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Striking a Balance: 5 Things to Consider When Shopping for a City Apartment
My boyfriend and I recently embarked on a search for an apartment in the now infamous rental market in San Francisco, attending open houses that feel like cattle calls, where prospective tenants line up with their binders full of personal information and checks made out for steep application fees… just to be considered.
It can be easy to fall into the same sort of mindset that takes over when shopping at designer sample sales, a mix of desperation and competition that overrides the rational part of the brain that asks: do I really need or even want this? Being both a freelancer and the proud owner of two dogs, I feel a little extra pressure. Those two points alone tend to move me to the bottom of the application heap.
In an attempt to maintain sanity and think on our feet, we came up with a little pregame strategy, a checklist of the things that are most important to us in a city dwelling. The more points the place hit the better. We prioritized the ones that were the most important to us and identified what we were most willing to sacrifice.
Here are the five key points we found ourselves looking at when shopping for this, as well as past, city apartments.
1. Location
Location was a very important, if not the most important, factor for us. It can make or break the experience you have in a city. Factors such as proximity to shops and restaurants, what the neighbors are like, noise and safety all factor into the decision making process. The path from your front door to the nearest public transportation is also key — you can live on a great block but still have to pass through some really sketchy areas as a part of your regular commute.
2. Size
We have both lived in very compact city apartments over the years, but need to be sure we have enough space to where we can each have a little alone time and not constantly be on top of each other. The dogs' needs as well as the fact that I work out of a home office also factor into this one.
3. Cost
This is a very personal and situationally specific one. While the general rules about what percentage of your income should be spent on living expenses are great, in some markets they just aren't doable. We came up with a general range of what we could spend and aimed for the lowest rent possible without sacrificing to many of the other points.
4. Condition
Leaky pipes, mold, and drafty windows all can be easy to overlook when checking a place out, but can have a long term affect on your general comfort and health. Checking bathrooms ceilings, underneath sinks, windows and appliances, as well as asking about how maintenance on the property is dealt with, can save you a lot of future grief.
5. Transportation/Parking
This might seem like an afterthought but can be a deal-breaker on even a great place that hits all of the other points. We share a car, so garage parking or a space would be great, but otherwise it's important to find out what the street parking is like and if there are any affordable garages nearby that you could use. Close proximity to public transportation with a safe path that you would feel comfortable walking at night is also important.
If you have any points of your own, feel free to add them in the comments below.
(Image: via Kim Lucian)
41 Comments
Wow, you rent and have dogs in San Fran? We found our cat to be such a limiting factor, can't imagine how tough it must be with a dog! The Craigslist listings went from about 200 listings to 3 when we chose "cat friendly". We ended up buying in large part so that we could get a labrador and not have to worry about the next apartment we'd have to look for accepting dogs/pet rent.
Whether or not I can hear the neighbors and they can hear me.
I agree! So many complexes around here are pet friendly, but they charge outrageous fees for them. One of the nicest parts of eventually buying a house was never having to worry about pet fees and pet acceptance.
I agree with all of these, location being the most important factor. Condition is also important; we moved to what initially looked like a spacious, airy flat to later discover that there were massive gaps in the windows which let cold air in in the winter and mould started growing on the ceiling and in the bathroom. The place always felt damp and dank.
Living in a city you sometimes have to settle but it's worth prioritising what you need from a home. Although the above issues eventually really bothered us, rent was cheap, we were close to a massive green space, it was an easy commute into the centre of the city and there were lots of shops within walking distance.
good point about location, this stopped us JUST before making on offer on a townhouse...seeing a noontime drug deal between our potential home and the metro.
Another aspect of city living is noise and light. When I was apartment searching in Honolulu, I found a place I could afford (no mean feat considering the "Price of "Paradise"), I neglected to factor those elements into account. I now live in a 450sf apartment which is right on the ambulance/fire route! I'm also surrounded by low and high rise buildings, all with unshielded walkway and parking lot lights. It's so bright at my front entrance (not street facing) that I can read a large print book with no problem. High up in a building this may not be problematic, but the lower 4-5 floors may have an issue.
SF renter here. Under "condition" if looking at an old place (ours is a 1909 building), check for outlets, and make sure the windowsand doors open and close. Our kitchen has one outlet (fridge and stove plugged into it), so we have to unplug one of them to use a toaster or any other appliance. Same with the bathroom. We have one outlet in our light fixture (so the light has to be on for the plug to work....so no charging electric toothbrush over night). The other unit on our floor has no outlet in the bathroom.
An excellent, well thought-out list. I advise mainly British clients buying property in southern France, and the main mistake I find they make is to fall in love with an apartment or house, without checking all the points you list - especially the location of the building, neighbours, potential noise etc. As a lot of the properties selected are in seasonal, tourist areas, it is easy when viewing during the out-of-season months to not notice the nice little bar or restaurant next door, which will be packed and noisy till 2.00 am during the summer!
