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Posted On: March 7th, 2017
Filed Under: Heating, Gas fireplace
No Comments on 5 reasons to add a gas fireplace insert to your home
Gas fireplace inserts are zone-heating champions, meaning they provide substantial warmth in a specific room or area. If your gas fireplace insert is located in the room where you or your family reside most, such as a living or family room, it heats where you need it, when you need it. This can greatly cut down on unnecessary heating, add to the comfort of your home, and reduce overall energy usage. Simply turn down the central thermostat and let the fireplace heat where you live. Easy and efficient!
Gas fireplace inserts remove the dangers of smoke inhalation, which is a major plus for adults, but crucial for babies and children. There are also no ashes to clean up. A simple flip of a switch or push of a button, and you have clean, healthy heat.
This one is simple—there's nothing cozier than a fire. A glowing fire has a calming and relaxing effect, and contributes to the ambiance of any home. Add the warmth factor, and you've made an investment that is comforting on all fronts.
Do you love the rustic charm of mason jars and burlap? Or do you swoon at the sight of clean lines and minimalistic design? Perhaps you fall somewhere in between. In any case, there's a gas fireplace insert to match your unique décor style. The Archgard Optima series will fit well in the home of the mason jar enthusiast, while the Archgard DVI Glass Fireplace will blend seamlessly in a modern setting.
We believe that a gas fireplace insert isn't just a source of heat—it's a centerpiece that should speak to your home's décor and beauty. That's why we sell and install the highest quality Archguard gas fireplace inserts.
Gas fireplace inserts hold their value remarkably well, and add to the value of your home. In fact, it's estimated that homeowners can recover 91% of the cost of the unit when selling a home.
In addition to Washington Energy Services' experienced, knowledgeable installers, our Archgard products are backed with a limited lifetime warranty. There's no better time to elevate your décor, save money, and end winter on a warm note.
Book your free estimate
Tags: Heating, gas fireplace, fireplace, fireplace insert
Posted On: November 4th, 2016
Filed Under: Heating, Cooling
No Comments on Isn't it time you elected to save money?
Trade in your clunker and save.
Fall and winter is a time for family and relaxation—not clanking furnaces, drafty windows, or frigid showers. Now's the time to adopt an "out with the old, in with the new" policy with our cash for clunkers deal.
It's easy! Give us a call to come out and pick up your old unit. We'll recycle it and give you 20% off the cost of a new unit and installation. Just what is eligible for this great deal? Check it out:
Heating: Perhaps the most important weapon in your cold-weather arsenal, furnaces, electric air handlers, boilers, ductless heat pumps, and heat pumps are all 20% off.
Cooling: Sure, air conditioning might not be on your mind in November—but maybe it should be. If your house was unbearably hot this past summer, beat next year's A/C rush and upgrade your cooling system now. (It may not seem like it, but yes, the weather will turn warm again!)
Siding: Siding is your home's first defense against the elements of winter. Protect it with new vinyl or fiber cement siding.
Fireplaces: Is there anything more pleasant than a warm fire in the winter? We didn't think so. Cozy up to 20% off gas fireplace inserts.
Generators: It's storm season in the Pacific Northwest. A new generator will ensure the power stays on when the wind and rain descend.
Windows: Replace those drafty windows to keep the cold air where it should be—outside.
Insulation: Old or inefficiently placed insulation can mean colder spaces and higher energy bills. Give us a call to give your home an insulation upgrade at 20% off.
Tankless Water Heaters: Who doesn't love a cold shower on a November morning? Yeah, us either. Tankless water heaters offer unlimited hot water so everyone in the family gets a comfortable shower, even if the dishwasher and washing machine are in full swing.
And those aren't the only deals we're offering in the month of November. Take advantage of plumbing services, such as a $99 for a drain cleaning or a plumbing inspection. Or receive $500 off a complete home re-pipe. Finally, if you're hoping to conserve energy and lower your bills, home energy audits are $200 off this month (use promo code "homeaudit")!
November is a big month for our country… and your home. Now is the time to trump your energy bills and save a clin-TON of money with Washington Energy Services.
Contact us today for your free estimate.
Tags: Cooling, Heating, election
Posted On: October 27th, 2016
Filed Under: Heating
Seattle is gifted with a fairly mild and temperate climate. We don't have the same harsh winters as cities on the same latitudinal parallel on the East Coast. However, it does get cold here for a few months, and during that time you certainly want a heating system that efficiently gets the job done. For property owners seeking to upgrade home heating systems in Seattle, consider these options:
Heating upgrades don't have to cost an arm and a leg. Some tax breaks may be available to help you pay for the cost of making your home more energy efficient. Talk to us to learn more about programs available.
Washington Energy Services is a family-owned heating and cooling home improvement contractor. Founded in 1957, Washington Energy Services has generations of experience in providing comprehensive home heating and cooling solutions, including sales, installation, and service. A member of the Puget Sound Energy Contractor Alliance Network, Washington Energy Services has an excellent local business reputation.
Contact us today for a free estimate.
Tags: Heating, home improvement, insulation, furnaces
Posted On: July 16th, 2014
Filed Under: Heating, Cooling
No Comments on Top home trends of 2014
According to Realtor.com, in 2014, bright colors "will be more of a focal point", and "designers will start featuring vibrant accent walls, main paint colors and flooring" bringing color throughout the house.
We liked this trend and put a green wall in our offices which brightens things up for our employees.
Washington Energy Services offices displaying their values. Location: Lynnwood, Washington
In Seattle, our customers start with an expectation that the heating, cooling, windows or siding products we present them with will be energy efficient, but will they also improve personal comfort? A good example of accomplishing both goals is upgrading to a heat pump (ducted or ductless). Popular elsewhere in the US for many years, heat pumps are a recent energy saving trend in the Northwest. They provide efficient heating plus a comfort bonus of air conditioning, which we do seem to need lately.
Another trend we see is people requesting air sealing, which reduces unwanted drafts in the home, saving energy and keeping temps even. A great way to learn how to cost effectively improve your comfort is with a home energy audit. Audits are not just for energy saving!
Okay, one benefit of the climate getting warmer is the potential for more barbeque days outside. It has also led to an increase in water conservation measures across the western US. While we don't have water shortages here, we at Washington Energy believe in sustainability every day, not just when asked. Taking a thoughtful approach to what you plant and where, can save water, reduce your bills and still give you a beautiful look. Easy ways to start are incorporating native plants and using water conserving mulch, and any garden center can provide great information for your particular application. If you would like to learn more about sustainable gardening visit Built Green (www.builtgreen.net) or check out WSU for some interesting information on this topic. One great idea they discuss is creating hydrozones, where plants with similar water needs are grouped together. Extension.org – Planning and Design of Water Conservation
This "#1 Food trend of 2011", according to the Food Channel, is still hot, and we mean 'hot' as in spicier than ever. Pickles are the 'artisanal' treat you can easily make at home. It makes the time, effort and water spent growing veggies in a small plot more rewarding as you'll enjoy them year round. Beyond the simple cucumber, pickled delights include asparagus, kohlrabi, fennel, beets, mushrooms, and peppers, many made in hot and spicy varieties. A favorite of ours is pickled hatch chili peppers from New Mexico. For the more adventurous, this could become a small business. You'll need pickling spice, salt, jars, a large pot to boil water and put the jars in (a lobster pot is a good size), and you'll definitely benefit from buying a simple kit that has rubber coated tongs and a basket for getting the jars into and out of the hot water, plus instructions for safe canning. Canning equipment and jars are sold in year round in stores like Fred Meyer, and during the fall season you'll find them in most supermarkets too.
According to Angies list, "2014 homeowners are most interested in making strategic improvements to boost functionality, increase efficiency and take advantage of existing space." They cite some of the most popular changes in kitchens including opening up the kitchen by removing a wall or partial wall to give a greater feeling of space and to create an island area for comfortable entertaining. Other popular kitchen upgrades include hardwood floors, bamboo floors, and hidden cabinets that recess into the walls. Adding sliding patio doors to provide new ways to connect the kitchen to your outdoor living space can transform the usability of your space.
Homeowners are also expecting their kitchens to be wired for today's electronics, such as charging stations or outlets inside cabinets for a clean look. Kitchen color trends are opposite the rest of the house. White, grey and neutrals are popular including white appliances. For more on kitchen design trends check out this article by. HGTV Top 17 Kitchen Ideas
We hope you found some inspiration for your summer home project in this list. For improved home comfort and energy upgrades, call Washington Energy at 800-398-4663.
Tags: Cooling, HVAC, Heating
Posted On: August 23rd, 2013
Filed Under: Heating
No Comments on Take these important steps before you crank up the heat
For any heating system (furnace, heat pump or boiler) timely maintenance can make a difference, up to 10% savings in heating costs. And importantly, if you have an older furnace, you'll want to see how much life it's got left in it, so it doesn't leave you stranded in the cold.
All heating equipment manufacturers and EnergyStar.gov recommend annual professional maintenance of heating equipment (a "tune up"). And for gas standby generators, it's required for the warranty.
Why do they call it a "tune – up"? Because it has the same function as the tune-up, oil change or mileage based maintenance you might get for your car.
For expert maintenance services like these, call Washington Energy Services at 800-398-4663. Our 37 point furnace maintenance costs $159 and extra pieces of equipment can be added at a discounted rate. We service all major brands of heating equipment. Home Energy Audits are also available.
Tags: HVAC, Heating, home maintenance
Posted On: October 6th, 2011
Filed Under: Heating, Ductless heat pump, Heat pump
24 Comments on Which heating system is right for me?
Yes. Furnaces come in several levels of efficiency, for example 80% 90%, 95% and up to 98% AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency). This refers to the amount of heat you get compared to the amount of fuel that you supply to the furnace. So 80% AFUE means 80% of the fuel becomes heat and 20% is wasted. With gas bills going up, it can pay to have a 95-98% furnace – you could lower your heating costs by 15% or more.
If you are considering a new furnace, consider the benefits of the modulating furnace. Modulating furnaces stabilize the heat you feel throughout your house, eliminating cold spots. The furnace makes tiny continuous adjustments to keep at temperature. This reduces the fluctuations caused by a traditional furnace which shuts off once it hits your preset thermostat level.
Not necessarily. The type and size that was there may not have been optimal. For example, here are three common scenarios:
Whether you have ducts or no ducts there are some excellent energy efficient options for electrically heated homes that could save you 25%-40% vs your current heating costs.
Most electrically heated homes in the Seattle area have baseboard or wall heat and no ducts. If you have forced air heat through ducts, you likely have an electric furnace aka, electric air handler. For a truly energy-efficient and cost saving solution, a heat pump or ductless heat pump provides excellent heating and cooling with lower utility costs.
A heat pump takes heat from the surrounding air and ground and transfers it into your home. It also contains refrigerant that allows it to cool your home in summer. A typical heat pump connects to your ducted system, and can work with or without a furnace as a backup. A heat pump can save up to 40% of energy when compared to a traditional electric furnace. Using it as the sole heating source works best when the temperature rarely dips below 40° outside. If the temperature is colder, as it is here in Western Washington, you will need a backup heat source. Consider a hybrid system; a heat pump paired with an electric air handler or furnace to ensure you always have heat. The combined system can be more energy efficient than other electric heat options.
A ductless heat pump also heats and cools your home similarly to an air source heat pump, but without ducts. The outdoor unit of a ductless heat pump system also transfers heat from the outside into your home. Inside a register on the wall silently and efficiently warms or cools the room. Larger areas may require separate registers. A ductless heat pump also provides air conditioning. Ductless heat pumps can save you 25 to 40% of your heating costs.
In selecting any heat pump keep in mind that energy efficient models qualify for local utility rebates. Excellent rebates are available for homeowners who currently have baseboard or wall electric heat. Some rebates are up to $1200. For a list of utility rebates click here.
Already have an energy efficient heating system? Like a car, you could lose some of that benefit if you go without annual maintenance to ensure your furnace is operating at its peak efficiency, and don't forget to change the filter.
Washington Energy Services sells and installs energy efficient heating systems including furnaces, electric air handlers, hybrid systems, heat pumps and ductless heat pumps in Western Washington. Air filters, too. For more information or a free estimate, call 800-398-HOME.
Get a free estimate
Tags: Heating, home performance


