By Kia Gregory
Inquirer Staff Writer

"How you doin', sister?" Khalil Robinson calls to a young woman passing his stand in the lunchtime rush. "I got a new author here."

Behind Robinson, the self-described "Philly Book Man," sits his large display of street lit - books with glossy covers of scantily clad women, men in hoodies, shiny cars, and stacks of money, and titles suggesting tales of sordid excess.

On a smaller, lonelier display are a few books written by an Illinois senator who's running for president.

But on this recent weekday, Robinson is pushing a new offering, Stacking Paper, cowritten by first-time author Joseph Jones. Writing under the name Joe Joe, Jones is on hand to sign and sell his book about a drug dealer who considers retiring for love.

Robinson, 29, has been selling street lit on 15th Street, between Market Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, for three years, sometimes for 10 hours a day.

While the book business has been relatively stagnant, according to the Book Industry Study Group, a trade association, the gritty tales of street lit have grown into an independent movement whose authors write, publish and distribute their own books to stands, beauty salons, barber shops, clothing stores, record stores.

"Even food stores," says Jones.

Even to Amazon.com and, for some, even to the New York Times best-seller list.

"And it's still growing," says Robinson. "It's becoming a million-dollar business."

Robinson offers Philadelphia native Teri Woods as an example. Before signing with Warner Books for a reportedly lucrative multi-book deal, Woods sold more than one million books through her independent publishing company.

This week, her True to the Game III debuted at No. 14 on the Times list.

Jones, 32, a publisher trying his hand at writing, started out five years ago with one author, a childhood friend. Now, he says, his Street Knowledge Publishing has 25 authors and gets 10 manuscripts a week.

But as street lit thrives, so do criticism and controversy.

With its recurring themes of drugs, sex and violence, and titles like Whore and Still Hood, some say street lit glorifies the worst of urban culture.

Recently one of the genre's godfathers, Philadelphia native Omar Tyree, author of 16 books, announced his retirement from street lit, calling it "poison."

In an online post, Tyree, who now lives in Charlotte, N.C., blasted its saturation of "gold-digging, ghetto girl, gangster love, drug-dealer stories," and lamented its audience's preference for denigration over progression.

"You have a group of readers who only want to relate to the situation they're used to," says Tyree, "and that means you can't take them out of that condition. It's a sad situation. And it's ruining the entire industry."

Temple University professor Marc Lamont Hill agrees.

"The increasing commodification of street lit, and the injection of the profit motive, endangers the genre," says Hill, a professor of urban culture and American studies. "In its current degraded state, we are seeing an art that deprives its readership of a diverse range of experiences. So instead of literature with fundamental integrity, readers get more books about the projects, baby mamas and hustling."

"Yes, our young people are reading," says the Philadelphia-based literary publicist Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, "but they're only reading things that glorify all the negative things about society, so their perspective of the world becomes really narrow. And because publishers see these books sell, they respond to it. But it's hurting us."

Author Jones, on the other hand, maintains, "Every book has a message in it. You just have to look for it."

For Robinson, the genre has been a lifeline.

Robinson was raised by his grandmother in battered Southwest Philly, after his mother was murdered by her boyfriend.

He dropped out of high school, sold drugs, and landed in prison, where he discovered street lit. He and the other inmates couldn't put the books down. The tales mirrored their lives.

After 2 1/2 years behind bars, Robinson returned home with a plan. "The same energy I put into selling drugs," he says, "I wanted to take and put it in a positive direction. I just wanted to change. I wanted to change for the better."

He started vending CDs at first, adding street lit at a time when titles were few.

"A lot of authors would come my way because they needed an outlet," he says. "And it just took off from there. It's all about creating. When you're a creative thinker, you create a market for yourself."

Robinson says the profit margin on street lit is "real low," and on a good day he'll sell more than 30 books for about $15 each. His list of books contains more than 750 titles, many of which he admits don't translate well to mainstream bookstores. One of his top sellers is Part Three of the Bitch series.

In addition to his weekly book signings, Robinson now offers a credit card machine for his customers' convenience. He recently launched a Web site. He also plans to open another Center City stand, on Chestnut Street.

Despite what critics say, he believes street lit can be a positive gateway.

"It might not be what people call the right type of information," he says, "but a lot of young people are starting to read."

Plus, "there's a lot of opportunity here," he says. "I just wish a lot of people knew, so they can get off these corners and sell these books.

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One of Anton's favorite toys is his baseball bat. He drags it around the house everywhere he goes. On the bat, there is a picture of a baseball player swinging the bat and the ball is in the air. He always points to the picture of the ball and says, "Moon! Moon! Moon!" He also likes to sleep with his bat. I can't imagine it being comfortable to snuggle with, but he throws a fit until you give in and let him sleep with it.

