaoux needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 86 designs submitted by 31 freelance designers.
We're looking to portray a sense of excellence and trust to our customers. We're a modern, young company looking to create a logo that conveys a sense of easy professionalism and strength.
Our audience are mostly tech-savvy, teens to older males from all over the world. They've seen smart packaging, smart branding and quality work before - they'll recognise your amazing talent too when we end up choosing your design.
We'll want the word Supercard in the logo somehow. It'll need to go onto a white background - part of it's use is on the Modern theme of the Magento eCommerce platform.
No cartoons, nothing flowery (it's for guys), and we'll need this on the web - so nothing too tech or too many colours.
We want to stand out, to be recognisible, but for the typeface to be simple and bold as we'll be shrinking for the web also. We will need the logo to be clear when shrunk to 170x50 (or close to that aspect)
We will require:
Print file format - .ai (CMYK)
Web file format - .jpg and layered .psd (RGB)
Please do not use any stock images or clip art in the logo
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Release date: November 19
Former coeds to vie for Coming Home Queen title at WBU
Five Wayland Baptist University graduates will be competing for the title of Coming Home Queen during this weekend's Homecoming Festivities. The winner will be announced during the alumni luncheon on Saturday afternoon at noon and again at the doubleheader basketball games later that day.
Nominees for this year's title include Muriel Okamoto Amano, Class of 1952; Bonnie Batteas Donald, 1962; Barbara Hudgins Warren, 1972; Dorla Goss Harris, 1982; and Carole Masten Harbison, 1992.
Amano first came to WBU in 1947 from Hawaii. She was a member of the original International Choir under Dr. Shelby Collier and was known as "Collier's Little Songbird." After graduating, she returned to Hawaii and was active in Waialae Baptist Church. She married Robert Amano in 1953, and the couple has five children. The Amanos live in Scottsdale, Ariz., and are active in Scottsdale Baptist Church, where Muriel sings in the choir, helps prepare the bulletin and is involved in Bible study fellowship.
Donald came to Wayland from Maple and graduated in 1962, continuing her education at the University of Mississippi. She has served as a teacher and as minister of education at First Baptist Church in Picayune, Miss. An active civic leader, Donald won the Volunteer of the Year Award and the Founders' Award from the Civic Woman's club. A cancer survivor, she earned an award from NASA for speaking on breast cancer awareness at Stennis Space Center. She and husband Ken, a retired helicopter pilot, have two children and three grandchildren.
A native of Hale Center, Warren is in her 31st year in education, serving for 23 years as an educational diagnostician, presently at Pampa High School. She is active in the First Baptist Church in Pampa, where she directs a first-grade Sunday School, plays in the church orchestra and is on the missions committee. She served for four years as an officer for the band booster club, and also served on the Executive Board for the Association of Former Students. She and husband Ron, an elementary principal, have two sons: Wesley, an engineering student at Oklahoma State University, and Douglas, a freshman at WBU.
Harris came to Wayland from Tucumcari, N.M., and was active in band and as president of Theta Alpha Psi sorority. She worked at Central Plains MH/MR Center for three years and now is registrar at Perryton High School, where her husband Keith, a WBU graduate, is choral director. They are active at Key Heights Baptist Church, where he is music director and they work with youth. A cancer survivor, Harris is a strong advocate for cancer research and early detection. The Harrises have three children: Kendall, 18, Daurie, 15, and Keenan, 11.
Originally from Shallowater, Harbison was one of many in the Masten family to attend Wayland. She was active in student government, Student Alumni Council and was editor of the Traveler. She was named Female Citizen of the Year in 1992. Carole taught for several years before retiring to become a homemaker and mother. She and husband Richard, a fellow Wayland graduate and pastor of First Baptist Church in Spur, have three children: Jackson Reese, 6, Bentley Clay, 3, and Quincy Loren, 1. They are expecting their first daughter in January.


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BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA -- I ordered some goods from back home that my brother used the DHL service to shop and paid the max amount for the fastest way because it's time sensitive it was 475 dollars. I've cancelled all of my arrangements and plans for Friday in order not to miss it. Called the customer service about 7 times since the morning to kind of have an ETA and their answer was by the end of the day (I am a very polite and patient individual until I opened the door and found a slip saying, "We missed you!" WHATTTTT!!! I've been by the fucking door for the past two hours and just on my phone that way I don't miss it since I was waiting all day for it.
