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The Russian connection: See all our coverage | Read about our investigation
This story first appeared on the TomDispatch website.
We cautiously ascend the staircase, the pitch black of the boarded-up house pierced only by my companion's tiny circle of light. At the top of the landing, the flashlight beam dances in a corner as Quafin, who offered only her first name, points out the furnace. She is giddy; this house—unlike most of the other bank-owned buildings on the block—isn't completely uninhabitable.
It had been vacated, sealed, and winterized in June 2010, according to a notice on the wall posted by BAC Field Services Corporation, a division of Bank of America. It warned: "entry by unauthorized persons is strictly prohibited." But Bank of America has clearly forgotten about the house and its requirement to provide the "maintenance and security" that would ensure the property could soon be reoccupied. The basement door is ajar, the plumbing has been torn out of the walls, and the carpet is stained with water. The last family to live here bought the home for $175,000 in 2002; eight years later, the bank claimed an improbable $286,100 in past-due balances and repossessed it.
It's May 2012 and we're in Woodlawn, a largely African American neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. The crew Quafin is a part of dubbed themselves the HIT Squad, short for Housing Identification and Target. Their goal is to map blighted, bank-owned homes with overdue property taxes and neighbors angry enough about the destruction of their neighborhood to consider supporting a plan to repossess on the repossessors.
"Anything I can do," one woman tells the group after being briefed on its plan to rehab bank-owned homes and move in families without houses. She points across the street to a sagging, boarded-up place adorned with a worn banner—"Grandma's House Child Care: Register Now!"—and a disconnected number. There are 20 banked-owned homes like it in a five-block radius. Records showed that at least five of them were years past due on their property taxes.
Where exterior walls once were, some houses sport charred holes from fires lit by people trying to stay warm. In 2011, two Chicago firefighters died trying to extinguish such a fire at a vacant foreclosed building. Now, houses across the South Side are pockmarked with red Xs, indicating places the fire department believes to be structurally unsound. In other states—Wisconsin, Minnesota, and New York, to name recent examples—foreclosed houses have taken to exploding after bank contractors forgot to turn off the gas.
Most of the occupied homes in the neighborhood we're visiting display small signs: "Don't shoot," they read in lettering superimposed on a child's face, "I want to grow up." On the bank-owned houses, such signs have been replaced by heavy-duty steel window guards. ("We work with all types of servicers, receivers, property management, and bank asset managers, enabling you to quickly and easily secure your building so you can move on," boasts Door and Window Guard Systems, a leading company in the burgeoning "building security industry.")
The dangerous houses are the ones left unsecured, littered with trash and empty Cobra vodka bottles. We approach one that reeks of rancid tuna fish and attempt to push open the basement door, held closed only by a flimsy wire. The next-door neighbor, returning home, asks: "Did you know they killed someone in that backyard just this morning?"
The Equivalent of the Population of Michigan Foreclosed
Since 2007, the foreclosure crisis has displaced at least 10 million people from more than four million homes across the country. Families have been evicted from colonials and bungalows, A-frames and two-family brownstones, trailers and ranches, apartment buildings and the prefabricated cookie-cutters that sprang up after World War II. The displaced are young and old, rich and poor, and of every race, ethnicity, and religion. They add up to approximately the entire population of Michigan.
However, African American neighborhoods were targeted more aggressively than others for the sort of predatory loans that led to mass evictions after the economic meltdown of 2007-2008. At the height of the rapacious lending boom, nearly 50% of all loans given to African American families were deemed "subprime." The New York Times described these contracts as "a financial time-bomb."
Over the last year and a half, I traveled through many of these neighborhoods, reporting on the grassroots movements of resistance to foreclosure and displacement that have been springing up in the wake of the explosion. These community efforts have proven creative, inspiring, and often effective—but in too many cities and towns, the landscape that forms the backdrop to such a movement of hope is one of almost overwhelming destruction. Lots filled with "Cheap Bank-Owned!" trailers line highways. Cities hire contractors dubbed "Blackwater Bailiffs" to keep pace with the dizzying eviction rate.
In recent years, the foreclosure crisis has been turning many African American communities into conflict zones, torn between a market hell-bent on commodifying life itself and communities organizing to protect their neighborhoods. The more I ventured into such areas, the more I came to realize that the clash of values going on isn't just theoretical or metaphorical.
"Internal displacement causes conflict," explained J.R. Fleming, the chairman of the Chicago Anti-Eviction Campaign. "And there's no other country in the world that would force so much internal displacement and pretend that it's something else."
Evictions at Gunpoint
It was three in the morning when at least a dozen police cruisers pulled up to the single-story, green-shuttered house in the African American Atlanta suburb where Christine Frazer and her family lived. The precise number of sheriffs and deputies who arrived is disputed; the local radio station reported 25, while Frazer recalled seeing between 40 and 50.
A locksmith drilled off the home's locks and dozens of officers burst into the house with flashlights and handguns.
"Who's in the house?" they shouted. Aside from Frazer, a widow with a vocal devotion to the Man Above, there were three other residents: her 85-year-old mother, her adult daughter, and her four-year-old grandson. Things began to happen fast. Animal control rounded up the pets. Officers told the women to get dressed. Could she take a shower? Frazer asked. Imagine there's a fire in your house, the officer replied.
"They came to my home like I was a drug dealer," she told reporters later. Over the next seven hours, the officers hauled out the entire contents of her home and cordoned off the street to prevent friends from helping her retrieve her things.
"I have no idea where some of my jewelry is, stuff I bought when I was 30 years old," said Frazer. "I am sixty-three. They just threw everything everywhere, helter-skelter on the front lawn in the dark."
The eviction-turned-raid sparked controversy across Atlanta when it occurred in the spring of 2012, in part because Frazer had a motion pending in federal court that should have stayed the eviction, and in part because she was an active participant of Occupy Homes Atlanta. But this type of militarized reaction is often the outcome when communities—especially those of color—organize to resist eviction.
When Nicole Shelton attempted to move back into her repossessed home in a picket-fence subdivision in North Carolina, the Raleigh police department sent in more than a dozen police officers and an eight-person SWAT team. Officers were equipped with M5 submachine guns. A helicopter roared overhead. In Boston, one organizer with the community group City Life/Vida Urbana remembers the police acting so aggressively at an eviction blockade in a Haitian neighborhood that the grandmother of the family had a heart attack right in the driveway.
And sometimes it doesn't require resistance at all. On the South Side of Chicago, explained Toussaint Losier, a community organizer completing his Ph.D. at the University of Chicago, "They bust in the door, and it's at the point of a gun that you get evicted."
Exiles in America
There have been widespread foreclosures—and some organized resistance—in predominately white communities, too. Kevin Kirkman, captain of the civil division of the Lee County sheriff's office, explained, "I get so many [eviction] papers in here, it's unbelievable."
More than 75% of the residents in North Carolina's Lee County are whites. But Kirkman still sees the ripple effects of mass foreclosure here. "You're talking about a mudslide where a lot of things are affected. You're talking about taxes, about retail sales if people move, about food services, about gasoline. You see what I'm talking about? When you lose a family in the community? Some people leave the community. I have seen people leave the state of North Carolina."
He added, "I'm going be honest with you, my feeling is that I would not do these evictions."
Still, the difficulties white America has faced during the foreclosure crisis don't compare with what Wall Street and the banks have inflicted, physically and psychologically, on African American neighborhoods. As countless leaked documents, insider dispositions, and Department of Justice filings demonstrate, those neighborhoods were systematically and illegally targeted for the worst of the worst mortgages. As one former Wells Fargo mortgage broker explained in a sworn affidavit, "The company put 'bounties' on minority borrowers. By this I mean that loan officers received cash incentives to aggressively market subprime loans in minority communities."
This pushing of predatory loans was all the more insidious because these same communities had been starved of mortgages for decades as a result of the Federal Housing Authority's refusal to guarantee loans in communities of color. As Mike Fannon, development associate for the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, explained, "The same banks that denied capital now injected too much toxic capital and decimated the local economy."
The effect, according to a 2012 National Fair Housing Alliance report, has been "the largest loss of wealth for these communities in modern history." Between 2009 and 2012 African Americans lost just under $200 billion in wealth, bringing the gap between white and black wealth to a staggering 20:1 ratio.
There is also a longer trajectory of racial exclusion at play here, a history that makes the foreclosure crisis yet another chapter in an epic and enduring quest for home. From enslavement to sharecropping, redlining to restrictive covenants, the United States has too often been an inhospitable land for people of color. Fifty years ago, Martin Luther King echoed W.E.B. Dubois in declaring that the African American still "finds himself in exile in his own land." Today, it's hard not to see that reality painted across the 2010 census data, where the maps measuring the concentration of vacant houses and the maps measuring the concentration of African Americans, while not exactly the same, are uncomfortably close to a match.
As Ben Austen wrote in the New York Times Magazine, "The US Postal Service, which tracks these numbers, reported that 62,000 properties in Chicago were vacant at the end of last year, with two-thirds of them clustered as if to form a sinkhole in just a few black neighborhoods on the South and West Sides." The same phenomenon holds true in cities across the country. And once a house is empty in such neighborhoods, all too often, no one is moving back in.
Crime Starts at the Top
"There were feces in the basement, urine, rolled-up carpet," said Thomas Turner, a housing activist in Chicago describing the inside of a foreclosed home, once owned, according to neighbors, by an 80-year-old man. Under the ownership of the Pittsburgh-based bank PNC, Turner explained, "It was abandoned for six years, so squatters and strippers had punched holes in the walls. There was no toilet, no tub, all the kitchen cabinets were torn out. The bedroom looked like someone had taken a sledgehammer and just started swinging… I still see gang members on the front porch or rolling up real slow in the car."
Another Chicago resident, Erica Johnson, described a vacant home similarly. "There were clothes, books, broken dressers, little white drug bags, used condoms," she said. "It was a little drug house, and they were probably bringing their girls up in here."
Some foreclosed homes become brothels, such as a Deutsche Bank-owned house in South Los Angeles where the girls' names and prices were scrawled in blue marker across the upstairs walls. Others become meth labs or gang hideouts.
These bank-owned vacant houses help spread crime and poverty in already distressed communities—a reality that became obvious to me when I accompanied Dorian Morris, a certified building inspector, on one of his surveys of the vacant homes on the north side of Minneapolis. Signs on nearly every home advertised the severity of the housing crisis in this area: neon green "no trespassing" stickers on boarded-up foreclosed homes and red "stand together, stop foreclosure" posters on places supporting Occupy Homes Minneapolis. On more than a dozen lots, the only indication that a family once lived there was a skinny red metal rod marking the spot where a razed house once stood.
As in other hard-hit African American neighborhoods across the country, residents here had organized to stop bank-pursued evictions from stripping the value from the community. Neighborhood support had, for instance, helped a mother named Monique White beat her eviction in a highly publicized six-month battle against US Bank only weeks before I arrived. Still, the never-ending evictions were eating away at the stability of the neighborhood.
"That's a known crack house," said Morris, as he pointed at a brick structure less than 100 meters away from a neighborhood park. More than half the homes within sight were boarded up with plywood. Within five minutes, we had passed two former residences he identified as current drug houses and a handful more that he said had already been raided by the police—all foreclosed homes where families used to live.
As we drove, we discussed the illegal chain of events that transformed these homes into drug dens. The crimes started at the top. Banks peddled toxic mortgages like crack, paying employees cash incentives to push them in African American neighborhoods. The loans exploded, so they forged millions of foreclosure affidavits to speed state-enforced evictions.
Once homes are vacant, bank contractors insufficiently seal and maintain them, allowing intruders to strip the houses of their copper wiring, plumbing, and sometimes even the furnace. The copper alone sells for anywhere from 50 cents to a dollar per pound. Finally, people dealing drugs begin to use the houses at night as distribution centers. The street-level crime drags down neighboring property values, spurring more foreclosures and evictions. And so the cycle continues.
Banks are legally obligated to maintain and market their foreclosed properties, but they often shirk those responsibilities—especially in communities of color. In an investigation of more than 1,000 homes across the country, the National Fair Housing Alliance found that bank-owned homes in communities of color were more likely than homes in white neighborhoods to have graffiti and peeling paint on the exterior, trash and dead leaves strewn across the sidewalk, unsecured locks on the doors, and be missing "for sale" signs on their front lawns.
Foreclosed houses in such neighborhoods were also 80% more likely to have a broken or boarded-up window, and 30% more likely to have trash on the front lawn. After a lawsuit, Wells Fargo paid $42 million to settle charges of racially discriminatory maintenance; there's scant evidence to suggest the practice has changed since. Cities have increased fines levied against banks that don't maintain their houses, but not a single bank has been held accountable for drug dealing, murders, and rapes that occur on their unmaintained or poorly maintained properties. The only "crime" they appear concerned about is when community activists try to fix up such homes and move families in—doing the job the bank was supposed to do in the first place. Then banks call the police to arrest the "trespassers."
Sacrifice Zones
The double standards in property maintenance lead to an "extremely troubling" trend in home sales: these uninviting neglected houses, disproportionately located in communities of color, are most often being snapped up by investors rather than families. Overwhelmingly, the investor of choice is the Blackstone Group, one of the world's largest private equity firms and now the nation's largest owner of single-family homes. Since April 2012, Blackstone has spent more than $4.5 billion buying at least 30,000 houses concentrated in cities hard-hit by foreclosure, including Atlanta, Jacksonville, Orlando, Chicago, Charlotte, Phoenix, and urban areas across California. According to local real estate brokers, the company often makes its purchases in cash.
The idea is that there's big money to be made in rental properties these days, given that there are millions of displaced, former homeowners with wrecked credit scores looking for places to stay. It's like a pay-to-play game of musical chairs—except Wall Street owns the stereo, the speakers, the chairs, and the roof, and somehow when the music stops you're always out.
Vacant houses, whether owned by banks or Blackstone, create foreclosure spirals, each vacant house dragging down the property values of neighbors, which, in turn, decreases a city's property tax revenue and the capacity of local government to provide essential services. Shuttered schools in Philadelphia and Chicago. Closed hospitals in Cleveland. Slashed senior programs in Baltimore. All of these essential services, eliminated far more often in communities of color, are the collateral damage of the foreclosure crisis.
A 2011 report by the US Government Accountability Office, submitted to the House Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs, cited nearly a dozen examples of how such declines in tax revenues caused by vacancies have led cities to cut funding for public works, libraries, parks, recreation programs, and school districts. One city even cut a program intended to address vacant foreclosed properties, thanks to a tax revenue shortfall.
The final dystopian outcome of this spiral is what journalist Naomi Klein famously termed the shock doctrine: a crisis is pushed so far that it finally justifies dramatic outside intervention (read: privatization). It's the type of outcome we're currently seeing in Michigan, where, according to a court ruling last week, "Detroit's recent bankruptcy filing only emphasizes the broader consequences of predatory lending and the foreclosures that inevitably result." That city may be undergoing the largest municipal bankruptcy in US history, but unlike when the big banks and giant financial outfits teetered at the edge of collapse, President Obama has made it clear that this time there will be no billion-dollar federal bailout.
"With the mass displacement, it ends up being a situation where people are just like, 'Well, we'll just have to bulldoze those homes,'" Chicago organizer Toussaint Losier told me. "They become sacrifice zones rather than places where people bring imaginative solutions."
The Shield and the Sword
Small groups of community organizers are shouldering the Herculean task of protecting such neighborhoods abandoned by the federal government.
"Look, if you want to take our home, it's an act of war," explains Losier, so his group's response is, metaphorically, "the sword and the shield." It's a strategy he learned from the Boston anti-foreclosure group City Life/Vida Urbana. The shield represents the exceedingly modest legal protection afforded to people under a judicial system that assigns more rights to the banks than them—and allows no-guilt settlements for the powerful caught flagrantly breaking the law. (In the case of foreclosure crimes, see for example the $335 million Bank of America discrimination settlement in 2011, the $26 billion robo-signing settlement in 2012, and the $8.5 billion settlement over wrongful foreclosures in 2013.)
The sword represents actions—from petitions to eviction blockades—aimed at stopping evictions and repairing neighborhoods. And yes, there is a life-size, fabricated sword-and-shield set at the City Life office in Boston. First-time attendees of the group's weekly meetings must hoist the sword over their heads and assert that they are willing to fight for their homes. "Then we will fight with you!" the rest of the group cheers.
Across the country, communities of color deploy these two strategies, and a third that could be called "the paintbrush": creative tactics aimed at building something new amid the devastation. In Detroit and Philadelphia, neighborhoods are seeding community gardens in hundreds of vacant lots. In Boston, one set of community activists cleaned up their block and dumped the trash—gathered from the front lawn of a foreclosed Bank of America-owned home—on the doorstep of the regional bank president's brownstone.
In Minnesota and California, grassroots political organizing pressured state legislatures to adopt the nation's first two homeowner bills of rights. A Barclays report later complained that "servicers have become significantly more cautious when carrying out foreclosure sales" as a result of the legislation. In Chicago, home liberation groups are rehabbing and occupying vacant properties, while anti-violence groups are intervening in the conflicts caused by poverty and mass displacement.
Both of the foreclosed Chicago houses that Thomas Turner and Erica Johnson described as being filled with feces, used condoms, and drugs are now clean, painted, and occupied. Turner even stenciled small purple birds on the walls of the one he worked on. But the continued scale of the crisis—forgotten by a media more interested in rising home values than eviction notices—requires more than community rehab and tepid financial regulation. It demands that we question, and reimagine, a system of property ownership that has prevented large segments of the population from making real decisions about the communities in which they live. And in case you're thinking that this is a problem only for Black America, think again. As the New York Times warned in April, "The alchemists of Wall Street are at it again… reviving the same types of investments that many thought were gone for good."
The question is whether, this time around, we'll see their potion for what it is: poison that threatens to turn each of us, as W.E.B. Dubois wrote, into "an outcast and a stranger in my own house."
Laura Gottesdiener is a journalist, social justice activist, and author of A Dream Foreclosed: Black America and the Fight for a Place to Call Home, published this month by Zuccotti Park Press. She is an associate editor for Waging Nonviolence, and she has written for Rolling Stone, Ms. magazine, the Arizona Republic, AlterNet, and other publications. This is her first TomDispatch piece. She lived and worked in the People's Kitchen during the occupation of Zuccotti Park.
Follow TomDispatch on Twitter and join us on Facebook or Tumblr. Check out the newest Dispatch book, Nick Turse's The Changing Face of Empire: Special Ops, Drones, Proxy Fighters, Secret Bases, and Cyberwarfare. To stay on top of important articles like these, sign up to receive the latest updates from TomDispatch.com here.


