text:
A Dystopic Phenomena
Short Story by: jp23
Reads: 400 | Likes: 0 | Shelves: 0 | Comments: 6
"Beep! Beep! Beep!" Where was that alarm clock again? I fumbled around my mattress until I found my bedside table. Angrily, I slammed on the yellow screaming menace. I wanted to go back to sleep, but my body sat itself up and got dressed. Absentmindedly I ate my eggs and toast.
"Come on, you're going to be late to school!" my mother cried.
"I'm coming," I replied as my toothbrush quickly moved up and down my mouth. I raced up the stairs and ran to the bus stop. Good, I had gotten there just in time. "Why isn't the bus slowing down?" I thought. I flailed my arms in the air but the bus only accelerated. It sped past me, splashing a wave of dirty water on my clothes. I started to run after the bus knowing that Mrs. Hackett would not accept my being tardy on my first day going to my new school. As I rounded another bus stop I noticed another black person following me, and another. Soon, I was running at the head of a mob. I could see my school just around the corner. Quickly, I sprinted around the curb and to the door, but then the janitor saw me coming. He fore out his keys and made a beeline towards the door. The cold sound of metal hitting metal came before my hand hit the door handle. Furiously, I pounded against the door, screaming, kicking, and doing anything to let someone know that I was there. Soon, the other kids met me at the door. Thankfully, one kid knew how to pick a lock and I finally stepped into the school. I ran to my seat and sat down just as the bell rang.
"Class, today we will be taking a spelling test." Mrs. Hackett announced. "There will be four words worth five points each for a total of twenty points possible. There will be no extra credit on the test. Take out a piece of paper and prepare to take the test."
I noticed that one student forgot his notebook. He asked the people around him for a piece of paper, but they refused to give him any. I tore two pieces of paper out of my notebook, picked up my pencil, and walked to the pencil sharpener. I slipped the second piece of paper onto his desk as I returned to my seat.
"Is everybody ready?" Mrs. Hackett asked? After no reply was heard for five seconds, she began the spelling test. "The first word is gnat." The silent applause of pencils hitting paper greeted each word. "The second word is phonics... The third word is aerobics…. The fourth word is geology." One by one the pencils hit the tables. I was confident that I had gotten a perfect score. "Does anybody need any word to be repeated?" The boy whom I loaned my paper to raised his hand. "Good, no repetitions. Please remain quiet as I go around the room and grade your tests. Please remain seated and refrain from talking." Each slash that she made with her red pen was met with the groan of the knowledge that the victim's grade had dropped by 25%. Finally, she arrived at my desk. To my dismay three red slashes tore through my self-esteem. I had been sure that I had all of the words correctly spelled, but Mrs. Hackett only gave me credit for correctly spelling gnat. Frantically, I looked in all directions, seeking someone who had received a perfect score. Once I found someone I was shocked to discover that our answers were identical. Once the person with the perfect score noticed that I was looking at her paper she flipped it over. I politely raised my hand.
"What?!" Mrs. Hackett bawled.
"Can you please re-check my test?" With a groan Mrs. Hackett returned to my desk.
"Oh, my mistake." she said as she put a slash through the word "gnat."
"Why'd you do that? I have the same answers as the person in front of me. You gave her a perfect score."
"So you were cheating?" Mrs. Hackett wrote -5/20 on my test and returned to grading the classes tests. I noticed that she gave many more slashes to the people in the back of the room than to the front of the room.
"I didn't cheat!" I yelled loud enough to get her attention. "I waited until you had graded both of our papers before I checked."
"Rebecca, is that true?" Mrs. Hackett asked. The girl in front of me shook her head no. "Brittany, I've heard quite enough out of you!" Mrs. Hackett screamed. "One more word and I'll have you suspended!"
"But Rebecca's lying!" I pleaded.
"Go to the office! Now!" Mrs. Hackett's veins were bulging and her face was as red as a raspberry. I quickly gathered my belongings. Mrs. Hackett was pounding the number keys on the classroom telephone. By the time I had gotten out of the room, I had found out the reason that every room in my school was soundproofed. When I arrived at the main office I saw a few other people there, among them was the boy who picked the lock to the school. We could tell from each other's faces that we were there for the same reasons. My name was called first. I slowly strode into the principal's office. Looking at the nameplate on the principal's desk, I could see that I was going to be in trouble.
"Brittany," Mr. Hackett began, "Can you explain to me why you disrupted Mrs. Hackett's class, defied her wishes, and called one of your fellow students a liar?"
"I was taking a spelling test and I spelled all of the words correctly." I began.
"How did you know that?"
" I checked my paper with Rebecca's…"
"So, in other words, you were cheating?"
"No, I was going to say that I had waited until Mrs. Hackett graded both of our tests before I looked at Rebecca's paper."
"So why did Rebecca then say that you were lying about that?"
"I don't know why. All I know is that she was the liar."
"Rebecca is a very respectable student…"
" How would you know that? It's the first day of school and my class is entirely made up of first-year students."
"Are you now defying my judgment? Not only is Rebecca a more responsible person than you are, but she is better than you. Don't you forget that."
"Why is she better than me?"
"You can answer that question while you're on suspension. Take a look in any mirror. Your kind is inferior to my kind and until you learn your place in society I suggest that you don't come back here again. The details of your suspension will be sent to your mother through the mail. She is coming to pick you up now. Go wait for her in the main lobby."
I stormed out of the principal's office and into the main lobby. On my way there the janitor knocked me over and spat on me. I didn't understand why these things were happening. I hoped that my mother could give me some insight; however my optimism quickly transformed into pessimism when I saw Mom's face. We drove back to the house in silence. The silence was broken once we were inside.
"Brittany," Mom began, "I'm very disappointed in you."
"Why, what did I do that was wrong?" I asked.
"What did you do that was wrong?! You cheat on a test, you contradict and disrespect your teacher, you try to protect yourself by calling another student a liar, you get suspended and you ask me 'What did I do that was wrong?"
"I didn't do any of that. You're just going to take Mr. Hackett's word for what happened and ignore my side of the story?"
"Fine, tell me your side of the argument." I gave Mom a vivid account of my day. "I'm sorry." she said after I had finished. " I forgot about that part of this society."
"What part?"
"Racism! Treating someone like trash because of their skin color."
"Why do they do that?"
" There's no one answer to that. Some people are afraid, some think that the people of color aren't worthy to live, others are just plain bitter. I know that this is tough to hear, but this is how society works in the South. You don't have to like the way others treat you, but you'll have to learn to live with it."
"What if I don't want to live with it? What if I want to be treated fairly? What I went through today was wrong, and if that's the way things work around here, then that's wrong too. Just because it's normal doesn't mean it's right."
"Don't you dare say that outside of this house or when we have company. If you say that or do anything dad to a white person you could get whipped, tortured, or killed. Most people would say that you got off easy this time. I know how different it is from Chicago here, but you need to adapt."
"Thanks for this talk, Mom. It was very helpful." With that I stormed into my room. I searched my dictionary for a word that would accurately describe Alabaman society. Then, I got out a pencil and marked a deep "x" on my calendar. "May 21, 1969. My first day of school in Alabama." it read. I put a wide slash through the word "Alabama" and replaced it with "a dystopia."
My life went on like this for several more months. After Mom pleaded with Mr. Hackett, my suspension was set for one week. During my suspension, Mrs. Hackett gave all of the black students a test that was worth 50% of their final grade. Since any test or assignment given during a suspension was an automatic zero, I had a guaranteed failing grade. By the end of the semester, I not only had the lowest score in my class, but, according to Mr. Hackett, the lowest score in the district. Finally, Mom's job was relocated to New York. We were given ten days to pack our belongings and leave. Somebody from Mom's job would come to pick up the car later. On my last day of school I planned something special for my dearest teacher. I only had to survive two hours of school before Mom picked me up at noon. As the time neared for the bus to pick me up I snatched Mom's spare house keys and put them into my back pocket. Once the bus passed my house, I ran to the end of the block and hid behind a building. I saw Mom get into her car and drive to her job. When she was out of sight, I went back to the house and opened the door. I took one extra large and two medium sized water balloons and filled them with ketchup. I emptied the contents of my binder and my lunchbox into my backpack. Carefully, I fitted the extra large balloon into my binder and the two medium balloons into my lunchbox. I placed the spare house key in its suitcase and exited my house. When I arrived at school, the janitor was sweeping the halls at the far end of the door. Quietly I entered the school and went into Mrs. Hackett's classroom. The bell rang two minutes later, but Mrs. Hackett still marked me absent. She started teaching about the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
"The Civil Rights Movement was started by Martin Luther King Jr." she began. "Mr. King was a violent man who spoke of hatred towards white people. He led a largely violent march through Washington D.C. in which the police were brutally attacked by the participants of the march. He then made his infamous I Have a Dream speech in which he called for overthrowing the US government and replacing every white person in power with a black person. Finally, when Mr. King was 39, James Earl Ray shot and killed Mr. King, thus silencing his hate speech." Mrs. Hackett showed us a video about Dr. King that was one hour in length. In it, Dr. King was painted as a racist bigot who despised all white people. Afterwards, Mrs. Hackett gave us a short quiz on the video. All of the questions were open ended.
"Question 1." It said. "Describe Mr. King's ideas about race." Mom had taught me about Dr. King before this test, so I knew the correct answer to the question. I wrote, "Dr. King's ideas about race were that racism should cease to exist." the next question asked about the method that Dr. King used to accomplish his goals about race. I answered, "Dr. King preached a message of peace to his people. He led peaceful protests in which the protestors were attacked and arrested for speaking out for racial equality." The third and final question asked me to describe the I Had a Dream speech. I responded, " It was a speech about equality for all human beings, regardless of race. Dr. King expressed that he wished to see people of all races living in harmony. He did not at any time call for violence, but for peaceful protest, for violence would only lead to further hatred of African-Americans. Peaceful protests, however, would show the world that African-Americans were not savages by nature, but that they were human beings." I put my name on the quiz and handed it to Mrs. Hackett. She skimmed through my answers and slapped me. She proceeded to shove me to the ground, but her anger had afterwards left her. "Your kind isn't worth the effort." she stated. She put a zero on my quiz and threw it onto the ground next to me. She went to her desk and resumed reading her copy of Mein Kampf. I got to my feet and went to my desk. It was 11:50. I got my backpack and prepared to unfold my plan. I opened my lunchbox and my binder. Carefully, I concealed the balloons in my backpack. Eight minutes later, I struck. I reached for a medium balloon and hurled it at Mrs. Hackett. It splashed all over Hitler's face. Angrily, Mrs. Hackett arose. I threw the second medium balloon. It smacked her on the dress. Mrs. Hackett's face was turning redder than the ketchup and her glasses looked as if they were being tempered by her eyes as she stormed towards me. I took out the extra large balloon. Mrs. Hackett stopped dead in her tracks.
"Brittany, you put that down!" she yelled. "Now!" I flung the balloon at her face and ducked. The balloon hit her on her nose, spreading the color of her temper throughout the room. The white students gasped in astonishment, the black students cheered my name, but I knew that I didn't have the time to enjoy it. While Mrs. Hackett was blinded by the ketchup on her eyes, I closed my backpack and dashed through the door. Mrs. Hackett attempted to collect her glasses, but shortly thereafter heard the sound of glass breaking under her feet.
As I passed through the door, I realized that I should give Mrs. Hackett some words to remember me by. I turned towards her and said, "Just because my skin is dark doesn't mean that your heart must
be so also." I resumed sprinting.
"Brittany!" she screamed loud enough to wake the dead. "Come back here you-" The door shut behind me, silencing her tirade. Quickly, I boarded the waiting car.
"How was your last day of school?" Mom asked.
"Oh, you know; the usual." I replied.
As Mom and I boarded the train, I found that I had a silly grin on my face. Though the Alabaman school district was harsh, it taught me more about racism than I would have ever learned in a Northern school. Goodbye Alabama, and good riddance.
Submitted: March 18, 2011
© Copyright 2020 jp23. All rights reserved.
Add Your Comments:
That wasn't fair...the teacher was really annoyingTue, April 5th, 2011 6:09pm
Yeah, she was supposed to be annoying. I usually get influenced by what I study in school, and I was studying discrimination at the time that I wrote this. Of course it went through many revisions and edits since it was originally written three years ago when I was in 8th grade :)Tue, April 5th, 2011 12:13pm
Anyway, it's a nice writing:)Tue, April 5th, 2011 6:10pm
I love the fact that Martin Luther King Jr. was inserted in the story, makes it more impactful
well done!
nice writing indeed
can you check out my stories too, if possible.
Yeah, this is a big improvement from the original story that I wrote in 8th grade. For example, I didn't describe the test in any detail other than saying that Brittany failed it. Then, the school day ended right after she got the test back. Finally, I went directly to the moment at which Brittany threw the balloons at Mrs. Hackett and ran. During my editing process, I added all of the details involved in the spelling test, made Brittany get sent to the principal, and inserted MLK. Even though all of my works are fiction, they always have quite a bit of truthful facts mixed in, with the heaviest amount of research going into "The Siege of Fort Hamilton" (Although it really doesn't seem like it unless you look closely). Sadly, this story is not an exception.Mon, April 11th, 2011 12:06pm
That was amazing, but horrible, i hate how people discriminate, it's sickening and wrong.Sat, April 23rd, 2011 6:58pm
I agree. The theme of this story is that everyone has some racism in them, but there's no excuse for mistreating people solely for their ethnicity. Another auxiliary purpose was to make the discrimination that not only black people, but people around the world have suffered understandable to those who had difficulty learning about it in a classroom setting. The more we know about these events, the less likely they are to occur again.Sun, April 24th, 2011 9:47am
okay, look, this is what i feel. i feel that we all have rascism in us, discrimaton against someone who is different is human nature. we are afraid of what we dont know, but some of us are willing to face it and face it well. personally, i love this story, it was well written, but i felt that secretly, the teacher was afraid of brittany, and i would have felt more empowered if brittany had instead said something empowering after throwing the ballons, instead of running away like she did, but i loved the story, and i would hope to see more.also, my type of writing is more fantasy style, but i would like you to read it anyway.
Thanks for taking the time to read my story and commenting on it. This is exactly the time of comment that I've been looking for: one with constructive criticism. The only other comment that I have received on this site with any sort of criticism was to type out the word 21 in "The Twister." I think it would be a great idea for Brittany to say something empowering, but the issue is the level of depth to the saying. An elementary school student does not have as high of a vocabulary as I do as the writer. Furthermore, although Brittany experienced racism she does not have the necessary understanding of the English knowledge at her age to say something overtly meaningful. My solution is to find a simple phrase that seems to be innocent to a child, such as Brittany, but is much more meaningful than she imagines. Once that is done I'll edit the story and let you know about it if you want to see the change. As for the reading request, My summer reading schedule is booked with homework from AP Literature (yes, they give homework over the summer). I have to read Beowulf and The Odyssey by September, write three literary analysis paragraphs about each and two about the journey of a hero from a movie, and be prepared to take a test on it on the first week of school. If for some reason I get done with this early, I'll read your writing.Sun, July 3rd, 2011 8:04am
Interesting read. Powerful symbolism. I love the fact that the student corrected the racist distortions about Martin Luther. The only suggestion I might have is that you could have the school teacher reading a book about Eugenicist IQ tests instead of Mein Kamph, because the Eugenics movement administered heavily biased intelligence tests, designed to fradulently create a scientific basis for the biological inferiority of African Americans, in order to push the segregationist agenda. They were the very same scientific community that helped provided the intellectual basis for the Nazi racist ideology. All were prominent faculty members of famous American universities.Fri, February 3rd, 2012 10:44am