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Weimar, Germany
1919 > 1933
"The Bauhaus represented a school of thought founded on the belief that the difference between industry and craft is due, rather than to the different nature of the tools used in the two sectors, to the different types of organization of work in two areas: on the one hand the division of labor; on the other, the total control of the entire production process by the single craftsman. [...]
Trade and industry, in particular, began to look with interest to the artists. There was a sincere desire to integrate the functional efficiency with beauty and formal elegance, these qualities, which the technician was not able to provide. The industry then began to purchase the artists' projects. But these paper patterns proved unreliable: the artist was too divorced from reality, too abstract and too inexperienced for the technical aspects of the production is to be able to reconcile his own conception of the poem co industrial process. On the other hand, the industrial and the coach were not farsighted enough can understand that the fusion of form, efficiency, and economy who wished to obtain in a single product was not feasible if not integrating the entire production cycle time and accurate collaboration of an artist with the requisite skills. As a designer of this type did not exist, it was necessary to set the future formation of the artistic talents on a solid practical basis to acquire the factory environment, combined with a precise knowledge of the design laws. [...]
The Bauhaus workshops were in fact places where they were planning new models for news articles or improved, with a view to mass production, existing prototypes. To create forms-type that would meet all the technical requirements, aesthetic and commercial needed a team of quality first, a group of people with a solid background of general culture, broadly competent on both the practical and mechanical design side, and on that of his theoretical and formal laws. "
/Text excerpted from "The New Architecture and the Bauhaus", Walter Gropius, 1935/

subset: commoncrawl


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Michelle Pressler's jewelry expresses her love of color, nature, and classical details.
Michelle's fascination with faceted stones began as a child, when she discovered mica in the dirt of the playground, and from there, she began collecting rocks and minerals. After working in the fashion industry as a designer and illustrator, she began sewing tiny beads onto handmade greeting cards, and bookcovers. This drew her attention back to stones, which led to 7 years of working with a leading jewelry manufacturer, where she learned the ropes of the jewelry industry. Michelle Pressler Jewelry was launched in 2002.
Michelle takes her inspiration from classical details, nature, and modern design. Working with high quality hand cut stones, sterling silver and gold fill, Michelle aims to create pieces that balance rich detail with modern simplicity, in harmonious colors. The collection, which includes Bridal, is available in over 300 fine boutiques and galleries nationally and internationally.
Showing all 6 results
Aqua Opal Earrings$112.00 Add to Bag
Colorblock NecklaceCall for price Add to Bag
Ethiopian Opal & Tree Agate Necklace$180.00 Add to Bag
Multi Spinel Beaded Tab Earring$185.00 Add to Bag
Opal Necklace with Turquoise$225.00 Add to Bag
Pink Sapphire Double Box NecklaceCall for price Add to Bag
Showing all 6 results


text: We reviewed a lot of innovative adventure items in 2017, so our TrailblazerGirl editorial team had a difficult time deciding on the top 3 items, but here are the ones that really stood out. First, the summer in one of our favorite cities, Vancouver, offered a unique, aerial dining experience with Dinner in the Sky. While sitting at a floating dining table, a gourmet, multi course meal was prepared and served to 23 lucky people with the ultimate view of the skyline at over 150 feet off the ground. Second, enhance your camping experience with the SmithFly Shoal Tent. It's a novel tent with a 6 inch thick inflatable floor that can be detached and used as a raft. Third, the Leaos Solar E-Bike is a solar powered electric bike. The solar panels are fulling integrated into the frame of the bike, charging with direct and indirect sunlight, and one model of this sleek-looking bike can reach speeds of up to 28 mph. These are just a few of the most innovative adventure items reviewed in 2017, what were you favorites?


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U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Counselor Thomas H. Staal will travel to Saudi Arabia October 27-30; to Germany October 31-November 1; and to Italy November 3-5.
While in Saudi Arabia, Counselor Staal will participate in the High-Level Meeting to Review Humanitarian Mechanism in Yemen hosted by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre. Staal will also meet with international relief organizations and other humanitarian donors.
In Germany, Counselor Staal will participate in a meeting with AFRICOM Joint Directors to discuss USAID's current work in Somalia and the Africa Strategic Integration Conference on February 12-16, 2018. Staal will also meet with the European Forces Command about shared priorities, including countering violent extremism. In Italy, Counselor Staal will meet with G7 partners for a high-level meeting on global food security and then participate in the Global Nutrition Summit the following day where he will deliver remarks reiterating U.S. commitments to improve nutrition.
Last updated: October 27, 2017


text: Navy Blue Wool Fabric with Shadow Stripe. Size and MeasurementsSize 52 Short European = Size 42 Short US. Jacket Shoulder 19" Chest 22" Waist 21.25" Sleeves 24.25" Length 28.75" Pants Waist: 35" Rise: 11" Inseam:Unfinished Leg opening:8".The item "NWT CANALI 1934 Blue Wool 2 Button Slim/Trim Fit Suit Drop 7 Size 52/42 S $1895" is in sale since Tuesday, May 22, 2018. This item is in the category "Clothing, Shoes & Accessories\Men's Clothing\Suits". The seller is "nymilan" and is located in Brooklyn, New York. This item can be shipped worldwide.


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The Boardroom
Located on Level 2, the Boardroom is the crème of the crop when it comes to holding your next function. The ceiling to floor glass panels allow guests to enjoy panoramic views of the racetrack and Surfers Paradise skyline.
Ideal for: Corporate Events, Birthday Parties, Engagement Parties, Social Club events, Corporate luncheons,Weddings, Fundraising events, School Formals,
Christmas Parties, High Teas &, Product Launches.
Catering packages Starting from $39.00 per person
150pax Seated
220pax Cocktail
Enquire for details
Enquire for details


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| 7.6°C Dublin
Two topless feminist protesters who stormed the stage during a Muslim conference were "kicked" and "abused" as they were dragged off.
During a conference discussing women in Islam in Paris, two women ran on stage, grabbed the microphone and punched the air as the two imams they interrupted retreated in shock.
A video of the incident appears to show the activists being kicked and stamped on by more than dozen men as they are hauled off stage at the event in France.
Security guards soon hauled the women off stage with more men, possibly organisers of the event, joining in.
The two women are from the Femen activist group, whose members are known for protesting topless with writing across their chest.
The women are believed to be aged 25 and 31 and had the slogans "I am my own prophet" and "Nobody makes me submit" written across their chests.
Femen claims the two imams were addressing in their lecture the issue of whether men are allowed to beat their wives or not, according to Islam's teachings.
La femmophobie est illégale.Le sexisme est un racisme. L'esclavage moderne est un crime.Condamnons-les ensemble, et...Posted by FEMEN France on Sunday, 13 September 2015
The group alleged on Twitter that the "activists were brutally removed from the wings".
The Telegraph reports that the women were arrested but released after questioning.
Conference organisers took to Facebook to rally support for the remainder of the conference, which was held in Pontoise, near Paris.
They added that the activists were "victims of anti-Muslim onslaught from the media".
Prior to the event, a petition against the conference going ahead reportedly gathered almost 6,000 signatures.
Online Editors


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Old time's winter is a functional exhibition for children in Children's culture centre Rulla. The exhibition's opening is on 2nd of January. The exhibition teaches children how the winters were like in the old times and they also get to play and try out winter traditions.
The exhibition is open on 2.1. - 17.3.2019.


