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By PATSY STODDARDEditor
Steve Thornton who is a Veteran of the Iraqi war spoke to the Emery County Historical Society at their November meeting.
Thornton brought a variety of items he collected in Iraq. He showed the audience Suddam Hussein money with Hussein's picture on it. The coins are given to soldiers with a handshake rewarding excellence. He displayed a prayer rug and explained his battalion was taught a lesson on prayer rugs by the Iraqi people installing air conditioners for the soldiers. He was a member of the 1457 battalion and is now in the 115th engineering group.
Thornton said, "We were placed on alert on Feb. 4, 2003. We were instructed to report on Thursday for training, but we weren't mobilized yet. We reported to American Fork and on Feb. 13 we were activated. We had 485 soldiers and equipment and over a 10 day period we gathered in Fort Lewis, Wash. for training. The guys wanted to get into Iraq, but we didn't leave until April 27 and then we spent 30 days in Kuwait, finally arriving in Baghdad on Memorial Day.
"It was hot there, in August it was 154.6 degrees and the average is usually around 120. We were from June to August without air conditioning and it was miserable," said Thornton.
Thornton described a variety of missions with which his group was involved. One mission was route clearance where they cleared areas of IE devices. These were improvised explosive devices and were constructed in a variety of ways. The enemy even threw grenades off freeways. Thornton spent six months in South Baghdad clearing IE devices.
Another mission was to secure the road leading from the airport. They went over the entire area on foot. When they found a device it was blown up in place and the sides of routes were cleared. They also operated a piece of equipment with a long arm which reached out to disarm bombs so the soldiers weren't being exposed.
During one such mission an Iraqi family pulled up in a car about the time one of these devices was set to be exploded. The soldiers stashed the family inside the armored vehicle to keep them safe during the explosion. Thornton also described times when friendly fire was a threat to the safety of the soldiers.
Another job assigned to Thornton's group was cleaning up weapon stockpiles. Hussein's men had weapons stashed everywhere in the city. Cleanup spots included schools, playgrounds, zoos and hospitals. The weapons found were put into piles and blown up by the soldiers. "Baghdad is a beautiful city," said Thornton. He presented a slide show with pictures of the missions and the city. He pointed out the contrast between the palaces and the living dwellings of the people in the city. The contrast was dramatic. Baghdad has 5 million people living there.
The group also spent time constructing and repairing bridges. Thornton pointed out that one of the advantages of the National Guard is in the scope of their expertise as civilians. Their group contained civil engineers who devised a way to replace the cables on the bridge without removing the old cables which would have caused the bridge to fall.
In one instance the men built a foot bridge over the Euphrates river out of old abandoned tanks. The natives even shuttled their cattle across the bridge. The native people were overjoyed to be reconnected by a bridge and one couple was married on the other side of the bridge.
Another project they were involved in was clearing the tunnels leading from the airport. Hussein had 20 palaces in Baghdad and each one had tunnels leading to the airport. The men found each tunnel and mapped them and they also found caches stashed in the tunnels. In tight spots robots were sent in to explore the area.
Projects also included blast protection and small arms protection where bunkers were constructed. They also dealt with logistical matters and worked to make things safer in the encampment. They constructed concrete bunkers to store the fuel tanks within and spaced these out so if they were hit, they wouldn't lose each tank with the fuel inside.
Baghdad has 40 police stations and the group worked to protect them by surrounding them with dirt bunkers. The enemy kept a close watch on these operations and always tried to interfere so the crew would mix up the days and locations of where they worked to confuse the enemy. Thornton said they drove 30,000 miles around Baghdad erecting these barriers.
In building roads they discovered that down about 12 inches the sand turns really hard and concrete like.
They participated in building an Internet cafe building to house the computers. They also worked on a morale tent where movies and church services were held. Thornton said his group did not see a lot of active duty. They wanted to have an induction ceremony while there so the commanding officers told them they needed to build an arch. They built the arch with a circular saw and hand painted the emblems. "We had a very talented unit," said Thornton.
They were also given the job of renovating a building to be used by the Iraqi National Guard. They did this renovation project in conjunction with local Iraqi contractors.
Another thing the unit was involved with was in making the living areas better for the next unit. Thornton and his men escorted trailers from Kuwait to Baghdad for the next unit to live in, although the whole time Thornton and his men were there they lived in tents and they placed insulation on top of the tents for shade.
When the United Nations building was bombed with a cement mixer in August of 2003, Thornton and his unit went in to do the cleanup. They became known as the 911 battalion because they were always called in on an emergency. They always had a backhoe and a loader ready to go at a moments notice. They started watching CNN because they always reported when a blast had occurred even before the battalion received official notice. So, they were out and rolling before the call came in. "The army couldn't figure out how we got there so fast," said Thornton.
They also participated in the burning of the old currency, because Iraq was working to install a new money system in the country and getting rid of the Saddam money which was also used to fund the insurgents.
They aided in the building of markets and the bulldozer was air conditioned so there were many volunteers for this duty. They also worked on building soccer fields for the youngsters.
While in Iraq they built a training facility where the units could go and practice. One especially useful training was shooting from moving tanks to maintain skills.
Soldiers had to do their own laundry by hand, but chuckled Thornton, "It sure dried fast." The soldiers installed sun showers which were used the whole time they were there. The only problem was the sun heated the water so hot they couldn't use it. They installed fiberglass water tanks and that helped. In November the temperatures are around 90 degrees in the night, but dip to 38 at night.
Soldiers played horseshoes, constructed volleyball courts and remote control car tracks. They took their meals outside and were fed one hot meal a day, but sometimes soldiers ate their MREs anyway. Thornton said the contrast between Suddam and his people was so distinct. Suddam had gold carriages and most of his people still ride donkeys like in Biblical days. Some of the soldiers decorated their tent floors with slabs of marble.
They also worked on a school during their time in Iraq. Thornton said his unit was well decorated.
They left in April of 2004 to go back to Kuwait where they cleaned up their equipment and readied it to go home. They received a phone call that they were going back into Iraq. Thornton said they would prefer to go home but they would go back. After two weeks and being away from home for 18 months it was decided they would return home.
Thornton said their unit has also built schools in Nicaragua and went to Louisiana and Florida after the hurricanes to help bury people. Thornton has heard back what a great job the Utah National Guard did in helping the hurricane victims.


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|Office of Community
Oriented Policing Services
U.S. Department of Justice
Marley is a former bait dog, meaning he was used as a lure during fighting dog conditioning training. Marley was dumped at a vet's office on Christmas Eve 2008, supposedly after being hit by a snow plow. The vets who attended to him recognized that his massive injuries – not to mention the numerous lesions all over his body and dog teeth marks in his flesh – were all signs of dog fighting injuries. When Animal Control investigated, there were no signs of any snow plows having been anywhere near the rural Canadian area Marley was from. Marley slowly recovered and was eventually adopted by his foster mom. He has since passed his Canine Good Neighbour Test and is also a certified Therapy Dog.
Here's where you come in.
Over one thousand dogfighting arrests were made in the United States between 2003–2008. Are you prepared to join the battle and put dogfighters behind bars?
Thanks to the generous support of the US Department of Justice's COPS Office, the ASPCA presents law enforcement and animal welfare professionals with Combating Dogfighting, an in-depth, free online course. Learn how to detect, investigate, and take action against dogfighting within your jurisdiction.
Part One, Understanding Dogfighting, contains a comprehensive overview of dogfighting in the United States. Part Two, Investigating and Responding to Dogfighting, contains information and resources to help you properly investigate and strategically respond to dogfighting. The self-paced course, developed by Dr. Randy Lockwood, APSCA Sr. VP Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects, runs less than two hours. Watch a short clip of the course to get a taste of it. (Warning: contains graphic images of animal cruelty.)
Enroll today at http://www.aspcapro.org/cops!
Read the official press release.
Cooperative Agreement # with the ASPCA: 2007CKWX0059

