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The single game pricing for Pittsburgh Baseball Club tickets in 2013:
Season ticket holders will once again receive bonus game tickets in the PBC as a special perk. Tier 3 ($404-$1,597) get two PBC tickets, Tier 2 ($1,598-$4,351) and Tier 3 ($4,352-$11,351) will receive four, and premium season ticket holders ($11,352+) get six.
Since PNC Park opened in 2001, the Pirates have offered a premium seating option known as the Pittsburgh Baseball Club. The PBC Level consists of the first 11 rows of the upper deck:
On the seating chart, the PBC Level is identified by the two shades of pink, from section 207 to section 228.
The two shades of pink code for the two "tiers" of seating featured in the Pittsburgh Baseball Club. Even though there are only 11 rows, the pricing varies. For 2012, rows A-C will cost $55 in advance and $60 on gameday. Rows D-K will cost $50 in advance and $55 on gameday. There really is no explanation as to why the difference between row C and row D is $5, since there isn't anything different about the two rows.
While $50-$60 may seem expensive, it is a very exclusive section of the ballpark. You must get your ticket and hand stamped before entering. Those without proof of the stamp will not be allowed to enter. The PBC level features three "clubs". Club 3000 is a full service bar with billiards and arcade games. Gunner's is a carvery with sandwiches made to order. Keystone Corner is a full service bar with billiards. There are also premium concessions, such as Bucs Wok. Three patios are also available near the bars. To enhance the fan experience, the seats are padded with more legroom, and the club area is air-conditioned, not to mention the spectacular views of the downtown skyline.
Despite the ticket prices, the Pittsburgh Baseball Club is very nice. It's definitely one of the locations to check out at PNC. However, you do need a ticket to get in. Still, the features make it worth it. The clubs and concessions feature options that aren't seen in other areas of the ballpark. The padded seats and legroom is also a plus. The air-conditioning is great on hot summer days, and the billiards are a good way to spend time before/after the game or during a rain delay.
One of the numerous benefits for season ticket holders are bonus game tickets. For Tier 3 (who spend $100-$797 on season tickets), you receive two PBC Level tickets. For Tier 2 (who spend $798-$4,211), you receive four PBC Level tickets. For Tier 4, ($4,212-$9,719), you also receive four tickets. For Premium season ticket holders ($9,720+), you receive 6 PBC tickets. The Pirates offer some great benefits for their season ticket holders, and this is definitely a good one. We'll be sure to use our PBC Level bonus tickets this season.
For more information of the Pittsburgh Baseball Club Level at PNC Park, click HERE.
Have you ever been to the PBC Level? What did you think? Feel free to let us know in the comments or on Twitter.
2 Readers Commented
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I've been there three times as freebies through Twitter and a ticket plan holder. It's probably best for people who are of "baller" status who have no problem blowing money, those who don't actually want to watch the game, and those who want to seem like they're in a cool club for a few hours. The food choices are a little better there which is OK, and the padded seat is nice. Still, you're paying $60 to essentially sit in the upper deck. As someone who really wants to watch the game and be as close to the action as possible, the price isn't worth it to me. I'd much rather sit in the lower deck for roughly 1/2 the price.
hello there and thank you for your info e2€" Ie2€™ve certainly pikced up something new from right here. I did however expertise several technical points using this site, as I experienced to reload the web site lots of times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and could damage your high quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Anyway Ie2€™m adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for a lot more of your respective intriguing content. Make sure you update this again very soon..


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Special Offer
Save up to 15% when you book these popular tours together!
- Lake Garda guided full-day tour plus Swiss Alps rail journey from Milan
- Enjoy a 2-hour walking tour in Verona with a local guide and see the Roman Arena and Juliet's balcony
- Visit the gorgeous town of Sirmione on the shores of Lake Garda
- Travel by train on the Bernina Express from Tirano to St Moritz
- Learn about the regions you visit from your expert guide
- Have free time to explore Tirano and St Moritz at your leisure
- Save 15% by combining these two best-selling tours
Recent Photos of This Tour
What You Can Expect
Verona and Lake Garda Full-Day Tour
After meeting your guide in front of your comfortable air-conditioned coach in central Milan, drive about 100 miles (160km) east to Verona for a 2-hour walking tour with a local guide.
Your guide shares the highlights of Verona, a city that boasts archaeological sites, Shakespearean lore, and a gorgeous medieval town center. You'll visit the Roman Arena, built in the 3rd century BC, and the world-famous Juliet's house (Casa di Giulietta) to see the balcony that might have inspired one of Shakespeare's most famous scenes in Romeo and Juliet.
Once you finish swooning over tourists' love letters scattered about the courtyard of the love-struck Capulet, head over to the bustling Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Bra with your guide. Here, you'll have time to explore on your own and have lunch (own expense).
Next, you'll reboard your coach and drive 45 minutes to Sirmione, a pretty town located at the end of a spit of land on Lake Garda. You'll have free time to walk around the small medieval streets, taking in the striking sight of Rocca Scaligera, an enormous castle surrounded by a moat. If you want, cruise around the scenic lake on a 30-minute boat tour (own expense).
Your guide shares information about Lake Garda's scenic villages as you pass them during your coach ride back to Milan at the end of the day.
Swiss Alps Rail Tour
The next day, you'll leave Milan in the early morning on a scenic coach trip to Tirano, a town in the foothills of the Alps. Spend a short time in Tirano before boarding the train for St Moritz.
Ride the Bernina Express from northern Italy, crossing the spiraling Brusio viaduct and over the Bernina Pass, to reach St Moritz 2.5 hours later. Built more than a century ago, the bright red train chugs up 7,330 feet (2,235m) in elevation on the Bernina Pass, a route that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along the way, you'll get stunning views of the valleys, lakes, glaciers and waterfalls of the Swiss Alps.
Disembark in St Moritz and enjoy some free time to explore on your own. The lakeside resort town features top-notch skiing, miles of hiking trails, and an elegant downtown with designer boutiques. The shimmering lake, majestic mountains and lush forests make for great photo ops. After taking in the sights, you'll depart by coach in the late afternoon and arrive in Milan about three hours later to end your tour.
Please note: You must bring your passport on for the Swiss Alps Rail Tour.
Customer Reviews
Jacqueline L
September 2014
We had an awesome day. The guide and driver were great . Her lunch suggestion in Tirano,, Italy before we caught the Bernina Express was perfect and local food was delicious! Can't wait to go back, loved it!
August 2014
Amazing journey ride on the rail.

