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Erica Kinsman settled her lawsuit against Florida State University

Erica Kinsman settled her lawsuit against Florida State University

Erica Kinsman settled her lawsuit against Florida State University

As published by the Hunting Ground Crew:

“Yesterday, Erica Kinsman settled her lawsuit against Florida State University for $950,000 and a five-year commitment to programs that promote sexual assault awareness, transparency and prevention. FSU must report on these efforts every year for the next five years.

It’s the largest settlement of its kind in U.S. history. Erica’s allegation of sexual assault by Jameis Winston is one of the centerpieces of our film and one of the reasons powerful interests like Florida State University have been trying to silence and discredit us.

This settlement is a win for survivors everywhere. Through her bravery, resilience and integrity, Erica was able to transcend her traumatic experience, stand up to FSU’s institutional betrayal and show other sexual assault survivors they no longer have to remain silent.

As the filmmakers of The Hunting Ground, we are proud to have shared Erica’s moving and courageous story, which has helped raise awareness of sexual assault on college campuses across the country. It is our hope that FSU and other schools learn from this ordeal so that other student survivors are not put through the anguish that Erica has endured.

But this is just one case of many. As a community of survivors and advocates, we must continue to bring sexual assault out of the shadows, hold accountable those responsible and end the epidemic of sexual assault on campuses across the country.

Today and everyday, Erica and other survivors deserve our support and our care.

Erica’s powerful story was seen by millions online when we posted it earlier this year and it continues to inspire supporters who #StandWithErica”

Kinsman stated that she would “always be disappointed that I had to leave the school I dreamed of attending since I was little,” but is grateful that FSU has committed to continue making changes in order to ensure a safer environment for all students.

FSU did not admit to liability in the settlement, which university president John Thrasher said the school agreed to in order to avoid additional litigation expenses.

“We have an obligation to our students, their parents and Florida taxpayers to deal with this case, as we do all litigation, in a financially responsible manner,” Thrasher said in a statement. “With all the economic demands we face, at some point it doesn’t make sense to continue even though we are convinced we would have prevailed.”

The settlement does not affect an ongoing Title IX investigation by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Kinsman filed a complaint with the agency in early 2014 and it opened an investigation in April of that year.

READ: FSU settlement agreement

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Infographic: Your Facebook Profile Could Cost You Your Case

Infographic: Your Facebook Profile Could Cost You Your Case

With the rise in popularity of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media platforms, many people unknowingly share a great deal of personal information. Most people don’t realize how this personal information may harm their chances for recovery in a legal dispute.

If you’re involved in a legal case, our general advice is:

  • Stop putting information on social media platforms all together. Just don’t do it.
  • Do not delete content off of any social media platform. This is considered destroying evidence.
  • Make your profile private.
  • Do not friend anyone you do not personally know.
  • Once the case is over, you may go back to being active on social media.

If you insist on being active on social media, here are some general guidelines:

  1. Do not post anything about your legal case; whether it is a personal injury case, divorce case, custody case, or any other legal matter.
  2. Do not accept any new friend requests unless you personally know the person who has friended you.
    • Why? The insurance adjuster may friend you to get access to your page, pictures, posts, and try to use specific content against you.
    • What type of content can be held against you? Let’s use a personal injury case as an example… if an accident victim claims to have severe shoulder pain, yet the victim has been posting pictures of themselves hiking and doing physical activity, the insurance adjuster may use these photos against them and lessen the value of the injury claim because the victim is not “too injured.”
  3. Put your profile on private.
    • Why? Same reason as above. The insurance adjuster may want to gain access to your personal page.
  4. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING! Once you post information you cannot go back and delete items.
    • Why? If you’re involved in a legal case and you delete anything on a social media platform, you’re destroying evidence. NOTE: An attorney should never advise you to delete content on your social media platforms. If they do advise you to do so, consult with another attorney and do not delete anything.

Public information:

  1. All social media posts are public. Just because a page is only visible to “friends,” it’s still public and available to any attorney who obtains a subpoena to look through your social media platform.
  2. In general, anything you have ever posted is fair-game. Just because it’s been deleted in the past, doesn’t mean its non-existent.

Social Media Impact on Legal Cases Infographic | Zanes Law

For more information on this topic, listen to Doug Zanes’ talk-show episode: Social Media Impact On Legal Cases

Get Your Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, or worse... we are here to help. Please don't hesitate to reach out.

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Contact Us

ZinZang Studio, LLC is owned and operated in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Office: 804-557-0017

Get a Free Quick Quote

Email Len Switalski, Jr. – Lead Designer, Developer, and Support
Mobile: 757-561-5552

Email Jen Nai Anderson – Operations Manager, Designer, Billing

ZinZang Studio, LLC
105 Dickson Cir
Toano, Virginia 23168

To access and fill out our Client Forms go here.

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1000 Heads

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Posts Tagged ‘NFC’

Is this the end of the road for QR codes?

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

These days it can be hard to pass a poster or pick up a jar without finding a QR code promising exciting extras and exclusives staring you in the face. But are those ubiquitous monochrome squares more loved by marketers than anyone else?

Recently, bieMEDIA, an online marketing and media company, predicted the end of the QR code based on the fact that very few consumers actually use them.

We’ve blogged before about the good, the bad and the pointless ways brands are using QR.

But as they move into maturity what are the main arguments for and against these matrix barcodes, and just how valuable are they in driving word of mouth?

QR codes are so popular on posters, flyers and other marketing material because companies can use them to convey specific information about their brands to a target audience. Because the majority of people who use and recognise QR codes fall into the 18-34 age bracket, it means campaigns can be specifically developed for this demographic.

Their versatility also means they can be tailored to all sorts of needs as long as the creativity is there. Just look at this case study from India:

It looks pretty impressive from a community engagement and WOM perspective. But despite the initial positive response, how lasting do those conversations prove to be?

As a QR-virgin myself (someone who has never actually scanned a QR code despite being surrounded by them every day), I am sceptical as to how these codes can be incorporated into a meaningful and lasting campaign. And the data is on my side.

According to an October 2011 survey from strategic marketing firm Russell Herder, although 72% of consumers say they have seen a QR code, nearly 30% of them don’t really know what they are.

More worryingly, 57% of consumers who have scanned a QR code say they did nothing with the information. This means that brands and marketing companies are spending time, effort and money on campaigns that don’t really seem to have an effect on consumers.

Couple this with the fact that other technologies such as NFC and mobile visual search are now on the rise, the trend seems to be towards QR codes becoming nothing more than distant relics of a past era: the marketing equivalent of the MiniDisc.

As with all tools, QR codes are only as good as the strategy or creative execution behind how they are used – and not very many brands are doing that well.

There are shinier alternatives creeping up too. NFC provides the potential for commercial services as well as marketing opportunities. Aurasma, an augmented reality app, acts as a much more tangible ‘bridge’ between the real and virtual worlds we inhabit, providing users with an interactive way of enhancing everyday life, such as this example of a polar bear on the River Thames:

So what do you think? What are your best and worst case studies of QR codes being used by brands? And how often do you use them yourself?

You down with NFC?

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

Yeah you know me!

If you’ve been following @1000heads on Twitter, you might know that we’ve been tinkering around with NFC of late, and for good reason.

Last week, as part of our activity for Nokia’s Symbian Belle launch, we arranged a special ‘48hrs in Hong Kong‘ for a very lucky group of six select bloggers.

Aside from running the very latest update of Nokia’s Symbian software – aka ‘Symbian Belle’ – these new Belle devices all come with Near Field Communications (NFC) baked-in. Which means, you simply tap – and go.

Working with the smart guys over at NFC-Hub we produced special NFC-enabled posters, similar to the below -

NFC Hub @ 1000heads

- that were placed up at different locations around Hong Kong. Delivering against Nokia’s release message of ‘Try Something New’, #NokiaTSN, we thought we’d set a two day course of exactly that, with our guests trying their hands at all things news. For example, riding the Crystal Cable Car or simply taking in a Tai Chi lesson in the park.

The best part being that once the on-site posters were tapped -

- the entrants would automatically check-in on Facebook and/or Foursquare (depending on the poster used) which in turn would produce results like this:

Much fun was had indeed.

With NFC becoming more and more prevalent [see Museum integration as well as Dennis Publishing getting in on the act], expect more NFC-based shenanigans from us very soon and, if you find yourself in the 1000heads offices at any point in the future, why not tap us up?

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Cover Curiosity: Title Takeover

Is it just me, or have you noticed some picture book titles getting real these days? Really real. Taking up the whole cover real. Not just type laid over top, but part of the illustration real. Today we have three books that put the title front, center, and right in the middle of the the […]

Cover Curiosity: Go Set a Watchman and To Kill a Mockingbird

Usually during these Cover Curiosity posts I highlight two unrelated books that (for a variety of reasons) have similar covers. Today I have to make an exception and talk about two related books, mostly because one of them has one of the most recognizable covers of all time, and the other is bound to be […]

Cover Curiosity: Under the Sea

Under Water

Sometimes, in an odd aligning of stars, two book covers end up kinda resembling one another. Click here for all the Cover Curiosity posts. I noticed a pair the other day. First up: Under the Ocean by Anouck Boisrobert; illustrated by Louis Rigaud Second up: The Bear’s Sea Escape by Benjamin Chaud Side by side: A […]

Cover Curiosity: Mirrors

Every now and then the universe does my job for me. Sometimes, by chance (or perhaps not), two books that resemble each other end up next to each other on bookshelves. Thanks for looking out, universe. Below are three such cases I encountered in the last few months: Rabbityness by Jo Empson Peek-A-Boo Bunny by […]

Cover Curiosity: Fishes

Some Cover Curiosities seem eye-rubbingly separated at birth, while others appear to simply share a similar idea. Today, I’d say we have an example of the latter. Click here for more Cover Curiosities. I love most when two covers from different worlds collide. Today we have a middle grade novel and a picture book. Our […]

Cover Curiosity: Behind Bars

Juvie Cover

Look, I don’t discriminate on my Cover Curiosities – picture book, middle grade, YA – when two books happen to resemble each other, I will be there. Today we foray into the YA world with two new books that share a bold bar/grid motif. Juvie by Steve Watkins More Than This by Patrick Ness Side […]

