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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Florida Georgia Line already had a chart-topping country hit with "Cruise" when rapper Nelly got hold of it and helped transform it into a crossover smash.
The two acts teamed to close the CMT Music Awards on June 5 with a pyro-filled production, placing themselves firmly in a long, proud line of cross-cultural collaborations that trace back to Jimmie Rodgers recording with Louis Armstrong in 1930.
FGL's Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley have discovered — like Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum and a few other country acts — that there's nothing like the ride of a crossover hit.
"I think it's kind of like pouring gas on a fire," Hubbard said. "It's been wild."
A year ago, "Cruise" went No. 1 on the country charts and the band won the Academy of Country Music's best new artist award, scored coveted opening slots on tour with country's hottest acts Swift and Luke Bryan and met Nelly.
As of press time, FGL's remix was No. 5 on Billboard's Hot 100 songs chart.
Because of it, the band got its starring role at the CMT Music Awards, where they were up for three trophies (including video of the year for "Cruise"); FGL won for duo video and breakthrough video.
Few artists have risen so quickly in the fairly stagnant world of country music. Fans are loyal, but they aren't always quick to adapt.
Top stars like Jason Aldean and Eric Church, for instance, were at it for a decade before hitting the top reaches of country music.
Hubbard and Kelley started playing the game in earnest in 2009 after meeting at Belmont University, the private school near Music Row that's been the starting point for many musicians and music business employees in town.
Unlike that legion of aspiring artists, managers and publicists, neither Hubbard nor Kelley came to town with designs on the spotlight.
Kelley — a hunky 27-year-old blond with short-cropped hair and from Ormond Beach, Fla. — was a college baseball player with a guitar hobby on the side. He had bounced around a bit before landing at Belmont.
Hubbard — a hunky 26-year-old with longer hair and an edgier vibe and from Monroe, Ga. — wanted a business degree and liked Nashville. He also played guitar and figured he'd go for a music business degree.
A friend introduced them and they found they had similar backgrounds and interests. More importantly, they meshed perfectly when they picked up their guitars to write together that first time.
"We wrote our song and thought, 'This is pretty cool. We've got something special here,' " Kelley said.
Nelly heard that something special from his labelmates when the duo's management pointed out the then-countrified version of "Cruise."
Asked why he got involved, he smiled and said, "I love hits."
"They're great kids," he said later. "They're great guys. They're young. They have energy. They're excited. I told them, 'Enjoy being the new guys because you only get to be the new guy once.' "
FGL is trying to take that message to heart while ensuring progression past that "new guy" phase.
But every once in a while, the distance the band members traveled at light speed during the past few years catches up with them.
Not so long ago they lived together frat style with three other people.
They awoke in the morning and wrote songs, then would head off to paint houses or wash cars before returning to the house to write more.
"We've definitely been blessed the last few years," Hubbard said.


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Flying Lotus |
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subset: commoncrawl


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Please note that this video is for instructional purposes but is not intended to be a complete and full training exercise. The instructors in this video are trained professionals. Remember to always follow the four gun safety rules! 1. The gun is always loaded. 2. Never point the gun at something you are not prepared to destroy. 3. Always be sure of your target AND what is behind it. 4. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target. This video shows how to properly unholster and holster your pistol. The holster featured is the Blackhawk Serpa Holster, which is only one of many different types of retention. Be sure to study your own holster well and learn how to properly release the retention!
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When Chris Burns, 27, of Salina, started walking around downtown Salina on Monday afternoon in his new stormtrooper armor, someone called police to report the alleged gun-wielding man


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Order Information
The blazing marquee of the plush Astor Theater in New York City billed the 1933 premier of Eskimo as "THE BIGGEST PICTURE EVER MADE," propelling a 27-year-old Inupiat Eskimo from Candle, Alaska, to overnight stardom. The handsome actor was not only the first Alaskan to become a Hollywood movie star but also the first non-white actor to play in a leading role. This is the story of Ray Wise Mala, the talented and enterprising son of an itinerant Russian trader and an Eskimo mother. Mala became part of the white man's world but for most of his life struggled to find a place in it, discriminated against because of his mixed race and his father's Jewish faith. At age 16, Mala got his break in Alaska in 1921 when hired to help film Primitive Love in which he was given a role. Mala appeared in more than 25 films over the next three decades, playing Hawaiians, South Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and other "exotics." Mala was a generous, sophisticated, self-made man from humble origins who straddled the gap between two cultures, never forgetting the debt he owed his own. ESKIMO STAR includes many historic photos and colorful movie posters.


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More than 26 million visitors each year seek the dynamic, comprehensive, fine shopping environment uniquely offered by The Galleria, Texas' largest shopping domain and fourth largest nationally. International guests on a week's buying trip blend seamlessly with Houstonians in the mall on a quick errand or area executives entertaining clients at one of the signature eateries. Spanning 2.4 million square feet of space, housing 400 fine stores and restaurants, two high-rise hotels, and three office towers, The Galleria is Houston's most popular retail and tourist destination, meeting every budget, style and taste.

Wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet
We offer free wireless internet to our shoppers at this Simon mall. Any shopper with a Wi-Fi enabled laptop, tablet or smartphone can easily log onto the Wi-Fi network. All shoppers have to do is open their web browser or select "Simon WiFi" (the SSID name) from their available list of wireless networks to get to the Simon Malls Wi-Fi landing page. All shoppers that choose to use the Wi-Fi network at this mall must agree to Simon Wi-Fi Terms & Conditions of Use prior to using this free service. If there are any issues or questions, shoppers and tenants should contact the Wi-Fi network technical support hotline at (888) 726-5930 for assistance.
Foreign Currency Online Ordering with Travelex
Order your travel money online for convenient home delivery. Did you know that some Simon mall locations also include retail Travelex stores for your convenience. Travelex is the world's largest retail foreign currency exchange specialist, with over 1000 stores around the world. We can provide you with over 75 foreign currencies as well as a Cash Passport that can be pre-loaded with either Pounds or Euros and includes chip & PIN technology, a must when traveling in Europe. To get started, visit Travelex now.
Simon Giftcard®
Give the gift of shopping with a Simon Giftcard, available at Simon Guest Services® in denominations ranging from $20 to $500. There are no fees after purchase and the funds do not expire. The Simon Giftcard can be used anywhere Visa or American Express are accepted. See cardholder agreement for complete terms and conditions.

THE WESTIN SUMMER ESSENTIAL PACKAGE AT THE GALLERIA

Recharge this summer with our Westin Summer Essential Package and delight in benefits that help you save time and stay connected to the things that matter to you. This summer getaway package includes:

Rates from $149 per night

Free in-room, high-speed Internet ($9.95 value)

Complimentary overnight valet parking ($27 value)

Valid for stays through September 03, 2012

To make a reservation, click here or call 866-716-8137 and ask for rate plan DAILY0A.

The Westin Galleria Houston

The Westin Oaks Houston at the Galleria

iPhone® & Android™ App
The Simon Malls Mobile App can help you find your favorite stores, dining and entertainment options at the Simon Mall nearest you. You'll also be able to check out the latest deals and events available at your favorite mall right from your phone. And there are many more features designed to enhance your shopping experience including mall maps & gift card balance check. Download the free app from the App Store℠ for iOS powered devices or from Google Play™ for Android powered devices today. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc.
Lost and Found

Lost and Found is located at The Galleria Security Office located on Level 3 of the Galleria Finacial Center, near the newly renovated north end of the property. For Galleria Security please call 713-877-9190.

Multi-lingual services can be found at the Galleria Guest Services, Level 1 near the Westin Galleria Hotel. For Galleria Information please call 713-966-3530.

The Galleria provides over 13,000 parking spaces for our customers, guests, and employees. We offer free, convenient and accessible parking in numerous garages throughout the property, leaving shoppers with direct access to their favorite Galleria stores.

 Patrons may also enjoy EXPRESS parking in one of the surface lots along Westheimer Road. With EXPRESS parking you can quickly find a parking space close to your destination. There is a nominal fee for the use of these automated self- parking facilities. Express Lots and Blue Garage located near Neiman Marcus and The Cheesecake Factory near the corner of Westheimer and Post Oak. Yellow Garage Lower entrance at Westheimer and McCue. Yellow Garage Upper accessible from both Westheimer and West Alabama between Sage and McCue. Purple Garage located on Sage between Westheimer and West Alabama. Brown Garage located on West Alabama near Sage. Green Garage entrance located on south side of West Alabama near the corner of McCue. Orange Garage located at the light on the corner of West Alabama and McCue. Red Garage located at the corner of McCue and Hildalgo.

We also offer Valet parking - In front of The Cheesecake Factory and Del Frisco's near the Express Lots. Neiman Marcus Valet located on Post Oak between Westheimer and West Alabama. Yellow Garage Lower as with self park, entrance at Westheimer & McCue, turn right by the escalators. Sak's Fifth Avenue Valet located in front of Sak's on Westheimer near Sage. Additional velet near Prohibition next to Sak's at the corner of Sage and Westheimer. Nordstrom Valet on the 1st Floor of the Red Garage.

 For more information please visit www.parkingatthegalleria.com or 713-966-3568.

Public Transportation
Cab Stand is located at the Westin Oaks Hotel.
Post Office Services are located on Rink Level.
Ticketmaster, the world's leading live entertainment ticketing company, now has a retail location at select Simon® Malls Guest Services Booths. You can access event information and purchase tickets at Guest Services to a wide range of venues and entertainment options including sporting events, museums, theaters, performing arts and family shows. Did you purchase tickets from Ticketmaster online? You can conveniently pick them up at our mall. Stop by Simon Guest Services for all of your Ticketmaster ticketing needs.
Valet Parking
Valet Parking is available at the following locations: Westheimer Entrance (near the Cheesecake Factory), Neiman Marcus (entrance off Post Oak Blvd.), Westin Oaks Hotel (off Westheimer), Saks Fifth Avenue (off Westheimer), Westin Galleria Hotel (off West Alabama), West Lot (off Westheimer and Sage), and Nordstrom (in the Red Garage off Hidalgo).
Wheelchairs (Complimentary)
Wheelchairs are located at Simon Guest Services, Level 1 near the Westin Galleria Hotel. For Galleria Information please call 713-622-0663.

Enhanced Cellular Connectivity
This property features enhanced cellular connectivity that improves the signal strength and brings the cell phone tower inside of the mall.


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A product of countless stylistic experimentation, in which cutting edge materials were paired with the latest production techniques and assigned to a rainbow of handpicked colors.
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Designers Gil and Jonathan Loloi merge contemporary design, technical innovation, and comfort to create their PixelModa timepieces. Available in a crop of vibrant hues, each timepiece blends minimalist design and water-resistant technology with an unconventional use of Tourmaline, a powerful ionic mineral that improves mood and increases vitality.