text: nicotine CHEMICAL NAME: 3-(1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidyl)pyridine (56) DEC INGRED. CODE: TRADE NAME(S): Black Leaf 40 (56) FORMULATION(S): Nicotine alkaloid, 95%; nicotine sulfate, 40% (56) TYPE: Alkaloid insecticide BASIC PRODUCERS: Chemical Formulators, Inc. 2045 Peachtree Rd., NE, Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 STATUS: General use PRINCIPAL USES: Sucking insects on plants but now largely replaced by organophosphate insecticides. Formerly used in greenhouses as a fumigant and as a paint roost for chicken lice and mites (1). Little or no nicotine is now produced in the U.S. Limited supplies are imported from India. Two basic types of nicotine products have been marketed: the alkaloid and the sulfate. Nicotine alkaloid is relatively volatile and acts both by contact and by fumigant action. The sulfate is usually marketed as an aqueous solution containing 40% nicotine equivalent. When added to alkaline water or to soap solution the alkaloid is liberated, being then more active than the sulfate alone (56). I. EFFICACY To be developed. II. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES MOLECULAR FORMULA: C10 H14 N2 (62) MOLECULAR WEIGHT: 162.2 (62) PHYSICAL STATE: Colorless liquid which darkens slowly and becomes viscous on exposure to air (pure compound) (62). ODOR: Slight fishy odor when warm (14) MELTING POINT: -80 C (pure compound) (62) BOILING POINT: 247 C (pure compound) (62) VAPOR PRESSURE: 5.65 Pa at 25 C (pure compound) (62) SOLUBILITY: Miscible with water below 60 C, forming a hydrate, and above 210 C (pure compound) (62). III. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION OSHA STANDARD: 0.5 mg/m3 averaged over an eight-hour work shift (14). NIOSH RECOMMENDED LIMIT: None established ACGIH RECOMMENDED LIMIT: TWA (Time Weighted Average) = 0.5 mg/m3; STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit) = 1.5 mg/m3 (deleted); skin notation (15c). TOXICOLOGY A. ACUTE TOXICITY DERMAL: LD50 = 50 mg/kg (rabbit, single application) (62) ORAL: LD50 = 50-60 mg/kg (rat) (62) B. SUBACUTE AND CHRONIC TOXICITY: Nicotine has caused abnormalities in the offspring of laboratory animals (14). IV. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS Little hazard to birds, fish and beneficial insects. Biological magnification unlikely (1). Approximate Residual Period: Very short, 1 day on plants; same in soil and water (1). V. EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES The chemical information provided below has been condensed from original source documents, primarily from "Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings", 3rd ed. by Donald P. Morgan, which have been footnoted. This information has been provided in this form for your convenience and general guidance only. In specific cases, further consultation and reference may be required and is recommended. This information is not intended as a sub- stitute for a more exhaustive review of the literature nor for the judgement of a physician or other trained professional. If poisoning is suspected, do not wait for symptoms to develop. Contact a physician, the nearest hospital, or the nearest Poison Control Center. SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF POISONING Nicotine preparations, especially those using the free alkaloid, are well absorbed across the gut wall, lung, and skin. Poisoning symptoms from excessive doses appear promptly. They are due to transient stimulation, then prolonged depression, of the central nervous system, autonomic ganglia, and motor end-plates of skeletal muscle. Central nervous system injury is manifest as headache, dizziness, incoordination, tremors, then clonic convulsions leading to tonic-extensor convulsions which are often fatal. In some instances, convulsive activity is minimal and death by respiratory arrest occurs within a few minutes. Effects on autonomic ganglia give rise to sweating, salivation, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and hypertension. The heart is usually slow, and often arrhythmic. Block of skeletal muscle motor end-plates causes profound weakness, then paralysis. Death may occur from respiratory depression or from shock. Nicotine can be measured in blood and urine to confirm poisoning (25). SKIN CONTACT: Immediately flush the contaminated skin with water. If liquid nicotine or solutions of nicotine soak through the clothing, remove the clothing immediately and flush the skin with water. Get medical attention immediately (14). INGESTION: If the person is conscious, give large quantities of water immediately. After the water has been swallowed, try to get the person to vomit by having him touch the back of his throat with his finger. Do not make an unconscious person vomit. Get medical attention immediately (14). INHALATION: Move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible (14). EYE CONTACT: Wash eyes immediately with large amounts of water, lifting the lower and upper lids occasionally. Get medical attention immediately. Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this chemical (14). NOTES TO PHYSICIAN: Promptly wash contaminated skin and flush eyes with water. Ingestion of nicotine requires immediate gastric intubation, aspiration, and lavage, the latter preferably with 1.5% tannic acid solution, of 1:5000 potassium permanganate solution. Before withdrawing the lavage tube, instill 3-4 ounces of activated charcoal in a slurry of water. Diazapam and/or barbiturates may be required to control convulsions. Atropine and phenoxybenzamine (Dibenzaline) may help to control the autonomic manifestations. Positive pressure ventilation of the lungs with oxygen may be necessary to sustain life when respiration is arrested (25). VI. FIRE AND EXPLOSION INFORMATION GENERAL: Toxic gases and vapors (such as oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide) may be released in a fire involving nicotine (14). EXTINGUISHER TYPE: Alcohol foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical (14). VI. COMPATIBILITY Generally compatible with other insecticides and fungicides (1). Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fires and explosions. Contact with strong acids may cause violent spattering (14). VIII. PROTECTIVE MEASURES PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Employees should be provided with and required to use impervious clothing, gloves, face shields (8" minimum), and other appropriate protective clothing necessary to prevent any possibility of skin contact with liquid nicotine (14). Employees should be provided with and required to use splash-proof safety goggles where there is any possibility of liquid nicotine contacting the eyes (14). PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Respirators may be used when engineering and work practice controls are not technically feasible, when such controls are in the process of being installed, or when they fail and need to be supplemented. If the use of respirators is necessary, the only respirators permitted are those that have been approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration or by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (14). IX. PROCEDURES FOR SPILLS AND LEAKS IN CASE OR EMERGENCY, CALL, DAY OR NIGHT (800) 424-9300 PESTICIDE TEAM SAFETY NETWORK/CHEMTREC Persons not wearing protective equipment and clothing should be restricted from areas of spills or leaks until cleanup has been completed. If nicotine is spilled or leaked, the following steps should be taken: 1. Ventilate area of spill or leak. 2. For small quantities, absorb on paper towels. Evaporate in a safe place (such as a fume hood). Allow sufficient time for evaporating vapors to completely clear the hood ductwork. Burn the paper in a suitable location away from combustible materials. Large quantities can be reclaimed or collected and atomized in a suitable combustion chamber equipped with an appropriate effluent gas cleaning device. Waste disposal methods: Nicotine may be disposed of: 1. By absorbing it in vermiculite, dry sand, earth or a similar material and disposing in a secured sanitary landfill. 2. By atomizing in a suitable combusion chamber equipped with an appropriate effluent gas cleaning device (14). X. LITERATURE CITED 1. Harding, W.C. 1979. Pesticide profiles, part one: insecticides and miticides. Univ. Maryland, Coop. Ext. Serv. Bull. 267. 30 pp. 14. U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for Occuptational Safety and Health. 1981. Occupational health guidelines for chemical hazards. F. W. Mackinson, R. S. Stricoff, L. J. Partridge, Jr., and A. D. Little, Inc., eds. DHHS (NIOSH) Publ. No. 81-123. Washington, DC. 15c. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. 1984. TLVs: threshold limit values for chemical substances and physical agents in the work environment and biological exposure indices with intended changes for 1984-85. Cincinnati, OH. 116 pp. 25. Morgan, D.P. 1982. Recognition and management of pesticide poisonings, 3rd ed. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC. 120 pp. 56. Farm Chemicals Handbook, 70th ed. 1984. R. T. Meister, G. L. Berg, C. Sine, S. Meister, and J. Poplyk, eds. Meister Publishing Co., Willoughby, OH. 62. The Pesticide Manual: A World Compendium, 7th ed. 1983. C.R. Worthing, ed. The British Crop Protection Council, Croydon, England. 695 pp. 4/23/85