subset: commoncrawl


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LOUISVILLE--It takes three to win racing's Triple Crown. But for Kentucky Derby champion Orb, the middle jewel — the May 18 Preakness Stakes in Baltimore — might be the one that holds the key to whether the bay colt can deliver the first Triple Crown in 35 years.
Orb was shipped home Sunday to Belmont Park in New York, where the last Triple Crown race, the Belmont Stakes, will be run June 8. It is the longest of the three races at 11/2 miles. It has earned a reputation as the ultimate test of stamina.
But while his immediate focus is the Preakness, Orb's Hall of Fame trainer, Shug McGaughey, likes his horse's prospects for that endurance run in New York.
WINNER: Orb gives McGaughey his first Kentucky Derby victory
MORE: McGaughey finally finds his Kentucky Derby grail
"I can't wait to get to Baltimore. And I can't wait to give it a chance," said McGaughey, 62, was 0-6 with his Derby starters until Orb's win in the mud Saturday at Churchill Downs. "And if it were to happen there, I'd feel the same way going into the Belmont. ... I think he's the kind of horse that would really prosper at Belmont and prosper over that racetrack and really like a mile-and-a-half."
McGaughey said Orb has a "sort of old-time stamina pedigree that goes back a long way. A lot of horses don't have that."
Trainer D. Wayne Lukas will take his two Derby entries, Oxbow (sixth) and Will Take Charge (eighth), to the Preakness, which will be run over 13/16 miles at Pimlico Race Course.
"We are all going to have to get better to beat (Orb)," Lukas said. "I think the Preakness will be the biggest hurdle for him for the Triple Crown. If he gets by that, he gets to go back home to Belmont and run right out of his stall."
More rain fell Sunday morning as Orb took a light walk under the roof of his barn and McGaughey met the news media.
"The Preakness is another race I haven't won, and it's a race I would like to win," McGaughey said. "And I think that all things being equal, we're going in there with a horse that's going to have a huge chance to win. And if that happens, then life's going to change a little bit."
McGaughey won the Belmont Stakes in 1989 with Easy Goer. That same year, Easy Goer was the Derby favorite and regarded as a Triple Crown threat. But Easy Goer finished second in the Derby to Sunday Silence in another race run over a muddy track.
"One time the rain got in our way, and one time it didn't. And that was yesterday," said McGaughey, a native of Lexington, Ky.
Orb, whose name was inspired by the name of his father, Malibu Moon, started Saturday's Derby as the 6-1 co-favorite with Revolutionary.
"I really did think I was running the best horse," said McGaughey, whose winner was ridden by Joel Rosario, the hottest jockey in America.
McGaughey now looks forward to seeing how much his horse can improve. "I'm continually amazed at what I'm seeing and what he can do, what kind of ability he's got. Who knows?" he said.
Elsewhere around the barns, trainers of the three horses that finished in order behind Orb said they will skip the Preakness. But Goldencents, a disappointing 17th, will run in Baltimore.
Trainer Dallas Stewart of runner-up Golden Soul, a 32-1 surprise who finished 2½ lengths behind Orb, said his plan was to bypass the Preakness and point toward the Belmont.
"That would give us five weeks, and hopefully we can get one of the three," Stewart said.
Todd Pletcher, trainer of a record-tying five horses in the Derby, said Revolutionary (third) and Overanalyze (11th) also will bypass the Preakness and go straight to the Belmont. He said he wasn't sure about Palace Malice (12th) and Verrazano (14th). His plan for Charming Kitten (ninth) was to return him to races on grass.
Chad Brown, trainer of fourth-place Normandy Invasion, said his horse wouldn't run in the Preakness. Normandy Invasion had the Derby lead at the top of the stretch.
Mylute was ridden to fifth by Rosie Napravnik, the best finish for a female jockey in the Derby. Todd Quast, general manager of GoldMark Farm, said the Preakness was a solid possibility. "We need a couple more days to think about it," Quast said.
Goldencents, who finished 17th despite going off as the third choice of bettors at 7-1, will run in Baltimore. "We're a go for the Preakness," said trainer Doug O'Neill, who won the Derby and Preakness last year with I'll Have Another.
The Preakness was a possibility for Lines of Battle (seventh), though he was headed back to Ireland on Sunday. "He came out of the race fine," assistant trainer T.J. Comerford said.
The plan was uncertain for Giant Finish (10th), who trains in Maryland. Trainer Eddie Plesa Jr. said it was 60-40 that Itsmyluckyday (15th) would run in the Preakness.


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Willis Reed Jr. Player
Inducted in 2006
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee 1982
Reed's strong outside jump shot and physical inside game led him to becoming a two-time All-American. He led Louisiana's Grambling State University to the 1961 NAIA Championship. Despite recurring injuries during his pro career, his determination powered the New York Knicks to the 1970 and 1973 NBA Championships. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and named the NBA MVP in 1970.
Where They Are Now
Vice President of Basketball Operations, New Orleans Hornets
Where They Were
Grambling State University 1961-1964


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Barcelona Flights
Barcelona can be described with a single adjective: colorful. From the beautiful art that can be admired in every corner of the city, to the animated lifestyle of its inhabitants, and even the multitude of amazing dishes in the kitchen, color will be the dominant theme of your visit.
Wherever you want to start in the city, you will end up walking without looking where you going so that you can admire the many places of interest that appear one after another.
Just wandering along la Rambla, the main street for both tourists and non-tourists, your finger will be glued to your camera. Head from the sea front toward Plaça de Catalunya and immerse yourself in the main street for local nightlife where bars, restaurants and clubs are open until late to welcome the thousands of people that flock to the street. Among the many surprises that you will find, you cannot fail to miss the Miró mosaic, near the Teatro Liceu, a gift from the Catalan artist to his beloved Barcelona. Continue through Barrio Gotico, the elegant and romantic medieval district of Barcelona which is still the political and social heart of the city. Here you will find the City Hall, the Royal Palace and the Cathedral, all built in Gothic style, and the Picasso Museum, in honor of the artist who took his first steps, or rather, made his first brush strokes, in this area.
Even the port has kept an area as it was in the age of the fishermen: Barceloneta, an area of old jetties and beaches for bathing, is the ideal place to relax a bit in the sun or try traditional fish dishes in the best local restaurants. Close by is the more recent district of the Olympic Port, in honor of the 1992 Olympics, where there is an Imax cinema, a shopping mall and an aquarium, where the whole family will find something to do.
For soccer lovers, there is a chance to take a guided tour of the famous Camp Nou, the largest stadium in Europe with its museum dedicated to the Barça team, where you can relive the history of one of the most important soccer clubs through films, uniforms and golden balls.
Barcelona is famous above all else for the architectural works of Antoni Gaudì, a visionary and extravagant artist, who made this city unique through the construction of buildings that have no equals in shape or in color.
The symbol of the city and of his artistic genius has to be the Sagrada Familia, a work which is a hymn to faith, with its tall spires and large naves that have made it a unique place in the world for church-goers and lovers of fine architecture.
Another must-see in the city is the fairy-tale Parc Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its truly original shapes and colors: it is like starring in a lively and colorful fairy tale world.
Among the many large buildings with the same facade, you unexpectedly come upon Casa Batlló, with its extravagant shape and warm colors. It is also worth going inside to see how meticulous, careful and original this creative artist was. Last, but certainly not least, don't miss La Pedrera, possibly the most famous condominium in the world, with its "crooked" front, known for the originality of its wonderful chimneys that recall the heads of medieval warriors.
We know that Spain means tapas, and for many, probably also paella, but these are not the traditional dishes of the city of Barcelona. Obviously, fish is the main ingredient of this cuisine, which we find in many dishes like Suquet, the fish and shellfish soup flavored with saffron, potatoes, tomatoes and wine, and Arròz Negre, the famous rice and fish dish from the Costa Brava. Just as tasty are meat dishes like fideus a cassola, spaghetti with pork, and botifarra amb mongets with black sausage and beans. And now for the part that many people look forward to: dessert. There is no need to recommend crema catalana, which is already known and available throughout the world, but you can also try Coca de Sant Joan, covered with candied fruit and pine nuts, ricotta with honey, the cheese pastries Flaons and xuixo, pancakes filled with custard and covered with sugar. Combine it all with highly regarded wines and sparkling wines like Cava, Alella, and Penedés, made by combining the best local and international grapes.
Bring color to your vacation with a trip to beautiful Barcelona, within easy reach with an Alitalia flight.


text: Pinterest Satsuma Shimmer Born Lippy Select size 0.3 oz Quantity 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Item 0.3 oz Price $7.00 Add to bag Email When In Stock Please note that there is a limit on this product. Offers available on this product See Promotional Details Product description Our cult lip moisturizer in a pot. Gives color, flavor and moisture for more kissable lips. Moisturizes and conditions lips Orange shimmer tint Shine finish Fruity satsuma flavor Shipping Close


