text:
Story Details
Emmy's Foot Massage
Finally, a REAL story. Not some Bullshit, recycled fairy tale.
I picked up my daughter Emmy (14 at the time) late one day from cheerleading practice. It was the first week, and apparently, they had been working the girls pretty hard. As we drove home, she complained multiple times about her feet and legs hurting from all the jumping and other things they did all day.
Now, I know she wasn't hinting at a foot massage.....she didn't even know yet about my famous foot massages. I told her "before you Mother moved out, she used to always use this foot bath thing, sort of like a massage and whirlpool at the same time. When we get home, we'll fire it up."
"Sounds Great, Dad" she said in her most tired voice.
When we pulled in the driveway, she got out slowly, and sort of limped to the door.
I noticed the beautiful shape her legs had taken since she started maturing, and felt bad that she was in pain and so exhausted.
As we got inside, she said she was going up to change, and I told her I'd find the magic foot machine her mother used to love so much.
But when I found it, I noticed that it looked very old, and had hard water stains all over it. Hardly the place I wanted my daughter to put her pretty little feet.
Suddenly, I had an idea.
I went and got a towel, and some lotion I liked to use when giving a good massage. She slowly came down stairs, and stared at the towel laid out on the couch.
"What's this?" she asked.
"Well", I said. "The foot thing is broken, so I figured I would do it instead."
"OK, what do you want me to do?" she inquired.
"Just lay down....on your stomach"
"You mean I just have to lay here....and you'll do all the work?"
"You're the best, Daddy" she said, as she gave me a nice long hug.
Then she sprawled out on the towel, and left me to my work.
I was in a good mood, she was going to get the best foot massage ever.
I applied the lotion liberally to her feet and toes
"oooh, that's cold" she squealed.
I grabbed her tiny foot, and immediately went to work....kneading, squeezing, massaging with every ounce of skill I had.
"Oooohhhh, mmmmm" she moaned. "That feels soooo goood."
"I'm glad you like it, baby"
"I LOVE IT" she said in a low voice, as she lifted her foot a little to meet my hand.
At that moment, I finally noticed what she had on. The shorts she was wearing were barely shorts at all. Thin, loose, and so tiny, they barely covered her, and only a tank top for a shirt.
When I moved to her other foot, after about 15 minutes, I noticed that with her legs slightly parted, I could (if i wanted to) take a peek at her panties.
At first, I kept my eyes where they belonged, on her foot. But then, a sudden change of heart.
"OOOHHHH, DADDY.....OOHHH" she moaned loudly.
That did it.
I moved my eyes slowly, as if someone was watching, and made my way up her legs. Thay were long, and tanned...very smooth....all muscle. When my eyes finally made it to the bottom of her shorts, I tugged slightly on her leg, and they spread ever so slightly.... even more.
What I was expecting was some white cotton. What I got was the tiniest pair of pink panties I had ever seen.
G-string was an understatement. They ran down her back, dissapeared into her ass-crack, then re-appeared over her crotch.
I stared in amazement as I began to get turned on, wondering about what was under the soft silky material. I must have lost concentration, because suddenly I heard:
"Daddy.....why did you stop?"
"Oh" I stumbled over my words...."here, I'll do your legs, too"
"Ohhh please do, Daddy" she beckoned.
I loaded up my hands with lotion, and began running them up and down her legs. First her calves, then in slow circular motions, I moved further, and further up.
I was in agony, and ecstacy at the same time.
"OOOOHHH, Yeah.....OOOHHH Daddy" she kept saying.
I fianlly noticed that my dick was about to burst out of my pants.
Yes, I had the hugest hard-on I could ever remember, and my hands were just inches away from my daughters tiny pussy. I rubbed my hands up and down, all over every square inch of her beautiful legs. Then I got an idea.
I began very slowly, and methodically, to spread her legs further apart.
First one, then the other, then back to the other. Soon, it was less of a foot massage, and more of a thigh massage.....I would have been worried, except her moans of pleasure let me know that she loved it as much as I did...maybe more.
"Ohhh, god.....Daddy....that feels soooo goood"
I finally got the nerve to go high enough with my hand to touch her shorts, moving them slightly higher, for my viewing pleasure. A few times I touched them, grazing my thumb over the bottom of her butt.
It had been a while since I took a good look, I took a quick glance.....and to my pleasure, I got a nice suprise.
I had moved her legs so far apart, that I now had a clear view of the tiny string that tried to cover her backside. As I passed my thumb over the bottom of her beautiful ass-cheek, I gave it some extra pressure, and pushed fairly hard outward.
As I intently stared at her crotch, I suddenly saw a glimpse of heaven. A patch of Downy light brown pubic hair found it's way out the side of her panties. I kept massaging the same way...pulling her legs and cheeks further apart.
"Ohhhh, Ohhhh, Ohhhh," her moans got mre methodical.
Soon I could see so much hair that I knew if I went just a little further....just a little futher....
Then it happened.
She closed her legs, and quickly stood up.
Her face was flushed...and so was mine. I stared at her hard nipples under her tank top.
"Oh" I said quickly...."I guess were done?" I said, with a caution in my voice.
"NO WAY" she said firmly. " I just don't want you to get lotion on my shorts"
And with that said, she hooked her shorts with her thumbs, dropped them to the ground, and kicked them a few feet away.
"There, now...GET BACK TO WORK, DAD" she smiled.
She laid back down on her stomach, and spread her legs almost as wide as before, giving me a full view of her perfect under-carriage.
I covered my hands with lotion, and went straight to work on her ass, kneading it with both hands, pulling her ass-cheeks apart in all different directions....mostly outward.
She went straight back to moaning, and lifted up one of her feet. It was right at the level of my mouth, and I reached forward and gav her toes a light kiss.
She giggled at the thought. Then I grabbed her foot with my right hand, keeping my left hand on her rump, kneading.....spreading.
I began kissing her foot heavily.
"Daddy, what are you doing?" she inquired jokingly.
"Just relax, honey, you have beautiful feet, and I'm giving them a kiss." I said firmly.
"Ohhh, it feels awesome."
And with that, I took her toes in my mouth one at a time, and began sucking. Throwing caution to the wind, I continued seducing my littl girl.
Soon, I was sucking on each toe, licking, kissing.
My left hand stayed busy massing back and forth on each of her rock hard cheeks.
"Ahhhh, ahhhhh, oooooh. MMMMM, Daddy"
In the middle of it, I realized that we had come this far, and she must know that I was turned on.
I made a pass with my thumb that slipped under her panties, over her tiny asshole. As it moved downward, she bucked slightly, and made a sharp noise...
Just then, my thumb came in contact for the first time with her pubic hair, and an Extreme amount of wetness. It slid down past, and immediately, I motioned back upward.
"Uuuuunnnngggghh" she groaned in delight as my thumb brushed the outer edge of her VERY virgin pussy. She began rythmically raising and lowering her ass, as my thumb slip up and down her pussy slit.
To be continued...........
Part 2
Soon, I dropped her other foot, and went to work with both hands. I was glad she had been stretching all day, because I started at her knees, and pushed outward, spreading her legs to a ridiculous position. As I stared down, I realized, just a string seperated me from her beautiful, soaking wet pussy. My hands moved into position, and my thumbs ran up both side of her slit.
"AAAAAHHHHH, OOOOOHHHHH, AAAAHHHH" she murmured, as I manipulated her her pussy lips wide open.
"Do you like your foot massage, baby?" I smugly asked.
"MMMmphhhh, HHMMPPPHHH" was all she could manage.
I finally grabbed the back of the panties, and pulled them drastically to one side. The view was amazing. She had the tiniest pussy lips, her ass raised in the air, and her soft pubic hair was drenched with her own wetness. I took my middle finger, starting at her asshole, and ran it directly down the middle of her slit, not inserting it, just slightly parting her lips.
"MMMMAAAAHHHHH" she let out a load yelp.
She couldn't see me, so I raised my finger to my nose, and took a deep breath of her sweet musk. And it was....sweet.
I just had to......so I leaned forward, grabbed her ass-cheeks, spread them wide, and put my face right up to her pussy.
She must have wondered what i was going to do, because she stopped breathing, stopped moaning, and held steady with her ass high in the air.
I did what I had always wanted to do....
I stuck my nose right on her pussy lips, and took a deep breath of her heavenly scent. It was intoxicating!
Another Deeeep breath, and then I planted a kiss right on her lips, to get a taste, but mostly to tease her.
"AAAAARRRRR, MMMMMMM" she groaned, as she pushed her ass backward toward my mouth. I pulled away with another plan in mind.
I kept my mouth close to her slit, breathing hard to let her know I was still there.
Her breathing grew faster while she waited for my next move.
Then as she attempted to heave her ass upward to meet my mouth, I took my hands, and slid them under her tank top.....quickly reaching her tiny breasts.
At first I just lightly touched them with my fingertips, then I began kneading, and lightly pulling on her nipples.
I began planting light kisses all over her tiny pussy, she was starting to squirm out of control. With her ass in the air, she finally lost it when I flicked her tiny clit with my tounge.
"EEEEEAAAA" she squealed, and dropped to her stomach. She immediately rolled over, and stared deep into my eyes as I leaned over her...then it occured to me....she had no idea where to go from here. So I started....
I gently leaned down and kissed her stomach. Her tank top had ridden pretty high up her abdomen, and I knew where this was headed. I kissed back and forth over her tight, untouched body, moving slowly upwards.
When my hands again came to her breasts, they gently hooked her shirt and pushed it up toward her neck. I was going to stop there, but she raised her arms above her head, and sat up slightly. As she did, i could see the full shape of her tiny breasts, a little smaller than tennis balls, and her tiny dime sized pink nipples.
I laid her back down, and immediately took her left nipple in my mouth.
Her fingers ran through my hair as I sucked and licked at it, and it got soft, then hard again.
Her feet came up and she began running them up and down my back, slightly lifting my shirt....the skin to skin contact was unreal, and I shook with excitement.
As I continued suckling at her nipples, my hand reached down...she must have thought I was going for her pussy, but I just had to get my shorts down. I had a hard-on for the last 45 minutes, and it needed to come out for some air!
As she felt me reach down, her hips bucked upward, and her pussy came just inches from my dick. Her feet found my shorts, and pushed them down by my knees, and I instinctively moved upward.
For the first time, we were face to face, just an inch apart. I was about to lean forward, when she beat me to it. She gave me a small kiss on the lips, then another, and another.
Then began getting longer, and more passionate, and slowly, I lowered myself down onto her tiny body. I could feel the bottom of my balls as they lowered down onto the front of her panties. and I let them slide ever so slowly down her crotch. I could feel the burning heat through her wet panties, and my hard dick soon found the same path.
I held myself with one hand as we continued kissing and sucking at each other's tounges. My other hand went down to guide my dick. Slowly rocking my hips, I gently slid her panties aside . I found the top of her slit, and slowly rubbed my head in her wetness. She began breathing hard into my mouth as we kissed, as I teasingly made circles on her tiny clit with my dick.
I slid it all the way up, over her soft sparse mound of pubic hair, then back down, all the way to her asshole, parting her lips along the way. I was picking up an incredible amount of moisture, and was growing more slick by the second.
I finally reached down
and found her hot, wet opening with my middle finger. It was so wet, I nearly slipped past it. I applied a small amount of pressure, and my finger sunk down to the second knuckle. She responded with a small yelp, and the muscles in the walls of her pussy clamped around my finger like a baby's mouth.
"aaaahhhh, aaaahhhh" she moaned, as i began pulling it out, and pusing it back in slowly. The heat was intense. Her pussy felt twice as hot as the rest of her body, and my finger began to slip in further.
She must have thought it was my dick, because she started to wrap her legs around me, and pull me closer....boy was she in for a suprise! My dick had at least twice the length, and probably 3 times the girth of my finger.
I kept rythmically pushing in, and pulling out of her tight pussy...meanwhile going back to kissing her. She could barely concentrate long enough to kiss me, her hips moved back and forth with the motion of my finger. Every once in a while, i'd push it all the way in, and move it in circles, hoping to find a tiny g-spot.
"Aaaarrrrggg, mmmmmppphhh, ooooohhhh" she could barely make a word, just sounds, and mostly involuntary.
I could hear a slight sloshing sound, as my finger penetrated her, again, and again, and again.
My dick was harder than a rock, and resting somewhere under her ass and legs, covered in the residual moisture from my finger-fucking.
That was it.
I sat up quick, and pulled my finger out of her juicy little hole. She satrted to say something...
"Daddy, don't st....." but I took my middle finger, and stuck it in her mouth.
Her lips clamped around it, and her eyes closed as she began sucking, hard. Seeing my baby suck her own pussy juice off my finger was very intense...in fact, this whole thing was becoming very intense.
"Take off your panties" I said firmly, as I saw her eyes spring open.
"ok.....what are we going to do, daddy?" she questioned
"shhh" i whispered, as I removed my finger from her hot mouth.
She reached down and found the elastic of her panties, and put her feet in the air as she slid them up her legs. I met her half way, and grabbed them from her. I pulled them over her feet, and tossed them to the side. Her legs went back down and spread wide open. I sat for a second, and stared at my gorgeous daughter.
13 years old. Nipples hard. Clit swollen. A puddle of her wetness collected beneath her ass. Her panties lay on the floor beside us.
Here I finally was. I would ahve done this 3 years ago if I knew how to instigate it, and here we finally were, and her pussy was ready for whatever I had planned for it. She stared quietly at my long, thick cock, gazing at it's size and hardness.
Then she reached forward, and grabbed it with her tiny hand.
"I want you inside me, daddy" she whispered, as she ran her pretty red fingernails up and down the shaft lightly, almost tickling me.
"are you sure that's what you want?"I asked.
Instead of answering, she moved her hand beneath my dick, and ran the tips of her fingernails over my balls...up and down. Heaven.
I grabbed her hand before she made me shoot all over her, then grabbed her other hand. I leaned forward and pushed her arms above her head.
I felt my dick once again contact her wetness, this time with no panties in the way.
I wanted to jam it inside her , but I was gentle.
I held onto her hands with one hand, and with the other, guided my dick toward her tiny hole. Her knees came up slightly, giving me full access, and I finally parted her pussy lips all the way. The head of my dick moved like a snake, and pushed an inch or so inside.I looked down at her as I entered, and watched as her eyes got wider and wider. I applied gentle pressure, and backed it out. Then with a stronger forward stroke, I pushed it almost half way in. It tightened around my cock.
"Oooww, aaahhh, keep going, daddy" she said quietly.
I leaned down, and our mouths found each other as I gently probed deeper and deeper. She turned her head to the side and moaned in a semi-painful pleasure. I finally got a chance to kiss her tiny ears and neck. She must have enjoyed that, because she suddenly relaxed, and moaned again.
"AAAAAhhhhhh, MMMMMmmmmm" she wailed, as I sunk deeper into her. My cock was stretching her pussy way beyond where it had ever been, and she loved it. I fucked about 6 inches in and out of her now with little resistance...just the tightness of a virgin (not any more) pussy. She now moaned only when I pushed it inside her, and was getting her rythm down nicely. I raised up my head, and we gazed into each others eyes, not saying a word. I just watched her mouth open and moan as I slid inside her walls. when I knew she was ready, I grabbed her legs, and pushed her knees up to her ears, keeping my rythm. Her moans got higher and higher...
"Ah, ah,ah,eh,eh,eh" she squawed, and I knew she was about to come.
I pushed...harder than I had yet, and sunk all the way in....finally.
"Yaaaahhhh, ohhhhhh yaaaaaaaa" she wailed.
As i slid in, I felt my balls finally touch her ass. I was now balls deep in my own daughter, and realizing that, i began to lose it. I reached down to kiss her neck, but kind of sucked and bit it instead.
"aaaahhh, aaahhh,ahhh, oooohh" we both chanted, almost at the same time.
I pulled my dick almost all the way out, and pushed it to the bottom as hard as I could. The head of my dick hit bottom, my balls squeezed against her asshole, and as I held it there, i felt her pussy start to spasm around it. It clenched my cock, hard. And she let out what was almost a scream, as I backed my dick out a few inches, and again, rammed it to the very end of her tunnell.
"I'm....I'm....aaaaaaarrrggghhhh" I yelped, as my dick spewed giant loads of hot cum inside her. Her pussy milked my dick, as she went into her own orgasm. I laid all my weight on top of her, sending sperm as deep as possible inside her.
Her tiny legs shook hard, and her eyes rolled back in her head like she was passing out. My dick shot the last of it inside her, but her orgasm went on for a good 15-20 seconds longer. She bit her lip, and arched her back as she felt the hot semen hitting the back of her uterus, and she shook in orgasmic delight.
She finally relaxed, and her eyes closed, then open again, looking square at me.
Sweat ran down her face and mine, and we kissed slowly and passionately while my dick stayed inside her, finally growing soft again. When I finally got up to pull it out, her pussy clenched around it. It was practically stuck inside her. I watched as he head came out, and her hole closed up tight again.
I grabbed her foot and kissed across her toes, as she lay there, completely relaxed.....just fucked. I looked down and saw my cum seeping out of her slit, running down her asscrack. I stood up smiling, grabbing my shorts.
"You better hit the shower, sweetie" I laughed.
"Daddy" she said sweetly.
"yes, baby?' I answered.
"If my feet hurt tomorrow, will..." I stopped her in mid sentence...
"Yes, I'll rub your feet baby. Any time you want" I grinned.
"Awesome." she said as she stood up, her perfect body gleaming in the afternoon sun. Then she turned and walked upstairs.
I watched as her perfect ass bounced, one side, then the other.
That's where I'll go next, I thought.


