City elections are heating up - The Republican Eagle - Red Wing, Minnesota Ward 3-4
If you've driven through Red Wing lately you've likely seen a Ralph Rauterkus sign in someone's yard.
You may have asked whom is he running against. The answer is no one.
Rauterkus was the only one to file when Mike Hall announced he wasn't seeking re-election.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
City elections are heating up |� The Republican Eagle �| Red Wing, Minnesota
Rauterkus is going to win this election, with signs to prove it.
Monday, October 06, 2008
From http://www.techpresident.com about Keating and McCain and the new flick
Obama Tries to Connects the Dots with Keating Doc: The Obama campaign has kept its powder dry on the so-called Keating Five scandal -- the savings and loan controversy from the early '90s which found John McCain criticized by the Senate ethics committee for his relationship with California S&L figure Charles Keating. Until now. At noon ET today, the Obama campaign is releasing a 13 minute documentary shot in a polished doc style that would do Errol Morris proud. Politico's Mike Allen has more on the strategy behind the campaign's Keating focus. With a microsite built around the film at KeatingEconomics.com, what could have been dismissed as a dredging up of ancient history actually ties the Keating scandal to a powerful theme: that the crony corporatism witnessed during the S&L mess is still at play during our current economic crisis. That's a tough case to make in 30 second TV spot or two minute web ad -- much easier to lay it out in a 13 minute mini-film. And hey, why not launch it right at lunchtime east coast time, when people are looking for a little entertainment? The innovative technique all but guarantees it will attract attention: the trailer for the film has already gotten more than 270,000 views. Worth nothing is the contrast between this and how the McCain camp is treating the situation involving former Weatherman Bill Ayers -- as much as McCain would love to highlight the connection between Ayers and Obama, neither his campaign nor the RNC has produced anything like what team Obama is doing here with Keating; a search for "Ayers" on JohnMcCain.com, for example, produces this: No documents were found."#
Bob Barr: Economic Chaos Increases After Congress Passes Bailout
Bob Barr: Economic Chaos Increases After Congress Passes Bailout: "Economic Chaos Increases After Congress Passes Bailout"
Will Sens. Obama and McCain Claim a Piece of this Rotten Fish They Helped Produce?
Will Sens. Obama and McCain Claim a Piece of this Rotten Fish They Helped Produce?
Instant message to Marty Griffin of KDKA Radio
The 'shock jock' is getting nasty with both camps -- replaying and amplifying the negative messages from and about Obama and McCain. Keating Five and all the other dirt he can spit upon about them both.
My note to him:
Professor of Univ. of Ill Chicago, & Hyde Park neighbor & fellow nonprofit board member & $200 donor of candidate Obama wishes they (underground) had done more of domestic bombings / terror.
Humm...
He wishes for, but didn't deliver, a "SURGE."
We're bombing now. Different time. different place. Different intensity.
Focus on the future. Politics is about the future, not the past.
My note to him:
Professor of Univ. of Ill Chicago, & Hyde Park neighbor & fellow nonprofit board member & $200 donor of candidate Obama wishes they (underground) had done more of domestic bombings / terror.
Humm...
He wishes for, but didn't deliver, a "SURGE."
We're bombing now. Different time. different place. Different intensity.
Focus on the future. Politics is about the future, not the past.
Baseball, anyone????
My Tweet asks:
What are our connections to brotherly love, after all?
The Admiral, of course. He is presently a Philly-based blogger that can't seem to fully butt out of the Pittsburgh blogging seascape -- err -- escape -- as many of the others in this village have done N@.
Fast Eddie, of course.
Comcast.
Family and friends, too many to mention.
How many ex-Pirates are still playing baseball this year? It is time for a Tim Wakefield update? Supan?
How many ex-residents are playing ball now? We always are suckers for the home-grown talent. Who can we cheer for, besides the Buckeye QB, mentioned already today.
This week is a Steelers bye week. So, we've got some extra cycles to devote to something, besides the 2nd presidential debate and Survivor Gabon.
Will folks in Pittsburgh care about Major League Baseball's playoffs now that Philly is to the next round. vs LA next. Yawn, Boo or Cheer?We have a 'cheese stake' in this race, right?