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Dear Warrior {06-20-13}
Dear Warrior...
Wow. It's been awhile since I've written! Honestly, I've been doing extremely well, these past few months. It's just that the writing inspiration I've received hasn't been as freely flowing as it used to be, due to things like work and college preparation and graduation. I'll be traveling almost nonstop this summer, too, so I don't know when I'll be writing regularly again. But don't worry; I am, at the core, a writer. I haven't lost my love for it.
Now that I've got that explaining out of the way...
Something has been plaguing me a bit, lately.
College is coming up. In the autumn, I'll join the ranks of all the other college students, trying to fit into my new schedule. But do you know what's worrying me the most?
I have so many friends and relatives who have been destroyed by the lifestyles and philosophies of college. Even some of my very closest friends' faiths have been greatly damaged...people who I never, ever, ever would've expected to be shaken. And I'm terrified, because before heading off to college, one of them even told me about all the steps they were taking, in order to insure their faith wouldn't be affected by the college atmosphere.
And I look up at the sky, tears in my eyes, and ask God, Why? Why have You led me here? I don't want to become like the others, whose lives are crumbling, whose minds are poisoned! Why can't You lead me somewhere else?!
I used to think that bracing myself for the devil's attacks was a sign of cowardice. That if I had to prepare myself to fight against specific temptations, it was somehow downplaying God's ability to rescue me from anything. But now, I have to laugh at that belief, because it's so obvious that being equipped with the tools to fight the war is necessary for victory. You know the whole "armor of God" thing? I think it's time to take that seriously. You know why I'm afraid of falling? It's because I know I'm not as prepared as I should be. God promises I'll never be faced with a temptation I can't handle or don't have an escape route from. And the God of the universe is willing to help me out of any mess.
I went downstairs today and asked my dad, first thing in the morning, if he would consider studying apologetics with me. I will be prepared, because even now, I am readying myself for battle.
So yeah, statistics show that a staggering amount of professing Christians go through college and give up their faith.
That's tragic. It's also not going to be me.