More than one visit is advisable, and perhaps with a dispassionate friend who may not share your enthusiasm but can point out the con's as wells as the pro's. Whether you are buyting or renting, it is not something to enter into in haste, whatever the pressure from an owner or realtor. There is invariably something else just around the corner, perhaps even nicer.
Just an FYI: parking is not so bad in the Inner Richmond. I lived there for 5 years, and while we had a garage that my roommate and I shared, I was always able to get a parking sport within 3-4 blocks on the days I parked on the street.
We found our house by searching first by location, since we had to have easy access to a metro station. Then we only looked at houses in our price range, then we filtered by our must-haves: garage, hardwood floors (we were never going to afford to install them ourselves), good appliances, and lots of natural light. Everything else we were flexible on, considering we were budget shoppers and knew we were going to get a house that needed some work.
I second the look for outlets comment! I toured my old house before the tenent I was replacing moved out. She had lamps all over the room and various electronics. What I didn't see until move in day were the 5 extension cords coming from every adjacent room because there was just ONE outlet in the very corner. (My first night I blew the power on my side of the house and had to dry my hair in the kitchen.)
Wow, is this apartment searching for dummies? Aren't these things obvious to look for?
I second the outlets (or third?) factor.
I also check water pressure of the shower and the kitchen faucet and flush the toilet. Just to check overall plumbing.
In SF you also have to consider micro-climates. I've lived in various neighborhoods in the city and have found that weather really does effect you. Esp if your working from home.
When i made the move from Outer Richmond to Potrero Hill it was literally a totally different world. Sun comes through my windows almost everyday - and i can grow things (a plus) which is unthinkable sometimes in the Sunset and Richmond Districts. Living by the beach doesn't always mean sunny.....
Also - just a little advice but if your really interested in a particular neighborhood i would walk around and look for "For Rent" signs. Sometimes this means they didn't post on Craislist with is a HUGE help if your planning on scoring a place.
Big big big one is cell phone service. I always forget to check when renting a place. I've been stuck in places where you have to hang out a window or stand just so to get a decent conversation. It might be kind of nit-picky but it's something to think about.
+1 on cell phone service.
In addition to what's already been listed I would say to consider proximity to some sort of green space...parks, running/biking trails, water, etc.
Some things you can't check for: the landlord upstairs who snores; the number of pigeons, gulls, and crows in the parkway (dirty and noisy - and fed by the local immigrant population); the number of noisy trash pickers who come around the night before city trash pick-up.
I look forward to moving, believe me.
I was surprised when I was apartment hunting at how many places were adult only. I can't understand it. I couldn't find a place downtown that would allow children that was nice. The ones that did were in rougher areas of downtown and some aparently also allowed feral cats to urinate in the building.
So, that left me with a compromise on location. I live in a place that's only a 10 minute train ride from downtown. It's not the best neighourhood but it was the best I could find at the time.
It allowed cats and other small housepets when I moved in but when it went condo the building decided to allow dogs. That has been the WORST. There have been several incidents with dog poop in the hallway and in the parkade. Dog poop smeared in the carpeted halls is absolutely disgusting and a health hazard.
And yet downtown I could easily find a place that would allow dogs before it would allow children. I have yet to find a child leaving poop in the hall...
Knowing what the place was like prior to dogs being allowed and the state of things where I am now, I'd have to say if I looked for another apartment my list would include a no dogs policy. I realize that will make me rather unpopular here. And I recognize it's not all owners that are so negligent. But the ones that are have made it something I never want to deal with again.
I also have no power outlet in my 1930 bathroom=personal health implement chargers abound on my kitchen counter, & hydroflosser used at the kitchen sink, lol. Sometimes you gotta compromise.
For me, sunlight is the dealbreaker. I've lived in apartments where I never saw sunlight, and it was incredibly depressing. Give me windows, windows, windows!
As an SF Renter for 5 years some things to consider:
(a) Visit your prospective apartment during the day AND at night. Sometimes what seems like a great neighborhood, isn't.
(b) SUNLIGHT. I lived in a bedroom without sunlight for a whole year and I'll never make that mistake again.
(c) Muni/ Garbage routes. I live on a street that has three bus lines going down it (the 6, 37, and 43). If my bedroom was in the front we would hear buses all night. Also, friends who lived a few blocks away were on the nosiest garbage route and they knew every Tuesday and Thursday they'd be woken up by people going through their recycling bins.
(d) In the neighborhoods west of Divisadero make sure they are dry (have good heating and or ventilation). I lived in an apartment that had little sunlight, no HVAC system, or cross-apartment ventilation which lead to a HUGE mold problem. If you are in a foggy part of town, mold is a very real problem and not fun to deal with.