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Steve Madden Wand Sandal
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Item # 273540
Experience the magical look of the Wand satin sandal from Steve Madden. This crystal-embellished evening shoe is perfect for your next special occasion.
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- Imported
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February 25, 2014
Sexy Shoe
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November 07, 2013
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By: mgill87
October 23, 2013
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Statistics Are Dumb
Jonathan Willis
November 16 2011 08:18PM
Yes, I wrote that title. Not only did I write it, but I mean it.
"Dumb" basically means lacking intelligence. Most NHL statistics, frankly, require no intelligence. Let's look at the complicated math involved in the basic statistics on NHL.com's summary page.
- Goals: Watching and counting
- Assists: Watching and counting
- Points: Adding goals and assists (or, alternately, watching and counting)
- Plus/Minus: Watching and counting
- Penalty minutes: Watching and counting
- Power play goals: Watching and counting
- Shorthanded goals: Watching and counting
- Game-winning goals: Basic addition, watching and counting
- Overtime goals: Watching and counting
- Shots: Watching and counting
- Shooting percentage: Basic division, watching and counting
- Time on ice: Watching and counting
- Shifts per game: Watching and counting
- Face-off percentage: Basic division, watching and counting
Basically, if you're capable of turning on your TV and counting things, you can create almost any NHL statistic from scratch. If you're capable of doing that and then later using the division key on a calculator or computer, you can create any NHL statistic from scratch. I've listed a bunch above, but they're all basically the same – goalie stats involve counting shots, goals and minutes played, real-time statistics all consist entirely of counting, and so on.
What about all those fancy advanced statistics that get thrown around? Scoring chance percentage, Fenwick, Corsi, EVPTS/60 – those are more complicated, right?
Scoring chances involve somebody watching the game and counting. Scoring chance percentage simply involves taking the number of good scoring chances, and dividing them by the total number of scoring chances. In other words, if you know how to count and can press a division key on a calculator, you can have a firm grasp of this "advanced" statistic.
What about Fenwick? Well, you take those shots and missed shots that somebody counted up, and then you add them together – just like plus/minus. Corsi is the same thing, except that it includes blocked shots as well.
Points per 60 minutes of even-strength ice-time (or EVPTS/60) is almost as simple – one takes all the points a player scored at even-strength, and divides them by ice-time at even-strength to create a scoring rate. It is, once again, counting and pressing the divide key on a calculator. Pretty much as simple as can be.
But let's go back to scoring chances. In an article yesterday, I did something audacious – I added up scoring chances for and against for Oilers' defensemen. In the comments section, Robin Brownlee jokingly advised one commenter (i.e. not me) to do the following:
Your only option is to watch the games and draw your own conclusions.
Personally, I think that's a great idea for everyone. It's a little obvious, perhaps, but still a great idea.
It is, after all, what I do. I look for specific things – which players play the best opponents, what part of the ice players start their shifts in, how often players helps their team create a scoring chance, and how often players make mistakes that lead to chances against. As a rule, I try and get a gut feel for the game based on those things (others too, of course – which players take bad penalties, who wins faceoffs, etc.). Rather than watch the game multiple times and count those things up, I rely on others to do it – the NHL keeps track of a lot of these things (as mentioned above, by watching the game and counting) and people like Dennis King and Gabriel Desjardins catch the rest. I find that a firm number (i.e. Eric Belanger won 7 of 10 faceoffs) is better than my gut feeling (Eric Belanger wins a lot if faceoffs), so usually I'll use the firm number instead of simply repeating my gut feeling. It's the same thing with scoring chances – I know that Cam Barker's getting heavily out-chanced by his opposition, but rather than say something like "man, that Cam Barker looks really bad" I'll look up Dennis' work and say "Cam Barker has been on the ice for 35 chances for and 49 against, which is one of the worst totals on the Oilers!" Afterward, rather than add "and he looks bad even though he's got an easier job than other defensemen" I might use a number – like how many times he's started shifts in the offensive zone, or how often he's played the other team's top line.
Of course, when I say "Barker has been on the ice for 35 chances for and 49 against" rather than "man, Cam Barker looks really bad," someone comes along to tell me I should "watch the games." I laugh, because it's funny.
November 17 2011, 12:50PM
@ Clyde Frog:
You're setting the confidence level awfully high at 80%.
Take goalies, for example - even-strength save percentage is the most repeatable year-to-year statistic (more so than wins, more so than GAA, more so than shutouts, etc.) and the year to year repeatability is below 50% with a single year of data (add up years and it jumps, but for one year it's fairly low).
Skater and team statistics are much better - measures like Fenwick correlate strongly with goals for/against, goals/for against correlates strongly with wins - but at this point there's no silver bullet statistic.
Then again, by eye measures don't come close to hitting 80% either. I've spent some time looking at team predictions from the start of the year in various hockey magazines, and the best of the bunch routinely are in the 60% range (to clarify - that's each year, the leader will hit 60%. I haven't seen a magazine yet that can hit 60% every year) when it comes to predicting team finish, simply because there are so many variables to try and lock down.
The confidence level (Alpha) isn't a measure of the likelihood that an outcome will be right, but a measure of how confident YOU are that the data in the sample and the model based off the sample accuratelly represents the population data (The unknown).
When you set it to 80 in your calculations, handled wonderfully by excel, you will end up with parametres defining the size of you sample, the confidence that the event happening is captured within it and so forth.
Basically what I was asking is if the stats people are doing regression modelling or anything else on known populations to see what kind of statistical spread, standard deviation and so on to determine what confidence they can put behind the model/measures they use.
I get what your saying about the lack of a silver bullet, mainly because this aint baseball and the events being measured are on a completely different scale for random variability.
But what quantitative results have been put forth? Correlation and correlation matrixes are nice for trend lines, but not for stating the confidence one holds in the statistical analysis.
I apologize if this comes off as an attack, its not meant to be. I really just want to find out the theory behind the numbers, I worry sometimes with correlation from statistical inference that the old trap of picking numbers to justify results over modeling the actual prediction.
November 17 2011, 01:21PM
@Jonathan Willis
Thanks for the reply... good to know I was on the right track and didn't put anyone off.
I ask a lot of questions on here, often in a silly manner. But it's a genuine effort to solicit information. Like a lot of people who discover themselves on here I have never really thought much about hockey beyond "It's awesome!" and having knowledgable people inform you is a real asset.
@ Willis,
I may have been one of the guys giving you crap yesterday about nerding up the stats column...let's be frank...everyone who posts on this site is at least a bit of a hockey nerd, and loves their hockey stats...I apologize for my douchie-ness...I guess I only like stats when they make my favorite players look good, I am far too biased! I guess my point yesterday is that there is no reason to jump on some guys because we had a 3 game losing streak, and 80% of Edmonton knows that 95% of stats can make the other 5% look like 50%...if you know what I mean.
November 17 2011, 02:48PM
I think it bears noting that your post title has a double meaning: stats are also dumb in that they do require proper interpretation. If someone throws out "this guy has a 3.5 corsi/60 rating", that's all fine and good, but there is no context to it whatsoever. Context (which can be provided by other stats to a great degree) and understanding of the implications of the statistics are the things that make advanced stats a little more complicated than simply counting.
November 17 2011, 02:49PM
*to clarify, the requirment for context means they're "dumb" because they can't do all the work for you simply by reading them off behindthenet
November 17 2011, 04:03PM
@Jonathan Willis
So are all the advanced stats kiddies keeping their numbers close to their chest? The more I look the less understanding of the underlying math they use to verify the numbers there is.
I can find all the calculations to recreate their statistics, but have little interest trying to verify the numbers and model them. (A very time consuming task)Just hoping you know if they post them as if your already doing the regression testing and more excel or whatever statistics tool you are using normally provides that information.
There seems to be little information on how to determine outliers, significant observations, confidence and more. I get that the aformentioned information is kind of overkill, but it is kind of necessary for understanding how all these theories work together and impact each other.
From my cursory knowledge and searches all I can seem to find is articles where the stats have been applied and conclusions drawn then argued about endlessly in the discussion threads.
November 17 2011, 07:39PM
So are all the advanced stats kiddies keeping their numbers close to their chest? The more I look the less understanding of the underlying math they use to verify the numbers there is.
I can find all the calculations to recreate their statistics, but have little interest trying to verify the numbers and model them. (A very time consuming task)Just hoping you know if they post them as if your already doing the regression testing and more excel or whatever statistics tool you are using normally provides that information.
There seems to be little information on how to determine outliers, significant observations, confidence and more. I get that the aformentioned information is kind of overkill, but it is kind of necessary for understanding how all these theories work together and impact each other.
From my cursory knowledge and searches all I can seem to find is articles where the stats have been applied and conclusions drawn then argued about endlessly in the discussion threads.
The numbers repository is at behindthenet.ca, if that's of interest to you. Don't know what the exact method of collection is (shot totals could be easily enough grabbed from the NHL, but I'm not sure about blocked/missed shots).
In terms of confidence interval, the sample size is pretty huge when it comes to shots over the course of a couple of seasons. I don't have a strong background in statistics, but I don't think a confidence interval is particularly relevant when you're looking at such large samples; especially when you have precise (albeit somewhat fallible in terms of possible human error in shot recording, etc) data on the entire population.
November 17 2011, 07:53PM
Depends on your definition of sample size, thats what I am asking. If you taking a week, a month or 3 months worth of data and comparing it to a career and drawing statistical inference from it there is a big issue between those sample sizes.
So for those issues it really does matter because what advanced stats wants to do is break things down and state how that performance is working versus the "norm", will the future maintain this pattern or is it a outlier?
I hate the internet for taking out tone, so I hope that didn't come off dickish.
Just really interested in what amount of ice time or other stats you need to be even 80% confident you have the unbiased point estimate of the mean captured in your sample. Also what kind of qualifiers the advanced stats guys are using to ensure context isnt lost when we dive at players.


