text:
Home /
Our Sources / About Us
/ FAQs /
Advanced Search
Not what you're
looking for? Try an advanced search.
Official citation and/or docket number and footnotes (if any) for this case available with purchase.
Learn more about what you receive with purchase of this case.
United States District Court, M.D. Pennsylvania
March 27, 2015
DAVID L. STAUDT, Plaintiff,v.CAROLYN W. COLVIN, ACTING COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY, Defendant.
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION TO VACATE THE DECISION OF THE COMMISSIONER AND REMAND FOR FURTHER PROCEEDINGS Docs. 1, 12, 13, 17, 20, 21
GERALD B. COHN, Magistrate Judge.
I. Introduction
The above-captioned action is one seeking review of a decision of the Commissioner of Social Security ("Commissioner") denying the application of Plaintiff David L. Staudt for disability insurance benefits ("DIB") and supplemental security income ("SSI") under the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. §§401-433, 1382-1383 (the "Act"). Plaintiff asserts disability as a result of mental impairments, including post-traumatic stress disorder ("PTSD") after serving in the Marines, when he was involved in multiple combat situations in Lebanon and witnessed the death of several fellow Marines. Plaintiff asserts that the administrative law judge ("ALJ") erred in evaluating the medical opinions of his treating psychiatrists. The ALJ rejected four consistent opinions by multiple treating psychiatrists with established longitudinal relationships authored between April 19, 2010 and February 16, 2012 in favor of a single opinion by a state agency physician who never examined or treated Plaintiff issued on July 23, 2009. Under the particular facts of this case, the four consistent opinions by treating psychiatrists overwhelm the single opinion by the state agency physician, so the state agency physician's opinion does not provide substantial evidence to reject these opinions. Moreover, the passage of time and significant treatment that occurred after the state agency physician's opinion required the ALJ to independently interpret medical evidence and substitute her lay opinion for that of a medical professional, which is impermissible. Consequently, the ALJ's assignment of weight to the medical opinions and RFC assessment lacks substantial evidence.
Moreover, although Plaintiff filed an application for supplemental security income, which is not related to Plaintiff's date last insured of December 31, 2010, the ALJ generally limits her discussion to the medical evidence prior to Plaintiff's date last insured. She appears to discredit some of the evidence because it falls after Plaintiff's date last insured. She does not discuss any medical evidence after May of 2011, although she did not issue the decision until March 21, 2012. This precludes meaningful review. As a result, the Court recommends that Plaintiff's appeal be granted, the decision of the Commissioner be vacated, and the matter be remanded for further proceedings.
II. Procedural Background
On June 8, 2010, Plaintiff filed an application for DIB under the Act. (192-93). On June 8, 2011, Plaintiff filed an application for SSI under the Act. (Tr. 194-205). On October 29, 2010, the Bureau of Disability Determination Plaintiff's DIB application (Tr. 104-13), and Plaintiff filed a request for a hearing on December 16, 2010. (Tr. 114-15). On February 13, 2012, an ALJ held a hearing at which Plaintiff-who was represented by an attorney-and a vocational expert ("VE") appeared and testified. (Tr. 36-89). On March 21, 2012, the ALJ found that Plaintiff was not disabled and not entitled to benefits. (Tr. 19-35). On April 10, 2012, Plaintiff filed a request for review with the Appeals Council (Tr. 16-18), which the Appeals Council denied on September 12, 2013, thereby affirming the decision of the ALJ as the "final decision" of the Commissioner. (Tr. 4-9).
On December 2, 2013, Plaintiff filed the above-captioned action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) to appeal the decision of the Commissioner. (Doc. 1). On April 24, 2014, the Commissioner filed an answer and administrative transcript of proceedings. (Docs. 12, 13). On May 1, 2014, the Court referred this case to the undersigned Magistrate Judge. On June 5, 2014, Plaintiff filed a brief in support of his appeal ("Pl. Brief"). (Doc. 17). On July 31, 2014, Defendant filed a brief in response ("Def. Brief"). (Doc. 20). On August 13, 2014, Plaintiff filed a brief in reply. (Doc. 21). The matter is now ripe for review.
III. Standard of Review
When reviewing the denial of disability benefits, the Court must determine whether substantial evidence supports the denial. Johnson v. Commissioner of Social Sec., 529 F.3d 198, 200 (3d Cir. 2008). Substantial evidence is a deferential standard of review. See Jones v. Barnhart, 364 F.3d 501, 503 (3d Cir. 2004). Substantial evidence "does not mean a large or considerable amount of evidence, but rather such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.'" Pierce v. Underwood, 487 U.S. 552, 565 (1988) (quoting Consolidated Edison Co. v. NLRB, 305 U.S. 197, 229 (1938)). Substantial evidence is "less than a preponderance" and requires only "more than a mere scintilla." Jesurum v. Sec'y of U.S. Dep't of Health & Human Servs., 48 F.3d 114, 117 (3d Cir. 1995) (citing Richardson v. Perales, 402 U.S. 389, 401 (1971)).
IV. Sequential Evaluation Process
To receive disability or supplemental security benefits, a claimant must demonstrate an "inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months." 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(1)(A); 42 U.S.C. § 1382c(a)(3)(A). The Act requires that a claimant for disability benefits show that he has a physical or mental impairment of such a severity that:
He is not only unable to do his previous work but cannot, considering his age, education, and work experience, engage in any other kind of substantial gainful work which exists in the national economy, regardless of whether such work exists in the immediate area in which he lives, or whether a specific job vacancy exists for him, or whether he would be hired if he applied for work.
42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(2)(A); 42 U.S.C. § 1382c(a)(3)(B).
The Commissioner uses a five-step evaluation process to determine if a person is eligible for disability benefits. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520; see also Plummer v. Apfel, 186 F.3d 422, 428 (3d Cir. 1999). If the Commissioner finds that a Plaintiff is disabled or not disabled at any point in the sequence, review does not proceed. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1520. The Commissioner must sequentially determine: (1) whether the claimant is engaged in substantial gainful activity; (2) whether the claimant has a severe impairment; (3) whether the claimant's impairment meets or equals a listed impairment from 20 C.F.R. Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 ("Listing"); (4) whether the claimant's impairment prevents the claimant from doing past relevant work; and (5) whether the claimant's impairment prevents the claimant from doing any other work. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920. Before moving on to step four in this process, the ALJ must also determine Plaintiff's residual functional capacity ("RFC"). 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520(e), 416.920(e).
The disability determination involves shifting burdens of proof. The claimant bears the burden of proof at steps one through four. If the claimant satisfies this burden, then the Commissioner must show at step five that jobs exist in the national economy that a person with the claimant's abilities, age, education, and work experience can perform. Mason v. Shalala, 994 F.2d 1058, 1064 (3d Cir. 1993). The ultimate burden of proving disability within the meaning of the Act lies with the claimant. See 42 U.S.C. § 423(d)(5)(A); 20 C.F.R. § 416.912(a).
V. Relevant Facts in the Record
Plaintiff was born on November 11, 1962 and was classified by the regulations as a younger individual through the date of the ALJ decision. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1563. (Tr. 28). Plaintiff has at least a high school education and past relevant work as a brick mason. (Tr. 28).
A. Medical Records
Plaintiff received psychological treatment from Dr. Aida Rjepaj, M.D., and Dr. Alan Rohrer, M.D., during the relevant period. ((Tr. 566). Plaintiff established care with Dr. Rjepaj in 2007. He reported being "very hyperactive" and having a hard time slowing down, feeling jumpy and restless, racing thoughts, sleeping only 3-4 hours a night, speaking so fast that people could not understand him, periods of feeling down or depressed with little energy, feeling tired and, exhausted, having difficulty sleeping and mood swings as far back as he could remember. (Tr. 378). He was observed writing in a pressured manner during the visit and he appeared somewhat elated and overly confident. Id. Dr. Rjepaj diagnosed Plaintiff with bipolar disorder II, hypomanic episode, and cocaine dependence, assessed him to have a global assessment of functioning ("GAF") GAF score of 50, and prescribed Depakote. (Tr. 379).
Plaintiff reported a decrease in his symptoms after being prescribed Depakote. Dr. Rjepaj noted that Plaintiff was "very content with the improvement and comments that taking the medication has made a big difference" and "his symptoms have improved remarkably since taking Depakote" (Tr. 374, 376). In May of 2008, Dr. Rjepaj noted that Plaintiff was doing well on medication and that symptoms improved "remarkably" since taking Depakote (Tr. 372).
However, in August of 2008, Plaintiff reported that he was feeling more down and that he fell asleep before remembering to take Depakote. (Tr. 370). Dr. Rjepaj observed that Plaintiff was ruminating. (Tr. 370). Dr. Rjepaj assessed mild, mixed symptoms and prescribed Zoloft. (Tr. 371). In October of 2008, Dr. Rjepaj noted:
[D]oing relatively well and feels stable on the medication. His mood symptoms have overall ameliorated and the patient has only occasional and minor ups and downs. His thoughts are clear and the patient is able to focus and concentrate. The patient eats well but reports fragmented sleep. He experiences frequent dreams from the time he was in the service. The denies any side effects from the medication. There is no evidence of psychotic symptoms.
(Tr. 366).
In January of 2009, Plaintiff reported increased symptoms and problems with medication. (Tr. 364-65). Dr. Rjepaj noted:
[R]eports presence of mood swings lately. He had a period of depression for 4 days lately, and now feels a bit more energized than usually. The patient reports that he stopped taking the zoloft 2 days ago, because he felt that it was causing mood instability. Also he stopped taking the trazodone, because he felt that it did not work for him and made him hyper instead. The patient had lab work on September 5th, indicating a depakote blood level of 49.3. He reports that is taking the medications regularly, but the last refill of his depakote was on 11/23. He still has depakote at home, which shouldn't be if he was taking it regularly. When confronted the patient with this fact, he indicated that he may be skipping his medications on occasions.
(Tr. 364). Plaintiff's speech was "slightly hyper verbal, mildly pressured." (Tr. 365). Dr. Rjepaj discontinued Plaintiff's Zoloft and trazodone and instructed him to take his Depakote regularly. (Tr. 365). The next week, Plaintiff reported continued mood swings, being overly active, jumpy, and hyperactive. (Tr. 363). Mental status examination noted a restricted range and intensity of affect and slightly hyperverbal speech. Id. Dr. Rjepaj increased Plaintiff's dose of Depakote. (Tr. 364). In February of 2009, Plaintiff continued experiencing mood swings, did not want to increase his dose of Depakote, and was prescribed Seroquel. (Tr. 363). On mental status examination, Plaintiff's mood was "mildly irritable, with congruent affect of restricted range and intensity, " and his speech was "hyper verbal and pressured." (Tr. 362). On April 23, 2009, Plaintiff reported improvement of his mood swings on Seroquel. (Tr. 353). A mental status examination revealed a neutral mood, but he appeared tired. (Tr. 354). Dr. Rjepaj noted that Plaintiff was "doing well overall and has no active mood symptoms at this time." (Tr. 354).
On September 4, 2009, Plaintiff reported to Dr. Rjepaj that he ran out of medications for the past 4-5 days and was experiencing mood swings (Tr. 463). Plaintiff admitted that his medication intake is erratic overall and indicated that he had difficulty remembering to take his medications. (Tr. 463). Dr. Rjepaj noted mild mood instability due to being off medications (Tr. 464). On October 16, 2009, Dr. Rjepaj opined that Plaintiff's mood instability was "likely due to poor compliance with medications" (Tr. 458). Mental status examination indicated hyperactive and restless psychomotor behavior, a slightly elated mood with congruent affect of increased range and intensity, and hyperverbal and pressured speech. (Tr. 458). Dr. Rjepaj increased Mr. Staudt's dose of Seroquel. (Tr. 459). On January 5, 2010, Plaintiff established care with Dr. Rohrer. (Tr. 563). Plaintiff exhibited impaired judgment, impaired insight, agitation, anxiety, hyperactivity, hyper-alertness, restlessness, impulsiveness, and an inability to maintain attention and concentration during conversation (Tr. 566). Plaintiff reported mental problems after being discharged from the Marines because of trauma he was exposed to during combat in Beirut, Lebanon, nightmares, episodes of anxiety associated with palpitations, tachycardia, dyspnea, diaphoresis, a feeling impending doom that occurred a couple of times a month, periods of depression lasting up to 4 days, during which he was withdrawn and stayed in bed, periods of being easily agitated, during which he became loud and energized and had trouble staying on one subject as well as racing thoughts, difficulty getting along with people and consequently had lost jobs and been in fights and arrested. (Tr. 563-66). Dr. Rohrer diagnosed Plaintiff with bipolar affective disorder, depressed and moderate, panic disorder, and prolonged PTSD and assessed him to have a GAF of 42. Id.
Through February of 2010, Plaintiff reported to Dr. Rjepaj that he had been doing relatively well (Tr. 438, 451).
On March 8, 2010, Plaintiff was evaluated by Dr. Edward Dale, Psy.D. (Tr. 439-448). Dr. Dale observed that Plaintiff was extremely expressive and that when something angered him, he would become almost belligerent (Tr. 441). Plaintiff's speech was confusing and difficult to follow (Tr. 442). Dr. Dale further noted that Plaintiff's thought process was rambling/racing from one topic to another, with looseness of associations and flight of ideas, ideas of reference, below average intelligence, partial insight, and poor impulse control. (Tr. 441-443). He was easily distracted, and that he had a short attention span (Tr. 442-43). Dr. Dale determined that while Plaintiff's reporting of events was consistent with a PTSD diagnosis, Plaintiff's manic state at the time made it difficult for Dr. Dale to fully assess the presence of PTSD (Tr. 447). Dr. Dale found that Mr. Staudt experienced chronic symptoms of persistent re-experiencing of a traumatic event, persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma and numbing of general significant distress or impairments in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. (Tr. 444). Dr. Dale diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder ("PTSD").13 (Tr. 445). He also opined that Mr. Staudt was "clearly disabled from his Bipolar Disorder" and was unable to maintain gainful employment. (Tr. 448).
Mental status examinations with Dr. Rohrer and Dr. Rjepaj through March and April of 2010 indicated an irritable mood with congruent affect, a restricted range and intensity, and slightly pressured speech, impaired judgment, anxiety with a noticeable change in energy levels, hyperactivity, and restlessness. (Tr. 435, 561). On April 19, 2010, Dr. Rohrer opined that Plaintiff's PTSD may not necessarily prevent Plaintiff from working, but in combination with his bipolar disorder, his medication and other problems, there is an interference with Plaintiff's ability to work (Tr. 605). Plaintiff's prescription of Depakote was increased, he was prescribed Celexa. (Tr. 432-35, 562). On April 27, 2010, Dr. Rjepaj opined that Plaintiff was "doing better today and seems calmer. He is taking the medication as prescribed and reports that it helps him feel better." (Tr. 431). Plaintiff reported improved symptoms. (Tr. 431). In June of 2010, Dr. Rjepaj noted that Plaintiff was "doing relatively okay and has no active mood symptoms." (Tr. 426). However, he continued to experience PTSD symptoms, as he reported occasional nightmares followed by making security checks in his home. (Tr. 425). Plaintiff improved through the end of 2010, but on December 27, 2010, Plaintiff reported to Dr. Rjepaj that he went to the emergency room after he stopped taking his medications and experienced a rebound of anxiety and mood symptoms (Tr. 657-58). Dr. Rjepaj noted that Plaintiff's medications were refilled and that Plaintiff "has been on his medications for 2 weeks now and is doing better" (Tr. 658).
On February 10, 2011, Dr. Rjepaj noted:
There are no major changes reported since the last visit here. The patient states that he is getting along better with his father lately. Finances r as before, remain a concern for the patient and he continues to work on his disability claim. His mood remains unchanged, with the typical ups and downs, which are usually triggered by situations. The patient reports that he has nightmares on and off and at times becomes paranoid when he hears noise at night. On such situations, he becomes hyperalert and hypervigilant. The patient states that he always had these issues since time of service, but lately they have become slightly more intense. He eats well, while sleep is erratic as described above. Energy level fluctuates. There are no psychotic symptoms. The patient denies suicidal or homicidal ideations. (Tr. 654). Dr. Rjepaj noted "an exacerbation of the PTSD symptoms lately.... I increased today the dose of seroquel to 150mg bid to address the current mood/PTSD symptoms." (Tr. 655).
On May 23, 2011, Plaintiff reported to Dr. Rjepaj:
Mood continues to have ups and downs triggered by stress. When left alone, the patient feels better, but gets irritable when repeatedly provoked by sister. Sleeping remains unchanged, disrupted by nightmares. Hypervigilance symptoms are still present.
(Tr. 644). Dr. Rjepaj noted that Plaintiff "continue[d] to deal with several stressors at this time, which cause fluctuations in his mood. I offered the patient to further adjust his medications for a better control of his mood symptoms, but he declined, for fear of side effects." (Tr. 645). On July 20, 2011, Plaintiff reported the same symptoms, with an increase in symptoms "over the past week." (Tr. 639). Dr. Rjepaj noted a "recent exacerbation of his PTSD symptoms" and increased his seroquel. (Tr. 640-41).
B. Opinion Evidence
On July 23, 2009, state agency physician Dr. Richard W. Williams, Ph.D., reviewed Plaintiff's file and issued an opinion. (Tr. 386-401). Dr. Williams opined that Plaintiff had moderate difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace, and mild limitations in maintaining social functioning and activities of daily living (Tr. 396). Dr. Williams concluded that Plaintiff is capable of performing simple routine work when compliant with treatment (Tr. 401).
On April 19, 2010, Dr. Rohrer opined that Mr. Plaintiff had PTSD "that was manifested as a result of his combat experience" in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1982-1983. (Tr. 605). He was exposed to a hostile and threatening environment during two tours of duty and developed an anxiety disorder while still on active duty. Plaintiff also had bipolar disorder that was likely exacerbated by PTSD and was consequently more difficult to manage. Dr. Rohrer opined that Plaintiff's PTSD, in addition to bipolar disorder, the medications he must take, and his "inattentive disorder" markedly interfered with his ability to obtain or maintain employment. Id.
On July 13, 2010, Dr. Rohrer completed a Multiple Impairment Questionnaire form. (Tr. 572-79). Dr. Rohrer's prognosis was "fair to poor" and based off observations of Plaintiff's labile mood, excessive anger, poor impulse control, difficulty staying on topic, loudness, excessive energy, racing thoughts, anxiousness, nightmares, palpitations and dyspnea (Tr. 572). His symptoms were constantly severe enough to interfere with his attention and concentration. (Tr. 577). Dr. Rohrer opined that Plaintiff was incapable of tolerating even low work stress because of frequent arguments with family and friends and a history of getting into fights with others. Id. Dr. Rohrer further opined that Plaintiff could sit for only zero to one hour, could stand for only three hours, and would need to take unscheduled breaks "at least hourly" (Tr. 575-77). He opined that Plaintiff would be absent from work more than three times a month as a result of his impairments or treatment. (Tr. 578).
On May 29, 2011, Dr. Rjepaj completed a Psychiatric/Psychological Impairment Questionnaire. (Tr. 624-31). Dr. Rjepaj noted that Plaintiff exhibited symptoms including irritability, anxiety, hyperactivity, nightmares, and an inability to get along with others. (Tr. 626). Dr. Rjepaj opined that Mr. Staudt was markedly limited (defined as effectively precluded) in the ability to perform activities within a schedule, maintain regular attendance, and be punctual within customary tolerance; complete a normal workweek without interruptions from psychologically based symptoms and to perform at a consistent pace without an unreasonable number and length of rest periods; get along with co-workers or peers without distracting them or exhibiting behavioral extremes; maintain socially appropriate behavior and to adhere to basic standards of neatness and cleanliness; and, respond appropriately to changes in the work setting. (Tr. 627-628). Dr. Rjepaj further opined that Plaintiff would be absent from work more than three times a month (Tr. 631).
On February 9, 2012, Dr. Rohrer completed a Psychiatric/Psychological Impairment Questionnaire. (Tr. 708-15). Dr. Rohrer diagnosed Plaintiff with bipolar disorder, PTSD, and cocaine dependence (Tr. 708). Dr. Rohrer indicated that the date of the most recent exam was February 6, 2012 and that the frequency of Plaintiff's treatment is four to five times a year (Tr. 708). Dr. Rohrer indicated that clinical findings support his determination that Plaintiff is disabled, specifically sleep disturbance, mood disturbance, emotional lability, recurrent panic attacks, psychomotor agitation or retardation, paranoia or inappropriate suspiciousness, feelings of guilt/worthlessness, difficulty thinking or concentrating, suicidal ideation, oddities of thought, perception, speech, or behavior, social withdrawal or isolation, illogical thinking or loosening of associations, decreased energy, manic syndrome, intrusive recollections of a traumatic experience, persistent irrational fears, generalized persistent anxiety, and hostility and irritability. (Tr. 709).
Dr. Rohrer opined that Mr. Staudt was markedly limited in the ability to perform activities within a schedule, maintain regular attendance, and be punctual within customary tolerance; sustain ordinary routine without supervision; complete a normal workweek without interruptions from psychologically based symptoms and to perform at a consistent pace without an unreasonable number and length of rest periods; accept instructions and respond appropriately to criticism from supervisors; get along with co-workers or peers without distracting them or exhibiting behavioral extremes; maintain socially appropriate behavior and to adhere to basic standards of neatness and cleanliness; and, respond appropriately to changes in the in the work setting. (Tr. 711-712). Dr. Rohrer opined that Plaintiff's condition is life-long and that Plaintiff is not able to return to work (Tr. 708). Furthermore, Dr. Rohrer opined that Plaintiff was incapable of even low stress work and would be absent more than three times a month. (Tr. 714-15).
C. ALJ Findings
On March 21, 2012, the ALJ issued the decision. (Tr. 30). At step one, the ALJ found that Plaintiff had not engaged in substantial gainful activity since December 20, 2007, the alleged onset date. (Tr. 24). At step two, the ALJ found that Plaintiff's bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and a history of cocaine dependence were medically determinable and severe. (Tr. 24). At step three, the ALJ found that Plaintiff did not meet or equal a Listing. (Tr. 24). The ALJ found that Plaintiff had the RFC to perform work at all exertional levels, but needed to avoid loud or very loud noise intensity and was limited to simple unskilled work that required no more than occasional interaction with the public and coworkers. (Tr. 26). At step four, the ALJ found that Plaintiff could not perform his past relevant work. (Tr. 28). At step five, the ALJ found that Plaintiff could perform other work in the national economy. (Tr. 29). Consequently, the ALJ found that Plaintiff was not disabled and not entitled to benefits.
VI. Plaintiff Allegations of Error
A. Evaluation of the medical opinions
Plaintiff asserts that the ALJ erred in evaluating the medical opinions. The ALJ rejected four consistent opinions by multiple treating sources with established longitudinal relationships authored between April 19, 2010 and February 16, 2012 in favor of a single opinion by a state agency physician who never examined or treated Plaintiff issued on July 23, 2009. The ALJ did not state the weight assigned to Dr. Rohrer's opinions, noting instead that:
[T]he opinions rendered by Dr. Rohrer are clearly overstated in comparison to his treatment notes and examination findings. It appears that Dr. Rohrerr based his opinions on the claimant's complaints rather than the true clinical findings. Moreover, these assessments were obtained by claimant's Counsel in support of his application for disability benefits.
(Tr. 28). With regard to Dr. Rjepaj, the ALJ wrote:
In May 2011, Dr. Rjepaj, who sees the claimant 4-5 times a year, rated the claimant with a GAF of 55, rated him incapable of low stress work and being absent more than 3 times a month, and with marked restriction in performing at a consistent pace, maintaining regular attendance, getting along with others, maintaining socially appropriate behavior and responding to work changes (Exhibit 17F). The undersigned finds that the GAF of 55 is internally inconsistent with marked mental restrictions and the fact that the claimant is incapable of even low stress work. In addition, the marked mental restrictions are overstated in comparison to the clinical record and treatment history. Therefore, the opinions of Dr. Rjepaj are accorded only partial weight.
(Tr. 28).
An ALJ must weigh medical opinions in making an RFC assessment. The social security regulations state that when the opinion of a treating physician is "well-supported by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques and is not inconsistent with the other substantial evidence in [the] case record, " it is to be given controlling weight. 20 C.F.R. § 416.927(d)(2). Section 404.1527(c) establishes the factors to be considered by the ALJ when the opinion of a treating physician is not given controlling weight. Under subsections (c)(1) and (c)(2), the opinions of treating physicians are given greater weight than opinions of non-treating physicians and opinions of examining physicians are given greater weight than opinions of non-examining physicians, as discussed above. Section 404.1527(c)(2) also differentiates among treating relationships based on the length of the treating relationship and the nature and extent of the treating relationship. Subsection 404.1527(c)(3) provides more weight to opinions that are well supported, which means that "[t]he more a medical source presents relevant evidence to support an opinion, particularly medical signs and laboratory findings, the more weight we will give that opinion. The better an explanation a source provides for an opinion, the more weight we will give that opinion." Subsection 404.1527(c)(4) states that "the more consistent an opinion is with the record as a whole, the more weight we will give to that opinion." Subsection 404.1527(c)(5) provides more weight to specialists, and subsection 404.1527(c)(6) allows consideration of other factors which "tend to support or contradict the opinion."
In Morales v. Apfel, 225 F.3d 310 (3d Cir. 2000), the Third Circuit set forth the standard for evaluating the opinion of a treating physician, stating that:
A cardinal principle guiding disability eligibility determinations is that the ALJ accord treating physicians' reports great weight, especially "when their opinions reflect expert judgment based on a continuing observation of the patient's condition over a prolonged period of time." Plummer [v. Apfel, 186 F.3d 422, 429 (3d Cir.1999)] (quoting Rocco v. Heckler, 826 F.2d 1348, 1350 (3d Cir.1987)); see also Adorno v. Shalala, 40 F.3d 43, 47 (3d Cir.1994); Jones, 954 F.2d at 128; Allen v. Bowen, 881 F.2d 37, 40-41 (3d Cir.1989); Frankenfield v. Bowen, 861 F.2d 405, 408 (3d Cir.1988); Brewster, 786 F.2d at 585. The ALJ may choose whom to credit but "cannot reject evidence for no reason or for the wrong reason." Plummer, 186 F.3d at 429 (citing Mason v. Shalala, 994 F.2d 1058, 1066 (3d Cir.1993)). The ALJ must consider the medical findings that support a treating physician's opinion that the claimant is disabled. See Adorno, 40 F.3d at 48. In choosing to reject the treating physician's assessment, an ALJ may not make "speculative inferences from medical reports" and may reject "a treating physician's opinion outright only on the basis of contradictory medical evidence" and not due to his or her own credibility judgments, speculation or lay opinion. Plummer, 186 F.3d at 429; Frankenfield v. Bowen, 861 F.2d 405, 408 (3d Cir.1988); Kent, 710 F.2d at 115.
Id. at 317-318.
Here, the passage of time required the ALJ to make "speculative inferences from medical reports" and may rejected the opinions "due to his or her own credibility judgments, speculation or lay opinion." Id. at 317-318. The Court acknowledges that:
[B]ecause state agency review precedes ALJ review, there is always some time lapse between the consultant's report and the ALJ hearing and decision. The Social Security regulations impose no limit on how much time may pass between a report and the ALJ's decision in reliance on it.
Chandler v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 667 F.3d 356, 361 (3d Cir. 2011). However, the absence of a time limit in the Social Security regulations does not empower the ALJ to independently interpret objective evidence to supplant the opinion of a treating physician. The Third Circuit has explained:
By independently reviewing and interpreting the laboratory reports, the ALJ impermissibly substituted his own judgment for that of a physician; an ALJ is not free to set his own expertise against that of a physician who presents competent evidence. Again, if the ALJ believed that Dr. Scott's reports were conclusory or unclear, it was incumbent upon the ALJ to secure additional evidence from another physician.
Ferguson v. Schweiker, 765 F.2d 31, 37 (3d Cir. 1985).
Here, through the date of Dr. Williams' opinion, Plaintiff was treated only with Dr. Rjepaj. Supra. Plaintiff frequently reported improvement, and the most recent record prior to Dr. Williams' opinion indicated that Plaintiff was "doing well overall and has no active mood symptoms at this time." (Tr. 354, 374, 376). The only objective findings on examination prior to Dr. Williams' opinion were writing in a pressured manner, being somewhat elated and overly confident, hyperverbal and pressured speech, "mildly irritable" mood, and a restricted affect (Tr. 362-65).
Plaintiff subsequently deteriorated. Objective findings through the date of the ALJ decision included hyperactive and restless psychomotor behavior, a elated mood with congruent affect of increased range and intensity, hyperverbal and pressured speech, impaired judgment, impaired insight, agitation, anxiety, hyper-alertness, restlessness, impulsiveness, an inability to maintain attention and concentration during conversation, a GAF of 42, thought process that was rambling/racing from one topic to another, with looseness of associations and flight of ideas, ideas of reference, below average intelligence, partial insight, and poor impulse control, an irritable mood with congruent affect, and a restricted range and intensity. (Tr. 435, 441-443, 458, 561, 566).
Consequently, the passage of time required the ALJ to independently interpret a significant portion of the relevant evidence. Thus, it "was incumbent upon the ALJ to secure additional evidence from another physician." Id. Unlike Chandler, the passage of time in this case covered a period of three years. Supra. Moreover, unlike Chandler, the evidence submitted over the three year period indicated significant treatment and multiple objective findings that corroborated Plaintiff's claims. Supra. Thus, the passage of time, the content of the records, and the failure of the ALJ to secure a more recent state agency opinion required the ALJ to impermissibility independently interpret objective evidence and substitute her lay opinion.
The Court further acknowledges that a state agency reviewing opinion may provide substantial evidence for the ALJ to reject a treating source opinion. Chandler v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 667 F.3d 356, 361 (3d Cir. 2011). However, substantial evidence is considered in relationship to other evidence. As the Third Circuit has explained:
[O]ur decisions make clear that determination of the existence vel non of substantial evidence is not merely a quantitative exercise. A single piece of evidence will not satisfy the substantiality test if the [Commissioner] ignores, or fails to resolve, a conflict created by counterveiling evidence. Nor is evidence substantial if it is overwhelmed by other evidence- particularly certain types of evidence (e.g., that offered by treating physicians)-or if it really constitutes not evidence but mere conclusion.
Morales v. Apfel, 225 F.3d 310, 317 (3d Cir. 2000) (quoting Kent v. Schweiker, 710 F.2d 110, 114 (3d Cir. 1983)). Here, the state agency reviewing opinion was "overwhelmed" by four opinions "offered by treating physicians." Id. Thus, it did not provide substantial evidence to the ALJ's RFC assessment or assignment of weight to the medical opinions under the facts of this particular case.
Moreover, the ALJ discredited evidence after March of 2010 on the ground that it came after Plaintiff's date last insured. (Tr. 20-28). The ALJ also limited her conclusions to Plaintiff's date last insured. For instance, the ALJ concluded that "the record shows that the claimant's symptoms were adequately controlled from the amended disability date through at least the date last insured." (Tr. 27). The ALJ used this as a basis to reject Dr. Rohrer's opinion. (Tr. 28).
However, Plaintiff's date last insured is irrelevant to his eligibility to supplemental security income. Santos v. Colvin, 3:13-CV-1612, 2014 WL 5474576, at *11 (M.D. Pa. Oct. 28, 2014) ("SSI is a needs-based program, and eligibility is not limited based on an applicant's date last insured"). The ALJ's failure to discuss subsequent evidence precludes meaningful review of Plaintiff's eligibility for SSI and the assessment of later opinions. As the Third Circuit has explained:
[T]he Secretary must "explicitly" weigh all relevant, probative and available evidence. Dobrowolsky v. Califano, 606 F.2d 403, 407 (3d Cir.1979); see also Brewster v. Heckler, 786 F.2d 581, 584 (3d Cir.1986); Cotter, 642 F.2d at 705. The Secretary must provide some explanation for a rejection of probative evidence which would suggest a contrary disposition. Brewster, 786 F.2d at 585. The Secretary may properly accept some parts of the medical evidence and reject other parts, but she must consider all the evidence and give some reason for discounting the evidence she rejects. Stewart v. Secretary of H.E.W., 714 F.2d 287, 290 (3d Cir.1983)
Adorno v. Shalala, 40 F.3d 43, 48 (3d Cir. 1994); see also Diaz v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec., 577 F.3d 500, 504-05 (3d Cir. 2009) ("The ALJ must provide a discussion of the evidence' and an explanation of reasoning' for his conclusion sufficient to enable meaningful judicial review") (quoting Burnett v. Comm'r of Soc. Sec. Admin., 220 F.3d 112, 120 (3d Cir. 2000).
This explanation requirement is particularly important for medical opinions. Under the Regulations, 20 C.F.R. 404.1527(c) states that the ALJ "will evaluate every medical opinion we receive." Id. There is a heightened requirement in Section 1527(c)(2), which applies only to treating physicians. Section 1527(c)(2) states that ALJs "will always give good reasons in [the] notice of determination or decision for the weight we give your treating physician's opinion." Id. (emphasis added). See also Ray v. Colvin, 1:13-CV-0073, 2014 WL 1371585, at *21 (M.D. Pa. Apr. 8, 2014) ("The cursory manner in which the ALJ rejected Dr. Jacob's opinions runs afoul of the regulation's requirement to "give good reasons" for not crediting the opinion of a treating source upon consideration of the factors listed above. While there may be sufficient evidence in the record to support the ALJ's ultimate decision that Plaintiff was not under a disability, and, thus, the same outcome may result from remand, the court cannot excuse the denial of a mandatory procedural protection on this basis."). The ALJ's failure to properly the evaluate the evidence after Plaintiff's date last insured precludes the Court from concluding that she providing "good reasons." Id.
Finally, the ALJ misconstrued the evidence that allegedly supported her opinion. The ALJ wrote that:
State agency opinions from July and October 2010 reveal that the claimant was capable of at least simple routine work with medication compliance (Exhibit SF); that the claimant had mild restrictions with activities of daily living and social interaction, and moderate restrictions in concentration, persistence and pace (Exhibit 4F); and that the record lacked sufficient evidence as of October 2010 to assess his mental limitations (Exhibit 14F). These opinions are given appropriate weight in that they are consistent with the claimant's improvement with medication compliance and the fact that he has not required ongoing counseling or inpatient treatment.
(Tr. 28). First, the state agency opinion in October 2010 did not reveal that Plaintiff was capable of any work; the opinion declined to address Plaintiff's activities of daily living, maintaining social function, or concentration, persistence, and pace. (Tr. 602). The October 2010 opinion states that Plaintiff "did not complete ADLs necessary to determine severity of mental impairment." (Tr. 604). Dr. Small concluded that there was "insufficient evidence" to make a determination of Plaintiff's medical disposition. (Tr. 592). Moreover, the opinion was limited to the period of time before March 31, 2010, Plaintiff's date last insured, because he had not yet applied for SSI. (Tr. 592). Absolutely no aspect of the October 2010 opinion supports the ALJ's conclusion or indicated that he could do simple routine work. Thus, the ALJ's characterization of the October 2010 opinion misconstrues the evidence. As the Third Circuit has explained:
Since the ALJ did not consider all the relevant record evidence, and, more significantly, misconstrued the evidence considered, his conclusion that Cotter's impairment did not prevent the performance of his past relevant work, which is based on the ALJ's understanding of the physical demands of welding, must be reconsidered.
Cotter v. Harris, 642 F.2d 700, 707 (3d Cir. 1981). Thus, the Court recommends remand for the ALJ to properly evaluate the treating source opinions and assess Plaintiff's RFC. Because the Court recommends remand on these grounds, the Court declines to address Plaintiff's other allegations of error.
VII. Conclusion
The undersigned recommends that the Court vacate the decision of the Commissioner pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) and remand the case for further proceedings.
Accordingly, it is HEREBY RECOMMENDED:
1. The decision of the Commissioner of Social Security denying Plaintiff's social security disability insurance and supplemental security income benefits be vacated and the case remanded to the Commissioner of Social Security to develop the record fully, conduct a new administrative hearing and appropriately evaluate the evidence.
2. The Clerk of Court close this case.
The parties are further placed on notice that pursuant to Local Rule 72.3:
Any party may object to a Magistrate Judge's proposed findings, recommendations or report addressing a motion or matter described in 28 U.S.C. § 636 (b)(1)(B) or making a recommendation for the disposition of a prisoner case or a habeas corpus petition within fourteen (14) days after being served with a copy thereof. Such party shall file with the clerk of court, and serve on the Magistrate Judge and all parties, written objections which shall specifically identify the portions of the proposed findings, recommendations or report to which objection is made and the basis for such objections. The briefing requirements set forth in Local Rule 72.2 shall apply. A Judge shall make a de novo determination of those portions of the report or specified proposed findings or recommendations to which objection is made and may accept, reject, or modify, in whole or in part, the findings or recommendations made by the magistrate judge. The Judge, however, need conduct a new hearing only in his or her discretion or where required by law, and may consider the record developed before the magistrate judge, making his or her own determination on the basis of that record. The Judge may also receive further evidence, recall witnesses or recommit the matter to the Magistrate Judge with instructions.
Our website includes the main text of the court's opinion but does not include the
docket number, case citation or footnotes. Upon purchase, docket numbers and/or
citations allow you to research a case further or to use a case in a legal proceeding.
Footnotes (if any) include details of the court's decision.
Official citation and/or docket number and footnotes (if any) for this case available with purchase.
Learn more about what you receive with purchase of this case.
LRC, Inc. About Us