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Designed to help ease your child's fear of bad dreams, this tasty fairy trio will put some sweet in those dreams with the help of their delightful fairy dust. Confection Protection, these sugar-coiffed ladies are happy to work some lollipop magic and transform the night sours into pastel patisseries.
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WallCandy Arts' whimsical wall decor brings design-savvy fun to kids' rooms. The brainchild of East Hampton mom Allison Krongard, these wall stickers are the haute version of the window art decals you remember from childhood. WallCandy panels come in natural shapes like bees, trees, and dinosaurs as well as in educational themes like vibrant numbers and letters. Made from non-toxic materials and inks that never mar walls upon removal, these pieces can be endlessly rearranged to make nurseries and playrooms pop with life.


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We will be closed Dec. 24th until Dec. 26th. We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and good health.
To order an item from The Limber Chest, just click on the 'Add to Cart' button. Clicking on the thumbnail picture of any item gives you a larger picture of that item.
Thanks for shopping at The Limber Chest!
The Limber Chest Contact us! 15 Acoma LaneCollegeville, PA 19426United States Updated Wednesday, January 28 2015Product descriptions copyright© 2015 The Limber ChestAll else copyright© 1995-2015 TIAS.com All rights reserved.


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Columbus Crew
Select shots from the Fire's loss to the Crew.
PHOTO CREDIT: USA Today Sports Images
After a dramatic later winner against New England, the Men in Red head to Firehouse East (#FHEAST) Saturday night to face a surging Columbus team (LIVE 6pm CT on My50). Since relieving coach Robert Warzycha of his duties and replacing him with Technical Director Brian Bliss, the Crew have won two of three and remain in the MLS Cup playoff hunt.
The Columbus hierarchy are calling this match a six-pointer and I tend to agree. Here are some things to look out for from a tactical perspective.
Sticking tight to Dominic Oduro – regardless of what position he plays in
In my last preview of a Fire vs. Columbus match, I heaped praise on Oduro and since then, the Ghanaian has continued to put in good performances.
Many in Columbus called for Oduro to be played up top and for the first two games under Brian Bliss this happened but last weekend the ex-Fire man moved to the right wing, making room for Federico Higuain and Jairo Arrieta to take their places in the middle of the attack.
In truth, Oduro is difficult to contain in either position.
On the wing, his pace forces the outside defenders to be on their guard and not stray too far forward. Hiss crossing is also dangerous -- he looks to get the ball in the box as early as possible, oftentimes playing it low to the ground, bending it around the defenders. These sort of balls are a nightmare to defend and limiting Oduro's space to cross will be important.
Oduro's runs also make him a difficult player to mark when he plays up top. In the Crew's last match against Montreal, he made a brilliant run into the box to get on the end of a sublime through ball from Federico Higuain and score the winner.
It will be an added incentive for the Fire defenders to keep their former teammate off the score sheet on Saturday night.
The midfield battle – Will Trap and Tony Tchani vs Jeff Larentowicz and Arevalo Rios
In just a few matches together, Jeff Larentowicz and Arevalo Rios have formed quite a formidable partnership in the center of midfield.
In the Crew's last match against the Impact, Will Trapp continued to start, this time alongside Tony Tchani. This partnership is similar to the Fire's, with one player advancing to help the attack while the other sits.
Tchani particularly caught the eye, bringing a physical presence that was lacking to the Crew's midfield. The Cameroonian has surprisingly good foot skills for a burly 6'4'' midfielder and is equally comfortable playing through balls from deep or driving forward with the ball.
The battle between the two sets of central midfielders will be very interesting to watch, with both trying to catch the other out.
The Fire's central pair must continue to stay disciplined and not be caught in a situation where both are too far forward. The Fire's midfield tandem certainly have the edge in experience and I expect them to display that against the younger pair.
Focusing the attacks down the Columbus left – targeting Tyson Wahl and co.
In the first two matches under Brian Bliss, Tyson Wahl returned at left back for the Crew, after sitting out the end of Warzycha's reign. Wahl didn't have the best of games in the first two outings of the Bliss era before moving to center back for last week's match against Montreal.
It remains to be seen what position he starts in on Saturday night but in any case, the left side of defense is certainly a weak link for the Crew and one the Fire should look to exploit.
In the Montreal game, former Fire winger Justin Mapp caused the Crew all sorts of problems from his wide right position. After strong performances for Alex, Patrick Nyarko, Joel Lindpere and Dilly Duka in recent weeks, picking two of the four to occupy the wide positions will be a tough decision for Frank Klopas.
I look for Jalil Anibaba to get forward at every opportunity to support the starting right winger and extend the Crew's defensive woes on the left hand side for another match.
Prediction: 2-0 Fire with goals from Jalil Anibaba and Chris Rolfe.
Stephen Piggott is a contributor to Chicago-Fire.com.
Continuing our Three Questions series, I hit up TheCrew.com's Cody Sharrett to find out what's been going on with "The Massive's" turnaround in form under interim head coach Brian Bliss ahead of Saturday's visit to Crew Stadium (LIVE 6:00pm CT on My50) I also exchanged answers with him for TheCrew.com, see below
Jeff Crandall: The Crew looked destined to miss the playoffs again this season but the move of Brian Bliss downstairs as interim head coach has seen the team win two of its last three matches. What has changed since he took over the dressing room?
Cody Sharrett: With the coaching change, I think some players felt they had something to prove and re-earn their spots in the lineup. Bliss has brought more accountability to the club with his tell-like-it-is, yet positive approach. Training sessions are definitely more vocal and the players seem to be responding to Bliss' style.
Cody Sharrett: Great at giving speeches
The change has also helped guys who had maybe fallen out of favor with Robert Warzycha earn new opportunities on the field. Since the coaching change, both Tony Tchani and Tyson Wahl have seen their minutes increase. Tchani has brought a physical presence to central midfield and was key in the wins against Houston and Montreal.
Even in the 3-0 loss at Kansas City, Tchani was one of the few bright spots for the Crew. Wahl, on the other hand, brings veteran presence to the backline alongside stalwart Chad Marshall. Aside from one slip up that led to a Marco Di Vaio goal, Wahl paired well with Marshall in his first match of the season at centerback.
JC: The Fire dealt Dominic Oduro to the Crew in a January trade that brought Dilly Duka and eventually Mike Magee to Chicago. Dom just scored his 10th goal of the season for the Crew last weekend, how has he helped the Columbus attack improve this year?
CS: Oduro's speed has definitely added a different dimension to the Crew attack that just hasn't been there in the past. Federico Higuaín leads MLS with 44 attempted through balls this season, and with Oduro's pace, can you blame him? When the two have connected, it's been a work of art as evidenced by Oduro's goals in Toronto earlier in the season and last week in Montreal.
A pleasant surprise in Oduro's game for Crew fans has been his ability to make defenses pay for mistakes, thus coining the term "Grand Theft Oduro." Teams have been more hesitant playing out of the back due to Oduro's ability to pounce on miscues.
Leading the team with 10 goals this season, Oduro has been a breath of fresh air for the Black & Gold.
JC: The Crew have little margin for error in remaining matches if they hope to qualify for the playoffs. With backs against the wall, what is the mood and spirit like going into Saturday's game vs. the Fire?
CS: The locker room has been positive, especially since the win at Montreal. The Crew knows it needs help from other results, but also realizes it most likely needs to win-out to ensure a playoff spot. With four of the five remaining matches coming against Eastern Conference opponents, the points are there for the taking.
Cody Sharrett: The Fire sit in playoff position for the first time in 2013. What's the atmosphere like in the locker room with six matches left to go in the season?
Jeff Crandall: Having gone 2-7-1 through their first 10 matches, everyone at the Fire will say the team had a pretty bad start to the year. Still, the spirit never faltered and the arrivals of Mike Magee and Bakary Soumare in late May helped stabilize things a great deal.
Despite a few disappointing results to start September, the team still remains one of the hottest in the league since that time but the fact the fact that we're in mid-September and last Saturday was the first time they've reached a playoff position tells just how deep a hole was dug at the beginning of the year.
There are a few reasons for the turnaround this season but it most assuredly wouldn't have happened if the mood didn't stay positive through the hard times. Now that they're in a position to qualify for the playoffs, they've noticeably gained even more confidence heading into the close of the season and will go to Crew Stadium looking for a season sweep on Saturday.
Jeff Crandall: Known for squints & plaid
CS: New DP Juan Luis Ananganó bagged his first goal for the Fire last week against New England. How has he changed the dynamic of the club's attack?
JC: Though he is a Designated Player, Anangono was purposely not billed as someone that would come in and be a significant contributor right away. He is a strong target striker that has a lot of work ethic but as we see with many foreign players coming to MLS for the first time, an adjustment period is needed.
He showed flashes in games before but his 30th minute equalizer in Saturday's win over New England was huge for a Fire team that had once again conceded early in a match. Though he may have been offside on the second equalizer through Mike Magee, his shielding the defender was what gave the Fire's leading scorer an easy conversion.
Anangono's transition to the Fire and MLS isn't complete but his recent performances now give head coach Frank Klopas the most variety he's had all season up top and allows the manager to be more unpredictable with his lineups at the close of the season.
CS: Since the Fire's first season in 1998, the rivalry with the Crew has been one of the best in MLS. What is the general feeling of this rivalry among the Chicago supporters compared to other rivalries?
JC: In my view, (and I may be biased because I'm a Wolverine) the rivalry with the Crew is the best the Fire currently have. Last season 600 supporters went to Crew Stadium and the year before about 400 attended. Hands down, the visit(s) to Crew Stadium are one of the first games Fire supporters circle on their calendars when the schedule is released every year.
Games against the Crew mean a lot to Klopas as well as Crew Stadium was the site of his first win as interim head coach back on June 12, 2011 and it was him that scored the Golden Goal winner against Columbus in the 1998 U.S. Open Cup final at Soldier Field.
In the locker room, Ohioans Chris Rolfe and Austin Berry especially get up for games vs. "The Massive" but throughout the team, whether players are new or haven't been around too long, its known that matches vs. the Crew are big and usually very intense.
With both teams pushing for the playoffs and former players on both sides of the divide, I expect no less on Saturday.
For the first time since we started 2013 Playoff Math, you'll notice the graphic above has changed, meaning teams switched places after the weekend's results. That certainly makes everything more interesting!
Let's do this...
1) New York Red Bulls
Current Points: 48 (14-9-6)
Games Remaining: 5 (3 home / 2 away)
Last 5 Games: WWWLD (10pts)
2013 Home/Away Record: 9-2-3 / 5-7-3
Maximum Possible Pts: 63
Average Opponents Pts: 41.0
Remaining Schedule: 9/22 vs. FCD, 9/29 @ SEA, 10/5 vs. NE, 10/20 @ HOU, 10/27 vs. CHI
Rundown: With Sporting KC sitting idle and Montreal losing at home vs. Columbus, Red Bull continued to hold serve with a 2-0 home win over Toronto Saturday. With five games remaining, New York could be on the cusp of clinching a playoff berth with a win vs. FC Dallas this weekend combined with losses for Philadelphia and New England.
2) Montreal Impact
Current Points: 45 (13-8-6)
Games Remaining: 7 (3 home/ 4 away)
Last 5 Games: LWDWW (10pts)
2013 Home/Away Record: 9-2-3 / 4-6-3
Maximum Possible Pts: 66
Average Opponents Pts: 37.1
Remaining Schedule: 9/17 at SJ**, 9/21 vs. VAN, 9/24 vs. HER** 9/28 @ CHI, 10/4 @ HOU, 10/12 vs. NE, 10/16 @ LA, 10/19 vs. PHI, 10/26 @ TFC
Rundown: Montreal took a bit of a hit, being upset 2-1 by Columbus on Saturday – their first home loss to an Eastern Conference team this season. They still hold games in hand over both New York and Sporting KC and like Red Bull, can get on the cusp of a playoff berth with a win Saturday at home vs. Vancouver but you wonder how a cross continent trip for Tuesday's Champions League match at San Jose will effect them?
3) Sporting KC
Current Points: 45 (13-9-6)
Games Remaining: 6 (2 home / 4 away)
Last 5: WWLLW (9pts)
2013 Home/Away Record: 8-4-3 / 5-5-3
Maximum Possible Pts: 63
Average Opponents Pts: 30.5
Remaining Schedule: 9/17 vs. RES**, 9/21 @ TFC, 9/27 vs. PHI, 10/5 @ CLB, 10/9 at HOU, 10/18 vs. D.C., 10/23 vs. OLI**, 10/26 @ PHI
Rundown: Sporting KC got rest this weekend ahead of a two-game week. Having won both of their early Champions League matches on the road, they should only need a draw at home against Real Esteli on Tuesday to qualify for the knockout round, before visiting Toronto FC on Saturday in league play. Like the two teams above them, a win in that match combined with dropped points below will push Sporting KC back to the playoffs for the third straight year.
4) Houston Dynamo
Current Points: 40 (11-9-7)
Games Remaining: 6 (4 home / 2 away)
Last 5 Games: WLDLW (7pts)
2013 Home/Away Record: 7-3-3 / 4-6-4
Maximum Possible Points: 58
Average Opponents Pts: 36.0
Remaining Schedule: 9/25 vs. WC**, vs. CHV, 9/28 @ NE, 10/4 vs. MTL, 10/9 vs. SKC, 10/20 vs. NY, 10/24 @ AU**, 10/27 @ D.C.
Rundown: After what was likely their worst stretch of the season, the Houston Dynamo rebounded with a huge 1-0 away win at Philadelphia Saturday night, pushing the side back inside the playoff bubble.
They'll recharge this weekend before tackling a crucial Champions League match vs. W. Connection and home game vs. Chivas USA in the span of three days next week. Crucial matches at New England, vs. Montreal and Sporting KC follow and will go a long way to determining Houston's playoff fate and potential positioning.
5) Chicago Fire
Current Points: 39 (11-11-6)
Games Remaining: 6 (2 home / 4 away)
Last 5 Games: WDLDW (8pts)
2013 Home / Away Record: 9-4-2 / 2-6-4
Maximum Possible Pts: 57
Average Opponents Pts: 34.3
Remaining Schedule: 9/21 @ CLB, 9/28 vs. MTL, 10/4 @ D.C., 10/12 @ FCD, 10/19 vs. TFC, 10/27 @ NY
Rundown: The Fire missed a definite opportunity, dropping two points at Toronto FC on Wednesday but regrouped well to earn a key win vs. playoff contenders New England Saturday night, putting the Men in Red in playoff position for the first time this year after starting the season 2-7-1 through 10 games.
