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Asian American Press
Building Community Within Diversity
March. Knock. Elect Women.
by aanews
in Editorial · Elections · Government · Hoo Sook Hwang · Women
Editorial by Hoo Sook Hwang
From left, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Sen. Tina and U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-4). Photo by Hoo Sook Hwang
ST. PAUL, Minn. (Nov. 3, 2018) — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith joined U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-4) Saturday morning to rally a large group of exceptional and determined Democratic constituents as they prepared to knock on the doors of nearby residents to, “Get out and vote,” on Nov. 6th.
Passionate and full of energy, volunteers from the Twin Cities gathered at 822 Rice Street just 1 mile from the, Minnesota State Capitol, which faces Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard. Without hesitation, Klobuchar, McCollum and Smith outlined ambitious convictions upon re-election.
McCollum, first elected in 2000 launched a high profile political career as a self-built leader as the second woman to enter the United States Congress for the state of Minnesota. Serving her ninth term, McCollum has dedicated much of her political life fighting for civil rights, seniors, women and children. At the top of her agenda are innumerable emphatic goals to uphold the former President Obama’s Affordable Healthcare Act, fight for increased support in Minnesota’s public schools and work towards holding national government officials accountable. Without a doubt, the energy between the three powerhouses, created an enthusiasm that was contagious.
U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-4), left, with U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar on Saturday attending a women’s get out the vote event. Photo by Hoo Sook Hwang.
Both McCollum and Klobuchar unequivocally endorsed Junior Senator Tina Smith as the first choice to fill the former U.S. Sen. Al Franken’s seat. It was now incumbent upon constituents to roll up their sleeves and get to work encouraging St. Paul residents to get out and vote.
Smith also empowered self-identified DFL supporters to take back the U.S. Senate. Former Lieutenant Governor in 2014, Smith is well known for supporting farmers, ensuring fair and equal pay and fighting to keep Minnesota’s environment healthy and clean. While these noteworthy issues had volunteers huddled in a mass, ready to endorse, Smith’s biggest accomplishment includes passing the 2018 Farm Bill. The 2018 farm Bill promises to help protect farmers from going financially under when hit with natural disasters. It also hopes to encourage new and upcoming farmers to remain in farming, despite hardships.
Smith, McCollum and Klobuchar assured loyal constituents of their intentions to fight for all Minnesotans. Gifted with high abilities and a natural talent that connects with everyone and anyone in a predominantly Eurocentric, ethnocentric and male dominated context, Klobuchar also took the floor. Immediately, the distinguished senator had the crowd listening with bated breath.
Elected in 2006, Klobuchar confidently communicated hope and a vividly outlined political agenda for Minnesotans. Based on what she heard from her recent 2018, 87 county tour of the state, she assured those who came out to support her, that her commitment to Minnesota is unwavering. The senator’s high-energy speech was a clear indication to volunteers that, “Senator Klobuchar is ready to keep fighting for all Minnesotans.”
DFL Lawn Signs
It’s no secret that Klobuchar has gained a powerful reputation as the, “Senator who doesn’t back down from a fight and gets things done!” Twin City volunteers were attentive as the poised and powerful senator communicated her unshakeable political platform. DFL constituents described her as having, “honorable values and ideals,” which manifest into real change. Her successful track record of fighting sex trafficking and elder-abuse undoubtedly reveals that creating change is in her DNA, despite party lines. She spoke with conviction about maintaining universal and affordable health care for all
Minnesotans and embracing racial/ethnic diversity towards inclusion. Finally, Klobuchar and the trio of dedicated and determined female politicians ended their speeches with a note of gratitude to everyone who has taken time out of their busy schedules to volunteer, knock on doors and work at the phone banks. In just a few days, DFL campaign offices will close down with high hopes that everyone gets out to vote and realize that every vote counts.
Bob San says:
Talk about strong women. Everyone should read this great article about a great public servant and leader.
So nice to read about all 3 women candidates in one place. Today, knowing they all won, this article was spot on about how valuable they are to our community and state.
Previous story City of Minneapolis recognizes Lao Minnesotan artist Kaysone Syonesa
Next story David Mura book examines race and writing
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Latest AHRO News
Iran's Revolutionary Guards…
Ahwaz Human Rights Organization welcomes the United States' inclusion of the leader of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards…
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The Ahwaz Human Rights Organization has received a copy of Amnesty…
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by: Lima Ahwazi - LondonThe Ahwazi Arab minority in Iran continue to face…
Reports 93
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Speaker : Mr. Hamid ATIYEH - Ahwaz Studies CentrePROTECTION AND PROMOTION…
KARIM ABDIAN LEADS THE AHWAZI VOICE AT THE UNITED NATIONS
Side Event Invitation: Iranian Minorities: What Future After Ahmadinejad?
Tuesday, 11th June 2013, 13.00-15.00 (TBC)
Iranian Minorities: What Future After Ahmadinejad?
On behalf of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) and the Nonviolent Radical Party, you are cordially invited to attend the parallel event ''Iranian minorities: what future after Ahmadinejad?'' taking place at Palais des Nations – Geneva, on 11th June 2013, 13.00-15.00 (TBC).
Through this…
Cases of 2 Ahwazi human rights defenders in Amnesty International report on Iran
Two Ahwazi Arabs sentenced to death over pipeline attack
Iran; In Ahwaz demonstrations, the Ahwazi Arabs appealed to the "UN" and "UNPO"
AHRO attend a conference in Brussels on human rights in Iraq
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Home / News / SA TRIO GEAR UP FOR SHANGHAI DIAMOND LEAGUE
SA TRIO GEAR UP FOR SHANGHAI DIAMOND LEAGUE
The country’s elite stars will look to make another impact in the early stages of the international season, with three SA athletes included in the start lists for the second leg of the Diamond League series in Shanghai on Saturday.
After in-form 800m runner Caster Semenya and national javelin throw record holder Sunette Viljoen led a powerful contingent by securing victories at the opening meeting of the top-flight campaign in Doha last week, South Africa will again be well represented at the Chinese leg.
National champion Ruswahl Samaai enters the men’s long jump as one of the favourites, after producing a leap of 8.34m in Stellenbosch last month, climbing to the top of the 2016 world rankings.
He faces a line-up which includes American Jeff Henderson and Australian Fabrice Lapierre, who have also displayed fine form this season.
Former World Championships bronze medallist LJ van Zyl goes in the men’s 400m hurdles contest which also includes world champion Nicholas Bett of Kenya and American duo Michael Tinsley and Kerron Clement.
In the men’s 800m race, Rynardt van Rensburg will hope to take advantage of the opportunity as he makes his Diamond League debut.
The middle-distance specialist, who has already achieved the qualifying standard for the Rio Olympics will turn out against 11 other men who have all run faster than his 1:45.40 personal best in their careers, spearheaded by Kenyan world record holder David Rudisha.
The meeting will be broadcast live from 1pm on SuperSport 9.
Schedule of SA athletes, Shanghai Diamond League (SA times):
1.04pm – LJ van Zyl (400m hurdles)
1.40pm – Ruswahl Samaai (men’s long jump)
1.43pm – Rynardt van Rensburg (men’s 800m)
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View by Writer
Trending — You Say Goodbye and We Say Hello
Steve Levitan
Co-Creator and Executive Producer of "Modern Family"
Steven Levitan has been writing, producing, directing and creating television comedies for almost 20 years. Prior to "Modern Family," his credits include: "Wings," "Frasier," "The Larry Sanders Show," "Just Shoot Me" (Creator), "Greg The Bunny," as well as several comedies he'd like you to forget. A Chicago native and graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (The Harvard of Southwestern Wisconsin), Levitan's honors include a Peabody Award and Two Writers Guild Awards for "Modern Family," an Emmy Award, Producers Guild Award and the Humanitas Prize for "Frasier," three Emmy nominations for "Just Shoot Me" and "The Larry Sanders Show," among others. And just like on his adorkable TV show, Steve's wife, Krista, and their three children, are apparently tired of him reminding them about all this whenever he's asked to do the dishes.
Posts With Steve Levitan
Fox Starts Its Web Pullback, and ABC Gets Ready to Follow
Peter Kafka in Media on August 16, 2011 at 8:45 am PT
Right now, The Great Free TV Web Pullback of 2011 only affects shows like “Master Chef.” But soon you’re going to have to start waiting to catch up on shows like “Modern Family,” too.
Twitter CEO Dick Costolo on Platforms, Reliability and Independence at D@CES
Peter Kafka in Media on January 7, 2011 at 4:49 pm PT
Twitter has crossed the threshold from Web novelty into something substantial. Now Dick Costolo’s job is to turn it into a business–one big enough to justify the sky-high valuation investors have given the messaging company.
Big Media Tells Big Media That Hulu Is Hurting Big Media
“Modern Family” is a hit online, but that popularity may hurt its value down the road.
Steve Levitan Gets His Wish: "Modern Family" Leaves Hulu (Briefly)
Peter Kafka in Media on September 3, 2010 at 12:39 pm PT
“Modern Family” creator Steve Levitan says he loves the Internet, but says he wants his show off the Web. Because the eyeballs it attracts don’t do him any good. Wish granted! Temporarily.
TV Tiptoes into the Web: Why Apple's iTunes Rentals Aren't Game-Changers
Very, very good bet: Steve Jobs will stand up onstage tomorrow and announce that you can rent some episodes of ABC and Fox TV shows from iTunes for 99 cents a pop. Big deal? Maybe. But probably not.
Exclusive: BermanBraun Strikes Big Ad Deal with Starcom
Kara Swisher in News on August 17, 2010 at 5:57 pm PT
In an interesting move for premium online content, Hollywood’s BermanBraun has signed an advertising deal with Starcom MediaVest Group, the media agency unit of advertising giant Publicis Groupe, sources said. As part of the deal, Starcom gets a “first look” at all of the online properties created by the innovative production company headed by Lloyd Braun (pictured here) and Gail Berman. BermanBraun produces both digital and mainstream content.
"Modern Family" Guy: Please Take My Big, iPad-Loving Hit Show Off the Web
Peter Kafka in Media on August 2, 2010 at 7:12 am PT
“Modern Family” is a hit for ABC. And it’s also a hit online, attracting some two million sets of eyeballs a week on ABC.com and Hulu. But Steve Levitan, the show’s creator, wants it off the Web.
Hollywood’s Steve Levitan and Lloyd Braun at D8: The Full, Uncut Video
Beth Callaghan in D8 on July 8, 2010 at 5:54 pm PT
As promised, All Things Digital is posting the full videos from our eighth D: All Things Digital conference, held in early June. Today, we check in with BermanBraun’s Lloyd Braun and Steve Levitan, co-creator of “Modern Family.”
Full D8 Video: Hollywood's Steve Levitan and Lloyd Braun
Kara Swisher in D8 on July 8, 2010 at 4:40 pm PT
As promised, All Things Digital is posting the full videos from our eighth D: All Things Digital conference, held in early June. Today, we check in with BermanBraun’s Lloyd Braun and Steve Levitan, co-creator of television hit “Modern Family.” The topic in their interview was where content was headed in the digital age and how the entertainment industry is coping.
Making Fun of Prince Is Easy–Figuring Out How Talent Thrives in a Digital Age, Not So Much
Kara Swisher in News on July 7, 2010 at 12:55 am PT
So, yes, the quote Prince said about the Internet being “completely over” made him sound like a Luddite idiot. But–after spending several days here in Los Angeles this week, talking to execs, talent and others who toil in the entertainment industry–I can’t say what I am hearing is that much different in terms of the continuing frustration with the lack of decent business models to replace the ones that have worked for so long and been so lucrative for the entertainment and media industry.
Why TV Still Won’t Embrace the Web Quite Yet
Peter Kafka in Media, June 8, 2010 at 6:30 am PT
Lloyd Braun and Steven Levitan Live at D8
Peter Kafka in D8, June 2, 2010 at 4:08 pm PT
D8 Conference
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CLICK TO SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
DRAWN & QUARTERED
Graphic Arts As Literature
"Dinotopia" dinosaurs exist alongside humans and can do things like play Ping-Pong. This creature shares a chair with "Dinotopia" producer Robert Halmi Sr.
Underhyped TV miniseries
packs dino might
"Dinotopia"
Airing at 6 p.m. today on KITV/ABC
By Burl Burlingame
bburlingame@starbulletin.com
Caught between the breathless word-of-mouth of "Spider-Man" and the bated-breath high expectation of "Star Wars" is simply the grandest, most expensive television miniseries of all time -- we're talking $80 million -- and you've heard precious little about it in the hype currents. Where are all the spinoff products? The wall-to-wall TV commercials? The "news" stories dribbled out to newspapers featuring manufactured quotes intended to pimp the product?
Goodness, they're going to let "Dinotopia" stand or fall on its own merits. "Dinotopia" starts tonight on ABC and continues through Tuesday.
It's based on illustrator James Gurney's best-selling series of books. Taking place in the 1800s, it concerns the discovery of a hidden continent on which dinosaurs have survived alongside man, and in many way equal humans in mental sophistication. It's a wonderful, enlightened concept -- dinosaurs, would, of course, have evolved along with all other species -- and Gurney's meticulously detailed and colorfully illustrated world is as complete as any other fantasy landscape.
The miniseries is one of those gigantic Hallmark for-the-whole-family productions, this time turned to a wonder work of fantasy instead of a classic like "Gulliver's Travels" or "The Odyssey." It uses live-action human actors, the ubiquitous Jim Henson Creature Shop and digital dinosaurs created by Framestore, the team that did "Walking With Dinosaurs," except that these creatures do things like play pingpong.
Pingpong? One of the charming conceits of the books is that it takes place more than a century ago, when lost continents were still theoretically possible, but what little we've found out about the miniseries is that it takes place in the here and now.
And it focuses on cute teenage boys -- two troubled brothers, Karl and David, survivors of a plane crash. They're rightfully astounded by the dinosaurs -- since the story takes place in modern times, shouldn't the kids make reference to "Jurassic Park"? -- and everything is peachy until the nation's power source, called "Sunstones," begin to fail.
Wouldn't you know it? Dinosaurs on lost continents last millions of years, and as soon as North Americans set foot on the place, everything goes to hell and blows up or sinks into the sea. That's the plot of every lost-continent/dinosaur movie ever.
In the books, things continue to muddle along, just like real life.
According to Gurney, since the original book was published in 1990, filmmakers from Disney to Lucas optioned the project, but it wasn't until recently that digital effects were sophisticated enough to convince the audience that the human-dino interactions are real. This series is actually a pilot film -- ABC has ordered 13 episodes for a "Dinotopia" series to begin next year.
Dinosaur fans will enjoy the host of brachiosauruses, tyrannosauruses, mosasaurs and such in their first speaking roles, as well as a bright-eyed stenonychosaurus named Zippo -- who knows 17 languages. And plays pingpong.
Click for online
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Aviation and cinema
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Home » News » A huge fire aboard the only Russian aircraft carrier - dozens of people were injured. Video
A huge fire aboard the only Russian aircraft carrier - dozens of people were injured. Video
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The Russian aircraft carrier cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov was nearly destroyed by fire.
A few hours ago aboard the Russian heavy aircraft cruiser "Admiral Kuznetsov" there was a powerful fire - the area of more than 600 was covered by fire, and according to other sources, more than 800 square meters. As a result of the fire, which arose due to the human factor, at least 12 people were injured, while three missing persons, which, it is possible, could simply die, are reported.
“The number of victims of the fire on the aircraft carrier“ Admiral Kuznetsov ”increased to 12 people. Three more people are missing ”- Lenta.ru reports.
According to preliminary information, the fire occurred as a result of serious violations of safety rules during welding, in particular, it is reported that a spark fell on fuel oil in the hold, which led to a severe fire.
According to some sources, the struggle for the survivability of the Russian aircraft carrier, which, by the way, is the only one in service with Russia, continues to this day, while experts believe that a severe fire could destroy several partitions, and therefore the introduction of the Admiral aircraft carrier Kuznetsov ”in operation may be delayed for several more years.
grosseto December 13 2019 in 15: 42
This is not an aircraft carrier. Everything has the correct name and use!
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A Vicious Cycle
ARMY SGT SARAH LEE, COMBAT VETERAN
Support Sarah
Utah’s terrain will leave you feeling convinced that you’ve left our planet. Mezmorizing extraterrestrial backdrops contrast the barren foregrounds. Mesas and mountains are lined up like a fleet of freeze-framed battle ships crashing through a sea of sand dunes…
As I made a dent in the Beehive State, temperatures hit the hundreds, resources were scarce, and signal was nonexistent. Preparation and hydration have become key to survival and it can get a little scary. But I needed this. In some ways, I feel this perceived torture is not only deserved but desired, and it is indeed graduating into a new found will to live and lust for life. Comfort and convenience leave NO room for appreciation. Some would call this quest crazy or take an opportunity like this for granted, but one man’s trash is indeed another’s treasure. The right kinda wealth.
I spotted some loose rocks on the side of a mesa and formed them into a giant heart, clearly visible from the road. Maybe this little bit of Sunshine can coax a smile or briefly lighten an emotional load… You really never know when someone has decided that it is going to be their last day on earth. Be kind. Kindness can turn wolves into shepards.
Over time, white wings began forming on my back like a Rorschach inkblot. Salt from sweat, serving as evidence of this grueling, but necessary ride – climbing onward and upward. An expedition such as this is the healthiest Hell to endure. Detaching, braving the elements, and facing the unknowns alone. Using your body to power yourself across the continent. Trading your vices for victories. Breaking chains and cycles. Rewiring and repairing your own mind. Using your demons to earn your wings.
80 mile intervals without a hint of human. Perhaps a powerline or two will slice apart the landscape in passing, but that is all. Another day, another mountain. Summit after summit. Scenery, sweat, and silence. My 2004 Iraq deployment instilled a new found gratitude for silence. Nothing manifests a deep seated appreciation for the sounds of peace like the sounds of war.
Mesa Farm Market… A beautiful farm and store oasis nestled between Hanksville and Torrey, UT. The owner, Randy, said he had been running it since the day he could walk. Every item was fresh from his farm and made with labor and love. When asked for insight pertaining to his lifestyle, he responded, “It is heaven and it is hell.” I smiled and flashed back over the months, “the most beautiful outcomes are raised by contrasts.” His eyes softened and he returned my smile, then gave me a short tour. Our talk was brief, but deep – it was nearing noon and I had to beat the heat.
I love this lifestyle of bare minimum. Having to carry everything you own – an effective rule in deducing necessity. My entire self-supported gear load, including bags and tent, is under 24 lbs total. Self sufficiency is a powerful gift that you can give to yourself, and turning nothing into something is extremely satisfying.
One of the toughest rides of the west was the climb into Boulder, UT. The grades varied between 8% and 14% that day and the heat hit three digits. I made it to Hell’s Backbone Grill and was greeted by my server Kasha, who is also a cyclist. We talked for a while about A Vicious Cycle and when it came time to bring my bill, she instead brought a note. It simply read: “Enjoy Your Ride”.
On top of it all, Kasha offered to join me the next day on my ride to Escalate!! I was so incredibly excited and flattered she would do that with me. I mean, she IS in a magazine – and one of the most beautiful souls I have ever encountered. Then the staff all yelled, “Go Sarah!!” from the back porch as I rolled out after dinner. My heart melted…
That night, I stealth camped under a lawnmower shed in the city park, narrowly escaping their underground sprinker system. It was like an episode of American Gladiator getting to the port-o-john dry, lol. The next morning, I was invited to breakfast by a large group of Yale Alumni! We had a blast and they sent us off in style.