Cover Curiosity: Playing the Field

Sometimes with Cover Curiosities we have two jackets that look very similar. Other times it’s more of a general trend. Today is the latter. Look out socks, relaxing on the lawn is gaining steam. Take a look at the recent evidence collected: The Center of Everything by Linda Urban After Eli by Rebecca Rupp Criss […]

Cover Curiosity: Me

SLJ Cover Web

Now, please don’t be alarmed when you see this goofy-looking guy on your September issue of School Library Journal: How did we get here? I wrote a series of posts about the e-reader lending program we started at my 5th and 6th grade school last year. It was a small start, but things went pretty […]

Cover Curiosity: Squinty

Ask the Passengers

Is that a cover trend I see? I can’t quite tell – it’s so bright. Let’s take a look at three examples. Ask the Passengers by A.S. King Peace, Locomotion by Jacquiline Woodson The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano by Sonia Manzano I feel like there are more examples of this out there – any to […]

Cover Curiosity: Visually Jarring

Is canning things other than delicious foods the hot new activity for youngsters? Looking at these five recent or upcoming book covers, you’d think so. Flowers, spiders, hummingbirds, kids – where are the strawberry preserves!? Many thanks to Cindy Dobrez of Bookends for the heads up on this trend. Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky Keeping Safe […]

Cover Curiosity: Sashed

I ask you this –  are sashes a cover trend on the rise? Cover the first: Beauty Queens by Libba Bray Cover two: Prettiest Doll by Gina Willner-Pardo (on shelves November 6, 2012) Side by side: The sashes have it. Are there any more that belong in this group? Click here for more Cover Curiosities.

Cover Curiosity: Inking Me Softly

Hummingbird Heart

‘Scuse me while I talk YA covers for a minute… Most Cover Curiosities, be they socks, Converse sneakers, or longingly gazing into the distance, are unexpected but not really all that unusual. Today we have a pair that are both unusual and unexpected. This comparison is unusupected. With all credit to Lisa Jenn Bigelow for […]

Cover Curiosity: On Balki and Book Covers

inside out

There are two people I’ve been told I look like. 1. Bronson Pinchot Aw, yeah – that’s right. Pinchot is best known as Balki from the late 80s/early 90s sitcom Perfect Strangers. While most people would not take this as a particularly flattering comparison, I used to watch that show like it was going out […]

Cover Curiosity: Totally Crossed Out

romeo and juliet code

Whether consciously tapping into a popular trend or completely by coincidence, some book covers just look like each other. Today we have two covers that jumped out at me. Let’s have a look… The Romeo and Juliet Code by Phoebe Stone. And our second cover… One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt Side by […]

Cover Curiosity: I Got the Blues. And Blacks. And Whites.

While not exactly spitting images of one another, today’s trio of covers share a distinct bond that is difficult to deny. Unless you do deny, in which case we will have to politely agree to disagree, as librarian custom dictates all disagreements must be settled. All three are pleasing to the eyes of this humble […]


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The Art of Publishing – Tips & Examples

Every artist entitled to be the creator should definitely understand the concept behind the term publishing. Not many of our wonderful artists today appreciate or follow this term which eventually leads to a downfall to them & their creations. Trying to break the term – “Publishing” do not interpret it with the daily magazines or the newspapers. I personally believe publishing is a valuable term for an artist having it close to adding a page of valuable content in his/her personal diary with a signature of art. Having said that I have split this term into 5 useful characters.

Midnight Clear - The Art of Publishing
Photo Credit : Allan

Building a Profile

To start with, In Art or Photography, any thing or everything we do for a prolonged period of time with the right attitude will one day turn up to have built a wonderful profile for the artist himself. Only art helps us to find and lose ourselves simultaneously. There will certainly be a period when we sit back & rejoice looking back at what we have created over the period of time. This is the starting point of an already built art profile, and to keep the profile lively, not just for the amount of passion you have put into over the years but also for the faith, love and compassion this will offer for years to come and generations to inspire, It is necessary to understand the art of publishing.

Acrobat - The Art of Publishing
Photo Credit : Faiz M Taimur

Translating your Mind

Think like a master, after-all you are the master of your art. Your Mind very much knows what it loves and what it doesn’t The Mediocre creations will never make you proud for what you do, forget to create for the masses, the critics, the audience. They are the people who speak rather than create, straight away throw the mediocre elements into bin. With every publish,do not compromise, always take the level of artwork to the next step . This may be a daunting task in the beginning but that is how Masters have been idealized.

Some Truth - The Art of Publishing
Photo Credit : Greatestdancer

Habit & Consistency

Your mind is the most beautiful thing you have. Listen to it, rely on your memory, it is a glimpse of wonder our mind will cling on to. Do not choose pictures or any art work based on a desire for them. Forget them first and let these creations wake you up and ask for a publish. Very similar to the bottle of colloids, believe only the lighter and the most beautiful particles of dust holds its head to the surface. There is no rule or time period, just wait until the picture itself calls you for a publish. When that happens both the picture and the creator will attain eternity.

Idle - The Art of Publishing
Photo Credit : Hengki Koentjoro

Nature of Work

Desire everything, cross the genres. For genres are always borders to you and your art. Be versatile, for we don’t wear the same color everyday, understand this and translate this into your art work. Believe me people will find you in your art work. Your art will be n times more beautiful and creative than you, for it keeps evolving, devoid of shapes, size and it doesn’t even age.

Flower - The Art of Publishing
Photo Credit : LJ

Moving & Motivating

Be it a success or an utter failure just move on. This will not be your last creation, there are more to come. A Comma (,) is a primary element in an artists life, motivate yourself for every creation you make and believe in tomorrow for the hope in yourself and the never dying art. Creativity does allow our self to make numerous mistakes, whereas its art which guides you in knowing which ones to keep.

Connectivity - The Art of Publishing
Photo Credit : Rupert Vandervell

Don’t miss to check our previous Photography Tutorials:

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Contact Us

2013 NBA Playoff Recap — Heat Beat Pacers, 99-76, Advance to NBA Finals

Indiana Pacers v Miami Heat - Game Seven
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

LeBron James scored 32 points, and the Miami Heat beat the Indiana Pacers, 99-76, in the seventh and deciding game of the Eastern Conference finals in Miami on Monday night. As a result of the victory, Miami advanced to its third consecutive NBA Finals. The Heat will host the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday.

A rejuvenated Dwyane Wade added 21 points and nine rebounds for Miami. The Heat broke the game open with a 33-point second quarter, before cruising in the second half on the way to the win.

Center Roy Hibbert scored 18 points for the Pacers, however teammate Paul George had just seven points and fouled out in the fourth quarter.

Miami def. Indiana, 4-3

Game 1: Miami 103, Indiana 102 (OT)
Game 2: Indiana 97, Miami 93
Game 3: Miami 114, Indiana 96
Game 4: Indiana 99, Miami 92
Game 5: Miami 90, Indiana 79
Game 6: Indiana 91, Miami 77
Game 7: Miami 99, Indiana 76

Home team in bold.

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Creation Station Libraries
Creation Station Libraries
Baby Collections:
- Baby Collection
- New Arrival
Social Collection
Themed Party Collection
Photo Cards
Judaic Collection
Inspirational Collection
New Home / Moving
Sports Collection
Tropical & Seaside
Personalized Stationery
Wedding Collection
Write In Style Collection
Calling Card Collection
Informal Notecard Collection
Place Card Collection
Seasonal Collections

Graduation Collection
Christmas Collection
Fall Collection
Holiday Photo Borders
Spring and Summer Collection

Creation Station
Personalized Expressions

Merchandising Solutions
Choose an in-store browser, a set of presentation albums, or the ultimate - a combination browser and album merchandiser!

       Merchandising Solutions
Combination Merchandiser Presentation Albums Wall Mount Browser Floor Stand Browser

As a way to showcase the expansive product library, we offer a variety of in-store merchandising solutions, with a choice for each space and budget requirement:
Wall Display - As shown in this retail environment, this eye catching display will be the magnet for your popular imprinting department. This effective merchandising solution can stand alone or be combined with an imprinting department and can be expanded with the simple addition of more merchandising panels.
   >>More info>>
Panel displays: Floor standing display - Our popular panel or wing displays are the perfect way to grab a customer's attention for your invitation and stationery business. Each display measures 36" wide and can include up to 31 wings and features over 600 invitations and stationery products. Need to present more of our thousands of products? The floor standing display can be used as an insland display with over 1,200 products in only 36"!    >>More info>>
Presentation Albums - The time tested method to show customers a wide range of invitations and stationery products is the stationery album. Our Creation Station collections include handmade albums to feature the complete family of products available in coordination designs.
   >>More info>>
Combination Albums and Browser Display - This versatile, eye-catching display system will become the magnet for your social stationery department. Each impactful display panel easily presents products that will draw your customer to it. Our easy turning panel system allows for easy browsing and for you to merchandise a wide range of designs or themes. while the album shelving features a convenient working surface for the customer to effortlessly browse through their party selections. >>More info>>
Which one is right for me?
We offer a variety of solutions for every budget and space requirement. The wing or panel displays (Wall mount, floor standing and combination browser) are the most impactful and will immediately draw your customers to the display. The presentation albums are the perfect supplement to the panel displays as these contain all of the coordinating pieces for each invitation, thus leaving nothing to the imagination. By themselves, the presentation albums are perfect for the retailer that relies on the album business and provides a comfortable working album area and has support staff trained in selling from albums.

We suggest that you start with your desired merchandising solution and then determine which Creation Station package is right for you. >>More info>>

Personalized Expressions / Colors by Design

Van Nuys, CA 91406

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Comparison of Merchandising Solutions
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Gucci Mane - Dear Diary f. Fozzie Bear & OJ Da Juiceman

Wow... three of the best emcees of all time on one track? This has classic written all over it. Blame X, AYE!

DOWNLOAD: Gucci Mane - Dear Diary f. Fozzie Bear & OJ Da Juiceman (prod. Nitti) | Mediafire

Show Comments
  • pppc

    Pause. Post Lloyd banks big bully directed by boo boo. Visit thisiscurtis. Com

  • Chauncey Adams

    that line up made me flinch

  • Che LaGhost

    The Holy Trinity of BULLSHIT!