subset: commoncrawl


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NBA experience: 18 Seasons (1995 - Present)
Teams played for: Philadelphia 76ers (1995-1998), Detroit Pistons (1998-2002), Washington Wizards (2002-2004), Dallas Mavericks (2004-2009), Milwaukee Bucks (2009-2010), Miami Heat (2010-2011), Atlanta Hawks (2011-2012), Brooklyn Nets (2012-present)
If the third overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft doesn't capture a ring soon, which is probably a year or two max, we fear that he will best be remembered for playing a key role on a Dallas Mavericks squad that choked away a 2-0 lead against the Heat in the 2006 NBA Finals. Then lost to the eighth-seeded Warriors in the first round the following season.
An 18-year veteran, and former Sports Illustrated College Player of the Year (1995), Jerry Stackhouse is the definition of an NBA journeyman. Stack has played for eight different teams since he came into the league with the Sixers in 1995, and while his numbers have significantly been on the decline since the 2006-07 season, he still has an opportunity to capture his first ring. Whether he plays in Brooklyn, or another contender enlists his veteran services, is anyone's guess.
Also Watch


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"Banana" is pronounced "buh-NAN-uh."
It's a strict rule.
I know that because I tried to break it at the cafe near my house this morning.
I asked for a "BUH-nan-uh."
"A what?" asked the cafe employee.
"A BUH-nan-uh," I repeated.
"A buh-NAN-uh?" she asked, a little impatient.
"A BUH-nan-uh," I repeated.
"One of these?" she asked, pointing to a banana and looking at me as though I were a toddler.
I nodded.
She shook her head.
"You know, in my six years here, I've never heard anybody pronounce it, 'BUH-nan-uh,'" she said.
"Oh, well that's just how we pronounce it where I'm from," I answered.
"Oh, I see," she said, calming down a little. "Where are you from?"
"Down the block," I replied.


text:
On Friday Pro Farmer released their 2019 yield estimates for corn and soybeans. Pro Farmer analysts estimate 2019 corn production at 13.358 billion bu. with an average yield of 163.3 bu. per acre. They estimate soybeans at 3.497 billion bu. with an average yield of 46.1 bu. per acre.
If you've been following along with the Pro Farmer Midwest Crop Tour, Farm Journal's annual assessment of expected crop yields, then you probably noticed these estimates are lower than the yields discovered on the tour. That's because these are the Pro Farmer estimates and they are not associated with crop tour, says Pro Farmer editor Brian Grete. Here's how they calculate the numbers.
"On Crop Tour, we pull out the samples, tabulate them, and then we put them into our spreadsheets. They get averaged up and they give us averages by crop district and state there," he explained to AgDay host Clinton Griffiths. "And then at the end of the week we make these Pro Farmer estimates using the crop tour data, but we also use other factors."
Maturity of the crop, possible acreage changes, and general thoughts about how the crop will finish in the areas outside of the Crop Tour sampling region play a role in the estimates.
"Maturity was the key, because we sampled crops that were anywhere from behind to well behind normal. That was pretty much universal across the Corn Belt," Grete said. "The biggest differences obviously in maturity were in the eastern, far eastern Corn Belt Ohio, Indiana. Parts of Illinois, South Dakota, was an immature crop there as well. You know when we got into Iowa and Nebraska they were a little bit more mature, but I wouldn't say anything was more advanced than what it normally would be."
While crop maturity certainly influenced Pro Farmer to lower yields, AgriTalk host and Pro Farmer editorial director Chip Flory pointed out sample yields were lower as well.
"The maturity factor is critical, but when we put all the crop tour samples into one spreadsheet to calculate one average yield off of all the samples, it's down 6.9% from what we had a year ago," he said.
Grete and Flory agree the estimates released by Pro Farmer on Friday are more in line with trade expectations than those released by USDA on Aug. 12.
A Moving Target
While the team at Pro Farmer stands by their estimate, they say the growing season could swing the numbers. This year Pro Farmer released a range of +/- 1% on corn, which is 164.9 to 161.7 bu per acre, and of +/- 2% on soybeans, which is 47 to 45.2 bu. per acre. That's because the length of the growing season could have a significant impact on yields once combines roll.
"The more immature the crop is, the more potential you're measuring, as opposed to last year when we more measured more realized yield," Grete explained. "At that point, we knew kind of how much was it was going to hold on to. We just didn't know exactly the very end of the growing season. This year, there's still a lot of growing season left, at least we hope there is. If not, then we've got other problems."
Flory said it's likely the Pro Farmer estimate will change in the coming weeks.
"Because of the immaturity of the crop, you've got to stay nimble with your expectations on the supply side," he said. "Weather conditions are going to have a major impact from this point forward on how both the corn and the soybean crop are going to finish. Based on what we know right now at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 23, that's the best estimate that we can put on the corn and soybean crops. Is it going to change? I would almost guarantee it."


