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The Truth About False Confessions
Looking for expert consultation and/or testimony?
Contact Professor Alan Hirsch
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
A visitor writes to express disagreement
with my claim, on this site and elsewhere, that the most compelling argument against the death penalty is the inevitable execution
of the innocent:
Take Ruben Cantu, for instance, who was executed in 1993. Tell any representative group of Texans there
is strong evidence Mr. Cantu did not commit the murder for which he was executed and it seems there will be at least one who
will point to his gang activity and say, Yeah, well, maybe he didn't do this murder, but he did plenty of other bad things
so he got what he deserved. . . . Even if you convince some folks to be
horrified (as you and I are) that their government is killing innocent people, the institutions that support capital punishment
(prosecutors, the prison system, victims rights groups, etc.) will make meaningless rhetorical adjustments and claim that
they have fixed the problem and carry on with the killing.
It may be, as the visitor implies, that
many supporters of capital punishment simply accept the execution of the innocent as an acceptable price to pay for what
they consider the benefits of state-sanctioned killing. However, I doubt that these people will be any more persuaded by the
other arguments against capital punishment.
Send a comment
Monday, March 26, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
In a Washington Post op-ed, Anne
Applebaum notes that the universal distrust of Sheik Khalid Mohammeds confession is the price we pay for engaging in torture:
people will not trust information obtained through blatantly coercive means. If only everyone realized that modern interrogation
techniques, utilizing psychological manipulation more than physical abuse, also produce unreliable results.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Conservative columnist John Podhoretz writes of Mohammed's Confession: "there is reason to doubt every word this man
says, incuding his claims of responsibility for anything any everything." Podhoretz notes that Mohammed "might be a psychotic
megalomaniac with delusions of grandeur. Or he might be shouldering blame to deflect it from others still in detention."
Quite so. In addition, Mohammed has been subject to waterboarding and God knows what else. He may have
confessed to things he didn't do for the same reason many suspects do: subtle and non-subtle coercive interrogative
techniques drive them to conclude that they are better off doing so. But I rejoice at Podhoretz' analysis. The recognition
that confessions (whether by average suspects or infamous terrorists) cannot be taken at face value is extremely important.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
A Japanese newspaper last month noted
the presiding judges scathing criticism of the reliability of police and prosecutors records of their confessions, has
highlighted the lingering tendency of investigators to place too much emphasis on extracting confessions from suspects.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
For a debate about the best reasons
to abolish the death penalty, check out
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Last month the U.S. Court of Appeals
for the Seventh Circuit dismissed concern that an interrogators promise to help the suspect with his immigration status could
have induced a false confession. The Court said that so long as the offer to assist is not an outright and material lie,
it isnt problematic. This is the law in most jurisdictions, but it ignores the obvious fact that truthful offers of assistance,
no less than false ones, can lead a suspect to conclude that he is better off confessing.
Monday, March 5, 2007
Last month a court in Delaware
dismissed a claim by a Home Depot employee that he was discharged after store managers coerced him into a false confession
that he used sexually abusive and inflammatory language in the mens room. The dismissal was based on a technicality, but
the case serves as a reminder that many corporations have adopted the police interrogation tactics known to produce false
confessions. Even as we learn more about the causes of false confessions, and take some measures to guard against them (especially
more and more police departments videotaping interrogations), false confessions are bound to increase.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Last week a court of appeals in Georgia
rejected a defendants argument that a trial judge erred in refusing to allow testimony from a false confessions expert. The court of appeals asserted that the false confession theory is not reliable
and has not yet reached a verifiable stage of scientific certainty. False confessions are not theory but fact, as suggested
by the 2004 study of 125 proven false confessions. Presumably the court meant
that explanations of the causes of false confessions remain insufficiently grounded to justify expert testimony. But if the
standard is scientific certainty, virtually no expert on any subject is qualified to testify. In the case of false confessions,
there has been extensive research on (among other things) how modern interrogation techniques cause false confessions. Depriving jurors of knowledge about this subject is indefensible.


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Does Fruit Make You Fat?
Does Fruit Make You Fat?
The old adage that your body is a temple is well known and still has relevance today. Without a solid foundation a temple cannot be successfully constructed and will eventually collapse. The same holds true for the human body. We at ISSA strive to educate our trainers regarding the synergism between proper exercise, nutrition and behavior modification to effectively draw their clientele into not just a good lifestyle, or even a better lifestyle, but the best way of life; a fitness lifestyle.
The importance of nutrition is imperative as the foundation of any successful fitness program. The core of this foundation should be based around food. Just as certain compounds are necessary to build a solid foundation in a building, specific foods are necessary to build a solid nutritional foundation. Since we have already discussed which foods aid in building this foundation through past articles, we will focus our attention on why certain foods that are considered healthy, actually may not aid in fat reduction.
Why Fruits Are Important!
With the advent of so many nutritional approaches to achieve the ideal look, numerous inquiries regarding the practice of omitting fruit, fruit juices or any of its derivatives from a diet have surfaced. Fruit is a healthy food, full of nutrients, high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and low in fat and calories. It is a common practice for bodybuilders during pre-contest preparation to omit fruit from their diets, as it should be for anyone looking to minimize body fat. We will discuss the chemistry behind the efficacy of this practice.
Our bodies can only absorb monosaccharides (glucose, galactose, or fructose), the single units of sugars and starches. Once absorbed through the small intestines into the portal vein, and then circulated into the bloodstream through the liver as blood glucose, our bodies can put glucose to work in three ways.
The Three Ways Our Bodies Put Glucose To Work
- It can burn the glucose immediately for energy if blood glucose levels are not at a stable level of 20 grams blood borne glucose circulating per hour.
- If it is not needed for energy immediately, then it is converted into glycogen in the liver or muscles. The liver has the capacity to store 100 grams of glycogen. The muscles have the capacity to store between 250-400 grams of glycogen, depending on muscle mass and physical condition. Liver glycogen supplies energy for the entire body. Muscle glycogen only supplies energy to muscles.
- If the body has an excess of glucose, and all of the glycogen stores are full, the surplus glucose is converted to fat by the liver and stored as adipose tissue (bodyfat) around the body. If needed, fatty acids can be burned as fuel (BUT the fat cannot be converted back to glucose).
Now that we have outlined how our bodies use glucose, we will discuss why fruit (fructose or fruit sugar) is detrimental in an attempt to maximize fat loss. Since muscles have the specific purpose of contraction, they have a limited number of enzymes for glycogen synthesis. Muscle only has the necessary enzymes to convert glucose (and nothing else) into glycogen. The liver, however, is able to make glycogen from fructose, lactate, glycerol, alanine, and other three-carbon metabolites. Muscle glycogen, which is similar in structure to starch, is an amylopectin (branched chained polymer containing hundreds of glucose units). Unlike muscles, which can only supply energy to themselves through the stored 250-400 grams of glycogen, the liver is responsible for supplying energy to the entire body.
If You Have Fruit Or Fruit Juice The Following Conditions Occur
Referring to the three ways the body uses glucose, assuming that blood glucose levels are adequate, the glucose will then be stored as glycogen. Muscle does not have the necessary enzymes to synthesize fructose into glycogen; therefore the liver converts this fructose into liver glycogen. It would only take three, 8-ounce glasses of orange juice to fully replenish liver glycogen stores. Since the liver is responsible for supplying energy to the entire body, once its stores are full, a rate limiting enzyme in glucose metabolism, which is responsible for signaling the body to store glucose as glycogen or convert it to fat (phosphofructokinase), signals the body that all stores are full. If the glycogen stores are signaled as full, then the third way our body uses excess glucose is to convert it to fatty acids and store as adipose tissue. In essence, fruit sugar is easily converted to fat.