text:
Selling Options on Futures?
|August 22nd, 2015, 09:49 PM
|#4781 (permalink)
Elite Member
Edmonton, Alberta
Futures Experience: Advanced
Platform: IB
Favorite Futures: nq
Posts: 55 since Jan 2012
Thanks: 27 given, 56 received
You missed the biggest FACT : Nobody knows s**t.
You will be much better off in the future ignoring news / opinions and just keep playing the probabilities. Try to sell premium on VOL pops and stay mechanical and stick to your risk management plan.
Ignore opinions from everyone, as I said above no one knows ****. It's a numbers game. Don't go looking for answers as to why this big move happened, it's just the nature of markets. Long periods of low volatility with occasional violent spikes. Take advantage of the pops and don't get complacent in low vol environments.
edit: Before anyone comes in and tells you they 'knew' last week's sell-off was coming because of "XYZ", all I can say is that many people knew a big sell-off was likely - it's the nature of markets. But no one can accurately tell you when it will occur. Next day, next week , next month, six months from now, etc... Don't be tempted to listen to anyone's BS.
Last edited by gfmatt; August 22nd, 2015 at 09:59 PM. Reason: additional thought
|The following 9 users say Thank You to gfmatt for this post:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Play: Rock Vs. Zombies
Related Games
Description: Rock Vs. Zombies
Description: If you are a Minecraft lover, you are in the right place, here on BrightestGames.com. When a horde of zombies have invaded your home, you have to fight them and of course, every second counts. Roll out an awesome giant rock to squash those undead foes, in a 3D physics game that takes no prisoners. You will need to think quickly to avoid danger along the way, and to destroy all the zombies before time runs out. Fight the zombies in 32 challenging levels of varying complexity and race against time. Pay attention at the moving platforms and the slippery ice patches.Think quickly to avoid getting into dangerous situations.
Control: Use arrow keys to play the game.
New racing games, shooting games, car games, bike games and sport games are added weekly! Rock Vs. Zombies Games