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When Plan A Doesn't Work Out….
August 18, 2015
Sorry I'm late in getting a weekly recap up. However, it was a crazy weekend. So, I didn't have time to write until now. It was a crazy week as well. Let's look back. Tuesday evening I was still feeling a little tired from the Dumbo Double Dare simulation the weekend before. So, I was … More When Plan A Doesn't Work Out….


text:
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text:
Index Ru Index En Contacts
The Posthumous Letters
Of Napoleon Bonaparte
to Count Lev Tolstoy
A Note on Interpreting the Medium
Dear Viktor Korkiya!
I hear you! I hear your message loud and clear! And in those marvelous moments Napoleon speaks English almost as confidently as Tolstoy communicates with Napoleon in French. They both tell me your Russian is impeccable, Viktor. Since, however, neither has a native command of English, and they tell me your own remarkable fluency in English stops abruptly at the limits of computer- and internet-speak, none of you can judge how well or badly I have heard you all. So be it. Let others judge. IsnÆt that the way? We know nothing (knowing far more than anyone gives us credit for, but far less than we ourselves suspect); meanwhile, others know all there is to know. You see: nothing can be hidden and so I make no attempt to hide a thing. Here, then, is what I have done. I present it to the world; to Napoleon, whom I may respect less than you; to Tolstoy, whom I revere as a father; and to you, whom I call a friend.
One final caveat. Due to bad politicians, well-meaning wives, unsuspecting neighbors, evil-minded thieves, editors kind and editors ignorant, friends and acquaintances of all sorts, inclement weather and gorgeous sunshine, endless days and sleepless nights, war, pestilence, poverty, stupidity, greed, cynicism, all-pervading ignorance and countless other static interruptions, I have not yet been able to tune in to all of the 5,600 words that Napoleon dictated to Tolstoy through you. My accomplishment so far is significantly less substantial. Accept my apologies and my promise that as soon as possible I will again lend an ear to your Napoleon in order to give him voice in English.
In the meantime, may it be your pleasure to peruse what little fruits my labor has produced.
Your John Freedman
March 22, 2007
English: ® John Freedman
The Posthumous Letters Of Napoleon Bonaparte
to Count Lev Tolstoy
In Place of a Foreword
For three years now the author of these lines has maintained contact with the spirit of Napoleon Bonaparte, the emperor of France. How this happened and why the author has not been committed to an asylum is another story. Or another song, if you will. The author would not be adverse to beginning with that ditty were it not for a grave vow he made to the emperor not to divulge the true nature of affairs until such time as they have been concluded.
The author unequivocally declares that the fragments of the emperorÆs correspondence have been selected for publication by the emperor himself and that the author bears no responsibility for them whatsoever since, in essence, he is not the author at all, but merely the medium through which the emperor has expressed his posthumous will.
Viktor Korkiya
May 12, 2004
* * *
Count! An entire era ¢ and perhaps not just one ¢ has passed since that time when death bestowed upon us both the rights of equals. You and I now have become what Providence intended us to be. The past is guilty only of having passed: It not only cannot be changed, it cannot be justified. Any justification, to a greater or smaller degree, would be a lie and you, Count, know that better than anyone else. For that which has passed has, by passing, passed its own verdict against itself. The past is ephemeral. And that which is ephemeral exhausts itself before it has had the opportunity to be born. Strictly speaking, it is born only to die and for no other reason. The present can never come to pass and never does pass on. For those such as you and I, Count, there is no past and there is no future. And the time in which we exist essentially is not time at all. It has no volume, no beginning, no end and no name: I hereby declare that the present is that which might also be called eternity. Or it might be ¢ as the DukeÆs adviser Goethe suggested ¢ the stopped moment. But non-existence will remain non-existent no matter what you call it. It couldnÆt care less whether I am the emperor of France, an adviser to a duke or a talking parrot.
* * *
For me, Count, the human being stands above all else. I remember every one of my soldiers. Their names, their nicknames. Their height, their ages. I know everything about every one of them. And they know everything about me. An army is a family. Do you see? Soldiers are my children. Do you have children? I had five hundred thousand children. Five hundred thousand! And I sacrificed them. For the glory of France. Do you remember Abraham? How he agonized when his Jewish God commanded him to sacrifice Isaac? And then the angel deflected the sword and Isaac did not die? Well I sacrificed my children and God accepted my sacrifice. They called me le petit caporal ¢ the little corporal. And now they are dust and ashes. When I hear their voices from beneath the earth I no longer hear myself. Nobody knows what sacrifice is; but I know. I gave fight beneath the pyramids. I felt as though I were a forefather, a patriarch, a biblical king. These letters, Count, are my bequest to you, to Europe, to human kind.
* * *
Eternity. That is when you are not there where you are. Is that unclear? I couldnÆt grasp it at first either. In order to understand it fully, you first must seize Paris then surrender it. Then take it back again without firing a single shot. Every shot fired is a shot fired at yourself. He who fires at other fires into empty space. You can only find your way into History by firing at yourself.
* * *
Echoes of the future can be heard in the past. I have perfect pitch for echoes. I can barely hear the sound of my own voice but echoes sound in me without end. On occasion I forget that they are echoes of the future. I turn around and struggle to remember where I heard them before. When I suddenly remember it was nowhere and never that I heard them, and that they have come to me from the other side, I am seized by horror. It is not death that a man fears, but rather inevitability. And the future is inevitability itself.
* * *
I love to sleep to the roar of cannons. Artillery is my passion. A cannon is an iron phallus. It spews the seed that fertilizes history. But no one knows history. And no one wants to know. Which leg did Talleyrand limp on, do you recall? And which of KutuzovÆs eyes was missing?
* * *
There is nothing more difficult than bearing a cross that others have hung on you. This is easy to prove, Count. As mathematicians say, you make your proofs through opposites. But I am deeply opposed to proofs of this kind. I never prove anything, Count. Not even to myself, let alone to others. I have no proofs and that is just what proves that I exist.
* * *
The common people are indifferent to the tragedy of Oedipus and you can understand why: DamoclesÆ sword of Fate does not hang above their heads. But he who has discovered himself and has set out on his own path returns to this mystical tale time and time again. The mystery that emanates from it is the mystery of primordial being. For the mystery of birth precedes the mystery of death. For the mystery of the moment embraces all the mysteries of eternity. For the mystery of darkness envelopes the mystery of light. The finger of Fate is visible in all, but not to all. We measure time rather than experience ourselves in it. Instinctively we fear that we may see the light. We fear ourselves for we can only escape ourselves once we cease to be ourselves. Every phenomenon contains its own opposite. Infectious laughter transforms into earthly woe before anyone can hear it. Darkness spreads at the speed of light, Count!
* * *
In order to be victorious in combat you need only take up the battle. And to suffer defeat you need only doubt yourself one split second. This is the entire secret of the art of warfare, Count! And it is an art, for only artists rely on nothing but themselves and nature, rather than on time or circumstances.
* * *
True thoughts are born only in empty heads. And if your head is full of thoughts there is nothing new it can bring forth. I am unsettled by the state of minds. Does this not unsettle you, too? And do you have a fortune? Or do you have only humanitarian convictions? Humanitarian convictions are a plague and nothing more. You canÆt indulge them. You canÆt give in to them. By doing so you betray your own gift and fate. If you are in the grips of humanitarian convictions you are lost to history and the future. You are frailty and Frailty is thy name!
* * *
To be continuedģ
English: ® John Freedman


text:
To William Buckland [15 June 1837]
Dear Sir
The marine Saurian, which you were asking me about last night, inhabits the Galapagos Archipel:, which is situated under the equator, and about 600 miles from the West coast of America.— Mr Bell has called the genus Amblyrhyncus,1 there are two species, both I believe peculiar to these islands; one is of a black colour, with vertically compressed tail; the other yellow & with cylindrical tail, the latter species being confined to the central division of the archipelago.— The islands are all volcanic, and many of the lava streams appear very recent: the aquatic lizard inhabits the coast rocks, even on islets where there is not a drop of fresh water. Although having seen hundred of these animals I never saw one five yards above the sea beach, generally they lie basking by dozens together with outstreched legs on the black basalt, only a few feet above the surf.— They are occasionally seen some way out at sea; but when disturbed on the coast, they do not take to the water, but try to conceal themselves in the crevices.— I conceive this is owing to their habitual enemies, only inhabiting the water.— When thrown into the sea: they swim quickly & with much elegance; their legs are closely collapsed on their bodies, and they proceed by a serpentine movement, like an eel.— They can live for an hour under water.— I opened the stomach of several, & found it distended with quantities of chopped sea weed, a species which I believe generally grows a little way from the beach, on the rocky bottom.— The terrestrial species is likewise herbivorous, feeding chiefly on berries & pieces of Opuntia.— The aquatic amblyrhyncus commonly attain a size between two & three feet; one rather large one weighed no less than twenty pounds.— These hideous creatures are quite harmless and very tame.— I could discover nothing about their propagation.—
This archipelago seems a paradise for the reptile order, (as much as the islands in the time of the Lias were) the land may be said to swarm with huge tortoises the terrestrial amblyrhyncus, small lizards & snakes—whilst the salt-water, with our hideous friends the aquatic Amby: & several species of tortoises.—
I hope you may be able to extract the information you desired out of this untidy account, and believe me dear Sir, | Yours most faithfully | Chas. Darwin 36 Grt. Marlborough St Thursday.—
Bell, Thomas. 1825. On a new genus of Iguanidæ [Amblyrhynchus]. Zoological Journal 2 (1825–6): 204–7.
Describes the two species of lizard [Amblyrhynchus] found in the Galapagos Archipelago.
Letter details
- Letter no.
- From
- Charles Robert Darwin
- To
- William Buckland
- Sent from
- London, Gt Marlborough St, 36
- Source of text
- American Philosophical Society (Mss.B.D25.)
- Physical description
- 3pp
Please cite as
Darwin Correspondence Project, "Letter no. 359," accessed on 20 October 2020, https://www.darwinproject.ac.uk/letter/DCP-LETT-359.xml
Also published in The Correspondence of Charles Darwin, vol. 2