Many may be asking why then is fruit low on the glycemic index? If it does not cause a sudden release of insulin, then how could it ever be a poor food choice? Once the fructose (fruit sugar) enters the liver and liver glycogen is already full, then it cannot be used by the muscles for glycogen or energy production.
It is converted to fat and released back into the bloodstream to be stored as adipose tissue. The low glycemic response is based on the fact that fructose leaves the liver as fat, and fat does not raise insulin levels.
This is the biochemistry behind the recommendations to limit fruit in your diet. As mentioned, fruit is a very nutritious food full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and low in calories and fat. If your goal is to exclusively to minimize bodyfat, then it is advisable that you consume more complex carbohydrates, which will go to replenishing muscle glycogen stores rather than fruit, which will only replenish liver glycogen stores, and is useless in muscle glycogen replenishment.
- Costill DL, Sherman WM, Fink WJ, Witten MW, and Miller JM. The role of dietary carbohydrates in muscle glycogen resynthesis after strenuous running. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 34: 1831-1836, 1981.
- Shafrir E. Fructose/sucrose metabolism, its physiological and pathological implications. Sugars and Sweeteners, Kretchmer N and Hollenbeck CB, Eds. CRC Press, 1991pp. 63-98.
- Herbert V, Subak-Sharpe GJ. Total Nutrition: The Only Guide You'll Ever Need. St Martins Press, 1987 pp. 54-55.
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- Follow This Discussion by:
Anyone saying that fruit makes you fat has a ***** loose. EVERY single cell in our entire body runs off of carbs, fructose from real natural fruit is your best bet. "Studies" that have been done to "prove" fruit makes you fat used high fructose corn syrup to prove this point. However, fresh fruit does not equal high fructose corn syrup.
My understanding is that just because fructose is not converted to glucose-6-phosphate and consequently glycogen in skeletal muscle does not mean that fructose is more likely to be converted to fat. While it is true that the liver is the only place fructose can be processed, the fact remains that the liver will break down its glycogen stores based on blood sugar levels via the enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase. Therefore if the skeletal muscles are burning through glucose causing a decrease in blood sugar levels the liver will burn through its glycogen stores in order to release glucose and overall lead to no more fat gain than if someone were to eat equal amounts of glucose as opposed to fructose. The main problem with excess fructose consumption, however, is the stress that is put on the liver if it is constantly being used to store fructose as glycogen or convert it to glucose to release in the blood stream.
OMGoodness, I'm now very confused. I eat fruit like 3x daily. How often should I have it if that's the case. I saw a trainer on here suggest berries in the morning and 1 banana in the afternoon. HELP!!!
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Part 3: Moving into the YogcaveComments2
this wiki
|Part 3: Moving into the Yogcave
|Season 1, Episode 3
|Dec 4, 2010
|Xephos (Lewis), Honeydew (Simon)
|Episode guide
| Previous
Part 2: Spending the Night in Simon's Shack
| Next
Part 4: The first quest! Pork and Glass
Moving into the Yogcave is the third episode of Season 1. It was uploaded December 4, 2010. The video description reads: Simon and Lewis establish a permanent "base of operations" from which to explore the new world around them.
Plot & SummaryEdit
Having survived their first night in the world of Minecraft, Xephos and Honeydew venture out in search of coal so they don't spend another night in the dark. Lewis continues to learn about the game's mechanics, such as how to recover one's health bar. After managing to find some coal embedded in a cliff-face, the pair decide to establish their permanent home inside a nearby natural cave, which will eventually evolve into the Yogcave.
As Lewis works on solidifying the safety of the cave by sealing up the entrances, Simon returns to the shack to recover the door and other essential materials from it. When darkness once again begins to fall, the two rush to finish building a ceiling so monsters don't fall in on them from above. Safe inside once again, they prepare for their second night.
Characters AppearingEdit
Champions of Minecraftia:
Xephos, Honeydew
"I think that's why I like to play Minecraft, because you can make such lovely, beautiful buildings. Of course at the moment we're living in sort of a shitty cave surrounded by dirt, but you've got to begin somewhere."
"Make a house, a home"


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Posts Tagged 'headaches'
Anit-Migraine Machine Promises To Stop Headaches, Or Is It Snake Oil
Would you use a product on your body even though its designer weren't even exactly sure hot it works? I sure as hell wouldn't...I think...not sure. The Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation device, which measures about the size of...


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Hinata blushed as her lips met Naruto's. It wasn't their first kiss, but she blushed none the less. As the couple passionately kissed, Naruto picked Hinata up bridal style and carried her into his room, then gently lay her down on his bed.
Hinata broke away from the kiss, and stared up at Naruto, as he was now on top of her. "Naruto-kun,I love you." She whispered in his ear.
"I love you too, Hinata." Naruto replied then began to kiss her again. After about a minute of making out, Hinata began to stare up at Naruto needingly.
"Naruto-kun, I..." She looked away, her face turning a crimson hue. Naruto gently tilted her head back towards himself and smiled at her.
"Hinata, you can tell me anything." He encouraged. Hinata smiled back and continued.
"Naruto-kun, I want you to be the one to claim me." Naruto was surprised Hinata actually said something like that, but still very excited and happy at the same time.
"Are you sure Hinata?" She nodded, and began to slip her jacket off over her head. Naruto helped Hinata by taking her pants off for her. Then he quickly took off his jacket and shirt while Hinata lowered took his pants off.
"N-Naruto-kun!" She exclaimed, blushing. The growing bulge in Naruto's boxer's was to blame for that.
Naruto smiled, then began to kiss Hinata. Slowly, his kisses began to work their way down to Hinata's clevage. His smile turned into a smirk as he ripped Hinata's bra, then panties off.
He paused for a moment to take his boxers off, making Hinata nearly faint at the size of Naruto's manhood. She closed her eyes and moaned in pleasure as Naruto sucked on her left breast while massaging her right one.
"Naruto-kun! I need you so badly!" Hinata moaned and rolled over, so that she was now on top. She then began massaging Naruto's manhood,i rubbing her hands up and down his shaft. Immediately a moan escaped Naruto's lips. Hinata gently took Naruto's manhood in her mouth and began bobbing her head up and down on it and licking the 'head' of his manhood. Naruto moaned one more time before coming in Hinata's mouth. Although surprised, Hinata swallowed it all, then removed his manhood from her mouth.
"Wow... That felt really g-good!" Naruto exclaimed. For her first time, Hinata was good. Suddenly, Hinata reached up at Naruto and kissed him, her tongue sliding across his.
"Wow... Hinata seems totally different. " Naruto thought. Turned on by this sudden change in behavior, Naruto rolled over, so that he was on top again, then positioned Hinata and himself doggy-style.
"Hinata, this will hurt, but it'll feel good in a while." Hinata nodded and braced herself.
Naruto slowly inserted himself little by little, trying to make it less painful for her. Hinata bit her lower lip to keep from screaming.
"Naruto-kun, it's to big!" She screamed, making Naruto stop.
"Don't worry, Hinata, the pain will go away in a second." And boy, was he right. Hinata moaned, and started to move with Naruto as pumped into her.
"It feels so good!" Hinata moaned in between breaths. A wonderful feeling was growing inside of her and it was only getting better.
"I know how to make it feel even better." Naruto smirked and slid his manhood out of Hinata, making her whine slightly. He rolled Hinata over, and positioned himself in front of her warmth, then thrust inside of her.
"Now wrap your legs around me." Hinata obeyed, then Naruto began pumping into her harder and faster. And as Hinata began to move with him, she screamed out in pleasure as she climaxed, falling foward onto Naruto, exhausted but never better.