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Today was a success! Liza and I managed to sell almost everything we brought to market. I think Hutchins Farm has a couple of advantages at the Belmont Market. First off, we are one of the only organic vendors, our produce is definitely the best, and we are by far the cutest girls working the market. I mean who wouldn't buy veggies from us?
One of the greatest privileges of working the Belmont farmers market is Ragab the hummus guy. Not only is he delightful, he has some of the best hummus I have ever tried. On top of that, he loves to feed Liza and me. On farmers market days I usually do not bring a lunch and rely on the likely hood of Ragab feeding me. Today he did not disappoint. This would be a smoked salmon, goat cheese, and arugula sandwich.
I am telling you, Ragab is the man!!! If you are looking for some amazing hummus check out http://www.samirashomemade.com
Another exciting thing happened at the market today. A birthday celebration! If you think Liza and I passed up the chance to eat grocery store-bought birthday cake, you would be mistaken. High fructose corn syrup and all we dove in.
All the fresh veggies we eat on a regular basis fight off all the artificial stuff right?
Tonight I made dinner in a flash. When in doubt, pesto will save the day. I grabbed some fresh basil from our yard (that's right, when Taylor and I are not farming up at Hutchins we play around with our own garden. It's only about 3 ft by 2 ft. but still….)
tonight's menu: Pasta with pesto and tomatoes and farm fresh salad
I never measure out my pesto so this is all an estimate.
1/2 cup basil?
5 cloves garlic (yes, i LOVE garlic) normal people 2-3 cloves
1 cup extra virgin olive oil?
a handful of parmesan
a handful of peanuts
put it all in the food processor and press the button!
I added this to whole wheat pasta with tomatoes. A side salad with a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Also, a glass of vino. Perfection


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Three men suspected of being involved in thefts from vans in Lichfield and Burntwood have been arrested.
Police were initially called to reports of suspicious activity on Overton Lane, Hammerwich, at 11pm yesterday (September 16) but found no suspects.
But a routine patrol near Muckley Corner later that night saw the van matching the description. A search found tools which police suspect had been stolen.
The men, aged 22,36 and 43, from Walsall, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft from motor vehicles.
Anyone who witnessed suspicious behaviour in the area or believe they are missing any items can contact police on 101, quoting incident number 25 of September 17.


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VIZ Media Launches New Manga Series KAGUYA-SAMA: LOVE IS WAR
VIZ continues its relentless march of manga releases with KAGUYA-SAMA: LOVE IS WAR is coming to the US in March. A story of love, and emotions and high school students, this is going to be one not to miss for fans of love stories about teens. The series, by creator Aka Akasaka, is rated 'T' for Teens and will be published under the SHONEN JUMP imprint. Volume one will sell fr just $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.
KAGUYA-SAMA: LOVE IS WAR also launches digitally via viz.com and the VIZ Manga App, as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and Google Play stores. Future volumes of the series will be published by VIZ Media on a bi-monthly basis. The publisher provided summary is: As leaders of their prestigious academy's student council, Kaguya and Miyuki are the elite of the elite! But it's lonely at the top… Luckily for them, they've fallen in love! There's just one problem—they both have too much pride to admit it. And so begins the daily scheming to get the object of their affection to confess
Annette Roman, Editor with VIZ media said of the series:
"KAGUYA-SAMA: LOVE IS WAR is a hilarious spin on a classic high school love story. Readers will be dying of suspense waiting to see who will be the first to surrender in this battle of love and wits."
For additional information on KAGUYA-SAMA: LOVE IS WAR and other manga series published by VIZ Media, please visit viz.com.
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Becoming a millionaire may not be your ultimate goal. But everyone wants to enjoy financial freedom and learning where we can easily save money will help us on that journey. So whether you want to be the millionaire next door or just be able to have financial peace, these 10 tips will help you achieve your financial goals.
Clarity Money
Clarity Money is an app that works great if you pay all your bills with your bank account. It simply ties into your account and shows any monthly payments that you have. This allows you to see if there are any services that are no longer bringing you value or if you are not using anymore. (For related reading, see: 7 Money Saving Tips for Eating Out.)
Cut the Cord
For those that have not cut cable out, it may be time. Cable can add at least $30 per month to your monthly expenses. This could be lunch, gas or even money invested for your future. With services like Sling, Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video it is making less sense to have cable anymore.
Call Your Internet Provider
If you have already cut the cord, you should still negotiate a lower rate for your internet. Every time my wife or I have called our internet provider to "switch" providers they have offered us a lower payment in the end. Recently my wife called and we actually received a lower payment than we were paying and with a faster speed than we had. Remember it costs more to attain new customers than to retain a customer, you have the leverage.
Bulk Purchase Household Goods
Everyday items should be bought in bulk. Toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, detergent (dishwasher and washing machine), toothpaste etc. It is cheaper for companies to package items in bulk which makes it cheaper for us as consumers. Take advantage of this.
Use Your Dishwasher
Dishwashers actually do save you time and money. They use the same amount of water every time you wash your dishes compared to washing dishes throughout the day. You don't realize how much water and money is going down the drain. (For related reading, see: Alternatives to Cable TV.)
Home Energy Audit
Many energy providers will conduct free energy audits to see if your house is running as efficiently as it could. Even if your energy provider doesn't provide this free service you can conduct one yourself with this guide.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Some may have to save up for this but it will definitely help out on your monthly expenses in the end. Smart thermostats are known to save up to $131-$145 per year which is at least $10 per month. That could be a simple lunch during the week or your bar tab at happy hour.
Start a Garden
Starting your own garden takes some manual labor. However, you can save a good amount, especially if you learn how to preserve your bounty for the winter when produce is more expensive. I started a baby garden this year and planted zucchini since we eat zucchini like candy at our house.
Rent Out Extra Home Space
If you have rooms that could be rented out you may want to consider it. Renting out your basement, having roommates if you're single or even putting a room up on Airbnb will either pay for your mortgage or help out with it. I can only imagine the money we could put away if we could rent out our basement in a functional manner.
Unplug the Energy Suckers
Those small electronic appliances are sucking electricity out even if you're not using them. Electricity is running through your walls unless you have switches. Unplugging your microwaves, TVs and coffee makers will cut down on your electrical bill.