(e) To agree with an earlier comment, cell phone service. In my last apartment using my cell phone at home wasn't an option.
I think your list is smart! But I would make sure that if you are spending more money for location (which is your #1) make sure it's for safety/accessibility more so than for convenience to shops/restaurants. At the end of the day SF is 7x7 and nothing is that far to get to!
I'm surprised that no one has mentioned talking to potential neighbors. Not only will you get to hear their complaints, but you'll get an idea if they're a neighbor you'll want to avoid having.
I know your pain having lived in SF and Boston--the rental market is brutal. And when you are one of ten people at a showing, you don't have time to do a lot of leg work before somebody rabidly plunks down $3000 in fees/deposits to secure their spot. You literally have minutes to decide. Are you working with an agency/agent? A good one can be a real asset (they have and use you list of requirements, and show you a variety of places that meet at least most of your criteria)...bad ones are just people who escort you to endless crappy apartments hoping to luck-out so they get their fee (usually one month of rent). When I had to move across town in Boston, I benefited from talking to my super and landlord--they were totally connected to other landlords and through some calls got me into a place before it was shown publicly...I had to clean it myself, but I skipped realtor fees so that was more than worth it.
SF is pretty mellow in terms of utility expenses, but I'd offer a tip...keep the phone numbers for PG&E/Spark on your cell, you can call in an address and get the last few months of usage information without any hassle...might save you from a gas-guzzler.
We needed to live in the city because my husband works in SOMA and I work in San Mateo, so we wanted a central location for reasonable commute times. Also, we have a one-year-old son. Our decision was easy. We are not working high-earning jobs, so we punched a rent ceiling of $2000 in to Craigslist and ended up with a choice of about 10-20 apartments, most of which were basements in the Outer Sunset. We chose an 1100 sq ft flat in a refurbished Edwardian home in the Excelsior with an open floor plan, 12 foot ceilings, lots of big windows, and centralized heating. The neighbors are loud and obnoxious; there is a gaggle of teenage boys who hang out on the corner near our house at night doing mischief (like doing doughnuts in their cars in the intersection until they lose control and take out a fire hydrant), but hey, the rent is cheap. Not sure if we will stay in San Fran. The prices have gotten so high, it is barely manageable. We moved here from Manhattan, and I have to say, I think I got more for my money there!
@ Jess L.
What? Whoa. You found parking within 3-4 blocks of your house?? And that's acceptable? In the city that's a quarter of a mile!
@ badneighbor and Heather C.
SROs? Are those Halfway Houses?
Ah yes, SROs-Single Room Occupancy. Exactly.
Be led by your head, not your heart. Those 'charming' features such as original windows, wood floors and old bathroom fixtures will probably turn out to be draughty, creaky, woodworm-ridden, and likely to drive you mad after a while. You will also pay dearly for a nice view, which, IMO, is not worth it if you're renting.
This is something I wish I would've taken into account when I bought my condo: accessibility and privacy of any outdoor space. I share my back porch, and only outdoor space, with my next door neighbor. The way the porches are configured, only their kitchen window and door overlook the porch; meanwhile, my bathroom, kitchen window, and master bedroom windows overlook the porch. My neighbors smoke and have a dog, which means, they are on the porch at all hours of the day and night. It's not so bad during the winter but jaw-clenching, teeth-gritting, horrible in the summer when the windows are open. The noise and smoke seeping into my home from them makes me hate my otherwise lovely home.
@xlcr it sounds to me like Burlingame would fit your housing needs, commutes & budget a bit nicer. It's also sunny, parking abounds, and your Husband could take advantage of Caltrain to SOMA, while your commute would be a short drive. If you want to stay in SF, Protrero might also be an option- its pretty central for both of you.
This is a great AT post for SF renters! It would be mandatory reading-including all the great comments. Another important factor for me is the street noise/pollution. I once lived on a street that saw a pretty large amount of traffic - my windows were grey from the exhaust- not to mention the noise of cars & honking. And like other readers said, check the ventilation system and for mold!
I also want to re-emphasize that Microclimates are so very real. If you need warmth & sunlight on a relatively regular basis I'd opt for neighborhoods like Protrero, Noe Valley, SOMA, parts of Russian Hill and parts of the Pac Hts/Cow-Hollow Marina border. If you really want sunny temps though you may be better off in the eastbay or peninsula!
After many months of tedious house-hunting I was so anxious to settle in somewhere that there are a few things I forgot to look into:
1)Supermarkets. I did remember to check if there were supermarkets, but I forgot to check what the supermarket was like. Our nearest supermarket (exlcluding tiny convenience stores) is a low-end supermarket that doesn't stock many of the things I cook with and has a bad fruit/vegetable/meat section. I don't have a car, so the nearest nice supermarket is 30minutes away by foot (bus would probably be the same since there aren't many of them). A real pain!