Whether the team has a slight advantage or disadvantage vs. the other postseason hopefuls depends on how you look at it. They do have the second easiest remaining schedule in terms of opponents points average but only two of the remaining six matches will be played at Toyota Park. Winning those home games remains key while taking a minimum of six points away from home will be needed if the team hopes to continue its season past October 27.
6) Philadelphia Union
Current Points: 39 (10-10-9)
Games Remaining: 5 (2 home / 3 away)
Last 5 Games: LLDLD (2pts)
2013 Home/Away Record: 6-4-5 / 4-6-4
Maximum Possible Points: 54
Average Opponents Pts: 34.6
Remaining Schedule: 9/27 @ SKC, 10/5 vs. TFC, 10/12 @ D.C., 10/19 @ MTL, 10/26 vs. SKC
Rundown: Philadelphia is the team reeling the most this week after falling 1-0 at home to playoff rivals Houston. In terms of form, the Union have taken just two points from their last five and of their five remaining games, have two against Sporting KC (home and away) and one at Montreal.
The Union are tied with the Fire on points but are in a more difficult spot with a tougher schedule and one less game to play…
7) New England Revolution
Current Points: 37 (10-11-7)
Games Remaining: 6 (3 home / 3 away)
Last 5 Games: LLDWW (7pts)
2013 Home/Away Record: 6-5-3 / 4-6-4
Maximum Possible Points: 55
Average Opponents Pts: 36.3
Remaining Schedule: 9/21 vs. D.C., 9/28 vs. HOU, 10/5 @ NY, 10/12 @ MTL, 10/19 vs. CLB, 10/27 @ CLB
Rundown: There was a point on Saturday (actually two) that New England's Playoff Math was looking rather good. Then Juan Luis Anangono, Mike Magee and Alex all happened. Soccer.
They get to rebound from their two consecutive losses with a home match vs. D.C. this week before a stretch of three critical matches vs. Houston, at New York and Montreal to close out September and open October. They could easily be out of the playoff race or be making a strong push into the top three by then.
8) Columbus Crew
Current Points: 35 (10-14-5)
Games Remaining: 5 (3 home / 2 away)
Last 5 Games: WLWLL (6pts)
2013 Home / Away Record: 6-5-3 / 4-9-2
Maximum Possible Points: 50
Average Opponents Pts: 38.6
Remaining Schedule: 9/21 vs. CHI, 9/29 @ FCD, 10/5 vs. SKC, 10/19 @ NE, 10/27 vs. NE
Rundown: The Crew pulled off their biggest win of the season, winning away at Montreal 2-1 last Saturday. There's little doubt that the victory boosted morale for the team but they still sit four points back of the playoff bubble and only have five games left.
The Crew have their backs against the wall with every remaining match, needing to win and hope teams above drop points. They can do both with a victory over the Fire on Saturday but any loss at this point really takes them all but mathematically out of the equation.
The goal for the Crew should be to take at least seven points from the next three matches, to make their season-ending home and home series vs. New England still matter.
Saturday night didn't feel good. A strong Fire performance in always difficult atmosphere at Century Link Field certainly left me feeling like the team had done enough to take something away from Seattle. In the end, that wasn't to be.
With the 2-1 loss, Fire hearts looked at three very big matches Sunday involving Houston, New England and Philadelphia, maybe lit a candle, said a prayer or crossed fingers. That sound you heard round about midnight was a huge sigh of relief as all three teams immediately ahead of the Men in Red in the Eastern Conference playoff race also went down in defeat.
Hence this blog title, as the positioning between the Top 7 in the East remains the same as it was when I wrote the first edition of 2013 Playoff Math two weeks ago, albeit with a bit of a separation between top and bottom.
A breakdown of where things stand heading into this week…
1) Montreal Impact
Current Points: 45 (13-7-6)
Games Remaining: 8 (4 home/ 4 away)
Last 5 Games: WDWWL (10pts)
2013 Home/Away Record: 9-1-3 / 4-6-3
Maximum Possible Pts: 69
Average Opponents Pts: 35.3
Remaining Schedule: 9/14 vs. CLB, 9/17 at SJ**, 9/21 vs. VAN, 9/24 vs. HER** 9/28 @ CHI, 10/4 @ HOU, 10/12 vs. NE, 10/16 @ LA, 10/19 vs. PHI, 10/26 @ TFC
Rundown: Chronologically, Montreal's 4-1 win at New England was the second of three needed Fire results Sunday and though the Impact had only won once away to an Eastern opponent this season, showed up in droves early on as Matt Reis' fifth minute red card for taking down Marco Di Vaio set the tone for the evening in Montreal's 4-2 win.
With the win, the Impact stayed on top of the Eastern Conference (with two games in hand) and may have helped the Fire more than just in the standings as Reis will now be suspended for the Revolution's visit to Chicago this Saturday.
Given Montreal's home form, a visit from the Crew Saturday should probably see them atop the East by the time I'm writing this column next week. With games in hand on both New York and Sporting KC, the Impact hold the inside track to the top spot in the East if they can hold serve down the stretch.
2) New York Red Bulls
Current Points: 45 (13-9-6)
Games Remaining: 6 (3 home / 3 away)
Last 5 Games: WWLDL (7pts)
2013 Home/Away Record: 8-2-3 / 5-7-3
Maximum Possible Pts: 63
Average Opponents Pts: 36.1
Remaining Schedule: 9/14 vs. TFC, 9/22 vs. FCD, 9/29 @ SEA, 10/5 vs. NE, 10/20 @ HOU, 10/27 vs. CHI
Rundown: The fact that Red Bull had never won in Houston during the MLS regular season didn't exactly bode well form them on Sunday but a smaller than normal crowd at BBVA Compass Stadium saw a few mistakes at the back which New York did well to capitalize on in their 4-1 win.
Red Bull have just six games left to play with the next two at home vs. Toronto FC and FC Dallas. Wins in those and we're either talking about them officially clinching a playoff spot or being having the opportunity to do it in Seattle on October 5.
3) Sporting KC
Current Points: 45 (13-9-6)
Games Remaining: 6 (2 home / 4 away)
Last 5: WWLLW (9pts)
2013 Home/Away Record: 8-4-3 / 5-5-3
Maximum Possible Pts: 63
Average Opponents Pts: 30.5
Remaining Schedule: 9/17 vs. RES**, 9/21 @ TFC, 9/27 vs. PHI, 10/5 @ CLB, 10/9 at HOU, 10/18 vs. D.C., 10/23 vs. OLI**, 10/26 @ PHI
Rundown: Sporting KC go into their bye week coming off a strong 3-0 home win over Columbus Saturday night. Like Montreal, they've set themselves up well now to balance their remaining Champions League fixtures (they next play Real Esteli on September 17) and could lock down a playoff spot by the end of September.
4) Philadelphia Union
Current Points: 39 (10-9-9)
Games Remaining: 6 (3 home / 3 away)
Last 5 Games: LDLDW (5pts)
2013 Home/Away Record: 6-3-5 / 4-6-4
Maximum Possible Points: 57
Average Opponents Pts: 34.7
Remaining Schedule: 9/14 vs. HOU, 9/27 @ SKC, 10/5 vs. TFC, 10/12 @ D.C., 10/19 @ MTL, 10/26 vs. SKC
Rundown: Despite having a man advantage for the final 33 minutes, Philadelphia was unable to muster a point in a 1-0 defeat at San Jose in the Fire's last needed result of the night.
Philadelphia still sits fourth but only by two points ahead of Saturday's game vs. Houston, one of two very big matches with playoff implications this week.
5) New England Revolution
Current Points: 37 (10-10-7)
Games Remaining: 7 (3 home / 4 away)
Last 5 Games: LDWWL (7pts)
2013 Home/Away Record: 6-5-3 / 4-5-4
Maximum Possible Points: 58
Average Opponents Pts: 33.4
Remaining Schedule: 9/14 @ CHI, 9/21 vs. D.C., 9/28 vs. HOU, 10/5 @ NY, 10/12 @ MTL, 10/19 vs. CLB, 10/27 @ CLB
Rundown: Like I said above, New England's 4-2 loss to Montreal helped contribute to everything staying the same towards the bottom of the race. They'll be without starting goalkeeper Matt Reis in Saturday's pivotal visit to Toyota Park but will still likely come in confident knowing they've won the previous two encounters between the sides this year.
6) Houston Dynamo
Current Points: 37 (10-9-7)
Games Remaining: 8 (4 home / 4 away)
Last 5 Games: LDLWL (4pts)
2013 Home/Away Record: 7-3-3 / 3-6-4
Maximum Possible Points: 58
Average Opponents Pts: 35.7
Remaining Schedule:9/14 @ PHI, 9/21, 9/25 vs. WC**, vs. CHV, 9/28 @ NE, 10/4 vs. MTL, 10/9 vs. SKC, 10/20 vs. NY, 10/24 @ AU**, 10/27 @ D.C.
Rundown: It wasn't a good week for Houston who dropped a 2-0 to Columbus at midweek before Sunday's 4-1 thumping vs. New York. Given Houston's recent form (4 points from their last five games), Fire fans will lament the two points dropped to the Dynamo at the beginning of the month but should also be thankful for the fact the Dynamo have continued to struggle following that result.
A loss at Philadelphia next Saturday combined with a win from the Fire or New England may be panic button time for the Dynamo.
7) Chicago Fire
Current Points: 35 (10-11-5)
Games Remaining: 8 (3 home / 5 away)
Last 5 Games: LDWLW (7pts)
2013 Home / Away Record: 8-4-2 / 2-6-3
Maximum Possible Pts: 59
Average Opponents Pts: 32.1
Remaining Schedule: 9/11 @ TFC, 9/14 vs. NE, 9/21 @ CLB, 9/28 vs. MTL, 10/4 @ D.C., 10/12 @ FCD, 10/19 vs. TFC, 10/27 @ NY
Rundown: Dropping three points late in the last two matches doesn't fill one with confidence but the team's performance at Seattle was very encouraging and they were perhaps rewarded by Sunday's trifecta of results. In reality, the weekend was a complete wash in terms of Playoff Math, so the Fire enter a two-game week with a huge opportunity.
The team faces a quick turnaround Wednesday, playing their game in hand on New England and Houston when they visit lowly Toronto FC (who fell 4-0 at Portland Saturday). A win in Ontario followed by one in Saturday's six-pointer vs. the Revs (and a draw between the Union in Dynamo in Philadelphia) would actually put the Fire into fourth place in the East with six games remaining.
TICKETS: Fire vs. Revolution six-pointer Saturday at Toyota Park
It's fair to admit no one saw the Fire being in this position following Saturday's game but as they say, that's why they play the games and there's all to play for still.
8) Columbus Crew
Current Points: 32 (9-14-5)
Games Remaining: 8 (3 home / 3 away)
Last 5 Games: LWLLW (6pts)
2013 Home / Away Record: 6-5-3 / 3-9-2
Maximum Possible Points: 50
Average Opponents Pts: 38.6
Remaining Schedule: 9/14 @ MTL, 9/21 vs. CHI, 9/29 @ FCD, 10/5 vs. SKC, 10/19 @ NE, 10/27 vs. NE
Rundown: In Brian Bliss' first game as interim head coach, Columbus took a huge step defeating Houston 2-0 last Wednesday only to fall 3-0 at KC Saturday night.
By virtue of their point total and remaining schedule, the Crew are certainly still in the playoff race but are at a point where any further slip-ups will probably mean the end to their season.
After an interesting weekend of results, no teams actually changed spots in the Eastern Conference standings, though the group at the top all sit tied on points. Down below, Philadelphia and New England each held serve in spots four and five with weekend draws while the Fire missed a chance to leapfrog Houston with their home tie on Sunday.
The breakdown:
1) Montreal Impact
Current Points: 42 (12-7-6)
Games Remaining: 9 (4 home/ 5 away)
Last 5 Games: DWWLL (7pts)
2013 Home/Away Record: 9-1-3 / 3-6-3
Maximum Possible Pts: 69
Average Opponents Pts: 35.1
Remaining Schedule: 9/8 @ NE, 9/14 vs. CLB, 9/17 at SJ**, 9/21 vs. VAN, 9/24 vs. HER** 9/28 @ CHI, 10/4 @ HOU, 10/12 vs. NE, 10/16 @ LA, 10/19 vs. PHI, 10/26 @ TFC
Rundown: Despite their top spot in the conference, Montreal has had an abysmal road record vs. the East (1-6-2) so while they could have taken a big step over the weekend, perhaps a 0-0 draw at Philadelphia was them punching above their weight. September will be make or break time for the Impact as the team will play six competitive matches in a span of 20 days. If they hope to advance out of their Champions League group, they'll likely need to win one of their two remaining games. meaning squad rotation will be prudent through the end of the month.
The Impact will hope to improve their Eastern Conference road record with another away trip to New England on Sunday.
2) New York Red Bulls
Current Points: 42 (12-9-6)
Games Remaining: 7 (4 home / 3 away)
Last 5 Games: WLDLW (7pts)
2013 Home/Away Record: 8-2-3 / 4-7-3
Maximum Possible Pts: 63
Average Opponents Pts: 35
Remaining Schedule: 9/8 @ HOU, 9/14 vs. TFC, 9/22 vs. FCD, 9/29 @ SEA, 10/5 vs. NE, 10/20 @ HOU, 10/27 vs. CHI
Rundown: Red Bull did exactly what they had to do, downing MLS bottom dwellers D.C. United 2-1 at home Saturday night. With four of their remaining seven matches at home and no Champions League to worry about, if they win their games at Red Bull Arena, they should have no issue making their way to a postseason appearance. What they do with their away games should determine their positioning.
New York faces a six-pointer away to Houston on Sunday. Win and potentially distance yourself from the pack, lose and things will begin to get interesting.
3) Sporting KC
Current Points: 39 (12-9-6)
Games Remaining: 7 (3 home / 4 away)
Last 5: WLLWL (6pts)
2013 Home/Away Record: 7-4-3 / 5-5-3
Maximum Possible Pts: 63
Average Opponents Pts: 29.9
Remaining Schedule: 9/7 vs. CLB, 9/17 vs. RES**, 9/21 @ TFC, 9/27 vs. PHI, 10/5 @ CLB, 10/9 at HOU, 10/18 vs. D.C., 10/23 vs. OLI**, 10/26 @ PHI
Rundown: Like New York, Sporting KC did the business with a 2-1 win over Colorado Saturday. Already with six points in their two Champions League matches, Sporting likely needs just two points from their remaining matches to win the group and have a lighter league schedule than fell CCLers Montreal and Houston. Two matches with Columbus and one each vs. Toronto and D.C. should see Sporting easily clinch and could help push them towards the top spot by the end of October.
This weekend, Sporting face a Columbus side that lost at home to 10-man Seattle on Saturday, fired their coach Monday and will face Houston at home Wednesday. If the Crew lose to the Dynamo, they'll be all but eliminated from playoff contention, making KC's home encounter even easier.
4) Philadelphia Union
Current Points: 39 (10-8-9)
Games Remaining: 7 (3 home / 4 away)
Last 5 Games: DLDWL (4pts)
2013 Home/Away Record: 6-3-5 / 4-5-4
Maximum Possible Points: 60
Average Opponents Pts: 33.3
Remaining Schedule: 9/8 @ SJ, 9/14 vs. HOU, 9/27 @ SKC, 10/5 vs. TFC, 10/12 @ D.C., 10/19 @ MTL, 10/26 vs. SKC
Rundown: Three points at home Saturday would have seen Philly move to within one of first in the East but a draw against Montreal keeps them all on their lonesome in fourth place. With seven games remaining, the Union have a mixed type of schedule, facing Toronto FC and D.C. in back-to-back weeks in October but also with a games against Houston and Montreal and two matches against Sporting.
A west coast trip to San Jose, where the Earthquakes have dropped just one game this season (8-1-4) looms large this week, with a loss likely pushing the Union back down to the East bubble.
5) New England Revolution
Current Points: 37 (10-9-7)
Games Remaining: 8 (4 home / 4 away)
Last 5 Games: DWWLL (7pts)
2013 Home/Away Record: 6-4-3 / 4-5-4
Maximum Possible Points: 61
Average Opponents Pts: 33.75
Remaining Schedule: 9/8 vs. MTL, 9/14 @ CHI, 9/21 vs. D.C., 9/28 vs. HOU, 10/5 @ NY, 10/12 @ MTL, 10/19 vs. CLB, 10/27 @ CLB
Rundown: Perhaps no team controls their own destiny like the Revolution. With eight games left, the Revs has an even split of four home and four away but perhaps more interesting is that five of their next six matches are against Eastern Conference foes that sit in the Top 7 positions. Should they be able to navigate well through those matches, their home and home with Columbus to end the season could be all about positioning.
New England needs to take advantage of Montreal's poor road form Saturday to climb up the table.
6) Houston Dynamo
Current Points: 37 (10-8-7)
Games Remaining: 9 (5 home / 4 away)
Last 5 Games: DLWLW (7pts)
2013 Home/Away Record: 7-2-3 / 3-6-4
Maximum Possible Points: 64
Average Opponents Pts: 34.3
Remaining Schedule: 9/4 @ CLB, 9/8 vs. NY, 9/14 @ PHI, 9/21, 9/25 vs. WC**, vs. CHV, 9/28 @ NE, 10/4 vs. MTL, 10/9 vs. SKC, 10/20 vs. NY, 10/24 @ AU**, 10/27 @ D.C.
Rundown: Much like New England, Houston faces a number of teams they're battling for playoff positioning with over the next month and like Montreal and Sporting KC, also need to balance Champions League play. The Dynamo will be favorites to take three points on the road at Columbus Wednesday but will close out a seven game/22-day stretch at home Saturday to New York. Houston holds fate in their own hands but balancing Champions League with games against conference foes will be the key to their postseason push.