subset: commoncrawl


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1075 California Street, Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States of America – Show map
Excellent location – rated 9.3/10! (score from 519 reviews)
Rated by guests after their stay at The Scarlet Huntington.
The hotel is gorgeous, the service superb, and the spa is a dream. I'll stay here whenever the opportunity presents itself.
United States of America
Furnishings, general feel of the place, service, views
United States of America
From the staff at the front desk, the concierge, the bellman, all make you feel most welcome. Rooms are generously sized with a much larger bathroom than most SF hotels. Our room had a nice water view. Just a terrific, relaxing place to stay!
United States of America
Excellent customer service and the pool/gym were excellent. We enjoyed the very professional driver and her service.
United States of America
Excellent value for money when booked this way.
United States of America
Excellent, friendly staff who went above and beyond what I expected to help us - especially the hotel concierge. Clean, big rooms.
United States of America
Staff was very friendly and accommodating. Room as very large. View of city was good. Bed was great, nice linens. Restaurant/bar had music and lots of activity. Location was wonderful, Nob Hill.
United States of America
Personable staff, especially Jason
United States of America
The staff upgraded us from a regular room to a suite with no charge when we arrived! The room was magnificent! Very clean.
United States of America
Beautiful decor, spacious rooms, attentive staff, perfect restaurant with an upscale hip bar,and the most comfortable beds ever! All this and a fantastic location in the heart of Nob-Hill, what else could you want? Linda from La Jolla, Ca.
United States of America
This 4-star hotel, situated at the top of Nob Hill in downtown San Francisco, overlooks Grace Cathedral. This luxury hotel features spacious rooms and an award-winning spa.
Every room at The Scarlet Huntington is uniquely styled and offers panoramic views of the city. The elegant rooms include a sitting area, flat-screen TV and bathrobes.
The full-service Nob Hill Spa features 10 treatment rooms and a variety of spa treatments. Guests can relax in the adults-only indoor hot tub or by the lounge's fireplace.
Big 4 Restaurant, located at The Scarlet Huntington and Nob Hill Spa, serves modern American cuisine in a casual atmosphere. It is open for breakfast and dinner and features live nightly piano music in the bar.
The Scarlet Huntington is less than a 10-minute walk from Union Square and a 15-minute walk from Fisherman's Wharf. The Golden Gate Bridge is a 10-minute drive away.
Nob Hill is highly rated by guests for: Romantic, Parks, Bars
We speak your language! Hotel Rooms: 134, Hotel Chain: Small Luxury Hotels of the World. This property has been on Booking.com since Jun 20, 2008.
Cards accepted at this property
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519 verified reviews
We verify all reviews from guests who have stayed at The Scarlet Huntington. Find out more.
They speak your language!
The Scarlet Huntington's staff speaks: English
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Sauna, Fitness Center, Spa, Massage, Hot Tub, Indoor Pool
Food & Drink
Restaurant, Bar, Breakfast in the Room
WiFi is available in all areas and costs USD 14.95 per 24 hours.
Private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed) and costs USD 52.44 per day.
Room Service, Car Rental, 24-Hour Front Desk, Currency Exchange, Tour Desk, Ticket Service, Baggage Storage, ATM on site, Babysitting/Child Services, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Ironing Service, Shoeshine, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Business Center, Fax/Photocopying, VIP Room Facilities, Honeymoon Suite
Newspapers, Safe, Shops (on site), Non-smoking Rooms, Facilities for Disabled Guests, Elevator, Heating, All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
From 3:00 PM
Until 12:00 PM
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to room type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.
Children and Extra Beds
All children are welcome.
All children under 5 years stay free of charge when using existing beds.
One child under 2 years stays free of charge in a crib.
One older child or adult is charged USD 30 per night when using existing beds.
The maximum number of extra beds/cribs in a room is 1.
Additional fees are not calculated automatically in the total cost and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.
Pets are not allowed.
Cards accepted at this property
Hover over the cards for more info.
Other Places you Might Like
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Based on 519 reviews
Value for money
Paid WiFi
Show reviews from:
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Hotel Vitale, a Joie de Vivre Hotel
Latest booking: 1 hour ago There are 3 people looking at this hotel.Hotel Kabuki, a Joie de Vivre Hotel
Latest booking: 4 hours ago
This San Francisco hotel features an on-site restaurant and warmly decorated rooms with a 42-inch flat-screen TV and a CD player. The Golden Gate Bridge is just 6 miles away.
Score from 1421 reviews
Very good
Featuring in-room spa services and a traditional seafood restaurant, this luxury Fisherman's Wharf eco-friendly hotel offers beautiful views out over the San Francisco Bay. Valet parking is available....
Score from 710 reviews
Across the street from Westfield Shopping Center, this Central San Francisco hotel has rooms with a 46-inch flat-screen smart TV. Food options are available in the full-service bar and lounge area.
Score from 425 reviews
Mystic Hotel by Charlie Palmer This boutique San Francisco hotel is less than 2 blocks from Union Square and the Powell Street and Market Street cable car line. It features an on-site bar and restaurant and rooms with free Wi-Fi.
Score from 511 reviews
Very good
Everything was great we got upgraded on the second stay and the restaurant is great too.
I hate to pay for wifi so we stayed away from that, also parking was really expensive so avoid it if you can.
The room was very roomy and big.
paying so much for parking is not okay. The hotel should take care of parking. Also the bathrobe in the room was not clean.
i arranged this stay as a gift for a single mom & her two daughters. Chris the concierge was very helpful in making it a great experience for them. The staff was very patient and polite in setting things up since I wouldn't be there to pay. My friend and her daughters had a great room and a wonderful stay.
I have not stayed at this hotel but look forward to doing so in the future.
The hotel is gorgeous, the service superb, and the spa is a dream. I'll stay here whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Staff, ambience, location
Having to pay for wifi
steam room in spa, bedroom spacious
, exercise room tiny, not enough servers/waiters at breakfast
Furnishings, general feel of the place, service, views
Paid wifi seems cheesy for a pretty expensive room, and connectivity had drop outs on multiple occasions. HD TVs show only analog stations, which is also unfortunate.
From the staff at the front desk, the concierge, the bellman, all make you feel most welcome. Rooms are generously sized with a much larger bathroom than most SF hotels. Our room had a nice water view. Just a terrific, relaxing place to stay!
The location of this hotel for a visit to San Francisco is perfect, the staff were friendly and efficient and the room was clean, spacious and clean. It was difficult to fault our visit but two very minor niggles come to mind.
Our two minor niggles were: 1.free wifi was available in the lobby but charges applied to wifi in the room. 2. There was a good quality "pod" type coffee maker in the room but only 2 pods were supplied each day. Additional supplies were forthcoming on request but it was disappointing having to do this.
Excellent customer service and the pool/gym were excellent. We enjoyed the very professional driver and her service.
Excellent value for money when booked this way.
Great location, great staff, nice bar. A fine hotel.
Having to pay for wifi in room
Excellent, friendly staff who went above and beyond what I expected to help us - especially the hotel concierge. Clean, big rooms.
It's not the hotels fault but it as located at the top of nob hill so be prepared for intense walking when visiting nearby locations on foot.
They said that the service was down due to the rain storm they had 3 days earlier. It was never fixed during the whole weekend.
Quite classy clean hotel, Staff is first class, Beds and pillows very comfortable. Great place to stay if you like a hideaway in the city.
WiFi A hotel of this caliper should give you free WiFi
Staff was very friendly and accommodating. Room as very large. View of city was good. Bed was great, nice linens. Restaurant/bar had music and lots of activity. Location was wonderful, Nob Hill.
Walls weren't soundproofed so heard neighbors TV until 1:00 a.m. Bathroom was ok, but very small. Electric power went out at 7:20 a.m. for most of the downtown area, including us, so very dark, no coffee, no elevator. Hotel was not at fault, but there didn't seem to be a Plan B, so we carried out luggage down from 10 th floor and hoped we could get car out the (expensive) valet parking.
Restaurant service wasn't as good as rest of hotel. Host/hostess unavailable --had to seek them out. Happened in evening for cocktails and for brunch the next morning.
The LUXE hotel recently unvailed its new look, so if you are expecting "old elegant" you might be disappointed. The lobby is a bit over the top.... "SCARLET" in bold, however our room was a perfect balance of new WOW, and elegant luxury. What has not changed is excellant staff, Big Four lounge & restaurant, and the best Spa in SF.
Parking cost $52/night
The area is slippery. There needs to be a rubber or non slip area around the pool. Safety is important. What was a bruised knee could have been a broken knee, arm, or back. There are also people drinking around this area which could present potential safety problems.
Room size excellent compared to other city hotels.
Restaurant staff didn't want to let us eat when we checked in. It was 5 min before kitchen was closing according to front desk but staff tried to chase us away, eventually served us
Personable staff, especially Jason
Weak drinks in bar at $10 a pop.
We stayed there several years ago and when we arrived on our recent trip, we immediately noticed the updates. The hotel is in the perfect location and the hotel itself is lovely! The staff is great. TV/movie selections are up to date. The beds are comfortable. The restaurant is so popular that we couldn't make reservations! There is a spa on the premises. I highly recommend the Scarlet Huntington!
No mini-bar! Our room wasn't ready until after 3pm, (but the hotel was totally booked).
Location Friendly staff Comfortable bed
We were not allowed to swim in the swimming pool because it was considered a relaxation pool


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Outrageous Celebrity Purchases
Ben Affleck spent $2500 on a Turkish rug which ended up being used as a bathmat.
libertyAugust 7, 2007Can anyone help I am trnyig to get a pair of black Georgie crocs from the UK and I cannot find them anywhere. Also does anyone know if they come up very small? So if I'm a 7 I should buy a 7-8?Thank you


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Wed, Jun 8, 11 at 12:19
If you do a flat fee MLS listing, and thus are not represented by an agent, can you still have an open house for agents? Would they come? How would one work out the logistics/communication for it? |
Follow-Up Postings:
Sure you can do a broker only open house. I suggest that you serve food (agents are hungry!). ;) You could print up flyers and distribute them to every RE office in your area. You could probably also find many agent's email addresses by looking on their company websites. |
- Posted by dreamgarden (My Page) on Wed, Jun 8, 11 at 13:06
"If you do a flat fee MLS listing, and thus are not represented by an agent, can you still have an open house for agents? Would they come?" I would be very surprised if they didn't. |
When I sold our last home (successfully by owner in two months), we were flat fee-listed and I held an open house for agents. I emailed probably 200 agents in my area (and let them know I'd have refreshments!). This was in 2007, right before the housing market completely crashed. I was offering a three percent buyer's agent commission on a home priced in the high $400s. One agent showed up. And she didn't eat anything. :-) |
I should have added to my post above that, despite the poor response to the last time I tried an agent open house, I'm going to try it again. We're flat fee-listed on our current home, planning to lower the price soon. I'll do it then. The only way to sell a home in this market is to work hard at it. Good luck. |
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Explore by Topic
Latest Indigenous Protocols stories on ABC Gippsland Vic
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Latest videos
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- Rains hit Gippsland dairy pastures
- Farmer Wayne Cunningham from Gippsland has stopped selling raw milk.
- Gippsland farmers Lionel Rose and Bill Bullmer question co-existence between mining and agriculture. Mine proponent Rob Bishop says it's possible.
- Wayne Bridges conducts heritage tours from the Port of Sale on The Rubeena, a Sydney style ferry
- Cattle grazing trial in Alpine National Park scrapped by new Labor Government


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Category: Crime, Mystery & Thrillers / Crime & Mysteries
Publication date: 19880317
Number of pages: 256
Volume 64 in the Agatha Christie Collection (1963) Limited edition of 1000 copies worldwide As instructed, stenographer Sheila Webb let herself into the house at 19 Wilbraham Crescent. It was then that she made a grisly discovery: the body of a dead man sprawled across the living room floor. What intrigued Poirot about the case was the time factor. Although in a state of shock, Sheila clearly remembered having heard a cuckoo clock strike three o'clock. Yet, the four other clocks in the living room all showed the time as 4.13. Even more strangely, only one of these clocks belonged to the owner of the house...
What the papers say:
'Deliberately fantastic.' Times Literary Supplement 'Superlative Christie... extrememly ingenious.' The Bookman 'A sure-fire attention-gripper naturally.' Saturday Review 'Here is the grand-manner detective story in all its glory.' New York Times
In Stock: 7 copies
This book is not currently in stock, however you can add it to your Wish List.
An email will then automatically be sent once the book becomes available.