text:
BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union on Friday forged a unified response to the rapid advance of Islamic militants in Iraq and the resulting refugee crisis, allowing direct arms deliveries to Kurdish fighters battling the Sunni insurgents. Several EU nations pledged more humanitarian aid.
The emergency meeting of the bloc's 28 foreign ministers in Brussels marked a shift toward greater involvement in Iraq, following weeks during which the Europeans mainly considered the situation an American problem because of the 2003 U.S.-led Iraq invasion.
EU ministers pledged to step up efforts to help those fleeing advancing Islamic State militants, with several nations announcing they will fly dozens of tons of aid to northern Iraq over the coming days.
"First of all, we need to make sure that we alleviate humanitarian suffering," Dutch Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans told reporters. "Secondly, I believe we need to make sure that (Islamic State) is not in a position to overrun the Kurds or to take a stronger hold on Iraq."
France has pledged to ship weapons to the Kurds and Britain is delivering ammunition and military supplies obtained from eastern European nations and is considering sending more weaponry. Germany, the Netherlands and others said they would also consider requests to arm the Kurds.
Europe's initiative came as Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki agreed to step down after weeks of insisting on a third four-year term. His departure could pave the way for a more inclusive Iraqi government and strengthen Baghdad's position in battling the Sunni insurgency.
A veteran Shiite lawmaker, Haider al-Abadi, now faces the challenge of forming a stable government in Iraq and engaging Sunni politicians, who say their disenfranchisement under al-Maliki's Shiite-dominated government fueled support for the insurgency among the Sunni minority.
The EU foreign ministers called on al-Abadi to urgently form a government that will be "inclusive and able to address the needs and legitimate aspirations of all the Iraqi citizens."
U.S. and EU officials have said they can beef up their support for Iraq once a stable government is in place.
"It is not simply Iraq or Syria that find themselves threatened, it is the world," French President Francois Hollande said in a speech marking the 70th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Provence. "France decided to come to their aid, both humanitarian and military. And today another initiative emerged — Europe decided at last to do the same, because it is our duty. ... It is there that the future of our continent is being decided."
The IS militants' advances have brought danger closer to European shores: Officials say about 1,700 radical Muslims from France, Britain and Germany alone are believed to have joined the fighting. And there are fears those militants could bring their radicalism home: A radical French Islamist who had fought in Syria is suspected of killing four people at Brussels' Jewish Museum in May.
The decision to send arms to the Kurds is an attempt to deal with an immediate crisis "in a defensible way, which is relying overwhelmingly on sympathetic local forces," said Jeffrey Anderson, a Georgetown University analyst. But he added the long-term consequences could be far-reaching.
"You're strengthening the centrifugal forces within the country. You're making it more likely that what you're emerging with is not a unified Iraq," he said. "That's the price you have to pay for solving this crisis."
The IS group swiftly advanced across northern and western Iraq in June, routing the Iraqi military and taking the country's second-largest city, Mosul. Thousands of people have been killed and more than 1.5 million have been displaced.
The plight this month of thousands of Yazidis, a religious minority who fled from advancing IS militants and were trapped on a forbidding mountain range, was key to pushing Europe toward taking action.
In New York, U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said close to 80,000 people are now estimated to have reached Kurdistan arriving from the Sinjar mountains.
France, Britain, Italy and Germany have stepped up humanitarian aid and are delivering dozens of tons of aid to the refugees in Iraq, including food, drinking water and medical supplies.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he was flying to Iraq over the weekend to meet with Kurdish leaders and the government in Baghdad to discuss what support is most needed.
Kurdistan, which took in tens of thousands of refugees over the past weeks, will not only need short-term humanitarian aid but also long-term support to accommodate the displaced, Steinmeier said.
"This will very quickly challenge and probably overwhelm the infrastructure in Irbil and the region," he added.
In a joint statement, the EU foreign ministers also endorsed the decision by some member nations "to respond positively to the call by the Kurdish regional authorities to provide urgently needed military material" as long as it is done in concert with Iraq's central government.
Some had cautioned before the meeting that arming the Kurds could eventually strengthen their bid for independence from Iraq — and those European-provided weapons eventually could be used against Baghdad's own soldiers.
Steinmeier said it was still unclear what arms the Kurds would request or get, but acknowledged there was "no decision without risk in that regard."
The Islamic State is acting "with a military force and brutality that has surprised almost everybody worldwide," Steinmeier said.
Hinnant reported from Paris. Danica Kirka in London, Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations and Geir Moulson in Berlin also contributed.
Follow Lori Hinnant at: http://www.twitter.com/lhinnant
Follow Juergen Baetz at http://www.twitter.com/jbaetz