Simple enough: Win at home, draw on the road, they should be in.
7) Chicago Fire
Current Points: 35 (10-10-5)
Games Remaining: 9 (3 home / 6 away)
Last 5 Games: DWLWW (10pts)
2013 Home / Away Record: 8-4-2 / 2-6-3
Maximum Possible Pts: 62
Average Opponents Pts: 31.7
Remaining Schedule: 9/7 @ SEA, 9/11 @ TFC, 9/14 vs. NE, 9/21 @ CLB, 9/28 vs. MTL, 10/4 @ D.C., 10/12 @ FCD, 10/19 vs. TFC, 10/27 @ NY
Rundown: Sunday's late 1-1 draw at home to Houston was no doubt a gut punch but the Fire are far from out of the playoff race.
The Good News: The team continues to have one of the easiest remaining schedules in the East with two games against Toronto and one each against Columbus and D.C.
The Bad News: Only three of nine remaining matches are at home and the Fire's road record is towards the bottom in the conference.
And even though the Fire have never beaten Seattle and failed to win on turf since 2010, they have a real chance to take three points away to the Sounders with the home side missing Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson, Brad Evans, Leo Gonzalez on Saturday night.
Four to six points in the team's next two away matches (remember Toronto FC on September 11) will set them up well for a return home vs. New England on September 14. Twice this season the Fire have had the chance to leap into fifth place and failed, mid-September should be a target date for them to AT LEAST be there.
8) Columbus Crew
Current Points: 29 (8-13-5)
Games Remaining: 8 (4 home / 4 away)
Last 5 Games: LLWWL (6pts)
2013 Home / Away Record: 5-5-3 / 3-8-2
Maximum Possible Points: 53
Average Opponents Pts: 38.6
Remaining Schedule: 9/4 vs. HOU, 9/7 @ SKC, 9/14 @ MTL, 9/21 vs. CHI, 9/29 @ FCD, 10/5 vs. SKC, 10/19 @ NE, 10/27 vs. NE
Rundown: If Sunday's draw to Houston was a gut punch for the Fire, I'm not sure what to call the Crew's 1-0 home defeat to 10-man Seattle on Saturday.
Still, Columbus have a small shot at the playoffs and their coaching change Monday makes things a bit more interesting. Keep in mind that seven of their eight remaining matches come against teams in the Eastern Conference playoff picture but should they lose midweek to Houston, the weekend trip to Sporting KC could kill whatever hope they have left.
With the Eastern Conference playoff race so tight between seven teams, some called me crazy for starting Playoff Math so early this year. I shunned the criticism because I feel strongly that Eastern Conference nerds need their fix the remaining two months of the season.
In an attempt to keep this piece at readable length, I chose not to use a points per game basis as fellow stat nerd Tweed Thornton at Hot Time in Old Town uses. His analysis is equally interesting and I suggest you check it out.
So, with that, I breakdown the playoff outlook for the eight teams that still have a reasonable shot at an Eastern Conference playoff spot…
Montreal Impact
Current Points: 41 (12-7-5)
Games Remaining: 10 (4 home/ 6 away)
2013 Home/Away Record: 9-1-3 / 3-6-2
Maximum Possible Pts: 71
Average Opponents Pts: 34.4
Remaining Schedule: 8/31 @ PHI, 9/8 @ NE, 9/14 vs. CLB, 9/21 vs. VAN, 9/28 @ CHI, 10/4 @ HOU, 10/12 vs. NE, 10/16 @ LA, 10/19 vs. PHI, 10/26 @ TFC
Rundown: Though they had a small dip in form, Montreal is back at the top of the Eastern Conference after Saturday's 5-0 shellacking of Houston. Much of Montreal's success can be chalked up to their dominant home record (they've lost just one game at Stade Saputo this season) but the team also has the toughest remaining schedule and has away matches against playoff contenders, Philadelphia, New England, the Fire and Houston before season's end. Add to that the fact that Montreal is also competing in CONCACAF Champions League play on September 17 at San Jose and September 24 at Heredia and the top spot is far from secure.
New York Red Bulls
Current Points: 39 (11-9-6)
Games Remaining: 8 (5 home / 3 away)
2013 Home/Away Record: 7-2-3 / 4-7-3
Maximum Possible Pts: 63
Average Opponents Pts: 31.3
Remaining Schedule: 8/31 vs. D.C., 9/8 @ HOU, 9/14 vs. TFC, 9/22 vs. FCD, 9/29 @ SEA, 10/5 vs. NE, 10/20 @ HOU, 10/27 vs. CHI
Rundown: Despite a 3-2 defeat to Chivas USA at the weekend, Red Bull still sits in pretty good shape, two points back of the lead. New York holds a strong home record and of their eight remaining matches, five will be played at Red Bull Arena. Also unlike fellow playoff contenders Montreal, Sporting KC and Houston, New York only needs to focus on MLS Regular Season play the rest of the way.
Sporting KC
Current Points: 39 (11-9-6)
Games Remaining: 8 (4 home / 4 away)
2013 Home/Away Record: 6-4-3 / 5-5-3
Maximum Possible Pts: 63
Average Opponents Pts: 30.5
Remaining Schedule: 8/31 vs. COL, 9/7 vs. CLB, 9/21 @ TFC, 9/27 vs. PHI, 10/5 @ CLB, 10/9 at HOU, 10/18 vs. D.C., 10/26 @ PHI
Rundown: Sporting KC holds an identical record to New York and has to juggle two more Champions League games but has one of the easiest remaining schedules among the eight playoff contenders. Though their home record isn't as stellar as you'd think, with the strong atmosphere Sporting Park provides, its unlikely KC is the team currently inside the bubble that falls down the stretch.
Philadelphia Union
Current Points: 38 (10-8-8)
Games Remaining: 8 (4 home / 4 away)
2013 Home/Away Record: 6-3-4 / 4-5-4
Maximum Possible Points: 62
Average Opponents Pts: 33.1
Remaining Schedule: 8/31 vs. MTL, 9/8 @ SJ, 9/14 vs. HOU, 9/27 @ SKC, 10/5 vs. TFC, 10/12 @ D.C., 10/19 @ MTL, 10/26 vs. SKC
Rundown: With eight games left, the Union sit just three points out of first place thanks to the 4-5-4 record on the road (second best in the East) while holding serve at home (6-3-4). Things just got pretty interesting for Philly after New England's 5-1 weekend thrashing of the Union pulled the playoff race much tighter. From a Fire perspective, their grounded out, back-to-back wins over the Men in Red in May could easily be pointed to as the difference between being in and outside the playoff bubble. If the Fire take three points in either of the 1-0 losses, the two teams are swapped in the Eastern Conference table…
New England Revolution
Current Points: 36 (10-9-6)
Games Remaining: 9 (4 home / 5 away)
2013 Home/Away Record: 6-4-3 / 4-5-3
Maximum Possible Points: 63
Average Opponents Pts: 31.5
Remaining Schedule: 8/30 @ TFC, 9/8 vs. MTL, 9/14 @ CHI, 9/21 vs. D.C., 9/28 vs. HOU, 10/5 @ NY, 10/12 @ MTL, 10/19 vs. CLB, 10/27 @ CLB
Rundown: New England has been the surprise entrant into the race this season. The Revs have certainly found ways to punch way above their weight. Even after a six-game winless run in July and August, New England still find themselves inside the bubble with seven of their nine remaining games all against relevant Eastern Conference playoff contenders.
Houston Dynamo
Current Points: 36 (10-8-6)
Games Remaining: 10 (5 home / 5 away)
2013 Home/Away Record: 7-2-3 / 3-6-3
Maximum Possible Points: 66
Average Opponents Pts: 33
Remaining Schedule: 9/1 @ CHI, 9/4 @ CLB, 9/8 vs. NY, 9/14 @ PHI, 9/21 vs. CHV, 9/28 @ NE, 10/4 vs. MTL, 10/9 vs. SKC, 10/20 vs. NY, 10/27 @ D.C.
Rundown: Though not quite as great as 2012, Houston has kept up pretty good form at BBVA Compass Stadium so far in 2013. The Dynamo sit sixth only by the Goals For tiebreaker and currently hold at least a game in hand on everyone in front of them except for Montreal. At the same time, a loss to the Fire on Sunday at Toyota Park would see the Men in Red leapfrog the Dynamo into sixth place with nine matches remaining.
Chicago Fire
Current Points: 34 (10-10-4)
Games Remaining: 10 (4 home / 6 away)
2013 Home / Away Record: 8-4-1 / 2-6-3
Maximum Possible Pts: 64
Average Opponents Pts: 31.1
Remaining Schedule: 9/1 vs. HOU, 9/7 @ SEA, 9/11 @ TFC, 9/14 vs. NE, 9/21 @ CLB, 9/28 vs. MTL, 10/4 @ D.C., 10/12 @ FCD, 10/19 vs. TFC, 10/27 @ NY
Rundown: After failing to win a game in the month of March, the Fire's 8-3-3 record since the arrivals of Bakary Soumare and Mike Magee in late May is nothing short of fantastic. Having said that, the team still finds itself two points outside of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Much of the team's success is due to holding the second best home record in the Eastern Conference (8-4-1) though the side's away record is also the second worst (2-6-3). Perhaps worse though is that after Sunday's game vs. Houston, the team will play just three more home matches in 2013 vs. six away games.
The key to any team making the playoffs is doing the business at home and the Fire should still aim for the maximum 12 points available there. However, in order to make the postseason again in 2013, the team needs to find ways to pick up more points on the road. Luckily they have one of the easiest remaining schedules in the Eastern Conference and visit both Toronto FC and D.C. in two of their remaining six away games.
Columbus Crew
Current Points: 29 (8-12-5)
Games Remaining: 9 (5 home / 4 away)
2013 Home / Away Record: 5-4-3 / 3-8-2
Maximum Possible Points: 56
Average Opponents Pts: 33.5
Remaining Schedule: 8/31 vs. SEA, 9/4 vs. HOU, 9/7 @ SKC, 9/14 @ MTL, 9/21 vs. CHI, 9/29 @ FCD, 10/5 vs. SKC, 10/19 @ NE, 10/27 vs. NE
Rundown: The Crew are here because though it doesn't seem likely, they're still in the playoff race. In my opinion, the key for Columbus is how they do in their next two matches, both of which are at home. A win over Western Conference foes Seattle won't be considered a "six pointer" but it will keep the Crew alive for another important midweek home date vs. Houston.
The Fire start sluggishly and give up an early goal thanks to some sloppiness. The first half runs its course with a series of dreary long balls, and very little else worth mentioning. The second half begins, the Fire come out a totally different team. They move the ball quicker. They even the game. They continue pressing. They take the lead. The second half develops into a series of counter attacks on one end and dramatic blocks, saves, and misses on the other. The game ends, the Fire players celebrate.
Sound familiar? After almost carbon copy games against Colorado and in Columbus last week (not to mention similar feeling games against Portland and RSL), the Fire games are becoming something like the works of one of those airport authors - the characters change and the setting is different, but the arc remains the same.
Not that we're lacking any drama. These comebacks are scintillating, and we deserve it after those early games that were, frankly, difficult to watch. Now Fire games are chaotic, fun spectacles.
I was pining for a hockey-like empty netter on Saturday when all possible counterattacks flamed out and, yet again, we never got the insurance goal that would let us relax and enjoy the last few minutes of the game. Just like Wednesday against Colorado, the Fire survived Columbus thanks to some great work by Sean Johnson in goal, some miscues, and a few fortunate bounces.
Of course, every comeback is different, and this time there was no Klopas Gambit. There weren't major changes in shape or personnel. What was different was who stepped up to change the game.
Last week we talked about Jeff Larentowicz really driving the Fire upwards, and literally the first play of the second half, the play that set the tone for the ensuing comeback, was of Larentowicz tackling Oduro hard at midfield.
But all of a sudden it looks like the Fire have depth all over the place. Players that struggled to make an impact at the beginning of the season are proving their worth. Joel Lindpere had two beautiful assists, Dilly Duka was arguably player of the game Saturday against his old team, and with Magee about as hot as a player can get, it's no surprise the Fire are charging up the table.
VOTE: Dilly Duka for MLS Goal of the Week!
The attitude in the locker room has to be refreshing. After the game on Saturday, Magee said, "We know we can battle and we fight for each other, that's the hardest thing in soccer." Despite the slow starts and the stressful endings, the Fire are building something.
Let's enjoy it with another look at Duka skinning and megging Chad Barson.
Select shots from the Fire's 2-1 win over the Crew.
Credit: USA Today Sports Images
The Men in Red extended their unbeaten streak to six games across all competitions on Wednesday night (4-0-2), coming behind to defeat the Colorado Rapids 2-1. Columbus notched a big win against Montreal last time out and face difficult trips to Kansas City and LA after the Saturday's home game against the Fire.
Here are some things to keep an eye on from a tactical perspective in this big match for both teams (LIVE Saturday 6:30pm CT on My50).
The turnover game - both teams will look to pressure each other's back line
In the Crew's most recent loss to the Union earlier this month, the Ohio team had major problems retaining possession when put under pressure. The Union forwards, especially Jack McInerny, did not allow Columbus time on the ball and the pressure led to Philly getting on the score sheet.
Johnson, Rolfe Preview Columbus
As we know, players like Mike Magee, Chris Rolfe and Patrick Nyarko are excellent at putting pressure on the opponent's defense and this will be important on Saturday night.
On the other side of the coin, the Crew like to deploy the high pressure tactic too, with former Fire player Dominic Oduro often hunting down defenders and not allowing them time on the ball.
READ: Berry recovers from blunder with winning goal vs. Rapids
In the Crew's 2-0 win over the Montreal Impact last weekend, Oduro stole the ball from a Montreal defender before slotting home the Crew's second goal in the 22nd minute.
Fire defender Austin Berry had an unfortunate incident in Wednesday's match against Colorado where he was stripped of the ball allowing rookie Deshorn Brown to give Colorado the lead.
In a game that is expected to be very tight, the team making the least mental mistakes could end up on top.
The battle on the left side - Duka/Lindpere vs Anor
Columbus winger Bernardo Anor won many plaudits for his performance against Montreal last week on his first start back from a horrible ACL injury.
The left-footed Venezuelan started on the right against the Impact and will be looking to build on that performance against the Fire Saturday night.
On the same side of the field, coach Frank Klopas will be choosing between former Crew winger Dilly Duka and veteran Joel Lindpere for the start.
Dan and Kevin Talk Crew
Duka played his best game for the Men in Red against Colorado on Wednesday night as he was able to get in 1v1 situations on numerous occasions and earned the penalty that equalized the match.
Lindpere has yet to fully live up to the high expectations put on him by Fire fans after his move from New York this offseason.
With the team in the middle of a 4 games in 11 day stretch, a start for Lindpere seems plausible.
Getting back into the stating XI in a huge Eastern Conference showdown could be the perfect motivation for Lindpere to put in a man of the match performance on Saturday night.
Dominic Oduro - A striker with a point to prove
With seven goals to his name this season, Dominic Oduro has landed on his feet in Columbus after his trade away from the Windy City. Oduro also seems to have developed into a more complete striker since his move.
The speedy Ghanaian's patience on the ball has resulted in him making better decisions and linking with his midfielders more instead of going alone and trying to score.
What has impressed me about Oduro since the trade is his move away from a reliance on his right foot to a player that is comfortable shooting with both.
READ: The Influence of Jeff Larentowicz
Fire fans will remember Oduro's hot and cold finishing but on his day, he can be unstoppable. The Fire have held Oduro scoreless in two matches already this season but at home, the Ghanaian will be aiming to prove a point and it is up to the Fire defenders to keep him quiet on Saturday night.
Prediction: 2-1 Fire with a brace from midfielder Alex
Stephen Piggott is a contributor to Chicago-Fire.com. Follow him on Twitter @irish_steve.