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Favorite George Clooney movie
. Favorite Brad Pitt movie. Who do you like better?
Ocean's 11
I have never loved a Clooney movie. I like Brad better– and Fight Club of course is his best.ReplyCancel
Out Of Sight is my fave Clooney Movie
Fight Club is Brad!
Love them both.ReplyCancel
I also like 12 Monkeys, Benjamin Buttons, Seven, Thelma and Louise and Kalifornia.ReplyCancel
Oceans 11 is good Meet Mr. Black is good. I think Bradley is the better actor.ReplyCancel
Clooney: Ocean's 11
Pitt: Fight Club
Pitt (with Fincher) >> ClooneyReplyCancel
@FSP This never gets old! Love me some Shatner 🙂ReplyCancel
George. By a million miles. Whichever movie he wears the least in.ReplyCancel
Brad Pitt. He smiles and I forget about everything.ReplyCancel
Oceans 11 and I've been a Clooney girl since I was 11 so it works. Only one I've loved longer is RDJReplyCancel
Pitt-Fight Club
Clooney-Ocean's 11
Brad Pitt: The first rule of Fight Club is: You do not talk about Fight Club
Clooney: The Ides of March
Pitt over ClooneyReplyCancel
Brad Pitt: Seven
Clooney: Dusk til dawnReplyCancel
Neither. What loathsome choices.ReplyCancel
Brad's acting was good in Legends of the Fall. Mr. And Mrs. Smith was hot.
Clooney is always Clooney with his little quirks. Out of Sight was pretty good, but JLo made that movie. Don't hate.ReplyCancel
PITT – by a landslide
Legends Of The Fall
Thelma and Louise – I told my parents at the theater while we were watching it, "He's going to be a big star!" (Same thing when we saw Gyllenhall in October Skies)
River Runs Through It
Clooney – Rosanne. oh, wait a minute…well, yeah…that's all I remember of himReplyCancel
@Gayeld A++ Clooney throwback. I usually say my favorite Leo movie is Critters 3.ReplyCancel
How can one choose from the stars in the sky?ReplyCancel
I meant, I can never think of Brad as a good actor with his stupid over the top CROSS-EYED portrayal in 12 Monkeys, an otherwise outstanding movie.
And I agree with Sugar about Monuments Men — it's a movie that stays with you forever because it's based on a true story, but the script and acting was terrible. I mean at places it played like a fucking sit-com with jokes or gags you could see a mile coming. All it needed was a laff track.ReplyCancel
Seven for Pitt.
I would not stand in line for any Clooney movie.
Pitt wins.ReplyCancel
My husband and I have both enjoyed many Brad Pitt movies. He jokes about how I waited until he left town to watch Legends of the Fall. Other than O Brother Where Art Thou, I just don't get Clooney's movies. Brad is more entertaining to watch, but he does move around a lot in his movies, like some acting coach told him not to just stand there. Clooney always looks like he's doing Joey Tribiani smell the fart acting.ReplyCancel
According to Michael K at DListed, George and his fiance got a marriage license in London. A reader sent in a photo.ReplyCancel
Clooney…Three Kings
I'll take a Clooney movie any day over a Pitt movie. I did like Pitt in the first two Ocean's movies and he was good in Burn After Reading.
Clooney – Out of Sight, One Fine Day, Three Kings, Fantastic Mr. Fox, From Dusk Till Dawn, Ocean's One and Two and The Descendants.ReplyCancel
Clooney over Pitt all day long.
Descendants or Up in the Air ( such a sweet movie).ReplyCancel
Clooney: Return of the Killer Tomatoes.
Pitt: Sevem, despite his presence and Goopy's.
Pitt's chosen better movies, but he is a worse actor. F word both.ReplyCancel
I think both are very limited as actors (but charismatic and photogenic, which is more important for movie stars), but have made good choices with scripts and directors.
I love 'The Assassination of Jesse James…' and 'Killing Them Softly', and I like 'Se7en', 'Fight Club' and 'Tree of Life'. But I think Pitt should focus on producing now. Something has shifted in the past few years, I don't know whether he's now disinterested in acting or vain about ageing, but he's become self-conscious on camera.
For Clooney, I like 'The Thin Red Line', 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' and 'Fantastic Mr. Fox'. He may pick worthy projects to direct, but he's a poor director.
I'd choose Pitt as an actor, but I prefer Clooney's attitude to his fame and public persona.
Clooney — One Fine Day (he was adorable in this!!)/O Brother ("Mahh hair!!")
Pitt — Meet Joe Black (the PB scene Swooooon!!!)/Legends of the Fall
Clooney/Pitt — Ocean's 11 ("Ted Nugent called…he wants his shirt back" lol)ReplyCancel
Clooney: Dusk to Dawn (which he just happened to be in. I don't like Clooney so don't watch his movies)
Pitt: Fight Club.ReplyCancel
Clooney: Ocean's 11
Pitt: 12 Monkeys, Legends of the Fall just for his hair and Julia Ormond!
Clooney: 'O Brother Where Art Thou' hands down without question. That movie is SUCH a great flick! (Honorable Mention goes to the wonderful 'Decsendants')
Pitt: Hmm. So many to choose from…I'd say it's probably 'Meet Joe Black' (omg, the FEELS from that film!) but 'Inglorious Basterds' is also incredible albeit in a very different way.ReplyCancel
Thelma and Louise is the only movie where I liked Pitt. I have never watched another entire film that he is in and don't understand his appeal. I am drawn to Clooney like a moth to the light. I particularly like his small projects… Up in the Air, Fantastic Mr. Fox.Syriana, and my all time favorite Three Kings( where it all began for me)ReplyCancel
@ msgirl, "Oh Brother.." is a Coen Bro's film…
LOVED it and it's my fav film now. also enjoyed "The Descendants".
I couldn't finish "Legends of the Fall" because it was so damn sad but damn he was hot..Favorite would be hands down "Snatch". He was so funny in that.
Don't favor one over the other.ReplyCancel
Pitt-True RomanceReplyCancel
I don't care for either but if I had to pick one I'd pick Clooney. Brad has become just too weird lately. The kids, Angelina, the facial hair. At least Clooney always looks good and dresses well. And his movies are better than Brad's too.ReplyCancel
Can I say Facts of Life, even though the episodes Clooney were in were the drizzling shits? Once they left Eastland, it just became weird that they all wanted to stay together and form "Edna's Edibles", wonder what of Edna's was edible and to who (Always suspected Natalie as the closet lesbian but Blair might've been hiding something with all her dates yet never finding anyone to settle down with).
Oh and can't stand either of them. Both are pompous ass holes who believe that unless you vote or think exactly like them, you are a subhuman.ReplyCancel
I realize no one is reading his thread anymore but I have to comment.
Clooney: Dusk til Dawn, Oceans 11
Pitt: Legends, Seven, River Runs Thru It.
My Brad over George any day of the week. I actually like George, but Brad is my secret lovah. As Jen once said (on Oprah?), "I like short hair Brad, long hair Brad, all Brads."ReplyCancel
Prefer Clooney.
I loved Oceans 11. Let's say that's my fave for Pitt.
Good Night, and Good Luck for my favorite Clooney film.ReplyCancel


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Itasca Mountaineer Snow Boot
Sorry, this item is sold out!
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By JASON BAILEYSun Advocate/Emery County Progress
Don't you have a blog? What about a MySpace page? These are questions that might make some of us feel a little behind the times. But are they what they're cracked up to be?
In what seemed like overnight, blogs and social networks have become an instant hit - especially among the younger crowds. It didn't take long for large networks like Yahoo! 360�, Facebook and MySpace to appear on the map.
Smaller, niche-oriented social networks like LDSLinks (for Latter-day Saints) and Flickr (photography enthusiasts) have even sprung up.
Social networking, by its very definition, is supposed to bring people together into organized electronic communities, where people can share various types of content and discuss common topics.
There's no question that blogs and social networks allow people to more easily express their personality, feelings about people, politics, passions and even religion, with other people - worldwide. It's an amazing medium that allows people to meet other people they may never meet otherwise.
An additional reason social networking has become so popular is because they've been designed so that pages can be easily customized and personalized without any web design or technical skills. With a few clicks, members can write messages, post comments, change the site's wallpaper (background), upload home videos or post photos.
But there's a flip side to this story. Many forget that content they post is often publicly viewable and searchable by anyone, which isn't necessarily a good thing.
For example, a recent study showed that many employers use search engines like Yahoo, MSN or Google to dig up information about job applicants.
If the applicant has a blog or MySpace site, for example, there's a good chance the employer will find it.
If the employer finds something questionable or unfavorable that the applicant has written or posted online, the job may end up going to someone else.
It could also make or break candidates of public offices, based upon how the candidate uses the Internet.
With each election year, more and more candidates are using the power of Internet to reach younger voters by maintaining personal blogs or becoming members of popular social networks.
But, unlike the spoken word, written words on blogs and social networks are much harder to recant or alter - especially if they were created before the person decided to run for a political office. In other words, negative content posted now can really hurt a potential candidate in the future.
But by far the most serious danger resides with Internet stalkers and identity thieves who prey upon na�ve, unsuspecting people who frequently put too much of their personal details online. Minors and the elderly are particularly at risk.
The reality is that it takes very little effort to dig up information about a person if they've shared a lot of personal information online, even if it isn't on the same website. In many cases, criminals can simply cross reference one website with several other search results and put two and two together.
For example, suppose a pedophile is trying to determine where a certain child lives. Based on the kid's MySpace page, the pedophile may know that the kid lives in Carbon County, but may not have an exact address. After a web search with their favorite search engine, they discover the same kid mention on a separate message board, forum or blog that he or she is the child of a county commissioner.
It wouldn't take long for the pedophile to put two and two together and determine who the county commissioners are and where they live. It might even be possible, based upon details posted on the blog or the MySpace page, to determine exactly which commissioner is the parent of the child. And when that happens, the pedophile has their target. It doesn't matter who the parents are. The criminal simply needs an identifiable trait or detail that they can hone in on.
An identifiable trait could be a commonly used handle or user name. It could be an email address. It could be an ICQ number or IM account name. It could even be a nickname.
So it's important to think twice before posting personal details on the Internet. Certainly being expressive can be a really good thing, and many online social networks can bring positive experiences, but it's also important to remember who may end up reading the words or viewing the pictures that are posted online. The Internet has a way of making questionable words, pictures or videos hard to retract or erase.
It's also very important, as parents, to be aware of your children's online surfing habits and to protect them from potential Internet-related threats. Educate your children about what Internet related activities are acceptable and what are not. Teach them to refrain from sharing quantities of personal information.
As with all things, the Internet has its good and its bad. It's important to understand the Internet is a powerful and broad communications medium. Consider the risks and potential consequences that posting content may bring.
Have comments about this article or suggestions for a future Tech Tips article? Send an e-mail to firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Found 0 - 10 results of 36 programs matching keyword "rocks"
|QuickTime: 450K
|Dispatch: Helicopter Safari for Rocks
|Dispatch: How Old is the Greenland Ice Sheet?
|Real: 256K
|1 2 3 4
Webcasts made possible through the generosity of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, The Jim Clark Endowment for Internet Education, the McBean Family Foundation,.and the Corporation for Educational Networks Initiatives in California (CENIC).
© 1994 - 2017 Exploratorium | The museum of science, art and human perception