subset: commoncrawl


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I have just upgraded to Version 5. I received an error in the event log of my server that reads as follows:
"Event Type: Error
Event Source: Spiceworks
Event Category: None
Event ID: 256
Date: 11/2/2010
Time: 3:26:57 PM
User: N/A
Computer: FILESERVER
spiceworks encountered a fatal error. A dump file has been captured to C:\Program Files\Spiceworks\dmp\spiceworks-101102152651.dmp. Please contact Spiceworks Support to diagnose and resolve this issue."
I can not get Spiceworks to start at all.
Any ideas?
3 Replies
Nov 2, 2010 at 10:05 UTC
I had a similiar issue. I uninstalled and went with a fresh install. Then it worked. Try that?
Nov 2, 2010 at 11:40 UTC
Hi darcyremlinger, let's take a look at your log files and we'll send you further instructions.
This is how to get them. Please send a request to firstname.lastname@example.com referencing this thread http://community.spiceworks.com/topic/116934.
Thanks in advance!
Nov 9, 2010 at 7:27 UTC
Thanks to both who replied - and while I am embarrassed to admit this; a simple reboot of the server resolved all issues.


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Recently Infected
4,497pages onAdd New Page
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When attacking Rakghouls, you risk becoming recently infected, which will reduce your maximum health by 1%. To avoid this risk, you can purchase a vaccine from any medical droid. The vaccine will make you temporarily immune to becoming recently infected.


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To meet please call or text me on 07933 616172
Hi my name is Jessica, here is a little taster of me, I hope you enjoy.... First of all let me describe myself, I am just 5ft tall. my hair is long and blonde and falls way past my shoulders and I have seductive green eyes. I have a natural fresh glow to my skin that is as soft as silk. I am often complimented on the fact that I am very pretty, but I will let you be the judge. I always have high energy levels and I want to offer you the ultimate GFE full of passion and fun.
You will be delighted to find that I am warm, affectionate and devoted to caring for your every whim. Although I'm only 21 I'm adventueous in the bedroom. My bubbly personality is made for having fun and my lips were built for kissing. I am well educated and softly spoken, If you like small slim girls then I'm the one for you.
My services are everything you would expect, I kiss and love giving and receiving OWO. I'm able to meet a few miles from Bath and sometimes in central Bristol.


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The Flintstones: A Love Letter
(Everybody's Talkin' About) DC Comics-The New 52, Tuesday Morning (ET) Edition
The previews for the second issues of DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 continue to roll in. Take a look at what people are saying about the books on sale tomorrow:
(Everybody's Talkin' About) DC Comics-The New 52, Monday Evening (ET) Edition
A first look at BATMAN: NOEL
This holiday season, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol gets the Gotham treatment. Inspired by the classic story, BATMAN: NOEL is an oversized, original graphic novel that offers a brand new twist on the tale of Scrooge and the ghosts who haunt him.
DC Comics-The New 52 Art Tour on The Source with Cliff Chiang
You've heard that retailers across the country are hosting artists from DC Comics-The New 52 and displaying process pieces from their new comic book series. Well, for those of you who can't make it to the events we thought we'd bring a version of it right here for you to see.
BLACKHAWKS writer Mike Costa attending tonight's DC Comics-The New 52 wrap party
Yesterday, COMIC BOOK RESOURCES invited you to their DC Comics-The New 52 wrap party being held at Golden Apple Comics in Los Angeles tonight.
(Everybody's Talkin' About) DC Comics-The New 52, Friday Afternoon (ET) Edition
IGN continued their series of interviews with all of the creative teams behind DC Comics-The New 52.


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After Sanjay Dutt lost a case to Shakeel Noorani, he's been laying low and hiding from the media! Shakeel Noorani recently announced EXCLUSIVELY on zoOm that Sanjay had taken help from the underworld to force him to withdraw the case and also sent him life-threats! Shakeel says that he's been getting calls from Karachi and that his life is in danger! Take a look at the video to find out more!
Movies, News, Photos, Gossip, Videos - Jollyhoo.com > Cinema > Bollywood > B_News > Sanjay in another trouble / Fri, Jan 28 2011
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Leeds' class of the millennium at last achieved what they have always looked destined to but could never quite grasp.
The team the Rhinos started to put together late in the last century finally got their hands on the Challenge Cup by beating Castleford 23-10 at Wembley on Saturday after losing six finals since they had previously won it in 1999. It was not so much a celebration at the final hooter as a collective sigh of relief.
"We've been here a few times and come away with second prize, so it's a relief to take away the Cup," said Kevin Sinfield, the captain in five of those defeats. "We were really relaxed about this one."
That was a crucial element in the Rhinos' win, and Sinfield paid tribute to the Leeds coach, Brian McDermott, for keeping the mood light during the build-up. That was the difference from the years of failure.
Much has been said this season about this Leeds side; the long-serving friends in midfield, the veteran but indestructible props, the three-quarter line ranking alongside the club's best. McDermott picked out another department, which rarely attracts the plaudits, for special mention – the back row of the pack, whose work-rate was the basis of his game plan.
Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Carl Ablett and Brett Delaney are not the flashiest of players, but they are relentless. The first two are products of Leeds' wonderful junior system; Delaney, the man his team-mates call "Madness" because of his lack of self-preservation, is a typically well-chosen Australian import.
Between them, they enforced a tempo Castleford could not match. "They were just playing too fast for us," said the Cas coach, Daryl Powell, who was in the Rhinos' side when they won the Cup in 1999.
Another key factor was the Tigers' inability to cope with the England winger Ryan Hall, whose two tries at Wembley were all about raw strength and power, qualities which he has more than any other winger in the game. He was an obvious choice for the Lance Todd Trophy as man of the match, although Zak Hardaker, at full-back, had a virtually flawless game.
Cas, who last won the Cup in 1986, were light on big-match experience. That was why they were so keen to have the influential Craig Huby on the field, despite him dislocating his elbow two weeks earlier. He came through bravely but lacked some of the presence he can bring to a game at his best,
Under the circumstances, it was surprising that Powell chose to leave out Garreth Carvell, the veteran of four winning finals. Yet, Lee Jewitt, who would probably have been the man to miss out, was Castleford's best forward when he came on as a substitute.
Cas did not have too much to reproach themselves for. They have been called a breath of fresh air so often this season and still have a top-four place to fight for. They know that it would have taken their best for them to have had a chance of preventing Leeds from fulfilling their destiny. "We would have taken some beating today," said Rob Burrow. After a decade and a half of striving, it was ultimately just about as simple as that.Reuse content


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yes still not out, had to scrub and still not out. But the rust stains are gone.
This worked for the rust stains, but didn't brighten the grungy looking base area of the tub, I applied once again to see if it made any difference. Will let you know.View Instructable »