The stretch between Boulder and Escalante was likely the most intriguing and magical landscape thus far. About 13 miles from Boulder was the delightfully unexpected Kiva Koffeehouse, which was built directly into the side of a mountain. After eating lunch with Kasha, I met a few Veterans and enjoyed some bonding time.
Escalante Outfitters is a full service campground equipped with tent spots, cabins, restaurant, gear store, showers, and laundry. Down the street, Escalante Mercantile offers all natural local ingredients; including the smoked salmon filet, cream cheese, fruits and hummus that I excitedly purchased. I set up my camp, spent time with some awesome people and ate like total royalty at my little picnic table.
I stopped just shy of Tropic, UT and stayed at Cannonville KOA. The next half hour consisted of laughing with the staff followed by a job offer by Karen & Judy. 🙂 I set up camp, then spent quite a bit of time down the road being formally educated by a local on the intricacies of Mormonism. It’s always interesting to learn the foundations of different faiths. The next morning, Judy invited me into her home for coffee and a quick hangout. She told me about an upcoming waterfall that was only a short hike off my route. Totally doing it.
While paying my respects at the Tropic Veteran Memorial, I was greeted by a retired science teacher. As I fine tuned my gear, we talked for almost two hours about my journey, concepts and theories of life, nature, and then he and his son treated me to coffee. Plus, one of the best post office experiences ever. People are genuinely great – everywhere. Spoiler alert, America: We are NOT as divided as we may think. Not even close.
Between Tropic and Bryce lies Mossy Canyon and Trail, just as Judy said. It was a half mile hike or so back to the waterfall and cave. It was a blast, meeting and going on spontaneous adventures with other Veterans, familes, and groups.
After cresting my summit near Bryce, I got to secretly treat Marine Vietnam Veteran Tom and his wife Pat to a slice of Bryce Canyon Pines‘ famous pie. I heard a “pssst!” and when I turned around, Tom shot a straw wrapper right at me. The waitress blew my cover, haha. But it was the best ‘thank you’ EVER. I loved hearing about his service – Vietnam Vets always leave me hanging on their every word. I kept the straw wrapper, too. As evidence… 🙂
The day prior to my 35th birthday, I rolled into Panguich, UT (or Penguin Sandwich as I call it). I contacted a local guide named Scout, who was touring with the Yale alumni. She scooped me up and we headed to Zion for my birthday – bicycle, gear, balloons and all. We instantly connected and our first conversations were incredibly thought provoking…
On our way toward Zion, I met Chuck, a Navy Veteran who had been living on the road via his motorcycle for over 18 months. He even gave me a shout out on his YouTube Channel!! We’re obviously kindred spirits – and a little crazy… View Our Clip
Scout took me to some of her secret hideaways within the petrified sands of Zion National Park. We felt like kids again, running barefoot along the silky smooth surfaces – care free and laughing. It was blissful. I do always try to be a giver when it comes to others, but I don’t think I’ve ever taken so much away from an experience with just one person… Thank you, Scout. Infinitely.
Thank you all so much for all of your amazing Birthday calls, messages, posts, and comments!! The Yale alumni couple who invited me to breakfast in Escalante had also unknowingly treated me to a surprise day of Canyoneering!! Because of their generosity, I got to spend my 35th birthday scaling and repelling off the cliffs of Zion with Scout and Joe the Marine – a fellow Global War on Terror Combat Vet. It was incredibly therapeutic on many levels.
After a couple 60′ and 70′ cayoneering repells, the Marine Officer gave me a curious look. “You know… you look really comfortable with this. How would you feel about repelling from three times this height?” My face lit up like the sun, “TAKE ME THERE.” He smirked and said, “Thought so.” So he did. …and it was glorious.
After a night of camping at Jacob Lake, it was time to say goodbye to Scout and push south. I began digesting the fact that I was about to lay my eyes on the Grand Canyon for the first time in my life. As much as I have mastered holding back tears, I knew this would be an ultimate test of temperament – for several reasons.
On the way into the National Park, I pulled up alongside two couples near the entrance sign and asked them to take my photo. Shortly after, a herd of wild buffalo appeared by the road. Woah.
This was the spark of an incredible friendship and some major Veteran bonding time, as one of the husbands was a decorated Marine Vietnam Veteran. They invited me to their campsite for a ribeye and jumbo shrimp dinner on the grill!! I literally dream about meat and the next four meals were nothing short of heaven for me…
The North Rim awaited me without angst as if it had been there for hundreds of millions of years or something… Patient and steadfast, the earth had caved over time to form the planet’s most vast cradle, carefully lulling the inevitable reactions and emotions of the masses. After approaching the rim, I walked backward toward the ledge hesitantly, took a deep breath, then finally turned to look.
My eyes instantly welled, darting around undeservingly. My jaw disappeared through the canyon floor. For the first time on this trip, the words are not presenting themselves and I will not try to find them. It is an experience you will have to define with your own mind and through your own eyes…
Before leaving, I both celebrated the life and mourned the death of my Army Brother PFC Eric Ward, Veteran and beloved Son and Brother of my dear friends, Kendra, Brian, and Baylee. It hadn’t rained once over a month, but today, storms were rolling in from every single direction. Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim, I threw Eric’s commemorative rock as hard and as far as I could. I saluted and wept silently as it cut through the air and vanished into the depths.
Eric had never seen the Grand Canyon – it was the first time for us both. And now he will be part of it forever… I’ve known PFC Ward since he was 8 years old and watched him grow into a handsome, talented, incredibly loving young man. His memory is kept alive and well through his family via the 4WARD Project. Honoring him has been a priority throughout my journey. I hid a silver commemorative rock at the famous rim to rim Kaibab Trail to be found later… A tough, but incredibly special experience.
My good friend and 1st Infantry Brother CPT Jerry Bell (Vietnam Veteran / Bronze Star and Air Medal recipient), made a special trip from southern Nevada to join me for Eric’s rock throwing. He certainly helped put an uplifting spin on an otherwise solemn day. The four of us had a moment of silence on the cliff, then enjoyed lunch at the Grand Canyon Lodge. #BFFs #IGY6
So, the elevation profile on my next map set looks a freaking seismograph reading. Bring it. 😉 On some of the more menacing inclines, mental strength is everything and mind games are key. Sometimes, I’ll tip my helmet down so the climb is out of view and only allow myself focus on what is right in front of me and what is behind me. When what’s ahead seems dismal or unclear, nothing refuels your think tank like shifting your focus to how far you’ve come. That said, I hit my journey’s 3,000 mile mark right at the hiker / biker campground at the Grand Canyon!!!
The high desert and Great Basin ranges of Nevada will present their unique challenges, just as each part of the country has. Vast stretches of emptiness by day. Sleeping under a blanket of stars by night. Nevada. My 9th state out of 10. My 4th and final time zone. Two map sets remain out of 12.
My head has much to sort through while navigating these high highs and low lows… I am now surrounded solely by positivity and peace, and the healing has become instantly noticeable. Renewed momentum, empowered, and happy. Just me and my bike and the sand and the stars. My circle is seamless. Keep moving forward, don’t let anyone steal your smile, and always leave people better than you found them. Thank you all endlessly…
Click to Support Sarah’s Journey
// NOTHING FOLLOWS //
Posted on June 23, 2018 August 31, 2018
The journey has begun and I am back in the saddle! It has come as a massive relief that there have been zero issues with knee pain. Thank you all endlessly for believing in me and for your continued support. People are nothing without each other – it’s a beautiful truth.
Prior to setting out on June 2nd, I had the pleasure of interviewing with Zach Hillstrom of the Pueblo Cheiftain Newspaper. We had a 2 hour talk, and he composed this incredible article, summarizing my story and mission beautifully: Read Article
Afterward, I headed to the City Park and met Caiti Blase with Pueblo ABC News Channel 5 (KOAA) to talk about Veteran Issues and the importance of pulling yourself from the ashes long after running into the flames. View Segment:
While training in Colorado Springs, I received a call from Marie Harris with Bowling Green State University. I was proud to attend and graduate from BGSU as President of my major with a Bachelor of Science in Technology, an Associate of Arts, and Minor in General Business back in 2009 before starting Sarah Lee Photography in Nashville.
Marie and I spoke for quite a while and Robb Nardeccia constructed this awesome article, which will also be published in the BGSU Alumni Magazine this Fall: Read Article
An Army Veteran couple named Nancy & Brent reached out and took me into their arms and home like part of the family, making my days prior to starting out fun and comfortable. They even threw an amazing farewell party with some local friends. Smoked prime rib, smoked salmon, baked beans, fruit salad, and greens. Then, a motorcycle ride in the Rockies!! Vroom Vroom. I miss them so much already…
Sam Chambers of Great Divide Bike, Hike, and Ski single handedly arranged a send off escort from City Park in Pueblo to Cañon City.
The escort included cyclists, bikers, and chase vehicles. They weren’t going to let anything happen to me this time, haha. ‘Honored’ and ‘speechless’ doesn’t cut it. All of us single filing down Highway 96 was an incredible sight…
It was a memorable Day One: nearly 50 miles from Pueblo to Cañon City with a stop in Wetmore near my accident site. The community of Wetmore arranged snacks and a hydration station for us all at the halfway mark. Just what we all needed!! We arrived in Cañon City and celebrated a challenging, but successful first ride at Royal Gorge Brewery.
Finally, I came face to face with the front range. As I mentioned previously: While nature and mankind are equally seasonal, nature never seems to disappoint. As promised, the Rockies held onto and handed back my heart in one piece. I left such a part of myself at the front range last year – like an offering… A collateral of sorts, until my deeply anticipated return.
On a journey from east to west, you inevitably cross paths with avid thru-hikers in two main Trail Towns: Damascus, VA (Appalachian Trail) and Salida, CO (Continental Divide Trail). It was fun to swap stories in quaint Salida at the Simple Lodge & Hostel. I even got to buy a Navy Veteran his birthday shot right at midnight, with his girlfriend’s permission of course. 🙂 Happy birthday, Shipmate.
Time for Monarch Pass. This infamous summit peaks at 11,312′ and is the highest point on my entire 4,300+ mile long route. The main climb is over 3,000′ at 7%-8% grade in only 10 miles distance, from Maysville to Monarch Crest. I reluctantly listened to all the usual trite warnings and the “watch out for’s”, but consequently, it was a prestine and consistent climb. “It is what it is” is a resignation of effort – everything is what you make it. If you can get into a groove, you are golden. Besides, I have never walked my bike once in over 2,900 miles. Not going to start now. Push yourself, not your bike.
17 years ago to this day, at age 17, I enlisted into the United States Military. June 7, 2001 – the proudest day of my life. I carried my Army flag and American flag to the top and held them high. This was a day of reflection, vigor, and victory. I miss the military and its camaraderie every day. It’s tricky finding civilian friends who would take a bullet for you without hesitation. Being a soldier in the United States Army is the only thing that’s ever made complete sense to me.
The Rockies are magnificent and breathtaking from base to tip. The detail could entertain your eyes and mind for lifetimes. The crisp air seems to revive your soul, even as it thins. On each summit lies a reincarnation of sorts; it can feel as though you’re slowly dying while climbing its sides, but are reborn ten fold during the descents. Like clockwork. The way the peaks meet the clouds is the closest reality can get to heaven on earth.
The temperatures have been relatively mild and I’ve very much enjoyed beginning my rides in the late mornings. Days consist of eating my own limitations for breakfast, sharing lunches with mixed company, and digesting all the details around me. The way the mountains and I are consuming each other is intoxicating. This mutual respect must be earned over the miles, for these ranges both preceded and will outlive us all.
Both the Dallas Divide summit and the descent into Telluride, CO could undoubtedly tweak the very definition of stunning. My cycling host for the night, Zak, met me on the way and rode with me into town. We ate dinner with Hiatt, another cyclist touring on the same route.
The next day, Zak took us on a spontaneous water skiing excursion at Ridgway Reservoir. I hadn’t attempted skiing since grade school, but managed to get up right away! It came back to me immediately… just… like… ….riding a bike, lol. Which up until last year, I hadn’t done since grade school either. We made PB&J’s and relaxed on the lake all afternoon. It was an unbelievable day with unforgettable people. You never know who you’ll meet or how or where. So put yourself out there.
I left Telluride and cycled through smoke and ash alongside a massive wildfire which forced the shut down of San Juan National Forest. A bit menacing, but I passed by it quickly enough. Thankfully, a freaking awesome group of bikers helped clear my throat by buying me a very cold, much appreciated Face Down Brown Ale. We had too much fun, as if that’s possible. Bambi, the deer skull I found in Missouri, typically attracts my favorite kind of crowd. 😉
The final test was cresting Lizard Head pass, summiting at 10,222′; my last pass of the Rocky Mountains. Monarch butterflies followed alongside me the entire climb, which was certainly symbolic. A journey such as this is meant to transform you, and while you may not yet possess the clarity of a Caterpillar, the signs seem to be everywhere you look. Pointing you in the right direction. Directing and dissecting your perceptions and perspectives.
The generosity and friendships continue to bloom as I rolled into Delores, CO and was welcomed by Coast Guard Veteran Dave and his wife Belinda, who allowed me to stay in their beautiful gym. I had met a couple named Al and Betty in the town before that they happened to know and hadn’t seen in a while, so we all got together for breakfast the next morning. What a spread!! …So grateful.
Speaking of spontaneity, my time in Dove Creek, CO was riddled with both unexpected excitement and sentiment. The locals adopted me for the weekend, took me on adventures, and I was even invited to a wedding up in the Monticello Mountains!
The wedding was unique and wonderful. Perfectly sliced sections of Aspen trunk replaced chairs and rows of trees replaced the aisle. Warm sun, cool breeze. The perfect day for love…
I had the great pleasure of spending quality time with a decorated Vietnam Veteran and Marine Special Forces Sniper named Stan. It’s truly amazing how the military bond transcends both generation, war zone, and branch. We both felt less alone after having met – our encounter was intense, deep, and will be forever engrained. Stan gifted me a beautifully engraved knife, complete with his name etched into the side to remember him by. A keep sake and a keep safe, all in one.
SITREP: Utah. The 7th state out of 10. Over 560 miles down since Pueblo with roughly 1,380 miles remain. Crippling heat topped with delicious descents, surrounded by what appear to be slices of 1,000 layer chocolate cake, called Mesas. Where wind blown sands have sculpted the earth and mountains are crumbling into dunes like an hourglass. The dust in my teeth simply adds to my grit, there’s no such thing as drinking too much water, and shade is nearly as scarce as cell signal.
I will now indulge in this untamed terrain – a desolate decadence. 40 mile long climbs, triple digit temperatures, and sharp double-digit grade inclines are a bittersweet, but just dessert for this challenge seeker. Not a single soul or resource for 70-90 miles at a time. Preparation will truly be my ticket to survival. I’m going in hot. See you on the other side…
Support SGT Sarah Lee’s Mission
Current status: Colorado Springs, CO. Two more wakeups remain until I finally face the Rocky Mountains and I AM READY. Gear and bicycle are fine-tuned, the route is set, and my spirits are high. 2,400 miles under my belt and 2,000 miles remaining. 3 more states and one more time zone. The line up includes the Rockies, Desert, Sierra Nevadas, and onto the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge.
As June 2nd grows closer, I find myself reflecting on the organizations and people that not only helped make the continuation of my journey possible, but reinforced and solidified the positive mindset I’ve been clinging to since my accident last year.
In late January, I was linked up with Steven Beck, Founder of A Ride for the Wounded, through our mutual military friend, Major Cory Kline. This Kansas City based non-profit was born to better Veterans’ lives and support their missions by hosting Charity Motorcycle Rides and Events on their behalf. This year, they chose A Vicious Cycle as one of their recipients! It was an incredible experience, working with Steven and his organization…
Our Motorcycle Event (We Ride!) took place on April 21st, beginning in Nashville and finishing 90 miles east in Cookeville, TN at The Wall That Heals; Traveling Vietnam Wall. I met with Fox 17 Nashville on site and was able to gift a Vietnam Veteran the rose that I received at my Welcome Home ceremony from Iraq back in 2005. View segment:
The impact of this indescribable day certainly fanned the flames that have been building inside of me. I was overcome with emotion and gratitude for both the massive effort put forth on my behalf by A Ride for the Wounded, as well as the abundance of bikers that participated in support of my vision and mission. Breathtaking.
The last few months, I’ve been traveling to Tennessee VFWs to discuss my bicycle journey and the story behind A Vicious Cycle and I could not have received a warmer welcome. The VFW and its members have shown me an enormous amount of encouragement and support, both on a local, district, and national level.
In early May, I was notified that VFW National decided to issue me a grant toward both the completion of A Vicious Cycle and to help kickstart Waypoint Vets, the program I’ve founded and am launching upon my return this fall. It will afford other Veterans opportunities to detach and unite through nature based outings and social activities. I now know first hand how much healing can happen out there. Needless to say: goosebumps and tears. It’s happening.
I’ve had the honor of speaking to American Legions, AmVets, Legion Riders, Rolling Thunder, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, and other incredibly supportive groups and clubs. It’s incredible what can happen when you surround yourself with people who recognize that your intentions are pure, your vision is clear, and drive and execution will be formidable and organized. I am adamant about making a real difference for my fellow Veterans going forward. Period.
In preparation for my departure, my military family really stepped up during training. SFC Masaitis drove from Cleveland, OH to Nashville for two weeks to kickstart my training and get my mind right. At 6’6″, 255 lbs, this hurricane of a human being infiltrated my comfort zones and helped remind me that despite pain or injury, I am still a force to be reckoned with. My Army Infantry friends SFC Nunn and 1SG Steward had me back on their radio show, Stew & the Nunn (Watch Segment). My brothers and sisters from across the branches stepped up and joined me in conditioning for my mission.
A special thank you is in order for my good friend Robb (DJ Worm). He is a radio personality for Rock 106 out of Monroe, LA and a professional DJ. Robb organized a fundraising event on my behalf where contestants challenged him to a game of Name That Tune. …and no night is complete until you are “fireman’s carried” out of the venue by another woman, haha.
On my way to Colorado, I stopped in Kansas City, KS, where I met with ABC News Channel 9 to discuss the importance of post-war healing, winning the war inside, and finishing what you start. We interviewed at the National WWI Memorial downtown – a powerful and one of a kind landmark that I was honored to visit. The segment aires on June 1st: View Segment
While in Kansas City, I was able to link up with Daniel (founder) and Mark from Team Fidelis, enjoy time with the members of A Ride For The Wounded, and visit my local friends. We toured the National WWI Museum, visited a few Veteran Memorials, and said our goodbyes at iHop.
On May 21st, I left Kansas City for Pueblo, CO, where I dropped off my bicycle at Great Divide Bike Shop. The owner, Lee, and his staff gave it a thorough once over and Sam, who works at Great Divide, posed for a selfie with Bambi. Sam also organized a 7-mile bicycle ride when I got into Pueblo that visited each of the Veteran Memorials as well as an escort for our first day back! Incredible.
It’s been awesome being back in Colorado Springs. Familiar views were quick to steal my gaze and both new and familiar faces were eager to warm my heart… I couldn’t ask for more generous, thoughtful, and uplifting people to surround myself with before setting out back on this journey…
I’ve been house and dog sitting for a Navy Veteran, who is one of the members / medics of Team Rubicon that helped me last year. Such a relaxing escape to come back to after training each day… Having the right people behind you makes moving forward easy.