2)Sunlight in winter vs summer
When we visited the apartment it was summer, usually at noon or in the early afternoon. Sun came in through the northern windows and everything looked great. The problem was that when we moved in in November there was never any direct sunlight. Ever. (well except for the tiny window in the bathroom). Thankfully, ever since January I've noticed some sunlight for about half an hour in the morning. I should have thought to calculate the different ways the sun moves in summer versus winter (but seriously, who does?)
Since we visited the apartment in the summer, the common areas outside had just been cleaned. But when we moved in in November, the area was moldy and green. I should have paid more attention to the fact that the common area is cold, damp and dark.
I've been in my current place for four years and it has its benefits and definite problems:
1.) The landlords themselves. Depending on what the problem is they are very slow to respond. If there is a plumbing problem they'll take care of it because they don't want damage to the property. But the family of skunks that have been living under the house? It's taken two years to try to resolve because they don't want to pay the money to have the crawlspace under the house repaired. Do they have smoke detectors installed? Some states (such as the one I'm living in) require them to be installed by the landlords...mine weren't. I had to buy my own. I don't know what the laws are in other states. Ask around and see how reputable your landlords are and how well they take care of the property and their renters. I know there are some websites that rate the properties.
2.) The plumbing. Flush the commode. Turn on the water if you can. Check on water pressure. I discovered my toilet backs up every six months and the sewer line has to be cleaned out because of tree limbs growing into the pipes. It's hard to tell when looking at the property for a few moments but its something to consider.
3.) The windows. Check and see how old the windows are. Mine, I'm guessing, are original to the house (which was built in the 1930/40s). They are 9-pane windows that are so poor on insulation that during the winter if I'm sitting next to them I need to have a space heater and gloves. This will effect your utilities. Also check to see if the windows are painted shut.
Good luck!
What are gang-related cupcakes?
My must-haves:
-clean, safe and walkable area (no all-day loiterers or other questionable types on the street)
-modern apartment with new or relatively new fixtures, appliances, whathaveyou
-apartment complex with professional management (no individual super/landlord type), a maintenance staff that responds to repair requests within 24 hours (or sooner if emergency), and a cleaning staff for common areas
-short walking distance to subway, bus stops and supermarket
-no dogs
-sunlight and lots of windows
-gas stove
So glad I don't have to deal with looking for an apartment. Buying a house was the best decision we ever made. But location is the most important thing when it comes to finding a place to live especially when you are buying. At least if you are renting, it's easier to just pack up and find another apartment.
-Look for good management companies instead of hoping for a good landlord. They're more responsive, have more money to spend, and are easier to find reviews of on Yelp etc.
-Look for unexpected perks, like shared rooftop garden with a better view than you place might have. My apt (not in SF) has an amazing common area on the 10th floor that's all glass with lots of nooks and crannies to sit and read, or visit with friends who are allergic to cats. There's even a commercial style kitchen to use for large parties, should I ever be in the mood to have one.
I agree on all of the rest above, and especially
-windows with light. Year round light, so taking a compass and making sure you're not in a northeast facing apt. That will let you know winter light will not be like living above the Arctic circle.
- run the faucets, flush the toilet, turn on the stove, and look for bathroom fans. My last apt didn't have them and I never imagined that they'd be missing, so I didn't look.
- drive through at all times of day, including weekends, and if you already live in The City (which I still miss terribly) make sure you're not in major tourist congestion areas. You know the major parade routes, Bay to Breakers route, Folsom St (Ok, that's not tourists, but make sure you dont' move there if you have kids....)
I really really miss SF, but you've reminded me why I can't afford to live there forever. On a fixed income, it had better be a HIGH fixed income.
Also, I can't imagine so many apts dont' allow dogs considering the number of dogs I always saw on the streets, in the parks, outside and sometime inside cafes. Maybe it would be good to ask dog walkers in your target areas where they rent and if they know of other apts that allow dogs.
Gurl, you gotta look into Oakland. Seriously. Lived in three different SF apartments over 5 years, moved to Oakland 18 months ago and couldn't be happier.
Or don't, actually. If too many city folks come over our rents are gonna start climbing.
Around here to 'cupcake' is to put hos before bros- to ditch the people you're with to do some flirting, etc. Not sure of the gang connection, but slang has regional variations.
Water tank size! 5 gal tank at 1 gal/min = 5 min showers. Yeesh.
OMG, reading the comments and this post makes me so glad I don't live in SF! We've owned our house in PDX for eight years now and I can't imagine trying to rent here, let alone in SF. The last apartment I rented was in Spokane, WA. I paid $450 a month for 800 square feet, hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a working fireplace. Seriously. Location only goes so far when we're talking about quality of life. At some point the cost of living in a desirable city outweighs the benefits.