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Photo: Rob Wile/Business Insider
Starting with Herbert Hoover, every American president has established libraries and museums to preserve their legacies — and to tell their side of the story.Richard Nixon is no exception. Just a few miles south of Los Angeles sits the Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library and museum, a sprawling complex created by his foundation and administered by the National Archives.
During a recent trip out west, we stopped by to see how America's most controversial president asked to be remembered.
After the trip, we spoke with Bob Bostock, a consultant to the foundation and co-author of most of the museum's exhibits.
The other author was Nixon himself, he told us.
Bostock says no presidential museum is designed to be impartial, but is rather an opportunity to tell a president's story from his own perspective.
One could argue that the distinction is not quite so clear cut. There are no disclaimers saying where the foundation ends and the National Archives begins.
Bostock says the Watergate section of the museum, produced by the National Archives and not the foundation, is arguably too anti-Nixon. The foundation ceded control of that section when the Archives took control of the museum in 2007, he says, though he wanted us to emphasise that the relationship between the Archives and the foundation is otherwise cordial.
"I don't think anyone goes in to see exhibits that are harshly critical of that particular president," he said, noting there are plenty of other places to look to find critical voices.
No one, he argued, should go in to a presidential library with the assumption that they are getting an official history.
"We don't have that in this country," he said.
The first thing you notice is that the place is huge and sort of beautiful. There's a large reflecting pool capped by an outdoor ceremony area.
Like any self-respecting museum, the first thing you see is the gift shop. Bostock says Nixon-Elvis memorabilia is usually the hottest item.
Beyond the gift shop is a large plaza showing the Nixon foundation's patrons. It's an interesting group that includes the Japanese government and controversial philanthropist Ryoichi Sasakawa.
Nixon's non-Vietnam foreign policy undertakings end up dominating the museum.
Source: New York Times
The inner plaza also features this photo. Presidential solidarity is another theme of the museum — Bill Clinton also makes an appearance, as you'll later see...
The museum begins with with a timeline of Nixon's family history. Here's a photo of his mother as a child. The eyes are unmistakable.
The story of Nixon's upbringing is pretty gripping. He basically came from nothing. His father operated a gas station. Two of his brothers died before the age of 25. The Nixon scowl we would come to know later in life appears to have been present at a very early age.
Even those familiar with Nixon's life story may find his entrance into politics obscure. This document explains it: it's the letter from H.L. Perry, a major donor to Whittier College who'd become friendly with Nixon, asking him to run for Congress in southern California.
It's arguably as fateful as any note written among the founding fathers. Nixon was certainly ambitious -- he had previously attempted to run for a local political office -- but he'd been turned down from virtually everything for which he'd ever applied. Here, finally, was someone choosing him.
Source: A Life In Full
The museum producers conscientiously include every pivotal moment of Nixon's life, good or bad. However, they have a tendency to include jabs, large or small, at longtime Nixon
For instance, here's future president and then-actor Ronald Reagan defending Screen Actors Guild members accused of Communism at a House Unamerican Activities Commission session.
The museum also occasionally narrows in on sensational but ultimately trivial elements of bad moments in American history, basically missing the forest for the trees. One example is the Alger Hiss case.
Running alongside General Eisenhower in the 1952 Presidential Election, Nixon came under fire for maintaining a shady political fund. He ended up giving a half-hour address live on TV defending himself and telling an anecdote about how he couldn't afford a dog, so a supporter mailed him one.
It was during his vice presidency that Nixon got his taste for foreign policy. Here he is meeting with Soviet Premier Nikita Khruschev.
This photo — Nixon shaking hands with Emperor Hirohito — may help answer his foundation's connection to the Japanese government.
One of the biggest questions we had was how the museum would treat Nixon's infamous debate against John Kennedy in 1960. Not only did they not skim over it, they recreated an entire living room for it.
But again, the museum finds a way to blunt the blow of Nixon's worst moments. Facing the TV is this wall of letters from children wishing he'd won the 1960 election.
The way museum looks at the '68 election, one of the most consequential in U.S. history, is rather strange. It ends up being divided into two sections, one capturing the spirit of the times, and another talking about Vietnam. The former doesn't get much beyond this mural.
And there's a small section about how Nixon played the swamp Johnson walked into by escalating Vietnam. But that's it....
And here begins some of the stronger imposition of Nixon's viewpoint. While the argument that Nixon did not have a 'secret plan' is technically true, Nixon did nothing to dispel the idea that he did, according to the New York Time:
'Even though Richard Nixon didn't have one, the notion that he had a secret plan to end the Vietnam war helped him win the presidency in 1968.
'Actually, 'secret plan' wasn't Nixon's term; a reporter on deadline used it as he covered Nixon's speech promising quick victory in that vastly unpopular war. But recognising the power of those deceiving words, and politics being politics, Nixon never corrected the journalistic shortcut.'
This panel was perhaps the most egregious example. Many historians view Nixon's secret bombing campaign in Cambodia, which killed between 150,000 to 500,000 civilians, as a reprehensible power grab at worse.
Nixon kept the campaign secret from Congress for months. Many commentators also believe the bombings may have constituted war crimes.
Instead, the 'violation of sovereignty' the museum refers to here are the bases the North Vietnamese set up there from which they could launch campaigns in the south.
Meanwhile, the surrounding section is dominated by Nixon's other foreign policy achievements, including his groundbreaking trip to China. Here's the crate used to transport the pandas Chairman Mao gifted the U.S.
Nixon famously sent two steer.
Arguably the more disappointing and surprising elements of the museum — though perhaps a function of simple space constraints — was how little time was spent on Nixon's domestic achievements.
Nixon's considerable policy accomplishments at home came to be overshadowed by
The museum divides them into six panels that look like this. This one may seem strange but alludes to Nixon's lowering the voting age to 18, which he did somewhat grudgingly.
Meanwhile, many Americans — including patrons we spoke with at the museum — may not know Nixon created the EPA.
Some would argue this achievement deserves its own wing. Instead it gets a small panel.
Whatever Nixon's personal attitudes toward race may have been, he helped advance desegregation in schools.
The biggest mystery was how the museum would treat Watergate. As we mentioned in the intro, this exhibit was put together by the National Archives and not the foundation.
You can immediately tell the foundation wasn't involved — It turns out to be pretty hokey. It's pretty much a kids tour of a scandal that defined a generation.
You can press a button to see where Nixon's taping equipment was located.
That kind of thing comes at the expense of explaining the complicated origins of the break-in and cover-up, which are explained as having stemmed from Daniel Ellsberg's leaking of the Pentagon papers.
Many historians argue the roots go well beyond that incident to Nixon's tragically entrenched us-against-them mentality.
Source: New York Times
And there is arguably too much focus on the role of his lieutenants and not on the President himself — though Bostock told us he finds the section too anti-Nixon.
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text:
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is drawing attention Friday for suggesting that the wealthiest Americans ought to pay a tax rate of as high as 70% in order to fund a "Green New Deal."
The new Democratic congresswoman from New York noted there is historical precedent for a high tax rate for the super wealthy, as she said the following:
"You look at our tax rates back in the 60s, and when you have a progressive tax rate system, your tax rate, let's say, from $0 to $75,000 may be 10% or 15%, etc. But once you get to the tippy tops, on your 10-millionth dollar, sometimes you see tax rates as high as 60% or 70%." — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, New York Democrat
Her remarks came in an interview with Anderson Cooper for the CBS show "60 Minutes." Excerpts for her appearance have been released, ahead of a full broadcast on Sunday.
"That doesn't mean all $10 million are taxed at an extremely high rate, but it means that as you climb up this ladder, you should be contributing more," said the lawmaker, who also got attention this week thanks to a dance video from her college years that went viral.
After Cooper said Ocasio-Cortez's agenda is "radical" compared to how politics is done now, the congresswoman embraced that word.
"It only has ever been radicals that have changed this country," she said. "Abraham Lincoln made the radical decision to sign the Emancipation Proclamation. Franklin Delano Roosevelt made the radical decision to embark on establishing programs like Social Security."
"If that's what radical means, call me a radical," Ocasio-Cortez added.
Read more: Ocasio-Cortez slams budget rule pushed by Democratic leaders
The term "Green New Deal" refers to a stimulus program backed by many progressives that intends to address both climate change and economic inequality.
House Democrats on Thursday created a new select committee on climate change, but it has been denounced by environmental activists who want a bolder approach.


