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By Kenneth Saltman
Chicago Public Schools, the mayor, and countless editorials would have readers believe that the CTU strike "hurts kids and serves only adults." Nothing could be further from the truth. When I marched downtown on September 10 with the 50,000 other teachers, parents, and citizens I was pleased to see how many brought young children to march. Those children and the children in Chicago Public Schools are learning crucial lessons from the strike:
- Courage and Ethics: Children learn that when workers are cheated and abused and insulted by employers the right thing and the only thing to do is to take a stand with others even if it is risky. Children need to understand that they can't rely on the beneficence of those who have financial interests and values that are diametrically opposed to their own well-being. Children also learn that this isn't just a matter of self-interest it is also an ethical matter of standing up for others who are being mistreated.
- Adults Care: Children learn that they and their historically underfunded schools matter to teachers even if the mayor and the business tycoons planning the school reform maintain radical underfunding, a two tiered public system with a few elite selective enrollment schools and masses of abandoned schools on the west and south sides. The wretched conditions and historical disinvestment that the long history of corporate school reform has produced should not be allowed to send students the message that they don't matter.
- A Desire to Be Together in Difference: Children learn that different races, ethnic groups, language communities and socio-economic classes in Chicago want to come together for educational justice as they have come together to march with the CTU. The coalition in the streets reveals that CPS's school segregation worsened by the charter schools is unnatural and unnecessary.
- Knowledge is Contested: Children learn that despite the craze for standardized tests in which knowledge is falsely made to appear as if it came from nowhere, what students learn in school can't be disconnected from what goes on outside of schools – in communities, in the workplace, in the home, and in the street. Children learn that claims to truth are inseparable from the values and social visions and social positions of those making the claims and that the incommensurable vision for school reform among workers and business elites has something to do with the different interests and worldviews of these groups.
- Media Needs to Be Interpreted: Children learn that what they see on the street doesn't look like what they see on tv and in the paper. Just like school learning needs to be interpreted in terms of competing values, visions and interests, students learn from the strike that when 50,000 marchers are described as "some picketers" media representations have to be understood as not merely reflecting reality but forging it as well by informing how people interpret events and see others and themselves.
- Democracy Means Power is with the People: As the marchers stopped in front of Chicago's City Hall the children couldn't help but notice the nervous looks on the faces of the police guarding the mayor's palatial workplace and the city workers watching from the windows as the protesters thundered, "Hey, Hey, Ho Ho Rahm Emanuel's Got to Go!" and "Whose Schools, Our Schools!" It was impossible for adults and children alike not to remember in that moment that in a democratic society people hold the power. In schools which are all too often promoting submission to authority, and docile obedience to those in positions of power, the strike teaches students that they need to not just learn information, but also dissent, debate, engage in dialogue and collectively take control in the interests of democratic self-governance.
Kenneth Saltman is a Chicago parent and professor of education at DePaul University. His most recent book is The Failure of Corporate School Reform (Paradigm Publishers 2012).


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There's been too much cooking of late. I've been feeling the need to get dirt in my fingernails rather than pastry. To get the sun on my back rather than chefs' whites. And the patch has noticed my absence too, becoming, as it has, a bit weedy around the edges and ever so slightly petulant.
So this week I promised the patch my undivided attention. It's certainly happier for a good feed, water and weed (aren't we all, darling) and ready to meet its public. Having published the patch plan back in January (see previous blog here) I thought I'd give you a progress report. Inevitably it looks nothing like the Patch Plan and there's a way to go before perfection is achieved, but that's the fun of allotmenting isn't it – there's always something to do.
You can almost see the plants (weeds included, little buggers) grow in here at the moment. It's wet, warm and sunny and they love it. We've harvested the first crop of tomatoes, cucumbers and endless basil. The aubergine flowers are looking promising too. Now is the time to keep feeding and watering like you were fattening them up for the pot. Which in a way I suppose you are.
Three Sisters
This is a first for the G&G veg patch and one we will be repeating. It's an ancient, and excellent, method of companion painting called Three Sisters – the sisters being sweetcorn, squash and climbing beans. The sweetcorn acts as a stake for the french beans, the squash acts as ground cover for the both, keeping in moisture and suppressing weeds, and the corn keeps the squash sheltered from damaging winds. It's a fantastic space-saver and jolly pretty too.
Neat Lines
This little spot appeals to my quest for neatness (for those that know me well who are now scoffing at this assertion – I mean my love of neatness rather than my inability to implement it). Nice rows of happy beetroot, bulb fennel and baby leeks with splashes of colour from the wild fennel and nasturtiums. Incidentally, wild fennel flowers are incredible at this time of year. Catch them when they're full of nectar and bright yellow. They taste like little aniseed bombs dipped in honey. The ultimate allotmenteers sweetie.
I'm getting into fruit much more this year. After a bad start (the newly planted Victoria plum died overnight) we bounced back with a wonderfully decadent cherry harvest, pretty good strawberries and now the Autumn raspberries have arrived (bit early I agree, but I'm not complaining!). Autumn raspberries are much easier than Summer ones. The former fruits on the same year's growth so one just lops them off at the base every winter. Where as Summer fruiting varieties fruit on the previous year's growth and a judicious use of ribbon to mark which stems are which are for the chop that is beyond me.
The Benevolent Farmer Brown, who owns the garden I grow in, told me of a Chinese proverb the other day as we weeded our respective patches in the evening sun:
A drink will make you happy for an hour
A marriage will make you happy for a week.
A garden will make you happy for a lifetime.
Too true.

subset: commoncrawl


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Hello sweet friends! I'm Cheryl and I live over at That's What {Che} Said… I hung out over here last month and shared my DIY Confetti Tape Tutorial! If you missed it, I'd love for you to check it out! So fun and customizable for any occasion!
I am so happy to be back today to share with you one of my other loves (besides washi tape) power tools! They do NOT have to be scary and they are so much fun!
I'm starting with some super simple book ledges and sharing some of my favorite tools in the garage! This project is perfect for a beginner or advanced builder!
Supplies Needed:
- .5" x 1.5" x 36" board (I used 36" and cut in half to make 2 shelves…you can use any length that suits your needs!)
- .5" x 2.5" x 36" board
- .5" x 4" x 36" board
- Kreg Jig
- Clamp
- Ryobi Power Drill
- Countersink drill bit
- 1" Countersink screws
- 1.5" Countersink Screws with anchors (for mounting)
Note: I have lots of steps because I like lots of pictures! Don't think this project is difficult because of that! Just think I am crazy with the camera :)
I started off by using my Ryobi Compound Miter Saw to cut each of the boards in half. This will give me (2) 18" book shelves. If you ask the kind folks at Home Depot, they will cut the boards to size for you, so you don't have to have a miter saw! Great right? Then I got out my Kreg Jig. I am going to show you how to use the Kreg for this project. You do not need one. You can also use your countersink bit and screws but I think it's nice when you can see how it works!
My Kreg Kit contains the R3 Kreg Jig, a driver bit, a drill bit, an allen wrench and a slip nut. It also comes with tons of screw packs and pocket hole plugs and an instruction manual!
Next I set the slip nut to the appropriate depth. this is based on your board width. Since I have half inch boards, I set it to half inch. The case has everything you need to get a job done!
Then I adjusted my Kreg itself to half inch using the adjustable sliders on both sides. Measurements are clearly marked on the back of the Kreg. I then set the Kreg on my 2.5" board with the edge of the Kreg over the edge of the board and clamped it down tight using a Kreg Clamp. This will be the bottom of your ledges.
Next is the fun part! Insert the drill bit that we set above into your drill and you are going to drill into the Kreg Jig holes.
Continue all the way until the slip nut hits the blue Kreg casing!
Pull the drill and bit back out of the Kreg, unclamp and sit back and enjoy your handiwork :) You now have a pocket hole!
You will need to repeat this step. Kreg recommends a pocket hole every 6-8 inches. I did three for good measure on each side of my 2.5" board so that I could screw in the front and back boards.
Next we get to assemble! Get your 1" countersink screws out and attach the driver bit to your drill.
Set your back board (4" board) flat and line up your bottom board with the pocket holes. Screw together. The great thing about countersink screws is that they "pull" the boards together with minimal muscle power :)
Repeat with the front ledge board (1.5" board).
Now you have your assembled ledge! I repeated everything for my second shelf! Then I got to painting them. You can stain, paint or leave as is!
To mount to the wall I simply drilled some countersink holes with a countersink bit. This drills a hole in your board that allows the head of the screw to sit flush with the board instead of sticking up over it! (as I mentioned above you can use this method for the ledge assembly if you do not have a Kreg)
Here is how the screw will sit in the hole.
We then drilled holes in our wall, inserted anchors and then screwed the ledges to the wall!
Each bunk gets a small book ledge to hold some night time books! My kids are book worms and I love it and they each read before bed. Since we had to eliminate the night stand for the top bunk…these work perfectly to hold his favorite books!
These are not only for book ledges! You could features photos on them or use them in a craft room to hold jars of buttons, twine and embellishments! You can adjust the front height on the ledge and use it for small trophies or keepsakes as well! These are very versatile in that you can customize the size and length to fit your specific needs!
Thanks so much for building with me today! If you are interested I also have step by step plans on my site for a DIY weekend Pergola! That's right, we built a pergola in our backyard over a long weekend!
I also am in love with my PB knock off Cubby system for the boys' play room!
Have a great day!! Feel free to stop over and say hello anytime!