The funny part is it says 5:20 is delivery attempt which I was literally by the door. Bunch of **. Believe it or not I have no use for the shipment on Monday. I have never gone online in my entire life to leave a good or a bad review for anybody but ** these ** and the ** on the phone wouldn't even give me answers, but it'll be delivered on Monday!!
CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO -- Since June 30 DHL does NOT deliver to many areas of the country anymore!!! I order toner for my business from Dell my business depends on it. DHL is NOT reliable. You know what they did? They took the Dell toner cartridge and stuck it in the regular mail and billed DELL for the overnight rate. Does DELL want to be associated with this kind of company? It makes DELL look bad. DELL shipping managers should cancel DHL contract. Why does Dell use UPS for the laptop I just got (which came on time) and DHL for toner? Just use UPS....
Anyone can lose a package sometimes or have a weather delay but to take an overnight delivery and just put it in the regular mail without notifying the shipper or the addressee is really bad business and dishonest! Do not ever use DHL or you are asking for trouble for your own business and you risk losing your customers.
Sent two silk blankets and other small silk products to bride while I was working in Shanghai via DHL overnight. Packages took over a week to arrive (held at customs due to overstated value by DHL (used Chinese RMB value vice US Dollar). Customer service during that period non-productive in gaining status of delivery. Three weeks after delivery, get a $300+ bill from DHL for duty owed based on their mistake on estimate of price. Billing customer service equally unhelpful and incapable of accessing account materials. I had to use FedEX fax to supply DHL their own (DHL) shipping documents.
Never use DHL... $550 worth of silk shipped stateside has cost me over $575 in shipping fees and inappropriate duty charges and the war still goes on. Now they also say there is an unpublished internal policy that you only have 15 days to ask for your money back, even though I complained the third day after shipping about non-delivery! Unreal!
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA -- I had the misfortune to have to deal with this crappy service. I had some transcripts overnighted to me and after two days the packaged never showed. I contacted the sender and got the tracking number. It turns out they tried to deliver but never left a signature card so how was I to know. I contacted DHL and they assured me it would be delivered on the third day, so I had someone waiting all day. DHL never made an attempt to deliver. The first lie.
So, on Saturday they tell me it will be delivered before noon. The second lie. It's now past noon and still no delivery. I have made over 6 phone calls and not once would they allow me to speak to a supervisor. DHL is absolute garbage and should not be allowed to continue.
First time I've ever done business with DHL, and is certainly my last. I paid $50 to have an extremely important package delivered via overnight shipping. The day I'm supposed to receive it comes and I give DHL a call because the online tracking wasn't updated. I told that it has been delayed and will certainly receive it the next day before 12pm. 12pm comes and I call DHL customer service again. To no avail, it is still in another state in 'transit.' Day 3 is tomorrow, and I do not believe that it will be here.
I am extremely frustrated as my time to utilize what I needed in such a short time span, is over. Rendering my package as useless as DHL's shipping capabilities. Stick with UPS. DHL is a joke.
CALIFORNIA -- Same complaints as I have read on this website. My husband and I shipped a package to our customers overnight (their request to use DHL, we never wanted to in the first place). It is now 5 days later and I think the company finally got their package delivered this morning (according to DHL website). This stuff needs to be refrigerated upon receipt and can generally go for 24-48 hours without refrigeration but we are not sure about 5 days!! If our product is spoiled we will be pursuing DHL like you wouldn't believe. We will NEVER use DHL again! We know of so many people and businesses that have had nothing but trouble with this company. How are they staying in business??
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN -- Asked for a package to be delivered overnight. Paid $145 for the fee. Package missed delivery first day. Second day was supposed to be held at facility, was taken out for delivery. Third day was supposed to be delivered to a new address, was held at facility. This is the most disorganized and dysfunctional shipping company I have ever dealt with. Smaller shippers, and even UPS are more efficient than DHL. As an editorial, our FedEx and UPS drivers are pleasant and friendly, while the DHL driver is impersonal and rude.
COMMERCE, GEORGIA -- This is the 3rd package in a year that DHL has screwed up. ALWAYS a lame excuse. This time it was sorted wrong and went to a wrong delivery center. They have no explanation for their mistake other than you'll get it tomorrow. They make medication & payroll a priority according to a ** & ** in New York after going through several other people. So what is everyone else who pays for overnight shipping, where do their packages fit in to their priority list?