What are our connections to brotherly love, after all?
The Admiral, of course. He is presently a Philly-based blogger that can't seem to fully butt out of the Pittsburgh blogging seascape -- err -- escape -- as many of the others in this village have done N@.
Fast Eddie, of course.
Comcast.
Family and friends, too many to mention.
How many ex-Pirates are still playing baseball this year? It is time for a Tim Wakefield update? Supan?
How many ex-residents are playing ball now? We always are suckers for the home-grown talent. Who can we cheer for, besides the Buckeye QB, mentioned already today.
This week is a Steelers bye week. So, we've got some extra cycles to devote to something, besides the 2nd presidential debate and Survivor Gabon.
The Pitt News - Two students stabbed at Hemingway's
The Pitt News - Two students stabbed at Hemingway's Two students stabbed at Hemingway'sThis is bad news.
An opinion article in The Pitt News about this topic can't be found on the web site. URL please.
In other Pitt News, the football team is now ranked, again, #24. The team was #25 in the pre-season polls, but opening day loss to BGSU put them out, of course.
Penn State is #6 and still undefeated.
Ohio State's freshman QB, a Western PA kid, has them back on-track. They played in prime time and beat the Badgers. Meanwhile, what happened to the Wisconsin Band?
Finally, I'm hearing about cheerleaders in local high schools that are using electronic cameras, often attached to cell phones, for no good. Parents, check it out!
Amber Alert Noise
In other Amber Alert News, from the City of Pittsburgh's Citizen Alert email system:
On Mon, Oct 6, 2008 at 9:41 AM, CitizenObserver wrote that the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police alert for a guy who was wanted for an ALLEGED homicide that occurred at 7701 Penn Avenue on September 22, 2008 in which 20-year-old Korey Johnson was shot as he sat in his car at the Sunoco Station, was arrested on 9/26/08.
Please cancel the Alert issued for this guy on October 6 as he was nabbed on Sept 26.
This is NOT okay. The delay from the 26th to Oct 6 gives little or no faith in the update system. Get it right or it won't be used and trusted.
Today, the State Police issued an Amber Alert for a 17 year old girl. I am watching for the suspension of that alert -- as it occurs -- not a week or two later.
I'm happy that the police caught the guy. I'm happy that the police are trying to keep citizens notified. But do a better job!
On Mon, Oct 6, 2008 at 9:41 AM, CitizenObserver wrote that the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police alert for a guy who was wanted for an ALLEGED homicide that occurred at 7701 Penn Avenue on September 22, 2008 in which 20-year-old Korey Johnson was shot as he sat in his car at the Sunoco Station, was arrested on 9/26/08.
Please cancel the Alert issued for this guy on October 6 as he was nabbed on Sept 26.
This is NOT okay. The delay from the 26th to Oct 6 gives little or no faith in the update system. Get it right or it won't be used and trusted.
Today, the State Police issued an Amber Alert for a 17 year old girl. I am watching for the suspension of that alert -- as it occurs -- not a week or two later.
I'm happy that the police caught the guy. I'm happy that the police are trying to keep citizens notified. But do a better job!
Malaysia's schools get OpenOffice.org
The Malaysian government has unveiled plans to roll out OpenOffice.org in schools across the nation--a move that will affect some 300,000 PCs.
http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/software/0,39044164,62045435,00.htm
In other news, OpenOffice.org Annual Conference, slated for Beijing, is now open for registration. I'd love to go to Beijing, China between 5th.-7th of November, 2008. This OOoCon is a double first - it's the first OOoCon to be held outside Europe, and it will also see the biggest concentration of OpenOffice.org developers ever assembled in one location on the planet.
Links:
Conference website: http://marketing.openoffice.org/ooocon2008
Programme: http://marketing.openoffice.org/ooocon2008/programme.html
Registration:
http://marketing.openoffice.org/ooocon2008/travel.html#registration
Plus, the release candidate 3 of OpenOffice.org 3.0 is now ready for testing.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
RCP Tiburon Mile Open Water Swim
RCP Tiburon Mile Open Water Swim: "9. Do swimmers have a maximum period of time to complete the race? Swimmers who have not entered the harbor and passed the Angel Island Ferry within 55 minutes will be pulled from the water.