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Rich Wars was made and distributed by "Netmarble" organization, and it is accessible to be downloaded and played on Android and IOS stages. Rich Wars was made and distributed by "Netmarble" organization, and it is accessible to be downloaded and played on Android and IOS stages.
The diversion is viewed as a Real-time PVP prepackaged game. In the event that you were a devotee of the well known restraining infrastructure amusement, at that point this one would be the ideal fit.
Get the Rich Wars cheats to expand your money, stack holders, and overwhelm the entire scene.
Here in this Rich Wars survey, we will cover the fundamental characters with their characteristics, so read the accompanying aide cautiously and know precisely what you will manage.
First character arrived is Bella; she is quick fingered Bella. Her quick fingers don't stop, notwithstanding when she is in a rich wars coordinate.
Second character we arrived is Brandon, he is a virtuoso programmer. He generally has an arrangement, or so he guarantees.
Austin is a calm and out of this world, even I experience difficulty understanding him. We have likewise Gemma, I ensure that little pack of hers holds a sufficient fortune to purchase a manor.
Presently, you have a full vision over the fundamental characters however don't even now interface that with the in diversion way.
Pick Your Character Carefully…
Here are the primary advantages of picking each character; you should know them with subtleties.
1- Gemma: it will grantee you to begin the amusement with a greater number of stacks than different players. Along these lines, the principle quality of this character is getting to be rich unbounded.
2- Austin: obstinately persevering, he moves all the more regularly to accomplish his objectives.
3- Brandon: he utilizes his creativity to figure out how to avoid paying rent.
4- Bella: she once in a while takes stacks when passing her rival.
Also, in the event that your objective was to get additional stacks, at that point the Rich Wars Hack ought to turn into your most noteworthy need at the present minute. Get familiar with it down beneath…
Interactivity Info
The diversion depends on purchasing and selling properties, yet that is somewhat confused and not unreasonably simple you are anticipating.
We prescribe you to utilize the Wi-Fi association with download any extra information. This will presumably differ between 20MB to 50MBS.
Moving now the ongoing interaction highlights. In the event that you are keen on studying the playing knowledge, at that point read the accompanying portion, as it will be pressed with all the vital data, including the significance of Rich Wars Hack.
How To Win?
When the diversion starts and you are coordinated against an adversary, there will be a notice about the exceptional fulfillment.
In the event that you at any point figured out how to complete the exceptional finishing task, you will win in a flash. Likewise, for our situation, we should claim three urban areas, Istanbul, Berlin and Moscow.
The Rich Wars Hack will assist you with owning these urban areas, so you may not locate an appropriate test for your expertise level at the beginnings.
• Tap on the move catch, the yield number of the dices will be included and your character will move steps dependent on the number.
For our situation, we have moved to Istanbul. Every city you will step onto will have its property value, house, Apartment, lodging. Each structure will have its very own expense and you should have enough cash before putting into huge urban communities.
Increment Your Cash Income With Rich Wars Cheats!
Keep in mind that building a structure on a vacant city. Will gather lease when an adversary arrives on it. That is one of the most intelligent approaches to get additional cash.
• You will get some power sponsors amid your voyage. The principal sponsor is called control charged.
o Acquire a city or assemble an extra structure. Utilize the Rich Wars cheats to fabricate a milestone over each city you are cruising by, which will trap your adversary and he should pay you lease for each progression he takes.


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If you read my post a few weeks about my switching to an unlimited plan at Walmart, you will know that I was loving the plan at the time. Good news, I still am! I use my phone constantly and in the two weeks I hadn't even used up 1.5 gb of service. That was texting, calling, playing my games ( Candy Crush addicts unite!), twittering, facebooking and any other ing you can think of. Basically I used the heck out of my phone! Thankfully Walmart Family Mobile has an amazing site and I can view my usage whenever I like. Also, they send me a text five days in advance of my bill to remind me. I love that because it reminds me to set money aside for my bill!
As you can see, I love to be on the internet. I do a lot of blogging and really, I can't stay in the house forever. I do like to go outside every once in awhile to breath the fresh air, shop and of course eat. So I really need a phone that can keep me going when I am on the go. Walmart Family Mobile plan helps me do that! I have been a Verizon customer for years but they just aren't doing it for me anymore. The honeymoon phase is over and I am starting to feel like I married a money sucking vortex. I know some may think I was exaggarating about my phone bill. But I wasn't! Here is my phone bill for one month on Verizon. Also, keep in mind I haven't used my phone since I started testing out this new cheap wireless plan.
There is a back payment of $122.00 on this bill because end of school year activities wiped me out. However, that still leaves $347.00. For 5 phones! And, if you look at the picture what do you see? Only 2 of them are smart phones. The rest are cheap little phones that make calls. I am being eaten alive with fees and not even getting good service. The family mobile plan has crazy speeds while my Verizon just goes at a snail pace. I took a video to show you what I mean: ( please forgive the shakiness, I was doing it one handed because no one was around to help.)
See? I am really loving this plan and will continue with the service until my contract is up with Verizon. Now, the only problem I have is with my phone. For someone that wants a cute little smart phone, it is perfect. But I use my phone for everything and need a lot more fuctionality. Also, texting is an issue because the keys are so small. I am most likely going to get another phone soon. However, that is a minor issue compared to all the ones I am having with Verizon.
If you have any questions, please leave them below and I will do my best to answer them!
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Get inspired by the best! Chef Son will teach you how to prepare recipes from our award-winning restaurant menus.
Guests can participate in a hands-on demonstration in the SON chef kitchen where they'll be active members of the kitchen staff, working right alongside Chef Son and his team. The class will be based on the elements of the kitchen that interests you the most.
The class will last approximately 2 hours and guests will be preparing dishes for the evenings menu. All participants in the culinary experience will receive an exclusive SON CHEF Restaurant apron as a memento.
Step 1: Boutique Sapa Hotel – Sapa market tour (30 minute to 1 hour)
Go to the market to purchase some necessary foods combined with visiting and discovering the regional culture of dishes of ethnic minorities…etc.
(Consumption dispense is occupied by Hotel)
Step 2: Preparation Process in the Hotel kitchen and Learn to conserve foods in the best and freshest state.
Step 3: Participate in the cooking class, which is led and tough by our two principal and talented chief.
One is specialist of European Foods and the other is professional of Vietnamese Food. You will learn to do dishes by yourself under their control and their indications.
Step 4: Learn to prepare dishes and gather all the learnt dishes recipes and the foods guide.
Step 5: Enjoy your result after 4 first steps, our waitress will serve the hot dishes on your table. They will be "specialists" to show you how to enjoy your dishes.


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Nashville, TN
Electronic cigarettes popularly known as E-cigarettes have redefined the way smoking is done. Smoking is associated with a lot of bad than good but what electronic cigarettes from Smoke power bring to the customers are benefits in terms of complete satisfaction and value for money. The promoters of electronic cigarettes from Smoke Power know that it is about simulating the experience of smoking a real cigarette without the harmful effects that follow. As a customer you will be making a better lifestyle change when you start using electronic cigarettes.
A lot has been talked and said about e-cigarettes but there is a lot of awareness that needs to be created in this regard. It is not only about persuading smokers make a healthy switch but also about letting the prospective customers know that as a company, Smoke Power cares for your overall experience. When you buy an electronic cigarette this time, Smoke Power wants to ensure that all your e-smoking needs are attended to at one place without you having to take the trouble of checking different sources for different needs.
If shopping for electronic cigarettes is the objective, a customer also has requirements that lead to the final purchase. Related products like e-liquids, holding cases, batteries and other accessories have to be bought along with the e-cigarette. If you were dealing with any other retailer it would be a rather daunting process for you. But if you are with Smoke Power, you get everything that you can imagine under one roof, quite literally! You get everything mentioned above plus a lot more when you purchase electronic cigarettes on Smoke Power. It doesn't get any better than this! To know more visit www.smokepower.com
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text: Freddy is a retired Army Chief Warrant Officer and has been involved in real estate sales, franchise development & sales management in the Canadian and European market since the beginning of the 80's. In addition to the Sutton Marketing tools, Freddy and his team deliver a specialized, unique and sophisticated marketing package for property marketing in the old European Countries and the North American Continent. He speaks English, German and some Dutch. Freddy has experience in markets such as Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Norway, Spain, and Switzerland. His ongoing marketing efforts in these countries and his close connection to many real estate agents in Europe result in sales month after month. He is a co-author of the Amazon real estate bestseller book "REAL ESTATE ACTION 2.0", together with other real estate pro formers and Industry Icon Ozzie Jurock. From 1996 to 2002, he was deeply involved in the European expansion of the RE/MAX real estate franchise system, establishing more than 1,000 offices in Europe. Freddy's extensive background and his personal contacts in the European community give him a unique position in the Canadian real estate industry. Freddy holds an MBA degree in Real Estate Economics from the University Kiel in Germany. He is one of the rare certified Master Negotiation Expert (MCNE) for British Columbia. He sells motels, investment properties, waterfronts, resorts, luxury homes, ranches, and acreages throughout BC and even castles in Germany. Freddy and his team are working together to connect the right buyers with sellers' properties. They are diligent on behalf of their sellers while being sensitive to the buyer. The results speak for themselves, 43% of their sales are made by foreign buyers. His enthusiasm, positive attitude, and knowledge translate vision into reality for his clients.