In 45 comments, no one has mentioned rent control?!! It makes a huge difference. If you are in SF in a rent-controlled building (generally all building constructed before June 1979), your rent cannot be raised more than a set (small) percentage each year. Also, you can be evicted only for limited, specified reasons.
Whether you can hear the neighbors or not. I'd take mold or incessant light in a heartbeat over the thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin wall that I share with a neighbor couple that have two babies. That cry all night long, many nights. I really wish they'd move out, considering that the four of them and their two dogs live in a studio apartment. :(
I would move, but it cost 3,500 in fees to move into this $600/mo apartment. I lost my job, and just don't have it. :(


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Back Wins First RZ Builders Super Stock Triple Challenge
Posted under Race Reports by Chris Budzban on June 9th, 2007
By Mae Schultz
June 9, 2007; Marshfield, WI: – Race fans enjoyed a crisp, cool night of exciting racing at Marshfield Super Speedway June 9. In most of the features, the leaders dominated leaving the close racing to the runner-up slots. In his second feature win this year, Brian Back took the checkered in the RZ builders Super Stock Triple Challenge #1 and fast time honors of the night. Kyle Opelt worked his way from the back of the pack to take the 4-Cylinder feature honors. The four-cylinder Bill Dunow Memorial fast time award was earned by Jeremiah Strauss. Marc Baldwin jetted out front and kept it for the win in the Junkyard Warrior feature. Jonathon Zuelke topped the Junkyard Warrior division qualifying event. Kyle Genett won the Pure Stock feature, picking up his third clean sweep of the season.
The RZ Builders Super Stock Challenge Series got off to a rocky start with the first race. Only 2 laps into the race, smoke billowed up from a tangle of cars in turn two. Adam Krzykowski got turned around, bringing Mark Langreck and Randy Emmerich with him. Langreck received the worst end of the deal, ending up on the embankment of the track.
But it was smooth sailing from the restart through the rest of the race. By the third lap, Back had taken second and was on the hunt for first. Back was neck and neck with Brian Weinfurter, who had taken the lead on the restart of the race.
The thinnest piece of paper wouldn't have fit between the pair who were side by side for several laps. In lap 10, Back nosed out a lead over Weinfurter. Meanwhile, Rick Grunden was close on the leaders' tails. By lap 12, Back managed a more secure lead and forced Weinfurter to spend the rest of the race chasing him. But it was a fruitless chase. Back earned the checkered and was awarded the Krings Motorsports feature award and the RZ Builders LLC Triple Challenge bonus pay, Weinfurter was second, Grunden third, Randy Emmerich fourth and Travis Zvolena fifth.
Tonights' cycle event featured timed qualifying: 1.Mark Zeidler 21.199 2.Troy Johnson 21.238 3.SteveKasten 21.523 4.Brad Seavers 21.586 5. Cliff Eckes 21.593 6.Craig Lewis 21.793 7.TJ Zeidler 21.919 8.Randy Ruffi 22.255 9. Woody Eckes 22.606 10 Ted Strebe 22.834 11.Lee Johnson 23.281 12. Dan Vrana 23.389
In the first and fast heat Troy Johnson shot his Rotax into the lead but could not deny the speed of Mark Zeidler who backed up his fastest qualifying performance with the heat win over a fast closing Steve Kasten.
In the second heat Granton's Craig Lewis led from start to finish over Lake Nebagamon's Randy Ruffi who shadowed his every move but could not find that little bit more to pass.
With the qualifying and six lap heat races in the book; everyone put forth their best effort for the ten lap feature race. TJ Zeidler put his Kawasaki out front for the first lap before being engulfed by the pack in their quest for the victory. From first to fourth in one corner. Mark Zeidler assumed the point and Steve Kasten gave chase while Brad Seavers waited for either to make a mistake so he could force his way past. Marshfield's Cliff Eckes Jr. worked his way up to forth by the finish but Mark Ziedler would not be denied; winning fast time, fast heat and the feature race on his Honda 450.
Results: 1. Mark Zeidler HON 2. Steve Kasten YAM 3. Brad Seavers HON 4. Cliff Eckes Jr. YAM 5. TJ Zeidler KAW 6. Troy Johnson ROT 7. Woody Eckes YAM 8. Randy Ruffi YAM 9. Craig Lewis YAM 10 Lee Johnson YAM 11.Dan Vrana HON 12. Ted Strebe YAM
Cycle results by Woody Eckes
Kyle Opelt snuck his way up from the middle of the pack to dominate the 4-Cylinder feature. Early on Brad Conant lead the feature. By lap 3, Derk Hauser had dethroned him but he didn't keep it long because teammate and father Steve Hauser took the lead from him. While the two Hausers were sparring up front, Opelt had quietly climbed to take third in lap 7. He didn't stop there. In lap nine, he used the outside groove to take second place. Then he put Steve Hauser in his sites. His patience paid off. In lap 11, Opelt again used the outside to take the lead in turn four. Opelt won the race and the Westside Service of Auburndale award, Jeremiah Strauss was second, Steve Hauser third, Derk Hauser fourth and Don Dunow fifth.