10. What is the average temperature of the water in October in the San Francisco Bay? The water on average will be about 63-degrees Fahrenheit."
PVK in Pittsburgh for swim clinic
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| From Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates ponder current events |
USA Swimming star, Peter Vanderkaay, gold medalist in the 800 meter free relay and bronze in the 200 meter free in Beijing at the 2008 Olympics, is in Pittsburgh today for a swim clinic.
Here he is when we got to meet him after he won the bronze in the Water Cube with his college coach, Jon Urbanckek, also of Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Hope you have a great visit and clinic.
Newspaper Article on Citizens who speak at public meetings quotes me
We are fixtures!
Self-appointed watchdogs refuse to roll over
Article link in the Sunday Pittsburgh Tribune Review.
One element that I don't generally do is use my voice to rail against other property owners and fellow citizens. The target of most of my messages is government and our public life.
Self-appointed watchdogs refuse to roll over
Article link in the Sunday Pittsburgh Tribune Review.
Mark Rauterkus, 49, of the South Side has consistently challenged City Council, and on his Web site he calls citizenship "a serious responsibility." A stay-at-home father and part-time swimming coach, Rauterkus uses his free time to monitor local government. He's run for public office as a Libertarian, and he regularly updates his blog with commentary on the national, state and local political events.Of course, I am 'self-appointed' -- but -- I'm also often in a capacity that is more than self-appointed. As an elected board member of the Libertarian Party, I have a 'duty.' As a nominated candidate who has had people in the public sign nomination papers, I have a role too.
Challenging government decisions isn't just about saying no, he said.
"If we all did a little bit of the lifting then it wouldn't be such a heavy burden for the naysayers out there," he said.
One element that I don't generally do is use my voice to rail against other property owners and fellow citizens. The target of most of my messages is government and our public life.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Nice Bike Ride Today -- ran into the Mayor
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| From Erik |
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| Mark Rauterkus and Luke Ravenstahl, both enjoying the 250th at Point State Park. From people & vips |
The way traffic was shut down in the city was a disgrace, by the way. By 11 am, the roads that crossed the city were closed due to 250 bikers on the bike path. Go figure. There is no way that they needed to close so many roads for such a long period.
Furthermore, those with eagle eyes can notice the outside of The Hilton Hotel and the bare facade, still unfinished.
The best thing at Point State Park, was getting to make our own Smile Cookies, thanks to Eat 'n Park.
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| From texture - misc. |
Saw VIP, Mr. Pippy, wearing his Army bike top.
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| From people & vips |
The fountain is pink. The fireworks are yet to occur.
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| From Transportation |
Fireworks just happened. Boy, the launch site at the USX Tower, now adorned with the lighted UPMC sign, didn't fire as designed, did it?
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| From Erik |
Friday, October 03, 2008
Sarah Palin, Joe Biden And The Lost City of Incan Gold
I just read where Hillary Clinton had nice things to say about Sarah Palin, the Alaska Governor who is running for vice president on the Republican ticket. It's obvious that through her decidedly silent support of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton knows that the Democratic standard bearer is nothing but an empty suit.
I heard a little of the debate on my satellite radio last night, after seeing a Sneak Preview of the wonderful movie "Flash of Genius." Biden sounded tremendous, exactly like the 30-plus year Washington insider should. On the radio Palin sounded a little rehearsed, a little nervous. Critics had pounded it into our heads that Palin needed to come out like Rocky Balboa in the final round of Rocky II, you know where the Italian Stallion won it all for Adrian.
The results were remarkably standard: Democrats said Biden won, Republicans were assured that Palin won. In many ways, they both won. And in many ways they both lost.
I've said since the Palin pick that unless the wheels fell off the wagon, the Republicans had the election in the bag. Then Wall Street took a nose dive. Fickle America blamed President Bush and the Republicans.
That might just be the wheel off the wagon. It's looking more like the most unqualified Presidential candidate in the history of Presidential elections might get the key to the Lost City of Incan Gold.