Time to head back to Pueblo and mentally clip in. Day 1 will be 51 miles to Canon City with a stop in Wetmore… Saturday, June 2nd, 2018 at 0800 is just around the corner – and as I said the night before I set out last year: the only thing left to do is to start. #ArmyStrong #HonorTheFallen #FinishWhatYouStart
Behind A Vicious Cycle
SGT Sarah Lee, OIF II Combat Vet, will be completing a 4,000+ Mile Cycling Journey Across America.
Start Date: June 2nd, 2018 – Pueblo, CO.
Her story:
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WE RIDE! MOTORCYCLE EVENT
Sponsored by A Ride for the Wounded
Click Image to View Event
“A Scenic Ride from Nashville, TN to The Wall That Heals: Traveling Vietnam Wall in Cookeville, TN”
I received word that the Second Brigade Motorcycle Club planned to recognize me at their Annual Banquet in Northeastern Ohio. SBMC is a Fraternal Motorcycle Club of Veterans and Non-Veterans alike, whose mission is to support and honor Veterans of all Ages and from all Wars. Each year, they present plaques to 5 Combat Veterans and I am the second Female Vet to be recognized in their club’s history!
What a privilege to be recognized alongside three Vietnam Veterans, as well my fellow OIF I / II Vet, Amanda Adamson. Adamson and I spent a couple months pulling 12-hour static security shifts together at the perimeter of FOB Speicher near Tikrit, Iraq in 2004. She has been a massive supporter of A Vicious Cycle, and an overall solid battle buddy and friend over the years.
As you can imagine, we had a wonderfully wild time celebrating with the members of Second Brigade MC. Participating in their ceremonies and traditions, swapping stories with fellow Vets, and learning about their Club’s ongoing missions. I call them the Rock for the Rocks. After all, what in the world would us Veterans do without selfless organizations such as SBMC…
While up in Ohio, I got to spend some quality time with my close friend and former Squad Leader, Sergeant First Class David Parks. We had WAY too much fun playing with weapons. I almost couldn’t bring myself to give that Ruger 7.62 back to him… And never hurts to dabble in the more intimate forms of medieval combat. It’s always a real treat for my inner child to get her hands on grown-up toys.
Don’t just turn heads. Break necks. 😉
Every military enlistee has someone they’ve looked up to since the day they arrive at their assigned Unit. For me, that Soldier is Sergeant First Class Sandra Mesenburg. My very first formation as a 17 year old Private in the 612th Combat Engineers, I watched and mimicked her facing movements and took note of her behavior.
Iraq 2003, Recruiting 2005, Panama 2002
Over the past 15 years, I have been so very fortunate to have gained a best friend. We’ve served in three Units together, deployed to Panama and Iraq, went to war and survived combat zones together, worked in Recruiting together, and we confide in and rely on each other to this day.
FOB Speicher, Tikrit Iraq, 2004
Spending time with other Veterans seems to be the best medicine. It’s a camaraderie that cheers when you succeed and catches you when you fall. Because when you fail, I fail. We joke on each other a lot and we’re tough on each other. Don’t be fooled by our grotesque humor and brutal one-liners… We care a lot. Unspoken sentiments. Unyielding loyalty. Truth is, I would not be alive today if it weren’t for one of my Brother’s ultimate sacrifice. Which brings me to my final stop up north: The Fallen Heroes Memorial in Sunbury, OH.
It was a cold day in central Ohio, with a high of 13° and wind chill of 2°. I parked, took a deep breath, and walked into the Memorial. It was quite an impressive layout, complete with impeccably aligned rows of labeled crosses, marking every fallen Ohio Hero during the War on Terror. I scanned the grounds silently, impacted and speechless; this was our war, these are my heroes. I came here seeking out one cross in particular.
PFC Samuel Bowen. A husband, a father, a Soldier in my section of the 216th Combat Engineers – who because of his ultimate sacrifice and acts of bravery, could not return from Iraq with us. Still, after 13 years, I have not the words, Brother. I am forever grateful to have known you and honored to have laughed with you. Thankful to have received your famous bear hugs, and to have served by your side. We will Never Forget your courage and selflessness.
After drying my cheeks and circling the sobering grounds one last time, I ended up crossing paths with a man and his wife. They were taking turns photographing each other next to a cross that read Sergeant First Class Charles “Chuck” Adkins. I carefully offered to take a photo so they could both be in it. They looked over and nodded with thankful eyes.
After the photo, the man introduced himself. “I’m Charles Adkins, Chuck’s Dad.” He paused, adjusting his cover that read Vietnam Veteran and straightened up tall. “That’s my boy…” Perspective flushed over me like a slow-moving tsunami – Charles had lost his son in Afghanistan near FOB Gamberi during Operation Enduring Freedom in April of 2011. He took me through the tough story of that day, then shared some endearing memories, and spoke of how they’ve kept SFC Adkin’s memory alive through benefits, charities, and programs such as their Annual Golf Scramble.
His son is a local legend and truly a hero’s hero. The Charles L. Adkins Memorial Highway (Ohio SR-101) runs from Castalia, OH to Sandusky, OH in Erie County. It was incredibly special to get to learn about Chuck directly from his father: who is also a Combat Veteran, bravely serving in Vietnam as a Small Artillery Specialist in the First Field Force’s Charley Battery. We said our goodbyes and exchanged a very lengthy and meaningful hug. What an unbelievably remarkable encounter. These coincidences continue to give me chills.
Well, it’s not every day that you find yourself sitting across the table from a bona fide Rosie the Riveter. Rosemary Keefe is a 93-year-old Michigan native who humbly describes herself as a “plain old farmer”. However, anyone who has had the pleasure of listening to her stories knows better. She is the loyal widow of Airman George Keefe, a decorated WWII Veteran. Brave revolutionaries such as Rosemary inspired a massive social movement that increased the number of working American women from 12 million to 20 million by 1944 – a 57% increase from 1940.
Rosemary’s factory was located in Detroit, MI. The riveters drilled holes into the floors of planes, which were then shipped to Buffalo, NY for assembly. The holes along these 8-foot panels had to be perfectly straight and circular as to not let air get trapped under the rivets. One Rosie would drill and another would hold a backing for the metal bolts to tighten against, forcing them flat. The rivets were then affixed and covered with mica glass to ensure they were airtight.
“The day Pearl Harbor was bombed, I was walking out of the theater and when I looked around, people were like statues on the streets. It was quite a sight to behold”, Rosemary explained. “They were all frozen in place, reading the local papers. The war separated a lot of families and it was hard saying goodbye to my George.”
“I had wonderful parents… My husband and I had 7 children together, and now I have over 80 grandchildren and great-grandchildren”, she paused. “I can’t complain about my life. All I know is the day I turn 100, I’m going to have pork roast.”
Acupuncture @ Totty Chiropractic, Nashville
Getting to gorge myself on the bare-bones lifestyle of the road has now become a constant craving. Comfort and convenience leave very little room for appreciation. Out in the elements, feeling fully submerged in LIFE, free from newsfeeds and click-bait and talking heads. Disconnecting, being embraced by communities, experiencing kindness, and listening to people’s stories has a remarkable effect on a person’s psyche. Like sunbeams through societal storm clouds, America quickly begins feeling as indivisible as it was born to be. For now, I’ll be rehabilitating my knee and counting down the days until May. Because when it comes to my limitations, I get the final say. #FinishWhatYouStart #ArmyStrong
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Supreme Court Montanile Decision Potentially Rewards Trillions to Self-Insured ERISA Health Plans
As One Door Potentially Closes, Another, More Substantial Door Opens For Self-Insured Health Plans
The January 20, 2016 Supreme Court Montanile decision potentially limits ERISA plan rights to subrogation lien recovery, but also potentially rewards trillions of dollars in plan assets recovery for all self-insured ERISA plans nationwide, from cross plan overpayment recoupments and offsets done by plan TPAs. All self-insured health plans should understand the Montanile decision’s trillion dollar impact.
The Supreme Court Montanile decision on January 20, 2016 limits an ERISA plan rights to subrogation lien recovery, but this decision also ensures potentially trillions of dollars in plan assets recovery for all self-insured ERISA plans nationwide, from all cross plan overpayment recoupments and offsets by plan TPA’s, as the Supreme court ruled: “[t]his rule applied to equitable liens by agreement as well as other types of equitable liens“.
The Supreme Court Montanile decision also limits and prohibits self-insured plan TPA’s from offsetting or converting self-insured plan claims payments into the TPAs own fully-insured account, for any alleged overpayments made from the TPA’s fully-insured plans, by claiming equitable relief under ERISA §502(a)(3);
While the case potentially limits ERISA plan rights to subrogation lien recoveries, the entire auto or personal injury subrogation lien market is relatively insignificant compared to the trillion dollar overpayment recoupment and offset market nationwide that exists within the $3.5 trillion in national healthcare expenditures.
Avym Corporation announces new, 2016 self-insured ERISA plan assets auditing and recovery projects, which are open to all large and medium self-insured ERISA plans, in order to (a) brainstorm, assess and realize the immediate true economic value of the Supreme Court Montanile decision; (b) immediately audit the plan assets for any possible conversion, embezzlement from the plan TPA’s cross plan overpayment recoupment or offset; (c) immediately recover or restore the plan assets under the Supreme Court Montanile decision and as required under ERISA statutory duties.
Supreme Court case info: Montanile v. Board of Trustees of the National Elevator Industry Health Benefit Plan, case #: 14-723, January 20, 2016
Supreme Court link to PDF copy.
Based on federal court documents and leading healthcare experts, billions of self-insured health plan claims assets may have been recouped or offset in order to satisfy alleged overpayments of fully insured plan claims.
Although the Supreme Court’s Montanile decision may have limited a plan’s right in the relatively small PI subrogation lien market, it has fundamentally and profoundly changed the landscape for medical claim overpayment offsets and recoupments, across separate plans and members, by self-insured plan co-fiduciary TPAs, in a practice otherwise known as “embezzlement ATM operations”
According to the Court Documents, the Supreme Court ruled:
“Plan fiduciaries are limited by §502(a)(3) to filing suits “to obtain … equitable relief.“
“[A]s here, an equitable lien by agreement, only against specifically identified funds that remained in the defendant’s possession or against traceable items that the defendant purchased with the funds.“
“If a defendant dissipated the entire fund on items, the lien was eliminated and the plaintiff could not attach the defendant’s general assets instead.“
“The Board’s arguments in favor of the enforcement of an equitable lien against general assets are unsuccessful. does not contain an exception to the general asset-tracing requirement for equitable liens by agreement.“
“In sum, at equity, a plaintiff ordinarily could not enforce any type of equitable lien if the defendant once possessed a separate, identifiable fund to which the lien attached, but then dissipated it all. The plaintiff could not attach the defendant’s general assets instead because those assets were not part of the specific thing to which the lien attached.“
“This rule applied to equitable liens by agreement as well as other types of equitable liens.“
The Supreme Court Montanile decision makes it perfectly clear, any alleged overpayment lien of a fully-insured plan cannot attach to a different, self-insured plan fund or claims payment and it’s a basic principle of ERISA that a TPA for a self-insured plan is absolutely barred from converting claims payment of plan assets from the self-insured plan to pay for an alleged overpayment lien and retain all recovery for its own fully-insured account, and can be viewed as self-dealing and embezzlement.
The only question now is whether self-insured plan fiduciaries will take immediate corrective actions to safeguard plan assets or wait till the DOL knocks on their door with an audit alert.
Ironically, the Supreme Court’s Montanile decision also protects the respondent, the Board of Trustees of the National Elevator Industry Health Benefit Plan, from any and all offsets or patient embezzlements based on alleged overpayments to non-National Elevator Industry Health Benefit Plan members.
Over the past 6 years, Avym has closely followed the decisions from the Supreme Court and federal appeals courts on ERISA prohibited self-dealing against ERISA plan TPA’s for managed care savings. These new ERISA embezzlement cases are just the initial impact of the court’s Hi-Lex decisions. This lawsuit in particular should serve as a warning and wake up call for all Plan Administrators to continually monitor their TPAs in accordance with the Plan Administrator’s statutory fiduciary duties and to discharge its duties with respect to a plan solely in the interest of the participants for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to them.
Avym Corp. has been at the forefront and advocated for ERISA plan assets audit and embezzlement recovery education and consulting. Now with the Supreme Court’s guidance on ERISA anti-fraud protection, we are ready to assist all self-insured plans recover billions of dollars on behalf of hard-working Americans. To find out more about Avym Corporation’s Fiduciary Overpayment Recovery Specialist (FOR) and Fiduciary Overpayment Recovery Contractor (FORC) programs click here.
Dave Chase
Your blog post somewhat explains what’s going on in this case but it would be helpful if you could put the court’s statements in plain English. Further, explain with specific examples in layman’s language what sorts of things are going on that could be stopped. This is still filled with industry jargon and legalese that is tough to process for mere mortals.
mflores
Thanks for reading. The SC Montanile decision limited a plan’s right of recovery in the relatively small Personal Injury subrogation lien market, but it had a colossal effect on the nation’s #1 type of health care claim denial, cross-plan “Overpayment Recoupments or Offsets”. Correspondingly, for self-insured health plans, the No. 1 hidden cost is overpayment recoupment and plan assets embezzlement.
The Supreme Court (SC) Montanile case was a decision regarding a typical third party subrogation case. I won’t go into all the details, but the case involved an unlucky defendant named Robert Montanile, who was hit by a drunk driver and suffered severe injuries. While Mr. Montanile settled with the driver who injured him, those monies were insufficient to cover his medical bills and other necessary expenses. Nonetheless, Mr. Montanile’s health plan (employer) sued him, demanding that he personally reimburse it for the six figures in medical bill expenses it had paid for on his behalf. Before this case the circuit courts of appeal were split on whether ERISA allowed a plan to obtain reimbursement (recoupment) in those and similar circumstances” so an answer was needed, In other words, could the (employer) health plan go after the member general assets to recoup monies the health plan paid for the members medical bills? http://strismaher.com/case-study/montanile/
Information on terms and processes.
(Cross-Plan) Overpayment Recoupments or Offsets: This is when a TPA (insurance carrier) takes money (plan assets) that should be used to pay member claims form health plan A but instead uses that money to pay for debts or alleged overpayments of another complete separate health plan B. Thus it is called cross plan recoupments or offsets because the recoupment or offset occur across different and separate plans regardless if from plan A to plan B or plan B to plan A.
An “overpayment recoupment or offset” is typically done when a TPA (usually insurance carrier) unilaterally decides they overpaid on a specific patient claim on health plan A. The TPA ins. company then takes, offsets, or recoups money from a completely separate patient claim and or separate employer health plan B, to cover the cost of the alleged “overpayment” from health plan A.
This usually happens and hurts (employer) self –insured health plans when these “overpaid” claims are from the TPA’s (insurers) own fully insured plan account where the (carrier is responsible for claims payments not the employer). The TPA then acts as judge, jury and executioner by withholding or “Offsetting” recouping self-insured member claims monies (employer health plans monies that the TPA controls). The TPA then keeps or siphons the (employer) self-insured plans funds into its own TPA fully insured account. To make matters worse, the self-insured (employer) health plan has no idea their funds were re-directed into the TPA’s own account! In some instances the TPA alleges an “overpayment” on an (employer) self-insured plan A claim. In that instance, the TPA does the exact same thing, and recoup or offset from (employer) health plan B except they never return any of the “offset” recouped money from employer health plan B to the (employer) self-insured plan A (whose claims were allegedly overpaid to begin with). This recouped or offset money is kept by the TPA (insurance carrier).
As you can now see there are billions of monies that should be returned to (employer) self-insured health plans.
http://avym.com/health-providers-seek-level-playing-field-against-insurers-in-overpayment-recoupment-battle-rely-on-erisa-for-protection-in-claim-disputes/
The Supreme Court Montanile decision limits and prohibits self-insured plan TPA’s from offsetting or converting self-insured plan claims payments into the TPAs own fully-insured account, for any alleged overpayments made from the TPA’s fully-insured plans, by claiming equitable relief under ERISA §502(a)(3); Thus, the Montanile ruling set a precedent for Overpayment Offsets or Recoupments; ERISA health plans (or TPAs) cannot sue to recover medical expenses paid on the participant’s behalf after the settlement funds have dissipated. The Plan cannot attach the provider’s general assets as a substitute. Furthermore, ERISA does not contain an exception to the general asset-tracing requirement for equitable liens by agreement. This ERISA lien law applies to equitable liens by agreement as well as other types of equitable liens
Ultimately, The SC Montanile decision ruled that a plan cannot sue under ERISA for reimbursement of medical expenses ($$$) from a third-party settlement that has been already spent. In other words, the plan, National Elevator, could not recover the medical expenses from the patient, Montanile’s general assets because it would not amount to equitable relief under law. Specifically, the SC held “We hold that, when a participant dissipates the whole settlement on nontraceable items, the fiduciary cannot bring a suit to attach the participant’s general assets under [ERISA] because the suit is not one for appropriate equitable relief…”[t]his rule applied to equitable liens by agreement as well as other types of equitable liens”, according to the opinion. http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:7mO4hbIVcOQJ:www.law360.com/articles/748487/justices-say-erisa-plan-can-t-chase-spent-settlement-funds+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
Santiago Leon
Let’s see if I understand this. Cigna overpaid Charity Hospital for services provided to an employee of employer A. Thereafter, Charity Hospital provided services to an employee of employer B. Cigna does not pay Charity Hospital for these services. Instead, Cigna puts the money it would have paid to Charity Hospital for these services into Cigna’s own bank account. It is not clear to me what the court thinks should happen here. I can see two possibilities: 1.Cigna does not pay Charity Hospital and does not charge employer B’s account, in which case Charity Hospital will presumably sue employer B and the patient for non – payment. 2. Cigna pays Charity Hospital using employer B’s funds. I think that the answer has to be number 2. It should be noted that, after overpaying Charity Hospital for services provided to the employee of employer A, Cigna would have to pay back that money. The only way I can see the recoupment provision working is if employer B is fully insured and Cigna indemnifies the employee against any claim by Charity Hospital.
Thanks again for reading and taking time to comment. Using your hypothetical example and consistent with court cases, these are “ALLEGED” overpayments and as such, the carrier MUST allow the provider/member the right to appeal before 1 penny is refunded. Part of the appeal process is to ensure no conflict of interest, where the carrier processes, prices, pays and makes the determination they overpaid, in essence they are judge, jury and executioner all in one. This practice of offsetting, as you know, has already been determined to be an “ongoing conflict of interest” by at least one federal court. Lastly, to your final point, I don’t know how Cigna can indemnify the patient of Charity Hospital’s claims when the hospital is an out-of-network provider. Even if they could figure out a way to indemnify the patient, under ERISA, any cross-plan offsets are simply not allowed and barred as a prohibited transaction. Cross plan offsets may also trigger Plan/Co-Fiduciary liabilities for other violations such as self-dealing, conversion of plan assets, breach of fiduciary duty etc…
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Gilmour Gunning for PBL Final
Gilmour Gunning for Premier Badminton League Final
Kirsty Gilmour’s Bengaluru Blasters are just one win away from the Premier Badminton League final after reaching the last four in India.
The team will now face the Ahmedabad Smash Masters for a place in Sunday’s showcase finale, with Gilmour aiming to be the first Scot to win the title in a competition where she has already made history.
The 27-year-old became the first Scottish woman to play in the tournament when taking to the court for the opening game, following in the footsteps of Robert Blair who competed in 2016.
And she showed herself to be the right player for the job too, producing player-of-the-round performances in the early stages of the competition.
But things were not to go her side’s way in Thursday’s last outing at the round-robin stage, losing to the Hyderabad Hunters 6 - (-1), though it didn’t stop them reaching the last four.