subset: commoncrawl


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Health insurer Anthem takes pharmacy business in house, taps CVS to helpBy CAROLINE HUMER
October 18. 2017 9:15PM
Health insurer Anthem Inc. will start managing its billions of dollars of patient prescriptions itself in 2020, it said on Wednesday, ending a deal with Express Scripts Holding Co. that had deteriorated into lawsuits over terms.
Anthem said it would save $4 billion annually in the new contract with drug retailer CVS Health Corp., which will handle prescription fulfillment and claims processing starting in 2020 for five years for the new company, called IngenioRX.
Anthem said it would pass on 80 percent of those savings to customers in pricing and 20 percent to the bottom line, boosting earnings by $2 per share starting in 2021.
The new structure gives Anthem more control to lower health care costs, expand contracting with doctors and hospitals based on health outcomes and work on lowering annual increases in medical costs, Anthem Chief Executive Joseph Swedish said in an interview.
Anthem had considered exiting the Express Scripts deal for several years and sued the pharmacy benefit manager in 2016 over claims of being overcharged by $3 billion annually. Express Scripts has counter-sued and denied allegations of overcharging.
Pharmacy benefit managers negotiate prices with drugmakers and determine which treatments are included on their list of covered drugs and how much of a co-payment to charge for them versus their rivals. As drug prices have posted annual double-digit gains, companies, insurers and the U.S. government have pushed benefit managers to better manage costs.
Lawmakers have criticized the companies for not being "transparent" about drug prices and questioned whether any savings make it to their customers and consumers.
Swedish said that with the pharmacy function run by Anthem, it would be able to provide that information to customers.
Leerink analyst Ana Gupte estimated that No. 2 health insurer Anthem's prescription business represents about 220 million prescriptions per year worth about $23 billion in revenue.
Other insurers, including UnitedHealth Group Inc. and Humana Inc., already manage their pharmacy benefits themselves.


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General Manager Ned Colletti wants to acquire a starting pitcher and another position player.
The Dodgers were rumored to really like Matt Garza, but his recent diagnosis (fluid in triceps) means he likely won't be dealt before Tuesday's trade deadline.
The Dodgers have also been in on Ryan Dempster from seemingly the beginning of his availability. The smart money is on Dempster donning Dodger Blue by Tuesday, but they could go in another direction.
Zack Greinke was dealt to the Angels on Friday, which was a hell of a deal for Anaheim. Now, the two biggest names linked to the Dodgers are Marlins' starter Josh Johnson and Rays' starter James Shields.
Frankly, either one would be a fantastic addition to the rotation. Johnson has injury concerns but is the more talented pitcher. Shields is a workhorse and he showed his true potential last season with a fine campaign.
The Marlins are reportedly asking for every team's "top two or three prospects," while the Rays are asking for more than the Brewers got in return for Greinke.
The likelihood of the Dodgers ending up with either Johnson or Shields are slim, but the fact they're even been rumored to have serious interest in big names such as these is so refreshing.
Ted Lilly is throwing a rehab game in Rancho Cucamonga next week. His pending return, coupled with an acquisition, should set the Dodgers' rotation for the rest of the season.
I'd bet on Dempster being a Dodger and the team sending Garrett Gould and Aaron Miller to Chicago for his services.
As for hitters, the name Justin Morneau keeps coming up. While I like idea, I'd almost want the Dodgers to acquire an outfielder before Morneau. I'll explain shortly.
Shane Victorino remains on the radar and while he's a real possibility, I really don't want him in Blue.
Hunter Pence, Victorino's teammate, would be the ideal acquisition. He's not a free agent until after 2013 and is about the best bat available -- if the Phillies decide to formally make him available. Pence's acquisition would also allow the Dodgers to bat Ramirez in the leadoff spot, which might be the best thing for the team right now.
Pence would be pricey, but I don't think I'd have much issue dealing two or three top prospects for him.
But back to Morneau. While I wouldn't be opposed to the Dodgers taking a chance on him rebounding to his MVP form, I'm more worried about his defense. He's not a great defender at first, but he's serviceable. However, with Ramirez at third base and Dee Gordon at shortstop, the Dodgers are going to need a a good defensive first basemen. Despite James Loney's struggles at the plate, he's still a great defensive first baseman. He's among the best -- if not the best -- at digging throws out of the dirt. Ramirez and Gordon aren't exactly known for their defense, so if the Dodgers can upgrade at another position, they can afford to keep running Loney out there at first base.
Who knows, maybe he'll realize it's nearly August and he'll kick it into gear.
So, we're about 73 hours away from the 1 p.m. deadline. There are still a lot of pieces in play and the Dodgers appear determined to upgrade the roster even more.
The team had its ups and downs this season. With the possibility (probability) of upgrading the team to be a playoff and even championship contender, this is one of the "up" moments.
The Dodgers land Dempster and Victorino. Victorino, as much as I can't stand him, could be in the same boat as Ramirez as needing a change of scenery. He's a free agent after the season and the Phillies aren't going to re-sign him. The cost for Victorino would be minimal (a guy like Angel Sanchez could probably get him) and there's a slight chance he could revert to his previous form.
I can't stand Victorino, but I could see him starting in left field on Wednesday for the Dodgers.