The PBS Moderator who has a vested, financial interest--not unlike a bettor at a dog track--in Barack Obama winning was smart enough to not divulge that very important information to the group that chose her for the most eagerly-awaited vice presidential debate since they've been airing on television. Gwen Iffill is just the latest of the Limousine Liberals to call themselves objective journalists involved in this election cycle. Oddly enough, Gwen was quoted in an Associated Press article leading up to the debate, saying that there was nothing "out there" to claim she was pulling for Obama's ticket. She must have forgotten that she is in the midst of writing a book about famous African Americans who she admires. It was quickly pointed out that Colin Powell, who was never elected to any post anywhere, is also featured in the book. Woop tee doo.
The comparisons between Obama and Jesus have been toned down considerably, but there is still an outpouring of Liberal assistance, positioning the Democratic ticket as the best thing since Jesus provided anything to anybody.
Dennis Miller, who is clearly the most thoughtful comedian out there working mainstream rooms today--he's the ONLY comedian not comparing President Bush to Satan himself--was on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He was quick to point out the obvious...like him or hate him, President Bush is not the Anti-Christ, which got a tremendous response from the audience. I've called Bill Cosby the most important comedian, perhaps of any generation that paid attention to comedians, because he bucked the trends of vulgarity and non-accountability. Sure, Cos has had his own personal demons, but who wouldn't in his position. Miller may just be the most important in 2008 because he doesn't always go for the low-hanging fruit of conservative damnation.
If Hillary Clinton opened the door for women in national politics, Sarah Palin blew it completely open. Hillary has been angling for the post since the day Bill Clinton first announced he was running for president. Sarah Palin didn't need to hold onto her husband's coat tails for anything. Plus, she seems completely and absolutely likable. Anyone who thinks Palin should be removed from the ticket simply doesn't "get it." She's the best thing in this entire campaign, and the true trail blazer, not Obama.
Joe Biden needed to be chosen by Barack Obama because he is the "experienced old white guy" he needed. During the last Presidential election cycle, producers of American Idol wanted a "Presidential Idol" type show, and candidate. Quietly that show idea went away. Instead, four years later we have a terrorist and extremist-loving empty suit with a creepy, doll's eyes wife who is close to the Oval Office.
Rachel Maddow, the mainstream-hating smirk-meister was on her television program today, picking apart Palin's quotes from the debate. With half-quotes and quarter-sentences, Maddow questioned everything about Palin, expect for her hair style. Maddow prefers the bulldog Bob of the average Rosie O'Donnell blog reader. Let's see Maddow, with her constant "why isn't everyone an elitist like me" Elvis lip curl do any better on the biggest stage of her life.
History professors, the smart ones anyway, will teach future generations that--despite the ultimate turn out--that this is the most groundbreaking Presidential election in quite a while, not just because a pampered African American made it to the top of the Democratic ticket, but a truly notable woman has changed the political landscape forever.
I heard a little of the debate on my satellite radio last night, after seeing a Sneak Preview of the wonderful movie "Flash of Genius." Biden sounded tremendous, exactly like the 30-plus year Washington insider should. On the radio Palin sounded a little rehearsed, a little nervous. Critics had pounded it into our heads that Palin needed to come out like Rocky Balboa in the final round of Rocky II, you know where the Italian Stallion won it all for Adrian.
The results were remarkably standard: Democrats said Biden won, Republicans were assured that Palin won. In many ways, they both won. And in many ways they both lost.
I've said since the Palin pick that unless the wheels fell off the wagon, the Republicans had the election in the bag. Then Wall Street took a nose dive. Fickle America blamed President Bush and the Republicans.
That might just be the wheel off the wagon. It's looking more like the most unqualified Presidential candidate in the history of Presidential elections might get the key to the Lost City of Incan Gold.