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United States District Court, D. New Mexico
May 3, 2018
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff,v.ETHAN GUILLEN, Defendant.
MATTER comes before the Court upon the Motion to Suppress
Evidence and Statements Discovered as a Result of Unlawful
Search and Seizure, filed September 13, 2017 by Defendant
Ethan Guillen (hereinafter "Defendant" or
"Ethan") (Doc. 31). Having
reviewed the relevant pleadings of the parties, having
considered the testimony and evidence presented at the
suppression hearing and having considered the oral and
written arguments of counsel, the Court denies the motion as
to the lawfulness of the entry into the residence and the
search, and denies Defendant's request to suppress
physical evidence seized as a result of the search. The
motion is granted only to the extent that Defendant's
initial self-incriminating statement to law enforcement is
suppressed, but the motion is denied in all other respects.
Court held a three-day hearing on the motion on January 18,
19, and 25, 2018, and the parties were given the opportunity
to submit written closing arguments, which they have done.
(Docs. 62 and 63). A hearing was held on
Monday, April 16, 2018 for oral argument on the written
closing arguments. In their written closings, the parties
tendered what amounted to requested findings of fact by
referring to the transcripts from the hearing, and submitted
what amounted to conclusions of law. The Court notes that the
facts are largely undisputed although the parties disagree on
the legal significance of those facts (for example, whether
Defendant was in custody for purposes of Miranda),
but the Court will also note where the facts are disputed
(for example, whether Defendant gave verbal consent to law
enforcement to enter the home).
motion seeks suppression of all evidence and statements made
by Ethan derived from the alleged illegal search of his home
and effects, and from unlawful seizure and interrogation.
According to the criminal complaint, on May 31, 2017, law
enforcement responded to a 911 call which came in around 3:00
p.m. from someone who was later identified as Defendant's
ex-girlfriend, "MC." MC had found an explosive
device (a pressure cooker bomb) under her bed. A timer was
used to turn on a soldering iron that was to heat up and
start the fuse which then was to ignite the pressure cooker
bomb. Fortunately the bomb did not detonate. The Albuquerque
Police Department ("APD") Bomb Squad was
inspecting the device at MC's home when Special Agent
Zachary Rominger ("SA Rominger")
arrived.[1] The pressure cooker held approximately six
pounds of black powder, nuts, bolts and a rubbery-like
substance in a plastic bag that was later identified as
"homemade napalm." Law enforcement concluded that
the pressure cooker and its contents were an improvised
explosive device ("IED"). SA Rominger interviewed
MC and her mother about MC's past relationship with
Ethan. MC explained she had dated Ethan for about six months,
and after breaking up in June 2016 she made it clear she
wanted no further contact with him, but he continued to try
and communicate with her. For a while, the school provided
her with an escort to class in an effort to stop Ethan's
interviewing MC, four law enforcement officers went to
Defendant's home at around 9:43 p.m. that same
Of the four officers, only APD Detective Larranga had a lapel
camera video and had the good sense to have the device turned
on recording events that were occurring. The Court notes that
J. Edgar Hoover died in 1972 so perhaps the time has come for
federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI and the ATF
to follow the lead of other law enforcement agencies such as
the APD and require agents to record most of their encounters
with members of the public. Recording such encounters assists
trial judges in making factual findings.
officers did not have a warrant to search Defendant's
house. When agents knocked on the front door, Ethan and his
brother Tyler Guillen ("Tyler") opened it. Upon
entry the officers conducted a protective sweep of the house,
but no evidence was collected at this time. Defendant
contends that the entry was illegal because Ethan did not
consent to the entry either verbally or nonverbally.
Guillen ("Mr. Guillen"), Ethan's father,
returned home about 18 minutes from the time the agents
entered the home and was interviewed by the agents about a
pressure cooker and a soldering iron. Reynaldo said he
recently bought a pressure cooker for Ethan and he asked
Ethan where it was. Ethan told Reynaldo that it was at his
mother's house, but a call to the mother revealed that
she did not have it. Reynaldo had several conversations with
his ex-wife Lori Valdez ("Ms. Valdez") that
evening in order to determine whether she had the pressure
cooker. Ms. Valdez said she did not know but would have to
look, and at the hearing she testified that she did not look
for the pressure cooker that evening. Tr. at 475. Ethan then
changed his story and said the pressure cooker was at the
home of his recently deceased uncle.
Guillen consented to a search of the residence and signed a
search consent form. Defendant at no time objected to the
search. The search did not uncover the soldering iron which
Mr. Guillen said he owned, but in the backyard agents found a
white plastic table with large burn marks on it and a piece
of fuse stuck on it.[3] Agents found a backpack next to the bed,
which contained white duct tape (which matched the duct tape
found on the IED), black duct tape, latex gloves, scissors,
super glue and zip ties.
Rominger questioned Ethan at the kitchen table for about 50
minutes, during which time Ethan denied having any
involvement with making the device. SA Rominger then told
Ethan that the evidence indicated that he had made the IED,
and Ethan stated, "Yes, I made it." At that
point, SA Rominger read Defendant his Miranda
rights. Ethan acknowledged that he understood those rights
and waived them and agreed to speak with both SA Rominger and
SA Greene. Defendant explained how he constructed the IED,
entered MC's apartment through the back door of her
balcony while MC was out and plugged the IED into a timer set
for 1:30 a.m. Ethan's post-warning statements were
recorded by Det. Larranaga's lapel camera. Ethan
described how, after putting the device in place, he then
listened to a police scanner and waited to hear about an
explosion. Ethan told SA Rominger that he wanted MC dead and
that he did not care that the explosion could have injured or
killed nearby people. The agents followed Ethan into his room
where Ethan showed them his computer and the components he
used for building the IED which were in his backpack,
including the white duct tape, the gloves and the super glue.
complaint states that officers were unable to locate both a
pressure cooker and a soldering iron which had been purchased
by Mr. Guillen, but information about the pressure cooker and
soldering iron was obtained as a result of the agent speaking
with Ethan at the house. In discovery, ATF agents disclosed
that these additional items were later obtained from
Ethan's bedroom:
• backpack with contents
• desktop tower computer,
• laptop computer, .X-Box
• J.B. Weld (an epoxy product) from the nightstand, and
• A cell phone from Ethan Guillen's person
also disclosed in discovery that certain items were obtained
from the backyard of the residence, including:
• A plastic table (with large burns on its surface),
• A tube of caulk
• A caulking lid
• An empty bottle of isopropyl alcohol
• A burned match box and
• A burned razor blade
Fourth Amendment requires that searches and seizures be
reasonable. City of Indianapolis v. Edmond, 531 U.S.
32, 37 (2000). It is a "basic principle of Fourth
Amendment law" that searches and seizures inside a home
without a warrant are presumptively unreasonable. Payton
v. New York, 445 U.S. 573, 586 (1980). The Fourth
Amendment "applies equally to seizures of persons and
to seizures of property, " Payton v. New York,
445 U.S. 573, 585 (1980), and only prohibits searches and
seizures that are unreasonable. City of Indianapolis v.
Edmond, 531 U.S. 32, 37 (2000). In Terry v.
Ohio, the Supreme Court held that a seizure occurs and
the Fourth Amendment applies "whenever a police officer
accosts an individual and restrains his freedom to walk
away." 392 U.S. 1, 16 (1968); United States v.
Broomfield, 201 F.3d 1270, 1274 (10th Cir. 2000) (a
seizure occurs when the police conduct would have
communicated to a reasonable person that the person was not
free to decline the officers' requests or otherwise
terminate the encounter).
As long
as "a reasonable person would feel free to disregard
the police and go about his business, the encounter is
consensual and no reasonable suspicion is required."
Florida v. Bostick, 501 U.S. 429, 434 (1991).
"[I]n order to determine whether a particular encounter
constitutes a seizure, a court must consider all the
circumstances surrounding the encounter to determine whether
the police conduct would have communicated to a reasonable
person that the person was not free to decline the
officers' requests or otherwise terminate the
encounter." Broomfield, 201 F.3d 1270 at 1274;
see also United States v. Mendenhall, 446 U.S. 544,
554-55 (1980) ("Examples of circumstances that might
indicate a seizure, even where the person did not attempt to
leave, would be the threatening presence of several officers,
the display of a weapon by an officer, some physical touching
of the person of the citizen, or the use of language or tone
of voice indicating that compliance with the officer's
request might be compelled.").
purposes of this discussion, the Court will refer to the
transcripts for the motion hearing by their page numbers.
Volume 1 includes pages 1-202; volume 2 includes pages from
205-471 and volume 3 runs from pages 473-506.[4]
Entry Into House and Protective Sweep
In the
motion to suppress, Defendant argues that his Fourth
Amendment rights were violated when agents physically
intruded into the Guillen home because Tyler expressly
consented to the entry but Ethan did not. Defendant also
suggests that any consent that might have been given was not
voluntary because there was a show of force by the presence
of four detectives seeking entry into the
Larranaga captured the moments leading up to the agents'
entry into the house on his lapel camera ("lapel cam
video"), and the video was admitted as an exhibit at
the initial hearing on the motion to suppress. Ex. 1, Part 2.
The Court has reviewed this video numerous times, in
preparing for the motion hearing as well as during the
parties differ on whether Ethan gave consent for the
agents' entry into the home. The Government's
position is that Ethan ultimately did give express permission
for the entry, although he initially objected. Both brothers
opened the front door and the agents asked if they could come
inside and talk. Tyler agreed, but Ethan asked if the agents
had a warrant. Agent Greene advised him that they did not,
and Ethan asked if they could talk outside instead. When the
agents asked again if they could come inside, both brothers
appeared to be having some discussion, most of which was
inaudible on the video, and then Ethan stepped aside and said
"Sure" in response to Agent Green's question,
"Are you inviting us in"?
events surrounding the entry were described consistently by
SA Rominger (Tr. at 28-30); SA Green (Tr. at 215-216).
Neither agent had any doubt that Ethan as well as his brother
Tyler gave consent for the entry; Det. Larranaga (Tr. at
306-07) stated that he could not see which brother's lips
were moving to say "Sure" but it sounded to him
as though Ethan made that statement. The Court finds the
agents' testimony to be credible. Ethan asserts that he
objected to the entry, but was overruled by his older
brother, who shoved Ethan aside to allow the agents to enter
the home. Tyler testified at the hearing that he-not
Ethan-gave express permission to law enforcement to enter the
house. He stated that he had asked Ethan why he cared whether
the officers came into the house, and Ethan told him that he
would "prefer them not to come in" but that he
brushed off his brother's comments. Tr. at 363.
Court has viewed the lapel cam footage capturing the
agents' entry into the Guillen residence several times,
and finds this footage crucial to the Court's
determination on this issue. The discussion between the two
brothers was inaudible, but after repeated viewings, it
appears that Ethan said "Sure" to the agents'
second request to come inside, taking a step back while Tyler
stepped off to the side in order to allow the agents to come
in. See United States v. Guerrero, 472 F.3d 784
(10th Cir. 2007) (a defendant's consent must be clear,
but it need not be verbal). While it was difficult to discern
whose mouth was moving, Ethan's posture and body language
was consistent with finding that Ethan did give express
permission for the entry affirmatively, both orally and by
his actions in stepping aside. This is consistent with the
officers' testimony. Defendant's contention that
Tyler shoved Ethan aside is not visible in the video. The
videotape shows that both brothers gave oral consent, and
both cleared the way for the agents to enter. The Fourth
Amendment recognizes a valid warrantless entry and search of
premises when police obtain the voluntary consent of an
occupant who shares, or is reasonably believed to share,
authority over the area in common with a co-occupant who
later objects to the use of evidence so obtained.
Illinois v. Rodriguez, 497 U.S. 177 (1990);
United States v. Blunt, 187 Fed.Appx. 821 (10th Cir.
2006) (warrantless entry into drug suspects' residence
did not violate Fourth Amendment, where third party with
apparent authority to enter residence invited officer to
accompany her inside).[6] In this case, there is no evidence or
testimony that Ethan ever objected to the entry, even after
the agents were in the house-except for his initial objection
when he asked the agents if they had a search warrant, which
Ethan withdrew when he stated "Sure." A lack of
objection on Ethan's part to the officers' entrance
into the house, and later to the search, indicates consent.
See United States v. Espinosa, 782 F.2d 888, 892
(10th Cir.1986) (failure to object "may be considered
an indication that the search was within the scope of the
consent"); United States v. Pena, 143 F.3d
1363, 1368 (10th Cir. 1998) (accord).
Court also rejects Defendant's argument that even if
Ethan consented to the entry, his consent was involuntary
because of a show of force by the law enforcement agents
standing outside the door. Consent is determined through a
totality of the circumstances. United States v.
Dewitt, 946 F.2d 1497, 1500 (10th Cir. 1991). For a
consent to be valid: "(1) There must be clear and
positive testimony that consent was unequivocal and specific
and freely given; and (2) The government must prove consent
was given without duress or coercion, express or
implied." United States v. Butler, 966 F.2d
559, 562 (10th Cir. 1992). Factors relevant to whether a
consent was voluntary include: whether officers touch or
physically restrain defendant; whether the officers are in
uniform or plain clothes; whether their weapons are
displayed; whether there are a large number of officers;
whether the officers use a harsh tone or demeanor; and
whether they have advised the defendant of his or her right
to terminate the encounter or refuse consent. United
States v. Zapata, 997 F.2d 751, 756-57 (10th Cir. 1993).
An individual also may consent through physical conduct.
"Consent may instead be granted through gestures or
other indications of acquiescence, so long as they are
sufficiently comprehensible to a reasonable officer."
United McKerrell, 491 F.3d 1221, 1227 (10th
Cir. 2007) (an occupant who does not wish the search to occur
must expressly object in order to nullify a co-tenant's
express consent) (search context); cmp. Georgia v.
Randolph, 547 U.S. 103, 106 (2006) (physically present
co-occupant's stated refusal to permit entry renders
warrantless search unreasonable and invalid as to him).
States v. Guerrero, 472 F.3d 784, 789-90 (10th Cir.
2007). The characteristics of a defendant may also be taken
into account as well. U.S. v. Dozal, 173 F.3d 737,
796 (10th Cir. 1999).
the number of officers present may be a factor to consider
for voluntariness, it is not the only factor to consider.
See, e.g., United States v. Jones, 701 F.3d 1300,
1314 (10th Cir. 2012) (while there were three officers on the
scene, the testimony presented indicated that the
officers' presence was non-threatening and thus under a
totality of circumstances, a reasonable person would feel
free to go about one's business during the encounter).
Based on the pleadings and the evidence and testimony at the
hearing, the Court finds no indication that the officers
behaved in a coercive or threatening manner. The agents'
request to enter the home was made twice, and was done in
even tones and without raised voices. There was no menacing
insistence in either of the requests. Most of the agents were
in plain-style clothes and weapons were concealed. Tr. at
37-38. Ethan points to his characteristics as a youth who was
allegedly clinically depressed and taking antidepressant
