text:
In a room full of 12- to 18-year-olds, basketball nicknames like "Vinsanity," "Durantula," "King James" or, in Greenbrier County, even "Bimbo" can turn some heads.
But "Skywalker?" Few relate to that name, unless it's associated with Star Wars.
When the video of David "Skywalker" Thompson with his arms above the rim throwing down acrobatic dunks was flashed upon the wall and Michael Jordan popped on the screen exlaining that Thompson was his idol growing up, however, suddenly the speaker standing in front of the students at Lewisburg's Davis-Stuart, Inc. Thursday had the crowd's attention.
"You could see their faces just light up," said Davis-Stuart spiritual life director Dale Elwell, who explained that he wanted Thompson, a former N.C. State and NBA star, to speak to the students at the residental treatment facility, which serves youth in the custody of the State of West Virginia for various reasons, to help meet the facility's mission statement of helping children and their families find physical, spiritual and emotional wholeness. "Once they realized who this guy was, they were excited. We could have made this a huge community event, but they were excited to know that he came just for them.
"He's been from the top to the bottom, and through it all he's acheived success. He's just a great guy. I'm pretty picky about who I bring in. I need to know that they're real and that they really care about kids. I got to meet him a couple of times, and I saw that."
Thompson's story quickly grabbed the students' attention. The facility's chapel was almost silent as the now 58-year-old athlete recounted stories from his past, and the questions came fast and furious after his presentation, including the obvious one of whether Thompson could still dunk like he did in the video.
"I can still dunk," he laughed. "But it's getting harder and harder."
A four-time all-star with the Denver Nuggets and the Seattle Supersonics, Thompson led N. C. State to an undefeated season in 1973 — the Wolfpack was on probation and couldn't play in the NCAA Tournament — and an NCAA championship in 1974 when his team knocked off UCLA in the semifinals and Marquette in the finals. He won the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player award in 1974 and was the Naismith College Player of the Year in 1975, before being selected with the first pick of both the NBA and ABA drafts later that year.
Thompson played nine seasons in the two professional leagues, where he averaged 22.7 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. His No. 44 is the only retired number at N.C. State, and his No. 33 is retired by the Denver Nuggets.
In 1996, Thompson became a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Thompson's NBA career, though, was cut short because of injuries and substance abuse problems, and his drug and alcohol use only increased at the conclusion of his career.
"I was careless with my actions," Thompson, wearing a Denver Nuggets sweatshirt, told the intimate crowd. "I was going to places I thought I'd never be and being around people I never thought I'd be with. You end up hurting the people you love the most."
Once the highest-paid athlete in the history of team sports when he signed a 5-year, $4 million contract with the Nuggets in 1978, Thompson said he once owned two houses and at least four luxury cars. But because of his addiction problems, he lost self esteem and eventually his freedom, as he was incarcerated for four months at one of the many downpoints of his life.
"It took me from the top all the way down to the bottom," said Thompson, who competed in the first-ever slam-dunk competition at the 1976 All-Star game, reaching the finals against Julius Erving.
But with the encouragement of a pastor, Thompson got his life back in order and now devotes his time to working with youth, inspiring them to reach their dreams and avoid his mistakes.
"I don't want them to go down the road I went down," he said, explaining that his problem began when he started drinking and partying way too much in college, eventually totalling his car while driving under the influence of alcohol. "There's a much easier way to do it than what I did.
"We get a lot of letters from people who say they avoided bad decisions because they heard me talk. It's a great feeling and lets us know that our efforts are not in vain."
Thompson has now been sober for 23 years, and his life is back on track. In 2003, he went back to N.C. State to complete the final seven hours he needed to complete his degree in sociology at N.C. State.
"I'm more proud of that than winning the national championship," he said.
In 2009, Thompson was chosen to introduce Michael Jordan for his Basketball Hall of Fame induction.
Thompson told the students at Davis-Stuart his path back was not a typical one, because addiction is so difficult to overcome. The best way to avoid it, he said, is to never start.
He shared with those in attendance his SCORE philosophy — which identifies sacrifice, confidence, organization, respect and education as the keys to success.
"Make good choices, and you will score in life," he said.
Thompson, who grew up in the small town of Boiling Springs, N.C. left the students with the message that "If it can happen for me, it can happen for you."
That, he said, is both a positive and negative.
Thompson overcame his humble upbringing to reach the top of the mountain in professional basketball, and he told the assembled students that they could also reach their dreams by making good choices.
But he also warned that anybody — even one of the world's best athletes — can be reduced to almost nothing by making bad decisions.
"Drugs don't discriminate," said Thompson, who also led a spiritual service at the facility later in the evening. "They don't care who you are."
— E-mail: chuffman
@register-herald.com and follow on Twitter @CamHuffmanRH.
Today's Sports Front
'Make good choices and SCORE in life'
Former NBA star Thompson shares story with youth in Lewisburg
- Today's Sports Front
'Too many disappointments'
Oliver Luck has finally broken his silence. No, the West Virginia University athletic director is not talking about the process that turned his "sure thing" as the new athletic director at Texas into a missed opportunity.
Region 3 looks to build on success
High school basketball is, and likely always will be, king in southern West Virginia. But only one sport produced seven state champions, a runner-up and a coach of the year last season.
Marshall, Rice keeping it in the C-USA family
Fast forward one year, and Conference USA will look even more different than it has this season. More teams will be leaving, and others will be making their league debuts.
Astros pitching coach lined up for symposium
The St. Louis Cardinals were able to ride a young pitching staff to the National League pennant. Shelby Miller and Michael Wacha were rookies, and Joe Kelly was in his second season.
Not as easy as it looks
Perennial success in high school football is not as easy as Wayne and Martinsburg might make it seem. But there was a time when Lewis McClung thought it was.
BCS should never have been part of process
If this were 2014, who knows whether Marshall or Rice would be hosting the Conference USA championship game?
Luck is stuck: Either keep Holgorsen or eat his salary
Critics of former West Virginia University athletic director Ed Pastilong pointed to the decision to hire Bill Stewart as a mistake equal to tearing down the weight room and replacing it with a room full of shake weights.
West Virginia drubs Loyola behind career night from Dibo
Remi Dibo scored a career-high 19 points and four of his teammates chipped in with double figures and West Virginia ripped Loyola (Md.) 96-47 Monday night in a nonconference game.
Herd will travel for C-USA title
Jerry Palm's BCS projections said one thing.
Cavaliers stun Magnolia
The great soul singer Aretha Franklin said, "All I am asking for is a little respect."
- More Today's Sports Front Headlines
'Too many disappointments'


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Who is Megan?
RE: My blog
- THIS POST pretty much sums up my approach to this blog/tumblr.
- It is absolutely NOT spoiler free although I do tag everything "spoilers" regardless of 'fandom'.
- My tags are all in a handy little post in my sidebar should you wish to only view SOME of my posts :)
- I'm usually free to chat so come say hello!
Name: Megan or Meg
Age: 24 going on 72
Orientation: Can I say, unsure…?
Where do I live?: Northern England- where it's cold, people eat fish and chips and drink too much tea.
What do I do with my life?: I'm a trainee lawyer with a passion for family law. I currently work as a claims handler for a mahooosive company and I'm proud of where I am but I still consider myself in the middle of my quarter life crisis and I'm working on being fabulous. It's a process…
Why happyinchintz72?: Because I exist in and wear TOO many patterns and colours/chintz and someone once said I'd be happy living in a world of it :D :D This is true. Like Lucy… <3
Basics of Megan:
- I'm tall, like nearly 6 foot tall.
- I drink too much tea and have an old soul.
- I hardly ever swear.
- I'd marry Darren Criss or Keira Knightley in a heartbeat. Gorgeous human beings in every sense.
- I adore Mary Poppins. If there's one woman I aspire to be…
- My middle name is Elizabeth after Ms Bennet: the world's most wonderful and kick ass fictional romantic heroine.
- Still looking for my own Mr Darcy.
- I curl my hair so much that people hardly realise it's straight.
- My favourite song in the world is Joni Mitchell's 'Both Sides Now'. It is lyrical poetry.
- I love squirrels and meercats. Also penguins.
- I send, give and love cuddles.
- I love fashion. My wardrobe is like an explosion in a paint factory from long long ago…
- I love rainy days. My perfect day is being inside bundled up in knitwear, drinking tea and reading/writing.
- …but when I'm not being all hermited, I love to explore, visit interesting places, find pretty things and spend time with my best friend Welsh and my boys.
What do I look like?
OR here's my tag for personal pictures :)
Which shows do I love?
- Glee (SHAMELESSLY)
- New Girl.
- Doctor Who (special place in my heart)
- Sherlock - my love knows no bounds
- The Great British Bake-Off
- Parks and Rec
- Miranda
- Once Upon a Time
- Fresh Meat
- The Apprentice UK
- (I love many more but these are the ones I chatter on about the most on here)
Hogwarts House: RAVENCLAW.
First era to set a Delorean to: Regency time to meet Miss Austen and I'd also LOVE to have a cuppa with Shakespeare.
If I could live in one designer's clothes: Chanel. All day every day.