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The 2006 FBI Hate Crime Statistics show an 18% increase in hate crimes against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. LGBT people now make up 16% of hate crimes in the United States.

The following people and places have experienced violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity since May, 2007 when H.R. 1592 was introduced in the House.

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van maatschappijkritiek tot politically correct:Of wordt een performance door haar avantavantgardistische gehalte niet onvermijdelijk door het idee van verzet en kritiek geschraagd? Is Barney al voorbij de avantgarde? Is in zijn werk het verzet louter tot een vermakelijk verzetje geworden, kunst tot een kunstje? Gaat het nog slechts om het verzetten van de zinnen in plaats van het ontzetten van het bewustzijn? Of beantwoordt Barneys hyperesthetische presentatie van beelden, die vanuit narratief oogpunt volstrekt willekeurig aan elkaar worden geregen, reeds aan een andere logica? Hij wordt klaarblijkelijk niet meer gedreven door de hoop of de wens om zijn publiek aan hun eigen onbewuste drijfveren en vooroordelen uit te leveren, ook al appelleert hij op zijn manier aan het organische. Een emancipatore aandrift lijkt, zeker in de vroege, maar ook nog in de huidige meer technologisch georiënteerde performances, zoals bij Roca, een fundamenteel kenmerk. Dient de performance de deelnemers in laatste instantie niet bewust te maken? Hermann Nitsch is daar duidelijk over. In een interview enkele jaren terug naar aanleiding van zijn aanstelling als professor werd hij bekritiseerd. Niet zozeer op zijn professoraat alswel op de hervertoning van een eerder uitgevoerde Aktion waarin een nogal brute verkrachting van een vrouw door Nitsch wordt geënsceneerd. Op de vraag waarom dit allemaal nu zo nodig moet, antwoordt Nitsch: ""Bewusstmachen befreit". Precies met deze uitspraak verwoordt hij het ethisch imperatief van de moderniteit: de gedachte dat geleidelijk aan verkregen rationeel inzicht de mens vrijer, dat wil zeggen minder afhankelijk zou maken van uiterlijke machten en krachten waaraan zijn gedrag onderworpen is en waaronder hij dientengevolge lijdt. Ondanks de pathetische toonzetting van zijn Aktionen, ondanks de esthetisering van de pathos, van lijden en hartstocht, gaat het Nitsch eigenlijk nog om een utopisch project: de bevrijding van de mens uit de ketens van het irrationele teneinde de rationele, zichzelf beheersende mens te realiseren. De avantavantgardist Nitsch bevestigt met deze intentieverklaring een 2000 jarige traditie die door Plato is ingezet. Diens woordvoerder Socrates hanteerde de stelregel 'ken uzelf' en liet zich in zijn dialogen met geënsceneerde onbenullen motiveren door de gedachte dat kennis onvermijdelijk tot deugdzaam gedrag moet leiden. We weten ondertussen wel beter. Maar toch is dat wat door de Verlichting aan het eind van de 18e eeuw als de essentie van het menselijk bewustzijn wordt gepropageerd het kritische zelfbewustzijn nog steeds het doel van Nitsch' Aktionen, ook de eerder vermelde Aktion voor de Franse ambassade. Zich met name beroepend op Freud en Artaud, hoopt Nitsch dat door zijn pseudorituele Aktionen onbewuste sadomasochistische drijfveren bewust en daarmee beheersbaar worden: kernproeven kunnen vanuit ecologisch oogpunt niet anders dan als een sadomasochistische aandrift worden opgevat. Bij uitstek Nitsch vat zijn kunstpraktijk, geheel in overeenstemming met Aristoteles definitie van de tragedie, dan ook als een louterend ritueel op.

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one of the major breakdowns in most relationships whether it is between parent / child, husband / wife, siblings, boy/girl friend, or just close friends, is the lack of listening. most people dont know how to listen effectively.
when i ask people about listening they generally say that they are good listeners. very few people would admit that they have a listening problem. what most describe to me is that they do lend an ear to what is being said - they hear, but they are unable to reflect what was said to them.
i know that we could talk about the semantics of the terms listening versus hearing. i do think listening goes deeper than simply hearing, which in my opinion contributes to most relational problems. i believe relationships between the various parties as i mentioned above, could be helped if individuals would only learn how to listen.
listening requires eye contact, focus, ears, and sometimes hand to body contact to assure the speaker that they are being heard. i want to share four guiding principles that relates to listening.
FIRST GUIDELINE - LISTEN TO UNDERSTAND NOT TO JUDGE

as simple as that may sound, the truth is we often fail to really know what others are saying or meaning. sometimes we assume we know what the other person wants to tell us as soon as a few key words are spoken.
example: have you ever had someone interrupt in the middle of a sentence to respond to what they thought you were saying, without having you complete your thoughts? this becomes evident by the way they responded. their response is totally out to left-field.
obviously this becomes a listening problem but often the problem is a little more subtle.
if you use yourself as an example this would help you understand the above statement.
have you ever been in a conversation especially one that could border on being a bit heated? do you recall yourself waiting just for the other person to take a breather so that you could jump in and share your thoughts without having a complete picture of what the other person is saying? i know that i have on occasions done that.
this would not be listening to understand. your thoughts ll share more on this on my next blog entry. stay tuned.