text:
- $848,000
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- Questions?
Condo for sale in Fairview, Vancouver
TOTALLY RENOVATED APARTMENT, Spring/Summer 2016! 947 sq. ft. with 1 large bedroom with walk-in closets. The very spacious open floor plan flows from kitchen to dining area to living room with a cosy den/office area. The kitchen and dining area have custom built-ins, giving bonus space for storage. New engineered hardwood flooring. The new bathroom has fabulous shower stall and in-floor heating. 1 parking and 1 locker. Strata freehold concrete bldg. with a very well managed strata council and full time Manager. Views of False Creek, City and gardens. Steps to Seawall, Granville Island and Downtown. Excellent facilities-indoor pool, sauna, gym, library and more.
- Taxes Info not provided
- Maintenance $488
- Fronting Info not provided
- Poss. Date Info not provided
- Lot Size Info not provided
- Age 31 years
- Parking Spaces Info not provided
- Basement Info not provided
- Type Apartment
- Style Other
- Laundry - In Suite
- Recreation Centre
- Exercise Centre
This is an MLS®-listed Condo for sale located at in Fairview, Vancouver It's listed for $848,000 and has been on the market for 15 days. The house is 947 square feet and has 1 beds and 1 baths. Estimated monthly mortgage costs are $* per month.
There are no room details available for this property.
- Gas Info not provided
- Sewers Info not provided
- Hydro Info not provided
- Water & Water Supply Info not provided
- Heat Info not provided
- Cable TV Info not provided
- Energy certified Info not provided
- Cert. Level Info not provided
- Green info Info not provided
- CAC: Info not provided
- Broker: Dexter Associates Realty
TheRedPin offers the latest data on schools in your neighbourhood.
What school zone does this home fall under?
What are the school ratings?
$3,180 cash back from commission on this property*
Work with full time, full services expert agents bonused on client satisfaction
Join the many thousands of satisfied TheRedPin customers who bought and sold with us


