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Height 6-2, Weight 195, B/T: R/R, DOB: 7/29/1991
2010 Redlegs Baseball Prospect Ranking: N/A
Under Major League Baseball's financial structure, few teams can afford to build their roster primarily through free agency. As a result, drafting and developing your own players is the only realistic way for the small- and mid-market teams to compete. To build from within, a franchise must be successful on draft day. Due to the inherent risk in prospects and player development, all teams are going to have a fairly high fail rate in their draft class.
However, there are two main ways to improve your success rate in the draft:
1) churn talent to gain extra compensatory draft picks when your players leave via free agency, or
2) target those players who slide in the draft due to signability concerns and be willing to pay over slot to sign them.
The original intention (though long since perverted) of option 1 was to compensate smaller revenue teams when their stars players left for greener ($$$$) pastures. The second option has primarily been utilized by the larger revenue organizations to gain a competitive advantage in the form of a more well stocked farm system. However, in the 2010 draft the Reds stole a page out of the over-slot playbook to improve the quality and depth of their farm system.
All of which brings us to Drew Cisco.
Draft Position and Amateur Career
The Reds selected Cisco with the 187th overall pick in the 6th round of the 2010 draft out of Wando High School in South Carolina.
During his high school career, Cisco was the staff ace in all four years and earned All-Lowcountry honors four times. As a senior, Cisco tossed 77 innings and posted a 10-2 W/L record, a 0.91 ERA, a 100/13 K/BB ratio, and 56 hits allowed in 77 innings pitched. Cisco also performed admirably at the World Wood Bat Association Championship.
His high school coach, Jeff Blankenship, had the following to say about Cisco:
"He's one of the most focused players we've coached, on the mound and at the plate," Blankenship said. "He bats third in our lineup, which is a very important spot in the order. He's walked 12 times in 44 plate appearances. That's a sign of his patience, his poise. It's something he was born with. When he's out there on the mound, there are no distractions. He's that focused. Sometimes, when he walks off the field, you want to shake him to get him out of that mode so you can talk about the finer points of pitching."
It's not surprising that Cisco has polish and poise beyond his years, as it's in the blood. Whether it's nature or nurture, there is no doubting the positive impact on Drew of his baseball playing family. Drew's grandfather, Galen Cisco, played in the majors for parts of 7-seasons and served as an MLB pitching coach, his father, Jeff, played minor league baseball, and his brother, Mike, is now pitching in the Phillies organization.
By the time the draft rolled around, Cisco was rated as the 74th best prospect by Baseball America. He had a commitment to the University of Georgia, but the Reds bought him out of it with a substantially over-slot bonus of $975,000. Obviously, it took a decent chunk of money to get it done, but Cisco was a very good value in round 6.
Pitching Mechanics
Cisco is listed at 6'2", but may be an inch or two shorter. It's not at all unusual for righthanded pitchers to "shrink" an inch or two immediately upon being drafted, as the stigma of the "short righthander" can negatively impact draft status. Unfortunately, his height limits his physical projection, so he may be close to what he will always be. However, he only tips the scales at 195 lbs, so he has some room to fill out and add muscle.
On the mound, Cisco possesses clean and efficient mechanics. He begins his windup with his hands under his chin as he looks in for the sign. He then steps back towards first base with his glove side ("GS") leg, which un-weights his pitching arm side ("PAS") leg allowing him to rotate his foot down onto the rubber. Once repositioned on the rubber, Cisco begins his leg kick to build up energy. His leg kicks reaches its apex when his knee reaches the letters on his jersey. He also incorporates a bit of coil, as he somewhat wraps his leg around his body to create additional torque (see photo). Up until the apex of his leg kick, Cisco's hand position remains largely unchanged, as he holds them in a consistent position just below the chin. At apex, Cisco maintains good balance over his plant leg and gathers his momentum for the drive to the plate.
Once Cisco reaches the apex of his leg kick, he is done building up energy and is ready to impart it on the baseball. To do so, he unpacks his delivery and drives to the plate. He begins by breaking his hands and starting his arm swing. Upon breaking his hands, he drops his pitching hand down by and past his right hip, swinging it slightly towards first base and then up into throwing position to complete the half-circle.
Cisco gets a solid push of the mound, but doesn't generate great leg drive towards the plate. He also utilizes a shorter stride than is to be expected, which is common in polished pitchers who are somewhat short on stuff. Tim Lincecum and Aroldis Chapman practically jump off the rubber in their strides to the plate, while Sam LeCure and Drew Cisco use much shorter strides. Lincecum and Chapman are power pitchers, while LeCure and Cisco profile more as finesse/polish pitchers.
As a result of Cisco's leg drive and shorter stride, some of the potential energy generated by the windup is not imparted on the ball. In addition, Cisco's plant foot lands a bit more towards the third base side than is ideal (see photo). Due to this slightly closed off body position, he throws across his body to a small degree.
The tempo and timing of his delivery are strong, in part because of his good body control. Cisco maintains a smooth, fluid, balanced motion and effectively keeps all the moving parts in-sync throughout the delivery. His arm is consistently in proper throwing position when his stride foot lands and his elbow maintains good position relative to the shoulder. Overall, Cisco utilizes a clean, free-and-easy arm action.
As he comes to the plate, Cisco stands up fairly tall in his delivery, which is due in part to a shorter stride. As a shorter pitcher, standing up tall may help him work on a downward plane, but could also operate to limit the power he can generate.
In addition to his height, Cisco's arm slot may also limit his ability to work on a downward plane, as he throws with a three-quarter arm slot, rather than a pure over the top arm slot. When coupled with his closed off throwing position, his arm slot ensures that Cisco's will fall off to the first base side in his delivery. His three-quarter arm slot and his throwing position require him to slightly throw across his body, which forces his momentum to work around his body towards first base, rather than directly towards home plate. His closed off body position, though far from extreme, operates to slightly block his momentum to the plate. As a result, he finishes falling towards the first base side and in less than ideal fielding position.
Ultimately, Cisco's mechanics are notable more for their efficiency and balance, than the power they generate. However, the efficiency and balance are undoubtedly part of the reason for his plus command, as he has simple, repeatable mechanics. Additionally, his arm slot and ability to succeed at less than maximum effort should reduce his injury risk. It's possible that he could add velocity if he tweaked his mechanics, but that could conceivably bring about inconsistency and heightened injury risk that would likely negate any gains.
Pitching Repertoire
Cisco primarily features a four-pitch mix. He uses a four-seam fastball that sits in the 88-92 range, a two-seam fastball that sits 87-89 mph with good movement, a big curveball that clocks in between 76-78, and a sinking change-up. All of his pitches grade out as at least average, while the curveball may already be above average. His curveball isn't a true 12-to-6 type due largely to his three-quarter arm slot, but he does spin it well and it has good bite. The change-up has arm-side run to it and good potential, but he has had little need for it in the high school ranks, where he breezed through games relying primarily on his fastball and curveball. In another sign of his good feel for pitching, he is comfortable throwing all his pitches in just about any situation.
Cisco's fastball velocity isn't plus, but he effectively commands both the two and four seamer to both sides of the plate. As for the two-seamer, he can make it cut or sink, which (at least against less advanced competition) helps offset the lower velocity level and can induce ground balls. Additionally, the fact that Major League Baseball is moving away from the age of steroid infused gorilla ball should only help those whose game is not defined by power. Given Cisco's build, there isn't significant physical projection left to his game, but his velocity might improve a tick or two as he continues to mature physically and settles into the throwing regimen of professional baseball.
While Cisco lacks overpowering stuff or a true knockout pitch, he has very good command and a very strong feel for pitching, both of which enable his offerings to play up a tick. In fact, Cisco was widely considered to have the best command of any high school pitcher in the draft. Simply put, he's a very polished pitcher, which is rather rare for a high school pitcher.
"It's not fair to compare him to other high school pitchers," Baseball America's John Manuel said of Cisco. "He's atypical. Most high school pitchers have stuff and aren't polished. He's polished, so polished and mature."
Final Thoughts
Cisco has yet to throw a pitch in anger as a professional, but the future is bright. As of now, like Tucker Barnhart, he is something of a high floor, lower ceiling type player. However, if he can find an additional tick or two of velocity or polish his secondary offerings, then he could effectively push his own ceiling up. He already has a great feel for pitching and great command, so he should be able to wring every last ounce of production out of his abilities. The question is whether a professional throwing program, strength and conditioning work, and the Reds player development staff can help Cisco improve his stuff. If so, then the Reds could have a special talent. If not, then Cisco could still emerge as a solid starting pitcher.
For now, Cisco has enough polish and feel to check in at #19 on the list, but I love pitchers with high baseball IQs and could see him having enough success to ascend quickly up on the list.