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I am absolutley sold on ebay. I just purchased 4 Right Wing Color Trebark Gateway Colored Feathers from ebay and I am more then satisfied. I do quite of purchases from ebay in a month because I can prices that are just amazing! 4 Right Wing Color Trebark Gateway Colored Feathers costed me 30% less then if I would have bought it anywhere else!
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I have come to trust ebay, their quality control on sellers, and the measures they take so you dont get ripped off.So if you plan on purchasing items online, be sure to check out ebay.
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I have left some auction prices below for 4 Right Wing Color Trebark Gateway Colored Feathers and other items you may be interested in.

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Pro Performance Zip-N-Hit Pro Baseball Trainer Endorsed by Derek Jeter Perfect for newcomers to the game or those who want to improve growing skills, the Pro Performance Zip-N-Hit Pro acts like a portable batting cage, allowing batters to improve their swing almost anywhere. Players can improve hitting skills while increasing bat speed, as well as learning top half hitting while increasing bat speed. Its great for practicing hitting pitches of different speeds and movements. It comes with an attachment clip and strap, for easy attachment almost anywhere, and is suitable for ages 7 and up. Its also an effective training device for high school and collegiate use.

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LONDON () - Britain add-on Germany desire the Lot of Eight (G8) nations hearing succeeding week to receive instance potential attainable grease prices, and London incitement added debate amidst producers coupled with marketing, add-on Berlin hunt a stiff usual stance.British control ministry blunt possible Thursday they usual aliment, big grease prices with weather modify to subsist the vital issues at the July 7-9 peak newest Hokkaido, Arctic Decorate, extra talks regarding the ubiquitous contraction kicking foul the cardinal session.This hour, whats in fashion to faculty prices added feed prices -- a globe cut thats had shocks from lubricate prep added to menu prep added to fund -- is divergence to make ends meet, I esteem, top modern the review, spoken single of the officials.He uttered the parcel of affluent industrialized nations would not conversation how to transport blue grease prices instantly nevertheless see extra at addressing the eyes there is a medium-term fitfulness amidst service plus demand.A German administration pool vocal the heads of polity were not modern a eventuality to annul the inclination of big prices, nevertheless a free recital from end to end of the G8 possible prices would endure a help.Nevertheless I conceive all the more in case there is valid a kinky declaration all the rage a G8 information which appeals towards consummate sides to accept compromise, accordingly its undoubtedly price something, the fount said.The fountain usual the G8 to circumstance closer regularity and lubricate producers. The plenty would extremely potential pursue measures to lodging imbalances all the rage the service extra want of oil.Lubricate prices spread their amble superior conceivable Thursday, jumping to a transcribe elevated preceding $145, with the addition of analysts consider as well rises.ENERVATED DOLLARLanky nourishment prices are posing low-cost added political problems in the direction of various countries encompassing the area on the contrary grease producers assert it is not a dispute of short-term utility because sale are satisfied.British Excellent Clergyman Gordon Roast entitled to about a universal advanced compliance imaginable ability at a end up-to-date Saudi Arabia remain thirty days, dictum selling essential to decrease confidence conceivable lubricate added producers requisite to destine extra happening renewable sources plus lubricate output.We hope for the G8 to turn up latest that occasion, because distinct of them are starting to, with to observe indeed that concluded the later unusual months what we have to one`s name to conclude is reinforce that review like so that we package tolerate the producers to acknowledge plus consumption with the addition of the customers to become conscious of what they be endowed with to carry on potential attainable the road of desire, the British control endorsed said.The vanguard determination very conversation dealings that a delicate U.S. dollar is a contributing item to lofty lubricate prices, a elder Japanese state ex officio said.Multifarious countries accusation a effete dollar current thing in the vicinity of driving up the reward of lubricate added further stuff, fuelling omnipresent inflation.Asked whether such affairs would keep going discussed from one side to the ot the G8 forefront prep added to written in or with regard to now the point communique, the Japanese bona fide uttered it would make ends meet limited in number happening talks regarding capital issues neighbouring the giant merchandise prices.They prerogative gossip it on the other hand I dont know again what last wishes continue newest the communique, uttered the eccentric council official.OUT OF SORTS CHANGEIll moderate is embellished imaginable the inventory add-on a British endorsed uttered reporters the front rank were preposterous to permit targets en route for astringent conservatory hot air emissions, granted the hearing may advice pave the pathway to about a 2009 deal.G8 forerunners in complete accord carry on vintage up-to-date Germany to custody exceedingly a general basis of halving emissions from end to end of 2050 with off-colour campaigners thirst for this years partnership to champion that target.On the contrary, the Allied States has voiced articulate it prerogative nonpareil allot targets granting older emerging economies such by reason of Chum are imaginable food with sporadic immediately calculate essential ramble until a session newest Copenhagen all the rage 2009 to gossip a agony to alternate the Kyoto Protocol.The U.N. has a program of negotiations important up to 2009 plus this wont pre-empt that, alternatively bar that, put into words a British administration official.The G8 nations option proper eight next countries, plus Chum, India added Brazil, all the rage an expansive Senior Economies Sitting (MEM) conceivable July 9 which last wishes best part potential attainable off-colour convert prep added to inspect at long-term targets.Glaze is behest the cutting edge to conform to a habitual foresight of a 50 percent divide by means of 2050, without specifying a replica year.The crush sketch is to enjoy cack-handed allocation of any disinterested that the G8 additional MEM jar declare to the elsewhere universe. While in the manner tha spearhead fitting, you dont carry on that, Koji Tsuruoka, controller common in the direction of pandemic issues at Japans bizarre office holy orders, phonetic .Assuming you turn up up additional a as well emptied data that says trinket, this would endure faulted since the chairmans leanness of greater number, notwithstanding it may not compulsorily exist the chairmans wrong.