text:
** *** ****** Version Study *****
Attached: IT 236 Latest Version Set Entire Course 2014 A+ Study Guide.zip
$6.49Buy an answer
This pack includes IT 236 Latest Version Set 2014 A+ Study Guide
$6.49Buy an answer
Sign In to Your Account
Create Account
Thank you for registration!
Thank you for registration!
You password was sent to your email address !


text:
Earn 50 Birchbox points for every friend that purchases a subscription.
Create a free account to check out faster, store multiple shipping addresses, view and track your orders in your account, and much more.
Join Now Received a gift? Redeem Now!
Please enter your password to continue.
Prefer cobalt to aqua? Check out Shiraleah's Aliya Mosaic Votive Holder.
Availability: Out of stock
Nothing sets the mood quite like candlelight. With its colorful mosaic glass, Shiraleah's Moroccan-inspired votive holder only adds to the ambiance. Come dinner party or date night, switch off those overhead lights and opt for a flattering, warm glow instead.
Place a votive or tea light candle in the holder, then light. Don't forget to blow out your candle before you leave the room.
I love this votive holder. I originally purchased it as a gift, but I loved it so much I ended up keeping it for myself. It is gorgeous.
I bought this for my friend as a gift and she absolutely LOVED it. This candle holder is bigger in person and definitely holds small to medium sized candles. Very beautifully hand crafted!
This stunning candle holder is larger than I expected but only holds a votive candle. It features lovely, classy colors and a romantic shimmer perfect for the home. It makes a great gift for any occasion.
I needed a candle holder and this one is absolutely gorgeous! The picture doesnt do it justice. It fits up to most small to medium candles. It has a lovely glow when a candle is lit up and it gives the room a romantic feel.


text:
haha prank
- Size: 240px
- Quality: Normal
- Size: 1.81 MB 605.51 KB
This Gif entitled haha prank was created from the youtube video 2 years ago. It uses 12 frames per second and is displayed at 240px resolution. This animated image plays for 10 seconds, was built with normal quality and an estimated weight of 1.81 MB for download. This animation was originally created from the Time Check Prank! video from 02:10 to 02:20.
Flag This GifSend


text:
|Shopping cart is empty.
This is a wonderful traditional preparation of herbs to restore energy levels & build stamina.
It strengthen the heart & expels toxins from Rasa and Raktavaha srotas.
A healthy & natural substitute for all age groups for Milo
Dosage – x1 desert spoon in cup of warm milk as required.
Ingredients - Terminalia arjuna, Cyprus rotundus, Vetiveria zizanioides, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Amomum subulatum, Zingiber officinale, Eclipta alba, Rosa damascene, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Caesalpinia sappan, Aloe barbadensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Azardica indica, Brassica nigra, Ricinus communis, Piper longum, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica, Phyllanthus emblica, Quercua infectoria, Sausvera lappa, Chlorophytum borivilianum, Trapa bispinosa, Asparagus racemosa, Mucuna pruriens, Nelumbo nucifera, Scindapsus officinalis, Curcuma longa, Santalum album
Quantity - 400 gms
I am in awe of the power of Ayurveda and healing service you have provided to me and many others. As a client I have felt genuinely cared for and supported through the ups and downs of the treatment process.


text:
Easy Peanut Butter Cupdae
Total Time
Prep 5 mins
Cook 5 mins
It's like a sundae - cum - milkshake! Bananas, ice cream, skim milk, and a dab of peanut butter make for something that tastes MUCH more decadent than it is. Breyer's or Edy's 'double churned' lights are the best light ice creams for this recipe. This is useful for those of us with no access to a blender.
Ingredients Nutrition
- 1 cup light vanilla ice cream
- 1 small banana, sliced and frozen
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter, refrigerated natural
- 1⁄4-1⁄2 cup skim milk
- Chill a mug and spoon thoroughly in the freezer.
- Measure all ingredients except milk into the mug, mash with chilled spoon until thoroughly combined. Add milk, mix again.
- Place mug in the freezer for a couple minutes to refreeze.
- Chow down.


text:
35 Minute Trail: $16 ea.Dollar Discount For Cash
Children must be 7 years old to ride on the trails
Pony Rides:
Parent assisted pony rides:$3.50 per lap$.50 discount for cash
Three laps: $9.00Dollar discount for cash
Hayrides every Friday & Saturday beginning Friday May 27th - Saturday Oct. 29th$3 per person Cash OnlyChildren 3 and under are freeWe leave the campstore at 7:30
Last ride must be signed up before closing time.
No weight limit.
Children must be 7 years old to ride on trail ride.
No double riding. One person per horse.
Private/Special Occasion Hayrides, call for pricing & information.
Able to accommodate large groups & schools.


text: prev next Share: Email Was $19.95 $19.95 Rating 0.00 of 5 (0 Reviews) This Product Qualifies for Free Shipping In Stock Unavailable Qty: Add to Cart Thank You For Your Submission! Name: Email Address: Earn Points with the purchase of this item Learn More Product Information Now Playing Midland XTC-300 Bow Mount Bow mount for the Midland XTC-300 HD Camera Screws into bow stabilizer bar Item # 46394 SKU # Mfr. Part # Product Reviews Be the first to review this product. Review It Related Links View Midland All Midland Helmet Cameras All Midland ATV Accessories


text:
THIS IS A DIRECTORY PAGE. Britannica does not currently have an article on this topic.
Learn about this topic in these articles:
discussed in biography
In 1859 Meyer began his career as a science educator, holding various appointments before serving as professor of chemistry at the University of Tübingen (1876–95). His book Die modernen Theorien der Chemie (1864; "Modern Chemical Theory"), a lucid treatise on the fundamental principles of chemical science, contained a preliminary scheme for the arrangement of...