text:
The Evolution of Automatic Hand Dryers
A 30 second drying time meant that many people walked away with damp hands and dissatisfaction. The improved drying time negated the need to wipe away remaining moisture on trousers and jackets making hand driers a much more popular option. Cost effective and practical hand drying solution for high use washrooms is available from FHD Online UK with their Bremmer Eco' friendly range of automatic jet hand driers
However, it was discovered that the use of warm hand driers enabled bacteria to spread around the washroom. Again, fans were improved and the temperature of the atmosphere could be reduced. Bacteria were largely confined to the area immediately around the hand dryer rather than being showered over unsuspecting passers-by. Now you are able to purchase the Bremmer jet UV13 high speed automatic hand dryer which has a built in sterilizer that not only sanitizes the hands but the walls floors and ceilings as well by breaking down the cells of the bacteria and eliminating them. It also has a built in air freshener so it's not only hygienic but makes your washroom smell nice as well.
Early commercial hand driers were operated through the use of touch buttons and typically ran for a set period of time, normally 30 seconds. Not only did this mean that the hand dryer was left running after use, in a lot of cases, but it also meant that microbes and microorganisms were spread via the buttons on the dryers. Later World brought out an automatic hand dryer which could sense a person's hands and turned on and off accordingly, removing the need to touch the hand dryer.
Modern models are cost efficient,electric fast drying, eco-friendly dryers. Even those in a relatively low budget bracket can dry hands in 15 seconds or less while the more expensive options, like the innovative Dyson Airblade hand dryer or Bremmer UK AIRtwister reduces this to 10 seconds The added benefits of the jet AIRtwister is it's only 70 Db so is a lot more quieter, Eco friendly, enjoyable hand drying experience.


text:
Royal Observatory from Crooms Hill
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Royal Observatory from Crooms Hill
A scene showing the Royal Observatory at Greenwich on the right and the Queen's House and Thames riverfront buildings of East Greenwich in the distance, left and centre. The main building of the newly constructed Observatory (1675-1676), rapidly gained the name Flamsteed's or Flamsteed House from its first incumbent, the first Astronomer Royal, John Flamsteed.
English School, 17th Century
- Image reference: BHC1812
- National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London


text:
Hay folks well this old line is becoming a bit of a obsession for me now as each time I visit it shows me something new (or old should I say) as it has lots hidden away in the bushes and brambles. Well I have now covered most of the line from oxendon tunnels to the out skirts of Northampton so please check out my past reports
Oxendon railway tunnel northants feb2012
Hunting down more railway relics may 2012
also while doing some follow up research I have just found out that oxendon tunnel has a twin bore next to each other so will be heading back for a third visit
for those who do not know about this line a wee bit of history
The Northampton to Market Harborough line was designed by George R. Stephenson (nephew of the Railway Pioneer George Stephenson) and was opened in 1859.
The line had a staggered history in its final years. It was first closed to passenger traffic on 4th January 1960 but was reopened to through traffic on the 6th January 1969. It was closed again on 1st May 1969 and reopened on 10th July 1972. The passenger service was finally withdrawn on 26 August 1973, although the line continued to be used by freight trains.
On 15th August 1981, the day before closure, a special train was chartered to run from Northampton to Market Harborough and return. This was the last British Rail passenger train to run on the line.
The line has two tunnels which where know by the train drivers as rat runs due to the size of the openings
on with the pics of what this visit found
how the tunnels looked in 1981 with the last train
and the jems i found
this is where the line is being restored by Northamton and lamport railway
till the next one folks thanks for looking


text:
Under the Surface: an inside look at how Microsoft's tablet came to be
Original Link: http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/16/3511002/microsoft-surface-inside-look-history
David Pierce writing for The Verge:
"Tape and strings literally made Surface."
Panos Panay, general manager of the team behind the Microsoft Surface, touches an old mockup made of black and white plastic. He's forgetting glue, certainly – two panels appear to have been hot-glued to form the "tablet" part of the device — but tape and strings really are two key ingredients in this prototype, the one Panay's team used to show off what Surface would look like. It's crude and fragile, but it's also unmistakably Surface.
At a private event held for a small group of press this week at Microsoft's sprawling campus in Redmond, Washington, we got to see that and dozens of other prototypes of what would become Microsoft's first tablet, the $499 device leading the company's charge toward Windows 8. Panay and Steven Sinofsky, President of Windows, were our tour guides for the day as we saw how the software giant built the hardware designed to "extend Windows into the physical realm."


text:
Queensland Parliament
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Australian Labor Party (ALP)
Date of Election
31 January 2015Previous RepresentationAshgrove - ALP (31 Jan 2015 - 24 Nov 2017) Ashgrove - ALP (9 Sep 2006 - 23 Mar 2012)
Inaugural | All Speeches
Phone: (07) 3719 7530Fax: n/aEmail: SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW
Phone: (07) 3554 9100Fax: n/aEmail: [email protected]
Senior Media Advisor, Minister for Public Works and Racing (Hon Robert Schwarten MP); Advisor, Queensland Treasurer (Hon David Hamill); Temporary Organiser, ALP State Office
Birth Date:
10 April 1979 (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia)
Bachelor of Arts – Journalism (QUT); Commenced studying Masters In Public Administration (QUT)
Ministerial Office Email Addresses:[email protected][email protected][email protected]
Notes: Member, Australian Services Union; Amnesty International; World Vision; Fred Hollows' Foundation. Patron, The Gap State High School; Ashgrove Historical Society; Ashgrove Meals on Wheels; The Gap Community Association. Member, Save Our Waterways Now Inc (SOWN). Interests – Australian history, cinema, sport, singing, cooking and collecting English fine china.
Publications: Queensland Parliament, Members List, Biography, http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/