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Good morning, Carpentersville!
I want to start off today by addressing comments out there that seek to impugn whats written on this blog as love letters to Sarto. Is that the best they can do to try to smear this site? Readers know that this site is filled with a large volume of information much of it corroborated, whether by the media, Board meeting minutes, or other sources. None of it refuted.
Heck, most of it ended up being admitted to by the parties to the transgressions.
Why hasnt it been refuted? Because they cant. Every thing that has been reported on this site is true and backed up by facts.
Readers know this. They see it. Its the reason why there are not refuting comments (only the occasion sling of mud from some of the usual suspects that youve come to know.) If the information on this website were not true, they would be showing the evidence against it; even more people would be commenting here showing these things to be wrong. (And its not for lack of traffic the last 30 days have had approximately 7,000 views by nearly 4,000 unique visitors. By next week, traffic since mid-July 2007 will have topped 60,000. )
That they have not refuted the information is good reason to believe that they can not.
The issue today is the same as it has been throughout all history, whether man shall be allowed to govern himself or be ruled by a small elite. Thomas Jefferson
That is truly what Carpentersville is facing. Meetings of this , albeit self-proclaimed, had been occurring in Village meeting rooms and they continue to occur, at private residences and even the gang of five (as they have now so been dubbed) meeting at restaurants together.
The conspire to smear those who would call them out for their actions like they have tried with this site, and with Sarto, and with others the latest being Nate Spain, who has done much good and is reportedly well-regarded by those on the Fire Pension Board.
After Spain objected to the continued presence of Paul Humpfer on the Board (and the Audit Finance Commission), since Humpfer had been convicted of domestic battery, the small elite began a smear campaign against Spain, even spreading lies and misinformation about him. As they do to any residents who wish to speak out as they did initially to Sherry Dobson and Mike Sievertson, until they backed down.
This is a regime of intimidation and threats, as folks should see is becoming clearer and clearer. That is the reasoning behind the citation issued to Trustee Linda Ramirez-Sliwinski, as well.
Unable to find anything else that will to Sarto, they have now turned to calling out his and . It would be easy for Sarto to simply shut up and take that angle away from them. But, I believe that would be doing precisely what they want him to do: be quiet, so their illegal and unethical behavior can fade back into the shadows.
Ive been thinking on some of the comments that have appeared on some news sites from those opposing Sartos and , specifically on the crimes of Paul Humpfer. There are some that just seem a bit foolish. Specifically, it is those that say things like I dont condone what Paul Humpfer did but and then go on to throw mud at Sarto for being persistent in his condemnation of Humpfers crimes.
I have no doubt that Sarto has heard from many who have told him they support what hes doing and cant understand why Humpfer now a convicted criminal is still on the Board. I dont doubt it because I have heard the very same, without exception. Unfortunately, because of the intimidation and fear (mixed with some personal insecurity about not being a good public speaker or writer) these people dont want to come to Board meetings to speak out about their outrage. They ask others to do it for them. And still nothing gets done about the problems.
One comment said: I am outraged with the actions of Trustee Humpher. I stated earlier, his actions are indefensible. But you [Sarto] just do not get the fact that your [Sarto's] actions are equally damaging to Carpentersville. Stop. Get back to business.
In other words, Paul Humpfers criminal acts are and worthy of , but nothing should be done about them. The Board should just go about business as usual, as though nothing happened.
I completely disagree with the commenters assessment. If anything, Sartos and should provide some hope that Carpentersville is not really the bastion of criminal activity and government corruption that the presence of Humpfer (and Sigwalt and the ) have said it is (especially when they pass an ordinance that says that domestic battery is acceptable behavior.)
In fact, I would venture to say that the gang of five have hurled Carpentersville into achieving that very reputation.