medication, having no prior law enforcement contacts or
juvenile history, and being overruled by his brother Tyler
who is physically stronger and larger. However, the agents
would not have either known or seen any of this, and this was
certainly not obvious from the videotape from Det.
Larranaga's lapel cam video.
under the totality of the circumstances, it was reasonable
for the agents to believe that consent to enter the home was
freely given by both brothers. Accordingly, the entry did not
violate Defendant's Fourth Amendment rights.
Protective Sweep
In the
motion to suppress, Defendant claims that the video shows
that only Tyler consented to the protective sweep conducted
by Det. Larranaga and that Ethan at no point consented to a
sweep of the house either verbally or with his behavior. Here
again, Ethan did not object to the sweep, nor is there any
suggestion that the protective sweep was not done on legal
grounds. Also, no evidence was gathered as a result of the
sweep. There was no testimony or evidence rebutting SA
Rominger's explanation for the security sweep, which was
done immediately after the agents entered the Guillen
residence. Tr. at 30 (SA Rominger stating that agents
conducted protective sweep in order to ensure that
"nobody is going to come up on you while you're
doing an interview or while you're talking.").
See U.S. v. Owens, 782 F.2d 146, 151 (10th Cir.1986)
(a protective sweep is "appropriate only where officers
reasonably perceive an immediate danger to their
safety"). In this case, law enforcement had a
legitimate interest in ensuring that the officers' lives
would not be at risk if there were other bombs in the house,
in light of the information that had obtained from the
interview with the victim. Therefore, the agents did not
violate Ethan's Fourth Amendment rights when they
conducted a protective sweep.
Search of the Residence and Bedroom
contends that his Fourth Amendment rights were violated when
law enforcement agents conducted an unreasonable search of
his home and its curtilage, his bedroom, and his backpack. He
contends that he had an expectation of privacy in those
places and things.
enforcement officers may search a home without a warrant with
the voluntary consent of the homeowner. U.S. v.
Pikyavit, 527 F.3d 1126, 1130 (10th Cir. 2008). Whether
voluntary consent was given is a question of fact determined
by the totality of the circumstances. Id. The
government must "proffer clear and positive testimony
that consent was unequivocal and specific and freely given .
. . and must prove that this consent was given without
implied or express duress or coercion." U.S. v.
Zubia Melendez, 263 F.3d 1155, 1162 (10th Cir.
2001).[7]The facts relevant to the search issue are
undisputed. Upon entry into the house, the agents were
informed that Mr. Guillen, a musician, was in Santa Fe. While
the security sweep was being conducted, SA Rominger and SA
Green asked Ethan if they could talk at the kitchen table and
other agents were talking with Tyler in the back hallway.
Around 10:00 p.m., Mr. Guillen returned home. Mr. Guillen was
the owner of the home, and he provided oral and written
consent to the search of the residence. Defendant does not
expressly challenge the validity of Mr. Guillen's consent
relative to his signing the consent form. At the hearing, Mr.
Guillen testified that he did not understand he had a right
to refuse to consent to the search of the house. However,
there is no evidence that his consent was not voluntary.
First, police do not have to inform an individual of his
right to refuse to consent to a search. U.S. v.
Harrison, 639 F.3d 1273 (10th Cir. 2011). Whether an
individual was aware that he could refuse to consent is but
one factor considered in the totality of the circumstances
analysis of whether the search was voluntary. Id.
Government actions are coercive when they imply an individual
has no right to refuse consent to search. Id.; see United
States v. Collins, 683 F.3d 697, 702 (6th Cir. 2012).
Second, the consent form presented to Mr. Guillen in fact
included language informing he that he did have the right to
refuse consent and that he could consult with an attorney
before or during the search. Mr. Guillen stated that he felt
"rushed, " but admitted that he had a full
opportunity to review the form and knew what he was signing.
Tr. at 454-55.
Search of House
contends that Mr. Guillen did not have authority to allow a
search of the house, particularly of Ethan's bedroom, in
which he had an expectation of privacy.
Fourth Amendment permits a warrantless search when one
occupant sharing the home with other parties consents.
United States v. Matlock, 415 U.S. at 170;
Fernandez v. California, 134 S.Ct. 1126, 1129 (2014)
("police officers may search jointly occupied premises
if one of the occupants consents"). A third party has
authority to consent to a search of property if that third
party has either (1) mutual use of the property by virtue of
joint access, or (2) control for most purposes over it.
U.S. v. Rith, 164 F.3d 1323 (10th Cir. 1999).
However, that same search is unconstitutional when another
occupant of the home is present and expressly refuses
consent. Georgia v. Randolph, 547 U.S. 103 (2006);
U.S. v. McKerrell, 491 F.3d 1221 (10th Cir. 2007)
(no Fourth Amendment violation where defendant did not
expressly object to a search of the house while he was on the
scene, and there was no showing that the officers removed the
defendant from the scene to avoid his possible objection to
the search); United States v. McKerrell, 491 F.3d
1221, 1227 (10th Cir. 2007) (An occupant who does not wish
the search to occur must expressly object in order to nullify
a co-tenant's express consent).
analysis for actual or apparent authority is similar and the
Government bears the initial "burden of proving by a
preponderance of the evidence that the consenter had mutual
use of the property searched by virtue of [his] joint access
to it, or control for most purposes over it."
United States v. Rith, 164 F.3d 1323, 1329 (10th
Cir. 1999)). As part of this fact-intensive inquiry, there is
a "normative inquiry" dependent on whether the
relationship between the defendant and the third party
"is the type which creates a presumption of control for
most purposes over the property by the third party."
This presumption may be rebutted by facts showing an
agreement or understanding between the defendant and the
third party that the latter must have permission to enter the
defendant's room. Rith, 164 F.3d at 1331.
However, if the relationship creates a presumption of control
and is unrebutted, then the third party has authority to
consent to a search of the property. Id.at 1330
(while there were insufficient factual findings that
defendant's parents had joint access to his bedroom, and
no findings that the parents visited with defendant in his
room, cleaned his room, or otherwise went into Rith's
room uninvited, there was also a presumption that defendant
was living with his parents and was not paying rent, and that
this presumption was unrebutted).
Government contends that Mr. Guillen had apparent authority
to consent for the search of his home, starting out with a
presumption of control that exists when a child lives with a
parent. In such a situation, the parent generally has control
over the property and therefore actual authority to consent
to a search of the entire home. United States v.
Romero, 749 F.3d 900, 905-06 (10th Cir. 2014). Ethan
lived with his father, and so this relationship establishes
the presumption that Mr. Guillen had actual authority to
consent to a search of the home and its curtilage. See
Rith, 164 F.3d at 1331 (control test is satisfied on a
showing that a child lives with parents even when the child
is an adult). The Government argues that it was therefore
reasonable for the officers to rely on the presumption that
Mr. Guillen had joint access or control over the entire home,
including Ethan's bedroom. Romero, 749 F.3d 900,
907 ("when officers know facts creating a presumption
of authority to consent, the officers need not make further
inquiry into authority unless they learn additional facts
(such as that the stepson pays rent) that may undermine the
presumption."). In this case, the officers would not
have ...
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Raw Chocolate & Nut Energy Bites I've recently cut out a few things from my diet including added sugar, gluten, processed foods and caffeinated drinks to try and heal my gut and reduce my anxiety levels. There are 2 things I'm really REALLY missing so far – tea and chocolate! Over the years I have developed the habit of drinking way too much black tea. …
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Lex and Nancy were looking for a home in close proximity to the city but also with ocean views and cafes on the door step.
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You will be thoroughly spanked & punished. That should teach you never to be rude to these lovely ladies. And not only will you be spanked, but I will make sure Karen & Trish witness your punishment.
I am Miss Jenn, a Professional Disciplinarian who *loves* spanking, spanking tube, spanking audio clips and spanking therapy
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
You Were Rude to Karen & Trish
Posted by Miss Jenn Davis at 8:14 AM
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CONLANG December 2008, Week 2
Re: Typewriter woes
Benct Philip Jonsson <[log in to unmask]>
Constructed Languages List <[log in to unmask]>
Mon, 8 Dec 2008 15:13:30 +0100
(165 lines)
Från: Philip Newton <[log in to unmask]>
> On Sun, Dec 7, 2008 at 10:11, Benct Philip Jonsson
> <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>> The breve was also a problem back then. I
>>> could fake a caron by striking both an acute
>>> and a grave accent on the same letter, though,
>>> and that had to do most of the time.
> You must have had a different typewriter from me;
> acute + grave was circumflex on my typewriter (and
> IIRC that was the official way of producing a
> circumflex, too).
Mine was a Swedish make and I guess there was no official
need for circumflexes at all! However the machine
had a half-backstep which allowed me to fake not
only circumflexes but a plethora of ligatures, not
only _ae, oe_, but also _ao, au, ou, uu, oo, uo_
and every consonant+ _h_ you could think of. My
early conlangs had tons of those in addition to
slashed and barred letters! :-) I remember I used
to use an over-slashed s to symbolize a long _s_,
and then ligature this with _h_ And imagine my
rendering of barred long _s_! :-/
Från: Michael Poxon <[log in to unmask]>
> My high point was when my linguistics professor
> gave me a 'golf-ball' with the IPA symbols on.
> Must have been early to mid 1980's but even then
> she was very fond of computational linguistics, I
> seem to recall.
I never had one of those. They had one or two at
the fonetix lab but undergraduates weren't allowed
to borrow them. My high point was when I got a
typewheel which could type thorn and eth. The flop
side was that I had to go to my dad's house to use it,
so overstruck _pb_ and _d/_ had a prolonged lease of
life anyway! :-)
Från: Roger Mills <[log in to unmask]>
> At the time I was writing the diss. I invested in
> a very nice Smith-Corona (IIRC) electric, on which
> one could interchange several of the key-heads. It
> also had a dead key.
Only one? My typewriter of course also had only one,
but I had two characters, acute and grave, on it.
I seem to recall that my dad's typewheel machine
had two, the other one with circumflex and diaeresis,
but since it had a third shift it may have had just
one key with acute, grave and diaeresis.
> The extra heads cost each,
> grr. Since this was in Generative Phonology days,
> I needed alpha-beta-gamma-delta, square and curly
> brackets, some accents and a few others.
My dad had an extra wheel with mathematical/chemical
symbols, so there were half the greek alphabet, some
random (to me) symbols, braces and brackets.
He also had an 'italic' wheel and a kind of fakebold mode
on the machine. No ideas what those extra frills cost,
but I suspect his employer paid for the lot or it
was all deductible! :-)
> No schwa--
> IIRC IPA chars. were available as a very expensive
> set, not individually....
As I said I got to view such a set from afar...
> It also had the half-
> roll feature for doing super- and sub-script
> things. Very handy.
Yes, very!
> I used that machine for the Kawi Lexicon that I
> edited and "prepared for publication" (i.e. typed...)--
> lots of underdots, over-hyphens for macron. Very
> time consuming... and it kept the White-Out people
> in business....
> Along about 1990 I started looking into "word
> processors", Brother and the rest. Settled on a
> Casio thing, where each key could do 4 chars, by
> using something like a "control" key. It required
> a rather expensive ink- or ribbon-cartridge, but
> could also type without that on thermal paper
> (also expensive). It could remember about 2 pages
> worth of text, which could be edited and then
> printed out.
I had a similar Brother thing with three chars
on each key. It also allowed backspacing/overstriking
so I had a lot of fun with it. The flop side was
that it belonged to mi High School so I had to
return it before I went to University...
> Almost a computer..... (so I
> thought). By the mid-90s it was discontinued, and
> the cartridges became extinct. Then I discovered
> multiple-foot rolls of thermal fax paper (shades
> of Jack Kerouac!) which was cheap but flimsy, and
> had to be chopped into 8.5x11 and wasn't worth the
> trouble. The poor thing is still gathering dust on
> a shelf and probably still works, but it's now
> useless and unwanted, and I haven't the heart to
> put it in the trash. It served me well...
I lost a lot of stuff because the thermal paper went
white after a couple of years.
> One final tale of woe: in 1982, when I paid very
> good money for a _used_ Apple II,
I got my first computer, a Macintosh Plus with a
dazzling megabyte of RAM‑in about 1988. It came
with a dot matrix tractor feed printer, and it wasn't long
before I got an app for editing/creating bitmap
fonts. The printer had twice the resolution of the
screen, so if I used a nominal 12pt typesize in
my docs and had a 24pt font installed I could get
what I considered hi res printouts!
Från: Gary Shannon
> Back in the 1960's, while I had no use for
> linguistic symbols, I did need a lot of
> mathematical symbols, Greek alphabet, and the like
> in what I typed. I had a portable, manual Smith
> Corona typewriter that had two keys with
> changeable type. I had a large box full of little
> snap-lid plastic boxes, each box with a little clip-
> on type head that hooked onto either of the two
> changeable keys. Each type head came with a little
> key-chip that snapped onto the key itself, showing
> the graphic representation of whatever symbol was
> installed on that key.
> Using shift, I could have up to four different
> special characters at a time on the keyboard. If I
> needed more, I could stop typing, swap in a new
> special character, type it, and keep right on
> going. It was very cool.
Sounds very cool, but kinda messy. Didn't any of
those clip-ons get lost?
Benct Philip Jonsson -- melroch atte melroch dotte se
"C'est en vain que nos Josués littéraires crient
à la langue de s'arrêter; les langues ni le soleil
ne s'arrêtent plus. Le jour où elles se *fixent*,
c'est qu'elles meurent." (Victor Hugo)
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Here is a view into what Governor Cuomo really thinks. On a radio program Gov. Cuomo called people who support 2nd Amendment rights "pro-assault weapon" and said they were "extreme conservatives" who have "no place in the state of New York". Sounds like if he had his druthers there would be no freedom of speech for people who oppose his views doesn't it? Once again we see how Liberal/Progressives don't want to compete in the arena of ideas but instead want to just eliminate all opposition to their agenda.
From AmmoLand.com:
Politicians seeking to diminish Second Amendment rights often couch their views in language that hides their true agenda. But, on January 17 2014, pro-gun advocates were squarely confronted with the contempt in which they are held by some political elites. Speaking on "The Capitol Pressroom" public radio program, Governor Andrew Cuomo labeled gun rights supporters who are "pro-assault weapon" and critical of his so-called safe Act as "extreme conservatives" who"have no place in the state of New York." Ironically, this statement says more about Cuomo himself than those he attacks. Besides being arrogant and dismissive, these comments ignore reality in the Empire State. The safe Act was passed under cover of night, and bypassed normal legislative procedures. Its own proponents obviously knew it would be controversial. Indeed, opposition to the law has been widespread, including among law enforcement groups such as theNew York State Sheriffs' Association. Further, the constitutionality of the act is still being litigated. As noted elsewhere, a case supported by NRA and the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association challenging the law is progressing through the federal courts, and parts of the law have already been blocked by a federal judge.