As it's IMPORTANT (*ahem*) on tumblr - my OTPs
- Kurt Hummel/Blaine Anderson - Klaine - Glee
Kurt Humme/Rachel Berry - Hummelberry [Non-romantic] - Glee
As far as Glee goes, I'm pretty shameless in my adoration of everyone with everyone with notable cherished pairings (*cough* Blam *cough*)
Mr Darcy/Elizabeth Bennet - Pride & Prejudice
AND OF COURSE, Lizzie and Darcy (TLBD)
Jim Halpert/Pam Beasley - The Office USA
- Nick Miller and
MeJess Day - New Girl -
Mr Rochester/Jane Eyre - Jane Eyre
Ron Weasley/Hermione Grainger - Harry Potter
Sherlock/John Watson [Non-romantic] - Sherlock
The Doctor/River Song - Doctor Who
Ben Wyatt/Leslie Knope - Parks and Rec
The Doctor (Eleven)/Amy Pond - [Non-romantic] - Doctor Who
Captain Hook/Emma Swan - OUAT


text:
- July 25, 2012
- 11:29 a.m.
- Suggest removal
- Reply to this post
grpphoto#222763 writes:
Great! Now for Tellico.
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- March 15, 2013
- 11:58 a.m.
- Suggest removal
- Reply to this post
memyselfI writes:
in response to ketchupkounty:
Well, I guess they get excited because electing a new Pope really does not happen very often.
And, the reason every good person does not get the excitment and press that a new Pope does? I think it's because while these people go great things, they are not elected to run a major religion.
It sounds like this new guy really has lived with and helped the poor and needy for a long time. He really seemed to be a good choice.
This is not to denigrate the people who are doing good also. Many of the people really do help and give without needing to be noticed. I guess that if you believe, the only one that needs to know about your good deeds is God.
If someone helps another, sometimes it is good to let others see or hear of this. The reason? To prompt them into doing the same things for someone else. Paying it forward. Even non believers do good deeds. I was not bragging. I was giving examples because someone on here asked "what have you done lately?".
I know what it's like to be hungry, cold and homeless. It's hard sometimes for people who have been in this position to help others because they get so jaded and bitter. Jesus hung around these types of people himself! It does not take money to smile or say kind words either.
When I help others I am rewarded here on earth. I don't need to believe that I'll be rewarded later, after I die. If I waited until then to help people out? My worm infested body would not be of much use.
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Latest news
Programmer charged with making violent "spam rage" threats
A 44-year-old Silicon Valley programmer has been charged with threatening to maim and even kill employees of a Canadian Internet-advertising agency that he believed had repeatedly sent him spam.
The federal compliant alleges that between May and mid-July, Charles T. Booher left numerous voice- and E-mail messages for Internet-advertising company DM Contact Management Inc. demanding that it stop spamming him. The complaint states that DM president Douglas Mackay told Booher that the company wasn't responsible for the spam.
It seems Booher didn't believe him and allegedly sent a series of E-mail messages threatening to torture and kill DM employees if they didn't remove him from the company's mailing list. In one message, Booher allegedly threatened to "disable [Mackay] using a quick 22-calibre shot to your lower spine." The letter also threatened to take the company's president to a "secret hiding place" where he would torture him. In subsequent E-mail, Booher allegedly threatened to send the company packages containing anthrax and to slam a 10-centimeter ice pick into Mackay's left ear.
[ Read more ]
The DDoS debate: Multi-layered versus single solution
Posted on 9 December 2013. | There is a DDoS debate in the cybersecurity industry about which solution is more effective multi-layer or single. However, the argument is really more complex.
Cloud security in 2014: Automation and consolidation
Posted on 9 December 2013. | Organizations will discover the importance of BYOS for public cloud, and cloud security automation will ramp up.
What CIOs can expect in 2014
Posted on 6 December 2013. | While the 3rd platform of mobile, social, big data, and cloud services is just beginning to mature, it will require an entirely different set of IT skills and roles many of which are yet to be invented.
Rogue apps can remove Android device locks
Posted on 3 December 2013. | Researchers from German IT consultancy Curesec have uncovered the existence of an Android flaw that could allow hackers to remove all existing device locks activated by users.
Researchers prove malware can communicate via computer speakers and microphones
Posted on 3 December 2013. | With the advent of Stuxnet, the air gap measure has proven to be inadequate when motivated attackers are involved.
By subscribing to our early morning news update, you will receive a daily digest of the latest security news published on Help Net Security.
With over 500 issues so far, reading our newsletter every Monday morning will keep you up-to-date with security risks out there.


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Ford's number one driver Mikko Hirvonen helped his hero Juha Kankkunen in his preparations for a one-off World Rally Championship return on Rally Finland this week.
Kankkunen, a three-time winner of the Jyvaskyla-based event, attended Hirvonen's pre-event test last week and rode in the test Focus RS WRC with the 29-year-old.
"It was good to go with Mikko," said Kankkunen. "We were testing in Ouninpohja road, where I know it 100 percent. He is a good driver. It was the chance for me to have a look at the car and have him tell me what I can change.
"I was impressed with his speed. OK, the first section was normal, you know into the top gear and over the jumps, that was nothing special – what I remember. But then we come to the first tight left junction and I was thinking: 'I hope he has remembered where we are; I hope he has remembered the corner...' This is where the car is very impressive, in the slow speed corners.
"It was quite strange being in the car with him, it wasn't so long ago that I was teaching him how to drive!"
Hirvonen admitted he had found the scenario of Kankkunen co-driving for him quite surreal.
"My first thought was: 'I'd better not crash!' said Hirvonen. "Really, we were not doing anything special, it was just the fundamentals in the car, what this or that does. I suppose there was pressure to have him there, though; he's a big hero for everybody in the sport. It was great, he's such a nice guy and to hear his stories about the days when he was driving was really nice."
Kankkunen will drive for the Stobart Ford World Rally Team on Rally Finland, which begins this evening. He completed four runs at shakedown and was 4.4sec down on fastest Stobart driver Matthew Wilson.


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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Stars, owners have a sit-down
With new blood at table, NHL talks produce a glimmer of optimism
NEW YORK -- Finally, some optimism.
A marathon day of collective bargaining meetings between NHL owners and players wrapped up with a sight not previously seen during the 12-week lockout -- deputy commissioner Bill Daly and NHLPA special counsel Steve Fehr standing beside one another at a podium talking about the progress made during negotiations.
"In some ways, I'd say it might be the best day we've had, which isn't too overly optimistic of a picture -- there's still a lot of work to do and a lot to be done," Fehr said after the sides broke just before midnight Tuesday. "We will be back at it tomorrow morning."
The league and union were expected to return to the bargaining table around 9 a.m. today, a couple hours before the start of a board of governors meeting. Daly said that event would go ahead as planned.
With commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr excusing themselves from the bargaining table, players and owners engaged in a stirring round of negotiations. Different variations of the group shuffled between rooms at a midtown Manhattan hotel as whispers of optimism circulated.
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby was among the 18 players who sat across from six team owners, which included Pittsburgh's Ron Burkle, and those two were said to be strong voices in the room, according to sources.
"Sid's a team guy," said a source close to Crosby. "He's about the game."
Even though Bettman and Donald Fehr stayed out of the official sessions, they were present at the hotel and held private sessions with their constituents.
It was hoped that an altered dynamic at the bargaining table might break the stalemate in talks. Bettman tabled the idea last week after the sides spent two unsuccessful days with U.S. federal mediators.
Four of the owners in attendance were taking part in their first bargaining session -- Burkle, Winnipeg's Mark Chipman, Toronto's Larry Tanenbaum and Tampa's Jeff Vinik -- and were accompanied by Boston's Jeremy Jacobs and Calgary's Murray Edwards, both part of the NHL's negotiating committee.
The players in attendance represented a cross-section of the NHLPA's membership.
Stars like Crosby, Jonathan Toews, Ryan Miller and Brad Richards joined the likes of Ron Hainsey, Mathieu Darche and Kevin Westgarth, who have been heavily involved throughout the summer.
"I appreciate the efforts of the players in particular -- we had 18 players in there today and six of the owners," said Daly. "I think everybody is working hard, I think everybody wants to get a deal done, so I think that's encouraging.
"We look forward to hopefully making more progress tomorrow."
There appeared to be a heightened sense of urgency around negotiations, with the league's board of governors scheduled to gather today and more cancellations expected by the end of the week. All regular-season games through Dec. 14, plus the Winter Classic and all-star game, have already been wiped off the schedule.
Money remains the biggest issue for the sides to bridge.
Even though both the league and union have proposed a 50-50 split of revenues, they remain separated on payments to be made outside the system to help ease the transition from the previous deal, which saw players receive 57 per cent. The NHL has offered $211 million in deferred compensation while the union has asked for $393 million.
There are also a number of rules governing player contracts that must be worked out before a new CBA is signed.
"We're going to work hard to try and get a deal," said Daly.
Business down near NHL arenas
THE NHL lockout is forcing some merchants near hockey arenas into the penalty box but giving power plays to others farther afield, says a report issued Tuesday.