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PLEASE NOTE: This is a very large print so the placement of Scooby will vary on each hoodie, depending on where it has been cut and sewn together.
Our Hoodies are completely handmade from Polar fleece in the heart of Sydney since 2013.
This is Hoodie is made from light weight polar fleece
Created with the greatest love and care using only quality fabrics with unique and sophisticated designs for your Pet.
As none of our items are mass-produced, they will only be available in limited quantities and for limited times.
Meaning your Pet will always be ahead of the pack!
Please Measure your dog prior to ordering, follow our easy steps here.
- Small - Length 30cm / Chest 40 - 45cm
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- Large - Length 50cm / Chest 55 - 65cm
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- (Length Measured - Collar To Top Of Tail. )
- Custom Sizes Available - Please Use our Custom Order Page
As all of our items are 100% Hand Made from scratch, so in some instances the actual time from order to dispatch may take a few days.
Our Shipping estimates are as follows -
Standard Mail - 4 - 8 Days (Flat Rate $6.50 & Free Postage For Orders Over $100)
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Please note these times are only a general guide and depending on location all times may vary. If you would like a more specific estimate please contact us.

subset: commoncrawl


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160-175 Pounder Training Program
I created this program to help compliment the 160-175 pounder meal plan. It's for 9 weeks, but can last longer depending on how long you use the meal plan. Men & Women can do this program. Please do not buy this program if you don't have a gym membership. I created this program for people who are not afraid of compound movements. Once you make your payment, You will be able to download this training program. Please be sure that you have the correct email address in your billing info. If you have any issue downloading this training program, Please mail me at email@example.com asap. Just give me the order number and name. I will then verify your payment and I will send you the training plan to your email. Any questions or concerns you can always email me. I want you to share your progress with this training program. Do not forget I have the meal plan to go with this for $45 dollars. Go purchase that as well if you would like a simple and effective meal plan to follow while doing this program. You can do my "macro coaching package" while following this program.
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Profile Racing Profile Imperial 26 Th Black
Now $50 $89
Brought to you by Bike Force Ellenbrook
-CNC machined from 6061 Aluminum in the USA!
-The Imperial is "bolt on" style and requires a sprocket bolt to be attached to crank arm.
-Available for 19mm axles only.
-3/32″ tooth width.
-Supplied with 19mm silver steel insert.
Product Details
- Item condition: New
- Availability: Buy online
- Brand: Profile Racing
- Category: Bike Chainrings
- Discipline: BMX
Store Info
At Bikeforce Ellenbrook we guarantee customer satisfaction. With over forty years of experience between our staff, we ensure that we will find the right bike for you, and will take on any of your repair/maintenance needs with a head on approach.
Shipping & Delivery Policy
Competitive Freight to all Australian metropolitan areas. Note it is a condition of our carriers that a valid street address is used NO POST OFFICE BOX'S, GPO BOX, MAIL BAGS OR PARCEL LOCKERS.
Our shipping charges only apply to non-remote locations within Australia. Please contact us for a quote on shipping costs to remote locations. If you place and pay for an order from a remote location before requesting a shipping quote, we will contact you with a shipping cost before processing your order. If you decide to continue, we will send you a separate freight invoice to allow you to proceed.
Note: The north and east of Western Australia and the Northern Territory are classed as remote locations.
Exchange, Returns, and Refunds Policy
Please choose carefully before you buy.
For faulty products, Bike Force Ellenbrook offer a 14 DAY REPLACEMENT WARRANTY, from the date you receive your product. They do not offer a satisfaction guarantee on any of their products, however due to their high level of customer service, they will always endeavour to keep customers happy and satisfied.
If your product is faulty, it will be replaced with an identical product. If they cannot replace the product, they will offer you the option of choosing another product of the same value, or provide you with a refund for the total value of the faulty product.
Please note: Standard postage fees apply to all return orders. Where the return relates to a faulty item, the replacement product will be sent out to you, at no charge, within 5 working days from the date we receive the faulty product.
When returning your product, please make sure you provide the following details:
- Your full name
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- Your instructions informing us how you would like the issue resolved.
Please include the original order confirmation or invoice you received with your product. Also, if you haven't previously provided a contact phone number, please include this with your return. This will ensure the issue is resolved quickly, should anyone need to contact you.


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Lately I've been wanting to get to know myself better, to really explore who I am, and there's no better way to do that than by taking quizzes at Blogthings or some other such site. I took a lot of them so that I would know more about myself, and I thought I would share them with you, so you can get to know me, too. If you don't want to know more about me, don't read on.
I don't think I'm the main demographic for these quizzes, because most of them seemed aimed at unmarried young women. Unfortunately, I couldn't find out if I was a vain girl, or a fit girl, or an "it" girl. I'll never find out if my boyfriend is cheating on me, or if I have him hooked, or if he loves me only for my body (probably not).
Still, I can find out the really important things about myself. For example, I'm a sexually powerful brainiac with a very high independence level who is incredibly logical and bold when it counts. How many librarians can say that, I ask you.
Those all sound pretty good to me, but sometimes one finds out unpleasant things about oneself. For example, I'm a little anal retentive and 32% gross. Oh, and I'm only an okay listener.
And then there are the things one never really thinks about. For example, I'm not prissy. In fact, I'm "the furthest thing from a princess." It's something I've never really thought about before, but it's good to know. Also, it seems I make a good first impression. That's nice to know as well.
Then there are the things I already suspected. My movie buff quotient is 84%. I'm "a movie buff of the most obsessive variety. If a movie exists, chances are that [I've] seen it." Doesn't surprise me at all.
There are also the little random things one can find out about oneself, such as from the shortest personality quiz, where choosing which picture you like most tells you a lot about your personality. That sounds pretty scientific to me. According to that quiz, I am "elegant, withdrawn, and brilliant. [My] mind is a weapon, able to solve any puzzle. [I am] also great at poking holes in arguments and common beliefs." Hmm. That could be.
And there are the things people can find out about me from, for example, my musical taste. My "musical tastes are reflective and complex. [I am] intellectual to the point of being cerebral. [I am] very open to new experiences, and even more open to new ideas and theories. Wisdom and personal accomplishment are important to [me]. [I am] naturally sophisticated. [I am} drawn to art, especially art by independent artists. [I am] likely to be financially well off… and not because [I was] born that way." I was sure this was correct until that last sentence. So much for science.
Fortunately, I haven't been ruined by American culture, whatever that is. The quizmasters think I may not be American at all. I feel pretty American, though, so I just don't know what to believe. Maybe it's because I "take a more global philosophy with [my] politics, taste, and life." The problem is, when I start to unpack that sentence, I'm not exactly sure what it would mean to take a philosophy with my taste. Sometimes going through these quizzes I think it's just possible not only that the makers don't know what they're talking about, but that they don't express themselves very well.
To wrap things up, I'll just let you know a couple of random things. I'm disturbingly profound rather than profoundly disturbing and my seduction style is the charmer. I just thought you should know.


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It seems to me that someone here was looking for a copy of Bruce Barnbaum's, "The Art of Photography... an Approach to Personal Expression."
While I was in Calgary over the past weekend, I found some signed copies at "The Camera Store." Here's their website...
If you contact them... they'll send it out to wherever you're located.
PS: I have NO affiliations with the store other than being a client.


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Waqar Akbar Cheema Abstract With the onset of modernity, the biographic details of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) have come under a lot of scrutiny along with, in some cases, attempts at revisionism. One such controversy is surrounding the age of Khadija, the first wife of the Prophet, at the time of her marriage to him. This ... Read More »
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Blossoms, Butterflies & Birdies Templates
Viewer Comments
I love everything you guys com up with. Your ideas give me many more.
I have all these templates plus the specialty papers. I would recommend them exclusively to add embellishments to your cards, LO's. and etc. Keep the ideals coming girls. Excellent!
love it, love it, love it!!!
so so sweet.....
Two Words: LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! (well maybe four words!)
Love it! I didn't know how to use templets..Look out pages!
Very Cute Ideas! I really liked the paper flowers arrangement in the jar. So adorable! Kudos to all the gals who think of these things.
First I have to say I really love the templates. I do get the personal shopper templates. I wanted to say that the clear templates don't show up well on the white, maybe you could try putting them on a dark piece of paper I think they may show up better on camera.
Already have the butterfly template - and now the ideas to go with it !! Love the ones layered with vellum and/or transparency. Thanks !
I love the birds too! And my neice loves Dragonflies, so maybe I'll have to have the template to use on her gifts and cards! Thanks for the chance to win something!
These are excellent. So cute! Tip: You can use alcohol to remove any sharpie marks left on acetate or acrylic. Sweeeet!
I just happen to stumble to the wedsite and it was pretty interesting.
I sooooo exicted to learn more on scrapbooking ideas and looking for to purchasing some items for your site. Are you hiring (funny)this looks like a fun job but its not just a job its creating wonderful memories for people.
Oh I MUST have that bird & flower template ! I am ordering them before I go to bed tonight ! How cute ! Great job on the video. I am so proud of my little butterfly template !
Paper Wishes Weekly Webisodes feature free scrapbooking video classes and card making video classes! Every week Paulette and LeNae bring you new online scrapbooking or card making classes demonstrating the very latest paper craft and scrapbooking techniques. Each of our free card making and scrapbooking classes also gives you unique project ideas and tips from Paper Wishes' Design Team. Come back often so you don't miss any of the fun in our card making and scrapbooking classes! You are sure to be inspired! Also watch for our "Week of Webisodes" events where we feature new scrapbooking video classes daily!


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Alexander Rose Turnberry Bench 5 foot
Available In Store Only
Subject to availability Please contact our store first to check product availability before visiting to view or purchase.
The Garden Centre is now open to the public - restrictions and safety measures are in place.
National Deliveries - now taking up to 10 days
Due to COVID-19, couriers have limited the volume they accept into there network to ensure there people can operate safely.
You may return most new, unopened items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.
You should expect to receive your refund within 10 days of us receiving your package. However, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly.
Please see our Returns and Refunds policy.
We can ship to virtually any address in the world. Note that there are restrictions on some products, and some products cannot be shipped to international destinations.
When you place an order, we will offer choices for you based on the availability of your items and the delivery options you choose. Depending on the delivery service you choose.
For our full details please see our Delivery and Collection policy.


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A number of health club companies and vendors in the fitness industry made the recent Inc. 5,000 list, which was unveiled in the magazine's September issue.
The club companies on the list are Get in Shape for Women, Needham, MA (No. 510); Planet Fitness, Newington, NH (No. 1,752); CorePower Yoga, Denver (No. 1,379); Club 24 Health and Fitness, Killingworth, CT (No. 1,928); O2 Fitness, Raleigh, NC (No. 2,642); Anytime Fitness, Hastings, MN (No. 3,124); The Rush Fitness Complex, Knoxville, TN (No. 4,116); Mountainside Fitness, Tempe, AZ (No. 4,461); and Snap Fitness, Chanhassen, MN (No. 4,813). Plus One Health Management, New York, also made the list at No. 4,724.
Vendors from the fitness industry on the list are software providers Motionsoft, Rockville, MD (No. 967) and Mindbody, San Luis Obispo, CA, (No. 1,341) as well as manufacturer Big Ass Fans, Lexington, KY (No. 3,008). Motionsoft was No. 82 and Mindbody was No. 106 in the software category.
"Motionsoft is thrilled to be included once again with such a prestigious group of companies," Motionsoft CEO Al Noshirvani said in a statement. "This year's release of MoSo, our next generation member management software, has generated enormous excitement from leaders throughout the health and wellness industry, and Inc.'s recognition only inspires our team to continue our path of life changing, and business changing, innovation."
Other fitness-related companies on the list are Tiger Fitness, Cincinnati (No. 274); MapMyFitness, Austin, TX (No. 355); Wellness Corporate Solutions, Cabin John, MD (No. 533); Fitness Consulting Group, Elizabethtown, KY (No. 580); Chiro One Wellness Centers, Oak Brook, IL (No. 2,287); and Body Basics Fitness Equipment, Omaha, NE (No. 3,629).
The 2012 Inc. 500 and Inc. 5,000 lists are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2008 to 2011. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2008. Companies had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of Dec. 31, 2011.