After a few more minutes of pumping, Naruto came, his seed spilling inside of Hinata. Now being exhausted himself, he removed himself from Hinata, then helped her into bed and lay down beside her.
"I love you Naruto-kun..."
"I love you too Hinata." And with that, they both fell asleep in each other's arms.
Aww!!! ^_^ That's so sweet!
If you liked it please rate. ^_^ Message me if you have a request.
Hinata and Naruto LemonI couldn't find a lemon with Hinata in it, so I decided to make one. And yes, this is my first lemon, and yes, I am a guy.
Hinata blushed as her lips met Naruto's. It wasn't their first kiss, but she blushed none the less. As the couple passionately kissed, Naruto picked Hinata up bridal style and carried her into his room, then gently lay her down on his bed.
Did you like this story? Make one of your own!


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Categories > Books > Harry Potter > Esse Quam Videri
Esse Quam Videri4 Reviews
(AU) What if Harry Potter really was an Incurably Criminal Boy - a trouble maker, a rule breaker, a psychotic pyromaniac. Albus supposed he should have seen this coming. An Azkaban!Harry fic of sorts.
The World of Magic was lost - doomed to an inevitable disaster.
And all Albus could think of, pacing his office late one evening as the days events thawed and melted in his mind, soaking his brain with naught else but dire repercussions that threatened to haunt, was that this predicament fell entirely to the fault of Harry-Bloody-Potter.
It had started with an odd letter here and there from Arabella Figg - a petty theft, a classmate's mysterious disappearance, his Aunt and Uncles' house burnt to the ground - but soon Harry's escalation of misdeeds had surpassed even Albus Dumbledore's eccentrically, portentously biased perspective on the unfolding events. Pretence of powerful, uncontrollable under aged magic would only take matters so far and 'childish innocence' was beyond ridiculously optimistic.
Harry Potter was an incurably criminal boy; a trouble maker, a rule breaker, a pyromaniac.
Albus supposed he should have seen it coming.
Harry had attended St Brutus's Secure Centre for Incurably Criminal Boys from the time of his seventh birthday to his Hogwarts acceptance four years later. The exuberant youth he had first met at the Start of Term Banquet was a far cry from the malnourished decrepit he had hoped and planned for. Harry Potter had lasted a meagre three years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Albus thought, if he were to be completely truthful with himself (for once) he should be thankful for so much. The Great Lord Voldemort had soon after resurfaced, reeking terror, pain and murder. Total devastation drowned the peaceful world they had lived in.
For the next three years following Harry's expulsion the teen had dedicated his life to pissing off as many people as he could manage. Harry had stepped close to the line repeatedly, side stepped the edge and danced the length.
But this time, Harry had gone too far.
A fickle destiny collapsed in shadow and fate was torn, forgotten, straying from the course that might have been irrevocably. Azkaban beckoned, teasing, taunting. It ridiculed and mocked, laughing at the Headmaster as tears of mirth poured down her cheeks.
It was a mess beyond Albus' means to clean, a problem he couldn't fix, a situation he couldn't hide.
A life sentence at sixteen had to be a record, a hallmark in history. But Harry had achieved it - the crater, tortured dragon and mass of decapitated goblins didn't help much, either.
Perhaps if Albus had only tried a little harder to keep the boy more firmly under his wing ... Perhaps if James had not dropped his son on the head at Harry's Christening ... Or perhaps if Bellatrix Lestrange (known and wanted Deatheater) hadn't been found at the scene of the crime, naked and tied to Harry's foot with a dog's leash, then the Wizengamot might have been a little more forgiving, a little more understanding, a little more forthcoming to Albus' pleas.
But alas, it was not to be.
Albus' efforts at securing a retrial had been futile and off to Azkaban Harry Potter had sailed.
The aged wizard couldn't help but wallow briefly in his own self pity and terrible misfortune. The fight against Voldemort was hopeless, a lost cause.
Without Harry Potter (incurably criminal or not) the Light was dead meat.
... ... ...
Dementors didn't particularly phase Harry. He couldn't understand why people made such a fuss over them, honestly.
It had taken three days for boredom to push him onto the brink of his limits. There was only so long graffitiing the walls of his cell could occupy his interest for, and after Harry had tried to pierce his own lip with a rusted nail (it hadn't gone so well) he wasn't all too keen to try his hand at other leisurely activities that had taken up his time before his forced containment.
Solace came to Harry at last in the form of the four grimy, sticky stone walls that encompassed him - and the crumbling matter they were constructed of. Making use again of the trusty nail, Harry began on the tedious task of picking away the crumbs of concrete segregating the stone blocks of wall together. After a good few hours of sweat-inducing work (or it could have been decades, for that's what it had felt like to Harry) a comfortable square inch had been chiselled from around the join of two stones, giving Harry a tiny view into the cell next to his own.
"Hello?" he cooed softly, blowing into the hole. "Anyone home?"
Eerie darkness met his squinting eye, an ominous black of nothingness. He couldn't see a damn thing.
But then, suddenly, a tight breath of air was drawn in and the unmistakable sounds of shuffling met his ears. The other prisoner crawled his way towards Harry's peep hole, fumbling and stumbling in the dim pitch of lacking light. A thud on the opposing side of wall to where Harry was pressed told him the other had sat, leaning on the chilled stone.
"Is someone there?" the voice asked him, deep and rasping.
"Yeah," Harry answered, sticking his index finger through the hole he had made joining their cells and wiggling it about.
"So, what's your name?"
"You can call me," Harry paused. It'd be stupid of him to let on his true identity - who knew whom it was that he spoke to, and what harbours they carried concerning the Boy Who Lived. "Pickles," Harry finished.
"Alright," the gruff voice answered, chuckling. "Then you can call me Padfoot."
Harry snickered - and he thought his alias had been lame.
"What are you in for, then?" Harry asked tentatively. It could only be he who'd get a psychopathic mass murderer for company, his new best life-long friend. Harry had never done well at the delicate social games of intricately acquiring friendship - he tended to scare people off a little too easily.
"Mass murder," replied the psychopath.
"Cool." Harry sighed. Just his bloody luck. "How long have you been here for?"
Harry thought the other must have shrugged. "Loose count, you know."
"Hmm." Harry rolled his eyes, his interest in the other fading fast.
The man calling himself Padfoot turned to peek through the hole, staring down at Harry. He could just barely make out contempt pale features, covered in a mass of dirty, floppy black hair. He shuddered as the teen began to suckle on his gouged lip, dried blood stained down his chin.
"How'd you land here then, kid?"
Harry contemplated lying, but thought better of it. What the fuck did he care, really? "Attempted burglary."
"Bugger me, you got a life sentence for that? Who were you robbing, Merlin?" the voice laughed bitterly, disbelieving. "Gringotts?"
Harry huffed. People just didn't understand him. They never did, never had. "And what's it to you if I were?"
"Bloody hell," Padfoot whistled.
"Anyway," Harry sniffed. "Life imprisonment my arse. I'll be out of here before you could wank."
"You wanna bet on that?"
Harry grumbled. "You got any grand master plans then, Poof?"
"That's Padfoot to you, Mr Pickles."
For the first time in his long, unjustly held fifteen years captivation at Azkaban, Sirius Black quite felt like he wanted (desperately) to leave - if only to escape his new odious company. Just his bloody luck.
... ... ...
Remus Lupin was at a loss. Firewhisky helped, a little.
He had never exactly been able to get along with Harry - hell, nobody did. The boy was impossible, a right pain in the rear. But still, Remus couldn't help but care for Harry ... after all, he was the only one the werewolf had left.