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2016 campaign checklist: Chris Christie
A look at preparations by Gov. Chris Christie, R-N.J., for a potential 2016 presidential campaign:
Nondenial denial: "Yes, and later." — When asked if he's thinking about running for president, and when he'll decide, at a fiscal conference in Washington in May.
Book: Not yet, and it's a notable gap, but there's time.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks with his wife Mary Pat Christie at his side during the dedication ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial Museum on Thursday, May 15, 2014 in New York. (AP Photo/The Star-Ledger, John Munson, Pool)
Iowa visits: Yes, in 2012. Also in 2011 and 2012 to help U.S. Rep. Steve King raise money. More politically driven travel is clearly in the cards now that he's chairman of Republican Governors Association for 2014 election year.
New Hampshire: Yes, three times in the 2012 campaign, endorsing Mitt Romney in a visit to the state, campaigning for him there in January 2012 and returning in September for Ovide Lamontagne, GOP nominee who lost governor's race. Schmoozed with New Hampshire delegates at GOP convention. The day after his November 2013 re-election victory in New Jersey, the New Hampshire GOP announced the hiring of Christie's regional director, Matt Mowers, as its executive director.
South Carolina: Yes, visited in 2012 to help Romney raise money.
Foreign travel: Yes. First official trip overseas was in July 2012, to Israel, then Jordan. Visited Western Wall, met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who told him Israel and New Jersey are similar in size and population but New Jersey probably has "better neighbors."
Meet the money: Yes, became GOP governors chairman in November 2013, giving him regular access to GOP's top national donors as he helps raise money for candidates. Some big donors, though, question whether he's still a viable prospect after scandal surfaced over politically motivated traffic tie-ups in New Jersey. Was among a handful of high-profile Republicans to meet with super donor Sheldon Adelson in Las Vegas at his resort casino in late March. Went on an aggressive national fundraising tour in early 2013, courting GOP donors in New York City, the Washington area, Boston and Miami. Also raised money in Ohio, Wisconsin, Texas and California, where Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg hosted an event at his Palo Alto home.
Networking: Yes, broad outreach now as chairman of GOP governors group, a position that offers regular face time with top party officials and donors nationwide. March speech pleased activists at Conservative Political Action Conference, a group that did not invite him to speak last year because he'd been too chummy with President Barack Obama in Superstorm Sandy's aftermath. Addressed Republican Jewish Coalition spring meeting in Las Vegas, spending a full day with top donors and GOP operatives. Also was keynote speaker at 2012 Republican National Convention. At Aspen Institute in July 2013, started spat with U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., from afar, criticizing libertarians in the party. Invited to speak to Ralph Reed's Faith and Freedom conference, but declined and instead appeared with Bill Clinton in Chicago to talk about disaster relief.
Hog the TV: Not so much these days. Last year, tended to avoid the usual sober circuit — most conspicuously, the Sunday news shows, although he appeared on four of them the day after his 2013 re-election — in favor of cutting up on late-night TV.
Do something: Won November 2013 re-election, becoming first Republican to earn more than 50 percent of the New Jersey vote in a quarter-century. Led state's response to Superstorm Sandy. Agreed to expand state's Medicaid program under Obama's health law, while some other Republican governors have refused to do so. Vetoed a bill that would have sanctioned gay marriage, but declined to appeal a court ruling that legalized it. Signed law increasing pension and health costs for public workers.
Take a stand: Bridges partisan divide. Showed in disaster response that pragmatism trumped party labels, although questions arose later about whether politics played a part in recovery aid. In re-election, outperformed Republicans elsewhere among women and minority voters. Moderate stance could be a strength in a presidential election, although a weakness in striving for his party's nomination, because accommodation is not what core constituencies of either party want to see. But he's pleased some conservatives by taking on labor unions, voicing opposition to gay marriage and to abortion rights except in case of rape, incest or to save the life of the woman.
Baggage: If you have to declare "I am not a bully," you've got a problem. Christie apologized in January 2014 for highway lane closures near the George Washington Bridge apparently ordered by his aides as political retribution against a Democratic mayor who did not endorse him for re-election. He denied knowledge of the machinations. The episode deepened questions about what Christie, or at least those around him, will do to win, and took a toll in his popularity. Investigations are underway. Partial deflection: A nearly two-hour news conference packed with apologies, but it didn't put questions to rest. One investigation cleared him but critics dismissed it as a whitewash because lawyers chosen by his own office conducted it.
Shadow campaign: RGA chairmanship allows him to grow his national profile with voters and party officials with regular travel and key appearances. Began building broad coalition of donors through his national fundraising tour in spring 2013. There were also "draft Christie" movements in Iowa and South Carolina in 2011, where activists continue to support him. Hired senior Romney media mind Russ Schriefer in late spring 2013. But the shadow of scandal still hangs over his shadow campaign.
Social media: More engaged in Twitter ("It was great to be able to visit with the owners of Rossi's Rent-A-Rama in Ortley today") than Facebook, where posts are by staff. No second-guessing himself in this post-election tweet: "if I walk away with 70 percent of my agenda, NJ is 70 percent better off than it would have been otherwise."
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie answers questions from Bob Schieffer of CBS News at the 2014 Fiscal Summit organized by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation in Washington, Wednesday, May 14, 2014. Lawmakers and policy experts discussed America's long term debt and economic future. (AP Photo)
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Justin Bieber charged with assaulting Toronto limo driver
Justin Bieber will appear in Toronto court March 10 to face an assault charge for allegedly attacking a limo driver over the Christmas holidays.
The Stratford native — who faces legal problems in the United States and Canada — surrendered to Toronto Police Wednesday night at 52 Division in downtown Toronto.
The baby-faced pop star turned troubled youth arrived in an SUV at the police station at Dundas St. W. , just west of University Ave., shortly before 8 p.m. and was met by a throng of screaming young fans and media.
A handful of officers escorted Bieber through the crowd and into the station where he was interviewed by investigators about the Dec. 29 incident.
About 90 minutes later, the teen heart-throb managed to sneak by reporters and fans by leaving the police station through a back door and driving off in a different vehicle.
Soon after, Insp. Howie Page released a statement explaining the singer has been charged with assault.
The Biebs and some pals took in a Toronto Maple Leafs game from a private box at the Air Canada Centre on the night in question.
Page said it's alleged a limousine driver picked up a group of six people, outside a nightclub, near Peter St. and Adelaide St. W., around 2:50 a.m. the following morning.
"While driving the group to a hotel, an altercation occurred between one of the passengers and the driver of the limousine," he said. "In the course of the altercation, a man struck the limousine driver on the back of the head several times.
"The driver stopped the limousine, exited the vehicle and called police," Page said, adding the assailant left the scene before officers arrived.
Bieber has also been in trouble with U.S. authorities in two cities south of the border recently.
On Jan. 23, he was arrested in Miama and charged with driving under the influence after police allegedly caught him drag racing a rented Lamborghini on a main thoroughfare.
According to court records, he pleaded not guilty Wednesday to those charges in a written plea submitted by his lawyer.
If convicted, Bieber could face up to six months in prison. But experts say that if he's found guilty, Bieber will likely receive a lighter sentence because it would be his first offence.
Bieber is scheduled to make a court appearance Feb. 14 to formally answer to those charges.
He was also charged with driving on an expired license and resisting arrest without violence for the Miami incident.
Bieber has also been under investigation in California, where he resides, after a neighbour claimed he egged his home late last year and caused $20,000 in damage.
Toronto City Councillor Adam Vaughan — whose ward includes 52 Division — cracked a joke Wednesday about Bieber's pending arrest to reporters at City Hall.
"What's the difference between Rob Ford and Justin Bieber? Justin Bieber shoots and cuts his own videos," Vaughan said.
— With files from Don Peat and Reuters


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The Cottage Inn of Lake Tahoe at Sunnyside is a peaceful lodge where you the rich smell of pine trees is combined with the historical but yet cozy feel of the west shore of Lake Tahoe. We specialize in small but yet beautiful Lake Tahoe Style Weddings. We are the most charming place at Lake Tahoe. From our convenient location you can sample a wide variety of four-season outdoor recreations, shops, museums, restaurants, casinos, arts activities, and other interests. At the close of your stay you'll leave refreshed, restored, and planning ahead for your next Tahoe getaway!
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Kitchen Suites: Small upstairs apartment with kitchenette & dining area, living room, bedroom with private balcony and view, private bath with shower, hot tub on the deck and a fireplace between the dining area & living room.
Accommodates 2 people.