That loss, unfortunately, included defeat for Gilmour, against an old adversary in Carolina Marin, though she certainly gave the Olympic and double World Champion a run for her money.
It was Marin who pipped the Scot to the European Championship bronze medal in both 2016 and 2017, with the Spaniard doing enough to win this encounter despite strong resolve from Gilmour.
The Scottish Open Grand Prix champion now takes her place in the semi-finals, though intriguingly the Masters and Blasters have yet to face off in the competition so far, with just three points to separate them in the round-robin stage.
And with Tai Tzu-Ying likely to be on the other side of the net, Gilmour will once again have another chance to strut her stuff against one of the world’s best.
In fact the Taiwanese star is the current world No.1, but that’s not a challenge that will phase the Scot in her bid to add another feather to both hers and the Blasters’ caps.
© 2016 Scottish Badminton Union Ltd. All rights reserved.
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The Burnt World of Athas
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Posted in New Rules almost 8 years ago
A small collection of Athasian weapons, originally written for DS1/ DS2
Weapons Player Rules AD&D
Athasian Weapons
By:Robert Adducci
Sun Blade
Sun Axe
Kreen Axe
Laan'Thuu
Note: The prices, weights, and damage values that are given to you here are for weapons that made of metal, but all of them can be made from other materials
The Sun Blade is the creation of a para-elemental priest of Sun who was also a weapon smith. The weapon is used one handed and is usually about 18 inches long. Only a few of these weapons have been made.
Cost(Metal)
10GP 5 M S/P 4 D4+3 D4
Proficient Use:
Having a proficiency in this weapons the character use it. Other wise a non-trained character cannot use it.
Specialized Use:
If the user is specialize they may use the flamelike barbs of the Sunblade efficiently to do an additional 1d2 pts of dmg each round.
The Sun Axe is the creation of a para-elemental priest of Sun who was also a weapon smith. The weapon is used one handed and is approximately 3 feet long. Only a few of these weapons have been made.
Cost(Metal) Weight Size Type Speed Small/Medium Large
15GP 9 L S/P 9 D6+3 2D6
If the user is specialize they may use the flamelike barbs of the Sun Axe efficiently to do an additional 1d3 pts of dmg each round.
This weapon is only usable by half-giants because of its height of 20'. Some very large Muls or Tareks have also been seen with them occasionally, but only if their strength is 22 and then the speed factor is 15 for non Half-Giants. This weapon is called a Kreen Axe because of its use by HG's to swat jumping Kreen and because of its appearance. The Kreen Axe shaft is made of one rib of a Tik'da cactus. The rib is cut in half from its original 40ft. Two crossbars are set at the top of the shaft. One on the very top, the second about two feet lower. Both crossbars are perpendicular. Then Four Halberd-like axeheads are attached to the crossbars, all facing the same direction. The Axe head are about 2feet long apiece.
50GP 40 G S 11 2D8 2D12
Having a proficiency in this weapons allows the character use it. Other wise a non-trained character cannot use it.
Specialization in this weapon allows a character to reduce the speed factor of the weapon by 2.
Laan'Thuu (Elven for Weapon Breaker)
This weapon is essentially a small shield with four spikes set about 6 inches apart in a square on the outside of the shield. The spikes are about six inches long also. The weapon is held in a similar fashion to the Puchik and is used in the same way when attacking. That is in a punching fashion. Most versions of this weapon are metal because it is to break weapons. Any other material has an equal chance to break when used to break other weapons. These weapons are difficult to make as reflected by their price. The difficulty arises in the use of two swiveling pieces. One piece is at the point where the handle meets the shield, allowing the shield and spike to spin on the handle. The other piece is a small knob located on the inside rim of the shield; this allows the user to move the shield part without jerking their whole arm around.
11GP 7 S P 4 D6 D6-1
Here are the multiple uses for this weapon.
This weapon can be used as a shield for a -1 AC bonus on attacks coming from the defenders front.
Weapon:
Piercing attacks d6/d6-1 Damage
Weapon Breaking:
If the character makes a successful parrying attempt she may attempt to break the weapon parried as long as her other hand is free to grab the knob on the rim of the shield. The weapon must be at least one foot long to get caught between the spikes. The DM rolls a save vs. crushing blow based on the weapon material with the modifier of the parrying characters to damage bonus subtracting from the # rolled.
(EX: The Mul parries the elves' sword. Both weapons are made of thick wood (13vs CB) the GM rolls the save and rolls a 19 minus the Muls Dmg bonus of 5.19-5=14 the attempt failed to break the elves' sword.)
If the Laan'Thuu is not metal and fails in breaking a caught weapon a regular save vs. crushing blow must also be made for it. If the Laan'Thuu is broken then roll on the following table for what is broken
Spikes broken only usable as shield
Handle broken not usable
Rim handle broken, cannot be used to break weapons
Raddu
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ATLRetro
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Kool Kat of the Week: A Pop Culture Birthday to Remember: DeWitt Dawson on the Lost Art of Wrestling Management and Crowning the Champ of Monstrosity Championship Wrestling Fri. March 1 at Famous Pub
Posted on: Feb 28th, 2013 By: Anya99
Our BFF blog Wrestling with Pop Culture is celebrating its second anniversary with the biggest, baddest Monstrosity Championship Wrestling match yet this Fri. March 1 at 9 p.m. at Famous Pub in Toco Hills. The horror-movie-inspired league is crowning its first champion, Professor Morte and the Silver Scream SpookShow gang will be on hand for scary shenanigans and Metal Gaga will be providing unforgettable entertainment with heavy metal versions of Lady Gaga hits. Oh, and lest we forget, you’ll have another chance to win a Pine Street Market box of meat and other fun prizes in the raffle! All that and more for only $10!
The night’s fearsome and fun festivities include semifinal matches pitting the Phantom against “Bona Fide” Fred Yehi and Papa Marko against “The Undead Luchador” Supernatural! Witness a queer bar brawl where previous Kool Kat Johnny Danger and Dragula take their fight against the intolerant Alabama Wolfman and Kentucky Wolfman all over the bar! Quozzy Quozzbourne promises to bring a St. Patrick’s Day leprechaun to the party, Dark Mon vows to preach his own Easter sermon, and well, they tell us there’s much, much more.
We interviewed Jonathan Williams, the monster-mind behind Wrestling with Pop Culture, last year for WWPC’s first birthday, so this time we asked him who else will be the Koolest Kat in the bar. He suggested DeWitt Dawson, better known within wrestling circles as “Double D,” who will be managing Fred Yehi in the MCW tournament and also manages some of Georgia’s other top wrestling talents from Universal Independent Wrestling in Villa Rica, NWA Atlanta in Locust Grove, etc. After all, as Jonathan notes, “managers are kind of a lost art in wrestling.” So it was a special treat to ask DeWitt not just to go behind the scenes for a preview of this Friday’s action but also about what it takes to be a wrestling manager, what he loves about the sport and how he became a master at his craft.
ATLRetro: What role do you play as a manager?
DeWitt Dawson: Simply put. I am the eyes, the ears and the mouth for my charges. I am the best foot forward outside the ring, so all they have to think about is what goes on inside them ropes and turnbuckles. If they need to be somewhere, Double D gets ’em there early. If they need to leave somewhere, Double D gets ’em out before the first blue light hits the scene.
How do you select the men you manage?
I am looking for folks who can benefit from my counsel as much as I can benefit from their talent. Nothing under the sun is free but bad advice, and the ole Alabama Icon don’t give out nothing but golden nuggets of wisdom. So that must be repaid with championships. I am not here to manage folks who might get it, or who can get it done. I only open up my waiting arms to them that need that extra push to not just be good, but to be great.
Who do you manage?
Little darling, my clientele is not hard to validate, but I ain’t going to make it that easy on you. The bricks that are building Double D’s Empire are ever increasing. If you really want to know who I am managing, start taking stock of the titles that sit on the waists of the champions in this state, and I bet you won’t have to look far to see Dewitt Dawson somewhere close by.
What attracted you to professional wrestling?
Honey, you would have a whole heap less work if I told you what didn’t attract me to this business, ’cause I can honestly say that I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t in love with professional wrestling. One of my earliest memories is a young Double D huffin’ and weezin’ trying to catch his breath in the wee morning hours having my first asthma attack. I didn’t know up from down or Hell from Heaven, and the only way my lovin’ mama could get me to calm down was to tell me that she bet all the wrestlers that I loved so much were up getting ready to be on TV that Saturday morning. That settled me right down, and you can bet your last money that I went to the emergency room and got back home in time to see Ko Ko B Ware on the TV that morning.
I guess [as] a youngern, it was the crazy characters that I loved – the Ultimate Warriors, the Stings and the Blue Blazers of the world. As I got a little older, I was infatuated with the talkers – the American Dreams and Nature Boys. After that it was the showmen – The Heart Break Kids, the RVDs and the Eddie Guerreros. These days, it is the driven ones who ain’t making a penny over the bare-ass minimum, but they still go out there and put on a hell of a show for the people – the Shane Marxes, the Jagged Edges and the Demigods of the world.
From whom do you draw inspiration?
My inspiration comes from the folks I mentioned just now and from the red clay and white fields of the great state of Alabama. Everybody wants to know why I sound the way I do and say things that they ain’t never heard before. Simply put, it is because these roots run right through the cotton fields and contradictions of Alabama the beautiful. I draw as much inspiration from my brother The Pretty Boy, and Donnie Tidwell, and my uncles, and my mama nem as I do Dusty Rhodes and Shawn Michaels.
How is wrestling different now than in your youth?
I know a lot of people will tell you how everything has gone plum to Hell with wrestling over the last few years, and they make some fine points. But when you get right down to it, good wrestling is the same as it ever was. You tell a good story, somebody gets their ass whipped, and you do it all again the next week.
Which crowds are your favorite?
A paying one. What other kind of crowd is there? Hell, I got a closet full of shotguns that ain’t as loaded as that damn question. But if you got balls big enough to ask it, I got balls big enough to answer it. The only thing that a wrestling crowd needs is passion and a little bit of sense. As long as they got their eyes focused on the action and their mouths open and yelling at who they don’t like and cheering who they do like, they will be just fine. They ain’t got to know every damn hold under the sun, and they ain’t got to be able to name all the damn Villanos to have a good time so long as they ain’t dumb enough to try to put their hands on me and they don’t [think] they’re smarter than everybody else there, then I bet they have a good time.
Why aren’t you a nicer man? Have you considered therapy?
I am as gentle as a pussy cat in the right environs. When I settle into here at the ole home place and I pull off my boots, pop the top on a Paul Bryant beer, cut on them ole Drive-by Truckers, I tell you I am as sweet as pumpkin pie. Because of that, I don’t have no reservation about raising pure hell every time I am anywhere near a squared circle, and the only therapy I need is to see my Empire bathed in the gold of champions.
What are your ambitions in wrestling?
My only ambition in wrestling is to give this business half as much as it has given me and to burn a trail in Georgia that makes General Sherman look like a lightning bug in a damn super nova.
What appeals to you personally about Monstrosity Championship Wrestling (MCW)?
On any night at a MCW show, you ain’t got clue 1 as to what in the blue Hell is going to come through that curtain next. It might be one of the best technical wrestlers you ever laid eyes on, or it might be some kind of half-dead zombie-assed sasquatch monster. You might not know whether to clap your hands or clinch pucker your assshole. It is just like ole Double D; you don’t what you are going to get, but you know good and well it is going to be entertaining as all get out.
What are you looking forward to the most about MCW this Friday?
Aw honey, that is simple. We are going to crown our first champion, and that is always a special occasion in any wrestling show’s history. When you look at the folks that are still kicking in this tournament, then you know it is going to be a champion who is plenty worthy.
Why should even someone who is not a big wrestling fan attend?
Well, if you like drinking cold beer, your ort to be there. If you like womerns who ain’t bashful about showing you a little of that thang, you ort to be there. If you like that damn banging and clanging or some kind of heavy metal outfit, you ort to be there. If you like boxes of meat, you ort to be there. And if you would like to hear the golden voice of the best damn commentator that you have ever heard in your long-legged life, you damn well better have you asses front and center.
A special thank you to Kool Kat Chuck Porterfield for his help with this article.
All photos are courtesy of DeWitt Dawson. All rights reserved.
Category: Kool Kat of the Week | Tags: Alabama Wolfman, American Dream, birthday, Blue Blazer, championship, Chuck Porterfield, Club Famous, Dark Mon, Demigod, Dewitt Dawson, Donnie Tidwell, Double D, Dragula, Drive-by Truckers, Dusty Rhodes, Eddie Guerrero, famous pub, Fred Yehi, Heart Break Kid, Jagged Edge, Johnny Danger, Jonathan Williams, Kentucky Wolfman, Ko Ko B ware, Kool Kat, Kool Kat of the Week, Lady Gaga, leprechaun, manager, MCW, Metal gaga, Monstrosity Championship Wrestling, Nature Boy, Papa Marko, Paul Bryant, PCW, Phantom, pine street market, Platinum Championship Wrestling, Pretty Boy, Professor Morte, Quozzy Quozzbourne, RVD, second anniversary, Shane Marx, Shane Morton, Shawn Michaels, Silver Scream Spookshow, St. Patrick's Day, Sting, Supernatural, tournament, Ultimate Warrior, Undead Luchador, Universal Independent Wrestling, wrestling, Wrestling with Pop Culture
Kool Kat of the Week: Destroy All Wrestlers: The Epic Adventures of Johnny Danger, Rising Star of Platinum and Monstrosity Championship Wrestling
Posted on: Jan 3rd, 2013 By: Anya99
Steve Johnson, aka Johnny Danger of the PCW.
Presented by the unholy alliance of WrestlingwithPopCulture.com and the Silver Scream Spookshow, Monstrosity Championship Wrestling (MCW) takes over the Asylum East Atlanta on Friday Jan. 4 at 9 p.m. featuring such scary stars as Dragula, Papa Marko, Cru Jones and Stryknyn, as well as live music by Bigfoot. Then on Saturday Jan, 5 at 6 p.m., the entire slate of Platinum Championship Wrestling (PCW) fighters will spar for the Platinum Royal, while Shane Marx battles Supernatural, the Undead Luchador for their league title in their new HQ at 2001 Main Street in Porterdale, GA. PCW now has bouts on every first and third Saturday of the month there.
Everyone has a dream, but Steve Johnson, aka Johnny Danger, has scored the rare opportunity to live it, combining his twin passions for classic monsters and wrestling. In just a little over a year, Johnny has gone from a horror movie-loving geek and Silver Scream Spookshow/Atlanta Zombie Apocalypse performer with a special love for Godzilla to a regular with both Platinum Championship Wrestling and Monstrosity Championship Wrestling. Back in November, we caught up with regular MCW/PCW announcer and fellow monster fan Chuck Porterfield, but since both leagues have major bouts this weekend, we thought it would be the perfect time to revisit the growing world of Atlanta wrestling and get to know another of its most colorful characters as Kool Kat of the Week.
ATLRetro: You’re relatively new to wrestling. When/why did you decide to throw yourself into the ring?
Johnny Danger: It was something I always wanted to do ever since I was a kid, which I’ll talk more about later. I made the mistake of pretty much “phoning it in” during my high school years, getting pretty lackluster grades. I paid no attention to career counseling, had no hopes of going to college. I only wanted one thing in life. – the answer was always the same: “I’m gonna be a wrestler.” Well, when I graduated high school at 6’0 and 155 pounds, it was pretty obvious that my genetics did not agree with my plans, so, I put my dream aside and went to work.
Fast forward to 2011, and I’m planning to marry the woman I’d been with for the better part of the past 10 years. The traditional “bachelor party” held no appeal to me; women had been teasing me and taking my money ever since high school, so I’m not a fan of strip clubs! So I got the crazy idea to get trained to wrestle and have ONE professional match as my “last hurrah” before I settled down and became a responsible married man. Over a year later, I’m still knockin’ heads in the ring and loving it, baby!
Professor Morte officiates at the wedding of Johnny and Divine Danger, with bride and groom in wardrobe inspired by Mothra and wrestling superstar Randy Savage respectively.
I reached out to my various friends and contacts in the local entertainment industry, I think it was actually Sadie Hawkins, a burlesque performer [in Blast-Off Burlesque], who mentioned the name Stephen Platinum, the owner of a wrestling promotion in Georgia called Platinum Championship Wrestling. At the time, Steve was running shows every week at the Academy Theater in Avondale Estates. We contacted him, and he invited me out to see a show and to speak with him after the card. I was impressed by the wide range of talent and characters that wrestled that night, and even more so by Platinum himself; he was not at all the shady, bitter type you hear about running wrestling shows. He was into what I was trying to do and agreed to train me. When my plans changed from “wrestling one show with my friends” to “becoming a full-time wrestler,” he agreed to take a chance on an out of shape, out-of-practice nearly 30-year-old nobody, and try to make him into a star.
As for getting accepted, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. From the first time I hit that ring in my first training class with Steve, I knew I was in for the fight of my LIFE. Just from a couple hours, my first class, I couldn’t walk normally for two weeks. I started at over 220 pounds, fat and slow. I couldn’t get through a single class without running to the restroom to vomit. I’d just roll to the floor and lay there, embarrassed, unable to finish a drill. Little by little, though, things started to click, and I got just a little bit better. Steve started to see improvement in my wrestling abilities, but I think what really impressed him was my talking ability. You have a lot of people in wrestling who are great, natural athletes, amazingly put together, but they can’t connect with the crowd emotionally; they can’t captivate them on the microphone. I’m not the most physically impressive guy, but I can grab ahold of you and make you believe.
As for being accepted in the ring with the other wrestlers, I had to prove myself, something I’m still doing. I changed my entire life for this. I’m in the gym most of the week, and the evenings I’m not there, I’m at PCW’s new home base in Porterdale, working in the ring with WCW veteran Fred Avery, who’s battled everybody in this industry from Sting to Cactus Jack to the British Bulldog. I’ve changed my diet, I’m down to about 170 pounds today. It’s all about holding up your end in the ring and proving you can go, to the fans and to the other wrestlers. To show that I have respect for the business, and for the people who got me into it – Mr. Platinum, the other wrestlers and the fans – I’m just always trying to get better.
Why Johnny Danger?
Why not? It’s a name I used for myself when I wrestled with my friends in high school and when I created myself in various wrestling video games. At his heart, Johnny Danger is a kid with a dream. He wants to be a superstar, a rock star, [and] more than that, a superhero. He wants to beat up the bad guy, get the girl, and fly off into the sunset, only to do it all again next week. I thrive on danger, the challenge that forces me onward. I can literally say Danger is my last name! That’s evident every time I step into the ring. I gained a reputation as a guy who’d charge into battle no matter the odds. There were literally nights I would fight three other guys, all of ’em bigger than me, all of ’em hating me, at the same time. And, as you’d expect, I got pretty beat up. But I never made it easy for ’em. Being the embodiment of danger means never backing down, using your entire body as a living weapon. I may destroy myself in the process, but if I have anything to say about it I’m taking you with me!!
Costumes can be a big part of wrestling. Can you talk a little bit about your look.
Sure. When I first started, I had a pair of shiny vinyl pants made, black with blue flames – which is kind of my signature look, inspired by Godzilla‘s blue atomic breath ray – with Godzilla’s face on one leg and “DANGER” down the other. I’d pair that with a T-shirt representing my various interests, everything from the Silver Scream Spookshow to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles accompanied me into battle. It was a cool, grungy look fit for a brawler, but I didn’t quite look like a pro wrestler.