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Reversible Micro USB Cable
[$9 for 2] Did you know you can get USB cables that can be inserted with either side up or down? I wish all USB cables were reversible!
AmazonBasics Portable Power Bank
[$24] Tech geeks don't like to run out of battery. A USB battery can give tablets, smartphones, and other gadgets extra power. The higher the capacity, the larger physical size and weight of the battery. I keep the largest (16,100 mAh) power bank in my backpack. It has enough capacity to give an iPhone 8 full charges, or an iPad two full charges. Though, the smaller and lighter 10,000 mAh version should have plenty of capacity for most people.
Grid-It Organizer
[$18] Tech geeks have lots of cables, adapters, and gizmos to keep track of. Grid-it is an innovative way to store all that stuff. It's a board covered with elastic designed to hold items firmly in place. I've used one for years. I simply slip it into my laptop bag, and I know I have everything I might need. It's so much better than using a bag full of tangled wires.
Grifiti Nootle Tablet Tripod Mount
[$15] I use the Nootle to mount my iPad on a tripod for recording videos and for using my iPad as a teleprompter. The Nootle is adjustable and fits iPad, iPad mini, and Android tablets with or without a case. The regular sized Nootle does not fit a 12 inch iPad Pro, but a larger Nootle is available [$15]
ZipShot Compact Ultra-Light Instant Tripod
[$70] This is the tripod I travel with. It's very compact and literally takes two seconds to set up because it instantly springs open. At 44 inches, this tripod isn't as tall or as adjustable as a full sized tripod, but I love that it fits in my backpack.
Clip Camera Lens Kit
[$7] This kit comes with three lens: wide angle, fisheye, and macro. They clip onto a phone, iPad, or tablet to cover the front or rear facing camera. The wide angle lens allows the camera to capture a larger field of view. This is great for interviews because you can fit more people in a shot without having to be far away from the device and its microphone.
Zwipes Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
[$8 for 12] Zwipes are my favorite touchscreen fingerprint removers! I keep them in drawers around the house and in my travel bag. Seriously, they wipe away smudges on glass screens with just a couple passes. If you wash microfiber clothes, don't use detergent as it breaks down the material. Also, don't cut them into smaller pieces—you'll end up with little fibers everywhere.
iRig Mic HD
[$100] The iRig Mic HD is the microphone I use with my iPhone or iPad when I record instructional videos or broadcast live. It connects to the Lightning port and does a fantastic job of reducing background noise. It really does make a huge difference in sound quality versus the built in microphone. Not only does it come with a cord for connecting to Lightning, it comes with a second cable for connecting to USB so you can use this with a computer. You might also consider getting a tabletop stand [$6]
Microphone Foam Covers
[$3 for 8] These windscreen foam covers fit over the iRig Mic HD, and they will fit other handheld microphones as well. They are super cheap and it's fun to switch up the colors when the microphone is visible in videos.
Microphone Cube
[$8] This cube slips onto a handheld microphone. You can affix logos, web addresses, and social media information to the cube (making that information visible to the audience).
Sugru Air-Curing Rubber
[$12 for 3] Sugru is like Play-Doh you use to fix your stuff. I've used Sugru to seal frayed cables. It's great for repairing and reinforcing laptop power supplies, USB cables, and headphone cords (especially ones from Apple). Each 5 gram package can fix 2 or 3 cables.
Brother QL-700 Label Printer
[$60] As a geek, I like to label my stuff. I also like to pass out stickers. I can do both those things with this USB printer! The QL-700 is a thermal printer, so there is no ink to buy (but it only prints black and gray, which is fine with me). I make lots of stickers as handouts for my presentations, so I buy compatible refills that are $8 a roll. That comes out to about 1.3¢ per sticker.
Ricoh Theta S 360° Camera
[$346] The Theta S has dual 180° cameras that take seamless spherical photos and videos. You can view the photos and videos in the Theta iOS or Android app or upload to the Ricoh website. You can also upload (after your Mac or Windows computer processes the video) to YouTube for 360° viewing in a Google Cardboard viewer.
Smartphone Stand/Grip
[$35] I like to use a grip with my iPhone when filming videos. This Manfrotto tabletop tripod can be a grip and a stand! Not only can you mount a phone, but you can use the stand with the Theta S or Mevo cameras.
Clip-on Spotlight
[$17] This bright LED light clips onto a smartphone or tablet. It helps in lighting dark subjects, especially when filming with an iPad that doesn't have a built-in light. This particular light has three brightness settings and can work continuously for 1-3 hours on a full charge. It charges through mini-USB and that cable and clip is included. The clip can slide off, which came in handy when my son used the light for his Ironman costume.
Mevo Live Event Camera
[$400] The Mevo camera is a wide angle 4K camera with iOS software for zooming, panning, and cutting. Mevo works with Facebook Live and is great for live streaming interviews and presentations. When viewers watch, it appears that you have a camera crew working for you, but in reality it's one high-resolution camera image that is being edited live!
LED Photographic Lighting Kit
[$80 for 2] I use these lights to enhance my photos, videos and broadcasts. These little lights run on AA batteries, so they can be positioned without worrying about power outlets.
Apple Pencil
[$95] Apple Pencil is an expensive stylus that only works with the 9.7 inch or 12.9 inch iPad Pro. However, it's one of my favorite tools of 2016! Unlike a regular stylus, Apple Pencil has a precise tip and is pressure sensitive, so it's great for drawing. In fact, I drew the pictures at the top and bottom of this page with my Apple Pencil. (Watch my video about how I use the free Adobe Draw app to turn photos into clipart.)
Ring Video Doorbell Pro
[$248] This year I replaced my front doorbell with the Ring Video Doorbell. Now when someone rings the front door, my phone, watch, and Mac all let me know someone is there. I can see video and talk with the person at the door because the Ring has Wi-Fi. What's even better? My twins use it to "call" me when I'm out of town. They know I'll answer. And while they can't see me, we can carry on a conversation through the doorbell over the internet. 😍
Check out the gadgets and gizmos Tony uses to be creative and productive!


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Donna Morris
Executive Vice President, Customer and Employee Experience
"Disrupt or be disrupted" is Donna's rallying cry. From abolishing Adobe's annual performance reviews to dramatically expanding its family leave policy, she has set the industry agenda while making Adobe a great place to work. She leads the product, customer service, and technical support experience for all Adobe products, in addition to all aspects of human resources and the workplace. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Carleton University, and her "north of the border" accent gives her away as a native of Ottawa, Canada.
If Donna were not at Adobe, she would have a home decorating show on HGTV.
In the media
Adobe's New Customer & Employee Experience organization
In late 2015, Donna Morris launched a new Adobe team focused on the people who make the company's success possible: its customers and employees. At the same time that Adobe helps its customers build great experiences, Donna wants to ensure that the company builds its own great experience where customers and employees get what they need — and even more than they expect. "A team of diverse and engaged employees is the secret to serving our customers in a standout way, and I'm excited about the possibilities we have ahead," she says.
Donna's blog posts
Read more on the Conversations blog ›
2017: The Year Performance Reviews Get the Axe
Paid Family Leave Pays Off
Power of Connecting: Adobe's First Women's Summit
The Millennials Myth
Follow Donna
Proud of our @Adobe corporate offices refreshed look - check it out #adobelife https://t.co/Pic0fdLKWj https://t.co/3XlIGJ3Nac
Adobe's CMO @alewnes talks about her unusual career path and the future of marketing. Watch now.… https://t.co/E0baShmc5M
From grad school project, to $540M acquisition, we bring you the story behind TubeMogul: https://t.co/Qg2YZk6QUC https://t.co/R0sEXyXLIl
Great to be @Adobe Sydney Symposium at the beautiful Opera House #experience #adobesummit #Sydney https://t.co/Xpq2PNRO57
January 11, 2017
September 28, 2016
September 6, 2016
August 2, 2016