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A illustration of the exchanges of power between the supply (the Sun ), Earth's surface, the Earth's ambiance , and the final word sink outer house The ability of the environment to seize and recycle power emitted by Earth's floor is the defining characteristic of the greenhouse impact. After reading about your spiders I needed to come and examine your underground house. So sorry to hear the problems you are having. Residing in Arkansas I'd worry about snakes coming into the home. I know for awhile right here individuals have been constructing underground homes. Right here we have basements so they constructed them pretty much like an open finish basement and that's the place the one light came from. From one Razorback to another I loved studying your hub. Voted uP!
So you mean that quantum mechanics give us the temperature in thermodynamics? This is so silly that I don´t know what to say. Thermodynamics is the base for quantum physics, QM is a development of the functions where microscopic actuality interact with power. Thermodynamics is about heat, work and temperature, the behaviour of bulk matter. Please present a supply for QM that make the connection between the bulk property temperature and emission invalid and reversed. And don´t overlook how you utilize delta as a blanket in a mechanism the place the instructions of photons could make heat circulation from cold, moist air to a scorching planetary surface.
With respect to all here, didn't the SCOTUS start to develop into politicized beneath Woodrow Wilson? Would not this complete factor boil right down to the query of an ACTIVIST courtroom? An activist court is, by definition, more delicate to the political problems with the day. The courtroom has been getting an increasing number of activist, expanding it is reach and departing enormously from originalism. If that is not political, tell me what is.
If you happen to don't fancy making your individual cold frames, under is a selection of chilly frames that may aid you in successfully switch your nurtured seedlings from greenhouse to open backyard; and of course chilly frames might be successfully used for the rest of the summer season for rising other small greens comparable to lettuce and other salads.
Yeah, to the peer evaluate course of ruined by Mann and his nazi-boyfriends. Peer-assessment doesn´t work anymore, climategate clearly show that the blanket-folks destroyed it. And the best way you blanket-individuals treat those that dare to say that dry ice is chilly as shit, and never a warmth supply, clearly present how you killed science honor.


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It's Yuuki (the Drama Queen) 1st twinBLOGversary!
Both my blogs It's Not Always About Me and Drama Queen will turn one come May 2010, so as early as now I'm getting hyped on the preparations. It's gonna be something worth remembering (I hope so!).
I am now looking for Contest Sponsors.
Why be one?
I know, it's not easy to splurge those hard earned $$$ so I will in turn give you more value.
I am offering the following for $5/ blog Contest Sponsor:
125×125 Ad Space for my 6 blogs for 1 month (so that would be less than $1 per blog)
Backlinks as Contest Sponsor from participating blogs
Blog review from It's Not Always About ME blog
Blog reviews from participating blogs
Traffic, traffic, traffic (I am advertising both at Adgitize and Entrecard)
Top up points if you decide to participate in the contest as well
So guys pls support my contest.
Just an update, 4 lovely ladies already pledged to be cash sponsors (yup, I only accept cash - mukhang pera lang...nope it's just to simplify the prizes)
And they are Sam, Red, Liz and Badet (wala nang bawian). Thanks! Mwah!
Contest will start May 1, so pls confirm your sponsorship before that. The more sponsors I get, the higher prizes at stake.


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Logo sponsored a Transamerican Love Story car in the LA Pride parade. Star Calpernia Addams, host Alec Mapa, FTM suitor Jim Howley, and sassy sidekick me had a great time! Thanks to all who came down and threw us a wave or ran up to the car to snap a pic or say something nice.
Some of my Flickr photoset of the event:
Update: Miss Meesh got a few good ones, too:
Join the Andrea James Facebook group
<a href="http://www.myspace.com/andreajeanjames" title="
Add me on MySpace


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What LSAT and GPA numbers do you need to get into U.C. Berkeley Law School?
Berkeley Law School, currently ranked #9 in the country by the US News and World Report, is the flagship law school of the UC system. It is matched for prestige on the west coast only by Stanford. Admission to Berkeley would be best described as highly competitive: ABA/LSAC data for 2017 shows 5466 applications with 1266 offers made, for a low 23.16% acceptance rate. (Source)
Despite this, Berkeley is known for accepting applicants with a wider range of LSAT scores than their peer schools. The 25th to 75th percentile LSAT range for Berkeley in 2017 was 164-168 (source: Berkeley Law School Class of 2020 entering class profile).
However, to be a competitive applicant at Berkeley Law School, you are probably going to need a undergraduate GPA in the very high 3.7+ range.
Looking at the number for Berkeley Law School Class of 2020 will give you a better idea of the GPA and LSAT that typically help an applicant get into Berkeley:
LSAT Score to get into Berkeley Law
- The 25th percentile LSAT Score at Berkeley is 164
- The Median LSAT Score at Berkeley is 167
- The 75th percentile LSAT Score at Berkeley is 168
GPA to get into Berkeley Law
- The 25th percentile undergrad GPA at Berkeley is 3.66
- The Median undergrad GPA at Berkeley is 3.79
- The 75th percentile undergrad GPA at Berkeley is 3.88
source: Berkeley Law entering class profile
We can help you create a killer Personal Statement. Find Out HowTell Me More
Berkeley Admissions Dean Tom has discussed the supposed greater emphasis on GPA in an interview with TLS:
"I know that there is a perception out there in the cyberspace world that we value GPAs a lot more than LSATs, and I'm not sure where people get that. Because if you look at our index formula, we are purposeful in weighting it so that GPA and LSAT are roughly equivalent. So, if I had to characterize our review process, it's about one-third LSAT score, about one-third academic record – I prefer to call it academic record because GPA is just so narrow, whereas with academic record we consider all of the factors that impacted the GPA: work responsibilities, extra-curricular activities, rigor of major, and so on. The last third is the subjective factors — what one says in their personal statement, and what others say about them in their letters of recommendation. So, no, I don't think either of the two quantitative factors is more important than the other."
Although Dean Tom is perhaps unaware, it is generally thought that other schools place considerably more weight on LSAT than on GPA, so his policy of near equal treatment is divergent.
Berkeley clearly does it's own thing, which makes admissions decisions at the school perhaps a bit harder to predict based on numbers alone. Berkeley can really claim to be looking at the total applicant in the admissions process.
Applying early will give you the best chances of a favorable decision. Berkeley Law begins accepting applications September 1st. Berkeley recommends that you submit your application as early as possible (between September 1 and December 1) although the application deadline for regular admission at Berkeley is currently February 1. For the hopeful applicant, a great LSAT score is only going to help your chances at Berkeley, make sure that you are maximizing your LSAT score by studying properly and using the right LSAT prep books. Check out my story on how I got a 177 on the LSAT, which discusses these topics.
Other Recommended Reading:
- How I got a 177 on the LSAT
- How to Get Into the Top Law Schools (via Amazon)
- The Law School Admission Game: Play Like an Expert (via Amazon)
NEW: Affordable Law School Personal Statement Editing ServicesLearn More


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HARD ROCK HOTEL SAN DIEGO TURNS UP THE VOLUME ON ROMANCE FOR VALENTINE'S DAYJanuary 27, 2015
New lover's day package includes all the tools of seduction, and for those who embrace PDA, an exclusive opportunity to put your Valentine's Day message on the side of the hotel
(SAN DIEGO) January 13, 2015 – Not everyone has mastered the art of romance, but this Valentine's Day and the whole month of February, Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is playing Cupid's concierge with an affordable luxury dream date which includes everything necessary for a passionate night. In addition to luxurious accommodations, Hard Rock Hotel's We Found Love package features ingredients for the ultimate lovers' getaway including a Romance Turndown, breakfast in bed, and a complimentary photo to commemorate the evening. For those who favor a public declaration of their love, the hotel is offering a "PDA Add-On," which includes your personal message on the side of the hotel.
Starting at $204 per night, the We Found Love package includes the following:
• Luxurious accommodations
• Romance turndown service including Champagne and high-end chocolates, as well as a love song playlist curated by our own Vibe Manager
• $40 in-room breakfast in bed credit
• Complimentary photo booth photo
For guests wanting to profess their love in the most over-the-top fashion, Hard Rock Hotel San Diego has introduced an exclusive "PDA Add-On." For $1,500, a personal Valentine's message of choice, whether its "Will You Be Mine," "You Rock My World," or even "Will You Marry Me" will light up the side if the hotel using hi-tech projection software. The message will appear under the iconic Hard Rock logo, visible to passersby on Fifth Avenue, arguably the most trafficked street in the city's Gaslamp Quarter. In addition to the exterior, the message will also greet all guests of the hotel on the LED wall in the center of the lobby.
The We Found Love package starts at $204 per couple and includes a one-night stay, as well as the aforementioned amenities. The package is available from Saturday, February 1 through Friday, February 28, subject to availability. Tax and gratuity are not included. The "PDA Add-On" is available for $1,500 on a first come, first served basis throughout the month of February. Advance reservation is required and inquiries should go to email@example.com or 619-764-6938.
To book Hard Rock Hotel San Diego's We Found Love package, visit www.hardrockhotelsd.com or call 888-593-6177.
About Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Located at the entrance of the Gaslamp Quarter across from the San Diego Convention Center, Hard Rock Hotel San Diego boasts an upscale, contemporary design, signature restaurants, a sophisticated nightlife, superior customer service and, of course, the distinctive thread running through all Hard Rock properties – rock 'n' roll. Amenities include 420 rooms and suites including 17 Rock Star Suites, over 40,000 square feet of unique meeting and event space, world-class Nobu restaurant, Float pool lounge and street-level 207 bar. Additional features include retro-chic diner Maryjane's, Rock Spa and fitness center, a landscaped rooftop pool deck with private cabanas, a Rock Shop and a Starbucks coffee shop. For more information, visit www.hardrockhotelsd.com. Find us on Facebook at HardRockSD, and Twitter at @HardRockSD.
About Hard Rock International
With a total of 197 venues in 62 countries, including 151 cafes, 21 hotels and 10 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company's two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Chicago, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, Macau and San Diego. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include San Juan, Rio de Janeiro and Marrakech. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Daytona Beach, Dubai, Los Cabos, Dallas-Fort Worth, Tenerife, Abu Dhabi, and Shenzhen and Haikou in China. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.