  • Ski

    they bringin hip-hop back

  • George Clooney

    Keep supportin the real, Shake.

    This exemplifies all that is right in the world of hip hop. Nas said hip hop was dead, but that was before Gucci Maine and Co. came on the scene and brought the shit back to the essence.

    OJ and Gucci are like the 2010 versions of Big L and Big Pun. Thank God they're here to save us from all this J.Cole and Jay Electronica nonsense.

  • Che LaGhost

    Yo Shake, Dom Kennedy has a new mixtape man why we posting music from the 3 stooges man!?

  • OnTheRun

    i like "George Clooney's" humor. sarcasm is what i live for so really Shake, get this trash off this "hip-hop" website.

  • O.G

    hahah did you listen to it?'' gucci go so hard sometimes i be like damn where i get these rhymes , flow so fukin crazy i don lost my ming im as icy as a polar bear"

  • james dean

    fozzie bear = waka flocka right?

  • Sand in Vagina

    Othello the Juiceman has officially knocked off 2Pac as my favorite artist of all time.

  • Twitch

    hmm...all it needs is a remix with soulja boy, shawty lo, lil b, the "cheeseburger" guy, mini daddy, a duet hook by Birdman & lil wayne in autotune and it'll be the best song of the century. might as well make it a super group with all these talented people while we're at it. lol

  • BeatX

    Fuck that nigga !!!! Gucci mane = Garbage same lil wayne .... the hip hop die !!!

  • MJD

    Dream collab!

  • Benny Blanco from Da BriX

    All it needs is the Angoon thugs to add a couple verses & instead of Gucci doing the hook they should have the "take you to the movies" guy do the hook, then it could be decent.

    Seriously, the ignorance in this song is mind blowing. I barely understood one goddamn thing these bamma fuckers said, even the beat was dumb.

  • Benny Blanco from Da BriX

    This pretty much sums up this song perfectly:

  • J_More

    *smh* yall the same lames who say every mixtape is "dope". Regardless of there lyrical ability the sad part about this is there music in terms of "sound" is better than some of that shit y'all be bumping.

  • Pabelow

    good job at posting a blend. The real song is just Gucci Mane - "Dear Diary" - OJ and Waka's verses were lifted from "My Chain" (Remix), which featured the same beat. Maybe do some research next time, eh?

    And this > Asher Roth.

  • burd

    straight fire this might be the dopest collab ive ever heard. i keep hearin about some songs in the works by jay electronica with nas and lupe fiasco, um is anybody checking on that trash? and pac div is wack too, theyre not ready for this three headed monster

  • Benny Blanco from Da BriX

    The fact that you know that information makes me laugh. Good job at being knowledgeable about crap. & I think Asher Roth is lame too but this shit is just too dumb.

  • Jesus

  • Jesus

    Gucci's flow melted my face

  • money

    YOO SOULJAGIRL IS IN THE PIC TO THE RIGHT WITH THE FALCONS CHAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SOUJA Killed guccimane nows hes gucci

    this is the shit... free gucci... lol... oh my god... i was 15 seconds in and started laughing... ill play this for the rats... lets be real this or inspectah deck when you are with a bitch... if you say ins. you are a nerd...

  • oletsdoit

    O wow soulja is even copying Guccis pose in the pic Lmfao

  • Harharhar

    based god y'all... you need to post his shit!!!

  • spaceman

    Gucci Mane, the Juuman, & Wack Flocka Flame is the 2010 dynasty. So Icy > Your Favorite Rap Group.

    *insert Wacka Flacka's characteristic tic*

  • Harharhar

  • George Clooney

    This is that boom bap shit that's been missing from rap. OJ spits flames on this. He just dismantles the beat. Gucci, as usual, just elevates the shit, and has raised the bar for emceeing yet again. Waka isn't quite at their level yet, but you can tell he got next. He's sorta like the Sean Price of the South, only he's still at that Ruck stage.

    This shit reminds me of when Freeway, Beans and Jay did 'What We Do'. Only this shit goes harder.

  • jobie

    if anyone truly thinks any of these guys is a better artist than Asher Roth they dont have any true understanding of Hip Hop or Rap music.

    lil b is better than everybody... pretty bitches stand up...

  • jobie

    im pretty sure flocka whole verse consisted of rhyming the word nigga with the word nigga hahah this is a joke. i think i may be able to be a rapper.. but the beat on this is kinda dope as usual with gucci.

  • George Clooney

    This shit is just so ill. I feel like I just heard the missing track from Hell Hath No Fury or Aquemini. Again, thank you for giving this shit the attention it deserves, Shake.

    Hopefully these guys will start getting their proper dues. It's just nice to get a break from the rampant ignorance that's currently flooding the industry.

  • V.A.D.A

  • http://Shyguy Shyguy

    "All it needs is the Angoon thugs to add a couple verses & instead of Gucci doing the hook they should have the “take you to the movies” guy do the hook, then it could be decent."

  • amazedkidd

    ^^^^^^^^^^^^ all that sarcastic shit was wack,,,, they make more money than any of you combined in one year in a few months FUCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKK ITTTTTTTT (gucci voice)

  • Big_E

    im glad yall niggas realized how great the BASE GOD truly is!!! He stays Based 24/7. Nobody can Base like that pretty ass nigga!
    Just listen to the this catalog of prettiness:

    lmao i cant believe i just typed that fuck shit... and dont ask me how i found that ahaha (my personal favorite song right now is "Stuck Up Bitch" lol)

  • JonnieHayward

    @amazedkidd...every rapper on the radio/club probably makes more money than us...WHO CARES...doesn't mean they are good, they still got no type of rapping abilities....most girls care more about the beats these fellas rap to than the idiots themselves...btw sorry but no self-respecting grown man should be goin around yelping "AYE" "OKAY" and having retarded outbursts of "BURR"...each 1 of them needs to get bitch slapped for their nonsense

  • Rios

    i swear i can tell we were neanderthals when these "artists" get posted. "aye,aye,burr,burr,mumble,mumble,ok,ok" pretty much that's it right? cavemen used to just grunt

  • uhh

    i actually laughed out loud

  • KC_Mafioso

    I hate to say this but Gucci Mane is more lyrical than my nigga Chip tha Ripper.

  • A “Psssssst” Stan fka Answer Me!

    Nitti keep redefining the art of music with his beats.

  • imonapaperchase

    lmao man yall got me rolling!!! i know most of yall being sarcastic with these comments bout these niggas being good...i hope yall being sarcastic foreal! but prolly finna listen this & never listen 2 it sorry i already kno dis shit finna be weak...oj da juiceman is da worst rapper ever...even worst then da cheeseburger rapper!! lmao

  • monroe

    @ Che LaGhost They posted doms tape yesterday, to prevent sounding stupid in the future, u can just search dom kennedy on the search bar and u would have saw it.

  • brendan

    i've never seen so much sarcasm in my life. at least i hope it was sarcasm

  • Pabelow

    I still don't understand the name of this site, when everyone hates on rappers that were more influenced by OutKast than most of the artists here. You people, honestly, are brain-washed to believe anything that's popular is instantly terrible. Both OJ and Waka are borderline wack, indeed, but they have a certain level of energy that most of your favorite rappers lack. And Gucci, on the other hand, is easily one of the most misunderstood artists in hip-hop right now. His music goes far beyond the "burr" bullshit you all rely so heavily on when detracting from his music. Not every rapper has to flow like it's a fucking cypher, or spit "knowledge" that you'd be much better off uncovering yourself than learning from some high school dropout. Gucci makes feel good music, that DOES have technical rap proficiencies to it, if you ignoramuses actually took the time to listen to. But who am I kidding? You're the hipsters of the hip-hop world, you'd rather listen to the Animal Collective equivalents of rap than dare listen to music that might be, OMG, popular, and different.

  • Benny Blanco from Da BriX
  • crooked

    end of story.

  • Benny Blanco from Da BriX

    BTW, I listen to "popular" music & I'm def not a skinny jean wearing hipster. You can't have lyrical shit in the clubs or parties so I fuck some mainstream shit. But this shit is just corny as hell. These type of muafuckas get no respect cuz the're just dumb fucks.

    & maybe Gucci wouldn't be so misunderstood if he didn't speak like an idiot.

  • RICK RO$$

    this shits hard.

  • Pabelow

    he doesn't speak like an idiot, he's from the South, and has a lisp. Are you trying to say that he's an idiot because of the region he hails from, or his own disability? That's pretty damn ignorant yourself, then. And he's far from dumb, he graduated from high school, went onto college, but got involved with some personal shit that got him kicked out. If you would ever read any of his interviews, you'd understand he isn't as ignorant as his music would suggest. He makes this type of music because it's what the people want to hear, and he raps about his subjects because it's the life he's lived.

    and are you seriously trying to prove superiority with Billy Madison quotes? Adam Sandler movies? Really. You fail more than anyone.

  • Benny Blanco from Da BriX

    You obviously are not someone I would like if you defend Gucci & shit on Adam Sandler movies. Billy Madison was funny as hell, especially if you high. Happy Gilmore & Wedding Singer too.

  • GREAT12344

    pllz tell me shake is high tonite

  • Pabelow

    I'm not trying to discredit Adam Sandler as a comedic actor anymore than you're trying to discredit Gucci Mane as a rapper. Which is obviously a lot, on both ends, but regardless. There's nothing genuinely wrong with either, I'm just trying to show you the same ignorance that you showed in your comments against Gucci. Almost no one that frequents this site has any idea what Gucci's about, or how complicated his rhyme patterns can get and laugh-out-loud funny his punchlines are. All they hear is an accent they can't understand, adlibbed by a "BURR!" If you're gonna hate, at least listen to this shit instead of skimming through it.

  • George Clooney

    "Gucci makes feel good music, that DOES have technical rap proficiencies to it, if you ignoramuses actually took the time to listen to."