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Material: Polyester, Spandex, Mesh
Decoration: Draped
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Pattern Type: Solid
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Sleeve Style: Butterfly Sleeve
Dresses Length: Above Knee, Mini
What materials are your gothic dresses made of?
Most of our products are made with a range of polyester lace, faux leather, nylon, cotton, and even sometimes silk. Please look at the description above for the specific gothic dress.
Are the gothic dresses machine washable?
Yes! Like all our products, we recommend a cold wash and low tumble dry to keep your gothic dress in its best condition.
Are your gothic dresses see-through?
At this point, none of our gothic dresses are designed in a way to be see through although if you would like us to carry more see through products in our store please contact us at email@example.com to let us know what you would like us to invest more in.
Will all of my products now have the gothic babe logo?
No, Some of our most popular products are branded but many are not. Many of our Gothic products are sourced from manufacturers all around the world.
Will the colors in my new gothic dress fade once I wash them?
Absolutely not! Our gothic dresses are each made with the highest quality material blends with resilience and comfort in mind. We really focus only dealing with manufacturers who share our desire to get the BEST quality to our customers for the lowest prices.
Is the material in your Gothic Dresses good for cold weather?
Depends on the style love…. We have both summer and winter style gothic dresses so you can stay laced up in black all year long
How durable are the seams of your products?
Great question. Our products are all sewn together using the 7-point stitch method to ensure that our products are built with maximum strength and quality.
For more questions please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com to let us know what you would like know.