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DC Comics Rebirth Spoilers & Review: Batman #25 Teases Full War Of Jokes & Riddles In 1 Page & Reveals Why The Joker & The Riddler Are At War! Plus More Batman & Catwoman Love!
DC Comics Rebirth Spoilers and Review for Batman #25, the first chapter in the War of Jokes and Riddles, follows.
Batman #25 is narrated by Batman; a look at the past from the modern day DC Comics Rebirth era.
The book opens with string scenes for the Riddler and the Joker establishing their states of mind prior to the War of Jokes and Riddles, why they are different from one another and why they are terrifyingly frightening in their own ways.
The Riddler is in jail and his subdued his interrogator with a knife.
He then is faced with a whole room full of guards. Does he fight his way through? No. He uses words to get out.
He recites the names of each guard's loved ones, they are afraid, and simply let him pass and let him go.
The Joker in contrast…
…is on a killing spree.
Unsatisfied with the results of it.
Readers wonder what he is after.
We then have two gorgeous pages with not much art in them, although the art is amazing, and not many words on the pages, but the pages say so much.
…meets Joker…
…with a classic "Knock Knock" joke opening as a stage setter.
The Riddler knows why the Joker is in a funk. The Batman has cramped his style and the Joker can't laugh anymore. No amount of killing can make him laugh.
The Riddler proposes to The Joker that they team, up to take on Batman.
The Joker's response is to shoot The Riddler in the gut; he still can't laugh over that. He anticipates Batman will come and simply leaves seemingly depressed.
Batman does come and the Riddler tells him that the Jokers stole his bomb; a riddle or reality?
Then we get a gorgeous page of art seemingly teasing the issues ahead for the War of Jokes and Riddles. Villains will take sides in this war.
Then back to modern day with the Cat and the Bat in bed; Batman telling Catwoman that he needs to tell her what he did during the War of Jokes and Riddles.
Why are Batman and Catwoman in bed again? Well, Batman did propose at the end of Batman #24 (see below).
Is Catwoman Mrs. Batman now? We may need to wait until the War of Jokes and Riddles to know that since its conveniently set in the past.
An amazing read with story by Tom King and gorgeous, breathtaking art by Mikel Janin. Not much Batman in the issue, but so what. The Joker and The Riddler have the gravitas to carry the book. I give this book at 9.5 out of 10. Why only 9.5? I don't give out 10's. It would have to be the Holy Grail to get a 10, but this is the closest I've come in years. Highly recommended.


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May 1, 2020 - St Michael ArchangelI am Michael the Archangel, the Defender of the Faith of your Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. And I come to you today - to the People of the United States of America - bearing a Message from Your Heavenly Mother, who reigns over your land in the most difficult period in your nation's history... MORE!
Signs of the Times... 2014?
Nearly 21,000 Earthquakes Registered in Canary Islands since 2011
Earthquake activity could collapse islands causing massive USA East Coast tsunami. - ND
Signs of the Times... 2014?
N.W.O. Judge Rules NSA Collection of Phone Records is Legal
In his ruling Friday, (New World Order) U.S. District Judge William Pauley said the NSA's bulk collection of phone records under Section 215 of the Patriot Act was legal. The program was revealed in classified leaks by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden.
Pope Francis Celebrates...
Midnight Mass Live from the Vatican
What a Christmas Present!
Pope's Approval Rating Sky High!
A CNN/ORC International poll released Tuesday found that 88% of American Catholics approve of how Francis is handling his role as head of the 1.2 billion-member church.
Celebrate Christmas!!! Americans and the Virgin Birth
A new poll by Pew Research, just in time for Christmas, shows 73 percent of Americans believe in Jesus' virgin birth by His mother Mary. Even 32 percent of the self-professed religiously unaffiliated said they believe!
Is This A "Global Warming" Record Snowfall Christmas?
Last week, snow covered more than half of the continental United States, the highest this measure has reached by this date in a decade. Even Al Gore is snow-covered!
Far From Happy Christmas for Christians in the Holy Land
"O Little Town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie…" Because the Christians are in hiding!
On The 100th Anniversary Of The Federal Reserve Here Are 100 Reasons To Shut It Down Forever
December 23rd, 1913 is a date which will live in infamy. That was the day when the Federal Reserve Act was pushed through Congress.
Global Banksters Celebrate...
We Mourn the Fed's 100th Anniversary
"The Creature from Jekyll Island" has been enslaving us for 100 years!
As End Times Daily warned...
US Sailors, Assisting With Fukushima Clean Up, Crippled By Cancer
Wave of Radiation from Fukushima Will Be 10 Times Bigger than All of the Radiation from Nuclear Tests Combined.
Comparisons being made to Pope Francis...
Still Learning From Pope Pius X, 100 Years Later!
Best known for his rejection of modernist interpretations of Catholic doctrine and his promotion of traditional devotional practice and orthodoxy.
Washington State Attorney General's Edict:
Public (Catholic) Hospitals That Deliver Babies Must Provide Abortions
Even if the Hospital is Catholic!
Vatican to lobby U.S. Congress?
Catholic Church Plans Massive Push for Illegal Alien Amnesty
If you attend Mass on September 8th, it is likely the priest's homily will be less about spiritual matters and more about the political imperative of passing an amnesty law!
Is Vatican getting wise to 'Global Elites' using USA to create 'False Flag' attacks?
Vatican's U.N. Observer Cautious on Reports of Chemical Attack in Syria
"We must not rush to judgment without having sufficient evidence," Archbishop Tomasi said.
When Francis Was Chosen...
Pope Electors Were Told of 'Smoke of Satan' in Vatican
Message to conclave echoes earlier warnings of evil 'superforce' descending on Church
Who else but the California Jesuits!
Jesuit University Offers Master's Degree in Yoga Spirituality
"Immerse yourself in the study of traditional Yoga and discover the spiritual self within."
Stop the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorists...
Bishop Hits Out at West Amid Reports of Nearly 80 Church Buildings Attacked
What is this all about?
Pope's Aide Francesca Chaouqui Ruffles Cassocks at Vatican
A 27-year-old PR woman is deepening the rift between the pontiff and the old guard
Father Hani Bakhoum Kiroulos of Egypt...
Catholic Spokesman Defends Egyptian Army Crackdown Against Protesters
Insane Theologian at Fordham University:
Can Babies Be Aborted as 'Unjust Aggressors'?
Now in a State of Emergency!
Fukushima Leaking 300 Tons of Radioactive Water into the Ocean Daily
Lab Mice Study Rocks Soda Industry
Mortality Rate Doubles for Females Eating Refined White Sugar
Culling Down the Masses
The Seven Threats to Your Survival and Fertility
GMOs, Vaccines, Chemtrails...
Pro-Life Doctors Banned From Giving Abortion Presentation At International Conference For Women In Medicine
Save $50 Killing Your Child on Sundays!
Abortion Clinic Sends Coupons to Low-Income Women, Save $50 on Sundays
And This Is Before Obamacare-less!
High Number Of Doctors Unhappy In Their Profession
Patient Wakes Up as Doctors Get Ready to Remove Organs
N.W.O. Culling Down The Herd!
USA Birthrate at an All-Time Low
Could make your brain bleed, Cause strokes


text: Review: The Windmines of Bora Bora by Beryll and Osiris Brackhaus Aug 21, 2019Rating: 3.25 stars Buy Link: Amazon | iBooks | Amazon UK Length: Novel Ivan hasn't known much joy in his life. He was supposed to be a powerful psion, but after his power failed to materialize, he became a pariah and eventually a slave to his savage sister. After... FILED UNDER: 3.25 stars, Fantasy, Sue's Reviews TAGGED: Beryll Brackhaus, knight, Osiris Brackhaus, self published, slave, Virsana Empire series


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According to ChemOrbis, Players in Indonesia are beginning to voice their reactions to new regulations mandating the use of the rupiah in local transactions. The new regulation went into effect as of July 1. Prior to this, most local transactions in Indonesia's polymer market had been concluded in dollars. Indonesia's central bank said that the regulation is intended to reduce the country's dependency on foreign currencies such as the dollar. The rupiah has fallen to a multi-year low against the dollar this year.
"We still prefer to use dollars rather than rupiahs for now as we are not sure as to whether or not the exchange rates for the rupiah will be fixed on a daily or monthly basis," a distributor commented. Another distributor added, "Most sellers seem to be using the official bank rates for the rupiah in their local transactions now, but some of our customers are complaining that producers are insisting on an exchange rate higher than the normal bank rates.
In our estimation, large buyers seem to be unhappy with the new rules as they can get only a small discount of around 70 rupiahs to the dollar on large transactions while smaller buyers are happier with the new rules as they believe that transacting the in the local currency will help stabilize their operating costs."
A third distributor stated, "The exchange rate we are giving our customers varies according to payment terms. For buyers purchasing in cash, we are quoting the bank rate for the day of the transaction while for customers using deferred payment terms, we are asking for a higher rate to help offset the exchange rate risk."
A source from an Indonesian polyolefin producer stated, "The local market is quiet now as many buyers stocked up in the last few days of June before the new regulations went into effect. We are still engaging in internal discussion as to how to fix our prices in rupiah. Traditionally, we updated our exchange rates between the rupiah and the dollar hourly, but this may prove difficult to maintain when giving prices in the local currency. Most of our customers are still asking for dollar prices and we believe that it will not be for another one to two months before the full effect of the new policy becomes clear. We hope to announce our new pricing policies in rupiah by next Monday."
A source from another local producer added, "We kept our list prices stable when converting from dollars to rupiahs and we will continue to maintain constant dollar prices until we decide on a new price list. Most of our smaller customers are happy with the new regulations." A source from a domestic PVC producer reported, "More small buyers have returned to the market now that they can purchase in rupiah while we are worried about how fluctuations in the value of the currency will affect our business." A source from another PVC producer added, "We will announce new prices in rupiah soon. We expect the new regulation to cause a good bit of confusion in the initial stages, especially as the rupiah is the lowest it has been against the dollar in the past five years." A distributor commented, "We hear that one local producer will adopt a fixed monthly exchange rate for the rupiah while the policy of other producers is not clear yet."
According to ChemOrbis, on the buyers' side, a converter manufacturing plastic containers commented, "We are happy with the new regulations as we believe that dealing in the local currency will reduce our risks. At the moment, our suppliers are still quoting prices in dollars while the final price will be paid in rupiah based on the bank rate at the day the deal closes." A PET bottle manufacturer added, "We are satisfied with the new regulations we no longer need to purchase dollars to secure our raw materials. We will also feel more comfortable when concluding deals with 30 or 60 days deferred payment basis as paying in rupiah will limit our exposure to exchange rate risks." Another bottle manufacturer stated, "In the long run, we believe that paying in the local currency will be good for the market. However, in the short term we prefer to continue with dollar purchases as it is not clear how the new system will function yet."