    Pabelow said this on March 27th, 2010 at 2:38 am

    You took the words right out of my mouth. And I think most of the people who've been commenting here would actually agree with most of what you're saying. There certainly aren't enough rappers willing to take the artistic risks that Gucci continually endures for the sake of hip hop. Gucci approaches his music in the same manner that an anti-establishment artist like Tristan Tzara might approach one of his manifestos, plays, poems, or his paintings. Gucci is essentially avant garde in every regard. The way he's able to take a song and strip it to the barest essentials, eliminating the unnecessary, overly common, and distracting constituents of modern popular music, such as intelligence, coherent speech, and logic is deceptively brilliant. The man is an artisan of immeasurable quality. Stop the hating, people. Burr.

  • Benny Blanco from Da BriX

    hahahahha. George Clooney, shut up man.

    Your sarcasm all night has been impeccable. Good job.

  • Benny Blanco from Da BriX

    you sound like a critic describing a historical work of art or some shit hahaha. Shit really is funny.

  • George Clooney

    Thanks man, I'm just speaking from the <3.

  • George Clooney

    I'd also like to cosign these choice Pabelow quotes:

    "Are you trying to say that he’s an idiot because of the region he hails from, or his own disability?"

    Yeah, just cos he's disabled don't mean he's an idiot, people. He's just disabled, you insensitive fucks! What if it were YOUR brother or son that had Gucci's disability?

    "If you would ever read any of his interviews, you’d understand he isn’t as ignorant as his music would suggest."

    Preach, brother! Just cos his music suggests it may have been created by someone extremely ignorant, doesn't mean it was! He's just dumbin it down for his audience. So that y'all don't get lost in his wordplay.

    "Almost no one that frequents this site has any idea what Gucci’s about, or how complicated his rhyme patterns can get."

    Hell to the fuckin yeah! This dude be flippin lyrical wizardry that makes your head spin, and he's the one that's dumb?!! FOH!

  • 24444335

    ahahahah at the novels and explanations

    this is why i come here

    pure 100 percent troll comedy , tink youtube comments got boring

    come here for ur latenight comedy

  • Lil Half Dead

    Wow!!!! Gucci stay spitting bullshit! Flaka needs to get both eyes dotted. Juice Man make the club say Aye!! This might bump in the south but in South Central LA is gets NO play..... Aye Aye Aye BURR BURR...

  • Benny Blanco from Da BriX
  • LOL

    ""artistic risks that Gucci continually endures for the sake of hip hop. Gucci approaches his music in the same manner that an anti-establishment artist like Tristan Tzara might approach one of his manifestos, plays, poems, or his paintings""

    rofl !!

    ahahah i literally fell on the floor when i saw this niga talk abt "gucci mane" like the mona lisa.

  • Gooogle911

    u could make a funny ass blog site just with George Clooney and Maynard the III comments
    i would visit daily

    Big boi - for your sorrows (VIDEO)

    lil b based god nigga

  • urmom

    Gucci, Waka & OJ >>>> Meth, Ghost & Rae!
    Most lyrical MCs in the game...

  • read my comment not my name

    this is 2dope, the line up is crazy they should've got the god mc on there, i'm not talking about that wack ass rakim guy, i'm talking about the raw talented untouchable soulja boy, that guys had more hits than rihanna in that lambo, nas said hiphop is dead? well these didnt just bring it back, they resurreected that motherfucker and made it 5 times better than hiphops golden era, this is why i still listen to hiphop... smh, good laughs though

  • J_More

    KC_Mafioso, u my friend deserve a cookie... lol realest shit I heard in here yet everybody else just been bein sarcastic

  • sylnc

    lol, being from the south and understandin everythin that gucci says and bein around people that onl listen to gucci. the man has no complex ryhme scheme, he takes absolutely no risk wit any song that he does, nothin about this man flow is technical in any way. so if your all for listenin to music that makes the youth dumber and think that all that matters is material things than go for it. everybody always say gucci only speak wat he know and blah blah blah. that a bullshit excuse cuz if u was really into that shit u would blast killer mike all day. mike did the same shit gucci did. went to high school attended morehouse but at the same time can give u that street shit but also give u somethin that real spit some real knowledge also. gucci is pure trash

  • J_More

    ... what did you say that everyone hasnt already said or that anyone doesnt already know???

  • Junior

    lmao at all these posts

  • Big_E

    ok no Troll, I will agree about Gucci being an intelegent dude lol.. I heard he actually had a an academic scholarship to go to college but of course choose selling birds and shit.. Though no matter how smart he is, his music is ignorant as fuck lol. I can fuck with it when im smacked or drunk but thats about it. Ive noticed that he's trying to become more of a lyrically technical rapper but he still gots a ways to go...

  • Big_E

  • London aka goonie…

    keyboard celebs

  • dank nugz

    lmao @ all these lames sayin this is what will resurrect hip hop. my 8 year old cousin could sit down and right more intelligent rhymes than these 3 idiots. this is embarrassing to hip hop in my opinion. i guess real cats like j. cole, lupe, and budden just go right over peoples heads. SMH

  • dank nugz

    *just started comin to the site and actually thought this site was promoting these three clowns. now as i catch all the sarcasm its got me laughin for real hahaha. im too high for this shit right now lmao

    . my 8 year old cousin could sit down and right more intelligent rhymes than these 3 idiots.

    could been said of lil wayne too but he packs a nice beat and off the wall lyrics ,,,,this is jus bad comments fuunny thou

  • Pabelow

    omg, sarcasm on the internet, you get brownie points for originality!

  • JR

    This a good song but Waka Focka FLames' Flexxin feat. GUcci Mane & OJ da Juiceman is better.

  • Abnormal

    Why do yall even post this shit on this site. Playing Russian Roulette with a fully loaded revolver would be more enjoyable

  • Lyon St.

    lmao! Oh the sarcasm! hahaahahah

  • Twitch

    OHLETDOIT>>>than your life, so Fluck you! lol : P

  • oletsdoit

    BLing Burr bloaw , yall know oj had the best fresgman xxl freestyle stop hatin on the new wutang

    these guys will eat up j.cole, lupe and jay elec... but the real shit is based god!!!

  • JonnieHayward

    Pabelow = Gucci Mane stan

  • HollywoodSwick

    Lmao that three of the best of all time was funny as shit.

  • Big H

    the real hip hop is here

    my top 10

    1-Gucci Mane
    2-soulja boy
    3- hurricane chris
    4- Plies
    5- lil bosse
    6- Birdman
    7- lil wayne
    8- o j da juiceman
    9- Shawty Lo
    10-Mike Jones

    hip hop is alive man

  • London aka goonie…

    ^^^the above comments: these comments are so ironic and funny. you are all COOL and differnt. yes im being sarcastic.

    *sum where andre3k and big boi are shedding a tear ,Shake n Meka

  • wtf

    4 Big H !! Wtf ?????????? do u know what u say ? u are a fucking faggot or what ??? real hip hop = 1 gucci mane loooooooooolll ur list = garbage... whit that list hip hop die

  • Big H

    man dont u understand its just sarcasm

    I mean the opposite

    all these names on the list are garbage

    this is my real list

    5-Method man
    7-Big proof
    8-Big L
    10 Jay Z

Ramaj Eroc - "Hooptie"

The Chicago-to-LA transplant returns.

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DOPE 14       0 NOPE


text:
Joe Budden "More Or Me," Lil Wayne, eLZhi/Blu Collab, etc (Video)

In part two of his sit down with HardKnockTV, Joe Budden speaks about "More Of Me" and the reaction received from his girlfriend Kaylin Garcia, the unreleased track he recorded with eLZhi and Blu, how the Featured Presentation project got put on the back burner as Slaughterhouse had to finish their album, the energy Joey Bada$$ and A$AP Rocky bring to the game and his upcoming album No Love Lost (Jan. 22) and how it's gonna be different then A Loose Quarter. He also goes on to say he's not concerned with the criticism he's received about his collaboration with Lil Wayne and honestly gives no fucks. UPDATE: Before his sold out show in NYC tonight, Joe Budden sat down with Hot97's Angie Martinez to speak on Chris Brown and Rihanna's recent Twitter activity. And how they jacked his and Kaylin Garcia's cuddle swag.

Show Comments
  • dev

    I don't think he is selling out at all. but Lil Wayne, Juicy J, French Montana, Wiz Khalifa, and Kirko are going to ruin this album for me.

Ramaj Eroc - "Hooptie"

The Chicago-to-LA transplant returns.

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DOPE 14       0 NOPE


text:
WoW Pet Store Adds $25 Mount

Tagged: World of Warcraft, Gaming
Source: Shack News - Read the full article
Posted: 5 years 19 weeks ago

Expanding the selection of World of Warcraft's Pet Store, Blizzard today added a $25.00 "Celestial Steed" to the online marketplace.

"The Celestial Steed is the first-ever mount to be available through the service," explained Blizzard, specifying that "this supernatural warhorse will fly as fast as your riding skill will take you, and it will travel at 310% speed if you have at least one other 310% mount."

A new premium-priced pet--Lil' XT--is also available to players of the popular MMO, sporting the same $10.00 price tag as earlier paid pet offerings Pandaren Monk and Lil' K.T., with the store still selling two $24.99 real-world plushes--Wind Rider Cub and Gryphon Hatchling--that each include "a matching in-game non-combat pet."

Dude I'm laughing so hard irl right now, solid gold.

Tiv's picture
Joined: 08/12/2009
Posts: 3584

25$ for a Virtual Crystal Horse. Are these WoW servers made of Gold!? I thought it was bad enough that the name changes 20$ and server swapping was 50$. They might as well put 25$ quests for the ultimate legendary grandmother sword.

I sleep fine at night knowing we are banning people who deserve it.  Tivon
Don't test my skills, I was trained by myself! Check out my Gaming Videos!


text:
Making Money with FBA

I know there is an infinite number of ways to make money online and am always thrilled when I hear another way that smart, creative people have discovered to increase their income.

Once you get exposed to one of these methods, you quickly realize that there is a huge community of these people who network online, write books and share their wisdom with anyone who is willing to spend a little time reading a blog or book.  But the Catch-22 is that you have no clue this community exists until you unwittingly stumble upon it.