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Crank Brothers' Candy 11 is the pedal to sate a racer's sweet tooth. This customizable pedal boasts integrated traction pad technology to refine fit, feel and power transfer, while titanium components shave weight. A ribbed body helps your foot grab the pedal body when you've unclipped, though the four-sided entry will have you engaged and off on the first try. Rely on chamfered edges to reduce rock-strikes, and a hex alloy end cap bash guard to help minimize damage to the pedal body.
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Ginned up: To create or arouse feelings; move or excite.My most favorite vitamin-C-passionate ophthalmologists and optometrists stay ginned up for vitamin C. They (and I) are always excited to discuss new vitamin C studies associated with lifetime eye and body health support.
Unfortunately, way too many people, including those who actively take steps to protect their eyes, are still unaware that today's digital lifestyle increases ocular health risk through excessive exposure to blue light.Blue Light Blue light is emitted from a multitude of sources including sunlight, digital devices (e.g. computers, laptops, smartphones, televisi...
A health column by my delightful friend, Susan Summerton, OD, was published in April in NaplesSpotlight. It included published science-based
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Certo Italian restaurant introduces the new a la carte menu, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City
October 2012: Certo's Chef Daniele Capobianco has once again let his creative side take over and come up with new additions to the a la carte menu, introducing a variety of fresh and contemporary specialties.
The new menu is timeless, passionate and exciting, whilst offering authentic, modern cooking, inspired by classic Italian cuisine, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients.
The new menu will be available as of 06th of October 2012.
Like the great Italian family kitchen, this vibrant, bustling designed restaurant reflects the mood of the moment. From open and relaxed at lunch to vibrant and intimate at dinner, the award winning Certo Restaurant offers authentic, modern cooking inspired by classic Italian cuisine. Using only the freshest seasonal ingredients, at Certo cooking is a passion for robust and hearty flavour.
Certo - the best of the best: simply and authentically prepared.
For more information and reservation, please contact us at: 04 366 9111
or email: certo.mediacity.dubai@
Radisson Blu, operated by The Rezidor Hotel Group and Europe's largest upper upscale brand, offers first class service, providing guests with a contemporary hospitality experience. Radisson Blu has received numerous awards as Best Hotel Chain and is renowned for its "Yes I Can!" spirit of service and the "100% Guest Satisfaction Guarantee". September 2005 saw the roll out of a free broadband service across the portfolio - the first international hotel chain to offer this service. Radisson Blu currently includes more than 260 hotels in operation or under development in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
For more information, visit www.radissonblu.com
Claudia Klingbeil
Marketing & Communications Manager
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City
P.O. Box 211723, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel No. 00971 4 366 9111 Fax No. 00971 4 368 8961
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Transformers: Age of Extinction
SupermanEchols Offers 2 Different Reviews for TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION
Love 'em or Hate 'em, Michael Bay continues to bombard audiences with his over-the-top Transformers films. Check out a couple different ways of looking at his latest entry in the series, Age of Extinction.
Filed Under: "
Transformers: Age of Extinction
As polarizing as director Michael Bay is to fans of the Transformers franchise, there's really no way to write up one singular review that will encompass the feelings of both the "Bayhem" lovers and those that started a picket line the first day they saw flames on Optimus Prime. So, in an effort to please both sides of fandom, I've addressed the films from 2 slightly different perspectives.
For FANS of the series:
If you've dug all 3 Bay-directed Transformer films up until now, just wait until you get in your seat come this Friday, because he is serving up a SUPER helping of ALL THINGS BAYHEM! There are explosions galore, scenes inundated with military presence for absolutely no reason, Americana front and center, close ups of glistening sweat on characters hunched down hiding from terrifying robots, along with action and destruction on a global scale spanning all the way from Texas to Hong Kong! Long gone is the whiny presence of Shia LaBeouf and his twitch mannerisms, replaced by a more grounded and determined, yet still heroic, Mark Wahlberg. I was never a huge fan of Shia's character in the series, so I gratefully accepted the Autobots hanging out with a different gang of homo-sapiens this go-round. Wahlberg's role is that of an inventor and father, so his protective nature as a dad just comes off as a more believable aspect of the story as opposed to Shia running around screaming while saving his Victoria Secret girlfriends. Let's be honest with each other, it's far more likely that Mark Wahlberg would be a protective father (Inventor? Not so much) than Shia LaBeouf could ever attract Megan Fox or Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, other than helping them with their homework or carrying groceries to their car. I mean seriously, we're already having to stretch to believe in giant fighting robots…don't make us try too hard. Continuing on…The action is easily some of the best in the series, primarily because it's a bit easier to tell apart the robotic combatants mid-battle. The first couple films really struggled with everyone being a dark grey hue and just meshing together as one big ball of steel when engaging each other, but a bit slower pace of blows and a couple splashes of paint here and there to distinguish Autobots from Decepticons goes a long way. Oh yes, and there are DINOBOTS! While not featured in the film nearly as much as the trailers would have you believe, their presence is a great shot in the arm in the final act, and is a cool nod to fans of the original cartoon series.
For the Bay-detractors:
If you've hated or mildly disliked the Transformers films up until this point, this film will not only do nothing to change your mind, it will likely solidify your opinion of Michael Bay as a complete and total hack with reliance on a teleprompter to speak two coherent sentences. Yes, the main cast of humans has changed, and yes Stanley Tucci and Kelsey Grammer are always a welcomed presence, however the scripting is still poorly crafted for any believable dialogue, and most jokes fall flat on the floor with no chance of resuscitation. The main storyline is a bit more streamlined than in previous entries in the series, but it still has gaping plot holes along the way and will leave you scratching your head multiple times why certain characters don't just use abilities they apparently have had throughout the entire film, except for plot convenience to prolong the car chases or fight scenes. AND PROLONG IT THEY DO. Good grief this film is long. I'm talking Dances With Wolves-like stretches here, but with less Costner and scalping. If what you don't want is to spend most of your afternoon in the dark pondering how grass or water suddenly explodes with no reason while a sunset slowly fades in the distance, then this one is NOT FOR YOU. This thing easily could have been cut down by 30 minutes and nothing would have changed. There's just so much back and forth dialogue from characters that the audience is 100% NOT INVESTED IN, that it drags what could have been mildly enjoyable into a overdrawn effort at "more is better".
So where do I fall? I've actually enjoyed Bay's take on these characters so far. I'm definitely a child of the 80's, and grew up with Transformers, G.I. Joe, TMNT, ThunderCats, but I'm enough of a realist to also know that the majority of them exist just to push toy sales. They're not high art, and it's funny to hear adults argue the merits of them like they should be treated as Oscar contenders. This does however feel like too much is being thrown at the screen to just inundate the viewer with bombastic explosions and countless robots until you finally just give in from overconsumption. A more focused tale (harkening back to the original film) would be a great place to take the series should it (and won't it obviously?) continue. It seems like with every sequel we're getting bigger and badder, but that's not necessarily a plus. With the focus being widened to include countless new Decepticons and Autobots, as well as introducing Wahlberg and his family's narrative, it seems that perhaps this was a bit more than Bay could chew, which is likely why it clocks in at such a long runtime.
Overall, I still found it enjoyable and cannot help but marvel at the extremely impressive CGI used to bring these characters to life. While I wished the plot would have been trimmed down and the story more linearly focused, I still came away with a goofy grin on my face because…well, it's Transformers, and sometimes it's fun to watch them just blow stuff up. The definition of a big, dumb popcorn flick. You already knew before reading this likely where you'd fall in its target audience. You either are, or you aren't, and this one isn't going to change that.
Grade: B-
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Gamblers go all-in on Ritalin
Risk-taking may rise when people use stimulant to boost concentration
By Laura Sanders, 15:53 PM September 18, 2012
A dose of Ritalin makes healthy women more reckless in a gambling game. After taking the stimulant, participants in an experiment shifted their betting strategy and kept playing even when faced with stakes too high for most folks.
Though solid numbers are scarce, evidence suggests that many healthy people turn to Ritalin (also known as methylphenidate) and other stimulants to boost mental capacity. Some college students, for instance, rely on these "smart pills" to focus attention in cram ...
Source URL: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/gamblers-go-all-ritalin


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BERLIN (AFP) – New movies by Terrence Malick, Kenneth Branagh and Peter Greenaway will screen at the 65th Berlin Film Festival in February, organisers said Monday.
Unveiling the first titles that will feature at the 11-day Berlinale, as the event is known, the festival also announced entries from Guatemala, Russia and Germany.
The reclusive Malick, who won Berlin's prestigious Golden Bear top prize for "The Thin Red Line" in 1999 and the Palme d'Or at Cannes in 2011 for "The Tree of Life", will premiere "Knight of Cups".
Starring Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett and Natalie Portman, the drama revolves around the perils of fame.
Branagh will show his retelling of the "Cinderella" fairytale featuring Blanchett, Lily James and Helena Bonham Carter. It will screen out of competition.
Fellow Briton Greenaway ("The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover") will present "Eisenstein in Guanajuato" about the legendary director of "Battleship Potemkin" and his Mexican exile.
And Andrew Haigh, director of the HBO show "Looking", about gay friends in San Francisco, will enter the competition with "45 Years" starring Charlotte Rampling in a surreal drama about a long-married couple.
Guatemala's Jayro Bustamante will show his debut feature "Ixcanul Volcano" while Alekei German will premiere "Under Electric Clouds", a portrait of contemporary Russia told through interwoven storylines.
Andreas Dresen, who grew up in communist East Germany and in 2011 picked up the Un Certain Regard award in Cannes for "Stopped on Track", will present "As We Were Dreaming", an adaptation of a bestseller about a group of wayward youths after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
US director and screenwriter Darren Aronofsky will serve as president of the jury handing out the Golden and Silver Bear prizes.
The Berlinale, running from February 5 to 15, is the first major cinema showcase on Europe's calendar for the year.


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A photo of Pope Francis looking miserable with the Trumps...
Dear Abby: New job in new state tests men's relationship
Landslide on California highway part of $1 billion in damage
United accidentally strands New Zealand man at SFO without...
Islamic State-linked militants besiege Philippine city
Boy, 9, shot while walking puppy in Oakland
Key jobs that don't pay enough to live in San Francisco
Bay Area home prices hit record as sales drop
Milo Yiannopoulos, David Duke, others criticize Ariana Grande...
Big Sur hit again as huge landslide covers Highway 1
Monthly Archive for September, 2013
Vandalism caused explosion, evacuation of UC Berkeley campus
By Emilie Raguso BERKELEYSIDE: UC Berkeley campus has been evacuated after an explosion and fire caused, a Cal spokesperson said, by vandals. The explosion sent one person to hospital. Just before …
Women charged after stun gun robberies in Berkeley
By Emilie Raguso BERKELEYSIDE: Police have arrested two women after a pair of robberies, one of which involved a stun gun, and a robbery attempt also involving the stun gun in Berkeley earlier this …
Oakland parolee charged after 2 Berkeley robberies
By Emilie Raguso BERKELEYSIDE: A recently paroled Oakland man has been charged by the Alameda County district attorney's office after victims and witnesses said he was responsible for two robberies in …
Police investigate possible suicide near Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto
By Emilie Raguso BERKELEYSIDE: Police have responded to the 1600 block of Milvia Street, just north of downtown Berkeley, following a 911 call about a loud report at 12:34 p.m., authorities said. "We …
Berkeley council focuses on gangs and staffing in crime report
By Emilie Raguso BERKELEYSIDE: The Berkeley Police Department's mid-year crime report drew praise from city officials with respect to the city's approach to crime fighting, along with requests for …
We moved our startup to Berkeley from San Francisco (others will too)
By Alex Gourley BERKELEYSIDE: BitGym, a four-person software startup that transforms an ordinary cardio machine into a fun multiplayer fitness activity, recently moved from the Mission district of …
San Leandro man tied to Berkeley killing with witnesses, texts
By Emilie Raguso BERKELEYSIDE: The man charged in the early August murder in Berkeley of 24-year-old Dustin Bynum was seen near the crime scene at the time of the shooting, according to court …
2 'campus district' redistricting maps may be considered by Berkeley Council
By Emilie Raguso BERKELEYSIDE: To give Berkeley students more time to get involved with the city's redistricting process, the Berkeley City Council voted Tuesday night to delay its decision on …
Berkeley Police arrest San Leandro man in August murder
By Emilie Raguso BERKELEYSIDE: Berkeley Police have arrested a San Leandro man in connection with the killing of Dustin Bynum in early August, authorities said Wednesday. On Tuesday, police arrested …
Man dies after rescue from Berkeley home fire in August
By Tracey Taylor BERKELEYSIDE: The man rescued from his burning Berkeley home by firefighters in late August died in a San Francisco hospital six days later, on Sept. 3, authorities said. The San …