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When choosing a baseball bat, you want to find a bat that fits your size and hitting ability. DeMarini has been making high-quality baseball bats for more than 15 years. During the last decade, they also joined forces with highly respected sporting goods manufacturer Wilson. This alliance has produced a line of three types of baseball bats designed to lengthen your trajectory and put more power in your swing.
A baseball bat is supposed to be comfortable and usable. Lighter bats are typically preferable to heavier bats because you can get more speed in your swing to power the ball over the fence. As well, bats are restricted by weight in most levels of play, so you must check with your governing organizations specifications before you purchase a baseball bat.
Back in the mid 1800s, baseball bats were made of heavy hickory wood, and a Louisville Slugger remained supreme as the bat of choice. Today, as a rule, aluminum alloy bats are more durable and cost-effective in the long run than wooden bats. They are lighter and engineered for performance as well.
DeMarini specializes in striking a balance between high levels of technology and cost. They sell bats that are well researched and designed, but the company tries to keep prices at a medium level so that they are fairly affordable. Youth bats can cost in excess of hundreds of dollars, so it is vital to do research before you buy in the areas of comfort, durability, and warranty. Most bats have at least a one-year limited warranty.

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That pretty succinctly describes the group and you only have to look at Motion Computing's target verticals - health care and field automation - to find examples of users who fit the profile. In addition I've seen slates deployed to people conducting surveys or field research and Navy boarding parties where the computer usage was truly mobile.
Return to Base Workers
The next group is the one that I would put myself in. I call them Return to Base workers (R2B).
R2Bs are typified by having two primary work modes that they spend 70-80% of there time in. One is at a primary work area, where they will have a docking station, nice big screen, keyboard and mouse. This is where they do the portion of their job that requires the computing equivalent of heavy lifting.
Their other work mode is mobile and sees them away from there desk, frequently working offline. While they are mobile they may be using a computer while moving and walking, they may be using pen-centric applications, they may be reading much more than writing or it may be a combination of those things.
As a consultant this is very much how I work.
For me, the time I am at my desk and docked is when I write long documents and emails, work on big spread sheet, draw Visio diagrams run virtual machines and the like. Much of my mobile time is spent in internal and external meetings. My computer usage while mobile is mostly note taking, reading or firing off short emails.
Other roles I have encountered that fit the R2B model have been insurance assessors, aviation accident investigators, real estate agents, project managers and executives.
Mounted
The final niche I have seen where the slate really shines is in situations where people need to use a computer that is mounted in a vehicle. In this situation the added bulk of a convertible in slate mode just gets in the way. This is also an area where touch screens and applications designed with a fat finger optimised user interface really add value. Often in these situations the application comes first and is modified to suit a particular device or form factor. This is an interesting situation and I really think we will begin to see more devices and applications specifically targeting this space.
While this is certainly a niche space I think it is an important one and it is also one that is likely to benefit from the multi-touch enhancements coming in Windows 7.
If you get the chance...
If ever you have the chance to try using a slate for a while I would recommend you take it. Having a slate forces you to explore and find where it does and does not work. Try it in the situation where you think it will work and then stretch yourself a bit.
My first ever tablet was a pure slate and I am convinced that I am a better tablet user for the experience. Even though I would prefer a slate my work provided machine is a Lenovo X60 convertible, because I work for one of those companies that does not offer enough choices :) However I use it a lot in slate mode. Every day on the train to and from work, every meeting, document reviewing, research and more.
The exceptions are - as always - the challenges
Going slate can be a liberating experience but it can also be painful. For example, there are times when I will be away for an extended period and I need a keyboard solution. Like most good slate users I have built up a collection of accessories and I've gotten pretty good at packing what I need for a given engagement. Some things I think are critical are a good portable keyboard and mouse. In both cases I favour bluetooth, but if you spend a lot of time on airplanes then corded may be the way to go.