Since I am always open to these money making stories, I seem to stumble upon more than the average person.  I spent a delightful evening at  a dinner party recently and was seated next to a charming Biblical scholar and author Philip Stine and as the conversation progressed about self publishing, print on demand and many other topics, we also discovered that Phil’s daughter is an author as well.  Cynthia Stine has written Make Thousands on Amazon in 10 Hours a Week!: How I Turned $200 Into $40,000+ Gross Sales My First Year in Part-Time Online Sales!and she writes a blog called FBA Success Step by Step.

So here is the Catch-22, if you don’t know what FBA is then of course you would never go search for her book or consider it as a potential source of income.  FBA is “Fulfillment by Amazon”  which enables merchants to store inventory and fulfill orders from an fulfillment center.   What I was surprised to learn is that there is an army of folks in the USA who spend their time going to retail stores and scouting for great deals, purchasing those items and sending them to to be sold online for a profit.  Amazon handles the sales and shipping in the “Fulfillment by Amazon” or “FBA” program.

This is not a get rich quick scheme and involves leg work and investing a small amount of money in some resources, but overall this is one smart, creative and easy way to make money.

I have long been a fan of the Amazon Marketplace and been a seller on there for many years, but until this weekend the FBA method was not on my radar.  I still marvel everyday at the endless supply of money making opportunities online like blogging and affiliate marketing and I am happy to now be in the know about FBA.

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text:
Unspectacular Carr unquestioned No. 2

David Carr’s stats were about as pretty as his shot-put delivery, but Mike Singletary unequivocally declared him the Niners’ second-string quarterback after Saturday night’s game.

Unlike third-stringer Nate Davis the previous week, Carr never wowed the fans – or Cris Collinsworth – with a 60-yard, did-you-see-that missile. But he also never did anything to draw Singletary’s ire. Davis, of course, managed to do just that when he slid shy of the first-down marker without being touched against Minnesota.

Carr, who played the entire second half in relief of Alex Smith, completed 7 of 17 passes for 54 yards and led the Niners on their game-winning 16-play, 80-yard touchdown drive in their 28-24 win over Oakland.

“David’s doing OK, I think he just has to get in sync with everything around him,” Singletary said. “It’s a situation of him getting more and more familiar with the timing of the receivers and what we’re striving to do.”

Not exactly fawning praise. But Davis can attest that it beats getting blasted for your work ethic.

Carr’s human-helicopter routine on the final drive was his signature moment. On third-and-3 at the Oakland 33, Carr scrambled for a first down, going airborne for the necessary yards and getting whacked by linebacker Ricky Brown and cornerback Jeremy Ware in the process.

Really? In the preseason? Carr smiled as he explained.

“I have a hard time talking myself out of those plays,” he said. “Honestly, it’s one of my favorite when a play breaks down.”

That play got the attention, but it was a subtle move Carr made on his final play of the night that could best explain why he’s earned Singletary’s endorsement.

As the Niners were lined up for the two-point conversion attempt, Carr looked to his left and gave instructions to tight end Joe Jon Finely, who was standing up out of his stance, clearly confused about his assignment. Moments later, Carr took the snap and found tight end Nate Byham in the right corner.

It won’t get Carr compared to Elway. But it could help explain why he’s the man behind Smith.

- Eric Branch


text:
Yours hosts at Four Seasons Bed & Breakfast

To ensure that your stay at Four Seasons Bed & Breakfast is a memorable experience, your hosts will be on hand to cater to your needs. Here's a brief description of their roles at Four Seasons B&B.

Zippy the cat

The more gregarious (or is that boisterous?!) of the two cats, Zippy specialises in room checks and hallway patrols. Often found lurking on the first floor of Four Seasons B&B, please don't be alarmed if Zippy springs a surprise room inspection on you. Your safety and wellbeing is always utmost in Zippy's mind - to this end he will not hesitate to attack any plastic bag he thinks might be a danger to you!

George the cat

Smaller and quieter than Zippy, George prefers to leave your day-to-day care to the human staff. Rest assured though that she is constantly monitoring their performance! George's role within Four Seasons B&B is more of a surveillance and security nature. During the day, she can be found gazing out of the window at the front of the house, contemplating cat things. We have no idea what she does at night.

Dave the dog

Dave's slightly nervous disposition lends itself to the role of health and safety officer, regularly finding dangers where there are none. Most sharp edges have been eroded by Dave's constant headbutts, particularly on door frames and the undersides of tables. Noise levels are a worry to Dave, so he has introduced an initiative to make sure the house is free from sudden bangs, creaks and, in particular, excessive toaster noise. Although Dave is a large dog, he has the aggression of a church mouse and finds lambs intimidating.

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text:
Celeb sex-tape scandal hits taboos in Indonesia

In his July 14, 2009 photo, pop singer Nazril Irham, better known as Ariel, left, and his girlfriend top model and actress Luna Maya, right, are mobbed by reporters in Jakarta, Indonesia. Indonesians grappled with their first-ever celebrity sex tape scandal in June 2010, casting aside social taboos as they swarmed around office computers and mobile phones to watch explicit clips allegedly showing the popular singer having sex with his girlfriend and another one with his equally famous ex-girlfriend Cut Tari. (AP Photo)

June 13, 2010 7:44:50 PM PDT
Indonesians grappled with their first-ever celebrity sex-tape scandal, casting aside social taboos as they swarmed around office computers and mobile phones to watch clips allegedly showing a much-loved pop star with two girlfriends.

The story topped newscasts for a week and dominated chatter on social-networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. But just as controversial was the reaction of officials in the newly democratic nation.

Police initially threatened to charge the "stars" under a strict anti-pornography law.

Several high schools were raided for mobile phones so the offending clips could be removed. And some ministers said the incident pointed, once again, to moral decay and the need for stricter controls of the Internet.

Indonesia, a secular nation with more Muslims than any other in the world, emerged from 32 years of dictatorship in 1998. It won praise for tackling the tough tasks of fighting corruption and terrorism and implementing widely lauded social and economic reforms.

But it still faces challenges on the road to democratization, from the explosion of grass-roots campaigning on the Web to old-style politicians, who speak to small constituencies or narrow-based parties rather than the central government, said sociologist Wimar Witoelar.

For some, the initial instinct still is to clamp down.

When the scandal spurred debate as to whether education about sex - a subject still taboo at home and in the classroom - should be added to the school curriculum, Minister of Education Muhammad Nuh responded with a flat out "no."

"I may be obsolete, but I don't see that sex education in schools is needed," he told reporters. "I believe people will learn about sex naturally."

Instead, he recommended authorities search students' mobile phones for copies of the tapes, the rapid dissemination of which "violates the rules and cultural norms in a religious society."

"Whoever is responsible should be punished," Nuh said.

The first six-minute video clip appears to show pop singer Nazril Irham, better known as Ariel, in bed with his girlfriend Luna Maya, a top model, actress and, up until the scandal, the face of Lux beauty soap.

The two deny it was them, saying the footage has been doctored, but were called in for questioning by police.

Initially officers threatened to charge them under a tough anti-pornography law, even though there was no indication the intimate but explicit sex scenes were ever intended for public viewing.

"If someone is proven to have intentionally distributed the videos, that person will be charged," said Brig. Gen. Zainuri Lubis, spokesman for the national police, adding even those caught downloading clips and copying it for others could face jail time.

Local media said the video started appearing in early June after Ariel's laptop was stolen and many similar tapes, with other celebrities, are still out there.

Then a second eight-minute video emerged, purportedly showing Ariel with a former girlfriend, also a well-liked model and television presenter, further fanning public appetite for more.

As the tapes were downloaded onto Facebook and YouTube (they have since been removed by the sites' administrator) and distributed from mobile phone to mobile phone, the country tottered on the verge of sexual hysteria.

Fifteen-year-old Bintang Irvano, a student at a high school in south Jakarta, huddled around a mobile phone with his two friends to look at the video "for about the fourth time."

He said after teachers started launching daily raids, teens started removing the footage from their phones ahead of class only to later upload it.

"It's easy to get it back again," said Raikhan Daffa, 16. "We just pass it to one another by Bluetooth."

"Hey, it's one way to learn about sex!" he said, laughing.

Work grinded to a halt at some offices last week, as employees discussed the scandal on Facebook or forwarded a steady string of jokes, the punch lines all tied to the scandal.

The country of 240 million has seen an explosion of social networking as more people have access to the Internet, prompting the government earlier this year to propose a bill to regulate content.

Public pressure forced it, eventually, to be shelved.

But, in the wake of the sex-tape saga, Minister of Information and Technology Tifatul Sembiring renewed calls for content control, and teams immediately set out to deploy firewalls for more than 2,000 Internet cafes around the country.

He said it was a "race against time" to protect children from harm.

Others argued while it is important to protect the young, new media has a key role to play in helping democratize the country, and curtailing content does not come without risks.

"The government may have good intentions," said Roy Suryo, an information and technology analyst. "But freedom of information and personal access rights have to be protected as well."

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text:
Free Show
Soul Kitchen

Sun. Aug 30

Anderson East

Maia Sharp

Dauphin St. Beer Fest

This Saturday
Aug 182013
Pablo Mornings 92ZEW
Morning ZEW Personality – Promotions Guru of 92ZEW and WNSP
Pablo Mornings 92ZEW

Pablo, ready to work it.

Born and raised here in Mobile, Alabama, Pablo became a DJ in 1991 while still in high school, and promptly spent most of his formative
years as an air talent/programmer with stations such as WABB and others, while also working in numerous nightclub settings.

Pablo, married to his wife Kelly, is currently the morning host on 92ZEW and directs promotions for 92ZEW and sister station WNSP by dayÂ and stays up all night spinning tunes with his daughter Bridget, age 6, whose favorite song is currently anything by Big Time Rush.

 August 18, 2013  Posted by on August 18, 2013 Zew Blogs


text:
New York man builds a 35-foot snowman

February 1, 2011 12:00:00 AM PST
There's a New York man who thinks big.

Local resident Vernon Scoville has built a 35-foot snowman along Route 126 in Champion, New York.

Scoville has been building snowmen for years. There was a lot of heavy lifting involved, with pickup trucks and trailers hauling in snow.