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|Churchill, Corona Extra, Figurado, Gordo, Petite Corona, Robusto, Toro, Torpedo
|Connecticut, Ecuador Connecticut
|More Details
Perdomo's mellow work of art.
Don't worry folks....the top-selling gentle-bodied masterpiece known as Champagne has not changed. It's just been repackaged to join Tabacalera Perdomo's 10 Year Anniversary of the Reserve family.
Nick Perdomo is one of the best in the business when it comes to generating rich, hearty flavors backed by a truckload of strength. That's why the Champagne cigar is so special...it delivers the rich layers of complex flavors but offers a subtle, mellow-bodied profile. A supremely flavorful handmade built for anytime enjoyment that can satisfy every palate on the planet. Comprised of a fine, Cuban-seed Nicaraguan blend of extensively aged tobaccos, the Champagne is hugged by a stunning, triple-fermented Connecticut shade wrapper. The cigar is superior on all fronts, pumping out various nuances including rich tobacco flavors, hints of coffee, creamy undertones, and a subtle sweetness, almost like honey. No doubt, Champagne cigars are a must try....over and over again.
This stick is in my top 3 mild smokes to date. Perfect ash, nice smooth & creamy. Dry finish. Great with a Rum and Coke!
Picked these up in a mild-medium sampler, and I let them rest for about 2 months. Started off peppery and dry, which had me nervous that I wasn't going to care for them. However, the flavors rounded out and it settled in nicely over the remainder of the first third into a really enjoyable smoke. A solid mild-medium blend the rest of the way. Very pleased with this cigar, and I'll be looking to pick up more in the future.
I'm not a huge fan of mild cigars, but this one surprised me. I can go on and on about this and that and sound like I'm trying to write an article for "Cigar Aficionado", but I'll keep it short. After toasting, the first 3rd is spicy & peppery. I smoked it with a glass of George Dickel rye whiskey and the notes just exploded. As I got around the second 3rd my whiskey was gone and I wanted to see where the sweetness and chocolate notes were so I brewed up some fresh french press. I gotta tell you, this cigar soars with a fresh roasted/ground cup of black coffee. It leveled it out perfectly. I'm very impressed and you will be! This is an arrow you have to keep in your quiver!!
The Perdomo 10th anniversary Champagne Starts off with toasty cedar and mellows into rich cream with nutty hints. The smoke is copious, pillowy, and wonderful. I highly recommend this stick for beginners and veterans of the rolled leaf. Enjoy this stick with a cup of coffee and good company or a good book.
Picked up on of these at a local B&M for around $10 on Friday, smoked it the following day. For $10, it was a little bland at first, developing a richer, more flavorful character in the middle third. The wrapper cracked about halfway through, but it burned evenly without any touch ups for about 55 minute smoke that stayed cool until about the last inch. Ash fell at about the halfway mark, which impressed me. It smoked a bit faster than expected, with an effortless draw and good smoke volume, although the smoke was thinner than I would prefer. Surprisingly, it delivered a respectable nicotine punch that I didn't expect from such a light cigar. Long story short, I'd pay $50 or so for a box of 20 and rave about them, but at the price I paid for a single stick, it missed the mark.
A good friend that I exchange cigars with during our golf gave me one of these. I cannot begin to tell you how good these are. My "Private Stash" smoke has been either RyJ Vintage or Griffins. Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne just knocked both of those down a notch. They are great cigars, just not FANTASTIC like the Perdomo. Has the best draw and burn of any cigar I have ever smoked.
This was one of my first entries into the world of cigars, Perdomo has stuck with me and is easily my favorite brand. They do not disappoint.
A great tasting cigar with a nutty aftertaste. Very mellow and smooth. Smoke billows in the air with a capturing aroma. I enjoyed this one to the fingertips.
Just not what was expected, too strong for what I wanted....
Im not a regular of Connecticut wraps, but this one is different. Very different! I actually found it to be Medium+. Flavorful, thick smoke. Ive heard the hype for a while, decided to try a 10 pack. 3 deep, and each one is better than the one before. These are a definite staple for that Connecticut wrapped smoke I desire every now and then. Oh, and construction, top notch. Very nice job with this cigar.
Smoked one of these and it was great. Just as described by others. However i just smoked my second one and it was full of pepper and 0 sweetness and cream. Not even the slightest. Makes me wonder?
This is a fantastic cigar!! Its my go to when I want a mild one, creamy, never harsh. Burn and draw are first rate. nice thick smoke Perdomo has a winner here.
Got one of these as a from a buddy back at Christmas. There is something very special about this cigar that has made me a life long fan. I believe I have found a new favorite! I couldnt believe how great the taste was or the nice smell of smoke that hung around. The burn was great and even as it lasted for about 45 minutes. It paired perfectly with port wine and made me quickly forget it was 38 degrees outside on the porch. This cigar is amazingly mellow and the perfect relaxation or even celebration smoke. I plan on buying a lot more of these and won't be surprised if they become the majority of cigars sleeping in my humidor waiting for the special moment when I need the perfect cigar.
Wow I really Love this Cigar. The flavor is so rich and tasty it makes You crave more and more. I love this Cigar and if You try it You will too.
CAUTION: this cigar may very well cause you to reevaluate and alter all your notions of what a premium cigar should be. This is the pinnacle of cigar evolution to date, Perdomo's 10th Anniversary Champagne is the stick to which all cigars will now be measured by. After 30+ years of searching I can say unequivocally this is the whole package, price, construction, burn, draw, taste, and consistency....To those that think it burns too fast try the Epicure it's good for about an hour.
A very fine mild cigar. On the top of my list of favorites. It gets even better the longer it stays in the humidor.
My everyday smoking cigar. To me it goes well with beer, red wine, or whiskey. I love the mellow start with notes of vanilla and caramel cream. I enjoy the churchill size because halfway through it becomes more complex and flavorful. Lasts a long time in windy conditions as well. Great smoke!
One of the reviews below, the only negative one, referred to this absolutely stunning cigar as "boring". Well, I suppose it is possible he got ahold of a bad or poorly stored stick, but I can recall only one 10th Anniversary Champagne, just one out of 6 or 7 boxes that seemed a little off. Not that it was un-smokeable; it only strayed slightly from what is otherwise a remarkably consistent smoke. I have never had one run or draw poorly, not a single cigar out of hundreds. Every time I light one, I'm amazed at how immensely enjoyable this cigar is and unlike many other cigars, it remains so literally from one end to the other....
I have to agree with "KG of Acton", The initial burn is perhaps a bit rough. Every time I bring smoke into my nose, it burns my nostrils, even made me sneeze at times. The taste is blaugh, even bitter. I guess by reading all the other reviews, I must have gotten a bad one. I will wait a few days and try another. Stay tuned.
Delicious. Got two in a taster pack and then recently bought 10 more in Joes Daily Deal. Great cigar. From a very solid structure, medium body, easy draw, and creamy taste with hints of earth and spice. Id recommend this to anyone. These are hidden in my private humidor (no one knows about).
One hell of a cigar! Anyone and everyone should try one of these!
I have not found a better mild-medium stick that matches the flavor of Perdomo's 10th Anniversary Champagne. This stick is the BOMB! Smooth, creamy, buttery, salty delicious goodness. I've tried a lot of cigars in this range, but this is THE BEST.
Great Smoke !!.. Everbody ..and I mean EVERYBODY !!..I give one to raves about the high quality .. Bring them on !!
I bought five of the Churchills after reading the customer reviews. I have been looking for some interesting Connecticut sticks to enjoy in morning, and these (along with the Pedomo Bugatti's) were a great choice. Mellow, but still an assortment of interesting flavors. There seems to be a coffee component to these which compliments my morning cup of Joe. Highly recommended.
My favorite, I can only define this as the perfect golfing cigar! It's mellow enough to keep in your mouth on the greens, slow burns nice enough for all my mulligans on the tee box while it waits patiently for me on the tee marker, and the draw is always just so perfect!
There was a 10-pack special of various cigars plus Bugatti lighter. New to the cigar scene (but have already tried too many to remember cigars so I've learned to know what I like), I did a lot of research of reviews of these brands and decided to pick the Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary champagne cigars. I sat outside last night, freezing my bum off but kept warm with my cup of Mocha Swirl coffee and my Perdomo. Let me tell you, I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this cigar to the nub! I didn't want it to end, however my fingers were starting to get numb from the cold and I was out of coffee. Taking my Perdomos with me to Lima Peru in March so I can enjoy on my parents balcony overlooking the Pacific!!
Fairly new to the cigar world, but have given many different brands and styles a go. I keep coming back to the Perdomo Reserve Champagne's as my "go to" cigar every time. Smooth, mellow taste and a nice clean burn from start to finish. Glad to have found these, and they will always have a permanent home in my humidor!
When I first got these sticks, I was miffed at seeing all of the great reviews. I had never seen a cigar burn so quickly and out of control. I did not enjoy the taste one bit. I threw them into the humi and prayed I would never have to take them out. Well, I took them out tonight after two years and I began kicking myself. I was upset that I had deprived myself of such a gem after a few sticks that just needed a little care. Learn from my stupidity and enjoy these cigars NOW. (Just save a few for me, please.)
I normaly prefer a medium to full bodied cigar but was absolutely blown away by this cigar. I had the Super Toro a beautiful looking 6X60 cigar with perfect construction. It was so tightly rolled that I thought for certain that it was going to require an electrolux vacume cleaner to get a draw off of it but boy was I wrong. A smooth easy draw and loads of fragrant spicy smoke. Hints of cedar, cinnamon, and light pepper were evident. I smoked this down to the point i was looking around for a pair of needle nose pliers to hold onto the tiny little butt at the end just to get a few more puffs. This will find a place in my Humi without a doubt.
I'm adding this fan mail so you will be envious...bought a 5 pack before these were designated as "10th Anniversary" and gave my Father in law 3 of them, about 6 years ago. He quit smoking. I smoked one of those robustos' tonight. While I personally do not have the willpower to save a cigar over 6 years, I will compare this one to a Davidoff, Avo, Macanudo or best Ghurka out there! I also have a glass tubo, Toro, from 6 years ago, awaiting me! These cigars, even without aging, are great right out of an order although I always give them 2 weeks to recuperate! If the price scares you, don't worry...buy one of the sampler deals that CI always has on the Perdomos or, like I did last year for a Christmas gift for a buddy, buy the Herfador with 5 cigars....your buddy will think you came down from Mt. Olympus!
No offense but, I thought this cigar was B-O-R-I-N-G. Plain, one-dimensional and lacking in any disernable flavors except, for tobacco. On the plus side it was one of the most slow and even burning cigars I have had and it did have an EASY draw, which resulted in copious amounts of smoke.
This looks and smokes like a $12.00 cigar but for less than $4.00 its a winner. The initial burn is perhaps a bit rough but it continues to improve and finishes great.
This cigar is the only natural wrapper cigar I have found to be smokeable. The Champagne is eminently so.
Absolutely amazing! Had purchased a box of Lot 23 for wedding gifts, got a free sampler which included one of these beauties. Needless to say, I have picked up a box just of these. Wonderful flavor, from start to finish! Definitely a must have!
This is the mildest, smoothest stick you're ever gonna smoke and still feel it all the way to your toes. I can even sends clouds of smoke billowing towards my wife without complaint. I freakin LOVE this cigar.
Got one of the robustos in a sampler recently and enjoyed it greatly. It was toasty and mellow from the first puff, and got even better throughout the burn. I would compare this to Gurkha's Park Avenue; mellow, complex and delicious. I will be ordering a box of these next payday!
One of my new favorites. This is one of the top 5 Connecticut's I have smokes. Just ordered 24 sticks and I am very pleased. I have tried Churchill and Epicure size in this line up. I highly recommend either one of them. The taste was amazing and I love the hint of spice not overbearing. The cigar is mild with smooth rich tobacco flavor followed with creamy goodness. That draw of spice every time just hits the spot. It is not like a Diesel Unlimited spice which is stronger. It is a more mellow spice but never fades with hints of nutty, coffee (just a little), and woody (little hickory could be mistaken for oak) taste in one cigar. Anytime these go on sale and I have cash I will be buying them. This cigar is a true treat. If you have not tried one go pick up one at cigar shop and come back to CI for savings and pick up a box.
Exellent smoke! I first got these in a sampler pack and have been hooked ever since. I handed out a few to a couple of freinds and family and they also enjoyed them. These smokes have earned a good piece of real estate in my humi and it is well deserved.
I love this cigar! Creaminess is the key word here and a nice even burn. You will want to puff this baby right down to the nub. I will be ordering some more very soon.
All the cigars in the champagne series I have personally smoked have been great. Smooth, creamy, flavorful and down right good. If some of you that are having bad experiences with cigars would join A cigar forum, others with more experience might have A few pointers to help you out. Most often bitterness in A cigar is simply to much moisture. Give them time to level out then rate your cigars, you might see A big deference
Great looking cigar. I have had a few of the figurados. Top notch build quality. Actually a little strong for me. Thought it would be more on the mild side. Good smoke and would recommend trying.
The Perdomo Reserve Champagne 10th Anniversary is simply put, the best mild-medium cigar I've ever had. 1.) Generous sizing, as the Churchill comes in a nice beefy 54 ring gauge to accompany the 7 inch length. 2.) Volumes of beautiful, aromatic, silky white smoke. 3.) A perfect draw...not to easy, not too tough. 4.) A nice range of flavors. A predominant nutty, coffee flavor with hints of earthy tobacco tones...and about half way down the stick a slight hickory woody flavor comes into the mix. I can't say enough about this smoke. I'm a mild-medium guy, I don't venture into the full bodied smokes or Maduro's. Just not my thing. For the price of around 6 bucks a stick here on CI...it is an unbeatable everyday smoke. If you have to spend less, like I often do, Perdomo's Lot 23 or Carlos Torano Casa Torano are a very adequate susbstitute, but the experience isn't the same. As it is, I try and keep 5 or 6 of these in the humi for a change up. But if I could, the Reserve Champagne would be my everyday go to cigar, even for special occasions. It's that damn good.
I've had numerous of these. Only bad one I had was one fresh out of the box at the local shop. It was terrible. They basically gave it to me straight from a brand new box. But I've had a few aged ones, and they are tasty by far. Great stuff in deed. I'm working on trying all the reserve line!
The construction is flawless. The smoke is smooth and rich. The taste is delicious and complex. In short I love it. This is now one of my favorite smokes.
Amazing..... ABSOLUTELY AMAZING... I was very skeptical to try Perdomo...but man let me tell you I cannot believe how smooth yet crisp this cigar tastes especially for being a "light" body packs a full amount of wonderful flavor.
The Perdomo Champagne is the finest mild cigar I have ever had. Period.
Great mild cigar. The draw is great and has smooth flavor, yet tasty. Just finished my first five order- too bad that only can get five at the time but if they go on a good sale, I will jump all over. Smoke it to the nub and it never got hot or changed taste. Got my 90.
I am new to the world of cigar smoking, but I have already found that of all the different cigars I have tried, I like the Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne the best. So I am going to real happy when you get them back in stock, so I can order a box of the toros. Keep up the great work Nick Perdomo , you make one heck of a cigar.
I've been searching for a mild cigar that has a smooth character, yet satisfying in taste and aroma. I need not look any further. The Perdomo Reserve Champagne is a beautiful smoke with all the savoriness one could ask for. As I was finishing this mid-morning pleasure on my deck, raindrops began to fall, and I actually thought I tasted hints of champagne at the end - Perhaps just a coincidence... Thank you Nick Perdomo and CI for yet another masterpiece to be enjoyed many times over.
Perdomo Reserve 10th Champagne......Simply delicious. I really mean tasty. You can tip this cigar and expect the champagne to flow. Utterly fantastic. Completely different than anything I've ever smoked. I am not over selling this stick. Bottoms up. 90.
I've always considered myself a generous guy, but I am humbled by BK of Florida. He gave one of these away! Is the guy nuts? These babies are part of my secret stash. I take the bands off and hide them in the bundle bin. My friends can have all my montis, my macs, my cohibas, but they ain't getting a single one of these gems!
WOW....to agree with DS! I got mine on a spur of the moment during checkout of an order this week, had one of those "while you're here and checking out" specials so I bit and bought a dozen. Oh my goodness what a smooth smoke to the very end! I only like a few certain brands, Perdomo being one of them and I sure didn't go wrong here. They were wrapped in a yellow kind of plastic wrap which gave a very nice eye appeal to make me wonder just what kind of treasure was hidden beneath this unique wrapper. So here I sit out back on our patio, enjoying a windy early evening and a Champagne. You will not go wrong here, as soon as I get more funds accumulated I'll have to add a box of these to my new humidor I also just received from CI- I had to get another (and bigger) humidor to accomodate my buying spree I've been on for a few weeks. The humidor will be rated later after I get it broke in and loaded with goodies. But on to this fine cigar, buy it! You will simply love the smooth texture and flavor it has!
WOW! I started with cigars 2 years ago and tried a wide assortment of sticks until a friend treated me to a champagne Perdoma. I am hooked. Golfing, fishing or on the patio with a nice "Iced Tea", there is nothing better than the Perdoma. I know I am a rookie but what a great experience thus far. Hopefully next time I order they are in stock again.
My favorite cigar (Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne)...every time I have given one of these away...there's a new convert. I am mostly a maduro smoker, the darker the better. Yet, after my first Champagne - I was hooked.
This is what I imagine heaven would be like (Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne). This is probably the most flavorful mild I have ever smoked. It has a perfect burn, billows of white smoke and a sweet aftertaste. Absolutely perfect!