The report by credit and debit card processor Moneris found overall spending at venues near arenas in Winnipeg, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Calgary has decreased more than 11 per cent from a year ago on a game day.
Drinking establishments are being hit hardest, with business falling nearly 35 per cent.
Merchants away from arenas, however, have been benefiting from the 11-week labour dispute, with spending up 5.4 per cent from a game day in 2011.
-- The Canadian Press
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 5, 2012 D1
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About Rebecca:
Rebecca is BabyCenter's Community Manager. She has two kids, a daughter born in 2002 and a son in 2005. Her experience of working here while going through pregnancy – twice – and becoming a mom to babies and then big kids has been an incredible privilege, and she enjoys nothing better than helping all BabyCenter members in the community make connections and get support as they follow their own parenting journey. Twitter: @mamaholic
We've all learned by now that the most famous baby on the planet is named George Alexander Louis, a very traditional and appropriate name for a probable future monarch of the UK. If he comes to the throne in 60 or 70 years, he'll be George VII. The name George means "A tiller of the… Read more »
As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge left the hospital today royal-watchers around the world saw a happy couple, a new baby, and the future of the royal succession secured. Watching any new mom and dad with their day-old baby is a joy, even if you aren't too keen on the whole Royal thing. But… Read more »
How far would you go to make sure your newborn never has formula or a pacifier during the first few days of life? Fill out a birth plan? Maybe remind the nurses once in a while? Maybe you can hang a sign on the baby's bassinet. While some hospitals are actually getting rid of baby… Read more »
Ten-year-old Fynn is climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with his mom. Why? Because he can't imagine living with out a mother, as so many children around the world have to do. To raise money and awareness for Every Mother Counts, Fynn has created a Crowdrise page, with the goal of raising $10,000. ____________________ Today I learned that… Read more »
For years – decades even – dads have been portrayed as bumbling, clueless idiots who don't know which end of a baby to diaper, much less how to braid hair, cook dinner, and help with homework at the same time. (To see what I mean, check out Mr Mom, and any number of sitcoms.) That… Read more »
When I was pregnant with my second baby I eagerly anticipated making it to 12 weeks so I could share the news of our growing family. Telling, and watching as peoples faces light up, is one of the best milestones of your first-almost-second trimester and is kind of a reward for making it through the… Read more »
A report in today's NY Post claims that rich moms are hiring handicapped "tour guides" to help them skip the long lines at Disney parks. Reportedly, these moms spend up to $130 per hour to take advantage of Disney's policy about handicapped visitors, which allows the handicapped visitor and up to 5 companions to skip… Read more »
Its no shock to know some comments are better left unsaid to a pregnant woman. "Wow, you look huge!" springs to mind. Or, "Haven't you had enough cake?" Well, now we've got the inside track of the best things to say to an expectant mom, according to the BabyCenter Community. While it's never a good… Read more »
We've seen a lot of pregnancy announcements, but this one is special. Called "Miracle Inside the Box" it captures reactions as friends and family learn of one couple's amazing news. Dad-to-be Raul, who's first language is Spanish, shared his story with us: "It is good, and easy to be connected via social media sites; however,… Read more »
Some people think of t-shirts as a chance to make a statement, and that goes for their babies too. We've pulled together a collection of some of the funniest, sweetest and most eyebrow-raising baby t-shirts around. You can see even more in the gallery on BabyCenter, or upload your own to our Babies in Funny… Read more »
It's spring…someplace. Actually here in Northern California its supposed to be 84 tomorrow, even though the upper Midwest seems to be stuck in January. With spring on the calender I think basically everyone nationwide is ready to dump the wool and fleece and put on shorts and flip-flops! If you live in a teeny house… Read more »
Goodbye Isabella and Sophie, hello Alice and Karen! The grand old-fashioned names that we think of being very classic and stylish may be making room for more mid-century modern names like Doris, Susie, and Linda. Is this Mad Men's influence? Is it women naming their baby girls after grandma – who was likely born in… Read more »
A few weeks ago all the moms I know were sharing a post about how holidays have gotten out of control. We were all mentally high-fiving the blogger and ticking off all the holidays which have gotten way way too elaborate. Valentine's Day isn't just a little paper-thin card given in class. Now it's gift… Read more »
What do babies in other countries wear? We asked moms in the BabyCenter Communities all around the globe to send us a snapshot of their baby in clothing typical for their country. Below are just some of our favorites. We can't claim all of these are truly "typical" outfits for babies just going about their… Read more »
Do you know a Star Wars fan who is having her own little Luke or Leia? We've found the perfect baby shower for her! A seriously crafty mom on our community posted gorgeous photos of a Star Wars themed baby shower she threw for a friend. From a Tatooine cake to Wookie cookies, she got… Read more »


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Noah's Arc? or Noah's COMET?! New Scientific Advances Give a Possible Insight into the "Great Flood" MythsOkay, so I was watching a late night episode of Megadisasters because as usual I couldn't sleep. [seems I am a chronic insomniac! lol]. Any… Started by Skycomet the Fallen Angel |
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Posted: 03/11/2013
Jury selection has begun for the third trial of a man accused in the near-beheadings of three young relatives in Baltimore in 2004.
This time, Policarpio Espinoza Perez is being tried separately from his former co-defendant, Adan Canela.
The two were first tried in 2005 in the slayings, which occurred the previous year. The victims were a brother and sister and their cousin, all between the ages of 8 and 10.
The first trial ended in a hung jury. The men were later convicted, but that verdict was thrown out on appeal.
Espinoza and Canela are illegal immigrants from Mexico. Investigators never established a clear motive in the killings, beyond saying they believed a family dispute was behind it.
Espinoza's trial began Monday. Canela will be tried later this year.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Special Reports
Inside the Baltimore Police Department's watch center is the hub from which city police can view hundreds of crime cameras, pull up street corners and follow suspicious activity sometimes in progress; fancy hardware increasingly complimenting witty software.
ABC2 Investigators uncover Baltimore Police officers making huge amounts of overtime as the agency downplays the total amount spent on OT.
Scripps reviewed dozens of lawsuits and spoke with former insiders who all allege the companies that handle Berkshire Hathaway Inc.'s asbestos and pollution claims, wrongfully delay or deny payment to cancer victims...
More Baltimore City Crime Reports
Safe Streets suspends Mondawmin site pending allegations of criminal activity by staff.


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A tractor-trailer has struck an overpass on Interstate 91 South at exit 49 in Enfield and a ramp has been closed.
State police said the onramp from Route 5 onto Interstate 91 South at exit 49 is closed.
The state Department of Transportation is sending a bridge inspector,
The crash is not affecting lanes of I-91.


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Padfoot and Prongs: Moving InPadfoot and Prongs: Moving In2 years ago in Flash Fiction & Vignettes More Like This
It had been a long hot day. James's hair stuck to the back of his neck as he walked down the path to the gate in front of his parent's cottage. He leaned over it, sighing, as there was no sign of life moving along the dirt road. The wind was picking up now, rolling across the field that bordered the road, rippling it as though it were a great golden ocean. Dark clouds were appearing on the horizon, framing the gold with dark blue. James looked over into Mrs. Wittle's yard, where the well endowed Mrs. Wittle herself was hastily pulling down her laundry in anticipation of the impending storm. She glanced at the clouds worryingly as she pulled down her last pair of pinstriped knickers, catching James in her eyesight and waving. James waved back, watching as she turned and collected her lawn gnomes and took them inside with her. James turned his attention back to the road, ruffling his hair in the wind. No sign of Sirius yet, but his excitement was mounting as the clouds approached. The da
Into The ChamberHermione and Ron both sat down as they saw Luna and Harry's retreating backs leave the room of requirement. Ron was deep in thought, his brow furrowing. They needed to figure out how to destroy the horcruxes without the sword. And they needed to actually find the other horcruxes. He ignored the sudden silence in the room. It seemed everyone was thinking hard as well, like him and Hermione. She sat tensely next to him, biting her lip and clutching her bushy hair, as though trying to pull the answers she sought from the curls. Although the whole room seemed lost in thought, he knew only she was concentrating her thoughts on the same solutions he was searching for. He ran over the same facts in his mind.Into The Chamber4 years ago in Short Stories More Like This
They were at Hogwarts, the sword was gone, the only thing he knew of that could possibly destroy the horcruxes was basilisk venom and he reckoned he'd have a hard time finding that here. After all, the only basilisk he'd ever heard of was
He stood up so suddenly he knocked some peop
Surprise for Lexxa24Surprise for Lexxa242 years ago in Short Stories More Like This
All I want for christmas is you. <3
Alex's POV
I've been at the Burrow for about four days: today was December 24th, which meant it was also my birthday and Christmas at the same time. Sure, Christmas was the 25th, but we celebrate it at midnight on the 24th. Anyhow, we celebrated my birthday yesterday because today we knew we would be really occupied. It was really great, though, but I had a feeling the Christmas party would be even greater.