Scoville didn't do it all by himself. He had twenty friends and family helping him out.

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text:
Coalition calls to strengthen anti-pollution standards

October 3, 2013 4:22:08 PM PDT
A coalition of Chicago science and community groups called on the federal government to strengthen anti-pollution standards.

The call for action came at the site of the Fisk and Crawford power plants.

The plants were closed down a year ago and were powered by coal.

"We're calling on USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) to quickly finalize strong pollution standards for carbon from new power plants and to proceed directly to limit carbon pollution for the rest of the coal fleet around the country," said Steve Frenkel, Union of Concerned Scientists.

The groups claim that carbon pollution has had a direct effect on the health and well-being of Chicago communities.

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text:
Relief efforts ramping up for tornado victims | Washington IL tornado survivors to dig through wreckage

That three-and-a-half-hour telethon was broadcast by WTVP, the PBS station in Peoria.
November 21, 2013 7:17:30 AM PST
Homeowners in tornado-ravaged Washington, Illinois, were spending the daylight hours searching the rubble of their homes.

TORNADO RELIEF TELETHON: Watch telethon in its entirety

VIDEO: VIDEO: Washington, Illinois, tornado damage raw footage as seen from Chopper 7 HD
PHOTOS: Washington IL Tornado Damage Photos from Chopper 7HD
PHOTOS: Washington, Illinois tornado damage, suburban Chicago storm damage

Telethon raises money for tornado victims

An estimated 1,000 homes sustained damage in Washington, Illinois, according to the mayor of the devastated community. On Wednesday night, a telethon aired on Peoria television stations to raise money to help the people of Washington.

That three-and-a-half-hour telethon was broadcast by WTVP, the PBS station in Peoria. And between 7 and 8pm, all Peoria TV stations simulcast the program. It was also streamed online to reach as many potential donors as possible. Organizers say that before the telethon ended, it had already raised around $750,000, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the Red Cross.

It was an appeal for help from storm victims and relief workers.

"The money that comes in today, just so that nobody is mistaken here, all goes to the American Red Cross. None of it sticks with any of the television stations, commercial or non-commercial," said Chet Tomczyk, president, WTVP-TV.

With volunteers manning the phones, the governor asked viewers to open their wallets, but declined to predict whether FEMA would open theirs.

ABC7 Eyewitness News reporter Eric Horng: "Do you have any doubt in your mind that DC is going to come through with that disaster funding?" Gov. Quinn: "Well, you never presume anything. The key is to work together as hard."

The telethon was just one place of generosity. At this donation point in Peoria, people were dropping off food and clothes.

To raise awareness and hopefully money, the IHSA is televising statewide the Washington High School football team's playoff game this Saturday.

It's one of many relief efforts here.

At Brewers Distributing Company in Peoria, people have been dropping off food and clothes all day.

"A lot of people now are willing to donate, but a month or two down the line people are going to start forgetting. And hopefully the donations will continue to come in, and people will continue to volunteer," said Linda Johnson, who donated clothes.

Beer company Anheuser-Busch donated water-- 50,000 cans worth.

"There's a boil order right now in Washington, but a lot of people still don't have power. So what they need is bottled water. They need tarps, other necessities," said Katie Waddington, Brewers Distributing Company.

Steve Willey of East Peoria was among those donating. He brought a truckful of clothes, despite losing his own home.

"I figured people need these clothes. And I've got clothes, so I figured we better give them to somebody who can use them," said Willey.

Sports teams pitch in to help tornado victims

The Chicago Cubs are encouraging fans to pitch in and help tornado survivors. So, starting Thursday, donations will be accepted at Wrigley Field.

The wrestling team at Montini Catholic in Lombard knows their competitors at Washington High School. They train and hold camps together, so with news of the tornado, they decided to help out.

"Right when I saw that, I thought right about the guys. I texted them right away. I said are you guys okay? They said, we're fine, but our houses are all gone," said Xavier Montalvo, Montini Catholic wrestler.

So Montini's wrestlers will head to Washington Sunday, using muscle power to clear paths and roadways.

"I just knew we had to do something about it, we had to help them out," said Luke Fortuna, Montini Catholic wrestler.

Their coach explains this transcends sports.

"Your stomach may hurt, your arm may hurt, maybe your girlfriend didn't call you, but nobody woke up with their houses blown away. So no matter what your day is like, there are others suffering worse, keep an open mind, and an open heart and you're going to be fine," said Izzy Martinez, Montini Catholic wrestling coach.

On the pro level, the Bears are auctioning off items from Sunday's Ravens game to raise money, and they're sporting Washington High football shirts.

"We sent our wishes out and, uh, our thoughts and prayers out to the people of Illinois and everyone who has been affected by the storms. Just wanted to wear the shirt, obviously we wanted to support the local football team," said Kyle Long, Chicago Bears.

As for the Cubs, this parking lot at Wrigley Field will be the drop-off point for donations.

"Cubs fans, Sox fans, any kind of fans can drop off items that we will take down to Peoria," said Mike Lufrano, VP of community affairs, Chicago Cubs.

To learn more about how you can help Illinois tornado victims, and see a list of the most-need items, click here.

Tornado victims search for memories in rubble

On Wednesday, there were tears at the home of Andy and Terry Felix. Not because their home is gone, but because a hidden treasure-- an antique hymn book cover-- revealed itself in the rubble.

"It's home. It's a little bit of home. Wherever we're going to land, it's part of the family," said Terry Felix.

"We have had so much support, just more than I can imagine, and so we are really blessed," said Andy Felix.

It was that kind of day: small miracles, small steps.

In the tornado zone, there are no homes left, much less mailboxes, so letters must now be picked up.

"I'm just taking it one step at a time. I've got to get my mail, see what it is. I've ordered new glasses so I can read," said Ruth Hook, tornado victim.

A broken shoulder and other injuries couldn't keep Hook from the post office.

"I'll be alright because this is the first day for a new life. And this is what I feel God wants me to have," said Hook.

Cheryl and Greg Lyons also lost their home, but seeing their address in print is a comfort.

"It's pretty amazing that I'm even here to see it because the house collapsed on me and my son, and it's just very important," said Cheryl Lyons.

"There's bills that still have to be paid, so you still got to get your mail, pay your bills, move on through that," said Greg Lyons.

The Lyons were married years ago, by friend Andy Felix, whose wife found that hymn book cover. This is yet another life event bringing the two couples together.

"It's like we're family. And I feel that throughout the whole community. . .I can't imagine living anywhere else. And honestly this is bringing everybody even closer together," said Andy Felix.

That telethon starts at 7. There will be entertainment and the governor will be there to make an appeal for donations.

Relief efforts under way for tornado victims

A full-scale effort is underway Wednesday night to bring comfort to tornado victims. In Washington, Illinois, a church service was held Wednesday afternoon as relief workers continue to bring in food and supplies.

It's a small church in a small town. But the people here have big hearts, and strong faith that has helped them get through the tornado that has taken so much. This prayer service is intended to help them keep faith even as they face so many hard to answer questions.

"We want people to remember that God has not abandoned us, even though sometimes it feels like, where was God during this, people ask that question in tragedies," said Rebecca Weltmann, pastor.

At the Crossroads Church down the road, most relief agencies have set up camp. The Red Cross is offering food and shelter. Insurance companies are helping customers who have lost everything file claims, and even cell phone companies are trying to get people reconnected. They are addressing immediate issues, but also starting to look ahead at long-term concerns.

"The people are of course going to have to rebuild, and it's long-term for them, but the Red Cross is in long-term with them in terms of helping them as they have needs moving forward," said Dave Stoner, Red Cross.

The response has been so great from people wanting to help, they have stopped accepting anything but monetary donations here. In the meantime, volunteers from near and far are showing up to lend a hand.

"We just want to be here, I like the atmosphere, I like the humbling spirit of other people. And everybody's helping, it's just awesome," said Andre Grider, volunteer.

Federal assessments of the damage will begin Thursday. Five teams will look at the damage to homes and businesses in six Illinois counties.

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Hwy 101 lanes temporarily blocked in Menlo Park

September 6, 2012 1:25:00 PM PDT
Traffic in both directions was disrupted for about 45 minutes on U.S. Highway 101 in Menlo Park this morning after phone lines fell across the roadway, a California Highway Patrol officer said.

At about 10:15 a.m., the CHP was notified of lines down in the north- and southbound directions of Highway 101 between Marsh and Woodside roads, CHP Officer Ralph Caggiano said.

Traffic was stopped as crews cleared the cables from the roadway, Caggiano said.

The lanes were reopened shortly after 11 a.m.

Initially, the cables on the ground were thought to be power lines and PG&E crews were called to the scene.

No injuries were reported.

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Lawsuit to be filed in wrong way crash

December 9, 2009 4:13:23 PM PST
Two victims of the wrong-way crash that killed eight people on a New York highway suffered terror and pain before they died, a lawsuit claims. The lawsuit, expected to be filed Thursday in White Plains by the family of victims Michael and Guy Bastardi, targets the estate of Diane Schuler, the 36-year-old Long Island mother who was blamed for the July 26 crash.

It also names her brother-in-law, Warren Hance, who owned the child-packed minivan Schuler was driving.

A copy of the lawsuit was obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press.

It generally echoes a criminal investigation's findings - that Schuler was drunk, high on marijuana, and drove the wrong way for more than a mile on the Taconic Parkway north of New York City. It says she ignored signs and other motorists' warnings.

The collision with the Bastardis' SUV killed Schuler, her 2-year-old daughter, three young nieces, the Bastardis and their friend Daniel Longo, 74. Schuler's 5-year-old son, Bryan, survived.

The lawsuit claims that before they died, Michael Bastardi, 81, and Guy Bastardi, 49, a father and son from Yonkers, suffered "terror, mental anguish, and serious personal injuries" that caused them pain and suffering.

The crash - and the mystery of how Schuler could race against highway traffic with a cargo of frightened children - intrigued the nation and was featured on such TV shows as Oprah Winfrey's and Larry King's.

Michael Bastardi Jr., son and brother of the victims, said Wednesday night he hopes the lawsuit "will help bring out some of the answers we don't know about what happened that weekend before the crash. ... For a woman to do this with five kids in the car just doesn't add up."

