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[OpNet] Hello, Chicago


Sandcaster

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I'm a newly-transplanted New Yorker, very recently moved to Chicago, and wouldn't mind meeting some of the local nova community. Those of you who keep track of the news out on the East Coast might remember that I was the municipal defender in Long Island City until they decided that they'd rather not have one (thanks, Ibiza).

Also, if any of you happen to know of any school districts within a decent commute -- and by commute, I mean the traditional sort; I'm not a flyer and don't fold space -- that are both hiring and nova-friendly, I would really appreciate any information you could send my way (though I'm still in the process of getting my Illinois certificate).

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Damn ... tried to be the first.

Hi there, Sandcaster. I'm with the Windy City Knights, the Western Great Lakes version of a Municipal Defenders group. Ibiza has been tough for a lot of us, for a variety of reasons. I think you will find a more inviting environment here in the area, especially since the mayor and city council are much more in the belief that having government sponsored novas on their side can be handy.

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Welcome to Chicago, Sandcaster, though I'm so new to the city that I'm not sure I'm allowed to say that. Anyway, if you want to meet for coffee or dinner, let me know.

Sorry about the job - Ibiza was rough on all Novas. I personally was at Ibiza - to be accurate, I was a baseline before Ibiza. I think that things will be better for you here.

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Thanks for the warm -- and quick! -- welcome, guys.

Neil, thanks...even if it does make me feel a bit old. Still, I suppose I'm not doing too shabby for a 44-year old school teacher.... smile

Jager, you summed up the whole reason I headed to Chicago; near as I can tell, it's one of the friendliest (or at least "least-hostile") major cities for novas in America right now. And yes, I've heard of both you and the Knights; you guys get pretty decent press, even in the rag that is the NY Post. You guys have the Alchemist on board, right? I certainly wouldn't mind getting the opportunity to pick his brain on a few things at some point.

Carver, thanks as well; I may take you up on that coffee at some point. Is there any place I can get a decent bagel in this town?

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Sandcaster - Sorry, I'm not a bread person. I have scouted out some great Mexican and Italian places, not to metion some places that serve Chicago-style pizza, though that's not my favorite. And I know where there is a great little cafe that serves any kind of coffee you could imagine.

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Sancaster-I've been in Chicage the last little while now. I can't say much about living here, but I can say that I would like to meet with you. I've been hanging around with Amped, Carver and every now and then the rest of the WCK gang. So I'll probably tag along with Carver (if she doesn't mind)

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What the heck is it about Chicago? Did someone bury a nova magnet under the Sears Tower or something? wink

In any event, welcome to the boards, Sandcaster. Take the best of it, ignore the worst, and you'll be in good company. Oh, and since you're in Chicago, try the Zephyr on Wilson Ave.; hard to beat their sandwiches.

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Quote:
Originally posted by Anna Alameda:
You some kind of stupid bitch, Signy Malory?

Amp Room is dead. It got killed a couple of months ago.

You know, that big nova fight that trashed Ibiza?
That's right. That's the point. You missed it. You think I should have to explain such simple things to you people. Slattern and her cult members think anything novas is good, and anything baseline is bad. The amp room is what you get when you gather a lot of novas together.
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Sometimes old friends and colleagues ask me, "Anne, what's it like dealing with other novas?" And unfortunately, all too often the answer is, "not that much different from the classroom."

Signy Malory, Anna Alameda, if you cannot behave like adults, you can at least be quiet so that those that can may continue.

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Conduit, I'd be happy to meet with you. That goes for you as well, Lee, though I don't plan on doing any travelling right now; driving a U-Haul across the Alleghenies and through the wilds of Cleveland was enough travel for this year.

Dr. Crow, Singularity, thank you for the recommendations; despite Slattern's reservations, I'm quite happy to see baseline places of interest and experience baseline activities.

That said, Slattern, if you could recommend some distinctly nova activities in the Greater Chicago area, that would be appreciated; I've no shortage of free time on my hands at the moment, and would like to see what may be seen.

Timeslip, thank you for the recommendation; I'm always up for a good restaraunt.

Edward. I understand that Chicago does have a museum somewhere dedicated to the "exciting times" that it experienced during the Roaring '20s and right up until the end of Prohibition; if you get the chance, I would be happy to visit it with you.

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Sandcaster: Welcome to the boards. In answer to your first question, it depends on whether you're looking at requesting a nova-level salary. If so, then Brooks College Prep, Payton College Prep, and the Carver Military Academy are probably the only schools that could afford you. And several colleges would give you a professorship and a research grant pretty much just for being a nova (you would have to show some applicable ability tending towards research, but just having a nova on staff would be good enough incentive for a lot of them).

If, on the other hand, you're willing to take a standard teacher's salary (basically subsistance living, here in Chicago), then I can't think of a single school that would turn you down, short of a couple local private schools that are prejudiced against novas.

As for picking my brain, well, if you've got questions, just ask. If they're somehow personal in nature, feel free to PM me with them.

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Quote:
Originally posted by Sandcaster:
Signy Malory, Anna Alameda, if you cannot behave like adults, you can at least be quiet so that those that can may continue.
Man, you really are a teacher! That really brings me back. What do you teach, specifically?
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Lee,

I teach (or taught, at any rate) high school science -- biology, geology, physics and chemistry.

Alchemist,

Thank you for the information. While a nova-level salary never hurts, I'd be happy with any high-school level teaching position; I enjoy the job. I'm just concerned about running into a repeat of what happened to me back in Long Island City; that's why I'm looking for a nova-friendly district.

As for "picking your brains", I was more or less thinking of sitting down over a cup of coffee and just bantering a bit about the latest news from the science front. You are one of the top scientific minds in the country; what secondary educator wouldn't give her eye teeth to exchange ideas with you?

I would also be interested in volunteer work for the Knights; I'm familiar with municipal defender work (if only for a much smaller pond), and it would give me the opportunity to stretch myself a bit.

Timeslip,

Please do. smile

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I wouldn't count out a decent, if not affluent, salary as a public teacher, Sandcaster. The federal government has a few subsidies and grants based around public schools attracting some kind of nova talent on at least a consulting level and I would venture a guess that Illinois has a similar program (albeit on a smaller scale). You won't be making millions of dollars but it could put in the mid to upper six figure range. Granted, those funds would also include your budget for special projects so your take home pay might be less depending on how flashy you get in class.

And, as a blast from the past, I remember reviewing your case when it came down: good for you for defending your rights.

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Mr. Bailey, thank you for the advice. I'm still trying to get my teaching certificate transferred to Illinois, but once that's done, I'll see what can be found.

Alchemist, I am in Chicago now; I just moved into a "fixer upper" on North Dover Street. As I'm at least two weeks away from having the aforementioned certificate in my hands, my schedule is pretty much wide open.

Timeslip, sounds like fun. Look me up when you get here; I should have a phone (and phone number) tomorrow, if the local Bell is to be believed. Either go the directory assistance route, or drop me a message here.

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Ms. Vincenne, if you wish to continue your teaching career in Chicago, I would be honored if you would allow me to offer a level of financial assitance to offset the differences between what the public service arena provides and the benefits of private enterprise.

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Preston, that is an interesting offer. You will, I hope, excuse a certain amount of skepticism on my part; I'm unused to people offering me money from out of the blue for performing a job that I would perform otherwise. However, I would be happy to discuss the matter with you.

Jager, I play piano, but not very well.

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