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This is going to be a review of my trip down to Tohoku last week – pictures and fun stuff, but a bit of a travel guide as well.*
My friend and I left on the 9th from Hakodate, our nearest large city. Since Hokkaido doesn't yet have a shinkansen (bullet train), we took the Super Hakucho express train to the tip of Hokkaido, under the Tsugaru Strait to Shin-Aomori. A lot of places that have gotten the shinkansen in recent years have set up separate shinkansen stations away from their usual main station, mostly because the main station, having sprung up in the center of town, has little room to expand for the extra long tracks needed by the shinkansen. These new stations are often named "Shin-Main Station Name", the equivalent of "New Main Station Name". For example, when the shinkansen pulls into Hakodate sometime in 2015, it will be coming into Shin-Hakodate station, rather than Hakodate station (which has no room to expand, being right on the bay).**
At Shin-Aomori, we transferred to the Tohoku shinkansen, bound for Morioka. We'd picked a destination for each day, but decided to stay in a more central location to make traveling easier. We stayed at the Toyoko Inn (there are two basically across the street from the station), which is a very good, basic chain of hotels across Japan. If you pay a one-time membership fee of 1500JPY, their rates become very reasonable indeed. Free breakfast included.
More train blather – the Tohoku shinkansen has a very special quirk that might trip up the seasoned Japan traveler. On the shinkansen, you can buy a reserved seat (shiteiseki) ticket or a free seat (jiyuseki) ticket. Reserved gets you a guaranteed seat on a train at a particular time, i.e. seat 4D in car 12 on the 12:10 to Tokyo. Free is more flexible, you can take any train during a particular period bound for that destination, as long as you sit in one of the 'free' cars. The Tohoku shinkansen is all reserved cars, no free cars.
But you can still buy a free ticket. And stand in the space between the cars. Sounds like fun, eh? Between Tokyo and Morioka, you have to stand there if you have a free ticket (and I have), north of Morioka, you can sit in any open seat…if there is one. And if the person with a ticket for that seat comes by, you have to give it up. Fun, no? Being cheap, Carlee and I ended up hopping around seats for most of the trip, then standing for the last twenty minutes.
Anyway, we arrived in Morioka midday, abandoned our bags at the hotel, and set out. After perusing the brochures available at the hotel, we decided on Iwachu, an ironworks, and wanko soba for dinner (more on that later).
Morioka station is a transport hub for the area, with trains and a bus station right in front of the building. In the building, the information office has a very helpful staff that was willing to hand us a variety of English language maps and brochures. Also on the second floor was a tourist kiosk happy to provide directions to anywhere we wished to go in the city. They provided the bus information we needed to get to the ironworks.
The area is famous for its iron mines and from the products created from the ore. Iwachu Casting Works was part museum, part workshop, and part gift store. The museum had examples of the more spectacular side of the workshop's products, from a teapot big enough to bathe in to a set of iron chimes, to beautiful cut out designs mounted on the wall. Due to the sturdy nature inherent in iron, there were signs inviting patrons to touch almost anything they'd like.
The workshop is open to the public, so that you can view the craftsmen at their work, creating the molds, trimming pieces, and applying lacquer. There are signs on the wall explaining the process in Japanese and English and you're free to take pictures. The shop is wonderful, with all sorts of traditional teapots and iron cookware, along with more decorative items. The teapots range from around $50-$600 (eep), but if you'd just like something as a souvenir, there are teacups, bells, and figurines for less than $15, or even mini-teapots for less than $5.
After the ironworks, we returned to the station for dinner. We'd heard of something called wanko soba from our students, along with remarks that they'd never respect us again if we went to Iwate and didn't try it. We ended up at Azumaya, due to its proximity to the station.
It turned out to be more of a production than we had anticipated. Wanko soba is an all-you-can-eat noodle set-up – with a twist. The soba is delivered by the waitress on a tray, many small bowls, each filled with just a mouthful of noodles. She dumps the mouthful into your main bowl as you eat and she won't stop until you set the bowl down and cover it with a lid. We got the cheapest set menu, which comes with sides dishes for your soba – typical things like sliced onions, sesame seeds, and toasted nori (seaweed), but also tuna sashimi, and chicken soboro.*** This is definitely a tourist thing to do, and the staff loves to make a fuss over it. They have bibs for the customers to wear, explanation booklets to read before hand (available in English), and a certificate at the end stating how many bowls we'd managed to put away.
Well, I was planning on writing about Tono as well, but I see I've already written a book. I'll save that for next time.
Finally, if you happen to be passing through Morioka station, a few recommendations right in the station.
Craft Ichigoya – in the basement directly under the station, next to the Family Mart convenience store. Sells crafts by Japanese artists, with a focus on pottery, though there are also postcards and jewelry, plus some textile works.
Aunt Stella – a cookie shop in the basement of the Fesan department store, which is next to the station. Right across from the McDonalds. Huge variety of cookies, available by the gram or in sets. I highly recommend the cornflake cookie.
Jupiter Coffee – next door to Aunt Stella. If, like us, you're coming in from the boonies, you might want to check this out. Jupiter sells coffee, yes, but also a large variety of foreign import food. They're especially good for your candy or baking needs. Don't trust the Cheetos though, they've been reformulated for sale in Japan. (That should concern me, but it doesn't)
*I know I promised you a wedding entry. There have been set-backs.
**This has some people grumpy, because as it turns out, the best place to put the station was further out in the sticks. In fact, it's not going to be in Hakodate at all, but in Hokuto City. Which wants some naming privileges. Which they're highly unlikely to be granted.
***The chicken soboro was a revelation. I've had beef and pork soboro before, even made some myself, using this recipe, but never chicken. It was mild and excellent, especially with the toasted nori.


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By Ryan Clark/Warchant.com
TALLAHASSEE — Sean Maguire had his moments of perspective on Sunday, calling his injury "devastating," but he quickly shifted to how he feels he can still make an impact for the Florida State football team while on the mend.
The redshirt senior quarterback, who was making his first public comments since learning he will miss four weeks with a broken bone in his right foot, is scheduled to undergo surgery on Monday.
"The past few days have been devastating for me and my family," Maguire said Sunday when FSU held its annual Media Day. "I am getting the surgery [Monday], and after tomorrow, it's all about getting back to 100 percent. That's really the only thing on my mind."
FSU coach Jimbo Fisher told reporters Saturday that Maguire sustained the injury on Wednesday, the second day of preseason camp. Maguire said he felt something in his foot but thought it was just his body getting adjusted to practice or it was discomfort caused by new shoes.
A day later, he said, the pain became unbearable and he knew something was wrong.
Maguire's injury comes as he was battling with redshirt freshman Deondre Francois to become the team's starting quarterback. Fisher still hasn't confirmed that Francois will be the Seminoles' starter in their Sept. 5 season opener against Ole Miss, but the redshirt freshman took all the first-team reps at practice Sunday.
Maguire attended practice with his foot in a protective boot and was seen offering advice to the other quarterbacks.
"I'm going to be there for them," Maguire said. "Not just them but for everyone on the team. Still being at practice, still being in the meetings and everything."
The Second Verse
As has become an annual tradition on Media Day, Florida State held its one open practice for fans inside Doak Campbell Stadium on Sunday.
Only about 1,000 fans were in attendance as thunderstorms skirted past the stadium, but those who did show up saw a show from sophomore wide receiver Nyqwan Murray. The 5-11, 176-pound Orlando product caught numerous touchdown passes and made several tough grabs in traffic.
"Murray's legit," Fisher said. "Has a chance to be a good player if he continues to play with consistency."
Injury Report
Junior WR Travis Rudolph was held out of practice with a sore hamstring, and freshman defensive end Brian Burns was also out with a thigh bruise. Senior safety Nate Andrews went down with a pulled calf muscle during the practice. Fisher said all three should be back soon.
They said it
"He's been able to handle himself on the field and off the field, so much better. He's worked hard. He's put on weight. He's got stronger, faster and just basically became the leader of the group in my opinion." – WRs coach Lawrence Dawsey on junior receiver Travis Rudolph
"It's always hard to see your fellow brother go through an injury like this. But this is the game. That's the way it is. And Sean's a great guy. So it's tough for me seeing a fellow quarterback go through a foot injury. You never want that to happen to anyone on the team." – Redshirt freshman Deondre Francois on fellow QB Sean Maguire's broken foot.
"For a minute, it took them a little while to get in the attitude of practice with it being in here (Doak Campbell Stadium). But once they got into it, it was OK. Good points and bad points on both sides of the ball. One side wins, one side loses. That's what happens when you get to know each other and compete. Good things on both sides and mistakes on both sides." – FSU coach Jimbo Fisher on Sunday's open practice.
For more FSU football coverage, visit Warchant.com.