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Gempc Twin Program
Lock and unlock any program on your pc, including IE, Outlook, AOL, AIM, and more. You can even lock your control panel with one button click. Other features include the ability to choose your own message to display if anyone attempts to run one of your locked programs, and also includes...
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With Taskbar Hide you can fully control the taskbar.As a hide windows tool,it could hide windows program (hide applications,hide program) completely through a hotkey,also you can minimize them to the system tray instead of an icon on your taskbar.You also can close windows program anytime.For...
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AnyMini C is automatic character count software. It is character count program for all common file formats, which supports .DOC, .RTF, .XLS, .PPT, .PPS, .HTM, .CSV, .
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Twin Searching is a wizard like application that gives you the ability to insert a query into two search engines at the same time (selecting from a list of twelve), and follow the results in a dual frame pane of your default browser. The program permits only two search engines to be selected at a...
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game control program project helps administrate game servers, especially automated kicking of players. game control program helps you administrate gameservers (its written for Q1 and Q3, but works for others). It is highly modular and therefore extensible. With the current modules, it can...
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Twin Distress project is a puzzle game where you remove all blocks of the same color from the screen. Two blocks are removed at a time, and must be of the same color. After completing a level, you will be rewarded with a bonus point for every tick left on the clock. For each level thereafter,...
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pvswitch is a very tiny program which makes it possible to use different program installations on one machine flawlessly. Its flexibility is intended for people who need to run programs against different interpreter versions. But it can also be used for different purposes like switching the...
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AIMLBot (Program#) is a small, fast, standards-compliant yet easily customizable .NET dll implementation of an AIML (Artificial Intelligence Markup Language) based chatter bot. AIMLBot has been tested on both Microsofts runtime environment and Mono. Put simply, it will allow you to chat (by...
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Master Combat Control Program is an improved clone of the "Shadowrun-Assistent" program (as found on shadowrun.de). Its main goals are better usability, minor feature improvements, and i18n. It constists of a character editor, an initiative manager, and a dice roller. Whats New in This...
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Regular Expression Graphing Program project is a regular expression graphing program. This program is designed to take a regular expression and produce a graph of the state machine that is used to parse the regular expression. It is useful for teaching regular expressions and state machines....
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The Program Database Toolkit (PDT) is a powerful tool infrastructure that provides access to the high-level interface of source code for analysis tools and applications. Many tasks in an integrated programming environment require access to program information for their implementation. Program...
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Get this SQL file restore program which first perform scanning on the damaged MDF file on which recovery mechanism is to be performed. As file restore program SQL database offers different features like creation of database automatically, selective files export, recovery of deleted database that...
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The functionality of Program as Service by Eltima Software is aimed to let you launch any program as Windows service.
With this utility you can easily run application as service at system boot without starting a user session. It also lets you create, view, edit and manage services on local...
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Snappy Program Lock:
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Add professionally designed toolbar icons to your software projects. Program Toolbar Icon Set is readily available, royalty-free images of objects, actions and symbols that are commonly used in software toolbars. Over two hundred of slick images available in all standard sizes, styles, and color...
Platforms: OS/2, Windows, Mac, *nix, Windows CE, Pocket PC, Other,Android,BlackBerry,iPhone,iPod,iTouch,Palm,Palm OS 6.0,Handheld/Mobile Other,Java
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Wise Program Uninstaller is a free alternative to Windows Program uninstaller and other paid software remover. With its "safe uninstall" and "Repair Programs", you can remove or repair programs as Windows does. Also this freebie helps you uninstall your unwanted programs or forcibly uninstall the...
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Partition Recovery Program is the most securable software over the Windows all platforms including latest and existing versions. The many professionals recommend this application and we also got several positive feedbacks from many customers who reviewed and downloaded the software their systems...
Platforms: Windows, Windows 7, Windows Server
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Rip DVD Movie Program , one of the Best DVD Ripper software, that could easily rip DVD to all popular video formats, like MP4, H.264, AVI, WMV, FLV, MKV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, 3GP, 3GPP, VOB, DivX, MOV, RM, RMVB, DPG, etc, even the HD video, and all popular audio formats, like MP3, WMA, M4A, AAC, WAV,...
Platforms: Windows, Other
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text:
Extra Large Barrel: 2 9/16"
Medium Handle: 15/16"
This model with its extra large barrel is balanced by the oversized knob made popular many in the early 2000's achieves great balance due to the displacement of weight under the hands.
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The number of storm-related deaths in Alabama as a result of the April 27th Tornado outbreak is being revised upwards. The state now officials confirms 238 fatalities, up two from the previously tallied 236 last reported by the Alabama Emergency Management Agency.
The two additional fatalities were confirmed in Marion County.
Governor Bentley ordered a statewide verification of the confirmed total number of fatalities more than a week ago and his office says that verification process is complete.
"As a physician, I understand the difficulties and enormity of the tasks faced by local coroners, physicians, and law enforcement officials in their efforts to identify the number of people who died as a result of this tragedy," said Governor Bentley.
"This unprecedented natural disaster presented our local officials with the overwhelming task of verifying a large number of deaths," said EMA Director Art Faulkner.
Updated totals from affected counties are listed below:
Total Fatalities: 238
Marshall 5
Dekalb 33
Cullman 2
Jefferson 20
Bibb 1
Calhoun 9
Elmore 6
Fayette 4
Franklin 26
Hale 6
Jackson 8
Lawrence 14
Limestone 4
Madison 9
Marion 25
St. Clair 15
Tallapoosa 1
Tuscaloosa 41
Walker 9