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Saturday, July 18, 2009
Blackest Night: Tales of the Corps #1
Tale #1 by Geoff Johns and Jerry Ordway is a pretty depressing story where Saint Walker loses each member of his family while on a pilgrimage to find someone to save his world. I never like seeing kids die, and adding in the death of Walker's wife and father just made this seem like overkill. I like that Walker can maintain his "All will be well" attitude when his life has gone down the crapper so much, but man, this was depressing.
Tale #2 by Peter Tomasi and Chris Samnee gives us a little background on the current Mongul. We see him as a boy in awe of his father, the first Mongul, and we get to see how twisted and messed up Jr.'s values are after having a family like that. I'm impressed that Mongul is still a junior and that Superboy's punching didn't re-write Mongal out of existence. This is packed with lots of casual death too, as the Mongul family enslave and kill a spaceship full of refugees. Again, a real uplifting story.
Tale #3 is our first glimpse of the Indigo Tribe from Geoff Johns and Rags Morales. I really liked the designs for the Tribe, especially the weird little octopus man. The "Nek. Nok. Nuk." dialogue was sort of silly (and reminiscent of the Three Stooges!) but I can appreciate the mystery. I found it interesting that Indigo finishes off a wounded GL in this, rounding out the trifecta of death in each story.
Again, the art was beautiful in each of these tales, but man, with all that death, DCU space must be an awful place to be.
2 comments:
- Mayor McCheeseSteak said...
The stories in this little book went from great to "Huh?" for me. I really liked the Saint Walker story. It was amazingly sad, but gave great insight to this new character who has become such a major part of the Green Lantern universe.
The second story was okay, but felt a tad too "filler-ish". It seemed like the kind of thing that would have made more sense as a backup in an arc of Green Lantern Corps (where Mongul has been a major player) rather than in this issue.
I'm still not sure I understood the last story, and as a result it stands as a bit of a failure in my book. I just don't know that I understood the point of it. It reminded me of the scene in Dude Where's My Car where they say, "It is an item of great power and great mystery, who's power is only surpassed by it's mystery." I didn't really learn anything about the Indigo tribe except that they are powerful and mysterious and that their inclusion in the issue means they must play some role.... eventually ... in Blackest Night.
- July 18, 2009 at 3:24 PM
- Timbotron said...
I'm going to be a wise-ass and reply
C'mon, isn't that clear? ;)
- July 21, 2009 at 11:12 AM