The PBS Moderator who has a vested, financial interest--not unlike a bettor at a dog track--in Barack Obama winning was smart enough to not divulge that very important information to the group that chose her for the most eagerly-awaited vice presidential debate since they've been airing on television. Gwen Iffill is just the latest of the Limousine Liberals to call themselves objective journalists involved in this election cycle. Oddly enough, Gwen was quoted in an Associated Press article leading up to the debate, saying that there was nothing "out there" to claim she was pulling for Obama's ticket. She must have forgotten that she is in the midst of writing a book about famous African Americans who she admires. It was quickly pointed out that Colin Powell, who was never elected to any post anywhere, is also featured in the book. Woop tee doo.
The comparisons between Obama and Jesus have been toned down considerably, but there is still an outpouring of Liberal assistance, positioning the Democratic ticket as the best thing since Jesus provided anything to anybody.
Dennis Miller, who is clearly the most thoughtful comedian out there working mainstream rooms today--he's the ONLY comedian not comparing President Bush to Satan himself--was on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He was quick to point out the obvious...like him or hate him, President Bush is not the Anti-Christ, which got a tremendous response from the audience. I've called Bill Cosby the most important comedian, perhaps of any generation that paid attention to comedians, because he bucked the trends of vulgarity and non-accountability. Sure, Cos has had his own personal demons, but who wouldn't in his position. Miller may just be the most important in 2008 because he doesn't always go for the low-hanging fruit of conservative damnation.
If Hillary Clinton opened the door for women in national politics, Sarah Palin blew it completely open. Hillary has been angling for the post since the day Bill Clinton first announced he was running for president. Sarah Palin didn't need to hold onto her husband's coat tails for anything. Plus, she seems completely and absolutely likable. Anyone who thinks Palin should be removed from the ticket simply doesn't "get it." She's the best thing in this entire campaign, and the true trail blazer, not Obama.
Joe Biden needed to be chosen by Barack Obama because he is the "experienced old white guy" he needed. During the last Presidential election cycle, producers of American Idol wanted a "Presidential Idol" type show, and candidate. Quietly that show idea went away. Instead, four years later we have a terrorist and extremist-loving empty suit with a creepy, doll's eyes wife who is close to the Oval Office.
Rachel Maddow, the mainstream-hating smirk-meister was on her television program today, picking apart Palin's quotes from the debate. With half-quotes and quarter-sentences, Maddow questioned everything about Palin, expect for her hair style. Maddow prefers the bulldog Bob of the average Rosie O'Donnell blog reader. Let's see Maddow, with her constant "why isn't everyone an elitist like me" Elvis lip curl do any better on the biggest stage of her life.
History professors, the smart ones anyway, will teach future generations that--despite the ultimate turn out--that this is the most groundbreaking Presidential election in quite a while, not just because a pampered African American made it to the top of the Democratic ticket, but a truly notable woman has changed the political landscape forever.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Website Marketing SEO Score Tool
If you like navel gazing, check and compare.
Website Marketing SEO Score ToolMy blog scored 81 out of 100. Some areas to improve upon seem obvious.
This report has been stored in our system for your future use. You can access this report at any time using the following link: Website Grader Report For Rauterkus.blogspot.com
Prep hoops powers eye new postseason tournament - USATODAY.com
Prep hoops powers eye new postseason tournament - USATODAY.comPrep hoops powers eye new postseason tournamentPerhaps Pittsburgh's CAPA and Pittsburgh Public Schools Sci-Tech and PPS University Prep can get an invite to these early year tournaments. Those schools can't play in the state tournaments. Heck, those schools can't even field a team in the WPIAL nor PIAA playoffs. Not because of win/loss record.
Nike, Paragon Marketing and ESPN are working on a postseason eight-team national boys high school tournament in April in Washington, D.C.
The tournament would include national powers that do not play state championships, such as St. Benedict's Prep (Newark, N.J.), which finished No. 2 in last season's final USA TODAY Super 25 rankings; Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.), which has won six Super 25 titles; Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.), which has finished in the final Super 25 rankings five times, including ninth in 2005-06; Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.), which was the national prep school runner-up last season; and possibly the Washington and Baltimore Catholic League champions. The event would be held Final Four weekend (April 3-4) at Georgetown Prep.
"The event has the potential to someday determine a national champion," said Tony Dorado, national manager of high school basketball for Nike.