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The management team that leads Cars.com has experience and expertise on its side.
By having a hands-on understanding of the needs of dealers, newspaper affiliates and consumers, Cars.com management has developed specialized technology to fulfill the specific needs of each constituent. They have strategically built major national brands and established major online content venues. Every day, they surpass the typical interactive business models and challenge the competition with innovative ways to service users online and off.


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With normal volumes and few weather issues for Central American and Caribbean crops through the first week of December, commerce was influencing the winter deal as much as nature.
A new partnership or facility here, a consolidation or port strike there, and the playing field shifted a bit.
Homestead, Fla.-based Fresh King is extending availability of avocados after a September merger with Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic-based grower-shipper Agroindustria Ocoeña. Instead of stopping with the Florida deal in January, Fresh King will go from June through April.
"It's not a seasonal crop anymore," said Alvaro Perpuly, general manager. He expects to see October-to-April avocado production there rise from 1.2 million to 1.5 million bushels. Perpuly credits that to friendly weather and improved tree management.
Agroindustria Ocoeña offers a proprietary green-skin variety, the Carla. It obtained a Primus certification last year. Food safety standards had been a roadblock for Dominican Republic fruit.
"We've been doing business for about 10 years and this year we had the opportunity to merge," Perpuly said. Both retain their established labels and brand names.
Michael Warren, president of Central American Produce Inc., Pompano Beach, Fla., predicts a 5% rise in melon volumes out of Guatemala and Honduras. His company started shipping cantaloupes and honeydews in mid-November. Those go to May, and watermelons run January to April.
It's a modest shift in volume. A bigger one is under way among players in the melon deal.
Plantation, Fla.-based Fresh Quest, which has downsized Honduras operations in favor of Guatemala, will have 15% less fruit overall than last year, according to Alan Guttmann, president.
Meanwhile, Pompano Beach-based Ayco Farms Inc. expects about a 30% volume increase.
Some competitors are also seeing increases, said Lou Kertesz Jr., category manager for melons.
"With the loss of production by Fresh Quest it's probably the same amount coming in, just in different hands," he said.
Fresh Quest planned to add Guatemala acreage for next year's deal.
Papayas, pineapples
On red papayas out of Belize, Homestead-based Brooks Tropicals and Sunrise, Fla.-based Fresh Results LLC forecast volume increases of 25% to 30% over last year.
Weather damage earlier in 2012 tamed volumes into the start of winter, but demand for reds has driven more plantings year to year. Peak production is expected in March and April.