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African-American History Program - February 27th
On February 27th, Hilsman will be hosting our annual African-American History program. The event will start at 7:00, so come out for the boys' soccer game and then stay for the program. Come join us!
CRCT Practice
Would you like for your child to be able to take a practice CRCT and get immediate feedback? CCSD has a CRCT study guide page that links to Georgia's Online Assessment System (OAS). The OAS provides three practice tests for students in each subject area. Once the test is submitted, the student receives immediate feedback on their answers and why they were correct/incorrect. To access the OAS, follow the directions provided at this link.
No Uniform Days
Because everyone had the opportunity to be out of uniform this past Friday for Pink Out, the students who received Pride of the Panther for Quarter 2 will have their last uniform free day this coming Friday, February 28th. If your student lost their wristband, have them see Ms. Brinkley.
Please Help PTOWe are in need of PTO officers for the coming year. There are only four meetings per year. An active PTO is one sign of a successful, thriving school. Consider doing this with friends or structuring the new officers so you have all grades represented for a smooth transition year to year. Middle school PTO is lower pressure than elementary school, and is a great way to stay involved during these important middle school years.
Officers: One year terms - President, VP, Secretary, Treasurer. I think treasurer is best served by one person over several years. (Thank you Patty Brooks)
Possible Committee Chairs:
- Conference Meals (twice per year)
- Teacher Appreciation
- Website/email administrator
- Fundraiser coordinator (box tops, toner cartridge recycling)
- Spirit night/skate night liaison
We also need 2 Parent Advisory Board reps.
MathCounts and HRRB Compete
On Friday our MathCounts team competed at the regional competition. We are excited that two of our students, Zach Holland and Madison Faber will be going on to compete in the state competition! We had a young team this year, and we are excited about what next year holds for us.
On Saturday, our HRRB team competed in Statesboro at the East Divisional competition. Our team placed fourth, which puts them in the Elite 8 in the state. Making it into the top ten is a tremendous accomplishment, considering the hundreds of teams across the state that compete initially each year. This was another young team with several sixth graders, so we have a bright future ahead!
|Madison Faber and Zach Holland will compete at the State level for MathCounts
|Our Elite 8 HRRB Team!
Food to Kids Food Item of the Month
This month's food item for Food to Kids is Microwave Mac and Cheese. It can be either packets or individual serving size. Let's help out the NEGA Food Bank!
Pax Panther is Coming to Hilsman!
We are very close to having the funds to bring Pax Panther to Hilsman. The PTO will be selling wristbands during lunches for $3 each.
GACollege 411
One of the activities our students do in advisement is to work on GACollege411.org to complete the requirements of the BRIDGE Bill. We have been working over the course of this year in advisement to assist our students in exploring their interests and researching a variety of careers based on those interests in 6th and 7th grade. Additionally in 8th grade, we have been building a 4 year plan that students will use throughout high school. As a parent of a junior, I can tell you that this was one of the most helpful tools we have had to ensure that my child is making progress toward meeting his goals and his graduation requirements. Ask your child if they have completed their interest survey (6th grade), saved three interesting careers (7th grade), or completed their 4 year plan (8th grade). If not, encourage them to log on to GACollege411.org at home to complete these important tasks. Here is a link for parents to find out more information.
AthleticsSoccer season is upon us! The girls will take on CMS at home at 4:30 on Tuesday, 2/25. The boys won their first game against Coile 5-1, and will take on CMS at home on Thursday 2/27 at 4:30. Come out and support our soccer players! Below is a shot of our victorious boys' team. Thanks to Dane Guntermann for capturing this!
AnnouncementsOur announcements are now a daily Google Presentation, which can be viewed by clicking here. In these announcements there is information regarding sports tryouts, club meetings, etc. There is also information regarding No Name Calling Week, Service Learning opportunities, and much more. Here is the link to the Weekly Panther News.
Not Seeing Enough News?
If you have Hilsman related news to share, please send it to me for inclusion in the blog.
Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendars!
Now- March 1 40 Days of Peace Project
February 27 Hilsman's African-American History Program
March 3 Rising 9th Grade Parent Night @ Cedar
March 6 Cultural Heritage Night
February 27 Hilsman's African-American History Program
March 3 Rising 9th Grade Parent Night @ Cedar
March 6 Cultural Heritage Night


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Michael survives
As I sink to the ground, I hear a faint but energetic order: "Charge!", and turn onto my side to watch a company of perhaps 50 men jump their trench posts and dash towards the flank of the tank that had attacked me. Right after I saw that, a deafening boom even louder than the usual throng of batttle sounds filled the air around me.
When I opened my eyes, all they could see was darkness, just like all I could feel was pain.


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Belonging to a man with distinctive attitude, Diesel's Only The Brave Eau de Toilette combines a cocktail of magnetic scents. Housed within the citrus family, the fragrance opens with zesty Lemon and Mandarin before transcending into a woody heart of Cedar, Coriander and Violet. Fresh and leathery, the fragrance settles into a base of Amber, Leather and Benzoin. - K.N.
Top Notes: Lemon, Mandarin Orange.
Heart Notes: Cedar, Coriander, Violet.
Base Notes: Amber, Leather, Styrax, Benzoin.


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All reader reviews by Anonymous
I went with a group of 12 friends to the Refuel restaurant, which is the restaurant at the Soho Hotel, just off Wardour Street/Dean Street in Soho.
We arrived early for our 3pm booking and decided to have drinks in the bar area, which has a rather contemporary feel to it, although not overly comfortable seats. It took at least fifteen minutes before any member of staff asked us if we would like a drink, then when we ordered it, it took at least another twenty minutes to arrive - we weren't in a hurry, but this is just to emphasise the general poor service of the place.
Finally at 3.10 we were seated in the restaurant area and given our menus. Whether they gave us more time because there were 12 of us I do not know, but they didn't take our food orders for at least another half an hour. I ordered chilli crab cakes with aioli, which was quite tasty, although the breadcrumbs were soggy rather than crispy. My partner ordered Shaved fennel, feta, bacon and chive salad, which he said was limp and absolutely tasteless, which you wouldn't imagine, given the ingredients, but somehow they managed to make it very bland.
Ah well we thought, the main course should be fine, as we both ordered the mixed grill. This is a £20 plate and doesn't come with anything else, so should be quite substantial. When you think of mixed grill, you think quite a lot of meat. Well, when it turned up, all that was on the plate was 3 TINY bits of meat (tiny lamb chop, small piece of steak and a tiny bit of pork chop) - no garnish, very disappointing. Oh, and the meat was lukewarm at best. In fact, my crab cake starter was more substantial than the mains we had. I ordered a portion of hand cut chips with mine, just to bulk out the plate. The chips cost £4.50 and when they came, I counted the chips. Six - yes six chips folks. Admittedly, they were biggish chips, but I would have liked a proper size portion. I also asked for some mayonnaise or aioli to go with the six chips, and they said they would bring some, but didn't bother.
I wasn't even offered a dessert menu, but it didn't matter as I'd had enough of the place by then. The bill came and including drinks, it was £80 per person, which would have been good value if the standard of the food, quantity of the food and service had been anything other than poor, which it all was.
I've eaten out in top London restaurants, sadly this place is NOTHING like any of those. My advice to anyone who's in this area for lunch is AVOID this place like the plague, and go somewhere civilised.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0


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Hello everyone 🙂
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22 Aug
Hello everyone 🙂
I am about to send a Newsletter with all the details. Please make sure you register to receive all the information you need.
Have a bless day,
12 Jul
Hello there! I am back!
What happened? I had forgotten my login info and since I have several email accounts, I couldn't remember my login credentials. In another words, I locked myself out of my Blog lol.
I am glad I started cleaning one of email accounts today when all of the sudden I found a notification from this website. Bingo! I found my way back! Geeez…
There's a lot going on in this world at the moment, so I am sure I'll find several ongoing issues to talk about including organic gardening. So, let's see.
Big hugs to all my readers. I am very happy to be back. Thank u for standing by 🙂
21 Sep
This is it folks! Last harvest is scheduled for Sept 28, 2014. Thank you all for your support! I am very pleased to hear about your happiness when you receive your fruits. This week, I'll be taking orders until Saturday 27th at midnight. Until quenepas 2015, good bye 🙂
7 Sep
Yes! the last harvest is scheduled for Sept 28, 2014. Those who are waiting to place orders, I strongly recommend to place your order as early as possible here. Remember, I ship on first paid-first to ship basis and it is not a good idea to wait for last harvest. We only collect fruits on sunny days. If that last day start raining, all orders will be canceled and money refunded.
Next quenepas, spanish lime season? summer 2015.
Welcome aboard!
20 Aug
Hello everyone!
I am very happy to announce that you can now subscribe to quenepas 2014 directly in the website where I am selling them from. Keep yourself updated by registering for free at http://quenepas.huertocaseroorganico.com to get daily/weekly updates (via email too) on all harvests and last minute news.
Welcome back! 🙂
18 May
Hello everyone! Welcome to another successful year of quenepas/spanish limes. This year I will not start the pre-sale in the month of may, as I usually did in previous years. Your wait until first harvest was too long. For the last couple of years and maybe due to climate changes, the season is kind of moving tours the end of the summer and not tours the beginning as it used to be.
I will keep you updated. Please be sure to add my email to your safe list, this way you don't miss my announcement with the link to the website where I am going to be selling these fruits from.
Your cravings will be satisfied soon. I promise 🙂
16 Oct
Yeap yeap yeap, for another 2 weeks! Please remember that I can only ship to your address in paypal. If your package is going to someone else, please make the apropiate changes on your paypal account, as I can not change address manually. Also, remember that deadline for placing orders for monday shipping is saturday before noon. Happy to see you again 🙂