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Some folks will get in the holiday spirit this weekend at the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade and some will do it with Dave Chappelle, who once seemed as likely to do a four-show run at the Fillmore as the real, actual Santa.
Chappelle does have a stand-up riff on Santa, in which he said he wasn't ready for a black Santa: "Man, that s--- would suck. We wouldn't get our presents until, like, the 28th, the 29th," he said, then going on to blame the delay on a sordid night in Vegas.
As this was being written there were still tickets available to Chappelle's fourth performance, a midnight Saturday show added after the first three set for Friday and Saturday nights sold out. Reserved-seat tickets are $55 at LiveNation.com, at 800-745-3000 and at the Fillmore box office, 1700 Washington Ave. Info: 305-673-7300, FillmoreMB.com.
In the event the last Chappelle tickets have been sold, here are more ways to get that warm, fuzzy holiday feeling in the next few days and weeks:
SantaCon 2013, the irreverent and boozy annual cavalcade of the Santa-clad and their fashionable elves, is set to take over downtown West Palm Beach on Saturday (first meet-up at Brewzzi at CityPlace at 3 p.m.) and Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 21 (beginning at Mangos at 6 p.m.). There will likely be a fundraising component, so get the latest information on what to bring at SantaCon.info. Here's how gloriously blurry a pack of Santas can get:
The City of Lake Worth will light up the season Friday night with live music from Panic Disorder, a wine and beer garden, and two beach bonfires, one set aside for young ones to roast marshmallows. The Seaside Celebration runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Lake Worth Beach Complex (10 S. Ocean Blvd.). Admission is free. Info: LakeWorth.org/Events.
Grille 401 on Las Olas is serving insanity in a glass called the Naughty Elf. The cocktail combines an ounce of RumChata (cream, Caribbean rum and cinnamon) and two ounces of Smirnoff cinnamon-sugar vodka in a chilled martini glass with a graham cracker-chocolate rim. To make matters worse, the Naughty Elf is two for one from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday. Info: 954-767-0222, Grille401.com.
Thousands of South Florida Jewish singles ages 21-49 will again gather at the three MatzoBall parties in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami Dade counties on Dec. 24. Sponsored by the Society of Young Jewish Professionals and JDate, the high-energy parties will take place at Liv at the Fontainebleau ($50), Pangaea and Gryphon at the Hard Rock in Hollywood ($30), and at Il Bacio in Delray Beach ($30). These MatzoBalls are among 14 happening that night from New York to Los Angeles. Info: MatzoBall.org.
If there were a best-name contest for a holiday party, this vote goes to The Tribe's eighth annual Hanukkah party, Vodka Latke. Taking place Thursday, Dec. 19, at the Wynwood hotspot LMNT (55 NW 36th St.), the gathering for 22 to 45-year-olds is from 8-11 p.m. and includes a Ketel-sponsored open bar (free Perrier, too), 10,000 latkes and sounds by DJ Crespo. Tickets: $25 advance, $40 at the door. It benefits Florida's Children's Home Society. Info: bit.ly/vodkalatke13.
The first set of early-bird tickets went like that for the second annual Tortuga Music Festival April 12-13 on Fort Lauderdale beach. But a new allotment goes on sale Friday at 10 a.m., beginning at $155 for a weekend pass. The lineup includes Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow and Ziggy Marley. Hit the link for the rest of the performers and Tortuga ticket information.
"The Nutcracker" is always a tough ticket this time of year, but at 10 a.m. every Saturday this month the Classic Gateway Theater (1820 E. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale) is offering a traditional production filmed in 2011 at the historic Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, where the original "Nutcracker" was first performed more than 120 years ago. Tickets: $8. Info: 954-763-7994, ClassicGateway.com.
OK, right now, right this very minute, there are tickets available for Tuesday's candle-lit performance of Seraphic Fire's "Angels We Have Heard On High" at Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale, as well as the ensemble's three performances of "Handel's Messiah" in Boca Raton on Dec. 20, in Coral Gables Dec. 21 and Fort Lauderdale Dec. 22. Do not delay! Info: 305-285-9060, SeraphicFire.org. Here's Seraphic Fire director Patrick Quigley explaining his passion for "Handel's Messiah" before last year's performances:
"Christmas Eve in the City: A Service of Lessons & Carols" is the name of a unique night of classic Christmas songs and hymns organized by CityChurch on Dec. 24 in Fort Lauderdale's FAT Village at 517 NW 1st Ave. The nondenominational, multi-congregation 6 p.m. service will begin with a 5:30 p.m. pre-service concert from musicians on the local scene, including Josh Diaz from Kids, Corey Bost and Dan Diaz from Civilian. CityChurch, led by Rev. Brad Schmidt and located next to the evolving Flagler Village Community Garden, has been involved with many FAT Village events, including the garden, Better Block Fort Lauderdale and Revel on the Block. Info: CityChurchSFL.com.
Light Up Downtown Boca festivities take a chilly turn with a free pajama-night screening of "Polar Express" on Dec. 20 in Mizner Park. Kids are invited to wear pajamas for train rides in the "snow," along with face-painting and holiday hair-braiding from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., when the movie begins. Hot chocolate, popcorn, pizza and beverages will be available for purchase, and blankets and chairs are welcome (or rent a chair for $5). Info: MiznerAmphitheater.com. Other places to see free holiday movies include "Elf," at 7 p.m. Friday at the Villages of Hillsboro Park (4111 NW Sixth St., Deerfield Beach; 954-480-4495), and "Jingle All the Way" on Friday at the ArtsPark in Hollywood (VisitHollywoodFL.org).
OK, you knew, but I didn't. When did Colbie Caillat get added to Saturday's No Snow Ball show? I missed her on "Dancing With the Stars" the other week, but still love that "Brighter Than the Sun," and she's apparently got a new album coming out any month now. The rest of the No Snow Ball lineup at Boca Raton's Mizner Park is Goo Goo Dolls, Fray, Five for Fighting, Parachute and multitalented young ZZ Ward. Tickets: $40-$100. Info: 561-393-7807, FrontGateTickets.com.
Retro Rodeo, from the crafty folks at Indie Craft Bazaar, takes over Bergeron Rodeo arena in Davie Saturday and Sunday with range of vintage and one-of-a-kind items (admission $3, $5 for two days), but they've also announced the return of ICB to Revolution Live in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 21. Procrastinators of the world can unite from noon to 7 p.m. for shopping with more than 70 vendors, drink specials and live music from The Bows and Ties. Admission: $5. Info: 954-785-7475, CityWideMarket.com.
That rum-pa-pum-pum-ing you hear on Saturday may be "The Little Drummer Boy," but it also may be the inaugural free family-day event at the Pérez Art Museum Miami. The long-winded PAMM Free Second Saturdays Presented by Target will be a monthly event from 1-4 p.m. at the just-opened museum (1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami). Each hour, on the hour, 12 female drummers (from Miami and New York City) will fill PAMM with beats in a work composed by Mindy Abovitz, founder and publisher of Tom Tom Magazine, the only publication dedicated to female drummers. Who knew? Info: 305-375-3000, PAMM.org.
The seventh annual Christmas Near the Beach from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the ArtsPark in Hollywood offers a free smorgasbord of the season with bluegrass bands, gospel singers, excerpts from "The Nutcracker" and photos with St. Nick in his "beach house." Info: ChristmasNearTheBeach.com.
At the Jingle Ball in New York last Friday you may have seen Miley Cyrus twerking with Santa. But, kids, we have it on good authority that it was not the real Santa, but one of his helpers, like you see at the mall. So we are sort of interested to see what transpires when the Y100 Jingle Ball hits the BB&T Center in Sunrise on Dec. 20, where Miley will be joined by twerking partner Robin Thicke, Fall Out Boy, Flo Rida, Boca Raton ex Ariana Grande, Austin Mahone, Demi Lovato, DJ Armin Van Buuren, Enrique Iglesias and Avril Lavigne. Tickets are $86-$266 at Ticketmaster.com.
Get daily updates on South Florida entertainment and things to do at SouthFlorida.com, on Twitter at @BenCrandell and Instagram /BenCrandell.


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Ballard Computer has received our great rating by repairing anything tech related in the local South Florida for 15 years. Juno Beach FL, we got you covered.
Laptop Cracked Screen
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We specialize in removing viruses and malware. If you have spyware or malware problems, you can always reach us.
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To avoid unnecessary stress over a loss of data in future, you need to develop an automatic data backup on your PC or Mac. Data backup is hardly done by ordinary individuals. It requires professionals to ensure that it's done right. Our team of specialists is well knowledgeable with hard drives and data backup services. We offer cost effective and fast data backup services for your PC. With our experienced team of experts, you can be sure to receive the very best.
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I'm damn angry, and I hope you are, too! Those brilliant armchair warriors, Bush and Cheney, lied us into war. Now, this "smooth talker" in the Oval Office has the nerve to go to Notre Dame and tell his fellow Americans that they have to be open-minded over the murder of 50 million babies since Roe v. Wade. In addition, that other great leader, Michael Bloomberg, actually has the nerve to openly support the perversion of marriage.
I'm beginning to think people get the leaders they deserve. Television executives are putting plenty of garbage on the air for our children to watch and emulate. Our government schools are turning out anti-heroes. The America that our parents and grandparents knew and loved seems to be gone forever.
What are we going to do about these things? We have to fight back! It is time to join America's militias - our Founding Fathers would be rolling over in their graves if they knew what was going on.
Michael Mullaney


text:
The Pew Center on Global Climate Change announced today that Bank of America has joined the Pew Center's Business Environmental Leadership Council (BELC) and its efforts to address global climate change. One of the world's leading financial institutions, Bank of America adopted a climate change position recognizing that "climate change and atmospheric pollution represent a risk to the ultimate stability and sustainability of our way of life." The company has set a goal to reduce direct greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 9 percent from 2004 levels by 2009. In addition, Bank of America is constructing a state of the art 2.1 million-square-foot tower, designed to be one of the most environmentally responsible high-rise office buildings, which will serve as the headquarters for Bank of America's operations in New York City.
"The financial industry is essential to a successful climate strategy in the United States," said Eileen Claussen, President of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change. "Bank of America recognizes that climate change poses both risks and opportunities to economies and societies around the world, and I am delighted to have their expertise and support as we work to craft reasonable climate policy in this country."
"We hold the core belief that we should contribute to the communities in which we work and live and that healthy communities create good business opportunities," said Anne Finucane, Bank of America Global Marketing and Corporate Affairs executive and head of the company's environmental council. "We strive to create initiatives that apply business practices to good environmental behavior."
Bank of America serves individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk-management products and services. The company serves more than 54 million consumer and small-business relationships with more than 5,700 retail banking offices. The company serves clients in 175 countries and has relationships with 98 percent of the U.S. Fortune 500 companies and 79 percent of the Global Fortune 500. Bank of America Corporation (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
The BELC was established by the Pew Center in 1998. The group is comprised of mainly Fortune 500 companies representing a diverse group of industries including energy, automobiles, manufacturing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, metals, mining, paper and forest products, consumer goods and appliances, telecommunications, and high technology. Individually and collectively, these companies are demonstrating that it is possible to take action to address climate change while maintaining competitive excellence, growth, and profitability. The BELC is now the largest U.S.-based association of corporations focused on addressing the challenges of climate change, with 42 companies representing over 3 million employees and a combined market value of more than $2.4 trillion.
The other members of the BELC are: ABB; Air Products; Alcan; Alcoa Inc.; American Electric Power; Baxter International Inc.; The Boeing Company; BP; California Portland Cement; CH2M HILL; Cummins Inc.; Deutsche Telekom; DTE Energy; Duke Energy; DuPont; Entergy; Exelon; GE; Georgia-Pacific; Hewlett-Packard Company; Holcim (US) Inc.; IBM; Intel; Interface Inc.; John Hancock Financial Services; Lockheed Martin; Marsh, Inc.; Novartis; Ontario Power Generation; PG&E Corporation; Rio Tinto; Rohm and Haas; Royal Dutch/Shell; SC Johnson; Sunoco; Toyota; TransAlta; United Technologies; Weyerhaeuser; Whirlpool Corporation; and Wisconsin Energy Corporation.
For more information about global climate change and the activities of the Pew Center and the BELC, visit www.pewclimate.org.
For more information about Bank of America's commitment to the environment, visit http://www.bankofamerica.com/environment/.
The Pew Center on Global Climate Change was established in May 1998 by The Pew Charitable Trusts, one of the United States' largest philanthropies and an influential voice in efforts to improve the quality of the environment. The Pew Center is an independent, nonprofit, and non-partisan organization dedicated to providing credible information, straight answers, and innovative solutions in the effort to address global climate change. The Pew Center is led by Eileen Claussen, the former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.
Pew is no longer active in this line of work, but for more information, visit the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions site.