text:
"Maggie Walker House" Top 5 Page for this destination Maggie Walker House Tip by b1bob
Maggie Walker House, Richmond: 2 reviews and 6 photos
Christian and I made the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site the first stop on our tour of Jackson Ward. It was the residence of the businesswoman and her family from 1904 to 1934. She started out as a teacher and opened up the first bank for the black community. The house, built in 1883 and expanded several times to its present 25 rooms, along with several adjacent buildings on Leigh and 2nd streets, is maintained by the National Park Service. It has been restored to its 1930s appearance and is furnished with Walker family pieces. It was state-of-the art for the time. In her later years, Maggie Walker was confined to a wheelchair due to diabetes and had to have a lift installed in the rear of the house. A park ranger gives a tour of the residence, and his knowledge of the area is that of a native Richmonder. Before the tour begins, there is a film that explains the life of Maggie Walker. Nine months later, Mark and I came here and we were guided by the same ranger as before.
en espa�ol, em portugu�s, en fran�ais
Address: 110-1/2 E. Leigh St., Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 771-2017
Website: http://www.nps.gov/malw/home.htm
More Reviews (217)
Restaurants (92)See All Soul Food In Richmond
Shopping (34)See All West End Antique Mall
General (40)See All Old Mechanics and Merchants Bank...
Local Customs (17)See All "Qu� Pasa" Festival
Off The Beaten Path (3)See All University of Richmond (or U of R)
Warnings and Dangers (4)See All Clean up after your pet
b1bob's Related Pages
b1bob Visits Here Frequently!
"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. - Thomas Jefferson"
- Member Rank:
- 0 0 0 7 7
- 2,398 Reviews
- 3,349 Photos
- Add Friend
- Follow
- Send Message
Have you been to Richmond?Share Your Travels


text:
This API is deprecated. These APIs are still functional for backward compatibility reasons - but no new feature is surfaced through these APIs. For any new development work, refer to the OpenSocial Microblogging APIs.
To remove a message from your message board, use the HTTP DELETE method.
See Authenticating requests for information about how to authenticate the request.
Table 1. Atom API request details
Error codes
Parent topic: Working with update messages and comments