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Ideal for fast and light backpacking trips, the Regulus 40 Degree Blanket offers unrestricted freedom of movement and can be used with any sleeping pad (sold separately) to create an ultra-lightweight sleep system.
Designed to fit snugly under your Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) hammock (sold separately) the ENO Vulcan UnderQuilt offers the warmth of a three-season sleeping bag for your backside and extends your hammock camping season.
Provides roomy comfort for car and family camping


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One Flew Over the Debt Ceiling; The Madness of the Debt Negotiations; Boehnerville; John McCain and the Tea Party Hobbits; John McCain Created the Tea Party; Republican Violent Rhetoric and Right-Wing Extremism; Paul Broun Wants to Bend the Laws of Physics; Michele Bachmann's Husband; Religion and the Norway Massacre; Stupid Palin Thing of the Week; and much more! Brought to you by Bubble Genius!
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[1563] Comparison of Changes in the Gene Expression of Transferrin Receptor-1 and Other Iron Regulatory Proteins in the Rat Liver and Brain during Acute-Phase-Response.
Ihtzaz Malik, Naila Naz, Nadeem Sheikh, Sajjad Khan, Giuliano Ramadori. University Hospital Goettingen, Germany
Background: Acute phase is clinically characterized by homeostatic alterations such as adinamia, fever, muscular weakness and leucocytosis. Several organs are involved in dramatic changes of iron metabolism such as liver and brain.
Design: Rats were administered turpentine oil (TO) intramuscularly and sacrificed at different time points thereafter. Liver and brain were taken and immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen. Hepatocytes and Kuppfer cells were isolated from normal rat liver. Liver and brain tissue were used for immunohistochemistry, western blot and RNA isolation. RNA from liver and brain tissue was studied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results: Tissue iron content in the liver and brain increased progressively after the TO administration.By means of immunohistology, an abundant TfR1 expression was detected in membrane and cytoplasm of the liver cells, in contrast to only nuclear expression of TfR1 in the brain and the expression TfR1 increased at protein and RNA level in both organs. In addition, hepcidin-, ferritin H-, divalent-metal transporter-, hephaestin- together with heme oxygenase-1 gene expression was also significantly upregulated while hemojuvelin-, ferroportin-1-, and HFE gene expression was significantly downregulated at the same time points both in the brain and in the liver at RNA level. However, in contrast to what is observed in the liver, expression of main acute phase cytokines (interleukin-6, tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha) in the brain was significantly upregulated.
Conclusions: During acute-phase, iron accumulates in the liver and in the brain and gene expression of TfR1 and iron metabolism proteins is regulated in a way similar to that observed in the liver by locally produced acute-phase cytokines.
Category: Liver & Pancreas
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 9:30 AM
Poster Session V # 184, Wednesday Morning


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This question came up in another thread.
Can you choose to not take all the figures in a given unit? i.e. can you leave a man behind?
I want to mount Rhino and the Hammer into the Fireball (cap 6) but they won't fit. (four A3 inf requires cap 8) Can I leave one of the Hammers behind (not even in the game) just to make them fit?


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We are very happy to add the Pinellas Realtor Organization to our growing list of supporters! Below is their official letter of endorsement: Dear Mayor Foster: July 25th, 2013 Members of the Pinellas Realtor® Organization's Public Policy Committee appreciated the opportunity to discuss your candidacy for Mayor of St. Petersburg. We admire your interest in… read more »
Welcome to our campaign website.
I can hardly believe that it's been four years since beginning the campaign for my first term as Mayor of St. Petersburg. While challenging at times, it has been a tremendous honor and privilege serving as your Mayor.
In spite of the worst national economy in our lifetimes, we have seen St. Petersburg rebound and thrive. We are seeing new business development, private investment, job growth, increases in home sales and property values, and decreases in crime and unemployment rates. Your vote and support will ensure that we continue on the road of progress.
Please take a few minutes to look around this website to see all that we have accomplished, as well as my vision for the work that lies ahead. If you would like to share an issue of importance to you, then please do so and I will respond. Thank you for stopping by!
The St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee recommended Bill Foster as the best candidate for Mayor in the Primary Election. This is an endorsement we are particularly proud of as it shows that our business community recognizes all the great work and strides we have made on their behalf. Thank you to all… read more »
Foster deserves another term as St. Petersburg mayor. Published: August 11, 2013 After four bumpy years, Bill Foster is asking the voters of St. Petersburg for another term as mayor. His handling of several high-profile issues has overshadowed his accomplishments, and he has drawn two formidable opponents. Kathleen Ford, a former city council member who… read more »
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.


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Blog | Comments |
WoW | 12 Comments |
Recent Comments:
Phat Loot Phriday: Westfall Chicken {WoW}
Oct 8th 2011 9:58AM well I like the Westfall Chicken and I like the Araconda Chicken, but which is better? There's only one way to find out... FIGHT
Gold Capped: Earning gold for absolute beginners {WoW}
Apr 22nd 2011 7:28AM Been selling the enchanting vellum on ah since it became available from vendors. 8s to buy can generally sell it for 70-80s each. Adds up after a while.
Blizzard issues Call to Arms clarification {WoW}
Apr 9th 2011 9:13AM Wayne Rooney (wouldn't want your head to get too big for the box)
Breakfast Topic: Give me your best mount {WoW}
Apr 7th 2011 1:42PM I want a frost saber for my blood elves, I hate the chicken. I can get a wolf, swap ya?
The Queue: We can at least all agree on this... {WoW}
Apr 7th 2011 1:20PM How about some non US ones? Danger Mouse, Count Duckula, Trap Door and Roobarb and Custard are all cooler than the ones in the video
Breakfast Topic: Care to share any recent embarrassing moments? {WoW}
Mar 21st 2011 3:20PM On my DK with engineering I like going to the top of purple parlour in Dala hitting nitro boosts, jumping over the railing and parachuting, far too often instead of opening parachute i've just equipped the cloak and died. Not cool dying in a sanctuary
Breakfast Topic: Care to share any recent embarrassing moments? {WoW}
Mar 21st 2011 3:00PM Happens to me all the time and I don't even have an off spec, least you have a bit of an excuse. Was worse when it had half hour cooldown and cost mana to rebuff, so many times I ran in, realised it was off, rebuffed it then didn't have enough mana for a decent threat build up.
Gold Capped: Selling enchanting scrolls in Cataclysm {WoW}
Feb 5th 2011 7:46AM I can't make a penny from scrolls but make a fortune from mats, enough to level my 4 crafting skills which gives me more greens for disenchanting. Green drops from dungeons on my main and cheap greens from the AH help too.
12 Days of Winter Veil Giveaway Day 11: Palit GTX 470 graphics card {WoW}
Jan 2nd 2011 4:22AM need
12 Days of Winter Veil Giveaway Day 11: $20 J!NX codes {WoW}
Jan 2nd 2011 4:21AM need