He wouldn't give up hope. Not while there was still life in Harry, not while he could retain even a flicker of faith that his surrogate nephew might turn a new leaf, might yet surprise them. He could still come good, Remus told himself time and time again, if only given the right incentive, the right opportunity. Remus could only pray now that he wouldn't be too late - Harry was crazy enough as it were.
A rescue mission was in order, pronto.
... ... ...
Lord Voldemort was a very happy man - that is, if you were able to categorise him under the biological reference belonging to the race of Homo Sapiens, which was indeed debatable.
Dumbledore had given up. The Ministry was a mess. Deatheater's frolicked about the streets of muggle London in broad daylight, picking off the filthy cretins at their pleasure. Why, he had as good as won already. Only the week before the Dark's enemies had thrown his arch nemesis, the only person with any hope of ever overthrowing him, away in Azkaban for life. Voldemort laughed - laughed and cried and rolled about his throne in a fit of euphoric bliss.
World domination was right around the corner, a mere breath away, wrapped securely around his long weedy fingers.
Life couldn't get any better.
But there was still a piece missing from his design, a last bug that had to be squashed.
For Lord Voldemort would never be able to quite sleep peacefully, to relax in his hard earned grandeur, until the child of prophecy had been completely eliminated from his picture. As long as he lived, there was always a chance ... there would always linger a slim possibility of defeat. Harry Potter must die.
A rescue mission was in order, pronto.
... ... ...
Sirius had thought his life couldn't get any worse.
That was before he had met Pickles.
The simple notion of having to endure the teens presence for the rest of his life brought tears of despair to his eyes. A newly found motivation heated Sirius' veins, pumped rejuvenating blood to his heart. He just had to get the fuck out of there.
"Why don't you give it a try for a bit, huh? I'm sick of this shit."
Sirius didn't deem such comment worthy of reply, not feeling it worth moving his jaw from where it lay resting, gaze locked to the cracking wooden panels of his cell door. From the other side of their stone wall (how Sirius cherished this impenetrable wall of separation now) he could hear Pickles thrashing about, slamming his fists onto a cold stone surface. The next thing he knew, Pickles' most prized possession - an old rusted nail - had been thrown through the peep hole into Sirius' cell.
My, the boy did have a temper.
"Give me back my nail!"
And he was fickle too.
"You're never going to be able to burrow out of here with that, trust me." Sirius snorted, rolling his eyes. "Not before you're a thousand years old - and even then you'd never make it swimming back to land."
"Just you wait and see!" the boy growled. "Give me back my fucking nail, thief!"
"You threw it to me," Sirius snapped back. "You can't have it now. Finders keepers." So, perhaps he was being just a little bit childish too. But Sirius had a better excuse - he could hardly remember the last time he'd spoken to another human, it had been that long. He wondered now why he had missed the interaction so much.
Pickles gave up, slumping onto the wall opposite to where Sirius perched.
For a while they were still in companionable silence, each absorbed in their own subdued level of torturous thoughts. It was as Sirius basked in a glorified vision of Pickles caught between hot stabbing flames that the first impressions of a plan reigned down on him.
"Have you got a lighter?" Sirius asked.
Pickles sniggered. "Of course I do - but stone doesn't burn. I've tried."
"No," Sirius agreed, his bark like laugh echoing across the cell, bouncing off the four walls. "But wood does."
... ... ...
The last thing Severus Snape ever wanted to do was retrieve Harry Potter from Azkaban. The boy could rot in hell, be stir fried by mudblood's and eaten for Ernie Macmillan's lunch for all he cared. Really, Severus did not give a shite about the Boy Who Lived (or, as he was just recently being referred to as in the Daily Prophet - The Boy Who's Insufferable). No, death by his Master's hand wouldn't be good enough, just wouldn't cut it. Severus wanted to watch Potter suffer.
But his Lord had other ideas and, rather unfortunately, Severus didn't have much choice in obeying.
Sabotage pulsed temptingly in his ear drums.
... ... ...
Remus had gone to all lengths to muster a rescuing force, not stopping to consider self preservation or dignity. He begged, he grovelled, he kissed shoes, wept piteously, bribed and badgered and blackmailed.
Dumbledore would hear none of it. Alastor Mad-Eye Mood only wanted his mad-eye back - and Remus, for the life of him, couldn't find where Harry had hidden it. The Weasley's refused to let him into their hovel-turned-home and Kingsley Shacklebolt (upon the first mentioning of Harry) went running.
No, Harry wasn't all too popular - in the end Nymphadora was all Remus could get.
... ... ...
Tonks would be lying if she said she didn't fancy Harry - he had that odd roughish form of appeal, the 'bad boy' attraction. That and her mother certainly wouldn't have approved, which was always enlightening. This bubble of fantasized reasoning was why she had agreed to accompany Remus on his suicidal-rescue fixation, but now, as thunder broke through the sky and lightening cracked its ominous threats, Tonks felt the first nagging ebbs of rash (too late) regret.
Herself and Lupin had flown in on broomsticks, over the murky waters of the English Channel and on to the small island that housed Britain's lone jail, Azkaban. It was raining, yes, and Tonks wasn't at all pleased - the wet mussed her spiked pink hair. Lupin had lead the way from there on in, often consulting a damp, ratty old map - Tonks had to question its reliability once or twice, as they trod by the same corridors and thrice narrowly avoided the Dementors' cafeteria. The duo climbed leagues of stairs, bypassed the prancing keepers and finally, after much time wasted, reached levels reserved and renowned for imprisoning only the most celebrated celebrities, captioned with the words 'Hic Intereo Thy Plurimus Praeclarus'.
Harry's cell wasn't hard to pick out at all - it shone to them like a beacon of burning flames.
Tonks blinked.
No, she hadn't been mistaken.
It was indeed a beacon of just that; heated, venomous fire.
... ... ...
Black coils of smoke were winding inside Harry's cell from the tiny peep hole, twisting in spirals of beautiful, baneful vapor.
Harry felt that (within great reason too) if he died of toxic smoke asphyxiation it would be entirely the Poof's fault. And he told him so, just for good measure. "Brilliant plan, Poof. That's one more to add to your list of murders. Quite an accomplishment if I do say so, with current circumstances in consideration."
"Shut it," Poof snapped back, and Harry could hear him flapping an ancient rag - they were supposedly sheets, but Harry disagreed with such terminology - vigorously blowing the fumes away from his own burning door and, yes, right through the little hole into Harry's cell.
"Oi!" Harry cried, rubbing his nose. "Watch where you flap that - "
"If I'm going down," Padfoot began, pure vehement loathing in his voice, "then I'm taking you with me."
... ... ...
"We were here first!" Remus cried, brandishing his wand furiously. "Piss off!"
Severus leered at him, snorting. "Tough luck."
The werewolf growled, barring his teeth - but taking a quick peep at the sheer amount of black attired, white-masked foes - and the army of joyful Dementor's, finally cottoning on to the intrusion, that were closing in around the two oblivious parties -
Remus felt there was only one thing for it, really.
... ... ...
Harry was feeling guilty.
Well, just a tad. Maybe. Slightly.
When the smoke had began to itch his nose Harry had taken his own rags (aka bed sheets) and stuffed a fraying edge into his peep hole, successfully blocking the trundles of smoke from entering into his cell. He had tried everything then - from spinning fast in circles to a poor imitation of Justin Hawkins - to block out the awful sounds of Poof's gagging and choking, but the nightmarish noises still managed to tug his ears, pull on his conscious.
Damn stupid morals.
"Are you alright, Poof?" Harry yelled though the wall. "Padfoot, can you hear me?"