text:
Our best posts
- IllumiNOT-Me: 10 Ways Rappers Deny Being in the Illuminati
- Kanye West Is Not a Jackass
- From Art Basel to Art Yeezy: Kanye's "New Slaves" Projections as Contemporary Art
- Top 50 Songs of 2013 // January - June
- Slap Genius: Hip Hop's Best Slaps
- When Hip Hop Goes to Court: Rap Lawsuits and Music Law
- She's Just Being Miley... and Every Other Pop Star in American Music History Ever
- Why No One Has Killed Your Favorite Rapper
- Trap Geniuses: Why Selling Rap is like Selling Crack
- The Rapper's Flow Encyclopedia
- The Beastie Chronicles — I
- 100 Most Upvoted Annotations
- Verse to Verse: Arcade Fire
- Top 10 Television Theme Songs
- Verse to Verse: Kanye West
- Verse to Verse: Jay-Z
- Rap Genius Presents: The Top 100 Rap Songs of 2012
- Scarface: The Holy Bible of Rap Music
- Great Expectations: The RapGenius Guide to Rap Albums in 2013
- 100 Most Upvoted Annotations of 2013
- The Personification of Hip-Hop
- NEW VIDEO from the latest verified rapper on Rap Genius: 50 Cent
- NAS INTERVIEW: why Nas wants to explain his own lyrics on Rap Genius
- Rappers Crying
- Showing Our Poetry Love
- POETRY GENIUS: How To Read And Why
- Life is Good's Future Impact
- GODFATHERS OF RAP GENIUS: Ben Horowitz Interviews Steve Stoute
- Rap Genius Explanation Competition
- The Top 5 People Rappers Reference
- RapGenius Ranks the First Half of 2012
- Hannibal Buress: First Comedian Verified on Rap Genius
- Bricks to Billboard, Grams to Grammys: Rap Genius' Top 25 Jay-Z Verses
- What Does Trust Mean in the Rap Game?
- Who's this new Bada$$ kid???: A UK Perspective
- RGU Lesson Two: Me and the Devil Blues
- RGU Lesson One: The Signifyin' Monkey
- A$AP ROCKY INTERVIEW: Maboo v. Nardwuar
- Professor Rapper: 7 Uncommon Black History Facts as Told by Kendrick Lamar
- Bragging in Hip Hop
- Inside the Lines with RZA: Part 1
- Rap Genius goes Inside the Lines with Mac Miller
- Rap vs. Ronald Reagan
- Operation Free Earl
- Are the fans getting more ignorant?
- Drake Says He's The First Person To Successfully Rap And Sing. Here's why he's wrong.
- Rap Genius Nas interview PREVIEW
- An Open Letter from Donald Glover
- Rap Genius Interviews B.o.B.
- Interview With B Horowitz: RG Verified Blogger
- Rap Genius of the Month: Big Ghostfase
- 30 Rock: On Gunplay and 2Chainz
- Top 100 Rap Songs of 2011
- SUBJECT: Jones, Russel Tyrone
- Why There Will Never be a 'GOAT' in Hip-Hop: An Extensive Analysis
- What to Expect from Rap Albums in 2012: The RapGenius Guide to Listening Safely in a Hype-Cycled Universe
- The Top 10 Mixtapes of 2011
- The Direction of Hip-Hop
- The Navy Seal Who Killed Osama bin Laden loves That "Red Nation" Track MTV Banned
- My Philosophy on Socrates References in Rap
- Dear Shyne, Ask Yourself: 'What Is A Classic Album?' Ya Bish!
- Machine Gun Kelly Inside the Lines
- Is The Rap Game Pretentious?
- Five Tips For Unsigned Rappers
- Is Pete Rock's Disappointment Justified?
- Rappers' Obsession with Jewish Culture
- Stereo IQ's Top Albums of 2012
- The Recent History Of Mixtape Trolling
- You Can't Rap, But You Can Make A Song
- Retrospect for Lu: One Year Later...
- "Six Minutes, Slim Shady, You're On"
- Rap Genius Political Appointees 2012
- WTF is a Basquiat?
- "Triple Beam Dreams": A Reinvigoration of Tradition
- Inside the Rappers Studio: A Witty Nicki Minaj?
- Top 10 Lines From Drake's "Take Care"
- Rap Geniuses of the Month: Kembe X / Alex Wiley
- Black Star: Let's ALL Get Down!
- Freak Wit It - The Five Greatest Censored Versions of Hip Hop Songs
- All in the Name of P***Y: 7 Women Who Made Fresh Beef Into Poison Meat
- Can't Wait To Be King: If J. Cole Really Were Simba
- Fuck You; Pay Me (By Not Buying My Music)
- Don't Become a Rapper If: A Checklist
- Hella Based: The Many Faces of Lil B
- Rappers: They're Just Like Us!
- 10 Last-Minute Christmas Gift Ideas For The Hip Hop/Music Lover
- Which Throne are You Watching?
- Lupe Fiasco: The Proust of Rap
- Introducing the Rap Map™ - your guide through the gangsta terrain of the planet
- Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor: All the Lyrics Explained
- Is it right to hate fame?
- Kill Whitey: Top 10 Corporate Greed Rap Lyrics
- Big Sean's "Finally Famous"
- The Five Nastiest, Most Explicit Sex Scenes in Rap History
- Selena Gomez does Birthdays, Biebers, and Beats in her new album Stars Dance
- THE HISTORY OF HIP HOP (as told by Rap Genius)
- Eatbox: rappers eat pussy sometimes, too
- Joey Bada$$ & Kendrick Lamar: This Generation's Biggie & Pac? : A UK Perspective
- I Think I'm Turning Japanese: Rap's Infatuation With Benihana
- Track-by-Track Guide to Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
- MCA Keeps Rocking in the Afterlife
- ALL of Tyler, The Creator's "Bastard" Explicado
- My Kingdom For A Platinum Football Field
- Wax: From YouTube To Def Jam
- Eminem's Infinite Explained
- Tyler the Creator - Goblin
- Bad Meets Evil Hell: The Sequel Lyrics
- Liquid Swords: Rap Genius on the Rap Genius
- Common: "A Letter To The Law" Video Breakdown
- Wale: The Antithesis of J. Cole
- That Shit Cray: Top Ten Meme Lines of the Year Thus Far
- Kirk Knight Shines on Summer Knights: A UK Perspective
- Tyler gets pizzunked
- Marvin's...Rooms
- Raponomics: Top Ten Foreign Currency References Of All Time
- "Don't Ask Me How": The Elusive TRIPLE Entendre in Hip-Hop
- Lil Wayne Carter 4 Cover
- One Love. Elzhi's "Elmatic"
- 2011's Best Twitter Moments
- International Underground: Hip Hop as Global Rebel Music
- Rap Genius LLP: A NEW Legal Service for the Rap Community
- Excerpt: They call me Jay Electronica
- Rappers and the Alphabet: A Romance on the D.L.
- Rap Genius in the OED
- Rap Genius Watch The Throne Cover
- Belief in Based God
- The Many Nicknames of Tyler, the Creator
- Interview With Jay-Z's Financial Biographer: Rap Genius Editor SnoopZoggyZogg
- Top 25 Rap Albums of 2011
- Tyler, The Creator vs. Woody Allen
- An Intro to Break Beats
- Big Sean is Finally Famous...boiiiii
- Notes on "Ready To Die"
- Al Qaeda / Taliban rap paper plate awards: a discussion of Jihadi references in rap lyrics
- Frank Ocean Nostalgia Ultra - all the lyrics explained
- Curren$y's Weekend At Burnie's Syncs With The Film
- Curren$y "Covert Coup": All The Lyrics Explained
- Rage Against the Machine: Rap, Rock and Revolution
- ENTER THE WU: 36 Chambers
- "These n*ggas be mad -- that's why they stay hating" : Thoughts on V-Nasty
- Dominic Strauss Khan & Ghostface
- Lupe Fiasco's LASERS
- Subliminal Satanic Messages in Jay-Z
- Jay-Z: "Rap Is Poetry"
- The Classic Yo! MTV Raps Returns, One Night Only!
- Tyler the Creator: Tron Cat
- Most commonly misheard rap lines
- Cadence & Flow -- A Study in MMG
- Hip-Hop's TECHNOlogic Revolution
- Donald Glover Interview: "What the fuck is a Childish Gambino?"
- Kanye & Pharrell at Design in Miami: Breaking Down Understanding and Rap Genius
- Pass Through, Ghost-like: A Multi Before I Die Mixtape
- Religion in Hip Hop: A RapGenius Overview
- Nas, Illmatic: All the lyrics to every song explained
- Crooked I Decodes Crooked I
- Wiz Khalifa: probably fucked your bitch
- Nas interview PREVIEW
- Rhyming Words with Themselves, sort of: Top Ten Homophone Rhymes of All Time
- XV Reasons Why XV's The Next Big Thing
- A Modest Proposal: Why those white-bread, hella suburban rappers matter
- An Open Letter Regarding OFWGKTA (Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All)
- "Tastes like Swag": Cooking with Lil B (Part1: Wonton Soup)
- Kanye in Paris
- M-m-m-maybach Music
- Gil Scott Heron - Father of Rap
- On "Blue Slide Park": A Review of Moderate Proportions
- We Found Earl!
- Interview: Vince Staples
- Bad Meets Sequel?
- Adrien Brody Reciting 10 Crack Commandments
- Kendrick Lamar - #Section.80
- RAP GENIUS EXCLUSIVE: Despot reveals a supergroup and gives his fans a SPECIAL MESSAGE!
- Jay-Z vs. RapGenius.com: Who's Better at Decoding Jay-Z's Lyrics?
- StereoIQ Lines of the Week: July 30-August 7
- Hell: The Sequel
- ALL the lyrics to Kanye West's "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" Explained
- Interview with producer and OFWGKTA affiliate BrandenBeatBoy
- I Love Hip-hop, But...Part I
- Eminem, Recovery: ALL the lyrics to EVERY song explained!
- Nicki Minaj Pink Friday: ALL the lyrics to EVERY song decoded
- All of the Lights: Seizure-tastic
- "Well I guess, this is my dissertation"- Graduation: Decoded
- Rap Genius of the Month: Don Trip
- Rappers: Suckered by Obama's Charm, Just Like the Rest of Us...
- Curren$y Interview With DDS
- Dre - Is Detox coming?
- Pusha's "Fear of God" Mixtape: Don't Be Scurred
- Virginia's Finest: Intalek Interview
- RIP Macho Mane - Wrestler, Rapper, Baller
- Hip Hop & Islam: The Sacred Nexus
- DIY: Turning the RG shirt into an RG Lady-Tee
- Lil B "Charlie Sheen" music video breakdown
- Fabolous "I'm Raw": A Close Reading
- Thank You Bouillabased God
- "Yonkers" Video Breakdown
- RIP Biggie Smalls (the Rap Genius)
- Fabolous SOUL Tape
- "Well I Guess, This Is My Dissertation" - Notes on Graduation
- Rap Genius on German MTV!
- Osama Got Popped..
- Lupe Fiasco's "Words I Never Said" Music Video
- Hip-hop Superbowl: Black and Yellow vs Green and Yellow
- Jay-Z on Biting Biggie's Rhymes
- Congressman Tweets Dickpic: Inspired by Kanye? Or Mannie Fresh? Who knows?
- "Don't Wanna Go Home" lyrics – Jason DeRulo
- RAP GENIUS EXCLUSIVE: Nicki Minaj's Titty
- Woman's work: transporting drugs for rappers
- Lil Wayne Explains Lil Wayne
- V-Nasty Saying The "N-Word"
- "Empire State of Mind" video breakdown
- Drake, Thank Me Later: ALL the lyrics to EVERY song explained
- Psychiatrist Advises Degenerate Geniuses to "Check Your Head"
- Cole Summer Saga Continues..
- J Cole Breaks Down His Album Title
- Rap Genius University: Rhyme Types
- ALL of the "All of the Lights"
- Lil B's "I'm Gay"
- Lil Wayne and Birdman's Notorious K.I.S.S.
- Monday Morning with the BRKF$T Club
- Detox - July 26 Release Date?
- Lyrics to Tyga's Well Done 2 Mixtape
- "Watch The Throne" Preview
- Watch The Throne (Snippets)
- Eminem vs. Weezy: Who's the King of these rude, ludicrous, lucrative lyrics?
- Big K.R.I.T. booed at Highline Ballroom
- Odd Future Is The New Beatles
- "Dreams Money Can Buy" by Drake
- "Return Of Simba" by J. Cole
- FREESTYLE BATTLE: Lupe Fiasco vs. Bill O'Reilly
- Annals of the Rap Orientalist: Talk of Money in Rap
- "Acura Integurl" by Frank Ocean
- "She Wanna Have My Baby" by The Game
- Kendrick Lamar "Hiii Power" Music Video Breakdown
- "Marvins Room" by Drake
- "Everywhere I Go" by 2Pac
- "Tree" - Kid Cudi & Wiz Khalifa
- "Loud Noises" by Bad Meets Evil
- 2Pac on Intellectual Property
- Lil Wayne Carter IV Release Date
- "Her Room" by Teyana Taylor
- Goblin L.A. Concert
- Interview - Indie Artist "b.a.sick"
- Hip Hop's Hero's Hubris?: RG Introduces Asaad
- Obama sings "Let's Stay Together"
- Lupe Fiasco (and Big Sean) - "Wait for Me"
- Drake Interview
- Norwegian Mass Murderer Hates Hip-hop
- The Bullitts X Jay Electronica MOOVIE
- "I'm On One" lyrics – Tyga
- Tyler the Creator & Odd Future on Tim Westwood
- "Oh My Remix" lyrics – DJ Drama
- Odd Future in Germany
- MeLo-X = Sade + The Weeknd
- Soulja Boy: The Movie (Trailer)
- "Trouble on My Mind" lyrics – Pusha T
- Artist in Residence: Black Cobain says farewell
- "I'm On One Freestyle" lyrics – Chamillionaire
- What's Wrong With John Galliano?
- Tyler The Creator Bonds With Tim Westwood
- "Uncle Otis" lyrics – The Game
- Consequence's "Pusha T Diss"
- Frank Ocean on "Watch The Throne".. Good Move? Bad Move?
- Rap Genius Reviews Dreams and Nightmares
- Jetlifer SinnersRemorse Reviews Curren$y's Priest Andretti
- Nardwuar Interviews Casey Veggies
- MJ Faded Way: Perfect
- Big Sean Arrested
- Artist in Residence: Black Cobain spits a fire freestyle
- Wiz Khalifa x Curren$y x Big Sean = STONER MIXTAPE OF THE CENTURY
- Cam'ron Threatens iTunes
- Thurnis Haley: Really Into Golf
- Black Hippy Interview
- Birdman Forbes Interview
- Lupe Fiasco's Long-Awaited Lasers...Cover Art
- NEW MUSIC: "Hotel" by NRK (Nobody Really Knows)
- Watch The Based
- In the Zone: Jay-Z and Kanye West Live at Bank Atlantic Center
- Rap Genius Editor Teaches Kreayshawn Makeup Techniques
- Rap Genius of the Month: Touré
- Kreayshawn's Ballinest Fan? Drake
- A$AP FERGENSTEIN: on the origins of "A$AP"
- INSIDE GAME: The Making of Martians vs Goblins
- Ambition 2: BEHIND THE SCENES
- J Cole on How Jay-Z REALLY Feels About "Cole World: A Sideline Story"
- Prodigy's Book: The Anti-Decoded
- Game's track-by-track breakdown of the Red Album
- Hipster Girl Raps "Look At Me Now"
- Jay-Z 101 at Georgetown University
- Young Dr. Dre on TV!
- Drake care...
- #Ambition (cover)
- Freddie Gibbs: Cold Day In Hell Cover
- BEEF: Fox News vs. Jon Stewart (& Common)
- Young Jeezy's TM103: Hustlerz Ambition Review
- 420 NEWS: Kid Cudi quits quitting weed
- Siri vs Biggie
- Imagine....
- IT'S OFFICIAL: Cyhi is an Otis Fan
- N***AWATCH 2011: V-Nasty Calls A Black Man "N***a" In A Fight
- Q: what will be this year's MOST MEME Halloween costume?
- RUH ROH: Tyler the Creator Arrested (Again)
- Carter IV Preview: Lil Wayne rolling with a cougar
- Tat My Name On You So I Know It's Real
- NEW VIDEO: Lupe Fiasco's "Bitch Bad"
- RG RANCH SXSW RECAP (part 2)
- "Words I Never Said": Lupe Fiasco's Anthem for the Egyptian Revolution?
- Introducing the Rap Genius Artist in Residence: The Black Cobain Experience
- TDE on Tour & Too funny
- Southern Boys Collide: Big KRIT & Yelawolf collaboration coming soon
- Rap Hoods - Hampton Roads, Virginia
- Big K.R.I.T. goes live from the underground and gets verified with RapGenius
- Lupe is a rap god but also human
- ras kass keeps it raw
- New Freshness: Urbana Poppin' Champaign (UPC)
- What is Wayne? The Artist Lives
- Rhyme Spotters: Twinkies
- Artist in Residence: The Confessional, Day One
- Common talks LUV on Rap Genius - Live Ustream!
- first ever freestyled verified explanation (don't ask me how)
- Ras Kass Behind the Lines with Rap Genius
- Behind the Bars with RiFF RaFF, part 1
- Behind the Bars with Riff Raff, part 2 (prepare to be enlightened)
- Does Bruno Mars have a space in hip hop?
- LUPE FIASCO EXCLUSIVE world premiere: Explore Lamborghini Angels
- EXCLUSIVE Lyrics and More From Skyzoo's New *A Dream Deferred* -- UPDATED!!
- What Does Common Think About Rap Genius?
- 2012 BET Cyphers Lyrics: Who spit fire?
- Grand Theft Audio: The Music of San Andreas
- The Importance of Music Education
- big boi RG fan contest: are you big's rap genius?
- Celebrating Common: 20 years of verified explanations, pt. 1
- MEEK MILL EXCLUSIVE WORLD PREMIERE: Maybach curtains
- Dreadlocks. Rasta?
- Celebrating Common: 20 years of verified explanations, pt. 2
- Rap Genius Interview: Adam Bradley, editor of the Yale Anthology of Rap
- big boi exclusive: new outkast next?
- Verified Artist Lushlife is hosting an RG COmpetition
- The Game R.E.D. Album Preview
- Joey Bada$$ new single "Unorthodox"
- RANCH RECAP: RG at SXSW part 1
- Rap Genius x BET: Video Breakdown of Stalley's "Fountain of Youth"
- "I Got More at Stake Than Philly": Reasonable Doubt decoded
- The Top Ten Verses of 2011
- The Fine Art of the Name Drop: From Pac to R.A.
- News Genius Lines of the Week, 05/03/2013
- "Can't Knock The Hustle": How Jay-Z Came Up on Ace of Spades
- The Honors English Rap Genius Challenge - CONTEST RULES
- News Genius Quotes of the Week, 05/10/2013
- Woman sleeps with Nas, Jay-Z, and Allen Iverson; reveals penis secrets
- Skylar Grey x RG x Gigg "Final Warning" Verse Contest
- Jay-Z, Eminem, and "Renegade": Who Killed Whom?
- News Genius Quotes of the Week, 05/17/2013
- Lulu's son shine: What is Jay-Z talking about in "A Star is Born"?
- Roots, How I Got Over: ALL the lyrics to EVERY song explained!
- The 7 Stages of Yeezus: From "Through the Wire" to "I Am a God"
- "Jimmy's Back": A Documentary about Mass Incarceration by Dice Raw
- "Ronald Reagan Era" by Kendrick Lamar
- "Get it?" Why do rappers explain their own lines in the Age of Rap Genius?
- RIP Big Pun
- Lil B album to be called "I'm Gay"
- Either Kanye and Ghostface both sleep head to toe with their respective cousins, or Kanye is biting
- Why Kanye Chose No Album Artwork
- Top 10 Whistleblowers
- The 5 degrees of decadence in "Fashion Rap"
- Introducing RapMetrics™: The Birth of Statistical Analysis of Rap Lyrics
- Tyler Arrested In L.A.
- Wale Attention Deficit: DECODED
- Lil Wayne: "Dear Anne" Lyrics Explicado..
- MMG loves lyrics just like RG
- Wale Contest: Unlock the Meaning Behind The Gifted Lyrics and Win!
- Lil Wayne on Roman's Revenge 2.0: Only One Verse?
- Poll: What are the best "fuck songs" / "love songs" in rap music?
- Was Slug the O.G. Drake?
- Wiz & Amber sitting in a tree.. T - A - T - T - O - O - I -N -G
- Bad Meets Evil on Fuse TV at Bonnaroo
- Young and Beautiful: The Anomaly That is Lana Del Rey
- Slaughterhouse tells RG what they really think about Black Hippy
- Blog fam Interview: AFH - Kendrick Lamar "GRIT"
- Ne-Yo is Now verified!
- Ab-Soul Drawing Contest on Rap Genius?!
- Mac Miller "Blue Slide Park" Tracklist
- Oh Mercy Me: New Music & An Artist to Watch
- Lupe Fiasco Exclusive world premiere: breaking down "bitch bad"
- Kush and Corinthians: Religious Contradictions in Hip Hop
- MO Purp please! New music from Alex Wiley, Kembe X and Chance the Rapper
- TV Night at Cam's
- Finest 5 Facts
- Dreamboats
- Honors English Lyrics Challenge Coming Soon - Sneak Peak
- Artist in Residence: Making of "The Recipe" freestyle w/ Black Cobain
Rapper's Flow Encyclopedia - Pharoahe Monch
Bam! "30 Days Rap Analysis Extravaganza" Part 6 on ya neck, and you ain't shruggin' it off!
Now, in my mind, some of rap's most famous places and people aren't actually real. That is, Brooklyn isn't really a place in New York City that has ordinary fast food restaurants and where people recycle their trash and shit. No, it's just a rap heaven where people walk around spittin' mad raps, and you can exchange a dope freestyle for your groceries and stuff. Completely incorrect? Yes. More satisfying to believe? Also yes.
Then, we get to the rap Justice League of Jean Grae, Pharoahe Monch, Talib Kweli, and Mos Def. I'm sure all of the phone messages they leave each other are 20-second freestyles with internal & external 3 and 4 syllable end rhymes with metrical transference. Even though Jean has specifically told me, " We do hang a lot, but mostly we are never coming up with amazing raps" in my interview with her here, I think she was just being overly modest. Now, I've analyzed Jean here, and Mos Def multiple times, both here and here. And, I've got a Talib Kweli one coming out on the 24th. But what about that last dude, the one with the funny name? What was it again, Pharoah Monk or something?
Nah man, get to know it, and soon. Because that rapper is Pharoahe Monch. A monarch without the A&R. (Don't worry, we'll get to his puns/jokes eventually.)
The inverse relationship between Monch's rapping abilities and the amount of radio play he gets is, unfortunately, a summary of the current situation in which the music industry finds itself. As I explain in my article on RappingManual.com found at this link here, written specifically for aspiring rappers, the only things that all pop rappers have in common is good delivery. It is pretty much a given for any rapper you've ever heard that they have good delivery. Unfortunately, that might be ALL of the rapping ability a dude's got. I mean, does 2 Chainz have anything BESIDES good delivery? Dude doesn't even rhyme sometimes. From the inexplicable hit, "I'm Different"-
"Hair long, money long / Me and broke niggas, we don't get along"
…and then he has the audacity to REPEAT that line. I also refuse on principle to link to that song's youtube video or the Rap Genius lyrics.
And that's what we'll be discussing today. We're gonna talk about next level shit – what separates the good from the "ehhh, they alright", and the great from the good. Because that's the standard we hold ourselves to over here at the Composer's Corner. Yeah, I get it, Drake gets the best hooks and beats and you're just trying to go out and get drunk on a Friday night, but when you got options like Jean/Talib/Mos/Pharoahe when you're on your own, why would you settle for less?
So, the first thing that separates good from great: a rap that leads the listener tantalizingly forward in the song through a continuous narrative, whether musical or textual. That is, every verbal idea has to lead logically from one to the next. Although he's a great rapper, and I hate to mention him in a negative context, Busta sometimes fails this test. Observe the following rhyme, from "Get You Some" (my 4th greatest Dre beat of all time, found at my full countdown here, and explained on Rapgenius here):
"A lot of niggas shit sound dated / I'm like Shaq, the franchise player just got traded…"
[Disclaimer: I still think Busta is one of the greatest MCs of all time, as I argue for here and here].
But okay Busta, we get it. You left your old record label for Aftermath (a union that was too short for my taste.) But what does that have to do with other rapper's shit sounding dated? Nothing! You gotta keep talking about related things the whole way through.
And that's what a rapper at Monch's level does. In the song that will form the cornerstone of this analysis, Monch keeps talking about the same thing: the general topic of how amazing he is. He doesn't swerve off into unrelated material. On the song "Oh No!", where he raps with Mos Def and Nate Dogg, you hear a very good example of this. You can hear the song here:
And get the lyrics on Rapgenius here.
On this song, he raps,
"Very contagious raps, should be trapped in cages / through stages of wackiness, Pharoahe's raps are blazing, and it amazes…"
This idea, what I call the rhyme barrier, can be understood in practice, as well. When one chooses a word to rhyme off of, one immediately and by necessity restricts the number of different things one can say after that. For instance, if you say, "I'm the best rapper ever", you've already limited yourself to next using words that rhyme only with "ever," or "best", or "I'm", and so on.
Or so you'd think.
Because this limitation doesn't seem to exist for Pharoahe. He seems to always locate the exact words with the maximum amount of rhymes to say what he's trying to say. There are an infinite amount of ways to express the same idea as "Very contagious raps, should be trapped in cages" – such as, "My raps are so dangerous, you gotta lock 'em away" — but he comes up with the one way to express the idea that fits in the most amount of rhymes. The interaction between what ideas he wants to express and the exact words he uses to express them is flawless.
You get the feeling that Pharoahe wrote these rhymes all the way through in one sitting, rather than just picking and choosing his best one-liners and hashtag jokes and adding them all together until they made 16 bars (like some rappers…Lil Wayne…Lil Wayne, Lil Wayne, Lil Wayne…)
But that's definitely NOT all there is to Monche as a rapper.
In rap, there are 2 major song sections: the verse and chorus. The chorus, also called the hook, is the part that's repeated, and the verses are all the different rap parts. And the order of the sections in a song usually goes verse, chorus, verse, chorus, and continues to alternate. So…
Wouldn't it be a REALLY good idea to musically lead from one to the other?
And we're not just talking throwing in a "yeah!" or "because!", at the end of a verse to kinda, sorta make that connection across sections. I'm looking at you, Eminem, end of 2nd verse, on 50 Cent's "Don't Push Me", with Rapgenius lyrics here:
"You know you not dealing with some fucking / marshmallow, little, soft yellow punk pussy whose heart's jell-O…CAUSE [50 cent chorus now:] Right now I'm on the edge / so don't push me…"
[Disclaimer: I still think Eminem is one of the greatest MCs of all time.]
But how could a rapper better lead into the chorus from the verse?
In one of the major ways to create continuity in flow, as I explain in some in-depth videos here, which are for both the aspiring rapper and the hardcore rap listener, how about ending the verse rhyming on the same vowel sound that the chorus starts its rhyming on?
Monch ends his verse on "Oh No" by reeling off 11 rhymes in 2 bars, a rate of 5.5 rhymes per bar. This rate compares well with, if not better than, the rates we saw with MF DOOM here, Nas here, or 2pac here. Pharoahe's lines in question are,
"PhaROAHE's FLOWS BLOW SHOWS like aFRO's / we HATE Y'ALL THOUGH, that's when NATE DOGG GO,"
where all the capitalized syllables rhyme. It's…amazing. And that's just looking at the rhymes themselves, without what comes next.
Because when you consider that Nate Dogg immediately comes in during the same beat as the word "go", starting his chorus with the words, "Oh no!", and continuing to rhyme on that "oh" sound throughout the rest of the chorus -
"Niggas ain't scared to hustle…" (Nate says it so that "hustle" rhymes with "oh no")
It just flows like butter. That's the kind of shit that separates great from good.
And this isn't even considering the structure of the rhymes themselves, which are internal multisyllabic rhymes that occur in different places inside the bar and against the beat! (A beat is a musical duration of time, just like a second is a chronological measure of time. And 4 beats make up a bar, just like 60 seconds make up a minute. 16 bars usually make a verse or chorus, and choruses + verses = a full song. For a longer explanation of this check out my analysis of Kanye West, Eminem, Mos Def, and Andre 3k here.)
And it wouldn't be Monch if we didn't give him credit for the crazy vocab he's got. Vocab, although it doesn't get the respect it should in popular rap and rap in general nowadays, has always been an important part of the rapper's tool box. As the Fugees asked back in '94, "Who Got The Vocab?"
Or as Busta pointed out:
"Vocabulary's necessary / when digging in to my library"
I shouldn't even have to quote what song that is, but the Rapgenius lyrics are here.
In various Monch songs he uses – correctly, mind you – the words "epiphany," "rigorous", "epitome", "audacity", "tenacity", "magnanimous", "ignoramus", "banish", and even more $20 SAT words. Fine, maybe the college graduates among you are unimpressed (to be fair, I had to look up "magnanimous.") But the fact isn't that he just strews them willy-nilly among his rap; he features them prominently by rhyming them all. On "No Mercy", as the Rapgenius lyrics note here, he raps:
"This rhyme…will remain in the minds of my foes forever in INFAMY / the EPITOME of lyrical ePIPHANIES / skillfully placed poems, we carefully plan SYMPHONIES."
You can hear the song at this link here
Remember: there's good…then there's great.
And all of this doesn't even mention that all those capitalized words there are 3 syllable rhymes that occur in different places inside the bar and relative to the beat. So at this point, we are pretty much taking for granted and assuming that Monch is a master rhymer, on the level of someone like Eminem. Em can drop, "I'm zoning off of ONE JOINT / STOPPING A LIMO / HOPPED IN THE WINDOW / SHOPPING A DEMO at GUNPOINT" on "Still Don't Give A Fuck", where 15 out of 16 straight syllables are rhymed with 3 and 2-syllable long rhymes. But Monch has got, on "Behind Closed Doors", from the album of the same name,
"Ex-MaRINE you DRAG QUEEN, WE TAG TEAM / QUEENS FINEST, the ALLIANCE DEFIANT WE BAG FIENDS",
where 17 out of 21 syllables rhyme. You can hear that song here:
And see the proof on Rapgenius here.
Once again: good…great.
Finally, there are Monche's jokes, puns, and double-entendres. These are way beyond what I like to call the Childish Gambino variety of metaphors, (seriously, how many different puns are there to make on, "I'm fly"?) You can find a nice summary of them on reddit at this link here. These are always plays on run-of-the-mill slang words, like "hot", "fly", "the shit", and so on. Just miles, miles away from, "Serial numbers is Braille / so when you rub against, it feel all twos", from Raekwon on the Dr. Dre beat "Catalina".
I don't talk about puns on here too much, but when they're as good as Monch's, you gotta sit up and pay attention. So simply to pique your appetite, I will explain one that I think not a whole lot of people get on the first, second, twentieth, or fiftieth listening. I know it took me a while. The line is this:
"Fill 'em with so much lead they call / Berger and Associates!",
from "No Mercy." You might think, "Okay, pretty straightforward: Monch is gonna shoot them until they call lawyers to throw him in jail."
Not so fast.
The Berger Attorney Firm, formerly known as "Berger & Associates", is a New York law firm located at 321 Broadway in New York City, where Monch and M.O.P. are from. The firm's website, found here, says that the Berger Attorney firm takes up cases dealing with worker's compensation, sexual harassment, birth injuries, and injuries to children. Some real shady, sheisty shit, as far as lawyering goes. In particular (now quoting their website), "The law firm Berger Attorney helps children with lead poisoning. Children with lead poisoning from lead paint or dust can have very serious problems, including brain damage, learning disabilities, and behavior problems."
So, Monch will fill 'em with so much lead that they call some shyster lawyers to sue him for lead poisoning!
If you're dying for more puns like I think you are, you can thank me later for telling you about his song from his "Internal Affairs" album, called "Official," lyrics found here and the video here:
As usual, support the artists! Even Youtube video views make a difference. Of course all these songs are on iTunes and the Internet. You can get at Monch on his myspace page (remember myspace?) here.
If you enjoyed this, please consider donating to my kickstarter campaign, funding the publishing of my book, here. Because I gotta eat somehow, these analyses will only be available for a limited amount of time for free and online. Then, I will put them in the book and make my website subscription-based, while still leaving some articles up there for free, like the Kendrick Lamar one. Please help me turn my dream into a reality. Thanks!
If you enjoyed this article, like the Composer's Corner facebook page here or check out Martin's blog, "Composer's Corner", found at http://www.rapanalysis.com, for more analysis on Nas, Eminem, Notorious B.I.G., Jean Grae, Common, Pharoahe Monch, and more. The Composer's Corner blog deepens a listener's appreciation for rap by showing exactly how it is one should listen to rap, and what to listen for in it. The blog features rap analysis, rap sheet music and notations, and more. Martin is a 2012 graduate of Duke University with a degree in music theory, and works as a freelance blog writer, composer, and producer. You can follow Martin on Twitter @composerscorner, or email him with questions or comments at email@example.com.