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inspire: nicole sciacca
hip hop lovin' spinning/yoga/pure barre instructor; already a wifey and soon-to-be mama; absolutely gorgeous and hilarious.
what's the best part of your day?
i have TWO best parts. the first "best part" of my day is waking at 5:20am and looking over at my giant husband, sleeping contently. in that moment, i can see the whole day, the opportunities, the possibilities for greatness and the overall ease on his face comforts me and inspires me all at once. the second "best part" is practicing. i don't get to practice every day right now, so WHEN i get on my mat, i'm freaking thrilled.
what inspires you?
my dad. he is 67 and went to medical school at the age of thirty, after barely surviving vietnam with massive injuries. he opened his first practice at 40 and then a second one last year. what kind of 66 year old man does that? i am in awe of his determination and his total dedication to helping people. i am inspired by him to give more and expect less. i'm also inspired by my mother and mothers everywhere. how do you ladies do it? i'm quite nervous about this transition as i'm newly pregnant. so many women i know give selflessly to their families. such a beautiful sacrifice.
your favorite trip.
ooooh i went to sorrento, italy last june with my husband, fiance at that time, for our dear friend's wedding. we stayed in a huge home with all our friends and had the time of our lives. it was just so nice to travel with our friends and experience all new things with our buddies. i remember i brought my mat and would practice ashtanga in the morning air and one morning my husband joined me. it was hilarious and so special as he is NOT a yogi.
what's your ideal sunday?
sunday is my one day off and i cherish it. i love the lethargic energy in the air. people are less burdened, generally speaking, and its always palpable on sundays.
mmmm. my perfect sunday would include sleeping past 5:20am, waking to have coffee and breakfast, practicing yoga, a beach bicycle ride with a dip in the ocean (only if its warm enough – i'm from the south, if it doesn't feel like bath water -i'm not going in!), perhaps a motorcycle ride to malibu for a yummy late lunch and then mass at 5:30pm at st. monica's in santa monica. we were married there and i'm absolutely blown away by the music and homilies there. it's so unlike any catholic church anywhere. another reason southern california is a magical place…
your favorite words of wisdom.
"we each carry within us a divine element. torn from the womb of existence and ushered, crying, into this world, we spend all our energies in the pursuit of happiness. this restless, incessant drive, is no more than that divine element within us seeking its origin."
– st. simeon the new theologian 949-1022 AD
"i began to understand that the promises of the world are for the most part vain phantoms, and that to have faith in oneself and become something of worth and value is the best and safest course."
– michaelangelo
when do you feel most "you?"
when i'm with my nutty family or if i'm free to express myself through music. on a mat, dancing in the grocery store, on stage, wherever there is music!
what fulfills you?
helping others and knowing that i'm assisting people in making healthy choices, reminding folks that they are inherently good and perfect as they are. i love being reminded of this and i know it's nice to share the sentiment. my marriage. my family. my amazing, eclectic group of friends.
your favorite outfit.
oh snap. when i'm not in lycra or luon or 2xu compression tights or splits59 pullovers… i love some skinny jeans, some kind of flat vintage boot, a flow-y top, with some layers…a sweater or scarf. listen, when i get to shower and dry my hair.. that's a huge achievement!
what's on your ipod?
i have all kinds of dirty new and old hip hop, 90% of KCRW's playlists, stevie nicks, led zepplin, mashups, a few meditation and manifestation cd's for airplane rides or down time and of course justin bieber (i don't even know how this happened…)
five things you love.
1. cinnamon bears
2. sweating/moving/dancing/yoga
3. watching either videos of people falling down or actual incidents. i'm being terribly honest here. i think this makes me a nasty person, but i am an open book and will share all sides! i can't help it. it's like magic medicine.
4. dinosaurs
5. elephants, because they are the closest thing to dinosaurs….
how you feel in one word today.
One Response to "inspire: nicole sciacca"
The Chalkboard LOVES Nicole Sciacca! What an amazing, inspiring woman…can't wait to see where life takes this force of nature!
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The Chalkboard LOVES Nicole Sciacca! What an amazing, inspiring woman…can't wait to see where life takes this force of nature!


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It's grim being called Tim
Author Will Self's amazing rant at 'uncool' name
AUTHOR Will Self has had a pop at JD Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin for his pubs – and first name.
Self claims the name Tim sets you back in life. The ale king, worth £150million, hit back last night: "I think Tim is a groovy name. Will should add to his surname the word 'absorbed'."


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Female Foreplay Positions
While men do think about positions for intercourse on a common basis, little attention is paid to female foreplay positions that could heighten the sexual atmosphere of an evening. If you are not thinking about good foreplay positions, then you are not taking the necessary time to please your lover. Female foreplay is about making her happy. Think about what your woman likes and which positions would be best suited for her wants and needs.
Firstly, foreplay is not only about physical pleasure. You need to get your partner in the right emotional and mental state as well. One way to do this is to make plenty of eye contact by standing face to face. Many good foreplay positions focus on the facial interaction between lovers. By seeing her eyes and face you can correctly gauge what is the correct next move. Also, standing face to face is the perfect position to start in as it is an easy way to undress while focusing on your lover's face. It is quite easy to transition from this position into any other position as well.
Another option to begin female foreplay is to have your woman lay down on a bed or couch face down. In this position, you can straddle her hips and give her a nice massage. You can incorporate scented oils to make it more sensual. The massage should start as a simple back rub but can progress to include kisses, thus increasing the intensity. Also, you can lean forward and whisper in her ear. Your woman will enjoy this position as it is all about her. At this angle, it can be difficult for her to speak or communicate, so you will need to judge her body language to determine which massage methods are working and how to proceed.
Yet another position that works for both could be the traditional spooning position. This is when you both lay on your sides on a couch or bed with your chest to her back and your arm draped over her body. From this position your hands can explore multiple parts of her body. Similar to the massage position, you can use being near to her ears as an advantage by whispering arousing comments in her ear. Also, you can run your hand through her hair. This position transitions very well to a face to face position in bed as all she has to do is roll over. Thus it makes a natural progression from you focusing on her to both of you focusing on each other.
The key to successful foreplay is remembering why you are doing it and what you hope to gain. You are doing this because it will trigger the emotional as well as the physical signals that will lead to arousal. Choosing the right female foreplay positions will help to increase the passion involved and make it a night to remember.


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What does love feel like? Am I in love? Not love like the kind where you and I kiss and hug. But, I think I love you. What do I do?
when you're in love, at that time every emotion you feel is amped up about ten notches. when you're sad you're REALLY sad, when you're happy you're so happy you don't know what to do with yourself. when you're talking to the person you're in love with it's like there is a cloud around your head. very foggy and dreamy. it's kinda unlike anything else and very hard to describe.


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Category: Biology—Food Science
Project Idea by: Benjamin Skrabanek
Gelatin is a substance made of animal protein. Proteins are nutrients made of one or more chains of chemicals. The protein chains forming gelatin are like long, tangled strands of sticky spaghetti. Gelatin is flavored and colored to make jiggly desserts and is also used in marshmallows and other foods.
When gelatin is mixed with hot water, the protein chains separate from one another and can freely move about. As the mixture cools, the proteins begin to recombine by forming bonds (the forces that hold chemicals together) between the chains. The chains connect in a haphazard way, forming a tangled web in which water in the mixture is trapped. This process is called gelling, and the semisolid that is formed is called a gel. The protein web of the gel gives it shape, and the trapped water causes it to be flexible (able to change its shape in response to a force, then recover its original shape when the force is removed); that is, the gel can jiggle. A project problem might be, "How does the amount of water in a gel affect its flexibility?"
Clues for Your Investigation
With adult help, follow the basic directions on a package of dessert gelatin. Make changes only in the amount of water mixed into the dry gelatin for each testing. Keep the amount of gelatin the same and vary only the amount of water for several different gels. Create a scale for testing the flexibility of the gels. For example, shake the gels after they have cooled, and determine on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the least flexible, how easily they return to their original shape.
Independent Variable: Amount of water
Dependent Variable: Flexibility of gel
Controlled Variables: Type of dessert gelatin, amount of dry gelatin used, temperature of water, cooling time, testing procedure for flexibility
Control: Gel made with the median amount of water
Other Questions to Explore
Education.com provides the Science Fair Project Ideas for informational purposes only. Education.com does not make any guarantee or representation regarding the Science Fair Project Ideas and is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage, directly or indirectly, caused by your use of such information. By accessing the Science Fair Project Ideas, you waive and renounce any claims against Education.com that arise thereof. In addition, your access to Education.com's website and Science Fair Project Ideas is covered by Education.com's Privacy Policy and site Terms of Use, which include limitations on Education.com's liability.
Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For further information, consult your state's handbook of Science Safety.


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Urban Art, Food & Libations Walking TourJan 29, 2015 - May 30, 2015This event occurs weekly on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Our Urban Art, Food & Libations Walking Tour will take participants down alleyways, behind corners and thru one-way streets to view and learn about local urban art murals in the Midtown area of Sacramento. Along the way we will be popping in to visit a few of Sacramento's excellent watering holes to quench your thirst. Looking for a way to fill your belly on this tour? Our culinary... |
Origins of Sacramento Food & History Walking TourJan 30, 2015 - May 30, 2015This event occurs weekly on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Discover Sacramento's rich history and culture in two historical and prominent neighborhoods: Midtown's Sutters District and East Sacramento's Fabulous Forties. Our Origins of Sacramento Food Tour finds us meandering under The City of Trees while exploring hidden gem eateries off-the-beaten-path. Meet the talented and passionate local chefs while sampling their fresh local... |
Friday Night Special at Revolution Wines!Jan 30, 2015 - Jan 27, 2017This event occurs weekly on Friday. Plan on enjoying your start to the weekend at Revolution Wines for our Friday Night Special! Each month, we will feature a different, seasonal dish paired with a glass of wine for just $15! Make this your Friday outing. 5:00pm-10:00pm Every Friday, reservations are welcome! Please call for this week's special!! |
Boy Scout Troop 1 Crab FeedJan 30, 2015Join us for the First Annual Crab Feed supporting Sacramento's Boy Scout Troop 1 at the California Automobile Museum on Friday, January 30, 6:00 -10:00 pm. Featuring music, historic cars, a silent auction full of amazing adventures and unique items, a dessert auction, raffles and of course lots of crab. Troop 1 parents and volunteers will be serving fresh (not frozen) hot dungeness... |
Kenny Frye Band @ Goldfield Trading PostJan 30, 2015 - Jan 31, 2015If you're looking for someplace to be this weekend come join the Kenny Frye Band at the Goldfield Trading Post. Great energetic Country music and a whole lotta fun. Looking forward to seeing you there. Hey! It's Kenny Frye y'all! |
Start Training Info Session-American Heart AssociationJan 31, 2015Train to Run or Walk for the American River Parkway Half Marathon on May 2, 2015 and help end cardiovascular diseases and stroke with the American Heart Association. To RSVP for one of the listed information sessions below contact (916) 446-6505 or visit SacramentoStartTraining.org. Start Training is a team half-marathon training and fundraising program of the American Heart Association for... |
RJ Machado de Quevedo at Face in a BookJan 31, 2015RJ Machado de Quevedo signs Sanctuary of Fire, the third book in her supernatural thriller Deceiver Saga, at Face in a Book on Saturday, January 31st, from noon-2 pm. |
Brewery Hop-on Hop-off Tour of SacramentoJan 31, 2015Saturday Jan 31, 2015 SACTRIPS.COM Inaugural Brewery Tour Visit the following Breweries Cost: $35.00 per person (reg $45), includes transportation, bottled water & pretzel necklace. Note: Beer tasting is at your own expense. Rsvp and pay online at www.sactrips.com Please use promo code (brewery) or call 916.443.8741 with your credit card... |
9th Annual Crab & Steak Feed, SuperBowl of Crab IXJan 31, 2015Crab & Steak Feed, Dinner Dance 9th Annual Crab & Steak Feed, East Sacramento Kiwanis Club. Join us for a fun filled evening with all you can eat CRAB, with tri-tip, pasta, bread and salad. Along with dinner we will have a Dessert Auction, Silent Auction, Amazing Raffle and an Opportunity Drawing. DJ Dancing. Hoppy Brewing Co., Grand Sponsor When: Sa, 1/31, 5-10pm... |
Highlight ToursFeb 1, 2015 - Feb 28, 2015This event occurs weekly on Sunday and Saturday. Visitors will discover the essence of the Crocker's permanent collection in this introductory tour of the Museum. Highlight Tours are held four times daily, at 11 AM, 12, 1, and 2 PM, on Saturday and Sunday. Tours meet at the Museum Admission Desk; no registration is necessary. Free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers. Admission prices are located... |