text:
Template:C-renderDriven by an intense killer instinct, Katarina uses her talents as an assassin for the glory of Noxus, and the continued elevation of her family. While her fervor drives her to ever-greater feats, it can sometimes lead her astray.
From childhood, Katarina displayed a natural gift for combat. As the daughter of a prominent Noxian pirate general, many paths were open to her, but she rejected them all for the path of the blade. Rigorously trained by the finest assassins in Noxus, her father the best among them, it was not long before Katarina demanded her first assignment. The task they gave her was aggravatingly simple: assassinate a low-ranking Demacian officer. As she set to her work infiltrating the enemy camp, Katarina discovered an opportunity too tantalizing to pass by – the arrival of a Demacian General. Stalking him to his tent, she quietly dispatched his guards and slit his throat. Pleased with her impressive kill, she disappeared into the night. Katarina's elation faded the next day when her original objective, the Demacian officer, led his forces to ambush unprepared Noxian soldiers. Though the Noxians fought valiantly, they suffered heavy casualties. Furious at her mistake, Katarina set off to complete her original task. Returning to the camp, she spied her now heavily guarded target and realized a stealthy kill was no longer possible. Drawing her blades, Katarina swore the officer would die, no matter the cost. She leapt into battle, unleashing a whirlwind of steel. One by one blades flashed and guards fell, each strike bringing her one step closer to the officer. A final thrown dagger restored her honor. Bloody and bruised, Katarina barely escaped the Demacian forces, and returned to Noxus a changed woman. The scar she earned that night now serves as a constant reminder that she must never let passion interfere with duty.
|"Never question my loyalty. You will never know what I endure for it."
|— Katarina
Template:C-renderAs a militaristic state, it would perhaps come as no surprise that the primary responsibilities of Noxian women are raising strong children and providing succor for husbands who walk the path of soldiery. There are some, however, for whom nurture is not nature, and Katarina is just such a creature. Born the daughter of the feared Noxian General Du Couteau, the girl was always more interested in her father's knives than in the dresses, jewelry, and other trifles that her sister spent so much time fussing over. A childhood dispute soon unveiled her uncanny knack for bloodshed, and her father, ever the opportunist, happily fostered her killer instincts. After training under the tutelage of the finest assassins the mighty city-state had to offer, Katarina first cut her teeth performing assassinations in the Ionian War. There, her ruthless mastery of the knife and dagger combined with her sadistic temperament to earn her the title Sinister Blade, a moniker that would follow her for the remainder of her career. She is most famous, however, for her exploits in the campaigns against Demacia, especially those surrounding her engagements with the nation's champion, ; a rivalry which began when she recovered the remains of from a vanguard under his protection.
With the demand for warfare somewhat arrested by the tenuous peace settling over Valoran, Katarina sought the allure of violence in its last remaining haven: The League of Legends. Some might say it was an inevitability that Katarina's chosen path would draw her to become a champion of the League, continuing to enforce the will of Noxus and bring prestige of war to her noble family. There, she continues to perform her bloody work - esteemed and reviled, feared and adored.
|"The Sinister Blade of Noxus is like a black widow - beautiful, but deadly."
|—, following a skirmish in the field
Template:C-renderThis draft bio written by RiotRaven was on the PBE but updated after community feedback.
Born to Noxian privilege, Katarina trained in the ways of the knife from the time she was a child. Now that fiery, willful child has grown into a beautiful and deadly woman. Katarina's intense passion for life is tempered by a sense of duty and loyalty to her family. That same passion proves a double-edged sword when her heart and her responsibilities are at odds.
As the free-spirited daughter of a prominent Noxian general, the young Katarina was given the best of everything. Naturally gifted in combat, she found herself drawn to blades. Much to her family's pride, she trained under the deadliest assassins in the Noxian military. It wasn't long before Katarina's instructors deemed her worthy of a trial by fire – to kill a prominent Demacian soldier. Creeping through the darkened military camp, Katarina was overwhelmed by her passion to prove herself. When the army's General strayed across her path, unguarded, she quietly slit his throat. Katarina disappeared into the night, pleased with her impressive kill. Her elation was soon crushed, as the next day her original target – the prominent soldier who was the true military genius – led his forces to ambush unprepared Noxian soldiers. Katarina flung herself into the fray to correct her mistake, earning a scar over her left eye as a permanent reminder. Even though she finally completed her task, her family's reputation was damaged. Since that day, Katarina vowed to never let passion prevent her from bringing glory to both Noxus and her family. Reconciling her desires with her duty proves to be a constant challenge. To the world, Katarina is a symbol of Noxian patriotism, though there is more to the red-haired assassin than meets the eye.
|"Never question my loyalty. You will never know what I endure for it."
|— Katarina
- Upon selection
- "Violence solves everything!"
- Attacking
- "My pleasure."
- "Let the bloodshed begin!"
- "Let's dance!"
- "Blood for Noxus!"
- "Without mercy."
- "Is that fear I smell?"
- "I can't wait."
- Movement
- "Ready for trouble?"
- "I've made my choice."
- "Intriguing."
- "Keep friends close and enemies guessing."
- "Never play fair."
- "To the point."
- "Why? Because I can."
- "No going back."
- "I like it."
- "Only fools hesitate."
- Taunt
- "Better dead than dull."
- "Come on, live a little... while you can!"
- Joke
- "If you run, you won't see me stab you!"
- Laugh
- Katarina laughs.
- Katarina laughs.
- Katarina laughs.
- Katarina laughs.
- After using
- "Next time... run!"
- "Unmatched."
- "The dance of blades."
- "Too easy."
- Katarina was designed by Coronach.
Champion Relaunch: Katarina, the Sinister Blade
Announcement made by NeeksNaman:[1]
This patch, we'll be overhauling one of our classic champions: Katarina, the Sinister Blade. Although Katarina's manaless, cooldown-based abilities put a unique spin on her gameplay, she's historically faced a number of challenges in the very early game and in team fight situations. In this update, we've made a few changes to her kit aimed at addressing these difficulties, while retaining the core elements that make playing this Noxian femme fatale a fun and satisfying experience. We also gave her a complete visual upgrade, including a new model, animations and spell effects on all of her abilities!
Katarina's New Abilities
- Voracity (Passive): Champion kills or assists reduce Death Lotus' cooldown and refresh your basic abilities.
- Bouncing Blades: Katarina throws a dagger that bounces from enemy to enemy, dealing magic damage and marking them. Striking a marked target with an ability or basic attack will consume the mark to deal additional magic damage.
- Sinister Steel: Katarina whirls her daggers around her, dealing magic damage to all enemies in the area. If she hits an enemy champion, Katarina gains Movement Speed for a short duration.
- Shunpo: Katarina instantly moves to her target's location and takes reduced damage from enemies for a short duration. If the target is an enemy, she deals damage.
- Death Lotus (Ultimate): Katarina becomes a flurry of blades, throwing daggers with unrivaled speed at up to three nearby champions. Daggers deal magic damage and reduce incoming healing on targets hit.
The first problem that Katarina players often faced was weak performance very early on, primarily related to the steep damage curve of her core damage ability, Bouncing Blades. While Bouncing Blades scales dramatically as it levels up, early on it ricochets only a few times, dealing relatively low damage. This forces Katarina players to play conservatively early in the laning phase, encouraging passive play until Bouncing Blades can be used to harass effectively.
To address this disparity, we normalized the damage inflicted by Bouncing Blades and made it bounce the same number of times at every level of the skill. In addition, each ricochet will now select the nearest available target instead of bouncing randomly. This change should both facilitate interesting counter-play for opponents and open up new harassment opportunities for advanced Katarina players who are able to predict where their daggers are going to bounce.
In addition to her early game difficulties, Katarina's reliance on the massive damage potential of Death Lotus has always made her a challenging champion to balance. A fully channeled ultimate could quickly reduce a team to ashes, but a well-timed interrupt from a canny defender could quickly transform Katarina from a maelstrom of death into an easy kill. For this reason, we decided to move the healing debuff from Killer Instincts onto Death Lotus and decrease the channel time slightly. This reigned in the overall damage numbers slightly, replacing some of this raw punishment with a bit of utility gave us the opportunity to make remainder of Katarina's kit more dangerous.
To accomplish this, we swapped Killer Instincts for a spammable, area-of-effect attack that grants Katarina a brief speed boost when it lands. This new ability, dubbed Sinister Steel, gives Katarina superior mobility and allows her to continue laying down damage on multiple targets during a team fight if Death Lotus is interrupted by a stun or knockback. For a little added kick, Bouncing Blades will now apply a debuff that is consumed to deal bonus damage when Katarina strikes the target with an attack or ability. These changes should give Katarina the extra damage she needs to play aggressively right out the gates and the flexibility necessary to keep her damage potential high once the team fights start.
This brand new take on Katarina, the Sinister Blade, will be baring her blades in an upcoming patch. We hope you're ready!
Previous Abilities
- Notes
- No additional details.
Patch history
- Cast time delay before channeling removed (reduced to 0 seconds from a 0.25 second delay).
- Total damage increased to 400/575/750 (+2.5 ability power)(+3.75 bonus attack damage) from 400/500/600 (+2.0 ability power) (+3.0 bonus attack damage).
- Channel time increased to 2.5 seconds from 2.
- Cooldown reduced to 60/52.5/45 seconds from 60/55/50.
- Initial damage reduced to 60/85/110/135/160 from 60/90/120/150/180.
- Damage reduction duration reduced to 1.5 seconds from 3.
- Total ability power ratio increased to 2.0 from 1.75.
- Stats
- Base movement speed reduced to 345 from 350.
- Movement speed adjusted to 15/20/25/30/35% from 12/20/28/36/44%.
- Initial damage reduced at later ranks to 60/90/120/150/180 from 60/95/130/165/200.
- Damage reduced at later ranks to 40/75/110/145/180 from 40/80/120/160/200.
- Updated Katarina's lore.
- Cooldown reduction on kill or assist increased to 15 seconds from 10.
- Base damage increased to 60/95/130/165/200 from 50/85/120/155/190.
- Ability power ratio decreased to 0.45 from 0.5.
- Mark detonation ability power ratio reduced to 0.15 from 0.2.
- Ability power ratio decreased to 0.25 from 0.3.
- Damage increased to 60/85/110/135/160 from 40/70/100/130/160.
- Cooldown reduced to 12/10.5/9/7.5/6 seconds from 14/12/10/8/6.
- Fixed: Tooltip now states the correct damage reduction amount (15%, not 20%).
V220.127.116.11: rework
- General
- Lore changed.
- Bilgewater, Mercenary, Red Card and Kitty Cat skin artwork changed.
- Champion kills or assists reduce Death Lotus's cooldown by 10 seconds and refresh basic abilities.
- 10/9.5/9/8.5/8 second cooldown.
- Katarina throws a dagger which deals 50/85/120/155/190 (+0.5 ability power) magic damage. The dagger bounces to the 4 closest enemies dealing 10% less damage with each bounce.
- Enemies hit are marked for 4 seconds. Katarina's basic attacks or spells will consume the mark dealing 15/30/45/60/75 (+0.2 ability power) magic damage.
- 4 second cooldown.
- Whirls daggers in a circle dealing 40/80/120/160/200 (+0.5 bonus attack damage) (+0.35 ability power) magic damage. If she hits an enemy champion, Katarina gains 12/20/28/36/44% movement speed for 1 second.
- 14/12/10/8/6 second cooldown.
- Moves to a target's location. Deals 40/70/100/130/160 (+0.5 ability power) magic damage if the target is an enemy
- After using Shunpo, Katarina gains 20% damage reduction for 3 seconds.
- 60/55/50 second cooldown.
- Becomes a flurry of blades, throwing daggers at the closest 3 enemy champions dealing 400/500/600 (+3 bonus attack damage) (+1.75 ability power) magic damage over 2 seconds.
- Daggers apply Grievous Wounds, reducing incoming healing by 50% for 3 seconds.
- Now always moves Katarina behind the target regardless if is active.
- Now moves Katarina in front of the target.
- When Killer Instincts is active, Katarina moves behind the target.
- Katarina will now attempt to attack the target after blinking to an enemy champion with .
- Can now target wards again, but will now briefly reveal wards for two seconds when used in this manner.
- Healing reduction duration on reduced to 5 seconds from 10.
- Now prefers to target enemies over allies when your cursor overlaps both.
- Classic skin splash art has been updated.
- Base damage per dagger increased to 50/65/80 from 40/50/60.
- Ability power ratio per dagger reduced to 0.25 from 0.3.
- Attack damage scaling per dagger reduced to 50% from 55%.
- Base damage changed to 80/120/160/200/240 from 90/120/150/180/210.
- Will now place Katarina on the other side of the target (relative to Katarina), rather than behind the target.
- Base damage increased to 60/95/130/165/200 from 20/40/60/80/100.
- Now scales off of 80% bonus attack damage instead of 100% of total attack damage.
- Now has a 0.35 ability power ratio.
- Base damage decreased to 40/50/60 from 50/65/80.
- Now scales off of both attack damage and ability power rather than one or the other.
- Now hits the closest 3 targets rather than 3 random targets.
- Cooldown reduced to 60/55/50 seconds from 60.
- Fixed several tooltip errors with related to number of champions hit.
- Cooldown reduced to 9/8.5/8/7.5/7 seconds from 10/9.5/9/8.5/8.
- Cooldown reduced to 20/18/16/14/12 seconds from 22/20/18/16/14.
- Now fires blades at three targets at all levels.
- No longer ignores enemy spell shields like .
- No longer reduces true damage when used with .
- Can no longer be cast while rooted.
- Cooldown increased to 10/9.5/9/8.5/8 seconds from 8 at all ranks.
- Gold gain on kills and assists reduced to 25 from 50.
- Bounce range reduced to 400 from 450.
- Stats
- Base health increased to 478 from 460.
- Health per level increased to 83 from 75.
- Damage per level increased to 3.2 from 2.
- Adjusted to trigger off kills or assists instead of a champion you've damaged within a short time frame. This should result in more consistent behavior, but not impact most cases.
- Bonus damage increased to 20/40/60/80/100 from 15/30/45/60/75.
- Passive now increases damage from abilities and melee attacks by 8/12/16/20/24 each hit.
- Using reduces all damage received by 15/20/25/30/35% for 3 seconds.
- Using remains unchanged.
- Fixed a tooltip error with where the damage listed was lower than the actual damage dealt.
- Physical damage scaling increased to 55% of bonus attack damage from 50% of bonus attack damage.
- Added an alternate attack animation.
- Voice over set updated (say goodbye to the 'Dance Macabre').
- Voice overs added to attacks and spells.
- Tooltip updated to reflect that it gains 50% of her bonus attack damage rather than item damage.
- Bonus damage is no longer lost when you switch targets.
- Bonus damage now triggers on spell casts as well as attacks.
- Bonus damage no longer triggers on misses or dodges.
- Channeling time reduced to 2.6 seconds from 3.
- Number of daggers thrown increased to 10 from 9.
- Added a new updated particle.
- Fixed a bug in which Death Lotus would not immediately deal damage.
- Reduced range to 600 from 650.
- Cooldown reduced to 22/20/18/16/14 seconds from 23/21/19/17/15.
- Base damage modified to 50/65/80 from 30/45/60.
- Bonus attack damage scaling reduced to 50% from 55% of total attack damage.
- Ability power ratio reduced to 0.3 from 0.4.
- Attack damage scaling reduced to 55% from 65%.
- Healing reduction effect increased to 65% from 60%.
- Healing reduction effect duration increased to 10 seconds from 8.
- Ability power ratio reduced to 0.75 from 0.8.
- Cooldown increased to 10/9/8/7/6 seconds from 9/8/7/6/5.
- Ability power ratio reduced to 0.35 from 0.4.
- Cooldown increased to 60 seconds from 45.
- Ability power ratio decreased to 0.4 from 0.5.
- Changed the look of her model.
- Base damage decreased to 30/45/60 from 60/90/120.
- Attack damage scaling increased to 65% from 15%.
- Ability power ratio increased to 0.5 from 0.2.
- Stats
- Magic resistance per level increased to 1.25 from 0.
- Healing reduction duration increased to 7 seconds from 3.
- Cooldown modified to 23/21/19/17/15 seconds from 20 at all ranks.
- Changed to stacking +4/5/6/7/8 attack damage from stacking attack speed.
- Ability power ratio reduced to 0.8 from 1.
- Now applies damage after the teleport.
- Can no longer Shunpo to yourself.
- Fixed a bug that caused Katarina to have a mana bar.
- Now slows for 15% with .
- Now slows for 15% with .
- Now has either 0.2 ability power ratio or 15% of attack damage (whichever is higher) bonus damage.
- Updated recommended items.
V0.9.25.21: Added
- If an enemy champion dies within 15 seconds of being hit by Katarina, she gains 50 gold and her cooldowns are reduced by 20 seconds.
- Katarina throws a dagger that hits multiple units, dealing magic damage equal to her total damage plus a bonus amount to the primary target. Each subsequent hit deals 15% less damage.
- Passive: Katarina's attack speed is increase each time she consecutively hits the same target.
- Active: Katarina's next basic attack has a bonus effect. Bouncing Blade deals full damage to every target hit and reduces incoming healing to the targets hit, or after using Shunpo Katarina's dodge chance is increased for 3 seconds.
- Katarina instantly moves to her target's location. If the target is an enemy, she deals magic damage.
- Katarina goes into a state of extreme focus, throwing daggers with unrivaled speed at one enemy champion for each level of the ability.