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It isn't my HD-DVD copy (don't ask) but it also isn't SD. In fact, it looks significantly better than a conventional DVD.
I am sooooo glad we got TCM HD.
Replace your HD-DVD (I sold mine a long time ago) with my Blu-ray, and ditto!!
could it possibly be that they've switched to "the european model" of showing native 1080i when they've got it?


text: Majestic Pet Products Super-Value Pet Dog Bed for the price-conscious pet owner who refuses to skimp on quality, a Medium 28" x 35" featuring plush cushioning and durable fabrics. The Poly-Cotton cover is stuffed with super high loft polyester fiber fil and is fully machine washable. Place the entire bed in a washer and tumble dry low heat (laundry mat washer and dryer recommended).The Medium is recommended for pets from 5 to 45 lbs.


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A few bits of news about various types of donations and contributions today…
The NY AG is looking into tax-exempt groups' contributions, with a focus on those that are politically based.
With quite a few retirements from Congress this year, donations are coming in from retiring NY legislators to current campaigns.
And in honor of National Farmers' Market week, we conclude with a bit of hopeful news for some farms despite a very dry season.


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The protection for U.S. growers included in the Mexican proposal has a strong enforcement mechanism, Jungmeyer said, because it would cover 100% of Mexican growers instead of only 85% of them.
"There will be enforcement activities on both sides of the border to ensure compliance," Jungmeyer said.
The Florida growers' challenge of the tomato agreement spurred talk of a trade war, with some U.S. produce exporters fearful of Mexican retaliatory tariffs similar to those imposed when the U.S. failed to meet cross-border trucking provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
After the Commerce Department announced a preliminary decision to end the tomato trade agreement on Sept. 27, Mexico's ambassador to the U.S., Arturo Sarukhan, referenced the retaliatory tariffs that were up to 45% on some products.
"Mexico will respond: you should ask those who were in the Mexican crosshairs over the trucking dispute. When Mexico aims, Mexico hits the target," Sarukhan said in an e-mail to U.S. media.
The Commerce Department has until May 2013 to reach a final decision on the request from the Florida growers.


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This event will showcase the exciting research that is being conducted at Moffitt Cancer Center. The day will include oral and poster presentations by researchers at Moffitt. The Symposium will also feature four Faculty oral presentations. The day's events will culminate with the announcement of the recipients of the 2012 Milestone Awards, Clinical and Research Mentor of the Year Awards and the top Poster Presenters of the day. We encourage everyone to attend. Please click here for the detailed agenda.
Abstract Submission: The abstract submission deadline was Monday, March 4, 2013. Clinical Fellows, Post-Doctoral Fellows, Residents, Graduate Students, Undergraduate Students, Research Scientists and Staff Scientists conducting research at Moffitt Cancer Center were invited to submit an abstract for this event (limit one abstract per person).
All abstracts received for this event that meet the established guidelines were accepted for Poster Presentation (space permitting). Twelve (12) individuals were selected to give an Oral Presentation; three from each of the following 4 categories: basic science research, clinical science research, population science research and translational science research.
Monetary awards will be given to all individuals selected to give an oral presentation as well as the top poster presentation winners in each of the 4 categories.
Those selected to give an oral or poster presentation have been notified by the event coordinators.
For poster set-up and removal times and guidelines, please click here.
Questions? Please contact event coordinators Angela (Angie) Reagan (x5189) or Rae Reuille (x1548)


text:
President & CEO, Sam's Club
Executive Vice President of Merchandising Sam's Club
EVP, Chief Financial Officer
Executive Vice President of Operations
SVP, Planning, Replenishment and Innovations
SVP, Sam's Club, People
SVP, General Counsel, Asset Protection and Compliance
SVP, Member Strategy and Marketing
Senior Director of Corporate Communications
Vice President, Business Integration
Rosalind G. Brewer is president and CEO of Sam's Club, a leading membership warehouse club offering superior products, savings and services to millions of members in 636 clubs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Roz joined Sam's Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Walmart), in 2012.
She has implemented a growth strategy focused on technology and innovation, exciting and local merchandise and an expanded footprint, accelerating the growth of new clubs.
Roz is a strong advocate for Sam's Club's many small business members and is also focused on e-commerce growth, giving members the convenience of shopping anywhere, anytime.
Roz joined Walmart in 2006 as regional vice president, overseeing operations in Georgia. She later became division president of the Southeast, and then president of Walmart East.
Throughout her career, Roz has served as a high-impact strategist with experience spanning global manufacturing operations, research and development, marketing and strategic business unit leadership. She has focused relentlessly on revenue growth and customer satisfaction and has extensive expertise in turn-around assignments. Roz is also known for building strong teams, inspiring mentoring networks and having a passion for improving communities.
Before joining Walmart, she worked for Kimberly-Clark Corp. for 22 years, starting as a scientist and eventually becoming president of the Global Nonwovens Sector in 2004.
Roz earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Spelman College. She attended the advanced management program at The Wharton School and graduated from Director's College at the University of Chicago School of Business/Stanford School of Law.
She serves on the board of directors for Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT), and because of her commitment to education, she is chair of the board of trustees for her alma mater, Spelman College.
In 2014, Roz was named one of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women by Forbes. The magazine also named her among the Most Powerful Black Women of 2014. This is the second consecutive year for Roz to make both Forbes lists. In addition, Working Mother named her one of the Most Powerful Working Moms of 2013, and Roz has consistently been honored by Fortune Magazine as one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business.