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It's difficult to keep track of all the things that all the people are suing all the banks for regarding mortgages. A place to start is by remembering that banks stood in the middle of originating loans to people who didn't pay them and selling them to people who are now sad that they didn't get paid. So the flow of money was kind of Investor -> Bank -> Homeowner -> Incinerator. If you think of that flow of money, it makes sense that the people are are doing the most suing are the investors and GSEs who bought mortgages, and regulators who sort of kind of represent the investors, and so in fact there are a lot of big numbers sloshing around in pretty normal securities-fraud-y lawsuits of exactly that sort.
But there are also lawsuits, with quite large dollar numbers attached to them, that go the other way. In these, homeowners, and regulators who sort of kind of purport to speak on behalf of the homeowners, are suing the banks for really quite stonking amounts of money.
It's analytically helpful for me to separate those suits into two further buckets:
(1) Suing banks for doing a variety of substantive things that put homeowners in a worse position, ranging from refusing to follow their own policies on mortgage modification to not giving proper notice of foreclosure to foreclosing on people who were not in default on their mortgages and stealing their parrots. But also:
(2) Suing banks over things with names like "robosigning" and "MERS."
The first category is easy enough to understand; if you kick me out of my house and steal my parrot, even if I ultimately get back both the house and the bird, I am at the very least inconvenienced and so you should pay me. That seems obvious and right.
A lot of smart people think the second category of bank actions is just as objectionable. And Massachusetts's big lawsuit yesterday seems to fall into that category. But I find it really hard to understand. So let's chat about it.
MERS is an interesting creature. Here's how the Massachusetts complaint describes it:
146. MERSCORP and Mortgage Electronic Registration System, Inc. are owned by some of the nation's biggest banks and mortgage companies, including several of the Bank Defendants and/or their subsidiaries.
147. MERS has created a private electronic database (the "MERS System"). The MERS System is designed to be a national electronic registry that tracks changes in beneficial ownership interests and servicing rights associated with mortgage loans. Full access to the MERS System is limited to members and/or owners of MERS.
148. Since 1997, more than 63 million home loans have been registered on the MERS System. Indeed, more than 60% of all newly-originated mortgage loans are registered on the MERS System.
149. Through the MERS System, MERS is named the mortgagee of record for participating members either at the origination of the mortgage — by being named the mortgagee as nominee for the originating lender and its successors and assigns in the mortgage documents or by subsequent assignment of the mortgage to MERS. MERS is listed as the mortgagee in the official records maintained by the register of deeds for the county in which the property rests. The lenders retain the promissory notes, which they often sell to investors without recording the transaction in the public record. Lenders likewise are granted the servicing rights to the mot/gage, which they either retain or transfer to other entities. As with the transfer of the promissory notes, a transfer of servicing rights is not recorded in the public record.
150. To facilitate the transfer of beneficial interests in mortgages, MERS and its members typically structure mortgage transactions as follows: …
b. When the promissory note is sold, and potentially re-sold, in the secondary mortgage market, the transaction is, or is supposed to be, tracked – in the MERS database as a transfer of beneficial rights from one investor to another. MERS members are responsible for entering accurate information into the MERS System reporting the transfer of the beneficial interests and servicing rights associated with each mortgage. Members of the general public, however, are unable to access this information.
Okay. Does this sound nefarious to you? It doesn't especially to me. MERS is to mortgages what DTC is to stocks (and, um, bonds and other things). Time was, I would sell you a share of stock under a tree on the New York Stock Exchange, then I'd go back to my office and tell my clerk to walk the certificates over to you, and you'd tell your clerk to walk your money over to me, and when my clerk got to your office it would be empty and vice versa, and so our clerks would embark on a slapsticky series of near-misses until they finally exchanged money and certificates three days later, which is why we have T+3 settlement. (This is very approximately true.)
But then someone realized that if we just put all the stock certificates in one place, nobody's clerk would have to go around looking for stock certificates, and someone in that one place could just mark transfers of stock on its books. And, lo, DTC was born, and it was good, and it's what we have now and it makes a great goddamn deal of sense.
Now, mortgages. A thing about mortgages is that, like everything else related to land, they have to be registered. You register land instruments under the law of the state where the land is. This law, it is safe to say, is old. In most states, you record land documents by actually going to an office – often one per county – and, like, stapling a piece of paper to a file in a musty room. (I've been to one in Connecticut. It was fun. But musty.) If Bank A wants to transfer a Las Vegas mortgage to Bank B, someone has to go staple the transfer notice to the file in the musty room in Las Vegas.
If you want mortgages to be tradeable, this is a much, much less efficient system even than my clerk and your clerk tracking each other down on the streets of lower Manhattan and handing each other stock certificates. If we're selling each other mortgages in a bunch of states, it requires us to send our clerks to each one of those states – maybe each county in each of those states – to do the equivalent of handing over those stock certificates.
So of course MERS was created. For the same reasons and in the same ways as DTC. And it was good, right? Well. Here's the Massachusetts complaint again:
157. The creation and use of the MERS System — including the assignment of mortgages to MERS "as nominee" for others, and the naming of MERS as the original mortgagee in the mortgage — was adopted by defendants principally to avoid registration and recording requirements. By cutting these corners, MERS and its industry owners, among other purposes, have sought to avoid the payment of millions of dollars of filing fees.
158. In creating and using the MERS System, defendants ignored long-standing and well-established statutory requirements intended to protect property titles and their owners through the land title registration system. Their failure to follow these procedures solely to avoid paying registration fees — and without regard to the impact on the integrity of either the land title registration system or Massachusetts consumers — is unfair and deceptive.
159. Beyond violating the statutes applicable to registered land, this practice conceals from borrowers the true identity of the holder of the debt as memorialized in the promissory note. A borrower whose mortgage is held by MERS cannot readily identify the investor who owns their promissory note, impairing the borrower's ability to deal directly with the holder of the note.
Well, okay. There seem to be two theories here. First, you could be mad because most states charge a tax or filing fee when you record a transfer of a mortgage. If you transfer a mortgage in MERS's database, you don't pay the fee. But the fees aren't that much – maybe a total of $100 per mortgage – and suing over the fees seems a little childish.
Second, you could be mad that this "impair[s] the borrower's ability to deal directly with the holder of the note." This one is … hard to even understand. You deal with the servicer, not the noteholder. The noteholder is in many cases a securitization trust. It's unclear why "impairing the borrower's ability to deal directly with the holder of the note" is a thing that we should care about.
That leaves a third theory, which is sort of implicit in the Massachusetts complaint. Here, it's important to keep in mind that no one is suing just because they don't like MERS. Massachusetts's complaint alleges a lot of bad things, some related to shenanigans in the mortgage modification process, others related to actual foreclosure mistakes. And you could – and the states and consumer advocates seem to – have a theory that says that MERS transfers are "cutting corners," like Massachusetts says, and that when you cut corners houses get foreclosed on incorrectly, and you end up with traumatized parrots.
But – and tell me where I'm wrong here – isn't that just sort of crazy on its face? Again, I like the MERS:DTC analogy. And DTC works like a charm. One failure of T+3 settlement in 200 is viewed as unacceptable, and it seems unlikely that anyone, ever, has been unable to sell stocks held at DTC because DTC lost them. Stocks going missing on their way from buyer to seller is just not a thing that we worry about any more in the modern world, not in spite of the fact that stocks have gone from being physical slips of paper that we pass around to being computer bits in a centralized database, but because of that fact.
Which system is more likely to be screwed up: The one in which when banks trade mortgage loans by IM or phone, they also make a notation in the electronic database they all have access to changing the beneficial owner of the note? Or the one in which, when banks trade mortgages by IM or phone, they also send someone to hundreds of county clerks' offices to record those transfers?
My somewhat uninformed guess is that the foreclosure mistakes largely stem from banks having to have a system where in every county they have some schlub responsible for keeping the paperwork together according to local rules, and from those schlubs being, well, schlubs. If all there was was MERS, it strikes me that foreclosure mistakes would be far less likely. Most (not all) of the inaccuracies listed in the Massachusetts complaint are not "they foreclosed on the wrong house" but rather "the MERS owner and the record owner didn't match up." You can speculate on which was more likely to be "accurate" (in the sense of "reflecting the desire and understanding and cash flows of the people who bought and sold the mortgage"), but I don't know why you'd presume it to be the county clerk records.
So what is going on with the animus against MERS? Yves Smith, the leading expert on the mortgage lawsuits: "Consumers are very upset about MERS (I find it resonates with readers more than many of the other securitization abuses)." Why? MERS is just a way of moving mortgages from, literally, the Dark Ages into the 20th century. It's an electronic central registry of stuff that used to be done on paper in diffuse places, like DTC or, um, Facebook.