Another bout of exaggeratedly dramatic coughing answered him.
Harry rolled his eyes, disdainful at such theatrics. "Well, I wont lie to you then. It wasn't particularly nice knowing you at all."
Padfoot began to pound desperate fists on his wall. "Help! Help me!" he cried, choking on his own words.
Harry had never (and he was quite relieved to be free of such a constraint, honestly) suffered from anything remotely tall of a 'hero complex'. But Padfoot's piteous wails really did irk him.
Harry sneered, relaxing in the comforting sounds of lapping flames, the crackle of burning, the heat of the fire. He leant back on his tattered mattress, not just a little aroused, and felt himself immerse in the wonders of such taunting, enticing brightness - Poof rather carefully forgotten.
... ... ...
Bellatrix had heard her Master give the order to that greasy bastard, had known that Snape would not follow through - and so she had done the only thing she could have, really. Honest.
Coming in on Nott's 'borrowed' flying carpet, the Deatheater - one of Voldemort's most worthy, most trusted, most highly acclaimed - had set about on her own mission to rescue her clingy lover-boy. Heavy lidded eyes flicked from the compass on her lap, and Bellatrix cast another specifically modified pointer spell. Drawing closer to the towering block, she realized she needn't have bothered - the whisks of noxious smoke was a dead giveaway.
... ... ...
Sirius had lost hope before then, many years past, when he had thought of death with longing, with subservient, negotiable clause. He didn't think he quite enjoyed the feeling, the queasy churn of his stomach, the dull thudding ache in his heart. Sprawled on the floor of his cell, Pickles' cigarette lighter cradled miserably in his trembling hand, Sirius eyed the flames that continuously consumed his door, unhindered - his only escape out - with piteous, grudging depression.
He considered offing himself right there and then.
He considered calling out to the guards, the Dementors', to come gliding to his rescue.
He couldn't work out which option sounded less appealing than the other.
That was when the wall behind him, just mere inches to the left of his shoulder, exploded inwards to mounds of dusty rubble, stone flown hither. Sirius jumped up, crying out at the terrible sight to befall him -
Bellatrix - whom appeared momentarily confused by Harry's rugged, disheveled appearance (he'd only been in Azkaban three days, after all) - shrugged, realizing her mistake. "I'm a nudist - what do you expect?"
"I like you naked!" Pickles called out from his own cell.
Bella winked. Sirius vomited.
... ... ...
"Well, are we getting out of this shithouse or what?" Harry asked, jumping onto Bella's flying carpet and wrapping his filthy hands around her waist. Before either could protest, Sirius leaped up behind them.
The trio flew away into the sunset, alongside chattering flocks of birds and right through the stormy grey clouds, on henceforth to victoriously encounter another of life's great adventures. Twice Pickles had to remind Padfoot that is was supposedly good luck to get shat on. Damn pigeons.
... ... ...
Albus Dumbledore popped another aphrodisiac centered lemon drop into his watery mouth, heaving a great sigh of relieved frustration, and yet again started to masterfully plot. It was what he did best, after all.
Where exactly Harry was, Albus hadn't the faintest clue, but that was not important -
The Light might just be alright yet.
Maybe. Perhaps.
... ... ...
Lord Voldemort was beyond livid.
Harry Potter would pay - preferably by way of luminous sickly emerald green.
But for now he'd have to contend with the sniveling Snape.
... ... ...
It was a lovely day for a picnic, Harry thought.
And they looked like a right old family then too, the three of them sitting cross-legged on the red tartan rug, looking off from the cracking, ancient pier and into the great oceans off Columbia, waves pounding to the rhythm of their newfound free heartbeats. Eternal, perpetual waves licked the shoreline. Harry bet he could gaze into the glorious waves forever - but a moment later he changed his mind, growing bored of the sight.
Harry passed Bella the whipped cream.
Bellatrix passed Sirius the marmalade.
Sirius passed Harry the tub of asparagus, grinning evilly.
When they left, Harry set the pier alight. He said it was to eliminate any evidence that they had been there. Sirius helped him. Bellatrix thought, secretly, they both just enjoyed it. And she thought she might too.
... ... ...
Remus Lupin was at a loss. Firewhisky helped, a little.
He married Tonks the following July - on Harry's birthday.
... ... ...
When Voldemort took the Ministry, no-one could stop him.
When Voldemort took Europe, no-one that cared was left.
When Voldemort succeeded in his quest for world domination, he celebrated with muggle champagne.
No-one dared slate the action rather hypocritical.
But Harry Potter still lurked somewhere unknown, out of his reach, out of his hold - and Tom Riddle never slept. Never. A year later and the chronic insomnia had taken its toll, the Great Dark Lord giving in to fatigue, to rest, to a solitary and sleepless death.
No-one mourned.
Harry Potter, previously prevailed under titles such as The Boy Who's Insufferable, was hailed again the savior, the hero, the Chosen One of the Wizarding World. All charges held against him were dropped.
Lapdog Lucius Malfoy held a 'welcoming home' party in his manor, but no-one showed up.
Minerva McGonagall put up a bounty for anyone to catch sight of the green eyed, black haired youth.
She got many letters in return, but none of them lead to any further findings.
The search went on to no avail.
In the year 2001, five years after he had disappeared, Harry Potter won the Most Charming Smile award, hosted by the /Daily Prophet/. But no-one really knew what he looked like anymore.
The year after he was crowned deceased by the Ministry.
... ... ...
Years went by unnoticed, stumbling on and on.
Eventually people began to forget.
And then one day late in August a new Astronomy Professor arrived at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
He spread graffiti over the walls of his office and threatened late homework with the penalty of certain death - by way of burning. He liked fire. He liked flying. He liked the sky, and the sea, and - for no reason in particular - hated redheads. Strangely, he also carried an odd appreciation for asparagus. He was not married, but he did have twelve children of his own. They were all named after the stars.
He confided to Minerva, one chilly evening between round goblets of warmed pumpkin juice, that he thought of Hogwarts as home, that he had always known he would return. Minerva didn't know how to reply.
... ... ...
Albus Dumbledore laughed, turning over in his grave.
Tome Riddle, watching the scene from below, glowered, grounding his molars together with a nasty crunch.
... ... ...
A/N: Whoola. Enjoy?
Oh, and a little translation: 'Hic Intereo Thy Plurimus Praeclarus', meaning Here Die The Most Famous; 'Esse Quam Videri' - To be, rather than to seem. Please don't quote me on that, either - my latin skills fall entirely to the all-powerful Google. Thanks for reading ;)


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DICKINSON, N.D. (AP) -- Seniors at Trinity High School in Dickinson returned to their fire-damaged school to graduate--something many didn't think would be possible.
The school was heavily damaged in a March 3 fire that authorities believe was intentionally set by then-principal Thomas Sander. Students finished out the school year in classes at temporary locations across Dickinson.
Allison Steffan says it was comforting to come back into the building one last time for Sunday's commencement ceremony.
Allison Meyer said the fire has been a lesson in overcoming challenges--trinity something she plans to apply to her personal life.
Sander has pleaded not guilty to charges of arson and endangerment by fire. His trial is scheduled to begin July 23.
Classes at the school are expected to resume in the fall.


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Sign up for Yardbarker's daily Top 10 newsletter, the Morning Bark! Customize to get news on your favorite sports and teams.