Kyle Genett had to fight to keep his lead in the pure stock feature. Genett was already in second in the first lap. But Gary Haarklau was going to make it hard to take the first spot from him. In the second lap, the two were side by side. In lap 3, Haarklau had nosed out the lead, but Genett was right on his tail. Genett used the outside groove to gain the advantage in the fourth lap. He pulled away from the rest of the pack. In third place, Ryan Mork was right on Haarklau's tail. In fact there was even contact in the last lap. But Haarklau and Mork kept their cars in check and finished the race. Kyle Genett won, Gary Haarklau was second, Mork third, Coletta Gomes fourth and Joey Kuhn fifth.
Marc Baldwin dominated the Junkyard Warriors feature. He took the lead by the second lap and held it for the rest of the race. He put considerable space between him and his fellow drivers. For race fans, most of the action was in the race for second place. In the second lap, Roger Cochrane took second and was trying to close the gap and catch Baldwin. But, Kyle Rasmussen wanted to give him something else to think about. In lap seven Rasmussen tried the inside groove, but didn't have the muscle to overtake Cochrane. He tried to use the inside several more times, but Cochrane was able to hold him off. In the last lap he made an attempt at trickery. He went against his pattern and tried the high side. But it was to no avail. Baldwin took the checkered, Cochrane second, Rasmussen third, Jonathan Zuelke fourth and Andy Dean fifth.
Tuesday, June 12th is the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry race night. Racing features CarQuest Super Late Models, 4-Cylinders and Pure Stocks (all races are track points races). Pit gates open at 3:30, grandstand gates open at 5 p.m., Miller Lite time trials at 5:30, racing starts at 7 p.m. Adult grandstand admission is $10.00, Students ages 10-15 yrs. $5.00 and under 10 yrs FREE with a parent. Rain date for Wednesday, June 13th, same times.
Everyone 16 yrs and older may sign up FREE every race night to win the PT Cruiser Convertible Pace Car.
Next Saturday, June 16th is Opelt Sand & Gravel-G&S Trucking, WDLB & Miller Beer T-Shirt toss night at the races. Red hot racing includes CarQuest Super Late Models, CarQuest Super Stocks, 4-Cylinders, and Junkyard Warriors. Pit gates open at 3:30, grandstand gates open at 5 p.m., Miller Lite time trials at 5:30, racing starts at 7 p.m. Marshfield Super Speedway is located 3.5 miles west of Marshfield on County Road H with weekly Saturday night stock car racing April through September. Adult grandstand admission is Just $10.00, Students ages 10-15 yrs. $5.00 and under 10 yrs FREE with a parent. Rain date for Sunday two hours earlier.
June 16th is Hometown Night At The Races for Neillsville, Granton, Fairchild, Osseo, Black River Falls, Humbird, Merrillan, and Willard. Any race fan from any town listed for June 16th, will be able to show their picture ID that states they live in one of those towns, and receive FREE admission to that night's races. Plus join us for the post race party in the VIP Bar for Attitude X2 Entertainment DJ & Karaoke.

subset: commoncrawl


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Jordan Starkey is a man for all seasons.
The Geneseo senior basketball player has donned green and white from the minute he stepped into high school, and will do so even after he walks across the stage with his diploma in May.
When it's nice enough to run, he does, and is pretty good at it. When it's too cold, he goes inside and plays basketball, and he's pretty darn good at that, too.
In fact, Starkey led the Maple Leafs to the Geneseo Thanksgiving Tournament championship and earned this week's honor of Metro Pacesetter for The Dispatch and Rock Island Argus.
Starkey hasn't had an afternoon off since early August, either.
He was the star of the Geneseo cross country team again this fall, qualifying for the Class 2A state meet, just barely missing out on an All-State spot while running his lifetime best time.
The next day he enjoyed the team banquet, but on Monday was on the court for basketball practice.
Not that the summer was any different. He finished track season in mid-May, and was on the court all summer, convinced the Leafs were better than the 6-19 record they posted last season.
"Coach (Josh) Reschke and Coach (Mike) Kiss did a nice job of improving our skills and working on our basketball IQ," Starkey said of the time between when coach Dave Martin left and before coach Brad Storm was hired. "All that work is paying off, and when Coach Storm came we really fit into his style."