Well, the pants got pretty beat up during my wars, and as I started shedding the pounds I decided to drop the T-shirt to become quicker and harder to hang on to in the ring. I went to fellow wrestler Rick Michaels, who’s made gear for several huge names in the game; he actually once worked with the WWE making ring attire for their top stars. I pretty much just told him: “Make me something that’s black, with blue flames and kinda looks like an Elvis jumpsuit,” and he came up with my current look. I think he knocked it out of the park. I’ve got a lot of positive feedback on it, and I love it. I’ve also been wearing facepaint recently to show solidarity with my current biggest ally, the pound-for-pound Toughest Woman in Wrestling, Pandora, who always wears the war paint into battle herself. But perhaps what I’m most known for is my signature long black hair. It can be a liability in the ring, but Johnny Danger can’t rock out with a buzzcut, ya know?!
OK, there’s a lot of showmanship, but it’s got to hurt, right? Have you had any major injuries and do you ever question your sanity for getting into this crazy sport?
Constantly. Like I said before, the training process alone was a nightmare. My elbows and knees are constantly skinned up, lumpy and bruised from the rigors of the ring. My back, which was bad to begin with, hurts constantly. As I approach my one-year anniversary as an active competitor, my list of injuries reads something like this: bruised/cracked ribs; various cuts, scrapes and bruises; broken fingers; broken nose (twice); bruised throat; jaw knocked out of place; a concussion; and worst of all, in a battle royal on September 29 at our big show Sacred Ground Chapter III, I was thrown clear out of the ring to the floor – and keep in mind we don’t use mats at ringside, so I splattered on the damn floor – breaking a finger on impact and far worse, wrecked my back. It gave me two bulging discs and caused leakage of spinal fluid; the injury put me out of action for over two months.
I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to wrestle again. The first month was pure screaming agony. As for my sanity, honestly, I think you have to be a little bit nuts to be in this business. In football, you load up on protective gear and if you don’t want to take the hit, you can take a knee or run out of bounds. Boxers wear gloves. Now, all the respect in the world for those who partake in those forms of competition, but in pro wrestling, you have no choice but to take the hit, to get slammed down on that ring – and for those wondering, a pro wrestling ring is nothing but steel, wood, and just enough padding to keep you from being broken the first time you fall down – and then get up and do it again about 30 more times a night. You tell me what normal person thinks that sounds like a good idea?! Who looks at these guys beating the HELL out of each other and goes “That’s for me”?! But when I’m out there doing what I do, and I hear the people chanting my name or cursing it depending on what the situation is, it’s all worth it. It’s the greatest, most natural “high” in the world, and I don’t feel that pain until hours later when I finally come down.
What’s your most memorable bout so far and why?
I’ve had surprisingly many in my short time in the sport. I’ve battled Supernatural, the Undead Luchador, all over the state. We pretty much beat the crap out of each other till we became friends. We still do it from time to time for old time’s sake. I was part of the first steel cage match in Porterdale, GA, in 30 years. I was in a 12-man Revolutionary War Games match on July 4th that had hundreds of fans in attendance and took two rings and two cages to contain us all. I’ve had wars with my former allies, Marko Polo, Quasi Mandisco and Nina Monet. I was a half second away from winning the EMPIRE Title from Shane Marx in only my FOURTH pro match.
But I’ve got to go with a match I came up with, an I Quit Singapore Cane Match where I took on Dynomite Soul Eric Walker. Just to set the stage, I had been on a seven-month losing streak in PCW. Think about that. Every Friday for seven months, I ended up with my back on the mat, counting the lights. I started to doubt myself, if I should even get into the ring. Then it finally happened. Along with my partner in a team called The Surrealists, De La Vega, we joined up with the Washington Bullets to take on four members of The EMPIRE, the evil group that was attempting to take over PCW – attempting, hell, they DID take over and basically called the shots from November 2011 until they were finally defeated at Sacred Ground Chapter III. During the final moments of that match, Vega and myself hit a double team maneuver on Eric Walker, and I dove on top for the pin. I got that win I’d been chasing since January. Then the following week, Walker challenged me one on one, and I beat him again, all by myself.
Something inside Walker and the EMPIRE snapped. A bunch of EMPIRE members, including their 300+ pound monster bodyguard Antioch, charged the ring and beat the hell out of me for several minutes. Antioch injured my ribs with repeated big splashes. Walker bruised my back with repeated strikes from his singapore cane. They tried to put me out of wrestling, plain and simple. But the one thing Johnny Danger doesn’t do is quit. You may beat me, you may break me, but I will come back, I will get up. I didn’t take kindly to the attempt to put me out of the sport I love. So I came back with my own cane, and I challenged Walker to one last war to settle the score. Both our canes would be legal; hell, EVERYTHING would be legal, and the only way to win the match would be to get your opponent to say two words I’ve never said: “I Quit.” We beat the HELL out of each other that night. I hit that bastard with everything I could get my hands on – the ring bell, a fan’s soda can, a steel chain and, of course, my cane. Walker did the same to me. He assaulted my body. He knew where I was hurt, and he zeroed in like a rabid dog.
But I wouldn’t quit. Walker’s manager, Marty Freeman, produced a pair of handcuffs, and I was handcuffed to the top turnbuckle. Dynomite went NUTS with the singapore cane, he split my forehead wide open. You can see the scars to this day. He plastered me across the back of the head. I had a fist-sized lump at the base of my skull for over a week, but I would not quit. My wife and mother were in attendance for this match, and they couldn’t stand seeing me assaulted any longer. They KNEW I wouldn’t quit. My wife stood up and screamed for Dynomite to stop, and he set his sights on her. My vision was blurred from the head trauma I suffered and the blood in my eyes, but I saw him slide to the floor and grab my wife by the hair. I heard her scream. I grabbed the microphone from the referee, and I finally said the words he couldn’t beat out of me. I quit the match to save the woman I love. Classic, right? I wonder why Clubber Lang didn’t think of that? Just beat Adrian retarded, maybe then Rocky would’ve quit? Hate to say it, but he outsmarted me. And after I’d received medical attention and calmed down a LONG time later, despite the mutual hate we have for each other, Walker and myself both admitted it was the best match of our respective careers.
Who will you be up against at the PCW match on Jan. 5, and what can you tell us in general about that night?
I’m up against the entire locker room! Seriously! It’s the return of the match that put me out of the sport with a back injury – the Platinum Royal. Every PCW wrestler is invited to participate. It starts out as a normal battle royal where you throw wrestlers to the floor to eliminate them. The last wrestler left standing at the end then faces the wrestler who threw out the most people to determine the ultimate winner, who is then guaranteed a title shot against the current champion, Shane Marx. Now, I won the battle royal portion of this match back on March 30, 2012, but came up short in the final battle. I’m tougher, I’m smarter, and I’m hungrier than ever now. And I’m putting the entire locker room on notice.
Now Pandora’s been watching my back since I came back, and I’m going to watch hers too. In a perfect world, it’ll come down to the two of us, and then one of us WILL get that shot against Shane Marx. But ANYBODY else who crosses my path in that match, friend or foe, I’m not going to risk injury again – and I’m not going to miss out on this championship opportunity – you’re likely to find yourself Danger-kicked out to the floor. This is the time to come out and see a Platinum Championship Wrestling event if you’ve been putting it off. You’ll see every top star in the company in the ring at the same time, except two.
The champion, Shane Marx, is putting his belt on the line against Supernatural. I’ll be very interested in that match as well, because if I win that Platinum Royal, I’ll be the first to challenge whoever the champion is after January 5. Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve got history with both men. Shane Marx is big, strong and possibly the very best wrestler in the locker room. Supernatural is lightning fast and hits harder pound for pound than anyone else I’ve been in the ring with. Either one of them makes a tremendous champion, but I think PCW could use a leader who’s a little more DANGERous, if ya catch my meaning.
Johnny Danger as Santa checks out the glamorous Ghouls of Silver Scream Spookshow to see who's been naughty and nice.
You’re also heavily into monster movies, especially Godzilla and kaiju eiga, and perform in the Silver Scream Spookshow. Thinking back to growing up, what were your first experiences with both, and do you see a connection between your love of monsters and your love of wrestling?
Oh, no doubt. Thanks to television growing up in Atlanta, watching Godzilla movies with Grampa Munster on Super Scary Saturday on TBS, and watching pro wrestling, are two of my earliest, most treasured memories. Ever since I could talk, I’d stand in front of my bathroom mirror, pose, and imitate the interview stylings of Hulk Hogan and Macho Man Randy Savage. I used to push the couches together in the living room, load them up with all my stuffed animals and have battle royals, throwing them out one by one. It always came down to me as Hulk Hogan facing off with an enormous teddy bear stand-in for Andre the Giant. And yeah I always won. Come on, I was Hogan!
There’s definitely a connection. Some of the best Godzilla movies are pro wrestling storylines at heart. Take GHIDOROAH THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER (1964). This new, evil, terribly powerful space monster, Ghidorah, attacks the Earth. In the previous film, MOTHRA VS GODZILLA (1964), another monster, Mothra, is the only thing that could stop Godzilla’s rampage. Godzilla actually kills the adult Mothra only to be driven away by her larval offspring. So when Ghidorah attacks, the people are powerless, and Mothra has to appeal to Godzilla and Rodan to team up with her to save the Earth. Godzilla and Rodan don’t care, humanity has always despised them, so Mothra goes to fight Ghidorah alone. Godzilla and Rodan are impressed by her bravery and run in to save her, turning “good” and driving off the evil space monster. That’s classic pro wrestling! I was a despised villain in Porterdale till I’d seen enough of my former team mates, The Priority Males, assaulting Pandora, and I stormed the ring to save her. Like I mentioned earlier, I had Godzilla’s face on my old wrestling pants, a Godzilla roar plays at the beginning of my entrance music, and I’ve dubbed my finishing move “Godzilla’s Revenge. You mentioned the Spookshow, that’s the perfect environment for me as well! I’ve played everything from giant monsters to Santa Claus in the show, and look forward to working with them again soon once renovations at the Plaza Theatre are complete and Professor Morte rises from his crypt once more!
Why Godzilla and how big a Big G collection do you have? Any tips on Godzilla collecting today?
Why not? What little kid wouldn’t love Godzilla growing up? NOBODY could tell him what to do; he didn’t have a room to clean, he’d wreck Tokyo, beat up another giant monster or two, and leave the poor saps of Japan to clean up the mess! And seeing as how I never stopped being a kid, it’s a love from my childhood I’ll never grow out of. The emotion of the monsters, the heart of the hand-made effects, you don’t get that in movies today. As for my collection, the only one I know that can compete with it is Professor Morte‘s alter-ego Shane Morton. I’ve got hundreds of toys, movie posters dating back to 1965, two Godzilla-related tattoos and plans for many more.
As for today’s collectors, the market is way different than it was in the ’90s when I started my collection. I have toys I paid $200 for that I struggle to sell for $80 today. You’ve got to realize, eBay wasn’t a thing back then. You had to find specialized dealers to get these things from. My only tip is to only pay what you personally feel something is worth. The “value” of these things fluctuates so much; just be smart and patient. There’s a few groups on Facebook devoted to Godzilla collectors, just look around!
Given that, I’m guessing Monstrosity Championship Wrestling represents the best of both worlds to you. Can you talk a little bit about what makes a MCW match different from a traditional one and what’s your favorite experience with MCW so far?
MCW is wild. We’ve got flamboyant vampires and intolerant redneck misanthrope lycanthropes. It lets a lot of us to expose our dark sides. The Zombie King, Papa Marko has managed to temporarily “zombify” PCW stars like the Washington Bullets and Worse Case Scenerio. He’s even allegedly resurrected deceased wrestling stars like members of the Von Erich family! Casey Kincaid, one of the toughest wrestlers in PCW history, lets his well-documented darkness consume him to become The Phantom once more, an alter-ego we thought he put behind him. We thought it was safe; we were wrong. Then you’ve got guys like Supernatural who fit right in with MCW as is! Not only that, word of mouth is spreading, and we’ve got even more of the top stars in Georgia coming out to be a part of the carnage at MCW’s next show on January 4. Me, I’ve actually struggled to find my place in MCW, which is kind of surprising. I spent a brief period of time as a Frankenstein Monster. I think my fondest memory was wrestling in front of a HUGE crowd at this past Rock ‘N Roll MonsterBash at the Starlight Drive-In. It was blazingly hot, as usual, but all the freaks and misfits and punks and everyone else that came out for the movies, music and mayhem surrounded the ring to see me as part of a team known as The Greasy Bastards take on Supernatural and some ridiculous Leprechaun he found lurking in the bowels of the drive-in.
Event organizer Jonathan Williams, of WrestlingwithPopCulture.com, told me that you’re going to reveal a big surprise at this Friday’s bout. Without giving away any secrets, can you tell us a bit about the overall festivities?
I’ll say this, when I was out injured earlier this year, I had a lot of free time on my hands. I had to find something to get my mind off wrestling. I didn’t know if I could EVER compete again. I thought I’d wasted the last year of my life and permanently crippled myself. I did some research into my family tree of all things. I honestly couldn’t believe what I’d found – didn’t think there was ANY way it could be true. I’ve got extensive knowledge of monster fiction I knew what I’d found, but didn’t think it could be real. But as we all know, truth can be stranger than fiction. It turns out a branch of my family once had a different name than the one we carry today. It also turns out I’m the last one from that family line – a heritage that I will reveal upon MCW’s return on January 4th at the Asylum. A pedigree that spells doom for each and every one of MCW’s nightmarish combatants – a bloodline I cannot deny.
You even got married in the costume of your favorite wrestler and your lovely wife Samantha wore a wicked awesome Mothra wedding gown at the Plaza Theatre. Can you say a few words about it for folks who weren’t there and how you had the dream wedding of all time?
Oh man, it was wild, and I have so many people to thank for being a part of it: Professor Morte for allowing us to be married by a monster; Gayle and Jonny Rej, who allowed us into the Plaza Theatre under their run as owners. If I was going to get married, it was going to have to be an event. I don’t do the whole church thing. I wanted to break tradition and do something memorable. Well, the Plaza has become our church. All the joy in my life over the past five years, the Spookshow, the Atlanta Zombie Apocalypse, even becoming a PCW wrestler, all possible through people I’ve met at the Plaza. I had someone make me a replica of the outfit Randy Savage wore for his pay-per-view wedding to Miss Elizabeth from SummerSlam 1991, and entered to the sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance,” the tune that signaled Macho’s arrival for his matches. My four best men came down the aisle to the entrance theme of The Four Horsemen. We exited the ceremony to AC/DC‘s “Highway to Hell.” Instead of a boring reception with dancing and embarrassing speeches, those who stayed after the ceremonies were treated to a big screen viewing of KING KONG VS GODZILLA (1962). Instead of a fancy catered lunch, we ate the best popcorn in the world from the Plaza’s snack bar.
What’s next for Johnny Danger?
Heh, even I don’t know. I’ve accomplished so much in my first year of wrestling. I’ve fought the best in the locker room. I’ve bled, sweat and cried in that ring. I’ve wrestled in a steel cage in front of 500 people, and I wrestled a match at 1:30 in the morning in front of five or six people. Tag team matches, street fights, battle royals, I’ve done ’em all. Even spent some time behind the announce table doing color commentary during my recovery. The only thing I haven’t done is win championship gold. Anybody who ever gets in the ring, they dream of one day holding a belt [and] I’m no different. 2013 is the year I show I’m for real. Yeah, at heart, I’m still a kid with a dream. But I want to show I have the ability to back up that dream. I’ll never be the toughest, the biggest, the fastest or the strongest.
I’m not the best technical wrestler in the locker room. But I’ve got the biggest heart, I’ve proved that time and time again. There is no better “feel-good story.” If I can win that title to sit atop the mountain, even just for ONE NIGHT, it’s a victory for everyone in the crowd that’s ever believed. There’s nowhere else on the planet where any fan that buys a ticket can be so intimately connected to an experience. And that’s something I’d love to share with all my fans. Wherever I go, PCW will always be my home, where it all started. I love that company and our fans; they are a second family to me. We give you our all, twice a month, the first and third Saturday in Porterdale, Georgia. Please come out and see us!
Note: All photographs are courtesy and copyright of Johnny Danger.
Category: Kool Kat of the Week | Tags: Asylum East Atlanta, Atlanta Zombie Apocalypse, Bigfoot, Chuck Porterfield, Cru Jones, Divine Danger, Godzilla, Johnny Danger, Kool Kat of the Week, Monstrosity Championship Wrestling, mothra, Papa Marco, Platinum Championship Wrestling, Platinum Royal, Porterdale, Shane Marx, Silver Scream Spookshow, Sragula, Steve Johnson, Steve Platinum, Strykhyn, Supernatural, Undead Luchador, wrestling
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By Manning Wolfe and Scott Montgomery
FIRST DIG A HOLE…
When hired killer, Knucks, returns to his burial site with a fresh kill, he finds a mysterious body occupying the hole he left empty. Packing several guns and a lot of bullets, he goes looking for answers. The search, through sleazy strip clubs and criminal–owned bars, takes him into a set–up involving the St. Louis mob and the police. The mafia is moving into a new territory and puts a samurai–sword–wielding assassin on Knucks, along with their most brutal mob soldiers.
Before the night’s over, a lot more holes will be dug.
A legendary crime bookseller, Scott Montgomery runs MysteryPeople, the mystery bookstore within BookPeople. He also runs The Hard Word blog, covering hard boiled fiction. Always a crime fiction fan, Scott worked on the sales staff of the acclaimed and influential The Mystery Bookstore in Los Angeles for four years. He is a regular contributor to Crime Reads and his fiction has appeared on the site Shotgun Honey and in the anthologies Murder On Wheels, Lone Star Lawless, and Eyes Of Texas. His Bullet Book, Two Bodies, One Grave, debuted Fall 2019.
Manning Wolfe, an award-winning author and attorney residing in Austin, Texas, writes cinematic-style, fast-paced crime fiction. Her legal thriller series features Austin Lawyer Merit Bridges. Manning is co-author of the popular Bullet Books Speed Reads, a series of crime fiction books for readers on the go.
As a graduate of Rice University and the University of Texas School of Law, Manning’s experience has given her a voyeur’s peek into some shady characters’ lives and a front row seat to watch the good people who stand against them.
manningwolfe.com
Series: Bullet Books Speed Reads
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Posts tagged Crescent City
2010 Mardi Gras Parade Review: Who Dat Nation meets Mardi Gras!
by NewOrleansMusicMan in Carnival, Carnival New Orleans, Food, French Quarter, Mardi Gras, Mardi Gras Music, Mardi Gras parade, Mardi Gras Parade, Music, New Orleans Carnival
2010 was among the most unique Mardi Gras on record. As Twelfth Night passed, the 2010 Carnival Season began and the Saints wound their way through the NFL playoffs. It became a real possibility that our local pro football team might end up in the Big Game. As it happened, the Saints WON Super Bowl XLIV 30-17, during Carnival 2010, handily beating the favored Indianapolis Colts, led by favorite athletic son Peyton Manning.
Coach Payton with Saints Super Bowl Trophy
Meanwhile, a very important Mayor’s election occurred the day before the Super Bowl, and favorite son Mitch Landrieu received 67% of the vote, and avoided the usual runoff when all the candidates get below 50%. 67% is huge win by any stretch of the imagination. So the Super Bowl win occurred during Carnival, and the new Mayor was voted in a landslide, which rarely occurs in the fractured politics of New Orleans. Landrieu is the first white Mayor of New Orleans since his father in the 1970s.