Found March 14, 2013 on NESN.com:
PLAYERS: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Jerry West, Charles Barkley, Rajon Rondo, Courtney Lee, Doc Rivers, Jason Terry, Mickael Pietrus, Ray Allen
TEAMS: Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat
TEAMS: Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat
BOSTON — Twenty years from now, in a break in the action during a Celtics game at the new TD Garden, some precocious little girl or some meathead from the South Shore will show up on the video screen for one of those fan trivia contests. At stake will be a free Apple iChip, the digital music device that is installed directly into the user's skull, and the question will hearken back to a game in 2013 when history was made multiple times in one night. "On March 13, 2013, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce each reached statistical milestones for their careers," the question will read. "Garnett passed Jerry West to move into 15th on the NBA's all-time scoring list, and Pierce moved into the top 20 by eclipsing Charles Barkley. "The question is, who assisted the shot that gave Garnett his 25,193rd point?" And the fan will yell: Rajon Rondo! At least, that is how Garnett and Courtney Lee, the guy who actually threw the history-making pass, facetiously imagined it playing out after Garnett and ...
Original Story: http://nesn.com/2013/03/kevin-garnett...
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SOURCE Empire Film Group, Inc.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Empire Film Group, Inc. (OTC Pink Sheets: EFGU) and the Board of Directors of Tarsin Inc. www.tarsin.com are pleased to announce they have unanimously agreed and reached definitive agreement to acquire Tarsin, Inc. This acquisition will help expand and further integrate Empire's digital film and media assets into Mobile Publishing and Wagering.
"We are excited to have Tarsin as part of the Empire Group. Tarsin has a rich history and proven track record in mobile publishing with over 12 years in business, published in 32 languages and 120 countries. Tarsin's parent Game2Mobile Inc. / Tarsin underwent a reorganization and consolidation in US Federal Bankruptcy court in the Northern District, San Jose California in 2014 therefore the acquisition is subject to approval of the US Bankruptcy Court as part of its plan reorganization. The acquisition will be in the form of a combination of cash and stock. Empire is content rich after 10 years in the film and digital media industry. The 2 entities compliment the business initiative going forward. I have had the unique experience over the past several years of being involved with both companies and working with the talented and experienced management teams," commented Mr. Joseph Cellura, Managing Director of Empire Film Group, Inc.
Empire Film Group, Inc. is a fully-integrated digital media, film and television production and distribution company with capabilities to reach theatrical, video, television, video-on-demand for the worldwide markets. Empire Sports Group, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Empire Film Group set up to develop, acquire, produce, market and distribute sports related entertainment properties in film, television and in various multimedia and digital environments.
TarsinInc.,www.tarsin.com, takes brands mobile providing casinos and gaming operators with the runway to execute their mobile strategy. Operators can now derisk launching and monetizing innovative mobile publishing, mobile wagering products on all mobile devices as Tarsin's platform technology is agnostic, quick and robust. They can reach broad new revenue streams through a proven mobile publishing platform with a comprehensive mobile suite of distribution, marketing, location and payment capabilities. Tarsin manages the development, integration, deployment and distribution of mobile content including games of skill and chance into emerging mobile devices markets.
"Having spent a decade learning and living the complexity end of mobile publishing, and solving compliance challenges, we will now be the engine powering expansion onto the widest range of mobiles in whatever territories a gaming operator chooses," says John Osborne, a leader in mobile publishing. "Operators want to extend their brands and market reach by putting their loyalty programs, games and betting literally into the hands of their players." He adds, "People enjoy consuming media, content and games via their mobiles, and as US legislation begins to encourage gaming operators here to catch up with that behavior, we can look forward to bold innovation in gaming and wagering."
Features and facts
The Tarsin mobile publishing and wagering suite of Licenses and Right To Use agreements offers a unique suite of fully featured and proven mobile solutions which are critical to the nature of placing a wager and playing games on mobile. Not least are identity confirmation, geo-fencing, geo verification and geo-location by state or region, a suite of consumer billing options including Point of Sale "POS," and a high level of personal and corporate security including device authentication prior to each m-commerce transaction. Supporting professional services, design services and project management services enable full systems integration with back-end gaming infrastructures, web front ends and bricks-and-mortar operations. The platform supports marketing program integration and execution, ensuring high levels of distribution for operators, and ease of adoption for consumers. Its inbuilt scalability and resilience supports propositions launched on both national and international footprints. With an ever- increasing rate of handset development, mobile devices were reported to have surpassed the sale of computers for the first time in the history of computer based devices in 2013. Tarsin via its suite of licenses and Right to Use mobile platforms ensures that hardware is supported upon production release, maximizing the addressable mobile market in real time. As of January 2012, the various platform technology supports over 1500 handsets, smartphones and tablets from 49 manufacturers. It is interoperable with 796 carriers and mobile operators worldwide including 51 in North America, and designs and publishes seamlessly across multiple variants of operating systems based on Apple, Android, Windows, Rim, Nokia, Java and BREW. Tarsin services and operates in 32 languages plus a further 5 regional variants, publishing over 3 million mobile applications to consumers.
This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Sections 27A & 21E of the amended Securities and Exchange Acts of 1933-34, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Although the company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these statements included in this press release will prove accurate.
Empire Film Group, Inc.
©2012 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved.
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Get To Work
Explore how to find, get and keep work with Belo Cipriani.
Posts filtered on Category
New one-stop shop for a variety of help
My colleague Carolyn Said wrote Monday about the SparkPoint Center in Oakland — a new concept being pioneered by United Way of the Bay Area to help working families build financial stability. It's a one-stop shop that brings together multiple agencies and counselors to help low-income people improve their credit, build their assets and increase […] [Read More]
If it's Monday this must be the Get To Work blog
Sometimes I sit at my desk and wonder when it's my turn to be sent out to the glue factory, what could I do for a next career? In just such a moment of weakness, Ted Bravos, chief executive of International Tour Management Institute, called me to tout his $3,350 training course in San Francisco. […] [Read More]
Labor Dept sponsors contest for videos on 15 in-demand jobs
The U.S. Department of Labor invites members of the public to produce and submit videos, from one to three minutes in length, that focus on a day in the life of a worker in any one of 15 high-wage occupations for which there is significant demand. The creators of the top video in each category […] [Read More]
Free web site builder simplifies creation of online presence
Starting a business or hunting for a job in the down economy may be scary, especially during the holidays. But free online resources also give you tools to jump start your business or job search. For instance, creating a website is a critical step to getting noticed, especially for small businesses. Join the trend by […] [Read More]
Fair Wednesday connects low-income San Mateo families with aid
San Mateo County will hold a Family Resource Event on Wednesday, November 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 555 Marshall St. in Redwood City, near the Caltrain station and accessible by SamTrans. County and non-profit social service workers will be on hand to help qualifying families get short-term assistance with food, housing, school […] [Read More]
Locals get energy stimulus funds; will hiring follow?
The Department of Energy's new Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy recently announced a series of grants to back companies and universites developing cutting edge technologies. Local winners include Envia Systems of Hayward; NanOasis Technologies of Richmond; Pax Streamline, Inc. of San Rafael; and Stanford University. It's a complete surmise but the money may enable […] [Read More]
Helping librarians find new ways to assist jobseekers
Libraries are doubtless crowded with job-seekers doing research and getting other forms of assistance. This item is directed mainly to librarians who may be looking for ideas about how to best serve their patrons' needs on shoestring budgets. But I include a bit at the end for San Francisco job seekers. An on-line training site […] [Read More]
'Ways to Work' helps low-income San Mateo County parents buy cars
Since 1997, the Family Service Agency of San Mateo County has helped low-income parents buy cars so they can get to work. Shobna Dhewant, director of the Ways to Work Loan Program, e-mailed me recently to say the goal is to help low-income families, who might otherwise have trouble obtaining financing, get car loans of […] [Read More]


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Observer of life, lover of family, American patriot ~ Photographer, Writer, Wife, Mother, Friend ~ Welcome to my World
Saturday, January 5, 2013
7 comments:
- Granny Annie said... [Reply to comment]
Baby steps...One day at a time:)
- January 5, 2013 at 3:29 PM
- Nikki said... [Reply to comment]
I like this blog layout A LOT. And as for change, I actually thrive on it. I like it, if it's what I want, but if it's thrust upon me like you said I HATE IT!! This year I am winging it as I do in other years. I am starting a volunteer gig with CASA a child advocacy program and I am excited about that! I am hoping to mend fences where they need mending and if not then, leaving them down where they lay. That's about it in my world.....change is good, just not as a campaign slogan! HA!!! Hugs. :)N
- January 5, 2013 at 9:29 PM
- Always On Watch said... [Reply to comment]
My 2013 plans
I haven't really begun the piano practice, however. Still grading my way out from under the end-of-semester papers that my students submitted before Christmas break.
