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Jeff Olson, the Mad Chalker, prosecuted by city attorney for words in front of Bank Of America
Long before mortgage meltdowns and people losing their homes, Bank of America didn't have a great reputation with account holders that I know. Now that we know badmouthing "B of A" via "chalking" ruffles their panties so badly, the biggest fear for "B of A" might be making themselves a target for continued forms of expression. So "chalking" hits a nerve with big, bad, "B of A"? It must hurt when control has it's limits. How about "chalking" half a block away? What are you going do then "B of A"? Thanks for the efforts in bringing this story to us readers. I think of Mr Olson's protest and expression of free speech while also reflecting on the protests going on in Egypt right now. Crying about chalk on the sidewalk? The well-heeled multinational has it so tough. Some people don't like you "B of A". Deal with it. How much is chalk going for these days anyways?— July 5, 2013 6:52 p.m.
Jeff Olson, the Mad Chalker, prosecuted by city attorney for words in front of Bank Of America
Ferret Head! I will never see this guy the same way again!— July 5, 2013 6:21 p.m.
San Diego's 10 Best Movie Theaters
Firstly, great article Scott and equally great cover art by David O'Keefe! When I saw the cover, I was hoping my fave was included! I was not disappointed as the Ken made it at # 2! The theater is a throwback! The offerings are great! The popcorn is delicious! The quarterly schedule of films is very helpful! The overall experience of the neighborhood is also great! I enjoy the indie and foreign films without sheep-fed, corporate, top heavy CGI to boost sub-par stories! I also don't mind the subtitles. The lack of inane chatter and cellphone antics says something about the attention span of the audience! The neighborhhood also includes Ken Video next door (a San Diego jewel!), the Kensington Library, Kensington Cafe (mochas and happy hour!) and Ponces! The Ken is well worth my fifteen mile drive from the coast! I am sorry to hear about the pending demolition of the screens at Hazard Center. I attended the San Diego Latino and Asian Film Festivals at Hazard Center on numerous occasions over the years. San Diego has an impressive variety of film festivals! By the way, where will these festivals be held in the future? I do miss The Cove that was on Girard in La Jolla. The Cove used to show a lot of French films. Fortunately, The Ken includes many French films in their selections. I do like the offerings of the Reading Gaslamp. They do a good job including non-blockbusters such as quality documentaries. Boo to the non-freebie parking dealio. But there are options! I also miss the offerings at MoPA. I especially remember the student screenings. Maybe when the economy finally rebounds MoPa could give their film project another go? The parking scene at Balboa Park has a bad rep especially at night but I have always found parking. Generally speaking, I think San Diegans could show more love for the museums in Balboa Park. Not every city has such a selection of quality museums in one place. Maybe we take our museums for granted? The Landmark Hillcrest has had very good films over the years especially, the documentaries but the parking can be vicious. The last time I was there, I almost burned out my engine while trying to exit their parking garage via the incline ramp. I will be visiting the theater in Coronado. Such restorative efforts deserve my support! Great story! It will make it to the reference pile on the coffee(?) table!— May 17, 2012 2:59 p.m.
Will Wall Street Cool on Bridgepoint?
So what about the high-pressure sales techniques? Cool stuff? Even after being told to leave people alone they keep hammering? The Red Cross used to hammer me with phone calls to donate blood. Even after repeated requests to stop hitting me with the annoying phone calls (and hangups), they kept it up. Finally, I snapped at a caller over the phone and I haven't donated in two years. I have donated blood for over thirty years. I knew when 56 days was past so I could donate again. That overly aggressive phone calling has a price. There are very good reasons for do-not-call lists. Learn to back-up and backoff. The stories I heard from friends who used to work for the pushy for-profit schools had to do with UNETHICAL. Libel that. Profit, profit, profit. At any price.— May 16, 2012 5:14 p.m.
Will Wall Street Cool on Bridgepoint?
Community colleges are a smart alternative for students especially in San Diego. The tuition is less. Sometimes, one can find instructors at the community colleges who also teach at the four-year schools. The average class size is usually smaller. Textbooks are sometimes the same as those used at the four-year schools. As for those who struggle with subjects like math, smaller class size is an advantage especially when needing help with assignments. If math is a huge challenge, take one course and just focus on that course. Algebra 101 at a community college transfers as Algebra 101 at the four-year schools. If math is a general ed class then there is an advantage to taking the course at a community college as the four-year schools will be more competitive. College isn't for everybody. If one struggles, fight harder. There are no degrees for quitting so don't quit. Going to college at eighteen isn't always a good decision if one isn't ready for school. Conversely, age should not be a reason (or excuse) for not attending or returning to school. I had sixty year-old students in some of my classes. There are enough barriers and rules in life keeping us back, don't use age to limit yourself. As for the "for profits", they are bad news. Avoid these schools. This is no longer news. Become better informed on the options. Don't hurt yourself. Thanks for the article Don!— May 15, 2012 9:26 a.m.
Arellano Félix cartel’s reputation credited to Ramón’s sadistic flair
This was a well-researched and interesting read. Regrettably, journalists south of the border are censored by the lawless. Not that we don't have censorship in the U.S., we definitely do. Unfortunately, on the U.S. side we take journalism for granted. What I would suggest for a future effort is to examine the powder trade (cocaine, crystal meth) and it's effects on those who use and used. Interviews with the families friends, employers, law enforcement and social service agencies who have had to endure those who use and abuse "the powders" may be informative and instructive. While some will fight tooth(less) and nail to protect their buzz, it would be interesting to examine just what each of the powders are cut with so people can decide for themselves if the buzz is really worth the negatives for one and all. Ruthless and greedy types in all levels of the powder supply chain make their cuts and could care less about what the end user puts in their body. The buzz is not worth the negatives that come after the sniff. We need to think about it. As always, a great read. I read every issue of The Reader or it sits in a pile until I get to it!— October 1, 2010 9:44 a.m.
San DIego State to get rid of Louie's Pub?
Aztec Shops / SDSU pimps out to the highest bidder. That was what happened to the old on-campus Allegro coffee shop a few years back. Hence, the campus community suddenly had "the joy" of choosing between three Starbucks on and around SDSU. Most of the students attending SDSU are suburbanites and they have been surrounded by the splendors of corporate strip malls and their homogenized offerings ever since birth. Many students also have limited transportation offerings so they are sort of cornered by the corporate options. Squeezing Louie's into a bidding process or just pushing them out, plays right into the plans of greedy, homogenized, corporate vultures. Louie's probably does scare some parents especially after the "drug sting" of last spring. Note to students: there are so many non-corporate options in San Diego and some stores, restaurants, etc., offer better quality and prices. Venture out and you will discover! One would think that your college of choice would cut you a break when it came to prices but not the good ol'Aztec Shops.— December 22, 2008 6:55 p.m.