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Chris Wherry, amid a prerace flurry of activity at Fort Lewis College, briskly walked toward the Student Center on the FLC campus.
Once he made eye contact with a lone cyclist stopped at an intersection, Wherry, too, stopped.
Hello, Levi, he said to the rider clad in the colors of Omega Pharma-Quickstep.
Hey, Chris, said Levi Leipheimer, international cycling superstar and the reigning champion of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.
My first time here. This is great. How do I get to ...
250 ... County Road 250? said Wherry, finishing the sentence of a cyclist hes known since childhood. Leipheimer was about to head out on a training ride.
Wherry, the assistant sports manager for the Champion System Pro Cycling Team, was back home in Durango preparing his race squad for Mondays opening stage of the second USA Pro Cycling Challenge.
Leipheimer was in Durango prepping for his title defense in the first major pro stage race in Colorado since the days of the Coors Classic and the Red Zinger Classic.
We grew up together; we raced together on the old Saturn team, Wherry said after giving Leipheimer directions to East Animas Road and the quiet ride to Bakers Bridge, Shalona Hill and beyond.
Levis just amazing, Wherry said. Were basically the same age (38). I retired ... what, four years ago. And he just keeps on going and going.
Wherry, the former U.S. national road racing champion as well as an Iron Horse criterium legend, gravitated to cycling team management and race organization after he retired as a racing pro.
Last year, he worked as a finish venue official for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, getting a close look at every finishing configuration.
This year, he said he got the call he had dreamed of when the Champion System pro team and general manager Edward Beamon asked Wherry to join the squad, which is based in China.
He basically serves as the team director for North American races for the team, which is classified as a UCI Pro Continental Team. A colleague manages the Asian races.
This race is a tremendous opportunity for us, a first-year team, Wherry said while bike mechanic Chris Davidson of Salt Lake City methodically prepared the team bikes for a weekend spin.
The goal of the squad is to develop the Asian riders. Eventually, they hope to develop a World Tour team for Asian riders.
He said the opportunity to race in the USA Pro Cycling Challenge against top teams such as BMC, Garmin-Sharp-Barracuda and Liquigas-Cannondale will provide invaluable experience for the developing riders of Champion System.
Wherry spent the bulk of his prerace days at Fort Lewis College on his cellphone, scribbling left-handed notes on his crammed to-do list.
Like the cyclists, he was eager to get the race started.
Theyre ready for it, no doubt, Wherry said.
His international squad includes three Chinese riders, a German, two young Australians and two Americans (Craig Lewis and Chris Butler).
Lewis, he said, has been living and training in Boulder. Hes a great climber ... fun to watch. Were looking forward to seeing what he can do.
Matthias Friedmann of Germany will work the sprints for the team, he said.
Australians Aaron Kemps and Cameron Wurf bring international credentials. Wurf finished second in a pro stage race in China this year. Kemps won a stage of the Tour Down Under this year.
They all seem to love Durango. I think they had a good time here, Wherry said.
The Asian riders are Pengda Jiao, Biao Kiu and Gang Xu.
Working with the diverse group of cyclists with a base in China adds to the excitement of the professional team, Wherry said as he made last-minute preparations for the teams arrival at Mondays finish in Telluride.
Wherry, of course, also had to manage a Tuesday-morning transfer to Montrose for the start of Stage 2, which will finish in Crested Butte.
This is something Ive wanted to do since I stopped racing, Wherry said.
And it is fun, exciting. Asia is a critical, untapped market, he said before returning to a pressing call awaiting on his cellphone made in China.
Theres still more work to do.


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While I obviously want to see pyramidal questions in Missouri, I think that full 5-6 line questions in the MSHSAA format would be a quick way to turn schools away from questions like this because of how long the games would become.Deesy Does It wrote:No they aren't, but I can't see any excuse not to try to emulate things like the PACE style sets VCU produces or other good high school events (5-6 lines 12 TNR).
Games already run 40-50 minutes with 2-3 line questions, 20% computation, and bonuses heavy on binary knowledge (e.g. given a work, name the author). Doubling tossup length, writing actual bonuses, and keeping in mind how slow the vast majority of MSHSAA's readers are, games will easily last over an hour, and I don't see many teams liking this change. One example of this happening was UMR's Spring tournament in 2007. Our questions were generally around 4.5 to 5.5 lines and even with experienced readers I'm pretty sure it took at least an hour a game. (Chadbourne, could you confirm this?)
Also, regarding getting longer questions into the MSHSAA state series - it's not going to happen. Shawn was forced to shorten his questions to no longer than 3 lines this year, which is about as long as you're going to get to keep games at a reasonable length.
-edit: added emphasis to first statement


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Securities and Exchange Commission Chairwoman Mary Jo White told the House Subcommittee on Appropriations Tuesday that the agency's $1.67 billion budget request for FY 2014 would help the agency fulfill one of its top priorities: to add 250 examiners for advisors.
White told lawmakers that the 250 examiners would increase the proportion of advisors examined each year, the rate of first-time examinations, and the examination coverage of investment advisors and newly registered private fund advisors.
See also: Rep. Waters reintroduces SEC user fees bill
Fulfilling this goal, "would be an important step in a multiyear effort to increase coverage by our examination program to meet our regulatory responsibilities to investors who increasingly turn to investment advisers for assistance navigating the securities markets and investing for retirement and family needs," White told lawmakers.
While Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla., chairman of the subcommittee, reiterated that the SEC should not just get "thrown" additional funds considering its failures in catching the Bernie Madoff and Allen Stanford Ponzi schemes, White defended the SEC's budget request, saying it was "essential to get the funding or we won't be able to do our job."
See also: The SEC tries punishments that fit the crime, for once
Crenshaw went on to note that since 2001, the SEC's budget has increased by 300 percent. "Most agencies don't get this kind of increase each year," he said to White. "How do you think the average investor has benefited from these large increases?"
White responded that during her few weeks on the job she has "been struck by how vast, difficult and complex" the agency's responsibilities are, and that the agency needs additional funding to keep up with the ever-changing markets and the SEC's increased responsibilities under Dodd-Frank. She added that she would be a "faithful steward" of the additional funds.
The $1.674 billion budget request under President Barack Obama's budget is a 27 percent increase, or $353 million, over the $1.321 billion provided by the continuing resolution (CR) the SEC was operating under this year.
Under the sequester, the SEC's budget was cut by $108 million for 2013. Rep. José Serrano, D-N.Y., ranking member on the subcommittee, noted that while it would be an "unwise investment choice" for the subcommittee to cut funding for the agency that's the "cop on the beat" for Wall Street and that ensures "a fair playing field" for the nation's markets, he told White that "further cuts" were likely from the subcommittee.
White said in her testimony that if enacted, the budget request would allow the agency to add 676 new staff positions, "both to improve core operations and implement the agency's new responsibilities." While the agency "understands that this request comes during a time of serious fiscal challenges, we have tried to be as targeted as we could in making these requests in the areas where the immediate deployment of resources is most critical."
White also said the SEC's National Examination Program, which is "critical to improving compliance, preventing and detecting fraud, and monitoring market risks," lacks the resources to allow the SEC to examine regulated entities and enforce compliance with the securities laws "in a way that investors deserve and expect." Under the budget request, the SEC would be able to add 60 positions to improve oversight and examination functions related to broker-dealers, clearing agencies, transfer agents, self-regulatory organizations (SROs), and municipal advisors.
White reiterated that her "top priority" was to finish the remaining rulemakings under the Dodd-Frank and JOBS Acts, stating that as of now the SEC has proposed or adopted 80% of those rules, "but there are a lot that remain to be done."
When asked if she would do a further restructuring of the agency's various divisions, White responded that she would be "looking across the agency for further enhancements" to those made by former SEC Chairwoman Mary Schapiro to the enforcement and examination divisions. As to breaking down silos within the agency, "My management style is to break down silos anyway," White said.
Read Mary Jo White: The 2013 IA 25 Extended Profileon AdvisorOne.


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text:
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text:
Originally Posted by AKBeemer
Imagine where this one could take you...................
that looks like an industrial version of the Unigo - very cool!
2011 R1200 GSA Smoke Grey Metallic Matt
2009 G450X White
Rogue Moderator
Originally Posted by wezul
Oh dear Lord more GS stuff?
Yikes. Yes please after all we don't have enough of that already.
By the way "i" before "e" except after "c"
If we are to govern we should at least know how to spell.
Yeah! No one likes the GS. What is BMW's top seller? Iether way, I like them all!
yeah, very well thought out.
Forum Rules


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PJ Sharon here, chatting today about "Killer First Lines". So what constitutes a great first line? Is it action-packed? Does it evoke emotion or imply conflict? Maybe it sets the scene or reveals the tone of your story. Or does an awesome first line combine all of these elements and more in order to grab the reader and compel them to read on? Consider these first lines:
1) It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. —Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (1813)
2) It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. —George Orwell, 1984 (1949)
3) I am an invisible man. —Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man (1952)
4) You don't know about me without you have read a book by the name of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer; but that ain't no matter. —Mark Twain, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885)
5) If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth. —J. D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye (1951)
6) Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show. —Charles Dickens, David Copperfield (1850)
These classic first lines might seem antiquated in terms of today's genre fiction standards and rules, but they remain powerful examples of compelling prose. They say something about the author, expressing their unique voice, and setting the tone for what's to come. They inherently ask a story question and open the eyes of the reader to a new world in which the author's imagination comes to life on the page.
I spend a good deal of time contemplating first lines. I want my first line to pose a question to the reader—a question that compels them to read on and keep turning pages until that question is ultimately answered at the end of the story. In my current WIP, PIECES OF LOVE, the first line is, I've heard it said that it takes twenty-one days to make or break a habit. Hopefully that makes you wonder what habit our teen character must break. Maybe you're asking what good habit she would like to adopt, and why she would be concerned about making or breaking a habit in the first place.
Here are a few more first lines. These are from more recent books and by authors some of you will recognize. Analyze each of them, not for what they say, but for what they tell you about the author and the story.
1) The day Honor Grace Holland turned thirty-five, she did what she always did on her birthday. She got a pap smear. Kristan Higgins, The Perfect Match, 2013
2) My fingers drum into the desktop, beating out the rhythm of my hammering thoughts. TL Costa, Playing Tyler, 2013
3) The Garretts were forbidden from the start. Huntley Fitzpatrick, My Life Next Door, 2012.
4) He lifted the limp body out of the trunk, wrapped the girl in a woolen blanket, and tossed her like a rag doll over his shoulder. PJ Sharon, Savage Cinderella, 2012
5) I'm a liar. I know it. I hate it. And I can't seem to help myself. PJ Sharon, On Thin Ice, 2011.
Yes, I realize those last two are mine, but they are, nonetheless, decent examples of first lines that hopefully compel readers to read on. Notice the tone in each of the above first lines. With Kristan Higgins books, you know you're in for some laughs and you can bet that every reader who read that first line had an instant smile plastered on their face. TL Costa's book, PLAYING TYLER, puts you squarely into the mind of a teenage boy with ADHD. You can hear the noise in his head as he struggles to find focus. And in Huntley Fitzpatrick's contemporary YA romance, you can feel that you are in for heartache and conflict based on this enticing first line that immediately makes you want to know the Garretts.
The opening line of SAVAGE CINDERELLA gives you a chilling look into the calculated actions of a serial killer and makes you instantly care for that little girl and wonder what happens to her next.
And in ON THIN ICE, teen readers are faced with a mirror into their own lives. What teenager can't relate to the ever-tempting desire to lie?
Look at books you love. Analyze them for how that first line makes you feel. Does it propel the story forward? Does it grab you and pose a question that you have to know the answer to? In my opinion, as long as the first line makes the reader a) think, b) care about the story/character, and c) read on, the author has done their job.
Have you written any fabulous first lines you'd like to share? Can you think of any books you've read that had a killer first line?