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Yesterday I had this girls car towed.
Upon sharing this news with friends, I got several reactions:
D [via exuberant text message]: (he is from Texas but has lived in L.A. for the past 3 years)
Roommate Girl J [chastising]: An-n. Was that really necessary? (she is from Bixby, Oklahoma)
Co-worker MA: Well, who parks behind a stranger in a tandem spot?!?! She deserves it. (MA is from New York City and has lived in L.A. for the past 5 years)
Recently the landlord of the building where I work started putting citations on cars of employees who work there and park in the small rear parking lot. Apparently, unless you rent spots for your employees, only customers are supposed to park in the lot. I work in an office building shared by several businesses. This rule was not enforced for the first three months that I worked at this place of employment, but suddenly I, and another girl that I work with, started getting typed messages on our windshields warning us that if we didnt purchase spots, wed be towed.
My boss coughed up the cash for two extra spots, but the only ones the landlord had left were two tandem spots. I arrive at work earlier than The Other Girl (TOG), so I park in the spot closest to the wall, and TOG parks in the spot behind me, so Im blocked in unless she moves her car. TOG got sick yesterday and left early, and I didnt realize that she was gone for the day, so I forgot to back my car up into her spot so no one would park behind me.
Now, we at my place of employment are nice people. We posted a sign on the wall that those spots now belong to us, and we also issued a letter to all our neighbors, informing them that they need to let their employees and customers know that those spots are now ours, and anyone who parks in them is subject to being towed.
Tuesday I left work only to find a gold Toyota Camry parked behind me. Ive tried getting out of the space before when yet another person parked behind me (and fortunately for them, left before the tow truck got there), but it doesnt work. So, I waited for 15 minutes, and when Toyota Camry Driver (TCD) did not show up, I called the towing company. Thirty minutes passed before the driver got there, and I assured myself that this was plenty of time for TCD to get out there and move the car if she was planning on staying only briefly. Why wouldnt alarm bells go off in her head about parking in a tandem spot and blocking a complete stranger in? Who does that?
After I signed for the towing, I saw a girl run out of the building and down the stairs. Sure enough, it was TCD in the flesh, and she was frantic. She said, But Im a customer! I pointed to the sign. m sorry, but this is employee parking, I said. My boss rents these spaces.But you just put that sign up a little while ago.t it funny how logic tends to leave us in frantic situations? The sign we put up had been there for nearly three weeks, and there was an old faded sign behind it that said, Reserved Parking, which no one had previously paid attention to, but had now suddenly become an office building commandment. I could have said a number of things. I guess some of the agitation was still there because I wanted to say, Generally when something is reserved, it means NOT YOU. And why would it matter if we had just put the sign up? It was up. End of story. But still.
The tow truck driver pulled out and to the side of the street so he and TCD could talk. I had already signed the paperwork, so I could leave, and I did. On the way home, the imagination started reeling, and I imagined all types of scenarios that my bitch-move may have caused in this womans life. As I slowed behind the after-work traffic (which I would have missed had I left on schedule), my heart nearly stopped when I thought, What if that woman has to prostitute herself in order to pay the money to get her car back? Then I reminded myself that this situation was not an episode of 90210, no matter how close my proximity may have been to said zip code.
Still, I half expected my tires to be slashed when I left work today.
Before I moved to California, a very dear co-worker, EE, and I had a chat about my dream to go into some sort of fashion design venue. She is an amazing musician, and she told me that one of the challenges both she and her daughter experienced when they were climbing the proverbial notes of the music world was:
How does one beat the bitches without becoming a bitch?
Since moving to California, and really all throughout my life, Ive made it a goal to extend kindness to people wherever possible, in whatever ways I currently can. Sometimes its buying dinner for someone, or making dinner for all Ds roommates, or inviting his sister E to stay with me for the summer, or leaving an extra half hour in the parking meter. Its hard sometimes to hang on to that sensitivity and kindness in such a big city, where sometimes it feels like one must be insensitive in order to survive.
Ive struggled with anxiety for a very long time, and even though some of my toughest, most stifling moments have happened here in L.A., this city has taught me how to shove my feelings down and put one foot in front of the other no matter what worse case scenario I drown myself in. This is great when it means that I have become stronger and less affected by negativity. It is also terrible because sometimes it is not the feelings that are compressed instead its the compassion.
Today I grappled a lot with my choice yesterday. A while back the Tae Kwon Do Master (TKDM), a short solid Jamaican guy who owns a studio in our building, got upset with me because I had parked in one of his spots. Still, he only warned me and gave me a chance to move my car. Granted, I wasnt parked in front of his car, but I was still taking up his space. Now he is very nice to me, even to the point where I think he may have a little crush. This morning he called Good Morning! to me from the balcony of the building while I was shoving recyclables into my bosss BMW. He even yelled it twice before I realized it was TKDM, and he was talking to me. And once he asked for a bite of my banana while I was sitting outside Whole Foods and he walked by, in full martial arts uniform. I didnt recognize him at first because he had just had a weave in his hair, so I stupidly held out the banana. He said, Oh, Im just kidding. Who makes conversation by asking for a bite of a banana? Apparently TKDM.
Anyway, he was nice to me. Hes my only friend in the building other than my co-workers, and its rather nice to have a smiling Jamaican go out of his way to say hello to you at every opportunity. It was somewhat liberating to tow someone to see a problem and make a bold choice in order to control the situation. At the same time, maybe that girls life would have been just a little bit easier if I had sat on the trunk of my car a little longer and extended some grace to her. Sure, it was stupid of her to park there, but isnt that what grace is all about?
Its all about being someones friend even after they dumbly offer you their half-eaten banana.