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By Deborah Gueden
Dear Editor:
I would like to respond to the article "Speeding through Ferron" which was in your paper on April 9, 2002.
Roy Edgell was quoted as saying: "I have had 24 kids in foster care and I'm concerned about their safety. Coal trucks come by and shake the house. The other day my son was almost hit by a coal truck. I have been in an accident with a coal truck. I think the speed limit is too high and the study was bogus. They need to hide in the bushes and stay all night."
I would like to know which of his kids he's concerned about; the one's that play in the road or the two daughters that drive coal trucks?
Coal mining is a big industry in this area, employing a lot of people. Coal trucks are a necessity in this industry. How many coal miners do you think would be mining coal if there was no way to transport it? There are a lot of people out there bad mouthing coal trucks without having thought this issue through. Driving a coal truck is not an easy job. Drivers deserve a lot more respect than they are getting.


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Emergency Essentials is rolling out another great sale starting today, March 15th, and ending March 21st. All Mountain House #10 cans are 20% off. If you buy six or more cans, of the same item, we'll give you 25% off!
As long as it comes in a #10 can, you can pick from any Mountain House product. You can mix-and-match your favorites, or try out a few new entrees. If you're totally new to freeze-dried and dehydrated foods, read about them here, and check out our best-sellers:
Chicken a la King with Noodles
Mountain House entrees could be a pillar in your food storage supply. They have a 25-year shelf life and provide life-sustaining nutritional value for even longer. Here are some ways to use the Mountain House entrées even when it's not an emergency:
- Put individual portions in zip-top bags (or other compact containers) and take them with you on your next backpacking trip.
- Make a quick meal at home when you're busy or have surprise visitors.
- Consider stocking up if you're taking a family vacation and want to save money and time on meals.
We'll be highlighting a different Mountain House #10 canned item every day until the sale ends. You'll get more information on popular entrees and on some surprising additions to the freeze-dried food line up. I can't let the cat out of the bag but you're not gonna believe what they're freeze-drying at Mountain House…


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Type: Core Unit,
Unit: Warhammer Fantasy - Orcs & Goblins - Forest Goblin Spider Riders,
This is a spear out of the Warhammer Forest Goblin Spider Riders box of the Orcs&Goblins.
Suitable for Warhammer armies and tabletop miniatures in 28 mm scale.
In the spin-rich forests of the South there live wild Forest Goblin tribes. These goblins live in symbiosis with the creepy crawlies and worship the Great Spider as their god. They Keep the spiders for pleasure and as mounts. The mighty animals are quick and able to overcome obstacles and enemies with ease.
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Like a black and white photo, this bib and burb set gives exquisite contrast. The striking black dot pattern is perfect for a unisex gift. Organic cotton inserts and soft chenille material make this baby bib and burp cloth set super absorbent.
Cute baby bib - bring home the bacon!
Bold bubbles for baby! We love this fun, modern bib & burp set, with its bright colors and funky pattern! These reversible cloths feature printed canvas on one side and white terry on the other, finished off by solid accent trim. The bib has an oh-so-easy hook and loop closure. 100% cotton How big is it? Burp cloths measure 11 inches by 18 inches Care Instructions: Machine wash
The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah. This quirky ant bib will make baby mealtime a picnic. Each baby bib is handmade, so theyre truly unique just like your little one.
NEOPRENE BABY BIB AND BOTTLE TOTE SET Durable, versatile and stylish, neoprene works marvels in wetsuits, but it has all sorts of other uses, too: These bottle holders keep your babys beverage cold, and the bib keeps your baby all neat and tidy, using a touch closure to curve up and catch all those runaway spills.
This nursery theme baby shower favor contains 1 small daisy shaped soaps and 4 star bath beads; soap designs choose from baby bib soap, milk bottle soap, and diaper soap; packaged nicely in 2" clear cube box with 3/8" petite side stitch ribbon.
Bunny Sisters Burp Cloth A fun new burp cloth featuring the Bunny Sisters from Kelly's Petite Playmates collection. This burp cloth features detailed embroidery and an applique on soft cotton Kelly's burp cloths are as beautiful as they are useful -- something every mother needs. Coordinates beautifully with the Bunny Sisters bib.


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Top 5 Most Luxurious Valentine's Gifts
While Valentine's Day celebrates love and romance, the day of hearts can also be redefined as the celebration of luxury: the art of expressing love for the finer things in life.
This year, Valentine's Day spending is predicted to reach $18.6 billion. The anticipation for the occasion reveals one thing: people expect to be pampered on this day. And they are willing to spend for it.
As our luxurious gift ideas show, Valentine's Day highlights your taste for the exquisite.
Holiday in Greece
Vacations in Greece are always made memorable by visions of whitewashed houses gleaming in the sunlight and kissed by the cool Mediterranean breeze.
Bask in the sun on the island of Santorini, and stay at the Anastasis Apartments sitting atop the cliffs of the Caldera and surrounded by gardens. This private retreat was voted the most romantic getaway this Valentine's, according to Tripadvisor. The tranquil atmosphere of this Greek resort is magnified by the warmth of the people.
Diamonds continue to symbolize lasting elegance. In January, luxury brand Cartier launched timepieces designed as bracelets, brooches, and necklaces set in grey gold and adorned by diamonds. This magnificent line of diamond watches centered on the idea of metamorphosis, a theme inspired by the contrast between timelessness and transformation.
Fusing together mystique and romance is Kilian's new line of perfumes: In the Garden of Good and Evil. The fragrance is embellished with an ornate gold serpent, symbolic of the decadent nature of forbidden love. This boldness in design and narrative makes this luxury item a remarkable gift.
Luxury Watch
Shades of pink define the OMEGA Constellation Sedna, the newest timepiece from the Swiss luxury watchmaker. The fine detailing of this watch exhibits high-quality craftsmanship that is guaranteed to impress your loved one. But the playful use of pink adds both an elegant and youthful flair to the classic piece.
Indulge in a symphony of sweets from Teuscher, the best chocolatier in the world, according to the National Geographic's Intelligent Travel. Premium chocolates from this Zurich-based chocolatier are flown all over the world. Teuscher has been in the business for more than 70 years. The most famous recipe of theirs, the champagne truffle, is the perfect gift to cap off your romantic celebration.by


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The Mission Axiom A3 Roller Hockey Pant offers a basic fit and feel with simple Mission graphics, great for the beginning player just starting out or has a budget in mind.
- Construction:
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Comments: I got this pants for my daughter, 6 years old, she started playing this summer, so I'm buying entry level equipment for her right now.
So far the pants are working great for her, the small size ones barely make it to be tight in the waist, but she is kind of skinny, on length they are a little bit short, but long enough to cover all the way down the shinguard, she is kind of tall too, but we don't need tape to strap the pants up, and no problems with pants getting tangled in the wheels when skating backwards.
She has been using the pants in concrete surface for 10 straight days since we got them, playing a couple of hours each day, and she says they are very light and comfortable. The pants are made of light material, but in the knee area they are reinforced with a stronger material.
So far happy with them for the price I paid.
From: Jorge, TX
Other Items to Consider
Mission Roller Hockey Pants Junior
The Mission Inhaler NLS2 Jr. Roller Hockey Pants are built using a lightweight vented stretch mesh throughout the pant. This flexible material allows players to move freely while air flows through the material to keep them cool.Colors: 2
The Mission Inhaler NLS3 Roller Hockey Pants are the entry level roller pants in the Mission NLS lineup. Throughout the pant, the NLS3 features a lightweight polyester mesh that lets in a lot of air flow to keep you cool and well ventilated. Mission included a Lycra crotch gusset for flexibility.
The Mission Inhaler DS2 Roller Hockey Pants offer elite performance and comfort without the big price tag. These pants are constructed from ventilated nylon and mesh for durability and utilize Inhaler ventilated mesh on the back of the legs for exceptional airflow.Colors: 1
The Mission Inhaler DS3 Roller Hockey Pants offer excellent comfort and mobility for an even better price. The DS3's utilize Mission's Flex Rib nylon knee that provides more flexibility and last longer than traditional flat nylon knees panels. Ventilated mesh lines the entire back of the leg for great breathability and the shin sling helps tighten your loose shin guards. Mission also introduced Lycra stretch mesh in between the legs so you can get the biggest leg extensions without any resistance.Colors: 4
The Mission Inhaler DS4 Roller Hockey Pants are the entry level model in the Inhaler DS series. These pants utilize Mission's Inhaler technology which uses a polyester and nylon mesh construction for a breathable and lightweight feel. The knee panel is made from tough nylon for extra durability. The elastic waist cinches with two adjustable nylon hip fasteners for a customized fit.Colors: 3
The Mission Inhaler AC3 Roller Hockey Pants are good pants for the recreational to intermediate level of play.Colors: 2
The Mission Inhaler AC4 Roller Hockey Pants are your basic entry level roller hockey pants. They have a ventilated nylon exterior 1680D nylon knees, silkscreen Mission logos, and adjustable nylon web rip chord belt system to keep the pants up.Colors: 3