Starkey's running shoes are coming in handy. If the fast-paced style of play leaves him winded after a few down-and-back trips, just think how the opposition must feel.
Like a boxer wearing down his opponent, Starkey and the Leafs have worn down all three of their foes, getting them weary before delivering the knockout blow.
In the Leafs' three wins, Starkey has averaged more than 17 points per game, while also dishing out nearly four assists per contest.
"During the first and second quarter, I'm not the quickest kid on the court," Starkey said. "But then in the second half, I can keep up with anyone and push my teammates a little farther too."
Last season, the Leafs won just six games all season, three of them to Dixon, but have turned the tide this year behind Starkey's leadership and a more veteran bunch.
The Leafs have a little bit of a chip on their shoulder, too. Ranked by one newspaper to finish 5th in the Northern Illinois Big 12 Conference, the Leafs can't wait to prove everyone wrong. They won't have to wait either with Sterling and Ottawa coming up in the next 10 days.
"We're going to fight to win a conference championship and we all believe we can," Starkey said. "We need to dictate the style of play on offense and defense every time we step on to the court."
In the running
Favorites TV show: "SportsCenter"
Favorite movie: "Planes, Trains and Automobiles"
Favorite subject: Humanities with Mr. Harrington and Mr. Hall
Favorite food: Mom's lasagna
Future college major: Engineering
Parents: Brent and Margaret Starkey, Colona
In the running
C.J. Carr, Rock Island: Named Gary Moran Most Valuable Player after helping the Rocks win the Rock Island-Milan Booster Club Thanksgiving Classic.
Ethan Radue, Geneseo: Averaged 14.6 points in three games at the Geneseo Thanksgiving Tournament.
Adarios Jones, Moline: Won three matches at the United Township Triple Duals.
Drew Owens, Moline: Named to the Galesburg Thanksgiving All-Tournament team.
East moline, IL Details
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Kenneth Muller, representing Atacama Films and Pablo Guisa, director of the Morbido Fantastic Film Festival, representing the companies LSD sound design and Scratch color editing, were the jury and awarded:
In its 5th edition, Ventana Sur celebrates LATAM fantastic cinema by creating a special section called Blood Window.
Gore, Horror, Sci–fi and Bizarre films produced during 2012 & 2013 will be shown on this exclusive video library section only available for Sales Agents, Festival programmers and International Distributions.
The section BWIP (Bloody Work in Progress) was in charge of Jose Luis Rebordinos, renowned director of San Sebastian International Film Festival. Six films in post-production stage were selected to compete for awards on services and distribution.
The jury of the BWIP Blood Window Awards granted the prizes, which consist of post-production and distribution services. The ceremony took place at the Auditorium of Ventana Sur, the film market organized by INCAA and Marché Du Film, Cannes Festival.
The jury Pablo Guisa awarded the prize for distribution in DVD, VOD and PAY TV for Mexican territory to:
"NATURALEZA MUERTA", (Still Life) by Gabriel Grieco (Argentina).
"MAR NEGRO", (Black Sea) by Rodrigo Aragao (Brazil).
Finally, Blood Window had a video library with 70 films produced between 2012 and 2013 only available for distributors, sales agents, directors, and festival programmers.


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'The Giver' Film Adaptation 'Is Finally on the Road' - GalleyCat →
We're speechless. And deliriously happy. We can't think of a better time to re-read this classic!
(from our friends at GalleyCat)
For the past 15 years, fans have circulated rumors about a film adaptation of Lois Lowry's The Giver. In an interview with studio 360, Lowry confirmed that the movie "is finally on the road."
Oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges has been an advocate for this project for many years. He will play the title character. At the moment, studio executives are auditioning young actors for the lead role of Jonas.
Lowry first published The Giver in 1993. The book won the Newbery Medal in 1994. The full quartet includes Gathering Blue (2000), The Messenger(2004) and the author's latest release, Son (2012).


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I just received my lower today from my FFL and my new super spiffalacious AR is ready to be slapped together and taken for a test drive.
Upper is a BCM 14.5 with a fixed A2x.
BCG is BCM.
New lower is a PSA Moe edition in OD green.
Sights are fixed front and a Troy folding rear. When I have a few extra bucks I'm going to put an Aimpoint T-1 on it.
I think I might use my M&P15 lower for now because it is proven and the trigger is quite a bit nicer. I'll slap the PSA lower on my M&P15 upper because that gun is set up for plinking. The new gun is going to be set up for SD.


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Lindsay Lohan: ARRESTED For Punching Woman at Club!by Free Britney at . Comments
The great Lindsay Lohan was arrested just a few hours ago in N.Y. City for allegedly punching some girl at a nightclub ... not sure if anyone is surprised or cares.