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Comments that are not specific to a certain post should go here, for the month of September 2017. Contributions should relate to the cause and goals of this organization and please, keep it courteous and civil.
General Comments September 2017
Join the discussion
This bears watching to see what the courts say about it: "DHS planning to collect social media info on all immigrants" (http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/352421-dhs-planning-to-collect-social-media-info-on-all-immigrants).
This is retroactive, and will by-catch citizens as well. If struck, it could provide leverage for off-paper RCs; if upheld, every single human in this country should be terrified of what's next.
So if SCOTUS does deny Snyder, that's at the very least good for the people of 6th, right?
But how will that effect others? Could this denial (I guess a loose agreement in its correctness by SCOTUS?) be used by other states to help overturn the registry?
Will it effect the 6th in overturning registry all together, just for those post supervision, or non of the above and only help deregister those who were convicted prior to SORNA implementation?
Who knew law could be this complicated? 😛
Another thing to consider with any ruling determining, "punitive in effect," is how it will affect someone like me who has changed State of residency. I committed my offense in a State that has no residency or presence restrictions for my being Tier I, and my information (were I still living there) would be restricted to LE only. However, I now live in a State that is fully SORNA-compliant, has residency and a couple presence restrictions, and actually has slightly stiffer tiers than AWA recommends. If my State's items are found to be punishment, I would be freed from all of it due to Double Jeopardy, Due Process, and/or Full Faith and Credit. So for me, given the "lax" registry rules of my convicting State, ex post facto is a win no matter what!
mike r
yeah, as soon as our loving gov. signs it, it will be law. Just because it doesn't take effect till later isn't of concern. Once it is signed it becomes demonstrably inevitable to cause me harm, therefore standing to sue. I hope Janice and team immediately files a challenge as soon as he signs it also, asking for a temp injunction, and if needed a restraining order, if it will not be in front of a judge before it takes effect, and a permanent injunction for the long run.Soon as it's signed I believe it's game on…
mike r
You know it's kind of strange how they slated it for 2021 to take effect. Why? Since when do they stay any law that is enacted towards us? It's unheard of in the realm of sex offender legislation. It's almost as if they want to give it enough time to be challenged in court or something, I don't know, I just can't fathom any other reasoning. Maybe they are waiting to see how it plays out in other cases around the country, I just don't believe that they are postponing it for anything other then their perverted nefarious reasons.That's just my opinion, I think they are all being bullied, and politically pressured, to continue with this insane system that they have created that is now worth billions of dollars, and supports international org's around the world. There are some powerhouse people that have a vested interest in keeping this going, and that is the people who are pushing back…
Saying RC's can't live within X is easy to implement quickly. Needing to organize 100k people from a single pool into three as well as put into place everything required to then process petitions to get off, is a whole other story. Whether or not they actually need the full 3+ years to get their ducks in a row is debatable, but they do need far more time to implement something like this than to implement a blanket restriction.
Here is another Supreme Court case to follow.
Essentially, the Justices are asked If no trespassing signs directed at police prevents them from the implied permission allowing them to enter your property to knock on your door. So of the Juctices agree with the Plaintiff, all you have to do to stop sex offender "compliance checks" is to place no trespassing signs.
Lake County
"Meth manufactures could rent warehouses, mount machines guns in the windows, and post no-trespassing signs at every entrance".
I don't see anything wrong with that. I would prefer meth manufacturers to produce it in a commercial warehouse to keep it out of our neighborhoods. I also see no issue with machine guns in the windows since that would likely provide police with probable cause to get a warrant.
The big difference between your two examples are the phrases "reasonable suspicion" and "probable cause." In a compliance check, LEOs have neither; at a meth house, they would almost assuredly have the former.
In this particular case, LEOs had information from citizens they had no reason to doubt; had first-hand information from a man they had witnessed leaving the home and who stated meth was being made, the purchases from Kroger, etc. In this particular case, I say the LEOs were fully within their policing authority to enter the curtilage. In fact, given the reasonable suspicion a crime was in progress in the house, the LEOs appear to have been fully within the exigent circumstance exception to the Fourth Amendment (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exigent_circumstance). They definitely had reason to believe evidence faced destruction, and, not knowing who all may be in the house, reason to believe suspects would attempt escape. This is settled case law, and I am 100% sure the petition will get denied so fast, his meth-cooked head will spin!
Of interest to me is a Fourth Amendment case SCOTUS accepted this week: http://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/collins-v-virginia/?wpmp_switcher=desktop. The guy was guilty–and a bit stupid–but it does raise the question of just how much snooping around LEOs can do on curtilage.
Lake County
"A homeowner may post as many No Trespassing signs as she wishes. She might
add a wall or a medieval-style moat, too. Maybe razor wire and battlements and mantraps besides. Even
that isn't enough to revoke the state's right to enter." United States v. Carloss, 818 F.3d 988, 1004 (10th Cir. 2016)
(Gorsuch, J., dissenting)
I am glad to see Gorsuch dissented on this ruling. The more I learn of his decisions, the more I think he's the right Court Justice for us.
Don't hold your breath on SCOTUS even accepting this case. Just because someone exercises their right to appeal to SCOTUS doesn't mean 1) it has any merits, and/or 2) that SCOTUS will accept the case. This case has significant problems for Appellant Christensen. Of note, too, is that TN waived its right to respond.
@someone who cares:
"So, what is this article all about?"
It's about a meth cooker who thinks LEOs have no authority to enter without a warrant even when they have probable cause of crime in progress. (They can enter in this case, it's called the Exigent Circumstance, and is a legal, valid exception to the Fourth Amendment.)
"Can we argue this if it happens again?"
Sure, and you'll have as little success as this person has had…and will have.
Who removes from list
My husband wants to remind all of you, if SCOTUS does not take Snyder its a victory for us. Its a great start! If they dont take it then it can be used in other appeals. Think about this, SORNA in Pa ruled Punitive applied retroactively. In Snyder it was ruled that too. My husband knows he was sentenced to comply with ML3 in Pa. He will be off of his agreement if the Muniz is not heard by SCOTUS. Each state needs to fight there own battle. Because each state has its own law code with Sora, Sorna, AWA. Whatever you have in your state, they will never get rid of the registry. And anyone sentenced after Dec 20 2012 in Pa, you agreed to be on it when you committed your crimes. The debate over if Scotus will take Snyder or not is frankly unneeded. If they take it and they agree. It still goes back each state will fight there own battle. If they take and Snyder gets overturned, then what, regret? If you are out there that thinks SCOTUS is for you and my husband, its like pooping in one hand and wishing in the other, try it and see what fills up first. My husband is from PA. People in Michigan are from Michigan. He is for it being gone, but it isnt going anywhere.
How do you then explain SCOTUS ruling in our favor in the Packingham case earlier this year? Sure, they are human and have some bias, but for the most part they do look at the constitution and work off of that. They never specifically look to hurt or help any particular group of people. If that were the case, we'd still very likely have slavery, or the very least, separate drinking fountains.
To be fair, Packingham wasn't really a RC case; it was a First Amendment case that happened to involve a RC. But the Packingham Parenthetical (c'mon folks, it's catchy…!) *does* speak volumes and had absolutely nothing to do with the First Amendment issue at hand in Packingham. That parenthetical was a loud and clear statement–that as someone else has recently shown, is already appearing in court Opinions.
Lake County
"Who removes from list"
Whether any of us does or doesn't want SCOTUS to review Snyder is irrelevant to what they decide to do. We all just have opinions on how we want reform to happen. I think most of us in the 49 other states would prefer to have this decided by SCOTUS sooner, rather than later. Eventually SCOTUS will need to decide these issues especially if you ever want to travel or reside in another state. If SCOTUS takes this case and decides in our favor, it becomes the law of the land. Each state will not need to fight separate battles on these same issues. In any case, none of this will end the registry completely in any State. It will just likely be limited to what it was in 1996 when SCOTUS said the AK registry was no more burdensome than a Price Club membership.
Not Really
Even if SCOTUS were to find Snyder unconstitutional on ex post facto grounds, that does not mean every other registry would also be unconstitutional. I think California has tried to keep that in mind whenever the Cal Supreme Court ruled on the registry, e.g. no residency restrictions and no internet identifiers ex post facto, etc.
In other words, PA could revise its registry and that could resolve the Snyder ruling.
And anyone sentenced after Dec 20 2012 in Pa, you agreed to be on it when you committed your crimes.
What I like about this is that if with my having been sentenced after that date, I could move to PA and be exempt from it. After all, if it's punishment in PA, applying it to me would subject me to Double Jeopardy and also violate my right to Due Process.
The debate over if Scotus will take Snyder or not is frankly unneeded.
I disagree. No Federal Circuit is required to agree with Snyder if it is only a 6th Circuit decision. It is considered persuasive (in laymen's terms: non-binding), and nothing more. So someone in the 5th (LA, MS, TX) could cite it, and the Circuit could say, "yeah, we read that, but disagree." The reason SCOTUS affirming it is so desirable is because it is then binding on every single court in the USA. Every. Single. One.
If they take it and they agree. It still goes back each state will fight there own battle.
Again, I disagree. Any SORAs that are exactly like MI's would instantly be struck, as there would be no argument the State could make saying, "but ours is different." Also, any SORA stricter than MI's would also obviously be struck. It's the ones that are close or less stringent that would maybe require a fight. But I can tell you, I would much rather walk into that fight with a SCOTUS ruling in hand versus one from a Circuit other than mine. Also, the power of that SCOTUS ruling could be strong enough that it strikes every single SORA. For example, if SCOTUS says using offense-based tiers constitutes punishment, then every single SORA (including AWA) is instantly punitive. Again, no fight needed.
If they take and Snyder gets overturned, then what, regret?
No, not regret. At some point, SCOTUS *will* have to address the continuing, and certainly growing, conflicts among the Circuits. So if they take it and overturn, they've merely shortened the timeline. Dashed hopes, for sure, but they would simply be sooner proved to also be false hopes. For me, it would be a cue that I need to work a little faster at packing my bags for expat status.
mike r
Yeah, screw Nevada…my fiance wanted to go to Vegas on one of those time share conventions where they pay for your motel for three days if you listen to there little speech and pitch, but I am not registering there, and you have to if you stay more then 48, so nope, not unless I leave before the 47 hour, I am not even sure how that would work…..So I probably just won't doing it until I get off this crap…I don't know, I might do it and just go visit the grand canyon for a day or two, I have to see what kind of BS Arizona has to offer….
Question about moving SORNA to 34 U.S.C. Chapter 209
I just noticed the transfer of SORNA from 42 U.S.C. 16901 to the reference above. Anyone know why? I also noticed Section 20916 "Direction to Attorney General", which I have not seen before. Perhaps it is new. There is a subsection which states: "(d) Notice to Sex offenders of new requirements: The Attorney General shall ensure that procedures are in place to notify each sex offender of changes in requirements that apply to that sex offender as a result of the implementation of this section."
Interesting. Comments? Sort of says the AG must notify each and everyone of us of a change? Was this in place when the AG regulations regarding SORNA were released? Is it a defense to say we were not notified of a requirement, that is if we are charged for a regulation failure?
Lake County CA
In CA; DOJ must notify us of all the new laws for that year when we renew our yearly registration. Basically their might be no more than an average of one new law/condition added that we must initial the entire form to prove we have been formally notified.
Full registration forms for 290 annual registration
Do you have any more info on how and where you saw this change? Or were you just skimming the US Code for fun? 🙂 It certainly has some sort of meaning, but who knows what. Perhaps they moved it from criminal code to civil code to look better?
"Sort of says the AG must notify each and everyone of us of a change? Was this in place when the AG regulations regarding SORNA were released? Is it a defense to say we were not notified of a requirement, that is if we are charged for a regulation failure?"
If I recall correctly, they must inform you, and failure to do so would provide a RC with some semblance of a defense. There was some decision (SCOTUS? USAG final rules?) that said without telling RCs of their obligations, they could not be held accountable, or something along that line. (This is another one of those things I stumble across and promptly forget where I read it.) Sorry for not having a citation or source on that. Hopefully I stumble across it again soon.
Had I done a smidgen of research before posting the above, I would have found out it's an editorial change to US Code (http://uscode.house.gov/editorialreclassification/t34/index.html). Pages 35 & 36 of http://uscode.house.gov/editorialreclassification/t34/T34ERT.pdf show the new Classifications of interest here.
Different subject: Child porn conviction upheld in youth sexting case
The Washington State Supreme Court just affirmed a conviction of a 17 year kid of transmitting child porn (RCW 9.68A.050) by sexting a picture of himself to an adult. Interesting article, but the opinion is better reading (State v. Gray, 93609-9 (Wash. 09/14/2017)). I have already emailed state Senators urging they change the law. These statutes should not be used to convict children of child exploitation.
I recommend any Washingtonian to contact the state legislature to complain about the high court's ruling, for the legislature surely did not mean to use these offenses that protect children to prosecute children.
David Kennerly, the Very Model of "Containment"
It is a sad reality that, the more infamous and dramatically evil our system becomes, the sooner we will have dramatic mobilization against that evil. Just as, if there were suddenly a number of Registrants murdered by vigilantes, there would be much more support for our cause. It's not something I would wish for but the conclusion is indisputable. It is an unfortunate, yet unavoidable conundrum in which the system might be gradually reformed, but in a way which only provides relief to a few, on the one hand, or dramatically dismantled to the benefit of everyone who is its victim, on the other. In the first case, some will attain liberty while a core of less sympathetic individuals (for whatever reason) will not. We didn't create this awful truth, however, so we should not feel guilty for its consequences just as we had no role in its creation. It just is what it is: a system in which the suffering of some people may well redound to the benefit of others. I will say that I hope that children are not among those who would continue to suffer, but that, too, is out of my hands.
IL considers having a murderer declared a SVP so they can hold him beyond his mandatory release in 3 years: "State officials are examining the case to see if they can file a petition to keep Kokoraleis incarcerated as a sexually violent predator." (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-bc-us–convicted-killer-parole-20170929-story.html)
So once again, being a RC is worse than being a murderer…and this guy was no "run of the mill" murderer, either.
I have 2 questions. 1) In California, Riverside county are there any restrictions or curfews for RC's on Halloween. I think it only affects persons while on parole but want to make sure. 2) During the conference call about the tiered registry it was said that once 2021 gets here there will be no more certificates of rehabilitation. I understand it will no longer remove someone from the registry, but I wanted it to assist in getting a contractors license as well. Will it still be available for those types of purposes or can one be grandfathered in?
Lake County CA
1) This link should answer your Halloween questions:
If you're not on parole or probation, I wouldn't worry about it at all. Although you're better off staying at home safe from all the drunk drivers who attended parties at their local bar. It's just another amateur night for drinking.
2) I think there are too many unknowns with this bill. Many changes may take place before 2021.
I would suggest applying for your COR before the tiered registry takes effect. It certainly wont hurt to get one. I would imagine it may at least be additional evidence that you deserve to be removed from the tiered registry.
Lake County CA
Where's all the hysterical hype this year about banning clown costumes like we had last year? I guess the media still has time left to start another new Halloween myth to keep everyone in fear.