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Sign in for member information and resources.
In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the members of the Little Egg Harbor Township Education Association and the Little Egg Harbor Township Support Staff Association served meals for displaced families and those without power. Acting quickly and thinking creatively, LEHTSSA applied for a PRIDE in Public Education grant to fund the effort.
As a result, LEHTEA and LEHTSSA served 1,600 breakfasts and 2,400 lunches over the course of two days, Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. Some residents enjoyed their meals at Frog Pond Elementary School while others were delivered their meals at home. The associations' efforts were bolstered by the donation of soup from the Martin Truex Foundation. Martin Truex is a NASCAR driver who lives in Stafford Township.
Members also took the opportunity to assist residents as they discovered needs, such as helping those with damaged homes apply for federal emergency assistance.
"The effort had all the hallmarks of a classic PRIDE event," said LEHTEA PRIDE chair Maureen Himchack. "It brought the associations into partnership with the community in a direct and meaningful way."
As in many districts along the shore and into North Jersey, students and their families were scattered throughout the state in whatever shelters were available. Some had been moved several times as some shelters closed. No one was really sure who would show up for school or how they would be transported when classes resumed. So on Nov. 8, staff volunteers set about the daunting task of making phone calls to locate as many students as possible.
To make the difficult and sometimes emotionally fraught effort more bearable, the two local associations used the PRIDE grant to provide breakfast for the volunteers.


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City too slick for sloppy Gunners
Our Ben Coley previews Sunday's action in the Barclays Premier League and fancies Man City to take all three points at Arsenal.
- Related Content
Manchester United welcome Liverpool in what's always one of the most eagerly-awaited fixtures of the season, and we strongly fancy a home win. United have a phenomenal record in the fixture and are quite simply a far superior side at present.
Manchester City's record at Arsenal is far less impressive but, unlike recent visits, this is a game which they surely have to win and the right approach could see them heap more pressure on Arsene Wenger and his players.
Both games are being televised live in the UK on Sky Sports on what's truly a Super Sunday.
Manchester United v Liverpool (1330 GMT)
If you can have 10/11 about United at home against any side outside of Man City and Chelsea, you should probably take it, and without hesitation they look the bet here. It's well-documented that Liverpool raise their performance level against their fierce rivals but that hasn't made a difference in the last three renewals of this fixture, each of which has been won by United - indeed, they've won seven of the last eight. Several of those victories have been hard-fought, the odd one undeserved, but ultimately they've got the job done and that's what matters most. Some will point to their 3-2 defeat to Spurs at Old Trafford as evidence that United are fallible and I wouldn't disagree, but they've still won the other nine home Premier League games. Liverpool, meanwhile, are 21 points behind United after 21 games. Away from home they have been hard to beat and draws at Chelsea, Everton and Swansea read well, but this is a different kettle of fish. Yes, they're in good form having won their last three and, yes, Luis Suarez will pose a massive threat to a troubled United defence (albeit he has just one consolation goal in four starts v United), but time and time again the champions-elect have produced the goods this season and while a case can be made for this being close, 10/11 is plainly too big in my eyes. As for the concerns around Wayne Rooney's absence, it's worth noting that he missed United's victory in the reverse fixture and Robin van Persie is now the main man - he's scored the winner in his last two games against Liverpool and five in his last six league games against them. United have won eight of their last nine in the league and have raised their own performances for the big games - see wins at City, Chelsea and that one at Anfield - and as far as I'm concerned at 10/11 they're a maximum football bet.
Verdict: Manchester United 2 Liverpool 1
Arsenal v Manchester City (1600)
Bookmakers can't split these two and on the face of it that's easy to understand, with City having failed to register a goal at the Emirates since April 2007 and Arsenal having improved to a degree of late. However, at the prices there's no doubt in my mind that City are worth chancing as they're a vastly superior side to Arsenal. No Champions League to play for and no Europa League as consolation, City need to close the gap on United in the league and if, as expected, their rivals beat Liverpool in the earlier game, surely Roberto Mancini will have to throw everything at three points here. If that is the case, his side have the tools to take apart an Arsenal side whose confidence remains on a knife-edge and whose defending is a massive problem. Swansea were gifted two goals in the cup last weekend and they're not alone in having been helped along the way by Arsene Wenger's side this season. It must be noted that Arsenal have only lost to the Swans and Chelsea at home in the league but their greatest tests await and I couldn't back a repeat of last year's game, when City played for a point and got nothing thanks to a late Mikel Arteta strike. City have rediscovered their scoring touch of late with 10 goals in three games and they've only lost once on their travels, when getting the ball in the net was their problem at Sunderland in a game they should've won. Providing Mancini goes for the jugular, expect City to keep tabs on United by dealing another bitter blow to Arsenal's top-four hopes.
Verdict: Arsenal 1 Manchester City 2


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According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Legionnaire's Disease is becoming common and serious in the United States: "…the Legionella organism is one of the top three causes of sporadic, community-acquired pneumonia. Because it is difficult to distinguish this disease from other forms of pneumonia, many cases go unreported…but it is estimated that over 25,000 cases of the illness occur each year and cause more than 4,000 deaths." – OSHA Technical Manual "Legionnaire's Disease".
Facilities managers must recognize the need
Ongoing, systematic water system cleaning and disinfection is becoming an essential part of effective facility management. Building managers everywhere are recognizing that ignoring the issue of water risk management can have a drastic impact on the health and well-being of the people who enter and use their facility.
Besides the significant toll on human health when Legionella outbreaks occur, companies involved incur significant financial costs from:
A new industry is developing to meet this need
Effective water safety and hygiene requires technology, training and experience. Just as facility managers rely on professional electricians to ensure safe and efficient running of their electric systems, they need to rely on water safety professionals to ensure that their water systems are hygienic.
The Global Standard for Pathogen Control Solutions
Everyone is familiar with risk management systems in the traditional areas of fire protection, security, and worker health and safety. Yet as the magnitude of risk associated with waterborne pathogens had become more apparent in recent years, nobody had developed a comprehensive approach to this serious problem.
The Authority in Control of Waterborne Pathogens
Nalco Environmental Hygiene Services (EHS) was specifically established and developed to protect facilities like yours from the risks of waterborne pathogens. Backed by unparalleled technical resources, we have lent our scientific resources and experience to governments, regulatory bodies, and industry associations around the world in developing standards for water risk management programs.
The comprehensive approach, breakthrough technologies, best practices and educational support of Nalco EHS are relied upon by some of the world's largest organizations. In short, we have defined and become the global standard for a comprehensive solution to the worldwide problem of waterborne pathogen control.
Five critical qualities make Nalco EHS different from other water treatment or cleaning companies:
Driving Customer Compliance and Water Safety For Cooling Towers
Please contact us for more information regarding our AQUAPATH™ Water Safety Program, products, consulting and remedial services. We have a dedicated team of experts with practical experience to help you prepare a sustainable strategy to manage risk of waterborne pathogens associated with utility cooling and potable (drinking) water systems.
Ecolab is the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services. Every day, we help make the world cleaner, safer and healthier – protecting people and vital resources.


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|Posted by Brian Dobson on September 20, 1999 at 08:04:42:
We live in a rural community and have a septic tank. We have only lived here for about 18months but
we have noticed periodically that we notice a bad smell(kind of like rotten eggs) outside. We assumed that
our septic tank needed pumping. We had it pumped and the smell periodically comes back. We have
almost pegged it to coming back after a rain, but still arent sure that that is the only times. My father
in-law believes that it is coming from our roof vents for our septic system(our house is a bungalow and
we are usually on our raised deck when we smell it).
Any thoughts on this and if it is our roof venting system, is there a way to filter the smell? Do I need to
raise the pipe? thx.
|Replies to this post


text: Pig's 1/4'' Black Riser Pads are your hard plastic risers. Sold in a set of 2. These pads will help prevent nasty wheel bite. Always ride Pig accessories for maximum performance. Designed and endorsed by the Pig professional team. Make sure that you get the appropriate size hardware when selecting to build a complete. Recomended hardware size is 1-1/4"-1-1/2".