There's one obvious answer: it seems like banks pretty uniformly lied about stuff in their foreclosure complaints, and people hate liars. Emphasis on "seems," though; your "Bank X lied because it said it was the mortgagee when actually MERS was" or vice versa or whatever could be my "Bank X used language somewhat loosely when it said it was the mortgagee but was in fact only the beneficial interest holder in a mortgage technically registered to MERS." Those nuns probably aren't going to hell for saying that they're "shareholders" of Goldman Sachs when in fact they're just holders of a beneficial interest in shares owned of record by DTC.
But I think the real answer has to be that MERS is the one place where populists and technocrats, smart people and dumb people, can all come together and say "here is a great place to clamp down on efficient financial intermediation." And that desire, in some form, is actually pretty widespread. That breakneck increase in speed and efficiency and transferability of claims is maybe contributing to financial system instability, or at least market volatility. It's why people keep getting really psyched about quasi-Tobin taxes. It's a plausible explanation for why there's so much debt knocking around.
If you generally have a vague sense that unrelenting increases in the speed and efficiency of markets for financial claims is responsible for creating and magnifying crises, then you probably want to do something about it. Maybe you go occupy Wall Street. But if you're a regulator and you say things like "let's tax all trading to reduce volatility" or "let's make lending more difficult and time-consuming so that fewer people get loans who maybe shouldn't have them" or "let's ban money market funds from serving banking-like functions" then you open yourself to (often accurate) criticism that you're going to kill jobs ore destroy the economy or whatever.
But if you instead say "let's kill an effort to modernize the financial intermediation of mortgages and return to a system where paper certificates need to be filed and reviewed by hand in the clerk's office of every county in the country," that can work. Because it's accompanied by dozens of examples of banks misrepresenting who owned the mortgages that they foreclosed on, which sounds kind of bad. Even if the causal connection between the two things is sort of tenuous and directionally unclear.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Bank of America et al. [pdf]
Massachusetts Announces First Comprehensive Lawsuit Against Major Banks [Naked Capitalism]
Comments (116)
Oh. My. Lord.
good luck tomorrow!
is it bad that i just skipped the article to see what jokes about matt were made already?
Promising start. Then Zzzzzzzz….
Matt………………………………………………WTF…………………….. its Friday for Christ's sake………………
That's fucking long.
-Shaq's penis
Girls are so yucky and blech!
When does that new freelancer start?
P.S. The fact that Matt tags his own article as 'boring Friday afternoon legal stuff' and still posts it really chaps my ass
I'm now convinced that Matt talks in his sleep and that he turns on the Dragon NaturallySpeaking to capture what he says, then turns it into these posts.
Certainly makes sense that all this talk in your sleep makes me fall asleep.
Matt, I enjoyed this article.
I'm guessing that when matt takes a shit, it comes out an atom at a time. You are in the entertainment business for fuck's sake!
I hate that commercial so much.
Interesting viewpoint, but you seem to be in the pocket of the banks.
And more curse words!
Also at issue is the long-held belief that real property transfers, and by extension transfers in beneficial interests in real property (such as mortgages) are inherently local transactions. People and municipalities don't like the idea that property rights and control over them are taken away from local government. MERS is, in effect, an attempt to nationalize property laws, rules, and regs. And with property law being rooted in feudal times and English Common Law, such nationalization (or at least standardization) is probably long overdue.
If it was done correctly, and openly, MERS would be a good idea. Give the average homeowner the choice between (a) "your mortgage will always be owned by 1st National Bank of the Swamp" , and you'll always be able to talk to someone here and (b) "if you give me the right to slice, repackage, and trade bits or all of your mortgage like so many baseball cards I'll give you a half-point off of your interest rate", most homeowners are going to choose (b).
A+ for concept, Epic Fail for execution.
i almost choked on that one. i know i am in for a long read when i click the comments button and i have to scroll up for minutes to find where i left off reading.
Matt – you should use your Goldman M&A skills to spin off Matt Levine articles into a separate company called "BoringAnalysis.com"
Thats the only reason I click on Matt's articles.
Great article. Wrong audience.
Bookmarked for the next time I have trouble sleeping.
You win.
-Ayn Rand
+1 for 1st National Bank of the Swamp
i think people are just mad that it was sloppily executed.
although on a not entirely unrelated note, dtc is a fucking trial and a half to deal with too if the industry fucks up royally.
Matt is like a chef who knowingly serves rotten food to his patrons.
–Gordon Ramsey
Holy shit! I just got a finger cramp from scrolling through this entire thing.
Matt Writes Exhaustive, Inconclusive Article About Moderately Relevant, Humor-less Topic
-UBS Generalist
Longest. Article. Ever.
MERS is not the DTC, MERS is as Judge William Young wrote, "the Wikipedia of Land Registration Systems."
"MERS does not systematically track beneficial ownership rights of the mortgages registered on its system. Recall that MERS only maintains a database that its members can enter information upon if the members want to do so. When the beneficial ownership interest in a loan changes hands, such as through negotiation of a promissory note and a written assignment of the mortgage, the parties to that transaction can send an electronic message to MERS updating a field of information in the database. MERS calls this process an "electronic handshake." But unlike most county real property recorders, MERS does not keep digital or hard copies of documents that embody such an agreement—making it much more difficult to track fraud and errors through their record keeping system. Even more troubling, it is unclear whether MERS members are legally bound to update this information on the database. In the words of MERS's CEO, the system "is capable of being used to track [beneficial ownership interests] if the members utilize it for that reason." But if the MERS members choose not to use the database to reveal themselves, MERS does not investigate further or otherwise insist that members actually use this feature of the database. Instead, MERS leaves this decision to the business model of the financial institution. When asked whether MERS expects financial institutions to update the MERS database regarding changes in loan ownership, the company's CEO replied, "not so much . . . ""
– Chris PetersonIt's pretty bad if you can't see a problem with MERS in its current implementation
"I like the MERS:DTC analogy. And DTC works like a charm."
And MERS doesn't. See how I rendered like five pages of ramblings redundant with three words?
Wurst comment ever.
Matt typed these articles up weeks back. He is posting now to show that he is too cool to need to study for the CFA, even on the day before the exam. Just sayin'
– Matt's mommy posting between fetching hot chocolate and strawberry yoghurt for Matt who has been studying all night every night for the past six months.
Get laid often?
Maybe it's because everyone is against modernizing the financial system, or maybe it's because the banks that created MERS didn't supply State Senator Billy Bob Bumblefuck with hookers and blow to get the law changed.
Proper channels were clearly bypassed or they wouldn't be in this mess.
Now, nobody loves a Matt legal post more than I do, but Matt, you kind of lose me there at the end where you posit that Mass. AG, if only subconsciously, is trying to make financial intermediation less effecient as a means to reduce credit, leverage and…maybe just the whole speed of crazy modern life. But it's Occam's razor: you have to pick a fight with unpopular banks before newspapers will write that you are in a fight with unpopular banks.
No Charts; Didn't Read
People probably wouldn't be so upset about MERS if the banks had done something like actually bother to go get the deed registry laws change in order to make it legal to register mortgages electronically.
Which by the way is what the securities industry did back in the 1970's to set up the DTCC.
MERS is basically the Ken Lewises of the world trying to create a copy of the DTCC (or the OCC or whatever) sloshed on Boone's.
I wish we could rate articles as well as comments
Seriously, I don't get the Matt-hate, but this article seriously blows. Started off ok, but then dribbles into nothingness
Inevitably all of Matt's articles morph into the teacher's voice from the Charlie Brown in my head.
No way he was in M&A, had to be research or compliance.
Ding ding ding…..we have a winner…..
that and it's probably one of the best examples of a totally half-assed technology implementation…..you gotta head into the federal sector to get piles of crap worse than this, and that's saying something….
Nothing here about MERS operating under a consent order. Google "MERS CONSENT ORDER" and see what Matt didn't even cover!
The easiest way to understand this problem is to call YOUR "pretender" lender or "servicer" and ask them a few questions….where is the original mortgage note, who is in possession of the original mortgage note, where can you see the original mortgage note and who is the beneficial owner of the mortgage note? SEEMS simple but you will be lied to, misled and frustrated when you find out that NO ONE KNOWS WHERE YOUR ORIGINAL MORTGAGE NOTE IS! I dare you to try this. So….using FRAUD and FORGERY the banks and their attorneys illegally foreclose on homeowners. They like to call it "robo-signing" as Matt does but it is just FRAUD and FORGERY. Very good article but doesn't go far enough in exposing the lies that banks tell and sell. ARE YOU BRAVE ENOUGH TO CALL YOUR "LENDER"? I warned you. -
Let's also not forget the cloud on title which makes your Real Estate impossible to sell. Read Bevilaqua which came out of the MA Supreme Judicial Court.
MERS is a bad idea implemented poorly by the point of a corporate pen. It will fail and with it, the entire banking system.
To suggest the banks didn't like MERS because it saved them a bit on fees is a bit, er, rich.
63 million mortgages at $100/pop? That's $6.3 billion dollars, and that's NOT a lot of money to Matt?
Geez, what do you pay that guy, Bess?
money – > incinerator -> ??? -> profit!
Get out, 1%
Damn straight!
-City of Harrisburg, PA
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I will ask a representative on mortgage ma to know their reaction about this.
There's only one word to describe the current situation. UNSUSTAINABLE