I, for one, am sick of blogging so much about politics. I'll be doing less political blogging in 2013.
- January 6, 2013 at 8:18 AM
- mCat said... [Reply to comment]
I am learning to embrace change for better or for worse. And since I pretty much fell in love with ya at first blog post, I'll be stickin aroudn. Love variety!
- January 6, 2013 at 11:25 AM
- namaste said... [Reply to comment]
annie, oh yes....:)
nik, the volunteer gig with CASA sounds excellent. i hope you tell me all about it! agreed, change as a campaign slogan definitely sucks! lol! i hope you blog a little this year. hugs!
aow, still grading? wow. next to parenting, teaching is the most demanding job there is. God bless you for doing it.
mcat, so true, everytime change comes we learn all over again how to roll with it. thanks for sticking around!
- January 6, 2013 at 5:46 PM
- Pedaling said... [Reply to comment]
I'm usually good with a little change.
Gotta mix things up to keep life fresh!
Let's see, this year I will be going to girls camp with the youth in our church group -- that will be out of my comfort zone...the whole camping thing- but it will be fun...right?
kids growing up- another one graduating from high school.
an new grandbaby on the way.
some alone time somewhere with the man i love.
I didn't make any real goals this year, but i can think a few that i should make.
Just try to be a little better, day by day, I guess.
i like the look of your blog. very nice- simple and clean looking. I'm always changing my blog look.
- January 6, 2013 at 8:45 PM
- namaste said... [Reply to comment]
pedaling, whoa! camping?! as in sleeping outdoors? good for you, you're more adventurous than i. congrats on the new grandbaby on the way and your high school grad-to-be! exciting stuff! alone time with the man you love is FANTASTIC!
- January 8, 2013 at 2:49 PM


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some days, when i read your gibberish, i find myself really missing full sentences.
Metro Mag on problems with the current street vending ordinance. Via chriseats, who also has a fantastic summary of the city meeting on bringing food trucks to downtown Minneapolis.
Street vending is so close I can almost taste it! But I agree, more time is needed and a better approach should be crafted. The ordinance on the table right now is one step forward, two steps back. As much as I love Hell's Kitchen, whose gripe with food trucks comes down to not wanting new competition, it seems to me the city should be enabling new businesses [insert obligatory especially "in times like these" comment], not just necessarily rewarding existing ones. (via colinkloecker)
This point speaks to what I think is the elephant in the City Hall room: issues of equity, access, socioeconomics, and (yes, I'm going to go there) race. People with dreams of trendy, hip food trucks aren't the only folks who have an investment in a street food movement. This is a potential opportunity for people from low-income and immigrant backgrounds to start businesses that would be impossible with traditional brick-and-mortar models. Given that these populations usually have fewer economic AND social capital resources, they may be shut out of these entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly with requirements such as prior ownership of a brick-and-mortar operation. Look at the culture of street food in major metropolitan cities: the Halal Cart in NYC, the Bacon Dog Cart in LA and SF, the Kogi Truck model in LA. You cannot ignore that this is an issue for immigrants and minorities. I also find the reactions of current business-owners interesting: indignation? Threat? What is really going on here with these reactions?
To the Task Force that will tackle this issue at a much deeper level:
I urge you to take a broad, critical perspective in examining issues of fairness and access. Widen the view about how we think about who the stakeholders are and what our city has to gain from this initiative. This is the time for a city that prides itself on community and progressiveness to walk the walk (preferably on a sidewalk that will have a Tamale Lady cart).
(via urbanfoodie)
excellently stated.


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- Home
- Find a degree
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- Life at UCL
Digital prospectus
Spatial Design: Architecture and Cities MRes
This MRes is a new research-oriented route which offers greater independence of learning and increased specialism to those intending to undertake extensive research (e.g. a PhD) or mid-career professionals who are seeking new direction or wishing to concentrate on a particular field of study within their current place of employment (such as in environmental or urban design consultancy).
Mode of study
- Full-time 1 year
- Flexible 3-5 years
Tuition fees
- UK/EU Full-time: £9,550
- Overseas Full-time: £17,400
Fees for flexible, modular study are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time fee taken in an academic session.
Application date
- All applicants: 1 August 2014
More details in Application section.
What will I learn?
Alongside initial training by world leaders in space syntax research, students will be able to specialise in one of several streams: buildings and organisations; urban, suburban, planned and unplanned settlements; spatial modelling and evidence-based design. If desired, students will be able to develop a research project relevant to the research interests of their company or practice.
Why should I study this degree at UCL?
The UCL Bartlett is the UK's largest multi-disciplinary Faculty of the Built Environment, bringing together dozens of scientific and professional specialisms required to research, understand, design, construct and operate the buildings and urban environments of the future. Located in London, it is at the heart of the world's largest cluster of creative architects and engineering firms and has all the resources of a world city to hand.
Students benefit from teaching from the Bartlett's 'SPACE' research group, one of the world's leading architecture research groups and from Space Syntax Limited, an architectural and urban design consultancy that applies space syntax theories and methods into practice on internationally renowned projects.
This new MRes will offer core components of the existing Spatial Design: Architecture and Cities MSc, with a greater emphasis on research, management and transferable skills, forging stronger links across the Bartlett via shared modules and collaborative group research.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of taught modules (30 credits), transferable skills modules (30 credits), two research-based modules (30 credits) and a dissertation (90 credits).
Core Modules
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 15–18,000 words.
Teaching and Learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures, tutorials, field work, independent project work and workshops. Assessment is through coursework, written and take-home examinations, projects, dissertation and presentation.
Further details available on subject website:
Scholarships available for this department
Brown Family Bursary
This award is based on financial need.
Bartlett Masters Scholarship
These scholarships are based on financial need.
Bartlett Masters Scholarship
These scholarships are based on financial need.
HRP Heritage Science Scholarship
Historic Royal Palaces is funding this scheme in order to increase the numbers of ethnic minority students in the Heritage Science sector.
Further information about funding and scholarships can be found on the Scholarships and funding website.
Entry requirements
A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree in a relevant design, engineering or scientific field or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, or a relevant postgraduate qualification or significant industrial experience.
International equivalencies
Select your country for equivalent alternative requirements
English language proficiency level: Standard
How to apply
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
The deadline for applications is 1 August 2014.
Who can apply?
The programme is designed to appeal to those intending to undertake extensive research (e.g. a PhD), or to mid-career professionals who are either seeking new directions or wishing to take a year out from a related industry.
What are we looking for?
When we assess your application we would like to learn:
- how your academic and professional background meets the demands of Spatial Design: Architecture and Cities
- why you want to study Spatial Design: Architecture and Cities at graduate level
- what particularly attracts you to this programme at the EDI
- where you would like to go professionally with your degree and how this programme meets these needs
Graduates of this programme are likely to employ their transferable skills and enter the specialism for the first time, return to their workplace with fresh focus or specialise in the burgeoning spheres of expertise that this research field has developed in recent years.