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National Drink Wine Day!
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If ever there was a poster child for the city's stormwater problem, it's a 35-foot waterfall that crashes down a hill in northwest Colorado Springs and threatens to wash away Mike Chiaramonte's house every time there's a hard rain.
Erosion has carved a deep chamber into the hillside, where rushing waters cascade from a development along the ridgeline down to his doorstep. It's so scary, Chiaramonte says, that he keeps his pets and two children, ages 3 and 6, inside the house whenever raindrops fall. There they watch, essentially trapped, as water cuts their home off from the city street.
The problem might help make the case for stormwater funding, but it doesn't inspire much confidence to know the city is largely to blame. Besides approving a developer's flawed drainage design 33 years ago, the city has failed to effectively deal with the problem since. Its one tangible effort — a drain installed to carry the water to a city street below the waterfall — plugs up frequently, causing overflows that have swamped Chiaramonte's house at least three times since he bought it three years ago, most recently on July 16.
"That water came down from a trickle to a roar," Chiaramonte says, "and it happened really quick."
The one storm caused nearly $20,000 of damage to his home; pretty severe for what the city classifies as a "medium" priority on its stormwater projects list.
Last week, the project seemed to elevate in priority, as officials interviewed engineering firms about designing a plan that would protect the Chiaramontes' house from further flooding. The city asked Chiaramonte and his wife, Laurel, to sign a form allowing the city access to their property to work on the problem. But as soon as it looked like progress was being made, things came to an impasse: The Chiaramontes noticed that the same form would relieve the city of all future liability from damage after the repairs are implemented.
"We are angry and feel insulted!" Laurel Chiaramonte said via email last Thursday.
With home-repair bills awaiting payment, Mike Chiaramonte is talking to lawyers. And owners of the townhomes perched atop the eroding ridge, who wonder if their foundations have been compromised, say they might do the same.
30-year issue
The problem at Chiaramonte's property dates back to the 1980s, according to city documents studied by Dean Luse, a semi-retired architect and engineer who lives atop the hill in the Pinecliff Townhomes.
According to those documents, in January 1981 the city approved a drainage report from consulting engineer Ollie Watts that included an 18-inch storm sewer pipe running through Pebblewood at Pinecliff and Pinecliff Townhomes housing developments on Golden Hills Road, about a half mile northwest of the Sunbird Mountain Grill & Tavern (see map, below). Pebblewood and the drainage system were developed by Frank Price. (A bank would later take possession of the project, then turn it over to another local developer, Luse says.)
Luse notes the 1981 report states that riprap was to be installed to dissipate the water's rapid flows, if necessary, and that there was "ample bedrock to prevent significant erosion."
"The failure of the city to ever make corrections for this erroneous claim," he says today, "underlies everything that has happened subsequently."
In 1986, the city notified a different engineering firm, Finn & Associates of Colorado Springs, that an error was discovered in the drainage design and asked that "the appropriate erosion protection be installed in this area." City requirements called for runoff to be contained in a lined channel or pipe, to control erosion.
About a year later, on Sept. 19, 1987, attorney Pete Susemihl wrote to the city complaining of the "rather severe" erosion caused by the drainage onto a property called Pinecliff No. 12, belonging to his client David Sellon, and threatened to sue. By late 1988, Finn & Associates reported to the city that it had inspected a relief storm sewer north of the drainage pipe — there's no record of exactly who installed it, or when — and the city signed off on it. This relief system was composed of a grate to filter debris, a catch basin, and an 18-inch pipe running from where water hits the ground from the waterfall to a storm sewer along Popes Valley Drive.
City records have a gap from 1988 to 1995, during which the savings and loan crisis took place. Sellon's property was foreclosed upon in 1994; in 1995 Otero Savings and Loan sold one lot (which would later become Chiaramonte's house) to Terry Holman.
That's when the dispute resumed. In May 1995, Holman, with Timbernook Homes, had his attorney, Richard Hanes, write to the city about erosion debris plugging the catch basin, with rushing water "carving a precipitous trench through the lots ... creating an extremely hazardous situation for neighborhood children who might venture too close to the ditch during a run off."
Later that month, the city attorney's office issued a letter to Holman's lawyer saying the city agreed to clean out the catch basin and deposit the soil into crevices left behind by the rushing waters. The letter also said the city would "investigate other potential improvements" and, "if recommended," submit them through the city's capital improvement program budgeting process.
In 1995, the house that's now the Chiaramontes' was built at 545 Popes Valley Drive. In '96, Kim and Bryan Gilman, who had purchased the house from Holman, wrote to him demanding "immediate attention" to damage including exposed pipes, gas lines and wiring and "a very deep ditch" on their property caused by the "inadequate drainage system." Holman turned to the city, which again pledged to "keep the drainage open" while it considered "a longer term project."
Finally, in August 1996, the city told Holman in a letter that it was investigating alternatives. "At this time, it is anticipated that a design will be complete so that bids for construction can be taken by the end of this year," Bruce Thorson, then-stormwater and subdivision manager, wrote. "Construction should occur early in 1997."
No project was ever built. City stormwater manager Tim Mitros says via email, "I have not found any information in our files as to why the project was never done. The people that were here at the time ... are gone." Thorson didn't return a phone call seeking comment.
A decade went by. In May 2007, nearby property owner Paul Trousil — who had complained to the city back in the '90s — again wrote to the city, noting he'd been told by the city the drainage was safe. But he said he had walked his lot with a geohazard engineer "who had highly recommended that I not enter the erosional site with fear that large soil chunks would fall on me (more than 2,000 pounds in size)." The city responded that it was "looking into this matter."
Trousil wrote the city again in August 2008. The city responded that it too saw "a significant erosion concern," but that the project had not been chosen for funding.
Rushing waters
The most spectacular evidence of the failed drainage plan lies a short hike from Chiaramonte's house, where water blasts out of a pipe and down the hill. From there, it's supposed to empty into the relief system installed in the '80s. But the grate frequently plugs up, sending the torrent over land and onto his property.
The Chiaramontes bought the house in early 2011 while both were stationed in Japan with the Air Force. They hired an engineer to inspect the property and were told of "a waterfall" up the slope behind their home. But the engineer said he didn't think it would pose a flood risk, Chiaramonte says.
The first flood event took place during that year, he says, and erosion required him to replace part of an asphalt connector between his driveway and the city street. The couple moved into the house in May 2012, when Chiaramonte was assigned to teach at the Air Force Academy. It was a drought year that brought wildland fires but little rain and no flooding.
"When we moved back, there was a little erosion along that fence," he says, referring to his lot's south side. "We didn't know it was from drainage erosion."
In early 2013, he says, both he and a neighbor asked the city to clean out the catch basin. He doesn't know how many times the basin has been cleaned, but in May 2014, water flowed into his basement and his garage. The couple had everything professionally cleaned, he says.
Then, on July 16, he says, a heavy rain pummeled the area, and rainwater gushed over the hillside and into his house, this time leaving 10 inches of water in his garage and nearly an inch of water and mud in the basement. To replace trim and drywall, re-install landscaping and replace flooring will cost $15,000 to $20,000, he says. Flood waters also left the home's electrical ground exposed, a dangerous situation.
"My insurance doesn't cover it," he explains, "because it's external water entering the house, and I'm not in a floodplain."
He's submitted a claim to the city for reimbursement, but the city has denied it. Chiaramonte says he plans to sue the city.
"In May, the first time it flooded, we got the city councilman [Don Knight] out there. A bunch of folks in engineering and stormwater were there, and they were talking about coming up with a permanent solution, and that it wasn't designed right," Chiaramonte says. They also spoke of trying to fit the project into the city budget either this year, next year or some future year.
Meantime, the city just scoops up debris. "Every time there's a flood, the city comes down and digs out the street," he says.
Looking back, and having researched documents with the help of Luse, Chiaramonte is amazed the problem has festered for so long.
"The city approved that drain from the get-go," he says, adding city officials subsequently approved construction of homes downstream. "The amount of water that comes down that hill is a danger to my house. But there are kids that play back there. There's a risk to life. Then you start talking about the houses on the hill. ... Is there enough support to hold those houses up there? We don't know the answer to that question."
Luse says the townhomes are built on concrete stem-wall foundations — slabs with short concrete walls onto which the structures' frames are built. He wonders if the buildings are sufficiently anchored to survive if the pipe fails or the ridge crumbles further from erosion. As recently as July 29, big rocks crashed off the eroded cavern in heavy rains, Luse says.
While Chiaramonte looks for a lawyer, Marcia Holly, community manager for Pebblewood at Pinecliff, and Michelle Green, who manages Pinecliff Townhomes, also say they are considering legal action. Pebblewood spent $18,000 in 2008 to shore up the foundation area, Holly says. But over the last year, erosion has advanced. Says resident Connie Brallier, "It's come up to our deck."
Setting priorities
The city terms the project, estimated at $241,000, one of 175 "medium" priorities on a $365-million stormwater project list compiled in 2013 by engineering firm CH2MHill. The list also contains 44 high priorities and 20 low priorities. But that's not set in stone. "If the problem worsens, sometimes that allows us to juggle things around," says city stormwater engineer Steve Gardner.
Gardner started with the city just over a year ago and surveyed the problem last summer. The HOAs called the city in January saying the erosion was worsening, he says. They called again in May. Since then, he's met with residents at least twice, most recently on July 30. That meeting also included Pinecliff Homeowners Association, which includes Chiaramonte's neighborhood of single-family homes.
Acknowledging the original drainage plan was faulty, Gardner tells the Independent, "It didn't work. [The developer's consulting engineer's] assessment was wrong."
Installing a catch basin wasn't a good move, he adds, because it takes intense maintenance to keep it open. "In the first flush of the storm, the debris immediately clogs the inlet," he explains. And, he says, "you can't have somebody there all the time," cleaning out the grate and pipe.
Gardner says the city's recent hydrology report, done last month, computed that 100-year storms would generate water velocities up to 25 cubic feet per second. The developer's 1981 drainage system was built to accommodate expected flow of 14.7 cfs.
The next step, he says, is for the city to hire a consulting engineer, at a cost of roughly $35,000, to design a permanent fix. "Then it's a matter of trying to find the funds to actually construct it," he says.
Mitros says the project has taken on new urgency in recent weeks due to heavy rains causing damage. "I went out there last week," he said in an interview July 29, "and I just said, 'Wow.' We just gotta take a look at this stuff and find a way to make it work."
He tells the Indy he's searching for money in this year's budget, but notes the price tag is "a moving target until we do some more study."
Gardner says the city might turn to the HOAs for financial participation, but that might be barking up the wrong tree. Pinecliff Townhomes is more likely to expect to receive money from the city, not the other way around, considering the HOA owns a preservation easement precisely where the water has gouged the hillside. Luse reports that nobody has been able to find a record that documents the HOA agreeing to give the city a drainage easement for the waterfall area; without one, the drainage would be encroaching on the preservation easement illegally, Luse says.
Going back to Frank Price, the Pebblewood developer, is probably a fool's errand, given the passage of time. Several in the development community who were contacted for this story didn't remember him.
'Finger in the dike'
Councilman Don Knight, who represents the northwest District 1 where the waterfall is located, has visited the site at least twice this season and hopes the city can find an answer soon. Crediting stormwater crews with doing "a heck of a job" on the city's stormwater woes, he admits the city has a lot of drainage issues.
"It's like a little boy with his finger in the hole in the dike," he says. "There's a lot of holes. There's just more than we can address. But when we have an issue that causes property damage, then it needs to be elevated [in priority]."
Nobody has to tell Mitros about the city's inadequate flood-control system. By some estimates the city's needs top $700 million.
"These old corrugated metal pipes are only lasting 30 to 35 years, and the bottoms are wearing out, and that causes sinkholes," he says. "They basically collapse on themselves. We've got this stuff all over town."
One sits atop the bluff and underlies the Pebblewood townhome complex. Reminded of that, Mitros says he will send a crew there to inspect its interior using a mobile camera.
As for the bigger problem, city officials told residents at a July 30 meeting they're interviewing engineers to design a permanent solution. But Bruce Hutchison, president of the Pinecliff HOA, says not much was said about what the city might do in the meantime to prevent further damage, other than some discussion of using hay bales, sand bags and installing more riprap.
"Most people were dissatisfied, because we didn't get a solution for the Chiaramontes," Hutchison says.
Hutchison says things appear to have stopped since the city presented the Chiaramontes with that release-of-liability form. The couple interprets the form to say it would relieve the city of liability for past and future water damage. Mike Chiaramonte told Gardner via email that same day, "I am in no way going to waive the city's liability from flood damage simply to get a temporary solution in place that may not even work. Let alone waive liability from now until the end of time. I've already signed a form authorizing the city to access my land to provide protection."
Mitros says through a city spokesperson the city "is working with the Chiaramonti [sic] family to provide a temporary fix to address their stormwater concerns. Although it is not typical for the City to work on private property, we felt it important to provide some temporary relief for the family while a permanent solution is complete."
Mitros also notes the release of liability "addresses any future stormwater concerns that may arise as a direct result of the work done on the property. Once the release is signed, the City will begin work on the property." Mitros didn't address whether the release of liability absolves the city from past damages.
So the Chiaramontes continue to take up a fight that's spanned three decades, and that leaves the couple incredulous and distrustful. "In a decade and a half, they haven't fixed it," Mike says. "Why would I believe it now?"
Until something's worked out, the Chiaramontes will watch the skies and hope that rainwater doesn't invade their house or endanger their children. "If we got a heavy rainstorm," he says, "it could kill my kids."
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I seem to have an amazing talent when it comes to imagining that some outfit will be good, and then put it on and realise I'm not keen. This happened here, but I think it's because the dress is too short for my liking.
The boots hadn't had a wear though and were perfect for the rain the other day, so I just wanted something slouchy-ish to go with it, for my walk into town.
How are you spending your Bank Holiday?
|dress: primark
|jumper: primark
|boots: irregular choice