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new year's eve is the quintessential excuse for sparkle - sequins, rhinestones, glitter. if it shines, wear it! here are my favorite picks for adding a little sparkle to your toes, from under $50 to over $100 - there's a shoe for any price point!
what will you be wearing this new year's eve?


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Since we are only 10 days away from the Fall Swap, I thought that it might not be a bad idea for everyone to post their trading lists or at least give a hint of what you are planning to bring and what you would like in return. It might even generate some interest from the lurkers and new members. After all these years, I'm still amazed at how many folks lurk and never post. I'm even more amazed that after hearing all of us rave about the Spring and Fall Swaps, there are still tons of folks that for whatever reason haven't made the minimal effort to come. You folks just don't know what absolutely incredible fun you're missing and it's all FREE!!! |
Follow-Up Postings:
Jeff if you can spare one put my name on one of your crinum lilies. I don't have much for fall swap, may have to pay you back in the spring. Norm |
- Posted by Big_Orange_Vol_ Nashville (firstname.lastname@example.com) on Wed, Oct 5, 05 at 12:44
Norm you don't have to give me anything! What size do ou want? |
Any size that dosen't require a backhoe. The post on them early this year cost me quite a lot. Fell in love with the things. Have made a special place for them. May have plenty to trade in the future. Norm |
Hi Norm, I've got a pure white crinum with your name on it that I'll be bringing you. Marianne |
Mom and I talked it over today, and WE'RE coming whether Joe comes ot not!!! The down-side is---we'll be coming in a SMALL car, so we won't be able to haul many plants. Therefore, I'd prefer to arrange some pre-trades. Anyone interested should e-mail me. I can bring UNROOTED cuttings from the following: Buddleia---'Black Knight', or three different, unnamed ones Malvaviscus drumondii---also called 'Sleepy Hibiscus' or 'Turk's Cap' hibsicus. Google it---hummingbirds LOVE it! Flowering Almond Assorted brugs (OF COURSE!!!*grin*) Roses---climbers: candy-pink and dark rose-pink. Shrubs: 'Hose of Meidiland' white and scarlet. Passifloras: e-me and ASK Potato vines: 'Margarite', 'Ace of Spades' (VERY few!), and an unusual 'Blackie'--this one BLOOMS!!! Coleus: nameless, but pretty Honeysuckle (Lonicera) 'Pink Lemonade' Thunbergia grandiflora--i.e., 'Blue Sky Vine' or 'Clock Vine' I also have some rooted ones for VERY SPECIAL trades. Poncirus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon'. These are 6-month+ seedings, yet still pretty small. Apparently these need to be in the GROUND to grow much. Etc. and so on. LMK if you're interested in anything!!! |
- Posted by amazindirt z7 ETN (My Page) on Thu, Oct 6, 05 at 0:22
Hey Judith -- I feel yer pain with the Poncirus. I've had a bunch of seedlings in pots for a couple of YEARS now, and they're still itty bitty! Oh, and I'm emailing you about passifloras. :-) Here's my final trade list, so far as I can tell right now: **unrooted cuttings:** If anyone wants cuttings of: Speak now! I won't bring cuttings of these unless someone specifically asks for them. ********* **Potted Plants (divisions, rooted cuttings, seedlings, etc.):** ********** **seeds** REMEMBER: seeds may not grow true to variety!! These are COLLECTED seeds, not commercial ones. Aesculus parviflora (bottlebrush buckeye) |
ok 1 week to go and I am on the run gather and dividing my plants. I have lemon scented geranium, lemon grass, rose campion seeds(magenta) lirope varigated,(monkey grass) zebra grass balloon seeds, I don't have much but I am trying, I am even borrowing from my neighbors gardens. I will take one of everything. In a promise. That the spring swap I hope my seeds will be fruitful and I will have a truck load. I have house plants too. Moses in the cradle, german chocolate plant, donkey tail. to name a few let me know if any of these are of any interest to anyone. 8 days and counting carolyn |
- Posted by amazindirt z7 ETN (My Page) on Sat, Oct 8, 05 at 15:58
Eek, I forgot two things -- I will also have cuttings of Piper nigrum. This is the actual plant used to grow black pepper! It's a tropical vine, and does well in hanging baskets. And Brandon (Barry) gave me some plants to take to the swap for him, as well. I'll make a list of them this afternoon -- stay tuned! |
Here's my list -maybe some other stuff if I find time this week.... Shasta Daisy Becky-1 I am especially looking for good tetraploid breeding daylilies and will reserve anything on this list for pretrading- I'm happy to send a list of the DL's I'm looking for. See you all Saturday.... |
Well, I'd certainly like some 'Creamsickle' cuttings, and that Piper nigrum as well! And I've fallen in love with coleus this summer. |
Oh, and I've love to have any elephant ears, especially 'Black Magic' or 'Hilo Beauty'. |
Where is this trade taking place at? I am in East TN.... Thank you, |
- Posted by Big_Orange_Vol MiddleTN (My Page) on Tue, Oct 11, 05 at 14:42
Sondra folks come from all ends of the State to attend the Middle Tennessee Plant Swap. Check out your "Info on Trading" post. I left you with the contacts for info there. We'd love to have you come and I promise you'll have a wonderful time. UT has an off week before the Bama game so there shouldn't be any conflict with coming. I can also promise that you'll leave with a car or truck loaded with new stuff. Shoot me an email tonight so that I can get you set up for Saturday if you can make it. Jeff |
I'm too pooped from potting to type it all up, but below this message is a link to my Exchange page, which I'm updating as I get stuff done. The Davidson Co. Master Gardeners ALSO have a swap this week, but I'll still have a few things for this weekend, even so. See y'all on Saturday. :-) --April |
Here is a link that might be useful: April's Swap Page
I potted up some things today, but am going to wait until tomorrow to post those in case it looks like some don't perk back up in time for the swap. I will have: Gardenia 'August Beauty' - 3 More to be announced. |
Wild Rose, is your Kerria single or double? |
I won't be able to make this weekend's trade/swap meet. It is too far for me to drive as I have two kids too. Also, selling a horse this weekend. Is anyone in or near Monroe County that could do some trading afterwards? I don't have much to trade though. 4 clocks and canna seeds. Some rose bush cuttings maybe too. Can take whatever is left over from the trade meeting too...LOL |
Judith, the Kerria is single. List additions: Dwarf Crested Iris - 4 (each trade ~ 5) The "Mystery Iris" are from a customer's garden and I haven't seen them in bloom. She's in her 80's and has been in the house since 1946, so they're probably old fashioned favorites. The one that is not bearded has rhizomes that look like Dwarf Crested Iris - they look like crawfish - but are much larger than any Dwarf Crested I've ever seen. My customer said the flowers are small and blue, so maybe that's what they are and I just have never seen any that have not been divided in years and years!. The Penstemon, Mazus, and Echinacea were potted up yesterday and looked fine this morning, but as the day progresses, they are wilting. They've got lots of good roots, and I'm sure they'll perk back up as soon as they get over transplant shock. I divided Shastas this morning and haven't had time to pot up the extras, so they're stuffed in a plastic bag. They may stay that way since I need to make plant labels and cook and I'm leaving for the swap tomorrow afternoon. There's enough plants for several trades, so if I don't get the Shastas in containers, I'll bring baggies. Virginia |
Virginia I am so gonna miss seeing you and sharing that morning coffee ( hot chocolate in my case ). We'll be there this coming spring though so don't trade everything !! Cheryl |
I have no intention of bringing home anything I started out with and certainly don't intend to bring home half as many as I'm bringing! Many of you know that I started a gardening service last year, so a good many of the plants I'm bringing are divisions from customers' gardens and are give-aways - I just can't stand the thought of good stuff ending up in the trash. One of these gardens was designed by Tom Pellet, a well-known Memphis designer, who uses natives and sometimes hard-to-find plants in his designs. Not long ago I was chatting with the owner of the nursery where those plants were purchased and he told me it took them two years to locate some of them. Those of us not buying wholesale but using online mailorder nurseries and attending swaps would have been able to find them much more easily. Cheryl, I'm going to miss you too. Don't worry, there's plenty more of these plants and some different ones to bring in the spring. |
Oooooh, Penstemon! Do you know which variety they are? I'd like some of those...... --April |
Here is a link that might be useful: April's Exchange Page
- Posted by amazindirt z7 ETN (My Page) on Fri, Oct 14, 05 at 11:29
April -- I'll have several penstemons as well. Unfortunately, in my case they will be unknown hybrids! |
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- Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is supporting an anti-abortion bill that is making its way through the state legislature which would require some women seeking first-trimester abortions to have transvaginal ultrasounds, which are performed by inserting a probe into the vagina. The forced transvaginal ultrasounds are medically unnecessary and are a popular ploy of anti-abortion folks to scare women from obtaining abortions . [Think Progress] [UPDATE: Talking Points Memo disputes that the ultrasounds would be transvaginal, instead stating only "ordinary" on-the-belly ultrasounds would be required. — Talking Points Memo]
- Facebook announced a new policy in which it will stop treating photographs of post-mastectomy scars (usually scars on removed breast tissue) the same as it does pornography. Recently, FB also tightened its regulations on gender-based hate speech. [Think Progress]
- Apropos of nothing, Austrialian soccer team manager Holger Osieck announced at a press conference that "women should shut up in public." What? Right! He has since issued a non-apology apology in which he said, convincingly, "It was off the record. It was more of a funny remark. It was nothing against any women or whatever. Definitely just a complete misunderstanding." [Yahoo] Keep reading »
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"I'm addicted to visual speed," says Rob Cohen, whose previous adrenaline rushes came from directing The Fast and the Furious and XXX. His latest film, Stealth, stars Josh Lucas as a fighter pilot who, fearing that unmanned aircraft will render human pilots obsolete, refuses to send one to destroy a terrorist stronghold in densely populated downtown Rangoon. (The city's stand-in for the film is Bangkok.) Instead, Lucas's character takes on the mission himself, piloting a hypersonic AFG Talon jet--a fictional, supersleek stealth fighter constructed of graphite, fiber, ceramic and metal.
The terrorists are holed up in a building capped with a 14-ft.-thick, steel-reinforced roof. The only way to penetrate it is with a high-speed impact. So the pilot unleashes the Talon's rear pulse-detonation engines--based on a real-life experimental NASA program--then divebombs the structure, dropping a fictional truncheon bomb traveling at hypersonic velocity and pulling up just before the blast. The scene demanded one of the most sophisticated miniature effects ever attempted. "I'm a pilot myself," visual effects supervisor Joel Hynek says, "and Rob is a speed nut, so we were both having a good time on these shots."
TOP GUNS: Jamie Foxx, Jessica Biel and Josh Lucas as fighter pilots in the action flick Stealth.
THE BIG BANG: In the movie Stealth, a fighter pilot must bomb a building housing terrorists. The film's special effects crew worked for three months to create a realistic miniature that appeared to implode. Here, footage of the model's collapse is superimposed on a shot of Bangkok. Computer-generated dust and debris were added later to heighten the effect.
MISSION IMPLODABLE Part 1: Stealth's special effects crew constructed this 20-ft.-tall miniature of a 20-story building in Sydney, Australia. At one-tenth scale, the miniature was the right size to convey the building's destruction realistically. To make it appear to implode, designers rigged it to descend into a 25-ft.-deep understructure below "street level."
MISSION IMPLODABLE Part 2: For the big implosion scene in which the Talon bombs the building, a lever was used to release cables in rapid succession, which split the building into three sections. The center collapsed first, followed by the columns on either side. "Each column was on an elevator and would just slide down into shafts below the supposed ground level," visual effects supervisor Joel Hynek says. After the columns collapsed, the thick concrete roof plunged into what had been the center of the building.