I was really happy to be here, I got to admit. I wasn't sure about going in the first place; I knew that Harry and Hermione were also coming to the Burrow for Christmas, so I didn't want to burst in just like that. This year, Fred and George asked Rose and me to come to celebrate Christmas with all their family at the Burrow and I was really excited to go even though I wasn't sure if it was okay with Molly, but George insisted. And of course, I couldn't resist going. Anyhow, I don't regret being here at all. The Weasley family is so nice and re
Forbidden Pastimes of HogwartsThe Forbidden Pastimes for Fred and George WeasleyForbidden Pastimes of Hogwarts3 years ago in Flash Fiction & Vignettes More Like This
By Molly Weasley
1-"To concur the earth with an army of flying monkeys" is not an appropriate career choice.
2- I am not the king of potato people and I do not have a flying carpet.
3- I may not chase Seamus Finnegan around school in search of his 'Pot o' Gold'.
4- Nor am I allowed to tell people he's a leprechaun on steroids.
5- I will not shout "I have the Power" before casting a spell.
6- I am not allowed to purposefully charm Filchs' underwear into wedgies.
7- Nor am I allowed to do it 'by accident'.
8- I am not allowed to yodel during important parts of Dumbledore's speech.
9- The Forbidden Forest is forbidden for a reason. I may not tell First Years that there is a party down there.
10- Especially when there isn't.
11- I may not refer to Sirius Black as 'Seriously Black'.
12- Just because I use air quotes does not mean the rules have changed.
13- I am not allowed to sing my own personal spy music while wondering the hallways.
His Mother's SisterShe was looking at Harry like she had never looked at him before. And all of a sudden, for the very first time in his life, Harry fully appreciated that Aunt Petunia was his mother's sister. He could not have said why this hit him so very powerfully at this moment. All he knew was that he was not the only person in the room who had an inkling of what Lord Voldemort being back might mean. Aunt Petunia had never in her life looked at him like that before. Her large, pale eyes (so unlike her sister's) were not narrowed in dislike or anger; they were wide and fearful. The furious pretense that Aunt Petunia had maintained all of Harry's life--that there was no magic and no other world than the world she inhabited with Uncle Vernon--seemed to have fallen away.His Mother's Sister1 year ago in Short Stories More Like This
Petunia sat upright in a plump armchair made for
The Forest Again -Harry PotterThe Forest AgainThe Forest Again -Harry Potter6 years ago in Free Verse More Like This
The time has come
To save mankind.
I turn and look forward,
My world left behind.
Beginning to walk
Down the cluttered path.
Trees create shadows
Consumed with wrath.
Be strong, I thought.
Ill take one glance back.
I see some with sorrow,
Others under attack.
Soon this will all be over,
I wont have to exist.
A cold, hard corpse.
Ill leave their midst.
Loves ones will grovel,
Ultimately, I wont be missed.
My enemies will cheer,
The ones whod hit me with a fist.
I pull out the ball,
Tiny and golden.
I now know what to do.
To myself, I must embolden.
Lips press against the metal,
Revealing minuscule words.
Im going to die, I say.
The cawing of the birds.
Four ghostlike forms
Expose themselves to me.
I know them all,
Theyre here to guarantee.
My godfather,
A past teacher,
Both my parents,
Were the feature.
They tell me to rest,
An almost painless practice.
Theres nothing to fear.
Less pain than a cactus.
Soon I
First Year: The SortingAs the train came to a halt at Hogsmeade Station, Rose Weasley brushed the last few crumbs from her grey skirt and pulled her coal-black robe more closely around her. Scorpius stood up too, and Rose frowned as she saw he was taller than her. She was taller than all the boys her age, and she didn't like change that much.First Year: The Sorting2 years ago in Introductions & Chapters More Like This
She hustled Spider back in his cage, much to his protest, and shuffled out into the busy corridor. Scorpius followed and tightened his cloak as the cold air bit into his skin. They both hobbled out into the station, and Rose watched in slight disgust as she saw all the different people walk past. There were Gryffindor boys with their red-and-gold ties around their heads running around, there were Slytherin girls tying their ties into bows around their necks and adjusting their jumpers so they looked good. There were also the quieter people, like the Hufflepuff's who jovially walked by talking animatedly to their colleagues. Ravenclaw residents were also quieter but- fra
Telling The Folks -Harry+GinnyAs everybody left the Potters home, Harry turned to Ginny.Telling The Folks -Harry+Ginny4 years ago in Fantasy More Like This
I cant believe it! He smiled.
Me neither! Ginny laughed, pulling her husband into a tight embrace. As they walked into their bedroom, Ginny looked at Harry. When shall we tell everyone then? she asked.
Tomorrow he replied, its Teddys birthday so everyonell be at The Burrow. Ginny nodded.
Tomorrow it is she said, wrapping her arms around her husbands neck.
When Ginny awoke the next morning Harry was already up and in the kitchen, making breakfast. Hey hon. he said bacon?
Ginny took one look at the piece of fatty meat and almost threw up. No thanks! she said, helping herself to cereal and orange juice. Harry came up behind her and wrapped his hands around her waist, patting he
The Start of Unity -FanfictionThe Start of Unity -Fanfiction3 years ago in Introductions & Chapters More Like This
Scorpius sent a curious look towards the group of adults that his father had just nodded to, wondering who they were. There sure were a lot of them, and a lot of red-headed children. Scorpius sidled closer to his parents while they stood in the steam of the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9¾, waiting for the signal to board.
"Do I have to go?" Scorpius asked nervously.
Draco looked down at his son and withheld a sigh. "We've talked about this, Scorpius. You'll do fine at Hogwarts."
Scorpius chewed on his bottom lip and responded quietly. "It's just what if I get put in the wrong house? What if the other kids don't like me? What if "
"Darling," Astoria soothed, kneeling in front of her smaller than average son, placing her hands on his shoulders. "We don't care what house you're sorted into. We'll be proud no matter where you go, and the ot
the REAL first kiss.The sun shone through the kitchen window pane. Dust particles floated down in the streams of light. He stopped at the kitchen doorway and took a long look at the woman standing in front of him. Her back was turned to him and she was staring out the window to the pastures. She was so motionless; he worried for a split second that a body binding curse had been cast upon her. But then he took a step towards her and the wooden floor creaked beneath him. Her head dropped, and she slowly turned to face him.the REAL first kiss.4 years ago in Short Stories More Like This
He looked at her face. The kind, brown eyes were red and wet. The warm red hair was unkempt. And the lines on her face that told so many stories, stood out more pronounced than ever. The plump womans face broke and she began to sob. He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her. He was so tall that she could rest her head on his chest. He couldnt hear her cries, but he could feel her body heaving as her hands scrambled for a piece of his shirt. He held her tightly until she finall
how harry potter should endPossible last sentences for the last Harry potter bookhow harry potter should end4 years ago in Children and Teen More Like This
1. And Harry danced to the tropical rhythm, his long dreadlocks glinting in the sun
2. As celebration for destroying voldermort, Harry, Draco, and the ghost of Dumbledore all went to see the lion king on Broadway, and Harry's favourite character was: Scar. (Inside joke, will explain on comments.)
3 Harry woke up on the cold, wet, bathroom floor, only to discover that he was 10 years old and had knocked himself unconscious on the showerhead and it had all been a beautiful dream, but then he saw the scars on the back of his hand .
4. And they all lived happily ever after.
5. "there's only one way we can truly defeat voldermort" cried Harry , and that's to all work together , as a team , as a unit until the power of friendship causes a rainbow of light to destroy his rainbow of darkness.
6. What is that mysterious ticking noise ..?
7. STOP! Shrieked voldermort, its hammer time.
8. And the ghost of dobby rode the ghost
Don't We All?Don't We All?1 year ago in Short Stories More Like This
Scorpius P.O.V
"Roy! How have you been mate?"
I motioned for him to come and sit.
"Well my parents and I moved to France for the summer."
Al nodded silently.
"Are you going back there this coming summer?"
Roy just shrugged.
"No clue. Oh hey Claire!"
She smiled sweetly.
"Hello Royce"
He smiled at her. She was the only person who called Roy by his real name other than his mum that is.
"So catch me up everyone watcha waitin' for!"
Roy was the tallest of all of us and hung out a lot with Al and I. Roy unfortunately was also the loudest of us.
"Well Claire and Al got together. Not really a surprise..."
Roy and I laughed while the couple stared at us.
"Uh…other than that pointless shit."
"Actually," Al started, "Scorp ran off didn't come home till this morning."
I shot him my best you're so dead glare.
"Really?" Roy looked at me through his shaggy black hair.
I sighed, I was really having a bad day.