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Rubin Realty Associates and its affiliates manages more than 4 million square feet of industrial space in New Jersey. As owners of real estate, the firm's principals bring a unique and focused perspective to the discipline of property and asset management. Our professionals prepare budgets, oversee all capital improvements and protect and enhance asset value, while maximizing return on investment.
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Watching short documentaries about too many realities of our world as well as our own psychological realities has been a hobby of mine since time immemorial. From cryptozoology to urban legend-like coverups, I love them all as long as they're within the scope of my powers of comprehension.
Since I've barricaded myself inside my new room (which is bigger, better, more airy) with all the amenities except for a bathroom, I can virtually hibernate and not be seen around town for days, only going out for my yoga and badminton. And I have lots of time on my hands to pore through these short television documentaries.
Suicide has social stigma imprinted all over it, across all cultures and religions. I've talked about it several times the past few years since I started my blog based on personal views. I've never been close with someone who has done it but I do know people who have committed it and succeeded unfortunately. I've also always taken a stance where I'm against it. I don't condone it and I highly pity the people who have had to resort to this form of desertion of their own realities.
However a certain segment in the documentary program which tackled suicide as a cultural reality in a certain tribal community here in the Philippines has led me NOT TO rethink my own views but to somehow respect the reality that somehow suicide MAY also be respectable as long as it does not desecrate other people's beliefs by being regulated as a practice to be upheld by religious or cultural necessity and obligation.
People of the Kulbi tribe in a certain municipality in Rizal, Palawan in the Philippines have mixed beliefs about the concept of suicide but mostly coalescing into a general premise that it may be natural and even acceptable as long as the reasons for doing so are within the confines of honor and respectability. This is what I could derive from watching the documentary at least.
But after reading several sources and re-watching the program the people being interviewed seemed stable and well-grounded, they enjoyed what life in general has to offer and the community values are not grounded on despair and depression. There are even people who are puzzled about existence of suicide in their culture. There must be an individuality to the commitment of self-destruction and a passivity of behavior among the people who are witnesses to this phenomena for it to be an anomaly and yet a regular occurrence in their own community. Belief in the forces of the inevitability of one's own "destiny", and in the ABSENCE of an "afterlife" the lack of control over the forces of human emotions, a low threshold towards the pain of suffering a sickness and old age as well as filial conflicts within the tight fabric of relatives are among the major factors contributing to the suicidal tendencies among the affected members of the Kulbi people.
One example which has several issues factoring into the commitment of suicide involves one recent incident in their town. A whole family killed themselves after one of their own children suffered death after a recent natural disaster (flooding I believe). We WOULD attribute this sort of bizarre behavior to depression under our own normal, "trapped," suburban or urban circumstances but to them it seems that missing one of their kin, filial devotion extending up to the other life, the overwhelming love for one of their own and the attachment to them was enough reason for the easy way out.
Another common scenario for incidences of suicide especially among the young men in the tribe is failure to meet the expectations in gender-related connections. Some men feel that they are financially incapable of paying the dowry for an object of their affection or embarrassment from impregnating a woman without the means for economic support for the "future family" they might put into a whole life of jeopardy. This in my opinion is NOT THAT socially unacceptable because it places in high regard honor their male-hood and the role they play in society. The social role of father and provider for the men in their tribe is a powerful tool for them to maintain honor and name so that it becomes a major issue especially if they cannot fulfill this role to the best of their ability. It must take so much courage and deep self-searching to eradicate one's own existence because one cannot fulfill the responsibility of a man as defined by their society!
The most common form of voluntary life-taking has always been hanging oneself with a rope. But among the younger generation of the Kulbi people the drinking of extremely saturated concoctions of a type of coconut-based alcohol as well as a native pesticide has become common forms of self-destruction. Some even become exhibitionistic in such a manner where right before dying they parade in front of their families in a display of courage or bravado I presume.
The acceptability of certain strange practices is defined by a society's beliefs, culture and tradition. I myself am guilty of a little bit of imposition because I have already used the word "STRANGE" when it is up to the concerned people to define what is bizarre to them or not. The interjection of new teachings and ideas that are totally different to the original beliefs of the tribe will only result in something futile and even result in internal conflicts among the concerned. In the documentary, a woman tried to educate the Kulbi people with her Christian and Western beliefs because she believed that she could alter their socially unacceptable suicidal practices. But in my opinion this will only convolute the people's otherwise straight and rigid existence. Who is she to dictate what is socially displeasing to these people? They've held onto their ideas for hundreds of years and have otherwise lived a joyous and undisturbed existence despite the high rates of suicide in their communities. Why should she try muddle the clarity and purity of their existence by introducing her twisted Christian beliefs?
In the end, taboo or not, respect should be accorded where it is due. The values of people who do not conform to our social definition of civilization should be upheld ESPECIALLY if they do not force their own beliefs on us. Considering that they are a minority, there is no reason to fear the widespread influence of their practices be they arcane or morbid or not. All societies be they primitive or modern need an outlet for their peoples' frustrations, psychological conflicts and pent-up creativities. If suicide is the Kulbi people's form of adjusting to the chaos of life's vagaries who are we to condemn this? The more perverse among us practice self-infliction of pain, drinking piss and scat as forms of sexual gratification, murdering people and animals as physical and psychological exerise!!!! So let's stop taking the moral high ground and broaden our scope of accepting the arcane and the seemingly socially unacceptable.....