text:
"We take this concern seriously and we are working closely with our partners at the Department of Fish and Wildlife and our neighboring jurisdictions to ensure quick communication and coordination of public alerts and action in the event a mountain lion presents a threat to our community," San Mateo police said in a statement.
According to police, the first big cat sighting took place at about 1 a.m. on July 1 near a backyard on Fernwood Street. Police found a deer carcass in the area that they said was likely killed by the mountain lion.
The second sighting was in an unincorporated area San Mateo on Queens Lane at about 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
Police said that because of the city's proximity to open space areas populated by wildlife, interactions with mountain lions and other non-domesticated animals are a regularly occurring safety concern.
Given the two recent sightings, police ask residents to follow several safety tips.
To avoid a mountain lion encounter, residents should avoid hiking or jogging through wooded areas at dusk, dawn and at night, when mountain lions are most active, and should keep a close watch over children.
Residents should not leave pet food or any other food outside at night that would attract wild animals.
Anyone who encounters a mountain lion is advised not to run, and should instead face the animal, make a noise and try to look bigger by waving, throwing rocks or other objects at the animal.
For more information on mountain lions, people can visit www.keepmewild.org.


text:
Dickenson Community Hospital, located in Clintwood, Virginia, is licensed for 25-beds but operates as a 1-bed critical access not-for-profit hospital owned by Norton Community Hospital.
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Dickenson Community Hospital
Clintwood, VA
Norton Community Hospital
Norton, VA
Norton Community Hospital in Norton, Virginia, is a not-for-profit, 129-bed, acute-care facility serving Southwest Virginia and Southeastern Kentucky, providing surgical services, and other specialized care.
Norton, VA 24273
Russell County Medical Center
Lebanon, VA
Russell County Medical Center in Lebanon, Virginia, is a 78-bed hospital dedicated to bringing quality healthcare to Southwest Virginia including specialty care including behavioral health and cancer care.
Lebanon, VA 24266
Smyth County Community Hospital
Marion, VA
Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion, Virginia, includes a 44-bed acute care hospital, a 109-bed nursing care facility, and a variety of outreach programs.
Marion, VA 24354
Johnston Memorial Hospital
Abingdon, VA
Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Va., is a not-for-profit, 116-bed modern medical facility dedicated to bringing quality healthcare including care for heart and vascular conditions, and cancer care.
Abingdon, VA 24211
Franklin Woods Community Hospital
Johnson City, TN
Franklin Woods Community Hospital is an 80-bed not-for-profit hospital providing healthcare for Johnson City and the surrounding Northeast Tennessee area.
Johnson City, TN 37604
Indian Path Medical Center
Kingsport, TN
Indian Path Medical Center in Kingsport, Tennessee, is a 261-bed hospital known for minimally invasive elective surgical procedures and single-room maternity care.
Kingsport, TN 37660
Johnson County Community Hospital
Mountain City, TN
Johnson County Community Hospital offers hometown inpatient care coupled with a state-of-the-art 24-hour emergency department. The hospital serves the upper northeast tip of Tennessee and parts of North Carolina and Southwest Virginia.
Mountain City, TN 37683
Woodridge Hospital
Johnson City, TN
Woodridge is a provider of mental health and chemical dependency services for adults, adolescents and children ages six and older.
Johnson City, TN 37604
Johnson City Medical Center
Johnson City, TN
Sycamore Shoals Hospital
Elizabethton, TN
Sycamore Shoals Hospital is an award-winning 121-bed facility on a 27-acre medical campus, with several medical office buildings supporting the mission.
Elizabethton, TN 37643
Unicoi County Hospital
Erwin, TN
Unicoi County Hospital has provided high-quality medical care to Unicoi County and parts of Western North Carolina since 1953.
Erwin, TN 37650
Niswonger Children's Hospital
Johnson City, TN
As the only children's hospital in the region, Niswonger Children's Hospital offers you state-of-the-art medical care in a family-centered environment.
Johnson City, TN 37604
Laughlin Memorial Hospital
Greeneville, TN
Laughlin Memorial Hospital in Greeneville, Tennessee, is a 177-bed hospital is committeed in providing the highest quality medical services and diagnostic medical equipment for our patients.
Greeneville, TN 37745
Takoma Regional Hospital
Greeneville, TN
Takoma Regional Hospital serves the Greene County Tennessee area, providing award-winning care that is recognized nationally for quality and patient safety.
Greeneville, TN 37743
Hawkins County Memorial Hospital
Rogersville, TN
Serving the Rogersville area since 1961, Hawkins County Memorial Hospital provides high-tech care and a staff of entirely board-certified doctors.
Rogersville, TN 37857
Hancock County Hospital
Sneedville, TN
A critical-access facility in Sneedville, Hancock County Hospital offers ER and inpatient care, lab tests, diagnostic imaging and physical therapy.
Sneedville, TN 37869
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Big Stone Gap, VA
Lonesome Pine provides extensive medical services in Big Stone Gap, VA, including emergency, obstetric, surgical, cancer and outpatient care.
Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
Mountain View Regional Medical Center
Norton, VA
Mountain View Regional Medical Center is a 118-bed Ballad Health System hospital in Norton, VA, that provides a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services.
Norton, VA 24273
Bristol Regional Medical Center
Bristol, TN
The first area hospital with stereotactic radiosurgery and a digital cardiac cath lab, Bristol Regional provides superior, innovative care with compassion.
Bristol, TN 37620
Holston Valley Medical Center
Kingsport, TN
Holston Valley in Kingsport offers one of Tennessee's six Level I trauma centers, nationally ranked cardiovascular care and a Level III NICU.
Kingsport, TN 37660
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Gilda McKinney was living in New Orleans in August 2005 when Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. She had evacuated to Shreveport, but returned to a home and neighborhood destroyed by the storm. It would be one of many challenges in her life that strengthened her.
"I couldn't communicate with my daughter for two weeks after Katrina. She didn't know how I was, or even whether or not I was still alive."Read Gilda McKinny's story
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March 29, 2012
Top CDCR administrators admitted several times during our negotiations that the five core demands made by 12,000 hunger striking prisoners were reasonable and would all be addressed via meaningful, substantive changes. Our rejection of CDCR's March 1 proposal is based upon its failure to act in good faith. CDCR is asking lawmakers and taxpayers to allow it to continue to violate thousands of prisoners' human rights, torturing us with impunity. Our counter-proposal will bring this illegal torture to an end.


text:
Billy Crystal is getting schooled by Pixar — and he couldn't be happier about returning to the "Monsters Inc." universe and working again with fellow beastie John Goodman.
"We're having a blast together," Crystal said Friday after a marathon recording session for "Monsters University," which is planned for summer of 2013. "It's really a great script, it's really funny."
Crystal was on stage Friday night at a 20th anniversary screening of "City Slickers," where he was joined on stage by surprise guest Daniel Stern for a sparkling night of humor and emotion — both spoke warmly of Jack Palance and Bruno Kirby, their "Slickers" costars who both died in 2006. I was the moderator on stage and I also asked Crystal about his return to the role of Michael "Mike" Wazowski, the lime-colored, one-eyed scene-stealer from "Monsters Inc."
"That's why I'm a little hoarse. I spent five-and-a-half hours today for our fourth session on 'Monsters Inc. 2.' And I have to tell you something, it is hilarious. The Pixar people are geniuses. It's 10 years since the first movie. Yeah, it's crazy. And it's a prequel. They're in college. It's how they met, it's how Michael and Sully meet, and plan to become scarers at Monsters Inc. — so this movie ends where the other one starts."
The film again puts Crystal side-by-side with Goodman, who plays the hulking and hirsute James P. "Sulley" Sullivan. "John Goodman is a genius and he's great and we're really funny together," Crystal said to a loud ovation from the audience at the American Cinematheque event. The 63-year-old Crystal didn't elaborate on new cast members or the details of the plot beyond saying: "It's college pranks with monsters. And I wear a retainer. Mike has a retainer."
— Geoff Boucher
Brad Bird: Hollywood won't copy Pixar
"John Carter": Andrew Stanton digs into Mars
"Rango": Verbinski's new approach
The treasures of the Disney Archives
"The Illusionist" — as good as "Toy Story 3″?
"Dragon" was a fire-tested project
"Toy Story 3″ director on perfect endings
A bittersweet 'Toy Story' for the voice of Andy
The unlikely return of Oswald the Rabbit
"Tangled": The last Disney princess movie?
Disney wrings the pink out of "Rapunzel"
Moebius: The Hero Complex interview


text: The Washington Streets Committee held a meeting on Wednesday regarding a possible change to Madison Street in Washington. Committee Chair and City Councilor Karen Wilson-Johnson says the Iowa Department of Transportation presented an idea to the city of changing the lane configuration on Madison Street to three lanes instead of four. She says the plan would change the lanes to one in each direction with a center turn lane going from East 2nd Street to the Highway 1 interchange. Wilson-Johnson says this change could happen after IDOT resurfaces Madison Street in fiscal year 2012. She says many residents at the meeting expressed concern that reducing the street to three lanes could cause more problems because of the larger amount of slower moving vehicles that use Madison Street. Wilson-Johnson says many residents feel the speed of the road is an issue and would like to see the speed limit enforced if possible. She says another meeting regarding the changes on Madison Street will be held in February.