text:
The Global Intelligence Files,
files released so far...
Index pages
by Date of Document
Our Partners
Al Akhbar - Lebanon
Al Masry Al Youm - Egypt
Asia Sentinel - Hong Kong
Bivol - Bulgaria
Carta Capital - Brazil
CIPER - Chile
Dawn Media - Pakistan
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La Repubblica - Italy
La Jornada - Mexico
La Nacion - Costa Rica
Malaysia Today - Malaysia
McClatchy - United States
Nawaat - Tunisia
NDR/ARD - Germany
Owni - France
Pagina 12 - Argentina
Philip Dorling - Fairfax media contributor - Australia
Plaza Publica - Guatemala
Publica - Brazil
Publico.es - Spain
Rolling Stone - United States
Russian Reporter - Russia
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Taraf - Turkey
The Hindu - India
The Yes Men - Bhopal Activists
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Community resources
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The Global Intelligence Files
On Monday February 27th, 2012, WikiLeaks began publishing The Global Intelligence Files, over five million e-mails from the Texas headquartered "global intelligence" company Stratfor. The e-mails date between July 2004 and late December 2011. They reveal the inner workings of a company that fronts as an intelligence publisher, but provides confidential intelligence services to large corporations, such as Bhopal's Dow Chemical Co., Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and government agencies, including the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Marines and the US Defence Intelligence Agency. The emails show Stratfor's web of informers, pay-off structure, payment laundering techniques and psychological methods.
[OS] LIBERIA/CT - Violence, boycott call deter Liberia voters
Released on 2012-10-12 10:00 GMT
Email-ID | 5057852 |
Date | 2011-11-08 22:26:13 |
From | email@example.com |
To | firstname.lastname@example.com |
List-Name | firstname.lastname@example.com |
MONROVIA (Reuters) - Many Liberians failed to vote in a presidential
run-off on Tuesday, poll observers said, some people staying away for fear
of further violence and others following an opposition boycott appeal.
Voters trickled into polling stations in the capital Monrovia in much
lower numbers than the first round vote last month, Reuters witnesses
said. Feedback from elsewhere in the West African state also put turnout
down by late-afternoon.
Incumbent Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is tipped to win re-election after leading
the first round vote, and because second placed challenger Winston Tubman
has withdrawn from the contest citing electoral fraud.
But a low turnout risks harming Johnson-Sirleaf's authority in a new term
despite international praise for the new Nobel peace laureate and broad
condemnation of Tubman's boycott call.
United Nations peacekeepers were deployed, but the streets of the capital
were quiet after a day of clashes that officials say killed at least two.
"People are taking a long time to come because of the situation of
yesterday. There is fear in the voters," said Mitchell Gbarteah, an
election worker in Monrovia's West Point, a slum of tin and wood hovels.
Officials from two observer groups said low numbers were also being
reported by colleagues country-wide.
"We have spoken to our observers across the country and the indication
that we are getting is that turnout is very low," said Dan Saryee, head of
the Liberia Democratic Institute, which is tracking the vote.
"If it continues the way it is going now, I can safely say that turnout
will be 25-35 percent," he said. In the Oct 11 first round vote, turnout
was more than 71 percent.
The poll is the first locally-organised presidential election since a
civil war ended in 2003. It is expected to pave the way for new
investment, but fears are rising it could instead usher in open-ended
political turmoil.
On one street corner in the crumbling coastal capital, a group of two
dozen young men stood discussing politics.
"I will never vote, the government has stacked things massively against us
... They came in there shooting, not just teargas, at harmless people"
said Anthony Korvayan, 28.
On Monday, police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of Tubman's
supporters and officers also fired live rounds when they stormed Tubman's
CDC party headquarters. [ID:nL6E7M726J]
But, standing next to Korvayan, Benedict Hena held up an ink-stained
finger, and said he had voted: "It is our right."
U.S. President Barack Obama called on Liberian security forces to show
restraint and allow peaceful protest, and he warned against any voting
violations. [ID:nN1E7A622S]
"The international community will hold accountable those who choose to
obstruct the democratic process," he said.
Two radio stations seen to support Tubman and running mate and former
football star George Weah, were shut down overnight.
After voting in Fefee, her home town just outside Monrovia,
Johnson-Sirleaf sought to dampen tensions, saying she regretted the loss
of life and promised an investigation.
"Liberia is going to move forward. We will find a way to heal the wounds.
We will also find a way to reconcile people," she said, vowing to make
youth a priority of her mandate.
However, Tubman, a former U.N. ambassador, accused the president of using
"violence against peaceful people." On Tuesday he remained vague on his
next move. "We will boycott today and wait and see how that pans out."
Liberia is one of the world's poorest countries and some 14 years of war
killed nearly 250,000 and left its infrastructure in ruins.
Johnson-Sirleaf -- whose standing at home, where many complain
improvements have come too slowly, is not always on a par with
international praise for the recently-named Nobel Peace Prize winner --
won nearly 44 percent of the first round vote.
She has since secured the backing of the third-placed finisher, former
warlord Prince Johnson.
Tubman, who won about 33 percent in the first round , has alleged three
ballot boxes were tampered with and said he would only participate in a
run-off if it were delayed by two to four weeks and if counting procedures
were amended.
The October 11 first round was broadly accepted by international observers
and regional bodies have criticized Tubman's boycott decision.
Yet many of his supporters are unemployed former fighters and, while it is
too early to be sure of turnout, analysts warned a successful boycott
would complicate the incumbent's next mandate, perhaps forcing her into
dialogue with Tubman.
"Instead of consolidation and construction, it will be a second mandate of
justification and possibly power-sharing," said Lydie Boka, head of risk
consultancy StrategiCo.
Liberia's iron ore and oil have already attracted major firms including
ArcelorMittal, BHP Billiton and Anadarko Petroleum and a smooth poll could
entice more.
Many in Liberia are just hoping for peace.
"We don't want any trouble. But monkey and baboon not getting along," said
a Monrovia resident who called himself Tarr, using the nicknames Liberians
have given the candidates.
Anthony Sung
221 W. 6th Street, Suite 400
Austin, TX 78701


text:
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Gemoss ready to open outlet in Tallinn
Mar 24th, 2014
The Baltic Course | Baltic States news & analytics
Latvian Gemoss, the well-known catering equipment supplier/condiment, imported dry fruit and nuts warehouse, is all set to open its first retail outlet-warehouse in Tallinn this week, informs LETA....
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text:
Ruched Deep Purple Hoodie - BEBE SPORT
Style # 210068
With streamlining colorblock details, cute ruching and slim side pockets perfect for holding a cell phone or MP3 player, this BEBE SPORT hoodie is sure to enhance your workout or neighborhood run. Features bebe's new soft and breathable, fast-drying BE-FIT fabric.
- 77% nylon, 23% spandex
- Center back to hem: 23" (58 cm)
- Machine wash
- Made in USA
- Model is 5'9" and is wearing a US size S
Ruched Deep Purple Hoodie - BEBE SPORT
Loved the color combination
This was the first grouping in the new fabrication and unfortunately when my online order arrived it had an odor that reminded me of clothes left in a gym bag too long. I brought it to the store to exchange it and discovered this whole grouping had the same odor. In addition, I had problems with the zipper sticking and tried several jackets in the same size but the problem persisted. I should add that the next color grouping, grape, which is the same fabrication did not have this problem with odor nor zipper. You would think I would have returned it but I loved this color combination and fit of this new fabrication. I purchased the pants as well. It is great for us slender curvy gals. I have since washed it twice and let it soak in fabric softener but the odor remains. Now, I do not know if there were two deliveries of this product but I did notice that when I went back to the store a few weeks later, this grouping did not have as strong an odor. The salesperson did acknowledge that on occasion they do get in items with this problem. Hopefully, it will wear away eventually but I have to admit that I have become hooked on bebe sport!
February 8, 2013
Cute with Pecular Smell
I purchased this item because I loved the color combination and the look of it...when I received it after five day, I thought it was super cute and it fits great, however it had a funny smell. So strong I had to wash it right away and even after the first wash you can still smell it :(
I recommend it because I like the way it looks but for the money, I think BEBE should ensure this problem is rectified!!!
January 19, 2013
This product was different from other versions.
The cloth in this blouses was thinner than normal, I bought the purple, white and neon, and did not like the clothes.
January 18, 2013
Very nice
Great fit, nice material, very comfortable. The jackets and pants are like second skin.
January 12, 2013
1-4 of 4


text:
Druid Kingdom
From the creators of the groundbreaking My Kingdom for the Princess series comes Druid Kingdom, a new hit game you're sure to love! Continue honing your skills and discover a fantastic new plot in this unique genre that combines time-management, simulator, strategy and resource management in four astonishing and colorful fairytale settings! Embark on a magical journey accompanied by new characters: Jack, the young king of the Seven Hills, and his beautiful companion Etain. Your quest for the Staff of the High Druid will lead you on an incredible adventure through the mysterious lands of the Druids, the sands of Babylon, the alchemists' country, and the rocks of Alamut. You will fight against evil desert genies, rebuild the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, save the alchemists' country from destructive dragons! Accumulate resources and manage them, keep improving your workers' skills, and set new time records as you learn Etain's secret!
- Combination of time-management, simulator and strategy
- Whimsical and engaging plot line
- Superb graphics and sound
Game System Requirements:
- OS: Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7/Windows 8
- CPU: 1.0 GHz
- DirectX: 9.0
- Hard Drive: 181 MB
Game Manager System Requirements:
- Browser: Internet Explorer 7 or later
The Big Fish Guarantee:
- Quality tested and virus free.
- No ads, no adware, no spyware.