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Reclaim is a collective of individuals initiating an award in Cologne that redefines public space as a place for art. From autumn 2019 on, billboards are rented annually and made available to artists as their individual exhibition space.
By creating this award, the Reclaim collective contributes to the city's appeal and enriches its cultural life. The prize is to be awarded regularly in the third quarter of the year in Cologne. Billboards will be reclaimed from their mere commercial use by turning them into spaces of artistic expression and reflection. Their panels become experimental spaces. Depicting diversity, they are inspiring dispute about the use of public space and serve the individual expression of the independent artists. Hence, Reclaim calls for a competition in which the winners will exhibit their work as an 18/1 poster on at least 4 large scale billboards rented by Reclaim in central city areas over a period of 10 days. The submitted works must deal with the subject »Design and Use of Public Space«. Emerging and established Artists of all nations and genres will be asked to submit their works. A jury of internationally recognized professionals will select the art works for this urban exhibition.


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Første singel av fire opp mot albumslipp er her.
Video og litt info her.
Bandet slapp albumet How Much Blood Would You Shed To Stay Alive? i fjor via Nail Records, her får du låten Last Man Standing:
Tipset kom fra Vlad Promotion: "Despite only recently unleashing their second album, Archaic is a well known name in the underground thrash metal scene. The band was formed in 2004, and released their first full-length soon after in late 2005 via the Dutch label, ViC Records.
The debut received critical acclaim, and the guys soon found themselves on a tour with Testament in Germany. The 12-track follow-up, How Much Blood Would You Shed To Stay Alive arrived 12 years later."


text:
Content Writing and the Success of your Business
The quality of content on your website plays a significant role, whether you have a small or large online business. It is what helps you become more competitive, especially for businesses in a highly specialized area. You may not have the time to write quality content for your website. You therefore need to hire the best content writers you can find.
There are different type of writers out there, each with different level of skills. The kind of work they shall do for you will mean a lot in how far your business shall prosper. It is important for you to remember certain things as you go out to look for one.
You should start by asking for samples. This will be a direct reflection of what they are capable of producing for you. You need to see certain topics covered, not just one. This speaks volumes about their creativity. In case you need something specific, ask for samples in a particular field.
You also need to check their professional and ethical conduct. This is easily verifiable online. They help you determine whether their work is original. You need to protect yourself by staying away from writers how copy other people's work. The best content writers take their time to research in given topics, then come up with an appropriate article content.
You need to know what type of experience they have managed to get thus far. Some of these writers may have written for so long their style is outdated. You need to balance the need for experience with a fresh approach to the content. It is important that the chosen writer understands your needs when it comes to SEO.
There are also similar businesses you can approach to find out more about the writers they use. You will trust the services of a writer if you know the person recommending them. It shall also be wise to find out more about such a writer by yourself when you go online. Find out what reputation they have among their previous clients. The writer should also not have a problem in giving you contacts of previous clients you can talk to.
You should make a point of also asking the cost of this service. You need to also go beyond the mere listed price. A smaller charge could prove expensive in the end. Since those who are known for using other people's work and claiming it is their tend to quote low prices, you have to be careful how you proceed. If the writer took their time with their work, they will not want to give it up for such a small figure.