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The deal
- CRES Ultra Rejuvenation Crystalinear Therapy for RM69 instead of RM434
2-hour package includes
- Welcome drink serving
- Consultation and skin analysis
- Cleansing
- Cold steaming
- Enzymatic gel application
- Extraction
- 3 types of serum application
- Cream masque application
- Soft masque application
- Facial chakra massage
- Scalp and shoulder massage
- RF machine treatment
Customers also receive a RM20 Cellnique product voucher with every Groupon purchased.
Cres Wellness
Embodying its tagline 'Total Women's Treatment Spa', the franchise takes relaxation into account with ambient lighting and earthy-themed furnishing, leading you past waiting areas to consultation spaces and private rooms. A flagship boutique of Cellnique, the holistic beauty and health sanctuary utilises in-house products to conduct a wide range of revitalising spa sessions, weight loss programmes, and facials.
Click here to see full outlet addresses and contact numbers.
Cres Wellness
Block E-01-05 & E-01-06, Tebrau City Residence, Jalan Harmonium 24/2 Taman Desa Tebrau 81100Get Directions
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Cres Wellness
46 Jalan USJ 10/1B Taipan Business Triangle UEP Subang Jaya Subang Jaya 47620Get Directions


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Virgin Blue Launches Newcastle â Gold Coast Flights25/11/2004
More Low Fare Options For Key Tourist Route
Virgin Blue's first Newcastle-Gold Coast flight will take off at 10.30am today marking the start of daily direct flights between the two key cities.
Virgin Blue will be the only airline operating a direct jet service between Newcastle and the world famous Gold Coast region with the new flights expected to further boost leisure and business travel to the popular Queensland port.
Increased low fare services to Newcastle will also enhance the continued growth in Hunter bound tourism market with its first-class wine and vineyards, unspoilt wilderness and gorgeous coastline.
Chief Commercial Officer, Stefan Pichler, said, "The decision to operate flights between Newcastle and the Gold Coast furthers Virgin Blue's position as the leader in putting affordable jet services into markets that until now had been held back by slower and smaller turboprop operations. We noticed so many of our Guests using Brisbane as the closest port to travel between Newcastle and the Gold Coast that we decided to put in the service that truly gets them where they want to go."
He continued, "The people of Newcastle and the Gold Coast have always supported Virgin Blue services and we are excited to be venturing into new territory in terms of being the only airline to offer this route and are confident that travellers will continue to support the carrier that supports their needs. Past experience has also proven that it's not just about boosting tourism, improved and affordable access for business people will also bring commercial benefits to both regions."
The new service will increase the amount of flights into and out of the Gold Coast from 125 to 132 per week and follows hot on the heels of recently launched Gold Coast - Christchurch^ flights which took off earlier this month.
The extra daily flight with also boost capacity into and out of Newcastle by 50% and further compliments Virgin Blue's current services Newcastle - Brisbane and Newcastle - Melbourne.
Everyday low fares start from $79* one way on the net, with a Flexi Saver fare of $269* one way on the net.
The flight will depart Newcastle at 10.30am arriving on the Gold Coast at 10.40am before returning at 11.10am and landing back in Newcastle at 1.15pm.
In celebration of today's launch Guests will enjoy a special 'Movieworld' themed farewell party at Newcastle airport followed by a huge Queensland welcome on arrival at the Gold Coast airport.
* All fares are for flights booked on the Internet. $10 more by phone. Fares are subject to availability and may not be available on all flights or peak days.
^ International flights operated by Pacific Blue Airlines (NZ) Ltd (wholly owned subsidiaries of Virgin Blue Holdings Ltd).


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International cooperation
The WHO FCTC calls for a multisectoral approach to its implementation. It also emphasizes the development dimension of tobacco control and the special needs of vulnerable groups such as young girls, women and adolescents, by acknowledging the role of existing United Nations conventions that safeguard the rights of women and children and of human rights instruments in general.
In Articles 23 and 25 of the WHO FCTC, attention is called to the role of cooperation with competent international and regional intergovernmental organizations, including financial and development institutions, in order to realize their potential in supporting treaty implementation. Article 24.3(e) of the Convention mandates the Convention Secretariat to ensure, under the guidance of the Conference of the Parties (COP), that the necessary coordination with competent international and regional intergovernmental organizations and other bodies takes place.
At its first session in 2006, the COP took note of the important role of the United Nations Ad Hoc Interagency Task Force on Tobacco Control (IATF) and its potential for implementation assistance. It also requested the Convention Secretariat to promote South–South cooperation in the exchange of scientific, technical and legal expertise, as relevant to the implementation of the Convention. The consequent sessions of the COP further emphasized the importance of international cooperation, including the role of IATF and South-South cooperation, and requested the Convention Secretariat to actively engage with appropriate institutions and networks in this regard.
There is growing recognition of international cooperation as an effective tool for implementation assistance. This is evident from the progress being made in increasing the engagement of the members of the IATF and development partners and donors who are contributing to implementation assistance.
Quick links
- WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
- Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products
- About the WHO FCTC


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I guess they will just show the last group. This just sucks
sorry but I love this Mirai dress hehe
it said that they were going to show the ladies SP and the FD
I like Kristi's commercial. Very cute. I'm sure I will get sick of it by the time Olympics are over, but this is the first time I have seen it.
1 Madison Hubbell / Keiffer Hubbell 173.87
2 Jane Summersett / Todd Gilles, Broadmoor SC 163.08
3 Stephanie Zastrow / Michael Lueck 124.71
4 Katie Wyble / Justin Morrow 123.94
5 Grace Cho / Dmitry Ponomarev 115.12
6 Lauren Corry / Alexander Lorello 113.46
7 Elizabeth Chan / Jason Deveikis 88.10
Watching the Hubbells kiss n cry, I must say that Anjelika and Liz win the top prize for most beautiful coaches!!
The Hubbells skated really well as well.
ok NBC pelase show dance competition now


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Ever since we announced Thunderbird last July, I've been asked over and over: So. Are you gonna ride? And my answer has not wavered: "I honestly don't know." As excited as I've been about Thunderbird ever since I was invited into the "cone of silence" 18 months ago, the thought of riding it was, frankly,…Read More »
Posts Tagged: Vanessa
Does anyone ever retire from Holiday World?
Retirement? What's that? Sure, we work hard, but this is one heck of a fun place to work. It really is like family. We do want to take a moment, though, to thank Macy, who has been a familiar smiling face around Santa Claus Land and Holiday World for 45 years. She's decided to retire…Read More »
Vanessa really wanted a pink golf cart this year…
…when that fell through, she went for the next best thing.Read More »
Know when to fold 'em
So what do the different departments do in January? In the merchandise department, they keep warm by moving fast. Vanessa and Erin are folding tens of thousands of shirts as they arrive by the truckload. Look at those busy hands; nothing but a blur. The shirts that have arrived so far are re-orders from last…Read More »
Those were the days
It truly is a milestone. Worthy of pausing to celebrate. Turning 30. Oh, no – not me! (Heavens, no!) Our director of merchandise, Vanessa, turned 30 the other day. And everyone … everyone … was in the pink. Will didn't get to wear his shirt the rest of the day, though. He spilled cake on…Read More »


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Totes Rhonda Snow Boot
Sorry, this item is sold out!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Item # 130865
Stay dry and cozy during those cold weather months when you lace up in these waterproof winter boots from Totes. With soft faux fur lining and warm insulation, the Rhonda will be your go-to snow boot this season!
- Waterproof quilted nylon upper with faux fur trim
- 8" shaft height, inside zipper with expandable insert
- 16" leg opening, lace up for adjustable fit
- Round toe
- Faux fur lining
- Removable Thermolite® insole
- 1½" sole
- Rubber traction sole
- Imported
- View more Women's Totes Shoes
By: bootlover909
Location: East Lansing, Mi
December 30, 2013
Great winter boots!!
"I bought these because my old winter boots were wearing out. I've stopped wearing my old ones all together because I love these so much! They are incredibly comfortable, warm, and haven't let a drop of water or snow in yet. I also have high arches, and my shoe inserts fit inside them without a problem. I am typically a 7.5, and I got the size 8. They fit perfectly getting the slightly bigger size. Also, the laces really help in being able to make these fit just how you like them. I would absolutely recommend these!"
By: RivaU
December 28, 2013
By: Jossocean
Location: Los Angeles
December 22, 2013
Nice Boot
"I loved this boot. Sadly it runs short. I am typically a 7 1/2 to 8 size so I ordered an 8 thinking it would be find. Way too short. Ordered a 9 and they fit fine, however the right foot was defective. By then the 9's were sold out so I'm still looking for a comfortable, lightweight winter boot."
By: abynum08
Location: Dallas, Tx
December 17, 2013
LOVE these snow boots!!
"I have long narrow feet, so these fit me perfectly! Much more narrow than any other winter boot I own, which I love! But others with wider feet may want to try on first...or perhaps order a size up?! I wear an 8, ordered an 8, and they fit snugly to the sides of my feet and my toes come just about to the end. Interior "therma"-whatever lining is very warm! Glad, because then I wont have to try to wear a giant bulky sock to keep warm. They unzip on the side and lace up the front, but both places are lined behind the opening with extra waterproof material, so they are really thorough snow boots for a great price!!Also, the upper is very flexible and soft, you will not feel like a robot, and walking is very easy. small amount of grey 'fur' lining sticks out on the top which adds to the cute wintry look. Very light, warm, and not bulky at all!! BUY THESE NOW"
Click anywhere to close this.