It happened, though. The starlet was partying at Club Avenue when she got into some sort of beef with a female patron and things eventually became physical.
Police arrived on the scene and arrested Lindsay for assault.
Words were exchanged between LiLo and the woman as they sat in nearby booths; it's not clear why they were jawing at each other, but it got ugly.
Lindsay said something to the effect of, "Give me my space."
Some time passed and then, for reasons still unknown, Lindsay allegedly punched the chick and the police were called, intercepting the actress' getaway.
Lohan was leaving the club in a car when cops pulled her over and arrested her; the troubled 26-year-old star is still in custody, according to TMZ.
Recently, Lohan was arrested for hit-and-run outside The Dream Hotel in NYC after supposedly bumping some guy, but cleared due to lack of evidence.
She also has other ongoing legal woes ... a lot of them.
The Liz & Dick star is about to be charged with lying to police in after her June car accident in L.A., when she claimed to be a passenger and not the driver.
If Lindsay is formally charged with this latest crime, or any crime for that matter, it could trigger another probation violation and land her in a jail cell again.
Unlike watching her try to act, this is no laughing matter.
Lock her up!! She's obviously lost her mind, completely! She needs to go away for a while, probation isn't working obviously!!
come people give lindsay lohan a chanes and let her make a movie and music career comeback come on people give lindsay lohan a chanes or give her avisd or something
She is such a train wreck!! She looks much older than what she is, and she can't stay out of trouble! It isn't anyone else's fault but her own. It's called making good choices, something of which she is not good at. How many times are the courts going to look the other way after slapping her on the wrist? If you or I had pulled just half of what she has, we would be sharing a jail cell. It is complete BS that some of these celebrities walk away from their 'legal woes'. I am so sick of hearing about this person! Keep her off of the TV, she can't act, and make her face the punishment and take responsibilities for her actions! Being 'famous' is not a 'get out of jail free' card. Well..............it's not suppose to be anyway.
Lindsay Lohan Arrested For Punching Woman At New York Club Video Here http://tiny.cc/Lindsay-Lohan-Fight-2012
Wow this woman is headed for an early grave if she keeps going the way she has been. She's only 26 and has/had so much drama in her life.


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Great event that fueled a lot of creativity for all of us there in Las Vegas. #Impact13 #IMA
Great event that fueled a lot of creativity for all of us there in Las Vegas. #Impact13 #IMA
I think improv is essential for anyone in a creative field, but also, anyone simply wanting to get the most out of life. And this is how you get the most out of studying improv itself. Only thing I would add is that I think people in class should be sober.
#30 Seconds to Mars #Inspitational Artists #great music
Movember "David's Big Problem"
Agency: TAXI2
Executive Creative Director: Lance Martin
Creative Director: Jeff MacEachern
Art Director: Craig Ferguson
Copywriter: Tal Wagman
Producer: Brie Gowans
Director: Shawn Zeytinoglu/Radke Films
Editor: Melanie Hider
Great Idea! I want one! Let's help these get made for all to enjoy.
I came across this while researching something else and I am incredibly inspired by the idea and also enlightened about the issues this one project addresses.
Creative thinking can make the world a better place and this is a group that will likely inspire us all.
Now that's a romantic wedding video. It gives the sense of being there without being boring. Nothing cliché that I can see either although, yes it is a hipster match made in hipster heaven.
Even a buried treasure can have relevance and fuel creativity years later.


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Police arrested a man early Wednesday morning after finding two meth labs in a truck behind a dentist office in Decatur.
Police responded a dentist's office on Johnston Street around 1:40 a.m. after getting a call about a possible burglary.
Inside the truck, officers found two one-pot labs and a gun that investigators said had been reported stolen in Moulton.
Officers arrested Rodney Clayton Jones and charged him with manufacturing and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. A HAZMAT team was called out to decontaminate Jones.
Officers said charges are pending in connection with the gun found.
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Linux Command Directory
This directory of Linux commands is from Linux in a Nutshell, 5th Edition.
Click on any of the 687 commands below to get a description and list of available options. All links in the command summaries point to the online version of the book on Safari Bookshelf.
Buy it now, or read it online on Safari Bookshelf.
slattach [options] [tty]
TCP/IP command. Attach serial lines as network interfaces, thereby preparing them for use as point-to-point connections. Only a privileged user may attach or detach a network interface.
Run command when the connection is severed.
Debugging mode.
Exit immediately after initializing the line.
Exit when the connection is severed.
Create UUCP-style lockfile in /var/spool/uucp.
Enable three-wire operation.
Suppress initialization of the line to 8-bit raw mode.
Similar to mesg -n.
Specify protocol, which may be slip, adaptive, ppp, or kiss.
Quiet mode; suppress messages.
Specify line speed.