"I slept in the woods. Walked home this morning pa
A Harry Potter/ Hunger Games crossoverA Harry Potter/ Hunger Games crossover2 years ago in Short Stories More Like This
District One Luxury
Draco sniffed, a grimace emerging on his pale face. He opened his eyes slowly and was greeted by the sunlight filtering through the broken blinds on his small bedroom window. He knew what day it was today. Reaping day. Years ago, 73 to be exact, there was a rebellion in the 13 districts of Panem. It had be quashed after a few months, when the 13th district was obliterated. But as punishment, the Capitol had created The Games. In which 24 children, a girl and boy from each district were put into an arena and made to fight for the death. Draco's family had always been huge supporters of the games, watching it on their small television every year, but it was all right for them. They were old now. For almost every child between the ages of eleven and eighteen, the approach of the games was a stomach clenching, nerve racking experience. Sure, luckily enough he was from a richer district, where they made luxurious items and sold them for a high profit. People here
My Discussion With LupinMy Discussion With Lupin3 years ago in Drama More Like This
It was a quiet afternoon outside of Hogwarts. The sun was glittering down on me. It felt good; warming me up and filling me with happiness. But that happiness turned into fear.
I knew that my 'secret' relationship with Snape couldn't possibly be told to anyone. It felt terrible lying to everyone. Saying things like: "Oh, there's nothing going on between us," or "Snape? He's just one of my teachers. Nothing special." I knew of only one person who I could talk to anything about and not having to feel as if it's your fault. Professor Lupin was the perfect teacher to talk to. Not only is he a generous person, but he is a very understanding.
One that very afternoon, when I was finished with my homework and Lupin didn't have class that hour, I decided to discuss my 'relationship' with him. I knew if I did, our talk would have a happy ending.
There we were, walking along the long bridge that enters Hog
Arty Fowl story part 8"Well Butler, we had better leave then, as I'm sure Opal is fighting her way here now." Said ArtemisArty Fowl story part 84 years ago in General More Like This
"Of course." Replied Butler "I suggest we take the fight to her."
"Good." Said Artemis still trying to think of any possible way they might be able to actually capture the Opal of the past. He would also have to think of differing names for the two, perhaps numbers.
The group set out to the tree in which the three had first met. Artemis had a knot in the pit of his stomach at going back there, especially to fight Opal Koboi 2, which he had internally decided to called the Opal from the past, though, at least it wasn't the slightly more insane, and exponentially more bloodthirsty Opal of today, number 1. As the Bentley pulled up and the awkward trio, as Artemis wasn't the only one feeling uncomfortable about the situation, stepped out they were met with the distant sight of flashes in the sky. Holly hoped that no one could see the literal 'laser light show' or the possibly un-shie
Time of Their Lives Chapter 25Chapter 25: Werewolves in RomeTime of Their Lives Chapter 253 years ago in Introductions & Chapters More Like This
Harry sighed as he picked up another envelope. It was early November and they were doing the job they had been dreading for the past two months. They were addressing all their wedding invitations. Harry's trip to Rome kept being pushed back by circumstances beyond their control. First there was a nasty fight in the werewolf city and they were sent word that it was not safe for them to come at the moment. Then when things finally calmed down there was an issue at the ministry with one of the Auror's who was going on the trip and it was postponed again. It had been rescheduled for the upcoming week, and everyone had their fingers crossed that it would finally happen.
"Right I've changed my mind." said Ron, who was sealing yet another envelope, "I don't want a big wedding at Hogwarts, let's just get married here with only our family."
"Oh stop complaining ." said Hermione as she briskly wrote a name on another envelope, "most Muggles have to write
Bloodshed WarBloodshed War2 years ago in Urban & Spoken Word More Like This
Tick tock, the time has come,
The bloodshed war has just begun.
Run run, the soldiers march,
Their burning torches scorch our arch.
Slish slash, their swords cut down,
Our strongest men, in blood they drown.
Burn burn, the pyros laugh,
Destroying homes in fiery baths.
Crick crack, the buildings fall,
The enemy has taken all.
Hiss hiss, the gas' released,
There is no wall, there is no peace.
Bye-bye, the orphans cry,
Their parents slain, they're left to die.
Hide dear, the Death we fear,
With scythe in hand, is coming near.
DANCEDANCE the hap-py danceDANCE2 years ago in Free Verse More Like This
MAKE them think you're sane
hide the horror
hide the pain
SING the joy-ful song
GET the lyrics right
hide the terror
hide the night
dance the dance & act & sing
fool them all
until you're
17 On TruthThey think I don't care.17 On Truth2 years ago in Haiku & Eastern More Like This
But that isn't true, she said:
I care much too much
I'm the first to put a penI'm the first to put a penI'm the first to put a pen2 years ago in Songs & Lyrics More Like This
To this brick wall
Wrote about our love.
You seek; but
There's no place to go.
Why did you leave home?
In Chicago
Where I am.
In Chicago
That's where
I am.
In Chicago.
So seek
In the places
That I go:
Take me home!
Take me home!
The EscapeThe Escape2 years ago in Flash Fiction & Vignettes More Like This
The putrid stench of death hung in the air as I ran away from the guards. I had no time to lose. Footsteps and gunshots rang out behind me as I held on to dear life. One blasted bullet had lodged itself into my side. It wasn't life threatening, but man, did it make running a hell lot harder.
"We have a rouge soldier on the loose! I repeat! We have a rouge soldier on the loose!" The building screamed, as it was thrown into chaos. Red lights and speakerphones blared into the quiet night. I quickly recalled the path that I had encountered with Cynthia a few days ago. We'd promised each other that we would get out of here, together. With my body put into auto drive, I began to remember why she wasn't here with me. It happened only a moment ago.
Tonight, we were supposed to leave this damn murder house at midnight, sharp. I was sitting in my room, waiting for her signal, preparing myself for the ordeal that was soon to come. Fifteen minutes passed without a thing at all. Where is
Life's Little AnticsLife's Little Antics2 years ago in Flash Fiction & Vignettes More Like This
She was walking out a café. He was running from a security guard. A diamond ring adorned her left ring finger. A stolen watch, smeared with grime, clung to his wrist. Two different worlds intertwined with the literal collision of lives, and the scene was thrown into chaos. He was dazed, on top of her, and had the beginning of a concussion. She was surprised, shocked, but she couldn't stop staring at him. He noticed her stare, shocked, yes, but compassionate and, for the first time, not disgusted. She noticed his shaggy, dirty blonde hair, his piercing blue eyes, and his gaunt, yet handsome, face. He got up, extended his hand, and asked for her help. She grabbed his hand, stood up, and agreed to help him. He explained his cause, his need for money, and stressed that the security guard was coming around the corner. She handed him a Benjamin, her number, and urged him to contact her when he's in need, secretly wanting to see him again, but neither of them knew it wasn't to
The Hidden Truths in my NameThe Hidden Truths in my Name2 years ago in Short Stories More Like This
Although you may not know me, take one look and you will see, that in my name of Kimberly Nguyen, holds the KEY to my identity. From my name, you learn that I am YIN, but not YANG, for that is one letter too many. From my name, you can tell I like GREEN and BLUE. From my name, you can see that I am a BIKER, that I am MEEK, that I am one to RELY on, and that I love my KIN. However, my name doesn't always hold truth. I do believe that I am not completely UGLY and, not unlike my name, I don't completely LIE. I am more of a commoner than a KING. I am more of a girl than a GUY. I prefer hello to good-BYE. My favorite number is three less than NINE. And I like oranges, not LIME. I have an abundance of ENERGY, which I hope won't make me your ENEMY. 'Cause when I first meet you I'm psyched and I hope that there's everything to LIKE about this girl who is pretty much a NUN, even though, sometimes, she has too much fun. But stop and stare at the girl standing there and you'll see that she's more
Silent Secrets Chapter 1Silent Secrets Chapter 12 years ago in Introductions & Chapters More Like This
"Bye dear! We love you! Ron will bring your things to your dorm later! Have fun! And run dear! You're late!! Oh and say hi to your brother when you see him!" Rein's parents shouted at Rin from the car as they drove away from the entrance to JH Watson Academy. Rin couldn't help but feel anxious, yet excited. It was her first day in high school, heck, her first day in boarding school, and she couldn't help but stand there and enjoy the feeling of just being free. But Rin also felt the beginning traces of homesickness wash over her as she waved to the receding image of her parents car. She couldn't believe that she wasn't crying or tearing up yet. That would be the last time she'd see her parents for 5 months. She stood there, dumbfounded, waiting for the impact to hit her. But suddenly, the clock chimed eight. Rin snapped back into reality and just seemed to realized what was going on. Panicked, she sprinted towards the school. "Oh no I'm going to be late, and its only the first day of s


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Business Details
- Categories:
- Restaurants, Banquet Halls & Reception Facilities, Movers & Full Service Storage, Caterers, Party Planning, American Restaurants, Italian Restaurants, Seafood Restaurants
- Payment method:
- amex, diners club, master card, visa
- Services/Product offered:
- Restaurants
- Neighborhood:
- The Embarcadero
- Hours:
- mon closed-closed ; tue closed-closed ; wed closed-closed ; thu closed-closed ; fri closed-closed ; sat closed-closed ; sun closed-closed
- Links:
Delancey Street is a great organization and they have a wonderful restaurant. I went here with my family for dinner and everything from the wait staff to the food was wonderful. I ordered the peppered Ahi tuna with wasabi noodles and it was delicious! I had never had anything like wasabi noodles before and I really enjoyed it. This is a great place to come before games at AT&T because it's so close and inexpensiv... view more
Was this review helpful?Yes No|Flag AbuseReview provided by: Citysearchthis is quite a respectable restaurant, though you may not feel it the first time you go there. the service is friendly and the food is no-b/s american burger and sandwiches. don't expect too much though for ambience since the price is reasonable and you'll leave happy having a delicious juicy burger.