text:
Mon - Thurs: 9 a.m - 9 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sun: Closed
View Monthly Events View Calendar
Super Science Story Times. Children ages 3-8 and their families are invited to join us for our new science-themed family story times. Programs will combine books, digital media and hands-on activities to introduce children to scientific ideas. Program is the same at each location.
- Mega Mammoths Wed. Sept 14, 6:30 p.m. Town Branch or Sat. Sept 17, 11 a.m. Main Library
- Water Water Everywhere Wed. Nov 16, 6:30 p.m. Town Branch or Sat. Nov 19, 11 a.m. Main Library
- Physics is Fun Wed. Dec 14, 6:30 p.m. Town Branch or Sat. Dec 17, 11 a.m. at Main Library
Minecraft Meetup, Thursdays, Sept 29, Oct 13, Oct 27, Nov 10 at 5 p.m. Main Library, E-Learning Center. Complete Minecraft puzzles and missions with other players at the library. Open to ages 7-13. Registration required and opens one week before each session. Register online.
Make a Fairy House or a Gnome Home, Saturday, Oct 1 at 3 p.m. Main Library, Story Hour Room. Children ages 5 and up, along with their family members, can create a miniature house with found items from nature. Along with your imagination, bring leaves, twigs, rocks and other small collected objects from your yard to use and share with others in being creative. Suggested registration here.
Branch Out! Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Town Branch A first book discussion experience for children in grades 1-3. Borrow the selected book, read it at home, come to the program for a shared read-aloud, discussion and related activity. Books available at both library locations.
- Oct 5: Library Mouse
- Nov 2: Amelia Bedelia's First Vote
- Dec 7: Finding Winnie: The true Story of the Worlds Most Famous Bear
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Discussion Saturdays at 3 p.m. Main Library, Story Hour Room. Children ages 8-12 can come each month to discuss the books and do an activity. Greg wants you to be there! The books are all written by Jeff Kinney…DUH.
- Sept 17: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
- Oct 15: Rodrick Rules!
- Nov 12: The Last Straw
- Dec 10: Dog Days
Stuffed Animal Sleepover, Thursday, Oct 20 at 6:30 p.m. Main Library, Story Hour Room. Stuffed animals of all ages (and their kids!) are invited to attend a sleepover story time! After some bedtime stories, stuffed animals only are invited to stay for an overnight library adventure. Kids can pick up their stuffed animals the next day.
"Raconte-moi une histoire" meets the first Sunday of the month at 1:15 p.m., Main Library, Story Hour Room. Join us for a bi-lingual French and English language story time of books, songs and crafts. Drop-In program; no registration required. Presented by the Hudson Valley Francophone Connection. No programs for July, August and September when the library is closed on the first Sunday.
Summer Reading Program A five-week long program for kids entering kindergarten and up, incorporating independent reading, story times, crafts, movies and special events all planned to make reading fun! Features the annual New York Statewide Collaborative summer reading theme.
Tail Waggin' Tutors Kids age 6 and up can come in to read aloud to our volunteer licensed therapy dogs. Our dogs are very good listeners and reading aloud helps children develop confidence in reading skills. Held at the Main Library the first Saturday of the month at 11 a.m.; at the Branch Library (Newburgh Mall) most Tuesday evenings, 6 p.m. Search "Tail Waggin' Tutors" on the online calendar for up to date information.
Knitting Club is a drop-in program that meets each month September through June on the second and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Main Library. Instruction for beginners available. Bring needles and yarn. Open to all ages and abilities; please note that children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Knit & Stitch Club is an all needles arts drop-in program that meets each month September through June on the first and third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Branch Library. Instruction for beginners available. Bring needles and yarn. Open to all ages and abilities; please note that children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult.