Schuler and her husband, Daniel, had spent the weekend at an upstate campground and headed home to West Babylon in separate vehicles.

Daniel Schuler has refused to accept the autopsy conclusion that his wife had been drinking heavily and smoking marijuana. He has funded further studies that are still pending.

Calls to his attorney, David Smith, and to Hance's lawyer, James McCrorie, were not immediately returned. Hance lives in Floral Park.

The lawsuit does not specify an amount sought for the Bastardis' survivors, claiming only "pecuniary loss, funeral and burial expenses and other items of damage."

The civil lawsuit will be the first court action in the case. No criminal charges were filed because Diane Schuler was responsible for the crash "and the charges died with her," a prosecutor said.

Michael Archer, an investigator for the Longo family, said the family had not decided whether to sue. He said it was "in poor taste to sue Warren Hance at this time of year."

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Two children among 6 people shot in Brooklyn

July 31, 2012 6:36:34 AM PDT
A community is demanding action after a drive-by shooting in Brooklyn left six people wounded, including two children, on Sunday night.

The shooting took place in the Brownsville section at the corner of Rockaway and Riverdale Avenues just after 7:00 p.m.

Leteria Hinton's 2-year old granddaughter is in the hospital awaiting surgery on her leg. Her father, Michael Prince, was shot too as he shielded the toddler from the bullets with his body.

"This need to come to an end. My granddaughter does not know what happened," Hinton said.

Police say four adults and two children were shot, including a 13-year old boy. Witnesses heard as many as ten shots.

"People were running around screaming 'Oh my God a baby got shot, a baby got shot!'," said Lisa Greene.

Community activists believe that it was a drive by shooting involving gang members, settling a score.

Two of the victims were taken to Kings County Hospital. The other four were taken to Brookdale Hospital. All are expected to survive.

No arrests have been made, but police said they were looking for a white Nissan Altima with Florida plates that may be connected to the shooting.

Members of the Brownsville community rallied for safer streets on Monday as police officers slowly and methodically scanned the block, looking under cars for more evidence.

It's the latest shooting in which children have been injured by stray bullets. Last Sunday, a 4-year-old boy was fatally shot during a gunfight at a basketball game.

WAKE UP WITH EYEWITNESS NEWS! Click here to download the WABC Eyewitness News Alarm Clock app from iTunes. or search WABC or 7online in the app store.

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Arrests in bludgeoning murders of Bronx mother and daughter

October 6, 2013 6:51:03 AM PDT
Three arrests have been made in the murder of a woman and her daughter in the Bronx.

65-year old Ida Randolph and her daughter, 21-year old Jena, were found bludgeoned to death in their Valentine Avenue apartment last week.

Jena's boyfriend, 23-year old Andrew Scott, is charged with murder.

26-year old Joshua Lopez and 23-year old Brittney Austin, who lived on the victim's street, were also arrested and charged with murder and robbery.

Police say the mother and daughter were discovered Oct. 3 with trauma to their bodies.

They say the mother's hands were bound and the daughter was found naked.

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Paul Fronczak Mystery: A Break in the Case

Part 6: In searching for connections to his biological family, Paul Fronczak meets possible cousins.
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Transcript for Paul Fronczak Mystery: A Break in the Case
"20/20," "Stolen at birth" continues. Once again, Barbara Walters. Reporter: For Paul Fronczak, a mission has become an obsession. Between breakfast and ballet lessons he's on the hunt. I work a full-time job, I have a family, but this, this is my life. And this is my only shot at solving these mysteries. So I put as much time as I -- as I can. Everyone goes to bed at night, I'm, I'm on line researching. This is my first actual baby picture right here. Reporter: His focus is finding his parents' stolen baby. But he is still searching for clues to his own identity. I feel kind of like an imposter because I am still using his birth certificate. Paul is out there, and I have his birth certificate and I want to give it to him and I want to find mine. Reporter: Desperate to find any connection to his biological family, Paul sent DNA samples to three genealogy sites: 23 and me, family tree DNA and We took the sample that you gave us and we put it on a chip, and what that does is it gives us a unique DNA signature that only you have. So we compare your DNA to DNA from populations all over the world. So, you're kind of like csi but you work with DNA? It's family history. Reporter: The results were Paul's first indication of who he is and where he's from. There were surprises about his ethnic roots. You are, uh, 37% according to our analyses, of european-jewish descent. Wow. Is that new? Well, I was raised a Roman catholic. Well, uh -- So this is interesting. I've been twice baptized and I'm actually jewish. So, it's kind of cool. I have to learn a whole new religion now. I'm excited about that. Reporter: Even more exciting, a major development in's search. All of a sudden this name pops up and it says possible third cousin. Finally a clue. And for Paul a chance to meet his first blood relative. Her name, Fran Kirby. It's a moment 50 years in the making. I'm very excited. You get excited, you get nervous, how is this person going to react to me reaching out to them, what's the response going to be? Well let's find out the response. We have brought here to meet you, your cousin Fran. Reporter: The first branch in Paul's family tree blossoming into the ordinary miracle of a family reunion. Hi. Hi, Paul. Nice to meet you. Cousin Fran. A blood relative. How's that feel? It feels pretty good. Did you know that Paul existed? No, I didn't. I googled after I found out, I found out the whole story, and saw your "20/20" Paul, just to find out that there might be a relative is a very big deal for you, isn't it? It's a very big deal. So this is really huge, this is one step closer. Reporter: But then another step --make that a leap, closer. Paul got another match on, this time a possible second cousin. Reporter: Finding a second cousin match is substantially better than finding a third cousin match. For cece Moore, a genetic genealogist helping Paul with his case, it was a eureka moment. I was extremely excited. I thought we might be able to have a very quick resolution to this case. Reporter: That cousin's name, Alan Fisch, a 57 year-old father from New York. A second cousin could unlock the mystery. Alan and Paul's parents could be first cousins, their grandparents siblings. But there is one ironic obstacle. Turns out, Alan was himself adopted. So just like Paul, he was searching for his biological parents. To find that his closest match turns out to be adopted was just unbelievable. Incredibly disappointing. It just couldn't be an easy case, could it, Barbara? No, exactly. Reporter: A setback, and then a tragedy. Days before Alan would see court records revealing details about his birth mother, he died of a sudden blood clot. Alan's children and widow Randi are determined to carry on Alan's search and help Paul with his. It's nice to meet you. Hi. We know this must be very difficult. In this very sensitive time, you still came in to meet Paul and help him on his journey. Yes. Why did you want to do this? All four kids at the same time said they wanted to honor Alan's memory and finish this. He was so excited to meet you. To have this happen, my father passing away just days before he meets him is just, it's surreal. I can't, can't believe it. Was your husband very curious about Paul? Yes. What did he want to know? He wanted to know everything about him. This is amazing. And thank you for continuing this. Because it's going to be an interesting journey. Reporter: The next step in that journey, tracking down Alan's birth mother. This week, with "20/20's" help, the family got her name. Age 15. Born November 15th, 1940. If found she would be Paul's closest relative so far. Paul's hope is that every clue brings a tragic mystery closer to being solved. Look at all these people. This is all of your family. Are you getting to be more hopeful that you'll find out who you are, who Paul Fronczak is, the whole story? If it's possible to me more hopeful, because I'm really, really a hopeful guy. You know? I still think we're going to solve both these mysteries. Wouldn't that be great? Yes. It's going to happen. On the eve of the St.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

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Accurate Alzheimer's Diagnosis in Just Five Minutes?

A new and improved quiz is able to accurately detect Alzheimer's disease, in just five minutes, researchers say.

The British Medical Journal published a study on Tuesday about the new self-administered written test called "Test Your Memory" (TYM). Researchers say it is a far more accurate than any other screening test currently used to detect Alzheimer's disease.

Click here to find out how to take the quiz and test your mind.

New 5-Minute Alzheimer?s Test

The study claims the test works so well because of the minimal time it takes to complete, the range of cognitive functions it tests, and the specificity with which it can detect even mild cases of the disease.

Administered to 540 subjects with no history of neurological disease, 139 patients with diagnosed Alzheimer's and 31 patients with non-Alzheimer's degenerative dementias, TYM's questions measured orientation, the ability to copy a sentence, semantic knowledge, calculation, verbal fluency, similarities, naming, visuospatial abilities, and recall. The ability to complete the test was also scored.

Dr. Pamela Blake, a neurologist at Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital, in Houston Texas joined "Good Morning America" to weigh in on what the TYM could mean for early detection of Alzheimer's.

TYM was able to correctly detect 93 percent of patients with Alzheimer's disease, while another test, the Mini Mental State Exam - standard method of assessment for the last 30 years - detected only 52 percent of patients.

A perfect score on the TYM is 50 and participants with no history of neurological disease, memory problems or brain injury scored an average of 47. Those with mild memory problems had an average score of 45 and those who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's scored much lower, with an average of 33.

Get your Alzheimer's questions answered at the OnCall+ Alzheimer's Center

Early testing is somewhat controversial. There is no cure for Alzheimer's and some argue an early diagnosis is not helpful because there is essentially no treatment available for the disease. But Dr. Blake noted that early detection can allow for families to plan and can get patients involved in clinical trials and medication therapy.

In no way does the TYM purport to conclusively diagnose Alzheimer's disease. Many factors can contribute to a low score including fatigue, anxiety, alcohol, or just having a bad day. A test taker concerned about a low score should contact their doctor.

Do you want to know more about Alzheimer's symptoms, risk factors, tests or treatment? Visit the OnCall+ Alzheimer's Center to get all your questions answered.

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Bankruptcy, Biglaw, Layoffs, Partner Issues, Partner Profits, Secretaries / Administrative Assistants, Severance, Staff Layoffs

Nationwide Layoff Watch: Major Cuts Come To Weil Gotshal

Since the Supreme Court’s ruling in Fisher, the major affirmative action case, turned out to be something of a dud, the big legal story of the day is the news out of Weil Gotshal. The firm is conducting large layoffs of both attorneys and staff, as well as reducing partner pay.