Just like Chatham's football team, these schools are going to be undefeated for the next five years if Mark Roosevelt has his way.
Not to pick on Chatham. Chatham is a women's university and doesn't field a football team. But, it does field a water polo team and a full range of athletic squads including hockey N@.
'Dark side' lurking as coaches persevere through tough times - USATODAY.com
'Dark side' lurking as coaches persevere through tough times - USATODAY.com'Dark side' lurking as coaches persevere through tough timesSyracuse has a bad case of bad karma after it gave its men swim team the shaft. Sports purgatory is due them for 10 years or more -- and the movie just out on the first black Heisman winner, an Orangeman, is serious salt in the wounds. Fix the men's swim team, then all will be well again.
Bill Ogden's ideas about the current bailout situation
Good Afternoon Everyone!
My calculator only goes up to 99,999,999. So I had to use some brain cells that I thought were used up -- a notebook and pen! Here is what I figured:
President Bush wants to bail out all the Banks because the Banks aren't being paid back the money that they lent out.
Already...it is estimated that the President gave out about $300,000,000,000 ($300 Billion) to banks and other corporations who have overextended themselves--(within last 60 days)
Now He wants an additional $700,000,000,000 ($700 Billion) to bail out wall street again.
He, Congress, and Talking Heads are spinning. "They" say they want to help "Main Street" and hate it whenever anyone says Wall Street. BTW: "Main Street" is supposed to mean you and me.
Who will be responsible for paying back the $1,000,000,000,000 ($1 Trillion)???
You and me silly... Main Street USA.
The way I see it, we would all be better off if we learned how to live within our means.
I am speaking from experience because I'm also guilty of using credit beyond my earnings. This means that I need to correct my situation with personal sacrifice and hard work.
The President, Congress, and the Talking Heads ignore these lessons of life.
Sacrifice and paying off debts are not in there vocabulary.
The Answer to this Nations Dilema is pulling ourselves up by our proverbial bootstraps and not using credit cards--etc...it's our biggest addiction problem. GUILTY as charged! I cut all of mine up today 09/30/08 at 2:30pm...the withdrawals are beginning to settle in...shake shake twitch twitch. It means purchasing items that I can afford. Want and Need aren't always the same. Even if it means that Debra and I remain in the same home or keep the same car longer.
As a Nation, it may take 7 years of hard work and sacrifice across the board.
Let's play Devils Advocate for a moment. $1,000,000,000,000 divided by 225,000,000 (225 million US Residents 18 yrs and older) equals about: $4500 each.
If Big Brother wants to play Big Bank to everyone and own you....ahh ahh I mean "Help" you--Main Street...then...why not print up some more Federal Reserve Notes and mail them out to all of the US Citizens 18 years and older?
Who cares if the US dollar depreciates in value...it going to anyways after they bail out Wall Street...ahh ahh I mean the banks....ahh ahh I mean Main Street...uggghhhh!
How's this one instead: Americans are Forgiven all past Tax Debt no matter what the amount is great or small and Everyone receives a clean slate...as well as a Free Pass for all of 2008! Do you think this would help "Main Street" as well as "Wall Street"??
What's good enough for Wall Street should be good enough for Main Street...and vice versa.
When a person or entity restructures personal and commercial debt--it is important to eliminate unneccessary expenses. Some families implement a monthly budget and sometimes go to great lengths to pay off debts--ie: Yard Sales etc...
The Federal Govt. is the largest employer in the world...with no end in site.
Beginning 05/01/09 we can Start from Scratch by cutting spending.
Abolish the IRS and implement a National Sales Tax...everyone will begin paying their so-called "fair share" inclulding Illegal aliens and Syndicated Crime who have false ssn numbers. The US citizens who are on "fixed" incomes can show a card giving them a discount for purchases.
Is the National Sales Tax (Fair Tax) perfect? Nothing is...but it has to be better than the thousands of pages of tax codes and inconsistencies. End all "Tax Write-Offs"...no more Tax Filing. April 15th will be declared "American Freedom Day!"
There is plenty more to CUT...but I don't want to upset the millions of people that I send this out to.
Okay...back to work everybody!
--Bill Ogden
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