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Important Current Affairs 28th December 2015 with PDF
Testbook | Updated: Dec 29, 2015 13:01 IST
Here is an update with all the daily Current affairs 28th December 2015. You can now download the PDF for the important current affairs 28th December 2015 pdf capsule as well.
Lionel Messi Named Best Player in the Global Soccer Awards
- Football superstar Lionel Messi was named Best Player of the Year at the Global Soccer Awards event.
- The event was held in Dubai.
- Messi is an Argentine professional footballer, playing for Spanish club Barcelona and the Argentina national team.
- His football club Barcelona was also named as the Best Club of the Year.
- Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard were jointly given the Player Career Award.
No LPG Subsidy for People with Income Over Rs. 10 Lakhs
- Taxpayers with annual income more than Rs 10 lakh will not get subsidized LPG cylinders from the year 2016.
- This was recently announced by the government.
- This is the first decisive move towards curbing the supply of subsidized cooking gas.
- At present, all households are entitled to 12 cylinders of 14.2-kg each at subsidized rate of Rs 419.26.
- The market price of each cylinder is Rs 608.
India 3rd Biggest Startup Hub Globally
- India is currently the third major startup hub worldwide.
- India has over 42,000 growing companies set up in the country.
- Startups have increased by nearly 40% from 2014 to 2015.
- Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi and other NCR states continue to be top destinations for companies.
- Net funding has gone up 125% to 4.9 billion dollars in 2015 against the previous years, as per a report by NASSCOM.
- E-commerce startups and aggregators continue to be the highest share of investments.
China Officially Ends One-Child Policy
- China finally amended its one child policy on 27th November 2015.
- The approval to amend One Couple, One Child Policy was given by the 159-member National People's Congress Standing Committee.
- National People's Congress Standing Committee is the top body of Chinese Parliament.
- Declining workforce and a rapidly ageing population forced the lawmakers to amend the old-fashioned policy.
- The policy was first introduced in the late 1970s.
- It has prevented around 400 million births over the last three decades.
UP Named Most Affordable, Safe Tourist Destination
- Uttar Pradesh emerged as the most affordable and safe holiday destination for both domestic and foreign tourists.
- The survey is conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India.
- Enhanced air connectivity, proper care and keeping of heritage sites and better management of pilgrimage spots have made UP a great holiday destination.
- Tourist spots in Uttar Pradesh alone might be able to attract around three lakh of the total travelers visiting India.
Reliance Jio Launches 4G Services for Employees
- Reliance Jio Infocomm, on 27th December, launched its 4G services for its employees.
- Reliance Jio Infocomm is the telecom venture of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL).
- 4G, or fourth generation services, comes with significantly faster data transfer speeds on wireless networks.
- It enables high definition voice and real time video conferencing.
- It has a speed up to 1 gbps.
- It was launched on 27th December as part of Reliance Founding Day to mark Dhirubhai Ambani's 83rd birth anniversary.
Andhra Pradesh Signs MoU with Microsoft
- Andhra Pradesh Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Microsoft.
- This is to provide better services in education, agriculture and civic services.
- As per the MoU, Microsoft India will provide technical help to Andhra Pradesh government in data gathering and analysis.
- The technical know-how would greatly facilitate the government's plan to achieve comprehensive growth and provide better civic services.


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Difference between revisions of "TrainStation Cheats"
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text: Palm Island Dubai (Jumeirah Palm Island) is one of the most ambitious real-estate developments on earth, heralded as the 8th wonder of the world as it can be seen from space along with another major landmark, The Great Wall of China. It is one of three islands called the Palm Islands (Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira) which extend into the Persian Gulf. Jumeirah Palm island features themed hotels, villas, apartment buildings, beaches, marinas, restaurants, and a variety of retail outlets. The most popular feature being 5 star aqua themed hotel Atlantis.


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We expect good behaviour from all of our children, enabling them to be safe and happy whilst at school. Self-discipline is our ultimate aim and it is hoped that children will learn to respect each other and show tolerance to all within our community.
However, if children have to be sanctioned, they are attended to by the class teacher in the first instance, or if necessary by a senior member of staff, including the Headteacher. If a child persistently offends, we will contact parents/carers and arrange a meeting to discuss the behaviour and work together to help the child.
Good behaviour is promoted on a daily basis through the use of "The Golden Rules." These rules, which are adopted school-wide, seek to reinforce the principals of behaviour which create a happy and safe learning environment.
"The behaviour of pupils is good. Pupils have positive attitudes to learning. They are polite and friendly. They are confident in making their views known and takep ride in their school."
Ofsted 2014
'The Golden Rules'
We are gentle
We are kind and helpful
We listen
We are honest
We work hard
We look after our property
The staff work together to make explicit behavioural expectations and put in place strategies to ensure the positive and appropriate behaviour of our children at all times.
Further details can be found in the Behaviour for Learning Policy available on this website or via the school office.
Any form of bullying is not tolerated. All incidents are rare and are investigated and dealt with by the Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher.
"Pupils feel safe and happy at school.
They report that all staff are always there for them
and listen to their views about how to improve the school."
Ofsted 2010


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Privacy Statement
Please read the following policy to understand how your personal information will be treated by this web site, (including any sub-site accessible through the homepage, the "Site"). This policy may change from time to time so please check back periodically. Parks Productions recognizes the importance of protecting the privacy of personally identifiable information collected about visitors to this Site. As a general policy, no personally identifiable information, such as your name, address or email address, is automatically collected from visitors to this Site. Personally identifiable information about visitors to this Site is collected only when knowingly and voluntarily submitted by you. We may collect certain non-personal information to optimize our web pages for your computer (i.e., the identity of your Internet browser, the type of operating system you use, and the domain name of your Internet service provider). We may use such non-personal information for internal purposes, including but not limited to improving the content of this Site. In those instances when we do collect personally identifiable information, Parkspro.com will notify you when we are collecting personally identifiable information about you. For example, we may need to collect such information to fulfill your registration, in connection with contest entry forms, or in connection with community postings such as chat and bulletin boards. But that information will not be shared with 3rd parties, unless you've opt-ed in for that information to be shared. Please note that you always have the right to opt-out at any time from the Parkspro.com database.