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More than any pop band in history, the KLF ripped off the music industry for a bucketful of loot and got away with it -- as illustrated in their own guidebook to creating number one singles, The Manual. Bill Drummond and Jimi Cauty applied the tactics of punk shock-terrorism to late-'80s acid house and became one of Britain's best-selling artists (recording also as the JAMS and the Timelords) just before their retirement in 1992. The duo then deleted their entire back catalog -- a potential loss in the millions of pounds -- and declared they wouldn't release another record until peace was declared throughout the world. The son of a Scottish preacher, Bill Drummond (b. April 29, 1953; South Africa) ran away from home to become a fisherman before enrolling in a Liverpool art school in the late '70s. He became involved in Liverpool's punk scene, and in 1977 formed the short-lived punk band Big in Japan with Holly Johnson (later of Frankie Goes to Hollywood) and Ian Broudie (the Lightning Seeds). A year later, Drummond co-founded the Zoo label (with Dave Balfe), serving as manager and producer for the Teardrop Explodes and Echo & the Bunnymen through the early '80s. After both bands left Zoo for the majors, Drummond followed by joining WEA as an A&R man; there, he signed Strawberry Switchblade, Zodiac Mindwarp, the Proclaimers, and Brilliant. He quit the business in 1986, though, and released the solo album The Man one year later for Creation Records.
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AASL Innovative Reading Grant |
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Sponsored by Capstone, administered by the American Association of School Librarians |
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BSU News
The Office of Communications and Marketing uses multimedia reporting and media relations to share the stories of BSU and its students, faculty, staff and alumni. You can help by submitting a story, or just give us a friendly retweet!
Top Story
President Hanson Challenges Students at Summit on Alcohol Use and Safety
Bemidji State University President Richard A. Hanson challenged nearly 500 students at a campus-wide gathering Thursday to confront the dangers of alcohol abuse, and they shared their ideas for improving safety and promoting responsible behavior.
Keep reading »President Addresses Campus Regarding Governor's Budget Recommendations
Dr. Richard A. Hanson, president of Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College, issued the following message to the faculties and staffs at both campuses today regarding Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton's recommendations for the state's FY2016-17 budget. Dayton's proposal does not include the system's request for supplemental funding.
Professor Explores Ethical Considerations of Augmented Reality
Dr. Marty J. Wolf, a professor of computer science at Bemidji State University, explores the ethical considerations surrounding not only the latest wave of augmented-reality devices such as Google Glass, but what future versions of this technology might hold, as part of BSU's Honors Council Lecture Series.
New Talley Gallery Opens With Show by North Dakota Artist Jennifer Nelson
After a year-long redesign and construction effort, Bemidji State University is unveiling its new Talley Gallery with an exhibition by local artist Jennifer Nelson.
Nursing Expands Bachelors Degree-Completion to East Grand Forks
Registered nurses in northwest Minnesota seeking to continue their educations can now pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing from Bemidji State University at Northland Community and Technical College's campus in East Grand Forks, Minn.
Athletics News
via BSUBEAVERS.com
1/28/2015 | Men's Basketball Bemidji State heads to Winona State and Upper Iowa, Jan. 30-31
1/28/2015 | Women's Basketball Beavers travel to Winona State and Upper Iowa, Jan. 30-31
1/28/2015 | Men's Ice Hockey, Women's Basketball, Athletics Senske and Bitzer named Beaver Pride Athletes of the Week
1/28/2015 | Softball Peterson and Yost tabbed as players to watch in NSIC Preseason Softball Poll
1/27/2015 | Men's Ice Hockey Beavers preview Bowling Green series
1/27/2015 | Women's Tennis Bemidji State tennis is set to play Concordia College in season opener
1/26/2015 | Men's Ice Hockey Bemidji State's Bitzer and Fitzgerald picked for WCHA honors
1/26/2015 | Softball BSU Softball unveils 2015 schedule
More Athletics News & Schedules »BSU People
- BSU students receive Graduate Mini-Grants
- MnSCU honors BSU VP Maki with Chancellor's Award
- Bailey-Johnson Makes Prairie Business' 40-Under-40 List
- Exploring how advance care plans impact health care
More News
- Gallery – BSU Summit on Alcohol and Student Safety
- Memorial Hall Renovation Project On Track for June Debut
- Professor Explores Cultural Standards for Education Curricula
- Get Free Tax Help From BSU Students, Starting Feb. 5
- Bemidji State Launches Unique Graduate Program in Camp Nursing
BSU in the Media
- BSU professor brings Ojibwe language, culture through school's loudspeakers
- Bemidji State University STEM Scholarships – Lakeland News at Ten
- BSU's John Gonzalez guiding strategic planning efforts for White Earth Nation (PDF download)
- Patrick Guilfoile: Why we keep scratching that itch
- College roommates share birthday wishes
More in the News Archive »