text:
Hernando, FL
Lincoln Repair in HernandoEdit search
RepairPal Certified Shops (3)
We certify only the best Lincoln repair shops in Hernando.
High Quality Repair
Guaranteed Fair Prices
Current Expert Training
Real, Verified Reviews
Great Customer Service
Warranty on Repairs
2RepairPal Nationwide Warranty™get details
AutoMasters Service Center
Nationwide warranty
1851 South Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
Ocala, FL 34471
Get Directions
"They give good advice, they are fair and don't recommend unnecessary work. About a battery that needed to be replaced, and they showed me that everything was cool. Just nice people, they were competent and helpful."
Gregg Smith Automotive
Nationwide warranty
6202 SE Abshier Blvd
Belleview, FL 34420
Belleview, FL 34420
Get Directions
"Excellent work and friendly service."
CJ's Transmissions & Auto Repair
Nationwide warranty
12115 South Williams St
Dunnellon, FL 34432
Dunnellon, FL 34432
Get Directions
"They did what I asked them to do and now my transmission is fine. They got it back to me quicker than I thought they would have."
Non-Certified Shops (32)
The following 32 shops in Hernando are not yet RepairPal Certified - Learn More
See Less
Nick Nicholas Ford Lincoln
2440 NW Highway 19Crystal River, FL 34428
Lincoln repair 14.5 mi from Hernando
Big Joes Fix It
2130 Gilbert St. HernandoHernando, FL 34453
Lincoln repair in Hernando
Roberts Automotive
3355 N Carl G Rose HwyHernando, FL 34442
Lincoln repair in Hernando
Collision Tech
872 South Norma AvenueInverness, FL 34453
Lincoln repair 3.3 mi from Hernando
Steve's Auto Repair
1518 White Lake DrInverness, FL 34453
Lincoln repair 3.4 mi from Hernando
Inverness Shell Inc.
3506 East Gulf to Lake HighwayInverness, FL 34453
Lincoln repair 3.5 mi from Hernando
Bob's Car Care
2604 Highway 44 WInverness, FL 34453
Lincoln repair 4.0 mi from Hernando
Tom's Discount Air & Auto Repair
1213 US-41 NInverness, FL 34450
Lincoln repair 4.6 mi from Hernando
Downtown Affordable Muffler
300 W Main StInverness, FL 34450
Lincoln repair 5.1 mi from Hernando
Swanders Auto Service
5500 N Lecanto HwyBeverly Hills, FL 34465
Lincoln repair 5.3 mi from Hernando
Gary's Automotive, Inc.
3983 N Lecanto HwyBeverly Hills, FL 34465
Lincoln repair 5.7 mi from Hernando
Georges Wholesale Tire Inc
3260 N Lecanto HwyBeverly Hills, FL 34465
Lincoln repair 6.2 mi from Hernando
Allen Ridge Tire & Auto Center
1621 N. Lecanto Hwy.Lecanto, FL 34461
Lincoln repair 6.8 mi from Hernando
East Cove Auto Center
10024 E Gulf To Lake HighwayInverness, FL 34450
Lincoln repair 7.4 mi from Hernando
Crystal River Garage co
6677 W Gulf to Lake HwyCrystal River, FL 34446
Lincoln repair 10.4 mi from Hernando
Greg's Car Center
6934 West Gulf To Lake HighwayCrystal River, FL 34429
Lincoln repair 10.6 mi from Hernando
American Diesel and Hydraulics
11960 N Florida AveDunnellon, FL 34434
Lincoln repair 10.9 mi from Hernando
Scally's Lube & Go Express Care
12059 North Florida AvenueDunnellon, FL 34434
Lincoln repair 11.0 mi from Hernando
Kellys Auto Repair & Service
2202 W Dunnellon RdDunnellon, FL 34433
Lincoln repair 11.5 mi from Hernando
Gould's Tire + Auto
12038 S Williams StDunnellon, FL 34432
Lincoln repair 11.5 mi from Hernando
Car Guys Automotive
6934 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL 34429Crystal River, FL 34429
Lincoln repair 12.0 mi from Hernando
All County Automotive Of Citrus County Inc
8297 W Crystal StCrystal River, FL 34428
Lincoln repair 12.1 mi from Hernando
Riley Auto Electric, Inc.
7256 W Homosassa TrailHomosassa, FL 34448
Lincoln repair 12.3 mi from Hernando
Weiseman's Auto Care
21121 West Highway 40Dunnellon, FL 34431
Lincoln repair 12.4 mi from Hernando
Ice Cold Air
730 NE 5th StCrystal River, FL 34429
Lincoln repair 12.6 mi from Hernando
Crystal River Firestone
1010 N. Suncoast BlvdCrystal River, FL 34429
Lincoln repair 12.6 mi from Hernando
All Prestige Automotive
309 NW US Hwy 19Crystal River, FL 34428
Lincoln repair 13.6 mi from Hernando
Justin Case Automotive Repair, Inc.
5870 S Suncoast BlvdHomosassa, FL 34446
Lincoln repair 13.8 mi from Hernando
Homosassa Tire And Repair Svc
Po Box 1497Homosassa Springs, FL 34447
Lincoln repair 13.8 mi from Hernando
Chilson's Automotive
11180 South Florida Ave.Floral City, FL 34436
Lincoln repair 14.2 mi from Hernando
Lopez Auto Repair LLC
244 Marion OaksOcala, FL 34473
Lincoln repair 14.5 mi from Hernando
Hilton Automotive Inc
9055 Sw Highway 200Ocala, FL 34481


text:
Panels and Valance
Basic and complete, a simple valance and two window panels can make any living room feel homey and welcoming. Use sheer panels to match all of your interior design ideas perfectly, and then use a set of heavy black out curtains cleverly disguised behind the sheer panels to block out light or dark easily.
Roman Shades
These accordion like shades come in a huge variety of fabric options to please even the most discriminating fabric. Best of all, roman shades are very easy to install and can provide your front room with a completely enclosed window or a completely open one.
When simple blinds aren't enough of a look for your design, you can use swags to make a really big impact in a little way. Swags are often used to decorate double hung windows, to showcase the window sashes. Side by side windows can really benefit from the use of a swag in your living room design.
Tie Back Panels
You can easily dress up any window with a versatile yet elegant tie back panel. Using long and flowing curtains and fabrics, drape the materials over a lush curtain rod and tie back one or both of the panels to let your living room really feel elegant.
Pleated Shade
Similar to a roman shade, a pleated shade is set inside of the casement of a window and typically runs on a track inside the window seal. If you're looking to match your living room design ideas with the perfect window treatment for your front room then a pleated shade is the best choice for you. These hefty window treatments work especially well when trying to get away and the living room is used more as a movie theater because pleated shades are very good for blocking out all sunlight.
So you've moved into the new home and are trying to figure out what to do with those gorgeous living room windows. You might be lamenting that there are so many choices but so little time!
Where shall we begin?
Well, how about some cellular shades? These shades are semi-opaque and will give you energy efficiency all year long, while filtering in light very softly. These honeycomb shaped window coverings of cellular construction, are capable of blocking out over 60% of the transference of heat through your windows.
Then again we have horizontal shadings
Horizontal shadings are nice for your living room because they offer you the chance to open them from either the top or the bottom. While somewhat sheer, they have a slightly more formal look to them. They are innovative and unique. They're soft enough to let the light through yet offer complete privacy.
Panel track blinds
If the style of your living room leans towards the modern, then blinds manufactured from identical fabrics, as with woven wood blinds but referred to as panel track blinds, may be perfect for your décor. You can use these to coordinate either the whole living room or side rooms attached to the living room; for example, den, family room and dining room.
Rock and roller shades
Okay, actually just roller shades. This choice of shades for your living room is not only an economical one but simply shows superior quality. It not only gives you privacy, but adds color as well. Solar and roller shades can be purchased in a large variety of differing fabrics, from elegant to casual. You can even customize them with trims, tassels or a hem.