Mayor elect Mitch Landrieu
Drew Brees in action
The crowd on St. Charles for Bacchus and several other parades now rivals the Fat Tuesday crowd. Okeanos, Mid-City and Thoth all roll around late morning-early afternoon. Bacchus rolls at 5:15, and easily takes three hours to pass, ending around 8:30 pm. Minimal time on St. Charles, assuming all parades are attended, is 9 hours. Mardi Gras Day on St. Charles ends after the trucks pass, around 3 pm. Rex passes around 11 am. Total time parading on St. Charles above Jackson is 4-5 hours. Below Jackson add Zulu to the total hours, now 6.5 hours. Fat Tuesday, the culmination of the Carnival Season, always has been the big day for parades. Now, Bacchus Sunday is far longer. The consolidation of neighborhood parade routes plus the desire of Krewes to roll on the weekend has caused this.
Bacchus Sunday crowd on St.Charles Ave.
2010 saw inclement weather shift the parade schedule. Chaos cancelled, Babylon became a day parade, and Muses followed three other parades. Rescheduling means most of a parade’s bands can’t make it. Other parades changed days, changed starting times, and one canceled because of the Super Bowl.
Another less positive parade trend came to the fore during Carnival 2010- parades passing in under 2 hours! One major parade will all its units passed in under one hour! Up to last year, parades almost always took a leisurely three hours on average. What’s the rush? If a parade has rescheduled, up to half the parade’s units may be lost, shortening a parade accordingly.
Many float riders don’t keep their masks on. This trend has been creeping into Mardi Gras for several years. Of course the ‘rules’ say masking is mandatory but who enforces that kind for rule in the make believe Carnival world?
There was a nationally televised Super Bowl Victory Parade for the Saints, carried live on CNN, ESPN, and all local network affiliates, also occurring during Carnival. Good Morning America shot from New Orleans before the Super Bowl. The French Quarter erupted into a Mardi Gras Day sized party, this time a Black & Gold party, immediately after the Super Bowl victory. The Saints Players interacted with the crowd to a much larger extent than in Mardi Gras parades. Many folks who attended the Saints Super Bowl Parade say it was the greatest parade experience of their lives. It created a giant traffic jam as tens of thousands of the Who Dat Nation from all over the region clogged the ferries & highways, attempting to reach the parade. Many in the traffic jam never made it, turning around after sitting in traffic for a couple of hours.
Saints Super Bowl Parade 2010
All throughout the Mardi Gras Season, including Fat Tuesday, Black & Gold Saints Gear & Costumes were worn to an incredible extent. People who never costume wore extensive Saints Gear & Black/Gold Costumes. Tons of black & gold fleur de lis beads, black & gold footballs & beads, I Believe hand towels, etc. were tossed off the floats. By the time the Saints made it to the Super Bowl, all the Mardi Gras stores were long out of Saints stuff.
Who Dat Ladies on St. Charles Avenue on Bacchus Sunday 2010
Another Saints related parade took place during Carnival 2010-A large number of men paraded in dresses to honor the late Buddy Diliberto’s pledge to wear one if the New Orleans Saints made it to the Super Bowl.
No review of Carnival 2010 would be complete without a salute to the Who Dat Nation! Who is the Who Dat Nation? Any enthusiastic Saints fan. Who Dat has been the rallying cry of the Saints for years. Taken from a line in a popular local Saints tune, Who Dat Say Gonna Beat Dem Saints? Who Dat? Who Dat? The national media picked up the over the top frenzy that Saints fans feel about their now winning team. During Good Morning America’s coverage of the Super Bowl, they did a split screen with a group of fans in each team’s city. The contrast between the wild, black & gold Who Dat Nation fans from New Orleans, jumping in the air and dancing with Kermit Ruffins playing in the forefront, next to the staid, laid back Indianapolis fans, was startling. Super Bowl XLIV was the highest rated TV program ever. Why was this game so popular? The obvious reason is the Who Dat Nation grew beyond the Superdome, beyond the New Orleans region into a national/international Football phenomena the scale of which only became apparent when the TV ratings for the Super Bowl came in. The top rated TV program ever means the Who Dat Nation may be the biggest NFL fan club ever!
More important than the top TV show ever is the unseen and unexpected effect the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, Who Dat Nation, and the New Orleans election had on the national and international persona of New Orleans. 4 1/2 years post Katrina, the Crescent City was seen as a dangerous, needy, unique American City, and many visitors stayed away. The triple whammies of 9/11, Katrina/Rita, plus the recession had forced the tourist business on life support.
The positive PR from the incredible media coverage changed the image of New Orleans from Katrina ‘losers’ with our hands perpetually out, to magnanimous, safe, fun loving winners! The Who Dat Nation had corrected the Katrina Curse and righted NOLA’s reputation. This is a complex equation involving American Public Opinion, no easy thing to influence. The fact is, no one predicted this opinion shift, it couldn’t be forecast, all the right factors came together unexpectedly. God Bless America!
Buddy Diliberto "Wear a Dress When Saints Make Super Bowl" Parade
REX– The throw world is very competitive. Krewes strive to come up a novel throw each year. Rex is not immune to these pressures, as they have expanded their throws considerably in quality and quantity over the last few years. They threw two sizes of three colors of Rex Lieutenant Plush- purple, green & gold dolls- all high quality, like all their plush. They threw two sizes of plush white boeuf gras, a giant plush crown, and a nice purple, green & gold REX kerchief.
Rex is a Super Krewe that runs on cotton wagon chassis with wooden wheels from the 19th century.
Rex Wooden Float Wheel
Rex also threw a heavy gold replica of their original doubloon, to celebrate their role in bringing the doubloon to Mardi Gras. 50 years ago, Alvin Sharpe approached the Rex Captain and showed him the first prototype for a mass produced doubloon. The Captain was concerned about the risk to parade attendees when showered with doubloons. Sharpe took a handful of prototypes and threw at the Rex Captain. He was of course unhurt and that closed the deal for Mr. Alvin Sharpe.
Rex Replica Doubloon
Rex also played the green card. Each Rex cup has the recycling symbol, plus reuse, recycle, degradable and giacona.com. According to giacona.com, the degradable cups have plastic resin additive allows microbes to ingest and break down in landfill. Made in USA – lower carbon footprint than imported products. Made of FDA Approved material. In the opinion of this blog, this is a serious step up for Rex and the green movement within the Carnival World. Rex had another green claim, this one not nearly as serious a green step. The Rex beads’ strings are degradable also. When Rex beads get stuck in a tree, now the sunlight will degrade the string, and all the beads will fall to the street. Where are degradable beads?
Zulu– Zulu ran on time for the first time in memory, and moved so briskly down Jackson Avenue it was amazing. Zulu is a one of kind parade with great bands like the U.S. Marine Marching Band & St. Augustine Marching 100, plus great groups like the Budweiser Clydesdale Horses. They have the original handmade throw, the famed Zulu Coconut.
Zulu coconut & Muses shoe 2009
Zulu Parade on Canal Street
Proteus– Proteus entered the modern age of throws with its first Light Up Bead, a jelly like seahorse containing three red LED lights. The floats were build on cotton wagon wooden chassis with wooden wheels, very similar to the chassis REX rolls on. Royal Artists builds Proteus in the old fashioned way, giving them a look of Carnival long ago. The flambeaux are the original model, also from the 19th Century. Proteus had some of the finest looking floats of the season.
2010 Proteus Flambeaux Lighting
2010 Proteus Fish Float
Orpheus- Orpheus had its leader, Harry Connick, Jr. on his float this year, since the Saints won the Super Bowl he’s been in New Orleans. Super Bowl Champ Saints Head Coach, Sean Payton had his own float in Orpheus. We caught a 2.5 inch 2010 Snooks Eaglin Doubloon from a Orpheus Officer. Orpheus floats are brashy, very large, with a number of annual super floats- three part Leviathan Dragon, Trojan Horse, six part Smokey Mary Train and more. Orpheus doesn’t lack for music, as the krewe was co-founded by NOLA born Harry Connick, Jr.
Bacchus– Bacchus is the original Super Krewe, the first to feature major Celebrity Kings, the first with multi-unit floats, etc. Their annual Super floats- Kong Series, Bacchusauras, & Baccawoppa, etc. are icon Super Floats and the model for Super Floats all over Carnival parades.
Orpheus Float 2010
2010 Bacchus Float
Harry Connick, Jr. (with a 'twinkle' in his eye) on his 2010 Orpheus Float
Thoth– Thoth used the same green cup base as Rex with their own design and get the same credit for going green with a throw that’s abundant. From the unfinished Thoth web site: because it designs its parade route to pass in front of 14 institutions that care for persons with disabilities and illnesses, the men of Thoth have become known as the “Krewe of the Shut Ins”. Thoth spends their money on throws, as they go past all those institutions before turning on St. Charles and joining the traditional route. This is Thoth’s 63 Anniversary and one of the larger krewes with over 1,200 members.
Mid-City- Known for the brightly colored aluminum foil Mid-City uses to cover its floats, Mid-City was formed in 1933 and is the fifth oldest continuously parading krewe. 2010 was sunny, so the foil floats were shown to their best effect. Mid-City holds a band contest among bands that parade with them. For 2010, we counted six Memphis, Tennessee High School Marching Bands in Mid-City, which we found very interesting. All those buses, accommodations, and feeding necessary for that many teenagers is quite a logistics job, aside from running a major Mardi Gras parade and ball. My Mardi Gras hat is tipped to the Krewe of Mid-City for getting all those Memphis kids down here and back.
2010 MidCity King Float
Okeanos– Okeanos had a very big crowd this year, as part of the huge Bacchus Sunday on St. Charles Avenue. They usually start off Sunday, but were preceded this year by the Knights of Babylon, who moved to Sunday after inclement weather moved them from their original date of Thursday, February 11. Okeanos is another old krewe, this is their 60th year of parading.
Babylon- Babylon is designed by the fabulous Henri Schindler, who preserves the old paper mache float building techniques from long ago. Babylon was founded in 1939 and has expanded its throw repertoire substantially- they threw Babylon backpacks, jester heads & hats, and a Light Up bead as well. This krewe lost a good number of bands because of scheduling problems due to their original date rain out. Babylon is a night parade lighted by flambeaux that ran in bright sunshine, obviously without their flambeaux.
Endymion- Endymion is the biggest of all Mardi Gras Krewes with over 2,400 members. Endymion does it just a little bit better than everyone else. Endymion didn’t have the Saints Quarterback or Coach, but the Saints Owner Tom Benson and his wife Gayle as Grand Marshalls. Endymion is the only parade that rolls through Mid City and down Canal Street. The crowds for Endymion are positively huge. Endymion has some annual special Super Floats, such as Captain Eddie’s SS Endymion Steamboat. The Budweiser Clydesdale Horses and The St. Augustine Purple Knights were featured in the parade, along with more than two dozen other Marching Bands.
Tucks– Tucks was formed by a few college students a few decades ago, and they have never lost their sophomoric potty humor- their King sits atop a giant toilet! One of their most popular throws each year is a small toilet that squirts water. Tucks is the only krewe to throw toilet paper with their logo on each sheet. Their Friar Tuck stuffed dolls (as opposed to ‘plush’ dolls) remain an icon Tucks throw and they always throw wooden nickels. Tucks is a satirical krewe that loves to tell City Government that they really could do a better job.
2010 Tucks Toilet Float & the Toilet Guy
Iris- Iris is the oldest all female krewe in New Orleans, as they formed in 1917, but didn’t parade until 1959. It’s a fairly large krewe, with around 800+ riders. Iris allows some men to ride on their floats, which is OK with me! Iris is a generous krewe who puts some money into their costumes. There used to be Venus, another Orleans parading women’s krewe, and there used to be Shangri-La, another large female from St. Bernard Parish that ended up on St. Charles Avenue before ending their big parade, and morphing into a French Quarter Buggy parade. That leaves Iris and Muses as the only female krewes still parading down St. Charles.
Muses- Muses didn’t disappoint in 2010, their 10th anniversary, tossing their usual unbelievable assortment of throws with their logo on them. Here’s very close to a complete list of Krewe 2010 throws: Shoe Bracelet, Muses Ivy Bead, Seed Glass Beads, Shoe Bead, Strobe Theme Bead, Shoe Necklace, Disco Ball Necklace, Flashlight Bottle Opener, Historic Shoe Bead, Acrylic Light Up Shoe Necklace, Diamond Ring, Puffy Key Ring, Muses 10 Ball, Sleep Mask, Glitter Frisbee, Can Koozie, Glitter Heart Tattoo, Leather Rhinestone Bracelet, Re-Usable Tote Bag, Plush Cupid Arrow, Muses Plush Assortment, Cloisonne Doubloon, Patterned Bead Bag, Mini Patterned Bead Bag.
Name another krewe that throws half that much stuff with their logo on it. Muses sells nothing to their membership without their ‘M’ on it. Muses has several signature floats, including The Shoe, The Sirens, and The Bathtub. The only all female nighttime parading organization, their feminine influence is obvious throughout the parade. Since Muses had to reschedule due to bad weather, some of their many bands couldn’t accompany them. Muses is one of the largest krewes to parade down St. Charles Avenue, with more than 1,000 members.
Muses sets the standard with wacko marching groups (except for KdV) with such groups as The Pussy Footers, Muff-a-Lottas, 610 Stompers, and Camel Toe Lady Steppers.
Morpheus– Morpheus is a krewe on the move. Over the last few years, Morpheus has grown from a small krewe to a mid-sized krewe, and in this economy post Katrina that is not an easy thing to do. Krewe dissolution and parade cancellation seems to occur more often.
D’Etat– D’tat has been around 15 years, and in that time they have carved themselves a niche in storied Mardi Gras Krewe History. They won Throw of the Year Honors from us last year for their functional Super Throw, the large, full color lenticular cup. They are as secretive as the older Krewes. Their ‘King’ is called ‘Dictator’ and that’s one identity they never reveal.
2009 D'Etat Float
D’Etat was also one of the very first krewes to toss a D’Etat Light Up Bead from their floats. Now those Beads are positively the hottest type of bead on the market. Even the old line Krewe Proteus threw a Light Up Bead in 2010. The Budweiser Clydesdale Horses paraded with D’Etat this year. They also host very good NOLA area High School Marching Bands, including St. Augustine and Brother Martin.
D’Etat also skewered the crap out of outgoing Mayor, soon to be garbageman Ray Nagin, an admitted very easy target. Virtually all the satirical krewes had to lob some major shots at such a broad target as the goodby-in-under- 70 days Nagin.
Hermes- I have always like Hermes, they are an old line krewe which began parading in 1937. Hermes now is the oldest continuously parading nighttime parade. They have modern throws, such as Light Up Beads and Plush. Hermes owns some very nice floats. A mid sized krewe with over 600 members, Hermes really surprised with the best looking floats I’ve seen from Hermes in many a year.
Druids- The Ancient Druids started parading in 1998. There was an earlier Druids Krewe, that parading after REX from 1922-1935. They are a very secretive organization who calls their King Archdruid. You have to be a member of another Carnival organization if you want to join Druids. They don’t have a ball, only their parade. There’s no other royalty chosen, the Archdruid is it. Druids is the only krewe to parade alone during the week. They are not interested in growing their membership; it’s limited to 200, which isn’t big in the world of Carnival krewes.
King Arthur– Their King and Queen are King Arthur and Queen Guenevere. They started out as a West Bank parade, before moving to the traditional St. Charles route. King Arthur threw black & gold Super Bowl doubloons, though I didn’t see any while watching this parade. They had some very good bands, including St. Augustine Marching Knights and Warren Easton High School.
Carrollton- One of the oldest parading krewes, organization began in 1924. They had some problems right before WWII and stopped parading until 1947, when they resumed. Carrollton used to parade in the Carrollton neighborhood, changed to a downtown route before ending up on St. Charles Avenue, using the traditional route. Historically, they were the first krewe to use tractors to pull the floats instead of mules. Carrollton helped the first Metairie parade, Krewe of Zeus, to organize. This year Carrollton had some of the best weather of the entire Carnival season. They had several notable bands, including Jesuit & Brother Martin High School.
Pygmalion- Pygmalion moved from Friday night to Saturday morning. The St. Augustine Marching Knights led off this krewe in style this year and the Warren Easton High School Band was very good also. Pygmalion began in 2000, and is a coed krewe. Arnie Fielkow, just elected New Orleans Councilman at Large in the first primary, was also General Manager of the New Orleans Saints. He’s a better Councilman by far than he was General Manager of the Saints. It wasn’t until he moved over the the Council and Mickey Loomis took for a few years that the Saints won the Lombardi Trophy by winning the Super Bowl.
Sparta- The Knights of Sparta made certain changes to their parade that surprised me. No flambeaux, when they have always used flambeaux for their night parades. The King’s Float is mule drawn, but the mule had trouble keeping up with incredible pace of the floats. The bands had to practically run to keep up. We saw the entire parade, soup to nuts, in way under 1 hour, easily a world’s record in the fastest Mardi Gras parade. Sparta began as a Ball only krewe in 1951 and began parading in Orleans Parish in 1981. On the positive side, Sparta had more than double the number of bands this year than last year, which is very encouraging.
Ponchartrain- Now in its 35th year, Pontchartrain began parading near Lake Ponchartrain before moving uptown in 1991. This year the parade featured the cream of all local girl marching bands, Xavier Prep and St. Mary’s Academy. The krewe features both men and women. I remember when the krewe used to march in the lake front area, they had a giant paper mache Crawfish float that was named Mr. Mudbug, as I recall.
2010 Ponchartrain King/Queen Float
2010 Krewe of Ponchartrain Title Float
Oshun- Oshun was founded in 1997. The year after Hurricane Katrina, Oshun didn’t parade. The wonderful singer Charmaine Neville was the Oshun Celebrity Grand Marshal for 2010. This krewe honors Oshun, a goddess of a religion practiced by descendants of West African Yoruba slaves in Brazil, Haiti and Cuba.
Alvin Sharpe Ancient Druids Babylon Bacchus Buddy Diliberto Carnival Chaos Crescent City D'Etat Doubloon Endymion favorite son French Quarter Hermes Indianapolis Colts Iris Mardi Gras Mayor-elect Mitch Landrieu Mid-City Muses New Orleans Okeanos Peyton Manning Plush Ponchartrain Proteus Rex Sparta Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints Super Bowl XLIV Thoth Zulu Zulu coconuts
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Gary Hustwit: Urbanized
This, as the internet cats say, is relevant to my interests. Urbanized, a documentary about how world cities have changed in the 21st century, comes as part three of Gary Hustwit’s “design trilogy.” I still use Helvetica, the first part, as a kind of litmus test: if someone turns it off partway through or doesn’t even start it in the first place because “come on, it’s just about a font,” I consider phasing them out of my social circle. The second part, Objectified, took on industrial design, a bite perhaps too large to chew in 75 minutes. This third draws from our moment’s resurgence of urbanism, which provides both the film’s subject and its motivating force. What with the intellectual charge I’ve gotten from watching (and sometimes experiencing) that resurgence, Urbanized could hardly fit more squarely into my wheelhouse, and I get the sense that thousands of other oldish young people and youngish old people can say the same.