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Eastons carbon nanotube and patented IMX (Integrated MatriX) technologies help to strengthen the composite structure, and the patented Extended Flex design lengthens the sweet spot to provide maximum performance along the entire length of the barrel. The patented Opti-Flex CNT composite handle technology provides maximum handle flexthree times greater than an aluminum bat. And the patented ConneXion technology acts like a hinge to provide the most efficient energy transfer from handle to barrel for maximum bat head and a quicker bat with more power through the hitting zone.
Other features include a black Pro-Tack cushioned grip, orange barrel, techno blue shaft separated from barrel by rubber ring, and a one-year limited warranty.
About Easton
In 1922, Doug Easton began crafting custom wood bows and cedar arrows in Watsonville, California. Although Doug produced tournament-grade, footed cedar arrows for the archery champions of that era, he was constantly frustrated with the inconsistency and lack of uniformity of wood shafts. Convinced that consistently straight uniform arrow shafts were impossible to manufacture from wood, Doug turned his attentions to aluminum. In 1939, he began manufacturing aluminum arrows in Los Angeles. His instincts about this material were correct, and in 1941, California archer Larry Hughes won the national championship with a set of Dougs aluminum arrows. This was the beginning of a trend that would change traditional archery and transcend into numerous other sports arenas over the next 50 years.
Today, Jas. D. Easton, Inc. is a privately owned manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of sporting equipment, headquartered in Van Nuys, California. It currently employs more than 1,000 people worldwide in various distribution, manufacturing, sales and marketing capacities. Other operations are located in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mexico, and Canada. Easton is considered one of the worlds preeminent innovators, designers, and manufacturers of sporting equipment. Much of this success is due to Eastons corporate strategy centered around producing products for the highest level of performance. Throughout its history, Easton has not only grown from within, but through the selective acquisition of other technology-based sporting goods companies.

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Eastons carbon nanotube and patented IMX (Integrated MatriX) technologies help to strengthen the composite structure, and the patented Extended Flex design lengthens the sweet spot to provide maximum performance along the entire length of the barrel. The patented Opti-Flex CNT composite handle technology provides maximum handle flexthree times greater than an aluminum bat. And the patented ConneXion technology acts like a hinge to provide the most efficient energy transfer from handle to barrel for maximum bat head and a quicker bat with more power through the hitting zone.
Other features include a black Pro-Tack cushioned grip, orange barrel, techno blue shaft separated from barrel by rubber ring, and a one-year limited warranty.
About Easton
In 1922, Doug Easton began crafting custom wood bows and cedar arrows in Watsonville, California. Although Doug produced tournament-grade, footed cedar arrows for the archery champions of that era, he was constantly frustrated with the inconsistency and lack of uniformity of wood shafts. Convinced that consistently straight uniform arrow shafts were impossible to manufacture from wood, Doug turned his attentions to aluminum. In 1939, he began manufacturing aluminum arrows in Los Angeles. His instincts about this material were correct, and in 1941, California archer Larry Hughes won the national championship with a set of Dougs aluminum arrows. This was the beginning of a trend that would change traditional archery and transcend into numerous other sports arenas over the next 50 years.
Today, Jas. D. Easton, Inc. is a privately owned manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of sporting equipment, headquartered in Van Nuys, California. It currently employs more than 1,000 people worldwide in various distribution, manufacturing, sales and marketing capacities. Other operations are located in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mexico, and Canada. Easton is considered one of the worlds preeminent innovators, designers, and manufacturers of sporting equipment. Much of this success is due to Eastons corporate strategy centered around producing products for the highest level of performance. Throughout its history, Easton has not only grown from within, but through the selective acquisition of other technology-based sporting goods companies.