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Lecker: School choice, or extortion?
Corporate education "reformers" attempt to convince Americans that public education is failing, many teachers are incompetent, and parents need market-based "school choice." Their solution to improve education is removing schools from community control and handing them over to private management.
It seems, however, that voters are not buying the corporate reform narrative.
In the 2013 Phi Delta Kappan/Gallup national poll on public education, the largest majority of parents ever recorded gave their community schools a grade of A or B.
Most parents do not think their schools are failing their children. The poll revealed that the majority of parents trust teachers. The most serious problem facing public schools, according to parents polled, is the lack of adequate financial support.
A powerful example of the clash between reformer rhetoric and parent reality can be found in Hartford.
In recent weeks, parents from two community schools protested proposals by Christina Kishimoto, Hartford's outgoing "reform" superintendent, and Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor, to hand their schools over to private companies. Neither school community was consulted before the plans were developed.
The initial proposal was to give Hartford's Clark Elementary school to Achievement First, Inc., the charter school company co-founded by Pryor. Almost 18 percent of Clark's students have disabilities, and 15.2 percent are English Language Learners. Clark's school governance council has begged the district, in vain, for additional resources, including teachers, a psychologist, a guidance counselor and basic school repairs such as a functional heating and cooling system.
Only 6.7 percent of Achievement First's students have special needs, 6.7 percent are English Language Learners. Moreover, Achievement First has the highest rate of suspensions in the state for children under 6 years old, and has been investigated and cited for federal violations in mistreating students with disabilities.
Upon hearing of the proposed Achievement First takeover, Clark's parents fought back. They openly feared that their special needs children would "not have a place" at an Achievement First school. One parent said "Our teachers work very hard and they love our kids." Another remarked that when children do not listen, Achievement First suspends them. "Our teachers find a way to keep them in school, find out what is behind their (behavior)." Noting the school was praised by the district in 2013 for its academic progress, a parent declared, "We didn't ask for our school to be redesigned but only for supports to keep making improvements."
In the face of the strong opposition from parents, the mayoral-controlled majority of the school board backed down.
The same scene recurred about a week later. This time the Hartford BOE was presented with a plan to hand the SAND elementary school over to Steve Perry's new private management company. Perry currently heads Hartford's Capital Prep Magnet School. Kishimoto and Pryor tried to shift both SAND and Capital Prep to Perry's company.
At Capital Prep, 6.3 percent of the students have disabilities, 3.4 percent of the students are English Language Learners, and 51.4 percent are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Mr. Perry bills Capital Prep as a "no excuses" school. The school has a high attrition rate for teachers and students; and allegations of bullying abound.
Mr. Perry has been absent for almost 20 percent of the year so far, traveling and giving speeches. In one speech, he claimed that public schools are "over-feminized."
In SAND school, 14.9 percent of the children have disabilities, 21.4 percent are English Language Learners, and more than 95 percent of the children are eligible for free-or-reduced-priced lunch.
Parents came out to contest the "hostile takeover" of their school. One student claimed that "Capital Prep does not understand the (SAND) students" and feared that Capital Prep would "kick (neighborhood kids) out." Another remarked that "We know these teachers and they know us." He continued," If you want kids at SAND to learn better, give kids the same support you do at fancy schools like Capital Prep. If I had 15 kids in my classroom and two teachers, I would learn better too."
The school board backed down again.
But this retreat may only be temporary. The board subsequently met in private and emerged with another "turnaround plan," which offers additional funds to a community school only if it is "redesigned" and offers "choice."
The only way parents will get more resources is to acquiesce to a redesign that will disrupt their school community.
That is not school choice -- that's extortion.
It remains to be seen whether Hartford officials will listen to parents. If not, as one parent reminded Hartford officials: "We voted you in. We can vote you out."
Wendy Lecker is a columnist for Hearst Connecticut Media Group and is senior attorney for the Campaign for Fiscal Equity project at the Education Law Center.


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Deadmans Bay is an almost inaccessible rocky cove on the southern tip of the Marloes peninsula and its westernmost headland, The Deer Park, which juts out into treacherous Jack Sound towards Midland Island and Skomer Island.
The reason for its sinister name seems to have been lost, but there have been at least a dozen wrecks recorded on this coast over the last two centuries, so it would be no surprise if people had come to a sticky end here.
The cove is visited nowadays only by coasteering enthusiasts and active adventurers who are not daunted by a hazardous climb up and down steep cliffs. It is no place for bathing, but attracts for its isolation.
Vessels whose masters have ventured to take a short cut through Jack Sound, have paid dearly for it. The fast packet paddle steamer Albion came to grief just along the coast in April 1837 when it hit submerged rocks and ended up on the sandy beach which now bears its name - Albion Sands. Fortunately, her 50 passengers and crew together with five horses and 180 pigs were rescued, but the vessel broke up and is now commemorated not just by the name of the beach but the presence of two tall shafts protruding like tombstones from the sands at low tide.
Marloes Sands was also the last resting place of the wooden paddle boat The Lass of Gowrie which was wrecked there in October 1881, while a year later the Holme Line steamer Thomas Vaughan was lost with all hands. Another packet steamer, Queen, was wrecked on Skokholm in September 1843 and the two-masted trading schooner Alice Williams foundered on the island in February 1928. Ten years later it was the turn of the 500-ton steamship Lonsdale which ran aground near Marloes in October 1938, and in February 1967 the Dutch coaster Lucy, with a cargo of potentially explosive calcium carbide, was lost when its skipper tried to cut his voyage by slipping through the sound.
The reason that Jack Sound is so treacherous is that the high spring tides run through at six knots and take unwary mariners by surprise when they change direction at half tide and not at full or low water as might be expected. The Sound is also armed with teeth, the jagged Blackstone Rock out of sight just below the surface at high tide.
One frequent visitor back in the fifties and sixties was the artist Ray Howard-Jones, who lived in the cottage overlooking the bay at Martin's Haven, She delighted in clambering down Rennie's Slip to paint evocative pictures of the primeval shapes of the rocks and boulders which are strewn along this rugged shore. She lived a spartan life and not only painted but wrote poetry about this coast which so inspired her work.


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Because most of us take our democracy for granted, Canadian politicians have begun playing fast and loose with some pretty key parliamentary traditions.
No fewer than three premiers, B.C.'s Christy Clark among them, have shuttered their legislatures this fall, all to serve their partisan interests — in actions reminiscent of Stephen Harper's 2008 and 2009 prorogations of Parliament.
And for the second time this year, Harper's government disgracefully has introduced an unwieldy omnibus budget bill. It is more than 440 pages in length and features far more than budgetary provisions.
Such hydra-headed chunks of legislation, again inspired by a government pursuing partisan advantage, don't allow proper scrutiny by our politicians.
They give opposition parties scant opportunity to register opposition to any single aspect of the massive bill because votes are held, holus-bolus, on the entire bill.
Governments use them to quickly and conveniently ram through an agenda.
Harper himself used to rail against them while in Opposition.
Conservatives tabled their second omnibus bill a week ago in the Commons, aimed at implementing their March budget.
Ludicrously it includes, of all things, legislation governing navigation in Canadian waterways.
They did this in disregard of a Commons furor last spring when they introduced a similar bill.
But when only 61 per cent of us bother to vote, political leaders figure they can get away with this sort of thing.
And so far they have.
The Commons endorsed a motion in March of 2010, introduced by then-NDP leader Jack Layton, to prevent Parliament from proroguing for longer than seven days unless supported by MPs. But such motions are non-binding on the government.
Referring to Harper, University of Toronto political scientist Nelson Wiseman has written: "No prime minister has so abused the power to prorogue."
The Ottawa-based public watchdog group Democracy Watch is now calling on Canadians to mobilize through petitions and letter writing campaigns to let the Harper crowd know that arbitrary prorogation isn't cricket.
The group noted that in Britain, Australia and New Zealand, the constitution and/or legislation dictates when legislatures must convene.
This contrasts with the current situation in B.C., where Premier Clark last month cancelled a scheduled seven-week fall sitting of the legislature, having complained earlier about Victoria's "sick" political culture.
It's conceivable the chamber will remain closed until a May 2013 provincial election, a situation that will help the unpopular premier avoid potential controversy and pesky criticisms leading up to the vote.
Many may dismiss the importance of their legislatures being dark, a relief from theatrical displays of a bunch of windbags perhaps.
But this is where accountability happens, where leaders and ministers, who carry out their work privately, must respond to questions about public spending and decision making, where opposition MPs can play some modest role in governance.
Canadians have become lazy about their democracy. University of Waterloo research shows a public malaise with respect to how we're governed.
Less than half — 47.9 per cent — of Canadians in 2010 reported feeling a great deal or a lot of confidence in Parliament.
Almost one third of respondents said they're not satisfied with how Canada's democracy is working.
When Harper prorogued Parliament in 2008 — to avoid a non-confidence vote being plotted by a hastily arranged opposition coalition — public protests and petitions were inspired mainly by a notion the politicians weren't working for their pay, nearly $160,000 a year for an ordinary MP.
That prorogation in retrospect was but a harbinger for a foolishly complacent citizenry. Canadians may just be getting the democracy they deserve.