Was this review helpful?Yes No|Flag AbuseReview provided by: CitysearchBrought 12 friends/family to Brunch (celebrating a 15th birthday) Service (at least our waiter and the unfriendly host) left ALOT to be desired in all aspects. Most of the dishes ordered were okay, one wrong order and several lukewarm. They were completely oblivious to the birthday which I cannot say about other restaurants whose staff has always participated. Not that it mattered to the 15 y/o but in comparison ... view more
Was this review helpful?Yes No|Flag AbuseReview provided by: CitysearchI've been here for dinner and there's a large selection to choose from. Everything from seafood and meats to pastas. I don't particularly care for the appetizers. Staff is attentive. Prices competitive.
Was this review helpful?Yes No|Flag Abusegood food and an outstanding value, very nice decor, great views and outdoor dining, great service, nice people making a change in their lives. everything on the menu is good, great for large parties and won't break the bank, hot fudge sundae is super!! our favorite place in the City
Was this review helpful?Yes No|Flag AbuseReview provided by: CitysearchDon't waist your time reading every single review, trust me!\r I moved several times and worked with several moving companies. Those guys are the best! Good rates, punctuality, professional and cordial treatment. Besides, you're showing your commitment to a better society.\r Go for it!
Was this review helpful?Yes No|Flag AbuseReview provided by: CitysearchI've seen Delancey Street Restaurant for a long time now, and finally tried it out. It was beyond my expectations! I love that the restaurant is tied to the Delancey St Foundation, too. The value of the food was phenomenol -- 3 beers, an appetizer and two full entrees for about $30! Beyond the value, the food itself was delicious and satisfying. What I also liked about the restaurant was how warm and comfortable... view more
Was this review helpful?Yes No|Flag AbuseReview provided by: CitysearchThese guys were prompt, efficient and friendly, prepping the fragile items, loading, driving across town and unloading in just under four hours. Nothing broken, nothing damaged. Oh, and our new place is a trilevel townhouse with LOTS of stairs. Cost was reasonable ($112 an hour for a crew of three, plus $30 fuel surcharge from SF to East Bay), and your tip is tax deductible as a donation to Delancey Street Foundatio... view more
Was this review helpful?Yes No|Flag AbuseReview provided by: CitysearchDelancey Steet Movers were fantastic. They showed up on time, explained their process in detail, asked of any items that require special attention and even paid extra attention to our cat (who was freaking out)...and then in a SNAP!...got to work. Once we arrived at our new place and all items were unloaded into their proper rooms we wre amazed with the friendliness and efficiency of the move. PLUS it's just a gr... view more
Was this review helpful?Yes No|Flag AbuseReview provided by: CitysearchI have been going to this restaurant since it opened and have always been delighted with my meals at Delancey Street. This place combines the refined, polished ambience of a restaurant overlooking the embarcadero with the prices of a cafe, at lunch most fare is under $10, dinner is under $15. My fiance and I come here for romantic milestones and I have also brought big parties and reserved one of their private rooms.... view more
Was this review helpful?Yes No|Flag AbuseReview provided by: Citysearch


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Earlier this month, the Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA) held a press conference to announce the release of a study of the effects of reverse settlement payment agreements in ANDA litigation. ...more
Developers seeking to innovate using wireless terminals, information networks and devices, as well as users seeking to exploit new innovations, generate proprietary rights that may need to be perfected, and which might be...more
In this issue: - Best Patent Practices Under the America Invents Act - CMS Issues Final Rule for Implementing Sunshine Act - New IP Litigation Team a Boon for Firm's Life Sciences and Technology Clients -...more
On March 28, the Federal Circuit in Rubin v. General Hospital Corp. affirmed judgment by the District Court for the District of Massachusetts dismissing the suit brought by Drs. Berish Rubin and Sylvia Anderson against The...more
Last April, Abbott Laboratories filed a Citizen Petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, asking the agency to refrain from accepting biosimilar applications under the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act...more
To conclude a little bit on some of the most concerned questions from investors in the franchise regulatory environment, I will, in this article, introduce the legal system in China on commercial franchise, what are the...more
Mandelbaum Salsburg's Fall 2012 Newsletter containing helpful information for businesses and individuals. Table of Contents: Why Every Employer Needs a Social Media Policy A Business's Obligations Under The Identity...more
September 2012 edition featuring: - Australia introduces compulsory licences for pharmaceutical products - Raising the Bar – Significant Reform of Patent Laws - E-Health - You'll Feel Better: Swisse...more
Scott & Scott, LLP attorney, Keli Johson, says a copyright owner's remedies in enforcing his or her copyright will be directly impacted if the Stop Online Privacy Act (SOPA) is enacted. Foreign websites hosting copyrighted...more
Case law in pharmaceuticals: trademarks, patents and regulatory issue...more
The life science industry has had a long and mutually rewarding relationship with Harvard Medical School (HMS). HMS faculty members have founded life science companies, served as advisors and directors to life science...more
In any major license or partnering transaction, rarely is the royalty as simple as a single percentage on all net sales. The royalty provisions will include structures such as tier royalties, sublicense royalties, know-how...more
Life science companies are constantly entering into collaborations or other agreements with third parties in which new intellectual property may be created, whether it is a full-fledged partnership with a large pharmaceutical...more
Therefore, as may be seen, the two-stage patent opposition process has particularly affected the pharmaceutical industry, as the patent applicants are now vulnerable to multiple pre-grant oppositions filed by competitors, or...more
A patent is one of the ways by which technological innovations are protected. The most ironical fact about a patent is that although it gives monopoly for a number of years, but in order to gain the monopoly, the invention...more
What constitutes patentable subject matter? The tension between the broad language of 35 U.S.C. Section 101 and the limitations of its scope by the courts is playing out in the context of patent eligibility of process...more


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How to be a stuntman
How I did it: I worked as a pyrotechnitian.
All of a sudden i wanted to drive a motorsycle from a live gasoline explosion, and then jump away from one.
I fixed my self some explosives, some mortars, some gasoline and my brothers bike. Just for fun, nothing else.
Lessons & tips: Do not hesitate!
Resources: You should need hydrogel and large balls.


text:
Kris Letang signs $58 million, eight-year contract extension with Pittsburgh Penguins
Pens also ink Pascal Dupuis to $15 million, four-year deal.
1 | Photo |
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PITTSBURGH, PA.—The Pittsburgh Penguins locked up another elite young player long term and kept a key player off the market Tuesday, agreeing to terms with defenceman Kris Letang and re-signing forward Pascal Dupuis.
A finalist for the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenceman, Letang received an eight-year, $58 million contract extension. He would have entered the final season of an existing contract that carried an annual salary-cap hit of $3.5 million. That will now jump to $7.25 beginning in 2014-15.
Dupuis potentially could have been a free agent this week and cashed on his 11-point post-season, but chose to stay to sign a $15 million, four-year deal.
Letang, 26, tied for the scoring lead among NHL defencemen last season with 38 points in 35 games. He has 44 goals and 165 assists in 385 career games over six-plus seasons.
Letang joins star centres Sidney Crosby (12 years, $104.4 million) and Evgeni Malkin (eight years, $76 million) as players the Penguins have given long-term contracts to in the past 13 months.
Under the collective bargaining agreement, Letang cannot sign until Friday. The pact — the longest allowable by terms of the new CBA — will run through the 2021-22 season, when the 6-foot, 201-pound native of Montreal will be 35.
Beginning in 2014-15, the Penguins will be committing $25.45 million of salary cap space to just three players for every season until 2021-22. For the 2014-15 season alone — counting contracts given wingers James Neal and Chris Kunitz, defenceman Paul Martin and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury — the organization already has $44.3 million of cap space accounted for just seven players.
The salary cap for the 2013-14 season is projected at $63.4 million, although it is expected to increase dramatically the following year.
The swift and skilled Letang is one of the NHL's top offensive defencemen. But at times, the former third-round pick has been criticized for play in the defensive end — most recently during a stunning sweep of the Penguins by the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference finals. Letang had no points in the series and was a minus-5 over the first two games.
During Pittsburgh's run to the Stanley Cup in 2009, Letang had 13 points, tying for the post-season lead among defencemen with four goals.
Over the past three seasons, Letang leads all NHL defencemen in assists (107). His 0.77 points-per-game average over that span ranks second to Ottawa's Erik Karlsson for players at that position.
Since the end of the regular season, general manager Ray Shero has said extending Letang was a priority. Before the Penguins were swept by Boston, they defeated the Islanders and Senators in the first and second rounds, respectively.
Though he and agent Kent Hughes talked for a while, Shero could have traded Letang during the NHL draft Sunday. A similar scenario played out last summer, when centre Jordan Staal rejected a 10-year contract offer and Shero dealt him to the Carolina Hurricanes in a trade announced from the podium.
It never reached that point with Letang.