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Home › Walk In Showers Label › Browse
Shower Room Ideas Wiith Wall Mount Glass Shelf And Round White Floating Sink Also Round White Shade Floor Lamp As Well As Bathroom Showers And Storage Solutions. Corner White Wooden Floating Shower Rooms Shelf And Glass Door Panel Plus Cream Ceramic Tiled Bathroom Backsplash As Well As Commercial Shelving...
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Both Number of Funds and Capital Raised Continues Upward Trajectory
Capital Continues to be Highly Concentrated with a Small Number of Funds
Number of New Funds Also Increases, but Only Accounts for 8% of Total Capital Raised
Thomson Reuters and the National Venture Capital Association; 2014 Rolling Four Quarters through 06/30/14
In Q2 2014, 78 US venture capital funds raised $7.4B according to Thomson Reuters and the NVCA. This represented the strongest fundraising quarter by number of funds since Q4 2007. On a rolling four quarterbasis, the number of funds raised is up 36%, while capital raised is up significantly by 53%. Consequently, the average fundsize increased 8% on a rolling four quarter basis to $100MM as of Q2 2014. PitchBook similarly reported 57 funds having raised $8.7B in Q2 (PitchBook Data, 2014).
However, the five largest funds raised in Q2 2014 continued to account for a significant 43% of total dollars raised, demonstrating continued polarization in the venture asset class among larger, longer-tenured firms and smaller, new firms. Further, while the number of new funds raised represented 32% of the total for Q2 2014 and increased 44% on a rolling four quarters basis, the amount of capital raised by new funds only accounted for 8% of the total raised. The largest new fund raised in Q2 2014 wasfrom Lightstone Ventures in Boston, which reached $172MM. Conversely, the largest follow on fund raised was by Palo Alto based Norwest Venture Partners XII, LP at $1.2B.
"Although it moderated slightly from the first quarter, the second quarter fundraising environment for US venture capital firms was very strong compared to recent years," added Bobby Franklin, President & CEO of the NVCA. "Driven by the strong performance of venture backed companies in the public markets, we believe the solid distributions made to limited partners in recent quarters are resulting in new commitments to venture capital funds that can then be invested in American entrepreneurs. This reinvestment cycle is not only good for the venture firms and their limited partners, but for the next crop of American innovators that want to take their businesses to the next level."
The views, opinions, beliefs, conclusions, and other information expressed in this material is not given, verified, or endorsed by Square 1 Bank, a division of Pacific Western Bank. Instead, this material is solely the work of the author, and represents his views, opinions, beliefs, conclusions, and other information he wishes to present, in all cases without any manner of endorsement from or verification by Square 1 Bank, a division of Pacific Western Bank.
This material, including without limitation the statistical information herein, is provided for informational purposes only. The material is based in part upon information from third-party sources that the author believes to be reliable, but which has not been independently verified by the author or Square 1 Bank, a division of Pacific Western Bank, and, as such, we do not represent that the information is accurate or complete. The information should not be viewed as tax, investment, legal, or other advice, nor is it to be relied on in making an investment or other decision. You should obtain relevant and specific professional advice before making any investment decision. Nothing relating to this material should be construed as a solicitation, offer, or recommendation to acquire or dispose of any investment, or to engage in any other transaction.
All material presented, unless specifically indicated otherwise, is under copyright to the author or Square 1 Bank, a division of Pacific Western Bank, and is for informational purposes only. None of the material, nor its content, nor any copy of it, may be altered in any way, transmitted to, copied, or distributed to any other party, without the prior express written permission of Square 1 Bank, a division of Pacific Western Bank or the author. All trademarks, service marks, and logos used in this material are trademarks, service marks, or registered trademarks of Square 1 Bank, a division of Pacific Western Bank.
Square 1 Bank is a division of Pacific Western Bank, member FDIC.


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This sweet little Woodland Robin by Premier can be used as a hanging or freestanding decoration.
These Woodland Robins are available in 4 different designs ('Acorns', 'Rose Hips', 'Hazelnuts' or 'Cones')
Please email us at firstname.lastname@example.com with your chosen design, otherwise one will be chosen at random.
Subject to stock availability
Important features of Premier's Woodland Robin:
Comes with hanging ribbon
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Release Date of RFA:
Monday, February 13, 2017
Grant Orientation:
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs
Frank D. Reeves Center of Municipal Affairs
2000 14th Street N.W.
Second Floor, MOLA's Conference Room
Washington, DC 20009
RSVP Here:
Submission Deadline:
Friday, March 10, 2017
Please note that applications must be submitted electronically via Quickbase Incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
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Online submissions only. Please submit your complete application through the following online portal: ZoomGrants.
To participate in the Pre- bidders conference please RSVP here
Point of Contact:
Eduardo Perdomo
Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs
2000 14th Street N.W., 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20009
[email protected]
Availability of RFA:
Download from MOLA's website (www.ola.dc.gov) and/or the District's Grant Clearinghouse website.
[DOC] This document is presented as a Microsoft Word. If you unable to open the document, download the viewer.


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Best Fishing Times: 2:09AM to 4:09AM, and 7:55PM to 9:55PM
Alternate Fishing Times: 7:25AM to 9:25AM
Fishing Sleem Creek, AK on 5/22/2017 will be best from 2:09AM through 4:09AM, and from 7:55PM to 9:55PM. If those times won't work for you, 7:25AM to 9:25AM looks promising. Remember to adjust these times based on barometric pressure, and weather changes.


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You are in section Homefirst direct uncovered Heads Up!
Heads Up! ...Latest news from the unexpected bank
Glasto resale fail? Here are five other things you can do with that cash.
Didn't manage to land resale tickets to Glastonbury? Firstly, we're very sorry to hear that. Secondly, congratulations! You now have approximately £243 to spend on an alternative (and potentially less-muddy) adventure.
Flipped out: bad customer service and the burger van
Technology is meant to make our lives easier. But sometimes all that sleek, shiny tech just ends up leaving us with an empty feeling inside, particularly when it comes to customer service.
And the award for best customers goes to...
Our trophy cabinet is looking a little more crowded than usual thanks to a few shiny new awards. But we didn"t win them all by ourselves - far from it.
This time next year you could be...
February might not be the most exciting of months, but that can be a blessing in disguise. With the mornings still dark, the nights still early and the weather most likely still freezing, you've got no excuse not to stay inside and get started on some big plans. We've put together a few ideas to help you get on your way, as well as some great products that could make your big plans possible.
Fabric of Britain: Weaving the story
Saving money, whether it's to travel the world or for a deposit for a house, is a major perk of moving back in with our parents, which a quarter of 20-34 year olds are taking advantage of. But is it the only perk or is there more to it?
Good news for our mobile App users with a Digital Secure Key
Payment power in your pocket
Read more about Good news for our mobile App users with a Digital Secure Key
Cracking Christmas Hacks
It"s the most wonderful time of the year, so it deserves some wonderful tips on how to make the best of it. We"ve pulled together our best Christmas hacks to show you how to do just that.
The story of success: Do we live to work or live to love?
But what does success mean to us? Some might think success is about money, cars and houses? But is this actually the case? We decided to find out for ourselves.
Read more about The story of success: Do we live to work or live to love?
A beautiful new web experience
We've updated the information pages of our website
Proud to be part of Pride
We were ever so proud to be sponsors of this year's Leeds Pride.
Half of Brits hide their spending from their partner
Money, money, money - it has the power to make the world go round, bring it to a grinding halt and also bring out the sneaky side in even the best of us.
Are you ready to get into holiday mode?
Holiday mode is a special state to be in. From the final few days before you go away, right until you set off to come back home, it's a chilled out, laid back, carefree way to be, and we love it.
Smart new digital innovations
When it comes to making things better, we never think our job is done. Here's a brief catch up on all the digital developments we've made recently.
Things you can do in 3 minutes
3 minutes goes pretty quickly, right? But that doesn't mean you can't get anything done. In fact, you can get an awful lot done in 3 minutes. Don't believe us? Just take a look below.
Design ideas for the ultimate home makeover
Giving your forever home the ultimate makeover doesn't always call for drastic change; our design tips are packed with inspiration
10 unexpected forever homes from around the world
For some people, redecorating a property alone is not enough to make a home their own. We take a look at 10 of the world's most unexpected forever homes
Read more about 10 unexpected forever homes from around the world
The pursuit of happiness: There's no place like the forever home
We surveyed 4,000 renters and homeowners from across the UK to pinpoint what the modern day forever home looks like. We also looked at the age we can expect to find it and the journey we take to get there.
Read more about The pursuit of happiness: There's no place like the forever home
Helping Maggie's keep the kettle on
We've teamed up with the cancer support charity to help them raise £700k over the next two years.
Goodbye January...Hello February!
February. Cold, frosty February. There's only one way to describe you, and that's brrrr. But don't dread Feb. It's full of fantastic things. Here's our pick of the bunch to help you get stuck into all that the second month has to offer.
Getting that little bit extra with #LifeBuffer
A drop more milk? Ten percent more phone charge? Everyone needs that little bit extra now and again and probably at a time that you need it most. That's why we offer all our customers without an Offset mortgage a £250 interest-free overdraft to help with life's last minute financial headaches (T&C's apply). We like to think of it as a #LifeBuffer which you can use for those times you need just a tiny bit of financial help to tie you over until payday.
Read more about Getting that little bit extra with #LifeBuffer
Why you should be a big fan of January
January has a bit of a bad reputation, and we don't think that's fair. It comes after the biggest party of the year so sure, it might lack in terms of presents and crackers, but there are still plenty of ways you can make it amazing.
Looking to liven things up this Christmas? Why not swap your traditions for #untraditions?
Here's some inspiration from overseas. Warning: some aren't exactly in the Christmas spirit...
Read more about Looking to liven things up this Christmas? Why not swap your traditions for #untraditions?
Christmas #untraditions
Pork pie for breakfast? Cactus for a Christmas tree? Here's a collection of our Christmas #untraditions that we've unearthed.
first direct supports MOBO awards with sponsorship
first direct was delighted to be involved in the Music of Black Origin (MOBO) awards on Wednesday 4 November 2015 which was held at the first direct arena in the heart of Leeds.
Read more about first direct supports MOBO awards with sponsorship
When first direct threw a street party for Simon and Sam (and everyone showed up)
Wondering what the best way to get to know your new neighbours is? Well, how does a surprise street party organised by your bank sound?
Everybody needs good neighbours: The UK reveals its neighbourly relationships
How well do you know your neighbours? We did a nationwide survey to find out how the modern day Brit feels about the people on their street.
What type of survivor are you?
Sometimes it takes real adversity to reveal something about your character. Fly or fight? Sink or swim?
Silly Money
Ever feel bad that you've splashed out a bit too much? Fear not, there's always someone willing to break the bank for something they really, really want...
Shucks... You've made us blush!
At first direct we like to think we're a rather modest, down to earth sort of bunch, not the type to blow our own trumpet. But, when we find ourselves in the position of being voted, by our customers, as the best - it's hard not to feel rather proud.
10 things we love to hate about summer
Ah, summer time. We wait a whole year for it to come along and then it's gone again in a flash. You'd think we'd appreciate every moment of sun we get, but instead there are several things we all love to hate about it. Here is the top 10. Feel free to tell us your own on Facebook.
Customer benefits at the first direct arena
As a first direct customer, you can get access to a number of great first direct arena benefits.
New charity partners for first direct revealed...
first direct had chosen two new charities to support, Martin House Children's Hospice, and St Andrew's Hospice. Find out about the fantastic work they do here.
Learn about the ways to bank with first direct...
first direct doesn't have branches on the high street. Instead, we've got a whole bunch of friendly helpful people on the other end of the phone - 24 hours a day, whenever you need us. Find out about all the other ways you can bank with us too...
Spend less on the small things, and Saveapp for something bigger
first direct's Saveapp could help you reduce the money you spend on the little things, so you can afford something bigger and better. How? By sending you helpful reminders which you set up and control.