Thus far, many of our recent layoff stories have involved staff layoffs, especially secretarial layoffs; relatively small numbers of affected individuals; and firms not in the tippy-top tier of Biglaw. So that’s what makes the Weil news so notable — and so frightening.

Weil is an elite firm, in both profits and prestige. The cuts it just announced affect lawyers, not just staff, and reach into the triple digits….

This has to be one of the largest rounds of layoffs by a leading law firm since Latham & Watkins laid off 440 people back in February 2009. Here are details from Peter Lattman of DealBook:

The leadership of Weil, Gotshal & Manges, a New York-based firm of 1,200 lawyers that counts General Electric and Sanofi as marquee clients and handled the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, informed its employees Monday morning about the reductions.

Sixty junior lawyers, known in law firms as associates, will lose their jobs. That amounts to roughly 7 percent of Weil’s associates. Roughly 30 of the firm’s 300 partners are having their annual compensation reduced, in many cases by hundreds of thousands of dollars. And 110 staff employees – roughly half of them legal secretaries – are being let go.

You can read the full firm-wide memo, from executive partner Barry Wolf, on the next page. His memo talks about how Weil managed to avoid draconian cuts in the past and trumpets the firm’s overall strength (lest you think Weil is another Dewey & LeBoeuf):

[G]iven the balance of the Firm, in particular the contribution of the BFR [bankruptcy and financial restructuring] and litigation practices (most notably as a result of Lehman), we have been able to avoid taking such actions. Further, we have continued to make meaningful investments in the Firm over the last few years as part of a strategic plan to increase our revenue base for the future.

We have been able to do this because of the Firm’s balance of practice and geography as well as our strong financial position. As you know, we have zero debt outstanding. This has been the case throughout our history — and we have no plans to change that. Further, our partner pension plan remains fully funded with over $500 million of assets in it, and we do not have any compensation guarantees with partners other than for the first year a lateral partner joins the Firm.

But because bankruptcy work has waned and transactional work remains weak, cuts are now necessary. According to Wolf, they are being made not because the firm is any crisis, but because it wants to prepare for the future:

[W]e must now make the adjustments we avoided over the last few years to position the Firm to continue to thrive. We are taking these actions from a position of strength. At the same time, from a revenue perspective we will continue to take significant steps to further increase our market share. However, it appears that the market for premium legal services is continuing to shrink. Therefore, actions to enhance revenue alone will not be sufficient to position the Firm as necessary for these new market conditions.

In other words, having the same or bigger slice of a shrinking pie is a problem. And the pain will be felt not just by associates and staff, but by partners too:

[T]here will have to be meaningful compensation adjustments for certain partners in light of the economic realities of the new normal. It may well be that some of these partners will decide to pursue other opportunities.

Why the compensation cuts instead of an outright forcing out? According to DealBook, the Weil partnership agreement allows only “for cause” firing of partners. So management must resort to the tactic of drastically cutting comp, hoping that affected partners will decide to go elsewhere.

Here are some reactions we received from readers. Said one former Weil lawyer, “I’m stunned, really. But honestly, when he says they made these choices from a position of strength, that sounds right to me.” Said a law student looking at Weil, “As someone leaning toward going into bankruptcy, I was very interested in Weil — and might have to reconsider that interest going into OCI.”

“The Houston office of Weil gotshal has basically laid off the entire CCL [complex commercial litigation] group,” another tipster told us. “Part of a de-emphasis on litigation in Houston. Word is the whole office is likely going to shut down soon.” This comment, while speculative, is consistent with Barry Wolf’s memo, which notes that “[f]rom a strategic standpoint we will be deemphasizing our CCL practice in Houston and Boston.”

On the bright side, affected associates are receiving six months of severance pay, which is definitely generous. And Weil also deserves praise for handling an unfortunate situation with honesty and transparency. Many other firms are going down the dishonorable path of stealth layoffs. (If you know of a firm that needs calling out for that, please email us or text us: 646-820-8477.)

Good luck to everyone affected by the Weil Gotshal layoffs. Alas, we predict more layoff news to come — as early as this afternoon, in fact. When a firm as high-powered as Weil is laying off lawyers and staff, you know that other firms can’t be far behind.

UPDATE (1:40 p.m.): Here’s a quick financial snapshot of Weil Gotshal, from Am Law Daily:

Monday’s move comes on the heels of a year that, according to the most recent Am Law 100 data, saw the firm’s gross revenue remain essentially flat from 2011 at $1.23 billion and its partners per profit figure drop 8.6 percent to $2.23 million. The decline in profits came as the firm added 20 lateral partners to bring its total partner head count at the end of 2012 to 195.

Commenting on the firm’s financial performance last year, Wolf said in early 2013 that he was satisfied with it because, though profits were down, demand for the firm’s services had increased by 3 percent year to year. “Our PPP is down, but in our view, that’s all just math. We did not draw down inventory simply to make results look stronger,” he said in February.

UPDATE (2:00 p.m.): As promised, here is additional law firm layoff news.

(Flip to the next page to read Barry Wolf’s complete memo.)

(hidden for your protection)

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Ask the Experts, Books, Partner Issues

The ATL Interrogatories: 10 Questions with Rob Romanoff from Levenfeld Pearlstein

Ed. note: This is the latest installment of The ATL Interrogatories, brought to you by Lateral Link. This recurring feature will give notable law firm partners an opportunity to share insights and experiences about the legal profession and careers in law, as well as about their firms and themselves.

Rob Romanoff is Managing Partner of Chicago-based Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC. He is also a partner in the firm’s Trusts & Estates Group. Rob has extensive experience in estate, gift and income tax planning and broad-based wealth transfer planning for high net worth individuals and owners of closely held businesses and their families. Rob is a fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).

1. What is the greatest challenge to the legal industry over the next five years?

Law firms must focus on providing real value to clients. Law firms cannot have an objective of maximizing revenue by aiming to satisfy all of a client’s needs when there are better solutions. Not every task should be completed by law firms, or at least not by lawyers. This requires discipline in making decisions about what services we should provide to clients and which tasks are better satisfied by non-lawyers or by LPO (legal process outsourcing) providers. The increasing sophistication of technology and the continued emergence of LPOs will only accelerate this trend.

2. What has been the biggest positive change to the legal profession since the start of your career?

When I started practicing, we didn’t even have computers on our desks. Now we have computers — not just in every office, but on our hand-held phones. Instant access to information and the use of technology to better serve clients are two of the most positive trends I’ve witnessed.

3. What has been the biggest negative change to the legal profession since the start of your career?

The emergence of profits per partner as the primary metric for evaluating the success of a law firm is by far the biggest negative change. It has nothing to do with enhancing the client experience, lawyers’ professional growth or the long-term success of a firm.

4. What is the greatest satisfaction of practicing law?

As a trusts and estates lawyer, I love that my legal practice combines satisfying intellectual challenges with the ability to help clients achieve their personal goals.

5. What is the greatest frustration of practicing law?

I don’t experience much frustration in my practice. I suppose the greatest challenge is in finding the right balance between work, family and engagement in my community, but I think the owner of any business would face that challenge. I don’t think it’s unique to the practice of law.

6. What is your firm’s greatest strength?

The lawyers at our firm genuinely enjoy collaborating and helping each other succeed. In a mid-size firm it’s possible to maintain an identifiable firm culture, and a big part of that here is investing in each other’s success.

7. What’s the single most important personal characteristic for a successful lawyer in your field?

I’m going to call this a tie between intellectual curiosity and exceptional listening skills.

8. What is your favorite legally themed film or television show?

My Cousin Vinny (affiliate link) is a great legal movie. It’s hilarious, it reveals more about legal practice than many serious movies, and it shows someone truly enjoying his job.

9. What is your favorite legally themed book (fiction or non-fiction)?

The Best Defense (affiliate link) by Alan Dershowitz, was probably the first legal-themed book that I read. It drives home the importance of the legal system and the value of providing a defense to everyone, even “bad guys.” It made a big impression on me when I read it as a first-year law student.

10. What would you have been if you weren’t a lawyer?

Either a rabbi or a high school history teacher. Both involve teaching and have a high degree of interpersonal contact. I’ve always been interested in issues of faith, and history was my favorite subject in high school.

Lateral Link’s recruiters are on pace to place hundreds of attorneys throughout the world this year. We are currently involved in over three dozen active partner searches including opening the office of an Am Law 50 firm in a new location, the merger of an Am Law 10 firm with a foreign firm, finding practice chairs for several Am Law10 firms, and searches for groups of partners in at least ten different cities, including Atlanta, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, New York, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Dallas, Denver, and Chicago, just to name a few. We are currently working with partner candidates with $500k to $35M in portable business. For more information, please call Michael Allen, Managing Principal at Lateral Link.


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Monday, February 14, 2011

DIY KitchenAid attachments

Update: (2011-03-14): So this does not quite fit perfectly into the Attachment Hub, but it is good enough that with a housing for the shaft I'm pretty sure it will work. I'll take more precise measurements and post any updates.

Update (2011-02-18): Arrived no problem from Mending Shed; Parcel Post was quite fast actually. Don't have the KitchenAid here with me right now so will not be able to test at all for a few weeks.

Our KitchenAid stand mixer is probably the fanciest piece of hardware we own other than our car. I've been thinking for a while that there really ought to be a DIY modding community around this appliance; it's a powerful, well built kitchen motor waiting to be exploited (plus planetary gearing if that is helpful). But I haven't found much so far. Here's one nice rotisserie mod I found, and that's about it.

KitchenAid makes a number of official attachments. Some of them attach to the bottom head where the planetary gearing is, while others attach to a port on the front (the "Attachment Hub") that accepts square shafted ("Power Shaft") attachments. I searched around a little and was able to find a part that I'm pretty sure will fit the attachment hub: KitchenAid 9709315, the "clutch shaft". Amazon sells it.

Note that this doesn't include the shaft housing that will allow you to lock it into place; figuring out a way to hack this together will be the first job before anyone can really use this thing for DIY projects. I'm wondering if putting something together in plastic through Ponoko or the like will get the job done. It probably requires some bearings too.

I ordered one from Mending Shed (slightly cheaper than Amazon and will ship Parcel Post), will update with progress.

1 comment:

  1. Aha!