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The public employees, liberal activists, and union bosses who gathered signatures for the recall of Governor Scott Walker should instead have been gathering signatures for the world's largest thank-you card. Given the fact that public employees are perhaps the biggest benefactors of Walker's Budget Repair Bill, their time and money would have been better spent trying to get into the Guinness Book of World Records for such a world record effort. I'm fairly certain they won't see things in this light, but they really have a lot to thank our new governor for.
Wisconsin's public employees should be able to clearly see now how they have been spared the fate of their counterparts in surrounding states, thanks to Governor Walker's courage and foresight. For example, in Detroit, where public employees unions have ruled the roost for decades, nearly 2,300 layoffs – including 400 firefighters - tops the list of actions that will keep America's poorest big city from running out of money by next April. Even socialist websites are becoming upset with the inevitable results of failing to face economic realities as Governor Walker has done in Wisconsin. The mayor's drastic plans include eliminating furlough days, a 10% across the board wage cut for all city employees, and a 10% hike in employee contributions to health care coverage and pension reforms. The city's financial crisis is so bad that the Michigan legislature is drafting a "Detroit-only" lottery in order to avoid what could be a catastrophic and unprecedented municipal bankruptcy.
The city of Flint, Michigan is now run by an "emergency manager" appointed by Governor Rick Snyder, because the city's finances are in such dire straits that the city cannot even function as a municipality. Burdened by excessive public employee greed, unsustainable pension and health care benefits, and union excesses, the only hope for the city is a new state law which allows these emergency managers to unilaterally modify or end altogether collective bargaining agreements with public sector workers.
The entire state of Michigan – where 60% of all public employees are unionized and have among the highest compensation of public employees nationally - has fared no better, thanks to public employee salaries, benefits, and pensions which have helped the state's debt balloon to a mind-boggling $125 billion (with a "b"). That's one-eighth of a trillion dollars – in one state alone! "Emergency managers" like the one sent in to clean up such messes in Flint are currently in place in Pontiac, Ecorse and Benton Harbor and the Detroit Public School System. And there will be more.
To our south, the state of Illinois has its own public employee union corruption to deal with. In Chicago, they face a double crisis – both the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and City Hall are broke – courtesy of the high cost of public employee pensions. The combined pension costs in 2011 to CPS and City Hall are approximately $650 million, a significant 5 percent of their combined 12.7 billion budgets. By 2015, the required payments to pension funds will have increased to $1.12 billion. And that doesn't include the rest of the state, which has racked up an estimated $139 billion in pension obligations, $85 billion of which it cannot pay. The Pew Center on the States has called Illinois's pension problem the worst in the country. So guess what? There will be massive layoffs. For those spared, Illnois Senate Bill 512 proposes huge increases in public employee contributions - as high as 23% - toward their own health insurance and pensions, and in some cases, moving them into more taxpayer-reasonable 401k's like the rest of us regular folk. Compare that with the paltry 12% toward health care and 6% toward pensions that caused the union-manufactured outcry in Wisconsin.
The sob story told by government to unsuspecting taxpayers in Illinois is the same everywhere public employee unions are found. As local public pension costs soar, the school system and city hall have to divert funds from their operating budgets, and government must then ask for revenue increases (i.e., higher taxes) to allegedly afford putting police on the streets and teachers in the classroom. But it doesn't take a dropout Chicago high school senior to see that the problem isn't insufficient revenue. It's runaway public employee pensions and benefits the equivalent of which are unheard of in the private sector, but which all private sector employees have to pay for.
For decades, politicians in the state which gave us Barack Obama have used public pension systems as their private slush funds. In return, politicians provide favors and paybacks (see Barack Obama's $787 billion stimulus) for public employees unions. In return, the politicians receive labor peace, campaign contributions and mobs of labor volunteers during campaign cycles. But the despicable incest hasn't worked out too well in the Land of Lincoln. Illinois public employees now face drastic and draconian cuts, forced contributions, and huge layoffs. A new Chicago law will block public employees, who have routinely taken extended leaves of absence from their real jobs to go work for their unions, from receiving public pension benefits earned on their much higher union salaries. Sound familiar?
Public employees grazing at the public trough have earned their own benign-sounding acronym: OPEB. The initials stand for "Other Post-Employment Benefits", unfunded perks, pensions, health care, and other liabilities owed to public employees who are no longer working. According to Standard & Poors, nearly half a trillion dollars is owed by state governments to the elite class of government employees for OPEB benefits after they leave their jobs. The amounts range from North Dakota's $52 million to New Jersey's $400 billion, but the result is the same everywhere – it's unaffordable and unsustainable. And it gets worse. Published estimates of the entirety of the country's 88,000 state and local government OPEB liabilities – courtesy of decades of unchecked public employee greed – is over $1 trillion. And climbing.
Underfunded pensions, massive deficits and debt, and public employee union excess have infected virtually all states. According to Bloomberg Businessweek, even states with well-funded plans are having problems meeting their excessive obligations. The gravy train of public employee largesse will be hard to bring to a halt. President Barack Obama is firmly entrenched with the public employee unions, who as of 2012, lead all groups in campaign contributions – a staggering $88 million – all for you-know-who. "We're the big dog," boasted Larry Scanlon, the head of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) recently. "But we don't like to brag." In the 2009 stimulus and other legislation, Democrats in Congress sent more than $160 billion in taxpayer dollar to states to prevent public-sector layoffs and influence their constituents. With union payoffs such as this, at the expense and under the noses of unsuspecting taxpayers, it is easy to see how things have gotten so bad.
But when states cut spending they must lay off employees. Forty-four states and the District of Columbia have reduced overall wages paid to state workers by laying off workers, requiring them to take unpaid leave, freezing new hires, or similar actions. State and local governments have had to eliminate over 400,000 public jobs since August of 2008. Scott Walker was able to balance the budget in Wisconsin without layoffs, which explains the thank-you card.
The truth is that public employees in Wisconsin owe Governor Scott Walker a huge debt of gratitude – not a recall campaign. Wisconsin public employees were rescued in time and have been spared the ax-wielding massacre which is occurring in states across the country. Governor Walker balanced the state budget and eliminated a $3.6 billion deficit, without raising taxes, laying off public employees, or cutting critical services. In Wisconsin, tax levies actually decreased for the first time in years. School districts with the common sense to utilize the tools of ACT 10 were able to maintain the same educational levels in their schools or actually improve them. Wisconsin school districts which availed themselves of Governor Walker's tools to keep costs in check (i.e., those who didn't quickly cut a deal with the teachers' unions while ACT 10 was being deliberated), have been able to avoid laying off teachers and have decreased class sizes. In some cases, new teachers were actually hired. As a direct result of Governor Walker's initiatives, Wisconsin avoided the sort of financial Armageddon now facing its neighbors and saved countless public sector jobs in the process.
But the benefit to public employees and all Wisconsin taxpayers is even more dramatic than that. No longer is the WEA Trust ripping off taxpayers by being allowed to be the only over-charging health insurance game in town for public employees. The good things happening in the Badger State as a result of Walker's courage are too numerous to mention:
· The Appleton School District has saved $3.1 million a year
· In Wauwatosa, the tax levy was cut and no programs were lost
· Kaukauna went from $400,000 in the red to $1.5 million flush
· Inmates in Racine are doing work to free up county employees
· Baraboo saved $660,000 simply by dropping the WEA Trust
· Kimberly saved $821,000 simply by dropping the WEA Trust
· Manitowoc's previously-laid off workers will get their jobs back
· Pittsville taxpayers will see a 9% decrease in their school taxes
· Hudson saved nearly $1 million bidding on its health insurance
· Sheboygan's savings will make up for loss in state aid
· Edgerton saved half a million by getting rid of the WEA Trust
· Mequon-Thiensville saved nearly $50,000 on dental insurance
It would be pretty hard for those seeking to reverse the legitimate election of the Wisconsin governor not to see how Walker's courage and trailblazing has benefitted them in the long run, rescued Wisconsin taxpayers, and saved us all the fate of the less-courageous states surrounding us. On behalf of public employees everywhere who have been whipped into a frenzy by public employee unions desperately trying to hold on to their golden goose, I'd like to thank Governor Scott Walker for taking the road less travelled. There is a lot more traffic on this "Scott Walker highway" these days. But that's only because the other highway has been shut down due to lack of funds.


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Hildebrandt Drop Dead Fred Double Colorado Spinnerbait
Developed by world-class lure designer Lee Sisson, the revolutionary Hildebrandt Drop Dead Fred Spinnerbait features a hinged spinner arm with two Colorado-blades for maximum underwater vibration. It functions like a normal spinnerbait when being retrieved, but at any time when the retrieve is stopped, the hinged arm bends and folds up, allowing the blades to spin as the bait is dropping. Featuring the same premium Hildebrandt blade finishes, skirts and high quality Hildebrandt construction, the Drop Dead Fred is one of the most versatile and productive spinnerbaits, because it is attracting fish all the time - on the retrieve, and on the drop.
4 Colors
More From Hildebrandt Spinnerbaits
Customer Reviews
Comments: Works well on windy days with choppy water. I used it as a bulge bait in the shallow water. Go to spinner bait under the right conditions. Wind, lower visability, and need for large amounts of water displacement.
From: Keith: Little Rock, AR
Comments:This no fluke lure. Most bass fishermen apply the stop and go method when reeling in a spinnerbait and it is a great way to get the strikes. This great little lure is the best for that application especially around trees, brush and cliffs. On a windy bank of cliffs it is deadly. Fish it parallel to the rock's and you can't miss. Bass love that sudden fall with the blades spinning above the body. Color is a matter of choice.
From:Wes: Salinas, CA


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