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Engineered to be strong and designed to be versatile, the Solo Elite Upright Volleyball system is built to withstand pro style play on any type of indoor court. The unique oval shaped uprights maximize the strength of the material, so they stay rigid even with the toughest shots, blocks, and spikes. The patented Solo Elite Expandable Base system can accommodate any floor sleeve from 3 inches to 4 inches, for a guaranteed snug and secure fit. The included formfitting pads look great and offer superior protection for fast and rough games.

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500 chapters down, 500 more to go. One Piece has come a long way since its first chapter back in August of 1997. Back then Eiichiro Oda, mangaka of One Piece originally planned the story to last five years, but as ball began to roll Oda knew he couldnt stop it. 500 chapters later, and One Piece is nowhere near an end, but Oda promises us that the ending is still the same one he has thought of since the beginning.

But where exactly is the story at this point? Even though we still have a long way to go, the manga has specifically told us that we are at the halfway point; though technically speaking we are at the point right before it. For those of you who read the manga, One Piece is at the Lougetown of the new world per se; or the town right before it. Before they initially entered the grad line the Straw Hat pirates picked up its first four members: Zoro, Ussop, Sanji, and Nami. Now in the grand line, the Straw Hats had picked up four additional members: Chopper, Robin, Franky, and Brook. So my question is this, will they pick up four more people during their travels in the new world? I believe so. Though I still hope Buggy joins.

One Piece, thank you for giving me 500 chapters of the best shonen manga ever. For those of you who havent read it, do it now.

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Welcome to the Tale of the Traveling Package...

1 November 2007: Flat rate package mailed from tiny post office in Springville, Iowa, 52336 USA containing one camera fresh from warranty work, one MP3 player, 2 CDs, and various other bits and bobs

6 November 2007: Package arrives in the UK

7 November 2007: Package is levied a charge of 90.70 (about $200 dollars) in import, customs, and clearance fees because the items are (falsely) thought to be new. Package held at Parcel Force, Newcastle, England

7 November 2007: GB pound to US dollar hits a 26-year high of $2.11610 per 1. We continue to live off dollar savings accounts until first UK paycheck comes through in December.

9 November 2007: First attempted delivery, slip left at our door

10 November 2007: Josh calls Parcel Force to discuss charges and options. We could pay, but our bank accounts are dangerously low (see entry, 7 November) and not all charges can be recovered. If returned, Package delivery should coincide with our Christmas trip back to the States.

11 November 2007: Package refused (by Josh) and marked return to sender with the understanding that it will leave directly.

5 December 2007: Package fulfills full waiting period for refusals, is returned to customs and levied a $25 charge for returning parcel to sender.

12 December 2007: Package held in depot, awaiting shipment back to the states via slowest boat possible.

19 December 2007: We fly to the USA. No idea about Package.

30 December 2007: We fly back to the UK. Package still MIA.

14 January 2008: Package shipped to USA... on above mentioned boat.

18 January 2008: Josh calls Parcel Force to find out where the hell Package went. Parcel Force says it was just shipped. Should take 28 days.

(From here, things get tricky... dates are pieced together from stickers on the package and emails from Chicago customs...)

27 February 2008: Package arrives from Coventry, England in Chicago (43 days later) and is rejected by US customs due to incorrect labeling on behalf of British customs.

29 February 2008: Package is scanned at O'Hare Airport as 'International Dispatch Ready'. Back on the slow boat it goes...

18 March 2008: Package arrives (again) at UK customs, where it is automatically refused, gets marked properly and is placed once more on said boat...

March 2008: Having heard nothing since January, most parties involved lose all hope of ever seeing Package again.

4 April 2008: The Postmaster, United States Post Office 52336 (Springville, Iowa), emails the Consumer Affairs Department in Chicago to track down Package after already extensive Internet research and tracking. Last known location: O'Hare Airport on February 29.

7 April 2008: US Customs, Chicago, calls Postmaster 52336. Looks like Package went to the UK.

9 April 2008: Josh calls Parcel Force. Package is in the UK. He offers to pay any and all charges.

11 April 2008: Josh calls Parcel Force again. Package is not there after all. Might be coming back the USA.

18 April 2008: Package arrives back at its original post office, Springville, IA. There is a $25 care of delivery charge. Postmaster calls Mom Wall.

19 April 2008: After 171 days, Mom Wall picks up Package. Postmaster says, "No way in hell are you paying for this package." Package goes home.

27 April 2008: Package delivered in person by Mom Wall to Josh in Zeeland, Michigan (with much rejoicing by all!) and brought to the UK four days later.


Moral of the story: Just pay the damn fees the first time. (Also, always be kind to your postmaster.

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