If I can speak for the middle-younger cluster of these oldish young people, I pin our enthusiasm for cities on having grown up in suburban bedroom communities with single-digit WalkScores. My dad explained the Baby Boomers’ dispersal throughout such dead zones as an attempt to get their kids into halfway decent school districts. That makes sense, although as I grew up I couldn’t help but notice that many of my urban-raised peers had an ability and willingness to meet life’s challenges where I felt only a nebulous fear. Granted, ragging on the ‘burbs is and has always been a highly fashionable pursuit among teens, twentysomethings, and (especially) childless thirtysomethings, but I really do get the sense that the developed world has started to accept the fundamental failure of the Cold War picket-fence dream. Environmentalists decry suburbia’s sustainability issues and artists decry its hollow moral and intellectual core, but neither of those problems bother me as much as its lack of randomness.
While none of the interviewed architects, planners, designers, advocates, and politicians ever say the word, I do find that the city’s strength lies in its capacity to deliver randomness, and I think Urbanized agrees. The film doesn’t come off like an advocacy documentary, exactly, but you can’t mistake which way its wind is blowing. When Phoenix comes in for particular scorn, its lone defender can only muster the explanation that it exemplifies not “sprawl,” per se, but an “automobile-oriented postwar urban fabric” that, unlike “cute” condo life, at least affords its residents private backyards and pools. Brasília, the first foreign city that ever intrigued me, appears as the apotheosis of wrongheaded modernist ideals about large-scale organization of urban functions. Though I still find that city striking, in its way, I can see what Robert Hughes meant when he wrote, “This is what you get when perfectly decent, intelligent, and talented men start thinking in terms of space rather than place; and single rather than multiple meanings. [ … ] You get miles of jerry-built platonic nowhere infested with Volkswagens.” Cathedral of Brasília architect Oscar Niemeyer shows up to defend this distinctive urban plan, but he is, not to put too fine a point on it, 103 years old.
A few simple dos and don’ts emerge from these case studies. Don’t separate commerce, industry, and residence. (And especially don’t put the poor people into their own towers.) Do encourage the mixed-use buildings and neighborhoods so beloved of urban-planning writer Jane Jacobs. Don’t cut the city’s fabric apart with the freeways beloved of New York “master builder” Robert Moses. Do encourage non-car forms of transportation. Don’t bother rebuilding damaged freeways, like San Francisco didn’t with the Embarcadero. I’ve now started to suspect that the best thing for Los Angeles would be for the Big One to finally come and take out a few of our freeways, at least in the sections that run through the city itself. (As Adam Lisagor tweeted on the eve of “Carmageddon,” “What if it turns out we never really needed the 405 anyway?”) Los Angeles never appears in Urbanized, except maybe in one of the freeway shots near the beginning, and those aim from too low an angle to tell. We could probably chalk this up, in part, to the inertia of unchallenged prejudice — “Los Angeles? No, I mean a real city” — but semi-sound objections remain. Los Angeles’ peculiar development history once strongly incentivized living in cheap, far-flung, nearly anonymous municipalities, then commuting by car to everywhere else. When you drive from exact points to other exact points, according to a specific plan, encountering only vast tracts of asphalt in between, urban randomness fast plummets toward zero.
The many kinds of city-builders featured in Urbanized face the same implicit question: “How to optimize our city’s randomness?” If you just want to maximize raw randomness, any absurd, bloody third-world warzone capital will do; fostering beneficial randomness — even defining beneficial randomness — proves a much more delicate task. I see examples of Los Angeles’ improvements in randomness by the month, emblematized by events like CicLAvia, which closes downtown to drivers and opens it to cyclists. Urbanized includes an entertaining chunk of face time with former Bogotá mayor Enrique Peñalosa, on whose watch that city began the weekly Ciclovía that inspired CicLAvia. In Copenhagen, we see bike lanes running not beside but between parked cars and the sidewalk. An inspiringly simple idea, sure, but, just like Bogotá’s dedicated-lane TransMileno buses, for some reason I can’t imagine Los Angeles catching up to it before the year 10000000000.
Hustwit crafts his documentaries with a certain slick rigor, making heavy use of crisp, high-definition montages; commissioning smooth scores with a slight “eclectic” edge; rounding up a robust selection of talking heads with thin spectacle frames, colorful accents, and often panethnic features; and never, ever exceeding 90 minutes per film. He thus leaves himself open to his critics’ accusations: of breeziness at best, and of a casual supercilious triumphalism at worst. Despite my fascination with how cities work, I don’t quite see it through the lens of “design;” that way, it seems to me, lies the mindset of those kids who play too much SimCity and grow up into stubborn technocrats who, staring through their narrow frames, insist that they know what’s best for poor people. While I desire few things more than randomness-conducive urban environments, I feel queasily suspect, perhaps unreasonably so, of anyone who tries to generate it from the top down. Not that this arrives as a new internal conflict: 2500 years of political philosophy, all I know is that I want more train lines now, yet I fear and loathe any government powerful enough to build them quickly.
This was written by Colin Marshall. Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at 1:49 pm. Filed under film. Bookmark the permalink. Follow comments here with the RSS feed. Post a comment or leave a trackback.
‹ Notebook on Cities and Culture S1E17: Food, Film, and Frugality with 99-Cent Chef Billy Vasquez
Podthoughts: Allan Gregg in Conversation ›
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CAMautoMag
28th Aug2014
Gumball WRS: A Study In Cool
by Michael Chandler
What makes a cool car? I heard someone say that “the scene” considers a car cool if it’s lowered and has wheels on it. Others think cool is a full on race build, with street legality and budgets thrown in the trash with the stock struts. And others think if it isn’t adorned with the rarest of the rare it’s a waste of time. And it has to be daily driven, or else why build it? David Arellano’s 2000 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS is low, and on a rare set of wheels. It has the heart of a WRX, and enough power to embarrass some people’s dedicated track day toy. And it sees regular street duty. If this isn’t cool, then I don’t know what is anymore.
The search for his “Gumball” began three years ago. While biting into a sandwich, he was bitten by the urge to spend a large amount of money on a car. After mulling over such reliable, and easily modified chassis such as FD RX-7s and twin turbo 300ZXs, David finally settled on the mildly rare 2.5RS coupe. After looking at two other coupes he finally found the 2000 coupe you see here sitting in the corner of a shop. The shop was in the process of building the car, and swapping in a 2.0L WRX motor. With the promise of “prototype” coilovers, David was sold. After some hemming and hawing by the shop, they finally dropped it off in David’s driveway. No coilovers, but some blown struts and what would turn out to be a mismatched transmission and rear differential were in the car (which eventually failed), but so was that lovely WRX motor. Soon after arriving in his driveway, David got to work making this car his own.
First things to go were the US spec lights. David made a call to Japan and had some OEM clear corner markers and red/clear tail lights sent over, along with some Chargespeed clear bumper markers and clear signal lenses. With the scourge that is amber lighting removed and banished to the land of wind and ghosts, it was time to address some other visual cues. After running through a Bugeye WRX lip, and a Bakemono replica of a JDM V5/6 STi lip, David finally settled on something that is no longer in production: Orciari 1 piece front lip. Sitting above the Italian made lip, are his OEM fog lights which were hiding behind the OEM fog light covers. Out back there’s a purple Rallytech tow hook, and a set of Honda Accord spats. According to David they were easier to install than his OEM JDM spats, and they look better. He’s also sporting rolled and pulled fenders, because low car problems (the tires were munching the fenders before the rolling and the pulling) and also because wheel whore.
I use that last term lightly. Having a garage full of Rotas and other OEM whatever make you drive wheels, makes you a wheel street walking hooker. Having the stuff David has had makes you a wheel high class escort. The streets aren’t littered with Volk CE28Ns or Work Emotion 11Rs, and coming across a set of Volk C-Ultras isn’t as easy as walking to the store. He’s had the CE28Ns and the Works, and the C-Ultras are being repaired (they were in pretty rough shape) and custom center caps are being designed. Enough about the past and the future, let’s talk about the present. Specifically these 17×9 +38 Desmond Regamaster Marquis Promadas. An exceedingly rare, Russian made wheel. Normally you see Regamasters on Hondas, and while that’s not terribly unusual (but still cool, so if you’re doing that keep doing that) seeing them on a Subaru is VERY different. Wrapped around the wheels are a set of Achillies ATR Sport tires, measuring in at 205/40. Also of note, he’s running some adapters to make the wheels work. They’re 15mm 5×100-5×114, and they’re made by a local company called Grapple Parts.
To achieve his stance David had to not only throw on coilovers, but things that allow him to make suspension adjustments. The coilovers are BC Racing BR series coilovers with camber plates fore and aft. For more camber adjustment, he is employing OEM camber bolts up front, and Eibach’s in the rear. Joining the OEM camber bolts in the front is an OEM WRX swaybar, while an STi sway bar joins the party in the rear. Also back there are some Cobb end links. Back to the front, and in the engine bay, is a Cusco Type ST strut tower bar. And speaking of the engine bay…
Here it is, in all its glory! There is the afore mentioned WRX swap, which came from a 2004 WRX. No longer is the wrong transmission behind the motor, a 2006 WRX transmission has taken its rightful place on the back end of the motor. Between the motor and transmission rests an Exedy light weight fly wheel, and stage 1 clutch. For enhanced shifting pleasure there are Kartboy shifter bushings, and a stainless steel clutch cable has been installed. Holding the transmission is a STi Group N mount. Rigged Performance performed an internal stub axle conversion and a 2001 2.5RS 4.11 final drive conversion to pair with the 2001 2.5RS viscous limited slip differential. Bracing that rear differential is a Laile Beatrush rear differential brace.
The motor has been hepped up on goof balls accentuated by digging through the massive Subaru parts bin, and picking up quality aftermarket pieces. The OEM supplied parts are a VF39 turbocharger, top mount intercooler, and 565CC fuel injectors all from an STi. The aftermarket bits are a K&N Typhoon intake, a no name one piece header and up pipe, an Invidia Bellmouth downpipe, and a Cobb cat back exhaust. There’s also a Hallman Pro manual boost controller, which helped Jason Cleverly of Cleverly Tuned tune the car to make 286 horsepower and 240lb/ft of torque at 18psi of boost. Prettying up the bay are a Cusco turbo heat shield, Rallytech fuse box cover and radiator shroud, and a Beatrush alternator shroud. The engine bay has been semi-wire tucked, and the battery is now in the trunk. The coolant reservoir is now hiding in the fender and the A/C has been ditched all together.
The interior has also received its share of JDM goodies. JDM STi pedals and Type-RA front seats have been installed, along with a Nardi Torino steering wheel, Splash steering wheel hub and Omori boost gauge. The Beatrush Duracon shift knob sits on a stock length shifter, which has a Zealous Interiors blue suede shift boot with cherry blossom red stitching. The shift boot matches the emergency brake boot. Black WRX carpet and STi floor mats have come to rest at the bottom of the passenger cabin, and the door panels have been recovered in blue suede. All the lighting is LED, and tunes come courtesy of an Alpine deck, which has an ipod cable weaving out of sight through the center console.
Former Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart is famously quoted as saying “I know it when I see it” in regard to hardcore pornography. Cool is definitely subjective, but when you see it, you definitely know it. Will there be a unanimous consensus on what is cool in the automotive world? Probably not, but if there is ever an argument to be made for it, I shall submit David’s Impreza as my exhibit A.
Words and photos by Michael Chandler
*Article and Photos are copyright of CAMAutoMag.Com and their respective owners.
Category : Features
Tags : 2.5 RS, Achillies Radial, Apline, BC Racing, Beatrush, Chargespeed, Cleverly Tuned, COBB Tuning, Cusco, Desmond, Eibach, Grapple, Impreza, Invidia, JDM, K&N, Kartboy, Nardi, Omori, Oriciari, Rallytech, rare, rare parts, rare wheels, Rays Engineering, Regamaster Marquis Promada, Rigged Performance, STi, Subaru, Volk Racing, WRX, Zealous Interiors
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Gordon Martin, Chair of the Capital Campaign, and Cheri Martin.
Photo by: Perry Davis/Davis Photography
GORDON MARTIN CHAIRS $7.25 MILLION PLACE OF HOPE/VILLAGES OF HOPE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Palm Beach Gardens � October 16, 2008 � Jupiter resident Gordon Martin and his wife, Cheri, have devoted themselves to volunteering for and contributing to Place of Hope and Villages of Hope since moving to the area in 2006. Now, Gordon is using his enthusiasm for helping local children in need to chair Place of Hope�s/Villages of Hope�s $7.25 million Hope for the Future Capital Campaign. His chairmanship was announced at the Hope for the Future Campaign Update Luncheon on Oct. 10 at Trevini Ristorante in Palm Beach.
Gordon brings outstanding leadership experience, as well as a passion for helping abused and neglected children, to the campaign. With more than 20 years of Wall Street banking experience, he recently retired as CFO of NASDAQ. Along with Cheri, Gordon is an active mentor to children in foster care and their family members. He also volunteers his time to provide training and independent living skills development to emancipated former foster youth and homeless youth through Villages of Hope�s Ages to Ages Independent Living Program.
In addition, the Martins have played an integral part in the creation of Joann�s Cottage Children�s Shelter and Maternity Home, a primary component of the Hope for the Future Campaign. Cheri is currently co-chairing with Alex Delange the Third Annual Hope Ball, scheduled for Feb. 6 at The Breakers.
�I feel it�s important to chair the Hope for the Future Campaign, as Cheri and I are committed to advancing Place of Hope�s/Villages of Hope�s vision to better the lives of children and young adults who are in need,� said Gordon.
The campaign is designed to ensure Place of Hope�s/Villages of Hope�s mission, to provide hope and healing for abused and neglected children and their families throughout Palm Beach County and surrounding regions, now and in the future.
�Gordon is a visionary and proven leader,� said POH/VOH Executive Director Charles L. Bender III. �He�s passionate about the advancement of our mission and vision. Under his leadership in this campaign, I�m certain that we�ll achieve our goal to further provide real hope and healing for our community�s most vulnerable and forgotten children.�
Gordon and Cheri each have two children � two sons, aged 30 and 24, and two daughters, aged 25 and 21. They have three grandchildren. Cheri also serves on the Board of Directors for Place of Hope/Villages of Hope.
The Hope for the Future Capital Campaign is comprised of three core components and three exciting matching challenge grants � Joann�s Cottage will help relocate and expand emergency shelter space for pregnant or parenting foster youth (the $750,000 Martin/Kirkwood/Turri Fund provides a dollar-for-dollar match); the expansion of Villages of Hope will provide more transitional housing and support services for aged out foster and other homeless young adults (the $500,000 Lost Tree Village Charitable Foundation grant provides a dollar-for-dollar match) and the Peter & Fern Barsanti Family Life Center at the main POH Paxson campus will provide for the educational, therapeutic and recreational needs of POH children, as well as space for community-based programs (the $500,000 Barsanti Family Foundation grant provides a dollar-for-dollar match).
For more information about how to contribute to the Hope for the Future Capital Campaign, please email charlesb@placeofhope.com or call (561) 775.7195.
Visit www.placeofhope.com or www.villagesofhope.net
To list an upcoming event please contact joyce@blacktiemagazine.com
�Back to Society News
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18ButlerBulldogsBUT
9-1, 1-1 Away
BUT 24 28 52
BAY 34 19 53
11BaylorBearsBAY
8-1, 5-0 Home
No. 11 Baylor holds on for a 53-52 win over No. 18 Butler
Vital's crucial block seals Baylor win (0:33)
Kamar Baldwin drives in with a chance to win it for Butler, but Mark Vital blocks his shot. (0:33)
WACO, Texas -- Mark Vital and his Baylor teammates now get to study for final exams. They have already passed a couple big tests on the court.
Vital blocked Kamar Baldwin's potential go-ahead shot with 1.5 seconds left and No. 11 Baylor won its second game in a row over a Top 25 opponent, holding on to beat previously undefeated No. 18 Butler 53-52 on Tuesday night.
"He did exactly what I was watching (on film), and Coach Drew trusts me to guard him, because I've been studying," Vital said.
"And he's going to study like this for finals, too, by the way," Baylor coach Scott Drew then said.
The Bulldogs never led, but had the ball after Aaron Thompson rebounded Davion Mitchell's missed shot before a timeout with 7.9 seconds left. After Baldwin inbounded the ball, he got it back and drove for a layup that was swatted away and out of bounds and last touched by the shooter.
"It was kind of clear out and get the best shot available, try to go downhill," Baldwin said. "They stayed home and did a good job."
Butler (9-1) was the third team to lose for the first time, after No. 1 Louisville and No. 4 Maryland lost earlier Tuesday night. That left five undefeated Division I teams.
After MaCio Teague missed a free throw for Baylor (8-1), the Bulldogs had 0.7 seconds left. A desperation shot by Baldwin, who finished with 19 points, wasn't close -- and came after the buzzer anyway.
"That was an absolute battle. Just a high-level, competitive environment," Butler coach LaVall Jordan said. "At the beginning of the game, they out-toughed us to start the game, and we were battling up hill. Proud of guys for fighting back."
The Bulldogs also had a chance to take the lead with 41 seconds left when Baldwin was called for a charging foul drawn by Jared Butler.
"I had Christian David coming down the left side, and man, if I hit him with a bounce pass, we go up one, and then we come back and get a stop and it's ballgame," Baldwin said. "Got to make the easy play."
Teague and Devonte Bandoo each had 10 points for Baylor, whose coach, Scott Drew, is a 1993 Butler graduate and faced his alma mater as a head coach for the first time.
Sean McDermott had 16 points, including four 3-pointers, for the Bulldogs. But he didn't take a shot in the final 12 minute after making 6-of-8 shots.
Butler, after trailing by 16 points in the first half, also had a chance to tie the game with 3:46 left after Baldwin -- whose 15-footer had just gotten the Bulldogs within a basket -- rebounded a missed 3 by Baylor. But Baldwin had his potential tying shot blocked by Mark Vital, who then scored on the other end to make it 53-49.
The Bulldogs had gotten within 44-40 midway through the second half after Baldwin's third consecutive basket came in a stretch when they made seven shots in a row.
Baylor built a 28-12 lead in the first half during a six-minute stretch when the Bulldogs missed eight shots in a row. That was the largest margin in the game before McDermott's 3 ended the Butler shooting drought. Baldwin's layup ended a 7-0 run that got the Bulldogs within 31-24 before Devonte Bandoo's 3 that gave the Bears a 34-24 halftime lead.
Butler: The Bulldogs were trying to get to 10-0 for the first time since 2006-07. They were still good defensively, having come in allowing only 56.2 points a game -- and holding Baylor to under that.
Baylor: The Bears are one bad stretch from being undefeated. Their only loss was to Washington in the second game of the season in Alaska, when they had a 10-point lead before not making another field goal in the final five minutes.
TOURNAMENT LIKE
This was the sixth of 10 games in the first season of a scheduling alliance between the Big 12 and Big East -- both 10-team leagues. The Big East won four of the first five games last week. There are still four more games to play before Christmas: Kansas at Villanova; Oklahoma at Creighton; Xavier at TCU; and Providence at Texas.
After five games in a row against teams from major conferences, Butler is home Saturday against Southern University.
Baylor, which now has three wins over Top 25 teams, has only two more games in December. The Bears play UT-Martin on Dec. 18 in Houston, then are home against Jackson State on Dec. 30 in their last game before opening Big 12 play.
More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25
NCAAM News
Mikey Dixon scored seven of his 21 points in the final two minutes as Grand Canyon beat Kansas City 69-66 on Sunday.
No. 2 Baylor seeks 'A' game versus Oklahoma
It didn't take long after No. 2 Baylor rallied to knock off Oklahoma State on Saturday for Bears coach Scott Drew to turn his attention to the next Big 12 Conference matchup.
College Basketball Power Rankings: Duke falls after win streak ends
The Blue Devils had won nine in a row, but they dropped out of the Power Rankings' top 10 after losing to Clemson and Louisville.