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Red Sleeveless Pickleball Rocks Dri Fit Shirt
Large"Pickleball Rocks" front logo. Loose athletic fit dry zone crew for moisture wicking, odor fighting performance. Pickleball Rocks Round Logo centered on the back.
Note: This shirt runs a bit smaller than all our other dri-fit shirts, so order about 1 size larger than normal.


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Our Bridgeport Charter Township Hobby Shop Will Keep You on the Rails!
When you need that one hard-to-find part for your train set, Junction Valley Railroad is the place to go. As Bridgeport Charter Township's trusted model train store, we carry all of the odds and ends that you need to keep your set running.
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Junction Valley Railroad
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Bridgeport Charter Township, MI 48722
(989) 777-3480
Hours of Operation:


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Long before pro football became America's favorite sport, it was Art Modell's passion.
Modell, the majority owner of the Baltimore Ravens, who turned 78 on July 23, will watch on television Sunday from his home when the Ravens open the season at divisional rival Pittsburgh.
He lives near the Ravens' complex in Owings Mills, Md., attends most practices in a golf cart and walks well with a little assistance. He recalls National Football League events of the past four decades and beyond with ease and retains his trademark humor. That despite quadruple bypass surgery in 1983 that left him in intensive care for 17 days. Last year he had a heart attack in April and a stroke in July.
''As far as the hospital was concerned last year,'' quipped Modell at practice one day earlier this week, ''I was on the monthly plan.''
This will be Modell's 43rd and final season as a majority owner in the N.F.L. But that number alone, he said, is not magical.Continue reading the main story
What moves Modell are the friends he has gained and lost, the players, coaches and workers in his organization who over so many years became extended family and, finally, watching the N.F.L. grow into a powerful and model business entity.
He won a championship in Cleveland in 1964 but moved his team to Baltimore for the 1996 season. His team would lose in the championship game in 1965, '68 and '69 and in the American Football Conference title game in 1986, '87 and '89. It would win the Super Bowl capping the 2000 season.
For 31 years Modell was the leader in the N.F.L.'s television negotiations and helped pave the way for the current $18 billion TV deal the league enjoys.
His father died when he was 15 and Modell dropped out of high school to work and help support his family. He later completed high school by attending night classes. Modell joined the Air Force and fought in World War II.
After the war, Modell built a successful career in advertising and television producing. In 1961, he bought the Browns for $4 million, combining his assets with money raised from bankers and other financiers. Some people said at the time that he had overpaid.
He sold the Ravens to Baltimore businessman Steve Bisciotti for $600 million in 2000 with the agreement that this season would be Modell's last as majority owner.
Giving up a nearly half-century love affair required at least that much time to digest.
''The principal reason I sold my team is to put my estate in order and provide for my children and grandchildren so they won't have to worry a day like I did growing up,'' Modell said. ''During my father's time, the Depression was brutal and it wiped out his business, a chain of radio stores. During my time as owner, I've done many deals and made millions and lost millions, but this is the first time in my life I've been economically free. I'm out of the debt and out of that pressure. It's something every man works for and I worked 43 years for it, to build that for my family.''
It was the reason, Modell said, that he had to move his team to Baltimore, an act that still riles people in Cleveland even though the Browns name was left behind and an expansion team has been back in business for four complete seasons.
''I understand there is anger at me that remains in Cleveland,'' Modell said. ''I understand that when the Ravens won the Super Bowl, there was tremendous hostility toward me and my family.''
But Modell insists he had no choice.
''I could not go bankrupt,'' he said. ''We built up so much debt in that old stadium. I had to do something to salvage my franchise and my family. I was not trying to hurt them; I love those people in Cleveland, but not the politicians and not the business community.''
The controversy has prevented Modell from being voted into pro football's Hall of Fame. There is no doubt, considering his expansive career, that he belongs, his players say.
''Oh man, this is one of the greats of the game, someone who loves the game and loves his players and is genuine about it; his heart is pure,'' said Ray Lewis, the Ravens linebacker. ''Our entire team feels this way, especially the guys who have been around awhile. He just loves pro football and every player here is like one of his kids. It's just a beautiful thing.''
Even after his retirement, Modell plans to remain with the Ravens. Bisciotti has insisted that Modell keep an office next door to his, and Modell said he would act as a consultant though he wants ''no title and no salary and will speak when asked to speak and just play the whole thing by ear.''
After 43 years, who knows the perfect blueprint for what follows?
''The magic comes in winning, and even though we're young, we've got a chance to get back and win that Super Bowl,'' Modell said. ''This is going to be an exciting and rewarding year for the league. We've stabilized our league and we've got a great game that can still grow.
''I used to say there is nothing like 1 o'clock on Sunday afternoons,'' Modell said. ''But now you can say, with the growth of this league, that there is nothing like Monday nights, Thursday nights, Saturday afternoons. That's the magic, too.''
Two Are Enough
Traditionalists in the N.F.L. have long preferred to keep three quarterbacks on their rosters. This season, however, seven teams will enter the season with only two quarterbacks.
Those teams are Indianapolis, Washington, San Diego, Denver, Buffalo, Atlanta and Miami. The final two on that list will add a third in a month or two when injured quarterbacks return. But the other five have decided that two are enough.
Some are leaning that way because of salary-cap issues. Others are doing so to create more depth at particular positions, especially at defensive back.
But it is a risky trend. Seven teams started three different quarterbacks last year, primarily because of injuries.
A few teams may look for another player to fill in as a third quarterback. In Denver, for example, the third-string quarterback is receiver Rod Smith.
If the gamble pays off, those teams with two will have saved money while strengthening themselves at other critical positions. It is a high-risk-high-reward decision that will be closely monitored by other teams.
Defending a Streak
Indianapolis holds the league record for defensive touchdowns scored in consecutive opening-day games with four. When the Colts travel to Cleveland on Sunday, they will look to extend the streak.
All four games ended in victories for the Colts by an average margin of 13.5 points. Since 1970 only three teams have managed three straight years of defensive scores in opening-day victories: Washington (1973-75), the Houston Oilers (1991-93) and the Giants (1997-99).
The team with the current best opening-game winning streak is Miami with 11.
From Arena League to N.F.L.
Proving once again that players come from many different places and that hidden gems exist, the Arena Football League has produced five players who earned a spot on N.F.L. rosters: Dwaine Carpenter, a defensive back in San Francisco who played for the A.F.L.'s Buffalo Destroyers; Antonio Chatman, a kick returner/receiver in Green Bay who played for the Chicago Rush; Chris Horn, a receiver in Kansas City who played for the Arizona Rattlers; Mike Furrey, a receiver in St. Louis who played for the New York Dragons; and Kevin McLeod, a fullback in Cleveland who played for the Orlando Predators.Continue reading the main story