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|October 3, 2012, 03:20 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: December 13, 2009
Location: central Wisconsin
Posts: 2,324
How Remington 700's are made
I keep hearing bad remarks about them. Here is a link to a youtube video on their site on how they're made. Being a former manufacturing, design and finally metallurgical engineer it looks pretty state-of-the-art and good to me....
|October 3, 2012, 03:49 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: June 28, 1999
Location: Georgia, USA
Posts: 559
I am aware of the controversy surounding the model 700. However I feel 90% of it is unwaranted. I pretty much use some grade of model 700 exlusively and would not hesitate to have a family member use one as well.
If you can ever do a factory tour of the Ilion, NY, plant I highly recommend it. I was there in the mid 90's and found the place full of history.
NRA & NAHC Life Member
|October 3, 2012, 06:31 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: June 15, 2008
Location: Georgia
Posts: 9,175
The biggest problem is folks who buy an SPS or Express and get mad because it is not as nicely finished as a BDL or Wingmaster from years ago. They get on the net and complain about quality being down.
The SPS and Express guns are just as reliable and functional in my experience, but you are saving money by getting a lower level of finish and cheaper stock. If you want the better finised gun, they are still availble, but you are going to have to pay for it.
I think they are as good as they have ever been. In all fairness, I prefer other brands, and Remingtons do have some issues, but I do own a few. And would buy another if I wanted one as well as recommend them to someone considering one.
|October 3, 2012, 08:23 PM
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Join Date: June 14, 2004
Location: NY State
Posts: 6,524
In the mid '70s I visited Remington to see their powder metal operation.I was also a metallurgist .I had asked about also seeing their gun operation -they said yes ! At that time it was very rare for anyone to see the gun factory !!
Even at that time most gun factories were using cold swaged barrels .
It was interesting to see them make the 3200 ,carved out of a solid block of steel to leave a thin shell! Most of Remingtons were machined while most of Rugers were investment cast.
I'm glad I asked for the visit.
And Watson , bring your revolver !
|October 3, 2012, 10:10 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: November 11, 2011
Location: Chicago area
Posts: 277
I bought two new Remington rifles last year that were faulty and needed to go back to the factory. First, I had a Model Seven where the head space was off and I could barely cycle the bolt after firing it. To Big Green's credit, they repaired it in a timely manner. Second, I had a 597 that threw an ejector plunger spring on the third round so the factory sent a new bolt for me to install. Then I could not zero the iron sights because the front sight was off-center by five degrees so the factory installed a new barrel. Finally, I could not zero after market sights because the receiver dovetails were also off center.
I think that quality control has dropped under The Freedom Group. I am sure that Remington will improve their QC, but for now I am steering clear of their products. I had a 1997 700ADL that was accurate, well made, and never failed to function. I look forward to owning another 700 after Remington cleans up its act.
|October 3, 2012, 10:31 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: July 25, 2012
Posts: 755
I bought the SPS Tactical mainly due to the threaded barrel and heavier profile barrel. I love it. I personally do not like wooden stocked rifles. I own quite a few, but they are not my favorite. I can however say, the SPS shoots as good as any other rifle I have fired. I could not ask for a better shooting rifle. I shoot an average of 5/8" groups at 100yds with very little work(rebedding the stock, setting the trigger to <2lbs, and hand loads).
" The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to
keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect
themselves against tyranny in Government...." - Thomas Jefferson
|October 4, 2012, 01:29 AM
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Join Date: September 6, 2008
Posts: 1,777
|October 4, 2012, 08:07 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: July 18, 2010
Location: Independence Missouri
Posts: 4,336
What differences has the video made for their quality... I still believe in the Remington 700 rifle, however they're better made rifles to choose from right now.
Warbird look up the video for the Savage or the Winchester rifle and watch it.
I really dig the CDL it's the best looking rifle in it's class, but as far as a quality rifle through and through...?????
Thanks for coming!
|October 4, 2012, 10:04 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: December 13, 2009
Location: central Wisconsin
Posts: 2,324
I won't argue there are other manufacturers out there making super nice and accurate rifles. And I'm sure there are some lemons made by them also. Joe C got stung twice by Remington so I can certainly understand his feeling toward them. I would feel the same way.
I bought my SPS Buckmasters .270 last summer right around the big "trigger" issue and was very apprehensive about doing it. But when I went through every rifle in the store, cycling the actions, dry firing them and looking at the visual quality the Remington stood out because it was probably $200 cheaper then the equivalent rifles. Others that impressed me were Tikka T3's (hunter wood stock model), Winchester 70's, Sako A7's, and others but as I said all were more money. I did not look at Savage because I just can't like the looks of them. They certainly have a good reputation and shoot tight groups but now are as expensive as most others.
After I cleaned my 700 and fired it my previous apprehension vanished. It was a tackhammer and I'm completely satisfied. They possibly got their act together after Joe C gave 'em heck!!!
|October 4, 2012, 10:11 AM
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Join Date: July 6, 2009
Location: Rocky Mountain West
Posts: 3,395
I finally handled a current production Model 700 a few weeks ago. It was just the most basic model, a blued SPS. I held it along with several Savage models and a few Ruger M77 variants.
I thought the 700 felt held and shoulders above the other two. Smoother, tighter, crisper bolt and a very solid-feeling package. After all the smack talk they get online I was amazed.
|October 4, 2012, 10:23 AM
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Join Date: July 25, 2012
Posts: 755
I love the 700, and have no gripes with any of mine. I didn't buy a Kia and think it was a Mercedes though. No buck about it, mine is a 20" heavy barrel SPS. It has a Hogue stock and matte finish. This is by far the most accurate out of the box rifle I own. Does it look and feel different than my pre 64 model 70 Win.? Yep, but I knew what I was getting when I bought it. It wasn't a $1000+ rifle. I got no gripes with the quality or performance at all.
" The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to
keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect
themselves against tyranny in Government...." - Thomas Jefferson
|October 4, 2012, 12:48 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: November 11, 2011
Location: Chicago area
Posts: 277
Please understand that I want to like Remington. My first centerfire rifle was a 1997 M700 and it was terrific. I wish I had not traded it toward the 2011 Model Seven. And I look forward to buying another 700 after Big Green improves their quality. My attitude toward Remington is much like my attitude toward the US car industry in the 1980s: I want to buy your products, but I won't buy inferior products out of loyalty when there are much better options out there.
|October 4, 2012, 07:16 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: April 20, 2009
Location: Helena, AL
Posts: 3,724
They have sold 5 million 700s. I've owned a bunch of Remington rifles and shotguns and all have been first rate.
|October 6, 2012, 06:58 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: August 25, 2006
Posts: 913
Gramps old 1948 Remington model 721 .270... thousands of rounds and countless deer, bear and hogs later....still working fine and taking deer. I just bought a 700 BDL .270 last year, as my son wants one, and he doesn't get Gramps till I'm gone.
PS; No "MSNBC trigger issues" with either one.
|October 7, 2012, 12:58 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: April 1, 2008
Posts: 235
I purchased one of the 700 sps tactical aac-sd models in .308 and so far all I have shot is handloads using Varget with Hornady 168 A-Max. I have had very good accuracy with this combo so far. I also put it in a Bell & Carlson A2 model stock which seems quite sturdy and fits great! I'm trying to make up my mind on getting a #510 Timney or a Jewell trigger since it's strictly used for bench shooting. I thought about putting one of the bigger tac. bolt knobs on it but, since most say the bolts are silver soldered in place I worry the extra leverage might not be a good idea.
|October 8, 2012, 11:56 AM
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Join Date: January 8, 2001
Location: Forestburg, Montague Cnty, TX
Posts: 11,872
"If you look through your scope and see your shoe, aim higher." -- said to me by my 11 year old daughter before going out for hogs 8/13/2011
My Hunting Videos https://www.youtube.com/user/HornHillRange
|October 8, 2012, 11:49 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: December 13, 2009
Location: central Wisconsin
Posts: 2,324
The Walker trigger design has been changed 3(?) years ago with the X-Mark Pro trigger. That was the only question in the design. And then it's still iffy that those trigger problems weren't caused by people tinkering with them.
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