text:
Featured Post
Profiles of Real People: Healing Gifts in Home
- February 25, 2019
Susan, former Emergency Room nurse found herself on the other side of the healthcare system after being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She became so sick from the chemotherapy that at one point she needed 24/7 care and was admitted to a skilled nursing facility. For eleven months she spent up to 3 hours a day working with the physical therapists in the rehabilitation gym determined to get stronger. As she started gaining back her strength, a housing coordinator from Money Follows the Person (MFP) introduced her to how this program could help her transition back to her town with supports.… Read More >


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WASHINGTON — Ask Americans if they would hole up at home to keep from spreading a super-strain of flu, and at first they pledge to cooperate.
Don't miss these Health stories
More women opting for preventive mastectomy - but should they be?
Rates of women who are opting for preventive mastectomies, such as Angeline Jolie, have increased by an estimated 50 percent in recent years, experts say. But many doctors are puzzled because the operation doesn't carry a 100 percent guarantee, it's major surgery -- and women have other options, from a once-a-day pill to careful monitoring.
- Larry Page's damaged vocal cords: Treatment comes with trade-offs
- Report questioning salt guidelines riles heart experts
- CDC: 2012 was deadliest year for West Nile in US
- What stresses moms most? Themselves, survey says
- More women opting for preventive mastectomy - but should they be?
But probe deeper, and here come the doubts. One in four adults says there is no one to care for them at home if they got sick, raising the specter of Grandma gasping alone in bed or a single mom passed out while her children wail.
Another one in four could not afford to miss work for even a week. Would they heed doctors' calls to stay home or go sneeze on co-workers?
And one in five fears the boss would insist they come to work even if they were sick and contagious.
So concludes a survey by Harvard researchers that will bring the concerns of average people into government deliberations on how to fight the next worldwide outbreak of a super-flu.
"If you want to contain the flu, you have to make it livable for people" to comply with infection-control steps, said Robert Blendon, a health policy specialist at the Harvard School of Public Health. He planned to present the survey Thursday at a meeting of public health officials.
"This is really a Catch-22 here. If you can't help the people make it at home, then the epidemic's going to get much more severe."
Pandemics can strike when the easy-to-mutate flu virus shifts to a strain that people have never experienced. This has happened three times in the past century. Concern is rising that the Asian bird flu might trigger a pandemic if it starts spreading easily from person to person.
Old-fashioned infection control is one strategy to try slow a pandemic's spread until vaccines become available: staying home if you are sick or may have been exposed; closing schools; avoiding crowded gatherings such as church services, sports events and shopping malls.
Would it work?
It is far from clear how well such measures would work, or if some could cause more harm than good. So the government asked the Institute of Medicine to bring together health specialists, state and local officials and industry this week to debate that issue.
Harvard's Blendon was pleasantly surprised that his survey of 1,697 adults suggests people are paying attention to pandemic discussions and are open to public health advice.
Some 94 percent said they would stay home, away from other people, for seven days to 10 days if they had pandemic flu and 85 percent would do so if a household member were sick. Equally high numbers said they would heed calls not to leave their community while pandemic flu circulated.
People were mostly confident they could care for sick family members at home, and find a relative or friend to help out with child care if schools closed for months at a time.
But as the survey probed more consequences of containment measures, people began to realize what hardships could await them.
Millions of people live with no other adult who could care for them if they fall ill, Blendon noted. Communities need to plan how to provide emergency in-home help, perhaps through properly trained charity groups.
Not enough diapers
Then there were practical survival issues. More than 40 percent of those surveyed said they would run out of diapers, baby formula or medications if they had to stay home for even a week.
Blendon said workplace worries were a major problem, too. Many people live paycheck-to-paycheck, and more than one-quarter of respondents said they would lose a job or business if they had to stay home for seven days to 10 days. Only one-third thought they still would get paid if they missed work.
This real-world feedback is important as long as policymakers understand people will act less rationally in a crisis, said Michael Osterholm, a University of Minnesota infectious disease specialist who has advised the government on flu preparations.
His bigger concern is that the stay-at-home plans are far too simplistic.
"If you want to guarantee that society will collapse in terms of the economy, tell everybody to stay home," Osterholm said. "Somebody's got to move the food, take away the garbage, provide health care, law enforcement, to assure that communications continues. ... We will very much put at risk things like electricity, food."
The Harvard poll was conducted by telephone between Sept. 28 and Oct. 5 by ICR of Media, Pa. It has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points.
The Institute of Medicine is part of the National Academy of Sciences, a private organization chartered by Congress to advise the government of scientific matters.
© 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Philly2Philly's Mad Men Recap: Season 4 Episode 4
By Diane Cooney and Brian Lynch
During this season of Mad Men, our own Diane Cooney and Brian Lynch will offer their own commentary about the previous night's episode. Feel free to argue, debate, or offer your own commentary regarding Jon Hamm and co.- just keep it clean of course!
Episode 4: August 15th, 2010
Diane: Starting off, in between the conference call with the Lucky Strikes guy – which was hilarious - Pete is told by Lane he needs to drop the Clearasil account, because they've already got Pond's. Speaking of which, they haven't figured out how to pitch that yet.
Brian: Yeah, it's telling that they're juggling the party line while Don gives approval to Peggy's approach. Which he didn't look at, but gives the go-ahead to anyway.
Diane: He's distracted by the picture Anna sent him, from when they first met, which also put up a few red flags for Allison – the poor girl's finally starting to catch on. Don gets annoyed when she asks about it. Sorry, Don, this is a mess of your own making.
Brian: True. Really hoping she re-thinks her decision to stay.
Diane: Harry and Pete plan to meet Kenny Cosgrove for lunch. One of my favorite lines was from Harry, "Worse case Kenny will brag too much and you can steal a client from him." Kenny was Pete's primary competition back in the Sterling Cooper days. Cosgrove's an interesting character… he's ambitious, but not particularly cut throat, most of the time he doesn't seem particularly bright, his easy going manner seems to be the source of his success.
Brian: And you can tell that Pete's seriously thinking about it. He's feeling the pressure, but I think he's also smarting from not being outright given status as a partner. The lack of a second "C" in SCDP is getting to him, and I think we're going to see what he's willing to do to achieve it.
Diane: Dr. Faye does her weird psycho manipulative mumbo jumbo. She hands her ring to Peggy, who's watching with the men behind the glass. Peggy tries the ring on her left hand, getting a feel for it. Don catches it all – he's amused, she's embarrassed.
Brian: I'll give her this much – Dr. Miller is pretty savvy at getting the results she needs. Dressing like a secretary, self-deprecating remarks, pseudo-psychology, all of it in service of the study. You've got to admit, even if you don't like her – which I don't – she's gooood.
Diane: Add her to my "I hope Don doesn't sleep with her" list.
Brian: Aww, Pete's ego got sidelined! And he's having a baby! Cheers, big ears!
Diane: Just what the world needs. Another Campbell. Ugh.
Brian: I can't believe it took a focus group to get Allison to come to terms with needing to quit. Finally. Don's a drunk, so he doesn't even know what he's doing sometimes – or who he's hurting.
Diane: She shuts the door, and lays it down for Don. Peggy was channeling him a little bit earlier, when Allison ran to him for advice, but you finally got what you wanted – the secretary quits.
Brian: YES. Finally.
Diane: She went out with a crash – Don's cool cigarette holder zooming across his desk.
Brian: I love how Peg's just peeking out over the divider to watch his reaction after she stormed out. That was a high point in an episode filled with low ones.
Diane: We needed more Roger in front of the camera this week.
Brian: And Peggy makes a new friend in the female photo editor of LIFE Magazine, who definitely wants to be friends. Sexy friends. That almost – ALMOST- played into my suspicion that Peggy was a lez, after watching the first episode. Am I disappointed? Not really.
Diane: As this point, Peggy's clueless – but isn't she always? But that's why I root for her.
Brian: Speaking of the counter-culture, you have to love Peg going to a party with hipsters circa 1965. I enjoyed that scene thoroughly, especially with Peg's judicious use of "I have a boyfriend", rented vaginas, and trying to get Le Artiste to sell out to The Man. What'd you think?
Diane: The Author was more fun than Le Artiste. I think he and Peggy look cute.
Brian: Wow. Dr. Faye's back with her findings. Four out of five girls agree, the best thing in life is to get married? I think I'm honestly with Don on this one. Sterling Cooper Draper Price was started with the intention of being a forward-thinking ad agency, and yeah, it'd work – but being The Man doesn't mean you don't get to be principled once in a while. Thumbs up, Mr. Draper.
Diane: I'm just devastated that Freddy was right!
Brian: Oh boy. Pete finally gets to talk business with his father-in-law under the guise of having a family dinner, and what does he do? He doesn't drop the Clearasil account he was served up on a silver platter. He uses that, and his family to be, as leverage to get more of them. He's a sneaky son of a bitch. I can see why you'd say that you didn't think the world needed any more Campbells…
Diane: I'm introducing a new portion of our column: sexist line of the night, this week's winner - spoken by Trudie's dad, "if it's a boy 1000, if it's a girl $500." I hope the girl takes after her father and torments the old man.
Brian: And one last, wistful look through the glass. It's telling symbolism and definite foreshadowing; I hope this means that Peg goes counter-culture on somebody's asses.
Diane: I worry about Peggy – and wonder what the writers are up to. I wonder if Pete truly loves her – or just loved that she liked him.
Brian: I'm shocked that we've gone two whole weeks without a single Nurse appearance. I'm going to be pretty disappointed if she doesn't come back.
Diane: You're ridiculous.
To contact or argue with Diane, reach her at firstname.lastname@example.com
To contact or argue with Brian, reach him at email@example.com