Pittsburgh also didn't have to deal with replacing Dupuis.
The 34-year-old winger was third on the team in goals, tied for third with 38 points and led the league with a plus-31 rating, the first Penguins to pull off that feat since Ron Francis did during the 1994-95 season. He is also a key penalty-killer, who blocked 36 shots and is tied for the NHL lead with eight short-handed goals over the past three years.
Dupuis, who also helped the Penguins hoist the Cup four years ago, has 175 goals and 374 points in his career with Minnesota, the New York Rangers, Atlanta and Pittsburgh.
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He's built a huge business empire from scratch and employed hundreds of people. Does that qualify him to be POTUS?
Addendum: His customers keep coming back because they want his products so badly. He recruits and employs underprivileged youth. His company purchases millions of dollars' worth of American products (aircraft, automobiles, boats). He gives money to law enforcement personnel. He supports the home town team, often providing his products gratis to some of the pla
Message (in case you missed it): There's a heck of a lot more to being the President than just building and running a business....
Think about it.
9 Answers to "He's built a huge business empire from scratch and employed hundreds of people. Does that qualify him to be POTUS?"
What a joke. Big business is raking in record profits in the worst economy since the great depression. Do you really think they want the gravy train to stop? They are making money so fast the banks have started charging them for depositing their billions.
The problem in case it somehow escaped your attention is that over the last 15 years US politics have become so corrupt nobody else can get any business done. I'd rather have a small or mid sized businessman in office that I can trust than some self-made billionaire who is a known liar.Heart (3)
Those were the days. "Public service" has become a joke in bad taste.
Heart (1)
cant be any worse than a chicago lawyer and commutity activist who thinks my tax money should be shovelled off a truck to whoever he feels is worthy
Heart (3)
It depends on what direction one desires the government to take. The answer is yes, if you want a government that if financial responsible (balanced budgets, reduced national debt, government employees being financially responsible) and polices that encourage expansion of a free enterprise system. The answer is no, if you want a government that ignores budget limits, national debt, and support polices that enslave the citizens to government handouts.
Heart (2)
Hell no bro. Obama 2012
Obamas the POTUS with the mostestHeart (2)
Frankly,my cat is probably as qualified as any of the clowns that are running. But then would anyone with actual intelligence or common sense even want to take responsibility for this mess?
Heart (1)
From scratch?
This is not a self-made man. Mitt Romney comes from wealth. He was born and bred for power. He came from wealthy, politically connected parents. He went to the expense prep school He graduated with connections, training, and the cultural capital necessary to repeat his father's success. And yeah, he did.
That said, of course it qualifies him to be POTUS. Hell, it's practically essential. and that's everything wrong with the political system right there.
Also, big entrepreneurs don't 'make jobs' - demand for goods and services creates jobs. The Mitt Romneys of the world just ensure those jobs pay the lowest amount possible to ensure the shareholders and executives live large.Heart (1)
Heart (1)
Heart (1)


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Your Search Returned 345 tagged news reports
15 December 2013 1 View comments A young artist was groped as she sketched a masterpiece in the National Gallery. The 20-year-old told security staff she had been sexually assaulted in a room full of some of the prestigious gallery's best-known works.
The exhibition is the second in the NGJ's new Explorations series, which was launched earlier this year with the Natural Histories exhibition. The series explores major themes in Jamaican art, and in the National Art Collection, and aims to allow
Professor and Dean of Architecture at University of Newcastle What do the facades of the National Gallery in London's Trafalgar Square and the Sydney Opera House in Australia have in common? Most people would suggest the two buildings have few
Governor General Quentin Bryce, who knew Mr Smart for 30 years, recalled a man who was a great conversationalist. "I always called him Mr Smart," she said. 'It somehow suited his urbane self. I think it is fair to say he's one of our most loved
Participants pay $1000, with proceeds going to the National Gallery's outreach programme...The next item on the programme is the launch of the latest edition of the Jamaica Journal, Volume 34, No...The Jamaica Journal is the flagship publication of
Will the £45m spent on London's newly renovated Tate Britain art gallery make it significantly more popular than Chester Zoo? The 116-year-old institution currently attracts 1.5m visitors a year, about the same as the zoo, and it lags more than 3m
Jordan Art education might not seem like the greatest concern for Jordan , a country plagued by a dearth of water, oil and other national resources, nearly 30 percent youth unemployment, high poverty rates and an overwhelming influx of Syrian
This week we welcome back an old friend as Tate Britain reopens after a £45m overhaul. With its restored building, re-hung collection and cool new cafe, it's now a museum to rival its attention-seeking younger sibling, Tate Modern. To mark the
Its star figure, Schiele, is the greatest 20th-century artist never to have had a UK museum show; not one of his works is in a British public collection. There are only four paintings by him here but any one of them is worth a visit, and all yoke
Senior curator Jane Kinsman in the William Kentridge: Drawn from Africa exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia. Photo: Jeffrey Chan In a world saturated with bad news and political wrangling, a sense of levity can be no small feat. But South


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US 4378056 A Abstract A method of controlling fluid flow in the drilling mud treatment units of an oil/gas well drilling rig such as, for example, the shale shaker, desander, desilter, and mud cleaner portions thereof provides floating the inlet of an intake conduit at the supernatent liquid layer of the drilling rig reserve pit and providing a common distributor head for routing the supernatent liquid to the various solid control units. A pump is connected to the intake conduit and the header at the intake and discharge respectively. The pump transmits the reserve pit supernatent from the reserve pit to the header by pumping. There is provided one or more branch lines affixed to the header each discharging respectively into the drain of a drilling mud treatment unit associated with the drilling rig with the flow of reserve pit supernatent liquid keeping the various drains open. The drains are positioned to discharge back into the reserve pit. The method saves the use of fresh water for the purpose of keeping drains open by the use of the supernatent liquid.
Claims(9) 1. A method of controlling fluid flow in the drilling mud treatment units of an oil/gas well drilling rig using reserve pit supernatent fluid, comprising the steps of:
a. floating the inlet of a provided intake conduit at the supernatent liquid layer of the rig reserve pit which pit normally contains an upper supernatent portion and a lower portion containing solids and contaminants; b. providing a common distribution header; c. connecting a pump to the intake conduit and header at the intake and discharge portions respectively of the pump; d. providing one or more branch flow lines affixed to the header, each capable of discharging into the drain of a drilling mud treatment unit, the flow of reserve pit supernatent keeping the drains open; e. transmitting reserve pit supernatent from the reserve pit to the header by pumping; and f. routing the mud treatment unit drains back into the reserve pit. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein in step "a" the inlet of the intake conduit is provided with a float to maintain the inlet of the intake conduit at the surface of the reserve pit.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein is step "f" the drains flow into the reserve pit by gravity.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein in step "d" the drilling mud treatment unit is a solids control unit.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein in step "d" the drilling mud treatment unit is a shale shaker.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein in step "d" the drilling mud treatment unit is a desilter.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein in step "d" the drilling mud treatment unit is a desander.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein each of the branch lines in step "d" is a flexible hose.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein in step "e" the reserve pit supernatent is continuously circulated from the reserve pit through the intake conduit, by pumping into the header and thence through the various drain lines to the drilling mud treatment unit drains and thence back to the reserve pit.