All College Basketball News
2019-2020 Big East Conference Standings
Seton Hall 6-0 - 14-4
Villanova 4-1 1.5 14-3
Providence 4-2 2 11-8
Butler 3-2 2.5 15-3
Creighton 3-3 3 14-5
Marquette 3-3 3 13-5
Georgetown 2-4 4 12-7
DePaul 1-4 4.5 13-5
Xavier 1-4 4.5 12-6
St. John's 1-5 5 12-7
2019-2020 Big 12 Conference Standings
Baylor 5-0 - 15-1
Kansas 4-1 1 14-3
West Virginia 3-2 2 14-3
Oklahoma 3-2 2 12-5
TCU 3-2 2 12-5
Texas Tech 3-2 2 12-5
Texas 2-3 3 12-5
Iowa State 1-4 4 8-9
Kansas State 1-4 4 8-9
Oklahoma State 0-5 5 9-8
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Go and find something out
Home » Blogs » Henry Collier's blog » A defence of England football fans
Submitted by Henry Collier on 6 April 2018 - 11:26pm
The England football team have come under major scrutiny recently – as they always do although over recent years it has been the fans who are making the headlines. Indeed, 90 were arrested during the game against Holland last week. So, my blog post – a reasoned explanation as to why the English fans have got such a tough time.
Firstly, the narrative of ‘I hope these troublemakers get sorted out in Russia’ is absolutely disgusting. This is the opinion formed by lots of people, who have very little idea what makes up England’s travelling support. Those fans you see causing trouble are not the fans who make the trek to south America or eastern Europe - these are the real fans. The fans you see causing the trouble are those who go for the ‘atmosphere’ as opposed to the football – but why do they go?
Simply put – the media. You can bet any money that after any England away game a major media outlet with run with the title “Trouble flares as England…” when talking to fans – this is very much not the case with the exception of Amsterdam last week. Because the media paint this picture of England away trips being a ‘tear up’ it inspires others to join and gives the hooligans, who are looking for trouble, a reason to go. They think they’ll be joining the majority when in fact those causing trouble are the exception to the rule.
28DDBC2D00000578-3088178-image-a-1_1432053424733.jpg
Why do the journalists do it? Its an easy story – it is easy to write about a fight in a pub or locals being unhappy about the travelling brits – it’s an easy story that doesn’t tell the true picture. Yes, the actions seen in Amsterdam were appalling and shouldn’t be tolerated, but why were these people here? Simply put, they believe the hype and piggy back on to it.
But England fans must do more, when things such as anthem booing take place, other England fans need to do more to call it out. It’s ridiculous, is frowned upon by 90% of the travelling support and openly harms out reputation abroad in front of a huge tv audience.
Rant over & lets hope the fans are not the ones making the headlines in Russia over the summer.
Henry Collier's blog
A defence of England football fans
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REG United Artists Pennsauken
Routes 73 and 130,
11 screens
1,485 seats
4 people favorited this theater
Showing 26 - 39 of 39 comments
RickB on January 14, 2005 at 1:54 pm
Demolition is now scheduled for this month. Local news story:
Michael R. Rambo Jr. on December 25, 2004 at 10:22 pm
With the passing of the Pennsauken theatre, the only two theatres left from the Sameric days in the Philadelphia are: The REG/UA (Eric) Montgomeryville 7 Theatre and the REG/Ua (RKO Stanley Warner/Eric)Moorestown 7 Theatre.
jaybee10108081 on November 23, 2004 at 9:04 pm
11/19/04 REVISIT, PENNSAUKEN
Th entire theatre complex is now fenced in by the demolition contractors, (a six foot high fence). The facade of the UA/Regal entrance has slipped down revealing the original green & white stripes of the former Eric II canopy, I shot this several times from several different angles. I also found & shot the base, on the roof of Eric I which used to support the, (long gone), Eric tower sign.
Note, on a prior interior shoot, I found, located & shot the original Eric II box office & booth steps.
Note, on a prior visit I located the original Eric II box office & booth steps, all documented on video.
jaybee10108081 on October 21, 2004 at 6:33 pm
Just a revisit to the site, I have received several private messages from other Pennsauken managers, thank you!
jaybee10108081 on September 19, 2004 at 12:55 pm
I wish I had photos too, worked their long enough as manager, anyway – after speaking with Pennsauken Mart Security & the owner of the Mart I was granted permission, in early July, 2004, to access the complex with my professional video camera, keep in mind, this was about 30 days or so after Regal vacated the building. I had gained permission to shoot anywhere & everywhere & was shocked at what I saw, Rentalguy, you are absolutely correct in your description of the most outlandish recreation of modern day theatre design, looked like some kid sat down with a ruler & put it together. Unbelievable! And I was further shocked as to the conditions Regal had left, they slashed every screen, left entire phone systems, office furniture, concession equipment & supplies, projection booth equipment as well as full reels of film. I just completed editing the video, added music, graphics, (which describe anything I could find in regard to the orginal Erics I & II), I used high intensity video lighting & the completed video is excellent. ALSO, UA had transformed the former (two) smoking balconies in Eric I into excutive ‘regional’ offices, the signs advising of same still hung on the wall. It appeared that Regal never utilized these areas other than for storage. If anyone has an interest in the VHS video, (about 25 minutes), contact me at or, (856)228-1672.
rentalguy on September 18, 2004 at 6:47 pm
I beg to differ on the Franklin Mills 14. The GCC Franklin Mills 10 used to be a free standing building seperate from the Franklin Mills Mall. I remember seeing The Firm there, back then GCC had a concession with Taco Bell. Why that idea never worked I’ll never know, I guess the yields were better for popcorn. GCC decided to abandon that complex and build a brand new complex inside the Franlin Mills Mall. This was an odd move as the Franklin Mills 10 was a very young theatre. The new 14 is a real nice theatre with stadium seats and two THX houses-No Taco Bell though. AMC purchased the bankrupt GCC chain, if you look carefully you can still see where the GCC decorations were. Also the Pepsi logos were scraped off the cupholder armrests.
On the Pennsauken 11, I wish someone had photos of the old complex, especially the Big house before it was split. Old Theater 4 and 5 used to be one big screen with a big balcony.
timquan on September 4, 2004 at 6:55 am
I don’t think the GCC Franklin Mills 10 was replaced. It was bought by AMC Theatres in 2002, and expanded to 14 screens. But it is at the same location.
rentalguy on August 17, 2004 at 12:43 am
I worked there in the early nineties, when the Theatre had its most massive and ill-conceived changes. The Eric Pennsauken had an incredibly long life by today’s standards. For example the GCC Franklin Mills 10 in nearby NE Philly lasted less than a decade to be replaced by a 14-plex less than ¼ a mile away. The Pennsauken Hoyt’s 10 barely lasted half that time. The Pennsauken Theatre just kept changing with the times.
In 1991 the Pennsauken Theatre was still an amazing theatre. Dingy, old and badly maintained but unique in it’s odd super-sized sense. The quality of the clientele had slipped horribly over the years, as evidenced by the occasional theatre fight or riot. Still, it would be magical to approach the huge white and green racing striped structure from Kings Highway. Its huge sign spelling ERIC stood on top despite the United Artists buy-out. The largest of the old ERIC chain-though not most notable-That honor was owned by the SAMERIC/BOYD. Theatre 5 was huge with gigantic three way speakers lining the walls. AMC was known for the cup holders in the armrests, Eric was known for large high backed rocker seats. The “Eric 5†faced far less competition than has become the norm, So back then a 1000+ seat auditorium could be filled easily. T2 was playing that summer in 70mm in house five. In a few short months the big old building would be gutted and it’s 70mm equipment would be removed sent to the UA criterion 7 in Times Square. The constant refurbishing was a process that seemed to be never ending in a complex that started with two separate buildings. The incredibly expensive tile floor that spelled “United Artists†had barely been broken in before it was to be torn up.
One plan called for another identical building to be built adjacent to the already gigantic structure-a mirror image. That plan was written off for some reason or another, and a new plan emerged where the two largest screening rooms would be cut in four each. The outside building was painted Coral (NOT PINK insisted a United Artists Property Executive), to match the original color of the Pennsauken Mart. With it’s new 4 screens showcasing a modern if not somber look, the Pennsauken Theatre was an 8 for the Christmas season. By the next summer it would be an 11.
The new Pennsauken Theatre was no longer the quirky super-sized 5, but a poorly constructed and mazelike mess pretending to be a modern multiplex. The new National Amusements Atco “Multiplex†was open, and overshadowed the new Pennsauken theatre. Atco was just a sign of the quickly approaching Competition. By the end of the nineties the massive Hangar sized Loews 24 would squash the Pennsauken 11.
It still had the biggest screen in the area-it’s new theatre 5-old theatre 3, but it is amazing how horribly constructed the new building was. The designers forgot that the projection booth was going to need structural support, creating the need for a forest of columns in it’s already overcrowded lobby, and concessions storage was still located behind a screen. Meaning concesionists would need to enter a theatre with a dolly to remove the supplies. Pity the projectionist that would have to navigate through 3 ill placed projection booths. The High back Rocker Seats ended up in the dumpster (along with the signature Sameric corporation trademark Greyhound statues Duke and Duchess), replaced with awful small seats, with practically no legroom between the Rows. The new smaller theatres practically never sold out, and the Pennsauken Theatre entered a long phase with no major changes, with the exception of sound. The Pennsauken theatre was chosen as one of the 876 theatres in the nation to be equipped with DTS sound for the opening of Jurassic Park in 1993. In 1993 Pennsauken’s cousin the Moorestown Theatre was closed due to a fire at the Moorestown Mall. That facility later was refurbished to the point of losing its identity as well.
timquan on July 26, 2004 at 6:44 pm
I am so sorry to see the Pennsauken theatre go. I lived in Cinnaminson during my childhood years, and my family and I would drive past the theatre in my car every time I went to Cherry Hill. I remember seeing the huge ERIC sign, first in round shapes, then in square shapes. Then the United Artists sign replaced the big ERIC sign on the building in 1992. But the Pennsauken theatre was my favorite place to see movies in the 80s. My first trip there was in 1987 to see a James Bond movie. I have gone back there to see the third Indiana Jones movie in the big auditorium, and in 70mm!, the second Back to the Future movie, and Jurassic Park. I also remember seeing the line stretch outside the theatre for an evening showing of Back to the Future 2 in 1989, instead I saw Look Who’s Talking; but I didn’t see it until New Year’s Eve. When the theatre was remodeled in 1992, I couldn’t believe how many screens were carved in that big auditorium space! So will a new multiplex theatre reside in Cinnaminson? That is what I heard.
jaybee10108081 on June 23, 2004 at 3:53 am
Your comments confirm what I have learned in regard to the final years that the Pennsauken operation was owned by Sameric as well as the UA years. I have exchanged email with a manager who worked the Eric Theatres in both Westmont & Stratford & he has informed me that from the late 1980’s through the mid 1990’s there was no money invested in upkeep of the houses, in fact at one point things were so bad that company pay checks were bouncing. And vendors refused to deliver unless paid in cash.
The woman cashier you refer to is Marie Robinson, I hired her in 1970 & she continued to work there for 30 years.
Sadly, the theatres closed within the past two weeks, (June, 2004), & is scheduled to be torn down, as well as the entire Mart complex to make way for the South Jersey Sports Center. I was up there about a year ago & shot video of the exterior, (from all angles as well as the marquees), & hope to get video of the demolition.
FeverDog on April 9, 2004 at 2:49 am
I was an usher at the Eric Pennsauken 5 in 1989-90. I was 15, and it was my first real job (I was a paperboy for the Courier-Post for three years before). I’d been going there for years beforehand; I credit their lax MPAA policies for warping my pre-teen mind by allowing me unguarded access to movies like “Blue Velvet” and “Angel Heart.” Since it was only a fifteen minute bikeride, I was there every other weekend, forever corrupting my morals.
What a crappy theatre it was then. Sure, that huge house (#5), was great (even if the balcony wasn’t being used), but the other four houses each had their own problems. Number 1 was large, but didn’t have stereo. Number 2 had the entrance door on only one side of the house (which was directly beside the concession stand, allowing a lot of lobby noise to be heard during the movie), so anyone who wanted to sit on the right side had to walk all the way down, cross, and walk back up the other aisle. And this house especially sucked in the daytime, since sunlight flooded it everytime the door opened. Number three was shaped like a shoebox and had a very small screen (and also no stereo).
And number 4 was the worst. It smelled like garbage and urine, the drapes were torn, the curtain was damaged by fire, the house lights were too dim, the projector light was too dim, and the screen couldn’t hold 2.35:1 movies (the movie would spill over the sides and bottom). And there was usually a then-unfamiliar odor eminating from it. (After a screening of “Downtown” I asked an older usher what the smell was. He informed me the scent was of the cannabis variety.)
But Theatre 4 didn’t completely suck. Since it was in such lousy shape, it frequently held B-movies that never did much money (“Some Girls,” “Action Jackson,” “The Wraith”) but rocked my adolescent mind. Horror flicks were always welcome; an “Elm Street” or “Halloween” sequel would inevitably work its way there. I saw “Evil Dead II” there three times. “Cannibal Holocaust” (sans subtitles) unspooled there for a week. And this was where my “Rocky Horror” cherry was popped (I thought it was a slasher flick, so I freaked out when people started yelling at the screen.)
It was also the only theatre in the area brave enough to show “Do the Right Thing” (it sold out the entire first weekend.) I don’t know what management was worried about; we never had a problem with “urban” movies. (Trouble seemed to follow Jean-Claude Van Damme movies; “Kickboxer” and “Lionheart” attracted the type of crowds that instigated fights.)
But back to #5. In the spring of ‘89 there was a staff meeting meant to prepare us for the onslaught of summer blockbusters, notably “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” So we were prepared for the long lines and general craziness that followed by showing it on two screens for a month. But later that year brought the biggest lines we ever had, and we were unprepared for it this time since much of the staff had turned over since summer. I swear, the box office line was halfway out to Route 73 one Saturday night. Who could have known a John Travolta movie would do so well? I still flash back to those lines whenever “Look Who’s Talking” pops up on TV.
The things some customers did in the darkened theatres then. During a matinee of “Major League” I observed a man with his legs up and a girl on her knees between them. I speculated why we were cleaning up uneaten hot dogs with no buns after showings of “Roadhouse” (could women really have been using them for sexual purposes?). And the crap thrown at the screens during “Wired,” while understandable (it’s one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen), was a bitch to get off.
But I was fired in January 1990. The official reason was that I failed to lock up a supply closet after my shift, therefore allowing hundreds of soft drink cups to be stolen. I was framed; I mean, really: who would steal empty soda cups? But I figured that management was too much of a wuss to lay me off after the Christmas rush (led by “Back to the Future II”) subsided. Either that or she didn’t want me to be eligible for unemployment or something.
I rarely returned. There was some old biddy who’d been working the box office for years, and she was a humorless, stuck-up rhymes-with-witch. I wonder if she’s still there, since the last time I patronized the Eric Pennsauken 5, it was the UA Pennsauken 11. What a lousy layout the place now is. That huge theatre that made Indy 3 such an amazing experience was now chopped into several shoeboxes. When I went to see “Alien 3” the walk through the lobby and corridor was seemingly endless. The houses are arranged so haphazardly that it approaches the scene in “Bachelor Party,” with arrows pointing every which way. Ugh. And since I hate theatres with the aisle down the center, if I’m ever in the area again and in the mood for a movie I’ll go to the AMC Marlton (where I also ushered, but only in the Summer of ‘93 during college break).
jaybee10108081 on December 11, 2003 at 6:38 pm
How come nobody has typed in Sam or Mert Shapiro, or the dynasty they built? A chain of motion picture theatres that from 1965 thru the 1980’s became a giant in the Philadelphia & South Jersey areas? The Eric Theatres were THE place to go! My name is John, I was honored to manage the Pennsauken, (NJ), operation as well as NJ advertising, under the men who created the Sameric Corporation. My email adress is
Michael R. Rambo Jr. on September 10, 2002 at 11:02 pm
The REG United Artists Pennsauken Theatre has 11 Screens, not 10 Screens
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Tyrannosaurus rex couldn’t run says new research
· T. rex could not run due to its size and weight
· T. rex was unable to pursue prey at high speeds
· Even walking speed was limited due its impact on the skeleton
· This changes the way we have to think about the way T. rex behaved
It is a classic chase scene in modern cinematic history. The image of a rampant Tyrannosaurus rex (T. rex) chasing Jeff Goldblum as he sits injured in the back of a 4x4 vehicle in Stephen Spielberg’s original Jurassic Park.
But could a T. rex actually move that fast, or even run at all?
New research from the University of Manchester says the sheer size and weight of T. rex means it couldn’t move at high speed, as its leg-bones would have buckled under its own weight load.
The research, in collaboration with the N8 High Performance Computer (NPC) research partnership, looks extensively into the gait and biomechanics of the world’s most famous Dinosaur and, using the latest in high performance computing technology, has created a new simulation model to test its findings.
Led by Prof William Sellers from the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, the researchers have combined two separate biomechanical techniques, known as multibody dynamic analysis (MBDA) and skeletal stress analysis (SSA), into one simulation model, creating a new more accurate one.
Prof Sellers says the results demonstrate any running gaits for T. rex would probably lead to ‘unacceptably high skeletal loads’. Meaning, in layman’s terms, any running would simply break the dinosaur’s legs. This contradicts the running speeds predicted by previous biomechanical models which can suggest anything up to 45mph.
He explains: ‘the running ability of T. rex and other similarly giant dinosaurs has been intensely debated amongst palaeontologist for decades. However, different studies using differing methodologies have produced a very wide range of top speed estimates and we say there is a need to develop techniques that can improve these predictions.
‘Here we present a new approach that combines two separate biomechanical techniques to demonstrate that true running gaits would probably lead to unacceptably high skeletal loads in T. rex.’
The results also mean that the T. rex couldn’t pursue its prey in a high-speed chase as previously thought. He added: ‘Being limited to walking speeds contradicts arguments of high-speed pursuit predation for the largest bipedal dinosaurs like T. rex and demonstrates the power of Multiphysics approaches for locomotor reconstructions of extinct animals.’
Although the research focuses on the T. rex, the findings also means running at high speeds were probably highly unlikely for other large two-legged dinosaurs such as, Giganotosaurus, Mapusaurus, and Acrocanthosaurus.
Dr Sellers adds: ‘Tyrannosaurus rex is one of the largest bipedal animals to have ever evolved and walked the earth. So it represents a useful model for understanding the biomechanics of other similar animals. Therefore, these finding may well translate to other long-limbed giants so but this idea should be tested alongside experimental validation work on other bipedal species.’
This isn’t the first time MBDA and SSA have been used to measure the walking and running ability of dinosaurs. However, it is the first time they have been used together to literally create a more accurate picture.
Dr Sellers explains: ‘Our previous simulations of theropod bipedal running did not directly consider the skeletal loading but these new simulations do calculate all the forces in the limb bones and these can be used directly to estimate the bone loading on impact.’
The fact that T. rex was restricted to walking also supports arguments of a less athletic lifestyle. This means the results could change the way we view the effects of how the size and shape of T. rex and other large bipedal dinosaurs alters as they grow. Previous studies have suggested the torso became longer and heavier whereas the limbs became proportionately shorter and lighter as T. rex grew. These changes would mean that the running abilities of T. rex would also change as the animal grew with adults likely to be less agile than younger individuals.
You can download this paper for FREE from PeerJ, click this LINK
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