text:
For immediate release -- Tuesday, April 26, 2005.
Contact Bob Brammer -- 515-281-6699.
DES MOINES. Over one million Iowa phones now are on the FTC's Do Not Call Registry.
"Iowa has 1,015,761 phones signed up," Attorney General Tom Miller said today. The new total is a gain of almost 20,000 since the Federal Trade Commission's previous tabulation April 15.
"It's popular because it works," Miller said. "By all accounts, signing up for the Do Not Call Registry drastically reduces unwanted commercial telemarketing calls to consumers.
"It's easy, and it's free," he added. "It just makes sense for people."
Consumers can call 1-888-382-1222 to put their telephones on the Do Not Call Registry, or they can log in at www.DONOTCALL.GOV. The TTY (Text Telephone) number is 1-866-290-4236. People must dial from the phone they wish to register, typically their own home or cell phone.
More details on the Do Not Call registry:
More information and resources:
Click here for the FTC's "Q&A on the Do Not Call Registry":
Para información en Espańol:
Click here for the Iowa Attorney General's "Consumer Advisory Bulletin" on Do Not Call:
- 30 -
Attorney General Home | News Release Home


text:
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Air Quality Information
Air quality in Hawaii Volcanoes NP is affected by a number of emission sources, primarily Kilauea Volcano. Currently the volcano emits between 1,000 and 2,000 tons of sulfur dioxide each day, as well as other gases, including hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, and trace metals like mercury. Sulfur dioxide reacts with sunlight, oxygen, dust particles, and water in the air to form a mixture known as volcanic smog or "vog." The vog not only creates a haze which obscures visibility, but it is very acidic, causing acid rain and affecting human health, cultural resources, and vegetation. Adding to the haze are marine aerosols, which can further diminish visibility. In addition, when hot lava reaches sea water, large clouds of mist are formed, called laze, which contain hydrochloric acid and other airborne contaminants harmful to human health. Although the volcano dominates total emissions, local anthropogenic sources like power generating stations and automobiles can also affect air quality and visibility, releasing nitrogen oxides, particulates, and other pollutants as well as sulfur dioxide.
The air quality related values (AQRVs) of Hawaii Volcanoes NP are those resources that are potentially sensitive to air pollution and include visibility and night skies, water quality, soils, vegetation, wildlife, and cultural resources.
Visibility is a very sensitive AQRV in Hawaii Volcanoes NP. Because the air is generally so clean in the park, just a small amount of pollutant particles can cause a noticeable haze. The Clean Air Act affords special protection to visibility in Class I air quality areas, so the park has a long-term visibility monitoring program. As part of the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) network, visibility in Hawaii Volcanoes NP has been monitored using an aerosol sampler (1988-1992; 2001-present) and an automatic 35mm camera (1986-1995).
Sulfur dioxide is a significant health concern in Hawaii Volcanoes NP and downwind, so sulfur dioxide is monitored at two locations, Jaggar Museum and the Kilauea Visitor Center. The park posts current sulfur dioxide concentrations from both monitors on its website.
Estimates of total atmospheric deposition of sulfur and nitrogen compounds can be made by adding wet and dry deposition. Wet deposition has been monitored in Hawaii Volcanoes NP since 2000 as part of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network (NADP/NTN). The site ID is HI99. Dry deposition has been monitored at the park (site HVT424) since 1999 as part of the Clean Air Status and Trends Networks (CASTNet). Wet deposition of sulfur is very high, as might be expected because of Kilauea's sulfur dioxide emissions. Wet deposition of nitrogen is relatively low.
In addition to common pollutants like nitrogen and sulfur compounds, atmospheric deposition of heavy metals and organic compounds from trans-Pacific transport, and trace metals such as mercury from volcanic emissions may affect Hawaii Volcanoes NP aquatic and terrestrial resources and the wildlife that depend on them.
Ozone has been monitored in the park at the Kilauea Visitor Center from 1986-1995 and at Thurston Lava Tube from 1999-present. Ozone concentrations and cumulative doses are well below levels known to cause injury to vegetation.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been monitored in Hawaii Volcanoes NP since 1997 as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's UV Monitoring Program. As stratospheric (upper atmosphere) ozone levels decline because of ozone-depleting chemicals, increases in UV exposure are possible. Increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation has negative implications for human health and plant productivity.


text:
I had never had carrot juice before, and wasn't quite sure what to expect of Odwalla Carrot Juice. However, I love carrots, and some experiments in the kitchen have left me enjoying kale-banana smoothies, so I figured I was ready to venture into the world of vegetable juices.
First, a note about the nutrition. Odwalla Carrot Juice is 100% carrot juice, with the only ingredient being "pure pressed carrots." Fantastic! One bottle contains two 8 ounce servings, each of which has 70 calories, no fat, 1 gram of fiber, 13 grams of sugar, and 2 grams protein. Each serving also provides 520mg potassium (15% RDA), 400% Vitamin A, 4% calcium, and 4% iron. Pretty impressive!
Unfortunately, the taste was less than impressive. In fact, it was kind of gross. I smelled it before drinking, and it had a carrot-y odor - which wasn't surprising or bad - but unfortunately, it smelled like rotten carrots. I figured it couldn't possibly taste as bad as it
smelled, so I tentatively took a sip. Ugh! It was in fact just as bad as it smelled, if not worse. I'm not sure if I just don't like carrot juice in general, or if it was the brand - but this I will not be drinking again.
The texture was extremely smooth and somewhat thin, but not watery - I was impressed with that. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get over the flavor. I continued forcing sips down for a few minutes, hoping it would get better with time, but no dice. Though I paid $2.99 for this bottle of juice, and I almost never waste food even if I don't like it, I ended up throwing the bottle away with 3/4 of the juice remaining because I just couldn't stomach it anymore.
I will not be buying this product in the future, and would not drink it even if it were free. BUT to show you how tastes differ, over at The Skinny Plate, Stephanie loved it. So tell us - have you tried it? Do you like it?
(Photo Credit: ggyen who coincidentally didn't like it either).


text:
Play as a Navigator
"To gaze into the Warp is to look into the abyss. To understand insanity itself is to become insane. Worst of all is the knowledge that while you are gazing upon it, the warp is looking back at you."
–Kartr Hollis, Nobilite Emissary
You can take on the role of a Navigator, bearer of a special mutation that allows you to steer a spaceship through the raging tides of the warp. Only a few amongst uncounted trillions in the Imperium can boast of such power. Rogue Trader ships must defy the dangerous tides of the warp—a treacherously random, unstructured dimension of energy and unfocused consciousness. Only the unique talents of a Navigator enable the ship to successfully utilise the warp to make jumps between points thousands of light-years apart.
A Navigator walks with pride and caution, the descendant of the most rarified of all Imperial nobility. Secrets and intrigues attend you—those of the warp, and those more natural to societies of men. The Navigator must guide a path through both worlds, with the fate of thousands of souls resting upon your continued success.
The description of the navigator makes me think that he might now have psychic powers, as in a psy rating, because they describe his powers as comming from a special mutation. Perhaps his powers are more like the "powers" of the Tech Priest from DH, that is he gets acces to a bunch of special talents that only Navigators can get. Or maybe he gets both a standard progression of psychic powers and special Navigator mutatiions, perhaps his psychic powers progress slower than the Astropath. As the Astropath sounds more like the main psyker in Rogue Trader.
What do you think the navigator will be?


text:
does not include shipping and tax
1-year limited warranty
List Price $659.99 Save $60.00 (9%)
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Things I liked:Everything except the trigger and no sights. I can get one-inch groups at 20 yards with 28.5 grain Eun-gins and about 645 fps initial muzzle velocity, dropping down to about 500 fps by 495 by the 6th shot Things I would have changed:Put some iron sights on it like the Hatsan and reduce the size of the butt on the hand grip - you don't need so much wood down there Things I liked:The stock is very nice walnut and the barrel is well blued. The cylinder will take most any pellet. The action works like a single action revolver. It comes with two cylinders and a fill probe. Accuracy was very good with all the pellets I used. It can be shot offhand if needed when hunting. Things I would have changed:Evanix has made two changes that I don't like; they don't put their name on the gun and they don't come with a dust cover for the fill port. You should also know that there is no hammer block safety so if you bump the hammer while it is down the gun will shoot. The only safe way to carry the pistol is with the hammer cocked and the safety on because the safety doesn't block the hammer when its down. What others should know:It is advertised to shoot at 1000 fps but all I could get was 835 fps.
Theodore--The air reservoir is that large tube under the barrel. See the thumbnail images under the main image on the product's home page? Click on the 3rd or 4th image to enlarge it. The closed tube below the barrel is where you put the air. The gun doesn't have to be tethered to a tank or air source while shooting. You hook up to an air source only to fill the air reservoir. Then, you unhook from the air source and start shooting.
Where is the air reservoir? You don't have to carry a tube tether & tank with it do you? Things I liked:This pistol feels great in the hand.Cycles with no troubles.Wood is flawless,Obviously hand selected.Bluing is awesome as well. Things I would have changed:To agree with everybody else this pistol needs iron sights.600.00 for a airgun without sights is a bit high.This pistol does not "kick", all that extra wood on the bottom of the grip is unneeded. What others should know:This pistol is great.However, it is not as great as most distibutors are advertising.It will not shoot 1000 fps. Mine shoots the 11.9 gr. at 855 fps.There are no sights so I gave this gem a rating of 1 on accuracy. Just how acurate can a pistol be with out sights?I gave it a rating of 2 for value for the money on the grounds of paying 10.00 for 10 shots with the same pellets that were advertised to travel 922 fps. and getting a print out showing 855 fps.(niether coming close to the 1000 fps advertised)I gave an overall rating of a 3 becouse it is one pretty gun.It feels good to hold.Feels/looks like it will last.My hoest opinion is at 3000 psi you have 2 kill shots with this pistol.(dont expect anymore)Would I recomend this to a friend? Already have.Though I feel the advertising is way exagerated,it is a great pellet pistol.And for anybody shopping it blows the Hatson atp1 25 caliber away.If you have 600.00 needing to be spent,this air pistol should be considered.One more thing to note is this pistols noise rating in no way should be a 5. More like a 2 1/2. No ear protection required.I would furter say it is backyard friendly.If your niabors claim to have a problem with you shooting this in your backyard ,I promise they simply just have a problem with you.I hope my honest review has helped,and not offended anybody.
855fps is not that big a difference when you consider factors such as altitude, humidity and other factors. all of these affect velocity
BTW my AR6 would not shoot 1000 fps either but 2 kill shots? i've killed 6 squirrels on 1 charge with no problem, try it.
Can't belive you rated 1 for accuracy because it does not come with iron sights or a scope. There's more than one airgun that doesn't come with them. Show Other ReviewsCreate an online review and share your thoughts with other customers
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Pet Ego Bicio Pet Food Bowl
Stylish Italian design with ergonomic middle handle is easy to place, even when full. Made of sturdy polypropylene, Bicio is chew resistant. Food and water bowl set is colorfast and dishwasher safe. Bicio can be used in the microwave for defrosting and heating.
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Pet Ego Bicio Pet Food Bowl
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