Description 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the drilling of oil and gas wells and more particularly to the treatment of drilling mud used in the oil/gas well drilling process. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the balancing of fluid flow through the discharge of various solids control and drilling mud treatment units utilized on oil and gas well drilling operations. 2. General Background In the drilling of oil and gas wells, there is typically used a flow of heavy fluid which is circulated during drilling into the bore hole. This fluid is typically referred to in the drilling art as "drilling mud" and is conveyed from the surface down into the bore hole and returns to the surface with cuttings and the like which are picked up from the bottom of the bore hole as they are cut by the drill bit. When the drilling mud returns to the surface it contains cuttings and other solid material which must be removed from the drilling mud before it can be recirculated back into the bore hole. Various devices are known in the art for the removal of cuttings and solid material from the drilling mud at the surface before the drilling mud is then recirculated back into the bore hole for its use inter alia as a means of retrieving drilling solids, cutting and the like from the bore hole. Since drilling mud is necessarily quite expensive, this recirculation is typically followed and drilling contractors, oil companies and the like employ various solids treatment devices to treat the drilling mud. One such device is known in the art as a "shale shaker" and it typically removes heavier cutting from the stream of drilling mud. Another type of unit which is known in the art is a "desander", while another is a "desilter", which the two units remove as the names imply sand and silt respectively from the stream of solids. Another unit which is utilized and typically referred to as a "solids control unit", a hydrocyclone type unit which provides a plurality of hydrocylones that receive drilling mud from the bore hole or from one or more of the other treatment units such as the shale shaker. Liquid is drawn off from the hydrocyclone treatment unit through a common header and each of the hydrocyclones drops drilling mud onto a screen which removes fine solid material from the drilling mud with the drilling mud itself falling back into a mud pit where it can be recirculated back into the bore hole. Each of the various solids treatment or solids control units have in common and provide respectively a discharge drain which routes the undesirable portion of the stream being treated such as the solid material and the like into a holding pit known as a "reserve pit" where the waste material is held by means of a levee or a dam forming a continuous perimeter which defines the reserve pit holding area. Necessarily, these drains must be kept open and because of the solid content of the discharge stream they can easily become clogged. Thus during times of low flow, water must be used to wash the drains clean so that they will flow freely as is desirable. Typically clean water is used which is costly and wasteful. Clean water is available at the rig site through conventional piping from a water system, but its use on a continuous 24-hour basis during drilling operations can amount to a great deal of expense. For example, a 1-inch stream of water at 30-pounds per square inch can dispense approximately one barrel a minute, which amounts to 720 barrels of water in 24-hours for each of the drains on the various solids treatment units. Once this amount of water has been added to the reserve pit, the added volume must be treated before it can be safely released into the environment. A typical cost of disposing of this water in the reserve pit is approximately 65 In normal drilling operations there are at least three drains, each taking, for example, 700 to 720 barrels of fresh water to keep them open at a total of 2,000 to 2,200 barrels of water being added to the reserve pit every 24-hours with an eventual cost of treatment amounting to, for example, approximately $1,500.00 per day. It is to this problem that the present invention is directed. Several devices have been patented which are directed generally to the treatment drilling mud and its combination with reserve pit. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,766,997 issued to Heilhecker, et al, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Treating a Drilling Fluid". This patent (U.S. Pat. No. 3,766,997) teaches a system for treating drilling fluid which is circulated in a well and contains a fine sized particulate weighted material and drill solids wherein the drilling fluid is passed through a first vibrating screen which removes a portion of the drilled solids and then through a centrifugal separating means to separate the drilling fluid into a low density effluent and into a high density under flow slurry. The effluent is returned to the drilling fluid system and the underflow slurry is further processed through a second vibrating screen. The second vibrating screen is substantially finer than the first vibrating screen and functions to remove additional drill solids. Material passing the second vibrating screen which includes most of the weighted material in the underflow slurry is then returned to the drilling fluids system. The Heilhecker patent discloses generally a solids treatment system to which is the present invention is directed. U.S. Pat. No. 3,766,997 issued to Heilhecker, et al is hereby incorporated by reference. In U.S. Pat. No. 2,786,651 issued to Mickle there is seen an "Apparatus for Circulating Drilling Fluid in a Rotary Drill". An "Apparatus and Method for Treating Drilling Mud" is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 3,289,775 issued to Stone. Tanner, et al discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 3,135,685 a "Device for Collecting Cutting Samples from Well Drilling Operations". In U.S. Pat. No. 4,234,421 Dover provides a "Land Restoration Following Oil-Well Drilling", which patent discusses inter alia environmental considerations and the use of reserve pits in combination with oil/gas well drilling. A typical hydrocyclone treatment device and a system for automatically flushing such device is the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 4,090,523 issued to John Kelly, Jr., et al. 3. General Discussion of the Present Invention The present invention solves these prior art problems and shortcomings by totally eliminating the need for excessive use of water to clean out the solids treatment unit drains, amounting to a savings of as much as $1,500.00 a day or more to the rig operator. The present invention solves these problems by providing a method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow in the drilling mud treatment units of an oil/gas well drilling rig by placing the inlet of a provided intake conduit within the supernatent liquid layer (i.e., the upper layer liquid above the settled solids) of the rig reserve pit. There is provided a common distribution header adjacent the solids treatment units and connecting to the pump at the discharge portion thereof with the intake conduit connecting to the pump intake. Supernatent liquid is transmitted from the reserve pit through the pump and intake line into the header and thence to one or more branch lines affixed to the header, each of the branch lines dicharging into a respective drain of a selected drilling mud treatment unit such as, for example, the solids control unit, the desilter, the desander, the shale shaker or the like. The flow of this reserve pit supernatent liquid is suitable for keeping the drains open since material from the drain is merely flowing back into the reserve pit anyway. The present invention solves the prior art problems and shortcomings in a simple, straightforward and inexpensive way. The system of the present invention skims the surface layer or surface water or "supernatent" off the reserve pit on land drilling operations. This use of supernatent water to keep the drains of the solids control units, shale shaker, desander, and the like open saves fresh water costs and subsequent reserve pit treatment costs. The present invention provides a method for selectively adding water as desired to balance the flow of fluid through the drain lines of each of the various solids treatment units as well as can be used to add water to an active mud system so long as it is a water base system. The present invention removes the need for fresh water which would have to be used to keep the drains on the shale shaker, solids control unit, and the various other units used in the treatment of drilling mud. It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for keeping the drains open on various oil/gas well drilling treatment units. Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for balancing water flow through oil and gas well drilling solids control treatment units which utilized existing waste water from the drilling rig reserve pit. Another object of the present invention is to save the cost of treating reserve pit water by reducing the overall volume of the reserve pit water. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for reducing the cost of operating an oil/gas well drilling rig by reducing the amount of fresh water consumed and reducing the amount of waste water to be subsequently treated. For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are given like reference numerals and wherein: FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention designated generally by the numeral 10. In FIG. 1 there can be seen a reserve pit 20 which typically is merely dug or formed by means of a perimeter 23 which could be a levee built of earth or the like. The inner portion 22 of pit 20 would hold fluid which was discharged from the rig and would typically contain various solid waste materials and the like. Disposed at the surface of reserve pit 22 is a float 25 supporting intake screen 26 of conduit 28. The float 25 is proximately located to the intake screen. Floatation provided by float 25 assures that the very uppermost layer or supernatent of fluid or water will be taken into conduit 28 from reserve pit 22. This is desirable because the solid matter and other contaminents in reserve pit 22 will normally settle to the bottom portion thereof. The purest fluid (lowest in solids content) would be at the surface and would be desirably taken for use by conduit 28. Conduit 28 would be connected at the intake 32 portion of pump 30 with a discharge 34 portion of pump 30 connecting to header 35. An electric motor 36, for example, supplied with power through cord 38 connected to outlet 39 would power pump 30 to pump fluids from reserve pit 20, through conduit 28 into intake 32 and discharge the fluid from pump discharge 34 into header 35. A plurality of branch lines 41-42 and 47 are provided which allow water to be drawn off as desired from header 35. Valving (not shown) could be provided at any place along header 35 or in branch lines 41, 42 or 47. A tee 43 is exemplary of a means of routing fluid from header 35 into branch line 42 and thence to other secondary branch lines 45, 46 which provide fluid to the drains of the solids control unit and desilter. In FIG. 1 the desilter is designated by the numeral 52 while the solids control unit such as, for example, a hydrocyclone-type solids control unit is designated by the numeral 50. Also seen are desander 62 and shale shaker 67. A plurality of drain lines 55, 57, 59 and 64 are seen which discharge respectively into reserve pit 20 at 56, 58, 60 and 65. Note that the distal end portion of each respective branch line 45, 46, 41 and 47 is placed generally at the intake of each respective drain 55, 57, 59 and 64. This allows fluid which is the uppermost layer or supernatent of the reserve pit to be used to keep the drains 55, 57, 59, 64 open at all times rather than using fresh water for this purpose. Any of the branch lines could be used to transmit recycled water to water base mud if desired. The drawing shows a valve V which valves flow from the header 35 to branch line 71 having a nozzle and base at its end. Pump 30 could be, for example, a two-inch by three-inch centrifugal pump driven by, for example, a 15-horsepower explosion proof electric motor. Pump 30 could be mounted on a base having wheels, for example, and would provide a three-inch suction hose and a discharge header of, for example, three inches which would tee off as indicated in the drawings to one inch branch lines which could be, for example, flexible hoses. In normal drilling operations there are at least three drains taking water in order to keep them open at all times, in the drawings, four drains having been illustrated. Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiments herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limited sense. Patent Citations
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Renault to Debut KERS in Australia
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Several other teams are currently in doubt over using KERS in Australia, as the data collected by the teams' technical departments following the winter tests are not very conclusive. BMW Sauber, Ferrari and McLaren currently hold the highest chances of fitting their cars with KERS by the start of the Aussie GP.
Talking to the media during last week's group test in Barcelona, BMW Sauber's Mario Theissed revealed that a decision on the matter is yet to be taken by the German team. Ferrari and McLaren are also prudent in taking such a decision on the use of KERS, as both outfits have experience reliability issued with the unit during the February-March testings. As for Toyota, the Japanese manufacturer has already announced its F1 team will not use the system in 2009 all-together.
On the other hand, there are the customer teams who are to benefit from KERS as part of their engine deals with F1's manufacturers. However, Red Bull Racing, Toro Rosso, Force India, Brawn GP and Williams F1 have all revealed they will not use KERS at least until the Spanish Grand Prix in early May.
From the customer teams' group, Williams F1 are the only team to have developed an in-house KERS through the last year. Team's technical director Sam Michael has also opted for a flywheel-based system, as compared to all the other teams' electric configuration of the unit.
Newly-saved-from-bankruptcy Brawn GP have unveiled they are unlikely to use KERS in 2009, as they have not paid much attention to developing the technology through the winter.
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