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In its centenary year, BMW Group continues to grow its global sales but USA sales declined. BMW Motorrad saw strong global sales growth with deliveries in February 2016 up 12.1% compared to the same month last year. Around the world, a total of 17,323 BMW motorcycles and maxi-scooters have been delivered to customers so far in 2016.
However, BMW Motorrad USA reported a 3.4% sales decline in February 2016 with 795 motorcycles sold compared to the 823 sold in February 2015. For the first two months of the year, sales are down 16.1% to 1,245 from the 1,484 sold during the same period last year. The S1000RR was the best-selling model in February with 173 deliveries compared to 98 this time last year, helping S-Series volumes grow by 69%. Growth also came from the K1600GTL Exclusive (+17%) and the F800R roadster (+14%). February saw the first deliveries of the new-for-2016 C650 Sport and C650GT maxi-scooters and the updated 2016 models F700GS and F800GS ahead of the March season start.
BMW Motorrad Canada reported sales of 103 units in February, marking an increase of 106% compared to February, 2015. Year-to-date sales for the two-wheeled brand were 148 units. This is an increase of more than 30 units, or 34.6%, over the same time in 2015.
The automobile divisions achieved a new record number of customer deliveries in February with a total of 163,965 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles delivered around the world, an increase of 7.9% on the same month last year. In the year-to-date, 316,846 units have been sold, an increase of 7.7% compared with the same period last year.
In the first two months of 2016, sales of BMW-brand vehicles increased by 8.3% to total 277,304 units worldwide. MINI sales increased 4.1% in the first two months of the year, with a total of 39,237 vehicles delivered to customers.
Sales in Europe continue to grow strongly with deliveries of BMW and MINI vehicles in the first two months totalling 134,140 units, an increase of 11.4% compared with the previous year. Almost all markets achieved sales growth, with double-digit increases recorded in several markets including Italy (12,522 / +12.4%), France (12,172 / +13.3%) and Spain (8,949 / +22.5%). Deliveries of BMW and MINI vehicles in Asia increased by 12.1% (113,588) compared with the first two months of last year. In Mainland China, deliveries rose 12.7% (80,215), sales in Japan increased 15.0% (9,491) and deliveries in South Korea climbed 13.3% (9,328). In the Americas, year-to-date sales of BMW and MINI vehicles are down 6.4%, with a total of 58,174 units delivered to customers. Although sales totalling 46,657 in the USA were 8.7% down on the same period last year, deliveries in Canada rose 8.8% (5,191).
BMW Group sales in/ytd February 2016 at a glance
|In February 2016
|Compared with
previous year
|Compared with
previous year
|BMW Group Automobiles
|BMW Motorrad


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Manitou Ridge Golf CourseNo Reviews Available | post a review
More About Manitou Ridge Golf Course
AboutManitou Ridge has 5K of easier, more difficult, and most difficult classic and skate ski trails. The terrain is hilly and open. The site is located at the northeast corner of McKnight Road and I-694. Access is from the Manitou Ridge Clubhouse parking lot off McKnight Road.
Get a chance to WIN lift tickets when you:
Post a Public Snow Report
OR Post a Review
Contact InformationManitou Ridge Golf Course Website
Mountain Stats
Directions to Manitou Ridge Golf CourseLocated at:
White Bear Lake, MN


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After a one year hiatus due to Hurricane Maria, the biggest show of the Carnival Season, the Miss Dominica Pageant will be hosted this year.
Five young women will be competing to take home the coveted title on March 1, 2019.
They are Annick Williams, 21, from Goodwill; Britney Felix, 20, from St. Joseph; Christine Tavernier, 21, from Grand Bay; Marisol John, 20, from Sultan/Copthall; Aaliyah Martin, 19, from Campbell.
They were presented to the public and their contract signed on Wednesday morning.
"For over a decade, the Queen Show Committee has transformed the annual competition from a beauty pageant to a platform for empowering young women," head of the committee Romualda Hyacinth said. "This pageant does not only focus on physical beauty but on grooming young women from different communities to be great ambassadors of Dominica."
She stated that in creating these ambassadors, the Queen Show Committee had adopted a robust system which includes the training of the ladies and setting up behavioral parameters them.
"The ladies and their teams are not left alone in this process and the Queen Show Committee continues with this method which has not failed Dominica," she remarked.
She said contestants going through the process come out as better and much more positive individuals.
'It is this formula which has enabled Dominica contestants to always emerge among the top three contestants in the regional pageants," she noted. "The contestant's journey to the throne provides each contestant with an incredible opportunity to learn, grow and blossom into beautiful ambassadors."
She explained that all judges for the show must attend a training session which allows them to discuss and review the criteria to effectively perform their task at the show and to keep its integrity.


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The Manhattans
The Manhattans
The Manhattans were formed in the early 60s in New Jersey as a quintet led by writer/bass vocalist Winfred "Blue" Lovett and emotive lead singer George Smith, along with Edward "Sonny" Bivins, Richard "Ricky" Taylor and Kenneth "Wally" Kelly, all of whom had just returned from service in the armed forces. The group was popular regionally and had minor national success on the strength of some solid recordings for Carnival Records (their version of the country tune "From Atlanta to Goodbye" was a gem) in the late 60s before gaining the attention of Columbia Records in 1970. Unfortunately, their Columbia signing coincided with the sudden illness of talented lead singer Smith. During a tour through North Carolina, the Manhattans came upon a college student with an amazing Sam Cooke-like voice. Recognizing the incredible talent of this 21 year old, the group invited Gerald Alston to join, and he became the lead singer who would bring stardom to the quintet, with the blessing of Smith, who sadly died just a few months later.
With Alston's smooth lead vocals, solid songwriting talent within the group and the always wonderful work of Philly producer/arrranger Bobby Martin, the Manhattans began to score on the R&B charts, putting out a string of fairly traditional ballads that became Soul hits. Then in 1976, the quintet released Lovett's composition "Kiss and Say Goodbye," a song originally written for country star Glen Campbell, but which instead become the group's signature tune. "Kiss" rocketed to the top of the R&B and Pop charts, and moved the group to the upper tier of R&B acts. And the companion self-titled LP became the first of several top notch albums that the group released in the 70s. With such great singles as "It Feels So Good to be Loved So Bad," "I Kinda Miss You," "We Never Danced To A Love Song" and "Am I Losing You," the Manhattans' late 70s albums It Feels So Good, There's No Me Without You and Love Talk, were among the decade's best. Love Talk was perhaps the Manhattans' greatest disc - though not their most popular - a near-perfect adult Soul album that sounds as great today as it did more than 30 years ago.
After "Kiss and Say Goodbye," the Manhattans spent the remainder of the decade scoring almost exclusively on the R&B charts. Then in 1980, they again surprised the Pop world, crossing over for a Pop top 10 hit with their loping 1980 ballad, "Shining Star." The group continued to record through the 80s, hitting on the Soul charts with such hits as "Crazy" and "Honey Honey." Their last album for Columbia Records was the wonderful but overlooked 1986 disc, Back To Basics, produced in part by Bobby Womack and featuring a young Regina Belle singing background vocals. Unfortunately, the Manhattans' smooth, adult soul style seemed out of place amid the frenetic, electric funk sounds dominating late 80s music, and they were dropped by Columbia in 1987.
Gerald Alston left the group for a moderately successful solo career in 1988, and was replaced by former Cameo vocalist Roger Harris. The group's 1989 Sweet Talk album on small Valley Vue Records stiffed, and Lovett left the following year for medical reasons. Kelly left the group to pursue teaching (he had a degree in Biology). With the group's most visible members gone, founding member Sonny Bivins reconstituted the group with Harris and some new members and continued touring, ultimately landing a record deal with Hektoen Records for 1994's Manhattans Now LP. A number of personnel changes occurred after that, but the Bivins-led Manhattans continued to perform internationally in multi-act soul music shows for more than two decades, until his 2014 death.
In 1993 a healthier Blue Lovett wooed Alston back and added David Tyson (brother of the Temptations' Ron Tyson) and Troy May to form a more familiar version of the Manhattans (often billed as "The Manhattans Featuring Gerald Alston and Blue Lovett"), in time for the group's 30th anniversary. That version of the act toured extensively in multi-group Soul music shows and recorded a very good "Live in South Africa" album in 2000. The group found some of its most loyal fans in South Africa, where much of their public appearances were broadcast on national television.
The Alston-Lovett version of the group, along with and producer Ted Perlman (former musical director for Stephanie Mills), gave soul music fans a wonderful surprise in 2002 with the studio album Even Now. Perlman brought a great batch of new material and some top-drawer backing musicians to the disc, including Billy Preston, Gerald Albright and Chicago's horn section. Even Now was well worth the long wait for Manhattans fans, and was highlighted by the beautiful "Nites Like This," a smooth jazz cut that was one of the year's best singles, and the stirring ballad "Turn Out the Stars," which became the group's biggest hit in nearly two decades.
In 2008 they returned with the beautiful Al Johnson ballad "Men Cry Too," which was originally recorded in the Even Now sessions, as part of a reissued, expanded version of Even Now titled Men Cry Too. It was a memorable addition to an already strong album and made the reissue a must-find for the group's sizeable fanbase. In February, 2014, the Manhattans were featured on the TV One biography show, Unsung. Sadly, in December of 2014, both Blue Lovett and Sonny Bivins died, and original member Kenny "Wally" Kelly soon after, leaving Gerald Alston as the lone surviving member of the most popular version of The Manhattans. He continues to perform with a reconstituted version of the group to this day.
By Chris Rizik
Available Music
|Video of the Month - Kea Michaels - "Not My Friend"
|Choice Cut - Chris Jasper - "Have I Told You Lately"
|Song of the Month - Tracy Cruz - "Your Love's Everything"