The first cohort of students on the Advanced Architectural Studies MRes are due to graduate in 2014, therefore no information on graduate destinations is currently available. First destinations of recent graduates of the sister programme Advanced Architectural Studies MSc, however, include: Qatar Foundation, Cube Design, Portland Design Associates, Levitt Bernstein, Paul Drew Design, Manu Chugh Architects and Ouzounowpounou & Papataristou Architects.
This course enhances students' abilities in the filed of architectural/urban morphology, spatial analysis, network analysis, urban/architectural theory and the social aspects of the urban environment. Graduates of the course can be involved in both professional and academic activities. If you choose to go into practice, the coure will provide you a cutting edge at evidence-informed and research-based design. The graduates, who choose an academic path, will have the advanced knowledge and skills, which are required for high-level academic jobs. In reality, many graduates of this course will be picked up for the jobs that bridge between the two disciplines.
Next steps
Mr Craig Daraz
Bartlett School of Graduate Studies
Register your interest
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Prospectus subject
Graduate Studies (Bartlett School of)
Faculty overview
Staff View
"UCL has given me the freedom and space to think through difficult problems that I thought were important and yet under-studied internationally, with the potential to contribute to both the industry and policymaker led solutions to those problems."
Dr Tristan Smith
Lecturer in Energy and Transport
Subject: Energy Institute, Faculty: Built Environment
Student View
"In my field of study I can learn the latest technological advances that relate to the urban environment and how to use them to become a better professional."
Flora Roumpani
Degree: PhD
Subject: Spatial Analysis (Centre for Advanced), Faculty: Built Environment


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One for my Jewish friends: (Well. Among others, of course.) Remember, don't say "Happy Holidays," say "Chag chanukah sameach." And a happy new year.
Stuff & Nonsense
Tacky Nativity Scene: Holy Tryannosaurus, Batman!
There are tacky nativity scenes, and then there are tacky nativity scenes…. …And then there's this. Which deserves a post all to itself. Because I have absolutely nothing to say about it. (Suggested in the comments by Jen; posted on Facebook by Darth Accordion. I suppose the right response is "Thanks," but wow.)
A Very Music Theory Christmas
If you're looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the person who has everything…. … and, if you're looking for something to play on it, how about a brand new CD from Thornfield, or a slightly older CD from me? (Note: May not actually be playable on a Philco Port-O-Sound Cart. Check with your local [...]
"What's My Purpose?" Answered in Five Words
I've heard a lot about "finding purpose for your life." Today I read what might be the best thing I've ever read on the subject. It's incredibly simple. In fact, it's just five words. Ready? (I got this from Jon Acuff, who credits it from here. ) Thoughts?
Black Friday, Friday…
From the Department of Things That Probably Say Something About The World Today, here's an ad I got in my email today (Wednesday) for "Black Friday": "Black Friday," as we know, was named in honor of Mr. Wilson J. Black, who coined the famous saying about a fool and his money. (Actually, I'm just curious [...]
Oh, Bother
In which it is revealed exactly why my website needs a tag called The Utterly Random. (via Neil Gaiman, who gets reblogged a lot here for some reason.)


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Rapp Corral is One of USA Today's Top 10 Picks! See the full article.
Horseback Riding and Winter Sleigh Rides
in the Southwest Colorado Mountains
Visiting Rapp Corral online brings you one step closer to being in the beautiful San Juan Mountains, where rides will bring you through spectacular aspen groves and tall pines, and where wildlife has been known to stroll right across your path and in front of your camera lens.
Rapp Corral is one of Durango's favorite horseback riding and winter sleigh adventure venues. We operate with priority use permits in the San Juan National Forest and our corral is located at the entrance to beautiful Haviland Lake, about 20 miles north of historic downtown Durango. Small groups, flexible schedules, amazing trails, and well-trained horses who are very well taken care of (this is horse heaven!), make Rapp's the choice for beginning riders, children and experienced riders too. From one hour rides to custom adventures and unique winter sleigh trips, Rapp Corral makes your western horseback experience one for the memory books. For more information, mosey around our website or give us a call. We'll see you at the corral.
Special Cowboy Poetry Ride - October 3rd - learn more
Or call 970.247.8454 to book your trail ride.
Rapp Corral is an Equal Opportunity Service Provider/Employer and operates under Special Use Permit #COLO63 from the USDA Forest Service, San Juan National Forest.


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The weeHouse Gets Bigger
- Location: multiple locations
- Website: weehouse.com
Minnesota's Alchemy Architects - makers of the modular prefab weeHouse - recently introduced a new addition to their line: the 3 bedroom, 2150 sf not-so-weeHouse. While the original, tiny weeHouse was designed for small space living, the new stackable models are being marketed as primary residences for families that need more space...
The firm offers prefab housing kits starting at 341 sf in a range of options - each house is made by arranging and stacking modular rectangular units.
The not-so-weeHouses join eight tiny houses together to create the large unit, and they can be arranged in a variety of configurations. Pricing for the large, 4x weeHouses starts at $319,000.
We personally prefer the smaller models, since they have the appeal of living with less. Still, modular housing naturally strives for a variety of possibilities from the same building blocks. In this sense, larger stacked models seem like a natural extension of prefabricated building.
We also like the fact that both the small and large houses are adaptable to their sites, and can be configured in several different ways.
What do you think? Is the not-so-weeHouse a step in the wrong direction, or is it a logical extension of the architects' prefab model?
For more information, visit the weeHouse website.
Photos: weeHouse. Found via prefabcosm.
12 Comments
Love it. What a great way to use space well, whether you have a need for 400 sq ft, or 2000.
LOVE IT!!!!! Planning to share this with everyone I know in the market for land. LOVE it.
Great use of space on a small urban lot - IMHO, $320K isn't too much to spend on a well-built Architect-designed house.
I love the larger models. The 3 bedroom models are still a modest space for a family of 3 or 4, and they are beautiful.
Love it. I want to go buy land and start building!
Does anyone know of a source for folding chairs like the ones shown in the last photo? I have a similar chair that I bought off of craigslist and I love it. It is a rocking folding chair and very comfortable.
thanks for any help.
320k! ouch!
A base price of $319K for a 2100 sq ft home translates to $152 per sq ft, which sounds pretty good. But that's the base price--I'd like to see how quickly that "from $319,000" rises.
don't forget that the price per sq ft doesn't include the cost of the land ... . not inexpensive by any stretch of the imagination.
The prefab houses that I've been looking at back when Dwell ran their first pre-fab house contest, quotes different prices based on where you buy the land (for permits, plumbing, any infrastructure on the road,) and what part of the country you build in...because of different labor costs. It's not cheap, but its affordable if you're looking from the perspective of getting an architect designed house with custom materials and features. Many of these stackable units are very configurable. Here's a link to just some of the architects doing this. It's a great list and I've aleady got my favorites for the if/when scenario...
Definetly a step in the right direction.
Just because my family of 5 needs more than 300t doesn't mean we want an ugly cookie cutter home.
Also, we do actually need a bit more space because we live in a climate (Central Alberta) that really does necessitate two wardrobes, summer=hot, winter=effing cold, in fact almost all of the last 4 weeks have been near -50!
Need to store the season specific toys and yard care items.
Why live in a winter climate if you don't go toboganning and skiing? Those things take up space!
Modular prefab housing was created to make building way easier and way less costly. $320k+ is not less costly by a heck of a lot. Why does AT promote such extravagance?