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We don't just serve Ribs, but we have a selection of Oysters and Shrimp, BBQ, Rajun Cajun Chicken sandwiches and best burgers in the mid-south. We also serve Po' Boys, as well as catfish, chicken, Shrimp and Fried Oyster Baskets and don't forget a Cheesecake Wrap or Fudge Pie!
Of all the things to do and see, nothing keeps people returning to Silky's quite like our selection of smooth, cold, name-your-proof libations. Silky's has a full bar stocked with whatever you need to shake your thirst. Whether you want a domestic beer or something a little more unique - we have it. If you're looking for a great place to eat, drink, dance, or just enjoy yourself we are your place on Beale in Memphis, TN!
183 Beale
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CategoriesBar, BBQ, Burgers, Pick-up (in Restaurant), Curbside Take-out


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Rising Technology Partners
With their huge innovation potential, emerging technologies can lead to new industrial products, new approaches to guard human well being or improvements in well being care. My colleagues and I got here away with a greater understanding of the alternatives technology supplies to enhance the care of our sufferers , as well as a imaginative and prescient of how completely different healthcare may look if we set path now to make best use of know-how in the future.
Initiatives funded by DARPA have offered significant technologies that influenced many non-navy fields, akin to laptop networking and graphical user interfaces in data technology. With some improvement a new expertise might develop into a helpful enterprise or it may change the best way society operates, effecting how folks have interaction with your enterprise.
Its objective was to formulate and execute analysis and development initiatives to increase the frontiers of expertise and science, with the intention to achieve beyond quick military requirements. Four years later, this can be a rising concern; in Chapter 2.1, the Report considers the potential affect of comparable developments on the very material of democracy.
The Defense Superior Research Tasks Agency (DARPA) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Protection answerable for the development of emerging applied sciences for use by the military. Nevertheless, wi-fi sensor networks are actually used in many civilian software areas, including surroundings and habitat monitoring, healthcare purposes, house automation, and traffic management.
He's on board of quite a lot of non-profit organizations together with The Mozilla Foundation, WITNESS () and International Voices (). He has created numerous Web corporations including PSINet Japan, Digital Storage and Infoseek Japan and was an early stage investor in Six Aside, Technorati, Flickr, SocialText, Dopplr, , Rupture, Kongregate, etology Inc and different Internet companies.


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Dedimple your Derriere…
…and YOUR THIGHS TOO. So, Sunday night I was on the elliptical trying to do just that when I saw one of the ponytail girls** working out in front of me and reading that article from SELF MAGAZINE. I wondered just what miracles that article held, so of course I had to run out and GET IT. And there it was. The secret to my success. "Sure, dimples are adorable on babies and cute guys, but on your thighs and tush? Not so charming," I am told. No shit SHERLOCK. I read further to find out that up to 85% of women have cellulite and 66% of all women think that cellulite is worse than wrinkles! Furthermore, there isn't much we can do about it but groan and moan, 'cause no amount of exercise and diet will truly get rid of this horrible, HORRIBLE physiological fact. Except that there are a few DREAM CREAMS that Self willingly lists and rates on a scale of 1-5. But don't dump your Spanks yet, girls. None of them gets higher than a 3.5 out of 5.
I guess what I find so incredibly BI-POLAR about this magazine, is that not two pages before is another article called: TALKING MYSELF UP. and it's all about one woman's journey to SHUT UP her rude, inner voice which constantly criticizes her muffin top, bad writing, gray hair, pimply completion, boring conversation, etc., etc. She tells us to name your inner voice a homely name like Stan (er, or whatever YOU consider homely), and to stop being a wimp tell that "Motherfugger off." To which I hardily agree.
But don't you think that nasty bugger Stan is a product of woman's magazines? Those that constantly help us how to look more beautiful, more fabulous, more successful, thinner, younger, older, wiser, self confident, sexier, healthier, more fabulous…Shit. Isn't that ALL OF THEM? Yikes. Maybe I should just STOP READING them. I will. I am going to STOP. Right after I find out whether SOAP AND GLORY SLIMWEAR PUFF-DRAINING PEPTIDE BALM, BLISS FAT GIRL SERUM, BOOT No.7 Protect and Perfect Body Serum, CHANEL BODY EXCELLENCE FIRMING AND REFINING SERUM OR KORRES GARCINIA AND GUARAN TONING CREAM GEL gets rid of that cheesecake behind that Chester keeps criticizing me about. Which I will research, right after I finish my pizza.
(** from Wikipedia the free dictionary– PONYTAIL GIRL: one who's glossy black mane is tied back in an perfect pony tail that swishes back and forth as her firm perfect legs peddle the bike annoyingly in front of you as you struggle to go 2 miles in order to burn off that 350 calorie cupcake you just devoured.) Dimples, did somebody say DIMPLES??


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I like the original title: El Secreto de Sus Ojos. Translated to English, it sounds far less lyrical and more utilitarian: The Secret in Their Eyes.
We went to see this film last night at the Coolidge Corner Theatre (a shout-out to our favorite cinema in Boston). I wasn't sure what to expect; I knew it was an Argentinian film, and it had won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (my partner chided the Academy for lumping all non-English films in one category). Truth be told, I like going into a film without too much knowledge of the critics' pans and praise.
El Secreto is a little bit Hitchcock, a little bit lefty comedy, a little bit unrequited love story. In a strict narrative sense, it's an airtight film.
Juan Jose Campanella, the director, shows his understanding of Craft–that's "craft" with a capital "C"–in the movie's details. For example, an accident with a popped blouse button is tethered to the female lead's emotional arc. The situation in El Secreto (I'm thinking of Vivian Gornick's definition of situation and story) is perfectly suited to the story of unrequited love. And I'm always in admiration of any writer, filmmaker, artist, who is in complete control of their craft.
Go see this film. Not the stunning art of some of my favorite filmmakers like Wong Kar-Wai (In the Mood for Love may well be one of my favorite films of the past decade) or Pedro Almodovar (especially his early films like Law of Desire), but a worthwhile film nonetheless.
As my partner put it, "It was entertaining."
My response: "In the best, non-Hollywood sense."
Filed under: argentina, film, world, academy award, argentina, el secreto de sus ojos, film, foreign language, oscar, secret in their eyes


text: They can help provide you a nice income stream, but be aware that they do carry some risks. iStockphoto By Chris Hobart, RFC, IAR | Hobart Financial GroupFebruary 2, 2017Contact Me When individuals approach or reach retirement age, it's only natural that they start having questions about the amount of risk they may be carrying in their portfolios. SEE ALSO: 10 Best Dividend Stocks of the Dow But if you also want to see their investments continue to show strong growth, you can be left with a quandary. If you reduce risk, your yield may drop. If you keep your portfolio substantially the same, all you can do is hope the market meets or exceeds your expectations. Sponsored Content It's in times like these that I suggest taking a look at dividend-paying stocks, if you want to stay in the stock market. The reason: They help reduce the volatility of your overall portfolio. Advertisement How so? To answer that, let's look at the similarities between dividend-paying stocks and real estate (though they're very different assets). When you buy property, beyond whatever personal plans you might have for it, you also hope that property will appreciate in value. But you also understand that it could lose value, as was illustrated several years back during the housing-market collapse. But what if you buy a rental property? The value can still go up or down, but if you can land a good tenant who provides you regular rental income, then the appreciation and depreciation factors become less of a concern. Dividend-paying stocks may give you that same potential for regular income. You can still strive for a decent return on your investment while potentially having greater confidence in your retirement strategy because of regular dividend payments. Dividend payments — like that rent payment — can help smooth over those volatile-market edges. Advertisement At least mostly. If you look back to 2008, when the recession was in full tilt, even good dividend stocks took a beating. It just wasn't as bad as the beating other stocks endured. So don't think this is a cure-all. It's not. But it is worth exploring what dividend-paying stocks can help you accomplish. Here's one example that's especially relevant these days: It's no secret that interest rates have been at all-time lows, leaving limited options for some investors looking for a guaranteed return without taking a risk. Years ago, retirees might have put money in a certificate of deposit at the bank and been perfectly happy with the return, but these days that same CD probably isn't even keeping up with inflation. Dividend-paying stocks provide a nice alternative because they give some comfort to those who seek to limit risk while providing payments that generally yield more than typical interest-bearing accounts. Advertisement That said, it's important to recognize that dividend-paying stocks and interest-bearing accounts are not equivalent in risk. Dividend-paying stocks are still subject to market volatility and cannot guarantee a profit or prevent the loss of principal during periods of market declines. Remember, we're still talking stocks here. But as with so many things in investing, and in life, with risk comes the possibility of reward. As you contemplate whether to add some dividend-paying stocks to your portfolio, let me offer just a few additional caveats. Simply picking the stock that pays the highest dividend isn't always the best approach. Sometimes a high dividend means greater risk because the company is in a perilous financial position. The high dividend can be a way the company rewards investors for the big risk they are taking. The more conservative approach is to buy a quality stock — one with a solid company that's not in such precarious shape — and possibly accept a smaller dividend. Advertisement Another strategy would be to build your portfolio with companies that historically have always increased their dividends — even in tough times. This means the company has a respect and understanding of how important that dividend is to the investor. They don't want to decrease the dividend because it makes them look unhealthy as a company — and that's to your advantage. Again, it is important to remember, nothing is certain and that just because a company has historically increased or paid dividends, they may not always continue to do so. Dividend-paying stocks aren't going to solve all that ails you. But in these low-interest times, they could be the tonic that can add a little pep to your portfolio. See Also: 5 Important Questions to Ask Your Financial Adviser Senior Investment Adviser Chris Hobart is the founder of Hobart Financial Group, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a Registered Financial Consultant, Investment Adviser Representative and licensed insurance agent. Ronnie Blair contributed to this article. Comments are suppressed in compliance with industry guidelines. Click here to learn more and read more articles from the author. This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA. Advertisement Check Out Kiplinger's Latest Online Broker Rankings Advertisement