Friday, August 19, 2011

Some Positive Stuff For Your Weekend

POP WARNER KICK-OFF
Tomorrow, Saturday, August 20th, will be the kick-off for Costa Mesa Pop Warner Football. Here's the flier for the event. Stop by Jim Scott Stadium and see the program your City Council just authorized $10,000 to cover an obligation t
he group has with the School District. Go watch your tax dollars at work.


BEN'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Personally, later that day I'm joining our family in celebrating the first birthday of my grand-nephew, Benjamin O'Brien Teacher, seen here at a recent Taco Thursday gathering.

And here w
ith me last winter watching some football on television. He's going to be my "football buddy" for years to come.




BABY SISTER'S BIRTHDAY TODAY

All of this will be preceded by a birthday dinner tonight with my baby sister Cheryll (her's is today) and her hubby, Victor, who will join us at a favorite local restaurant, followed by cake and candles at our home where we will fully immerse ourselves in huge slabs of my mother's recipe chocolate cake. Yum.

Have a great weekend.

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50 Comments:

Anonymous MIke 1 said...

'Come Meet Your Council Members, Planning Commissioners, Parks and Rec, etc., etc.'

Oh, and the coaches. Way to politicize...

8/19/2011 11:33:00 AM  
Blogger feral390 said...

I'm gonna go cheer for the opposing team. I hope nobody chest bumps me.

8/19/2011 12:18:00 PM  
Anonymous Mike 1 said...

OH, and be sure to thank the council for their $10,000 support!

8/19/2011 01:06:00 PM  
Anonymous RickandJenn said...

You don't like children's football, you don't like the homeless taskforce, what do you guys like? Instead of criticism why don't you do one thing to better this community; just one thing.

All I ever hear on this blog is complaining and negativity. If you don't like this stuff, work to make it better instead of simply complaining.

8/19/2011 01:39:00 PM  
Anonymous "Just Do It" said...

Parents,
Please support the City of Costa Mesa Recreation Division's: "Friday-Night-Lights" flag football "t-shirt league" this fall. It's the only program where kids learn football "FUN"damentals w/o adult sponsored politics.

8/19/2011 01:43:00 PM  
Anonymous unanimous aka ___ said...

It is great to see appointed and elected officials help boost youth sports. Will Wendy show?

8/19/2011 02:14:00 PM  
Anonymous Concerned for CM said...

Happy Birthday to Ben. What a cutie he is. Enjoy your family time Geoff. There is really not much more precious than that. :)

8/19/2011 02:21:00 PM  
Blogger The Pot Stirrer said...

RickandJenn, you really are obtuse! I never said I don't like children's football - I don't like the adults who politicize youth sports. And, I'm not against the Homeless Task Force - it's a slow, tedious job with an unclear payout at the end at this point. Of course, if we knew your identity we could all thank you for your community involvement, couldn't we?

8/19/2011 02:35:00 PM  
Blogger Joe said...

MEMO

From: The Riggmarshal
To: Kommander Gary

While I am in China, you will:

1. Get off your knees, make believe you are mayor again;

2. Make up a phony complaint against Berardino. I cannot be blamed if I am out of town;

3. Shine Smirkmarshal Mensinger's boots every morning;

4. Redesign Men's restroom in your bar for future extremist events;

5. Walk Fitzpatrick in dog park 2x per day.

8/19/2011 03:18:00 PM  
Anonymous PTA MOM said...

Pot Stirrer: RickandJenn aka Martin Millard.

8/19/2011 03:25:00 PM  
Anonymous Mike 1 said...

I fully support youth sports - played them all back in the day of Harbor Area Baseball, Boys Club Basketball, Junior All-American Football, AYSO, you name it. I also coach my son's CM National Little League team.

I just don't think City Council should be cutting $10,000 checks to the non-elected councilman's pet project when there's an alleged budget shortfall, at least according to said councilman and his merry band of nitwits.

8/19/2011 03:31:00 PM  
Blogger feral390 said...

Rick and Jenn... I like all youth sports and normally I'd love to see a youth sports group get a nice financial gift but I'm not sure why my city forks over $10k for one group while ignoring others and also cuts all sorts of other recreation programs because of their make believe fiscal crisis, and then looks at ways of criminalizing small groups of kids that want to play a game in the park.
I can guarantee that if our chest bumping non elected councilboy was not deeply involved in pop warner the $10k would have never come up. If his sons played tetherball I'm sure we would have the highest funded tetherball program in the county. These guys are greedy, corrupt, and care nothing about anyone but themselves.

8/19/2011 03:57:00 PM  
Anonymous Other Mike said...

RickandJenn:

Love kid's sports. Think they are great. My kids participate and my money goes into those programs to pay fees for things like uniforms, field use etc etc etc. I don't think my tax dollars should also go into thos programs, nor should yours or anyone else's. It's like I'm paying twice. When I register my kids and again on my taxes. Not right.

That's the point you seem to be missing. You and the rest of these people want to bash employees and demand this or that as a taxpayer, but you nor the council hold yourself to the same standard. It's infuriating.

8/19/2011 09:07:00 PM  
Anonymous unanimous said...

Mean spirited posters on this blog-meanwhile the kids and parents will have fun despite your hate. Have A Nice Weekend!! Joe, do you really spend time making up such a stupid letter? Does it really seem funny to you?? give it a 1 on the laugh-o-meter

8/19/2011 09:14:00 PM  
Anonymous Daisy Mae said...

Unanimous... Joe is funny and right on target. You are mad that you aren't so clever. You and Martin are so transparent. It is funny how you keep commenting on this blog that you hate so much. Are you too lazy to start your own? Also it is ironic how you rarely see council members, commissioners, etc at city sponsored sports activities. One has to ask why Pop Warner is so special? Oh yea I remember now.

8/20/2011 07:10:00 AM  
Anonymous Danny Boy said...

"That's the point you seem to be missing. You and the rest of these people want to bash employees and demand this or that as a taxpayer, but you nor the council hold yourself to the same standard. It's infuriating." Other Mike said

* I couldn't agree more! I love kids and sports. Infact I have invested several years (and money) to both; however, as a taxpayer, I don't expect my taxes to pay for your recreational activities. What's next cheer? Dance?

8/20/2011 09:03:00 AM  
Anonymous Mike 1 said...

And can we all agree to quit using the word 'Haters'? Kind of strange that a bunch of right-wing Republicans have co-opted a term that was popular about a decade ago among urban youth (i.e. African Americans). Now if you disagree with something, you are labeled a Hater. Give it a rest. I'm going to have to go with something more original ... like Despiser! Now that's fresh, yo!

8/20/2011 10:06:00 AM  
Blogger The Pot Stirrer said...

Mike 1, I believe the phrase you're concerned about is "haters and bigots", as used ad nauseum on another local blog when referring to anyone who disagrees with the author of that blog. And, of course, his use of the term for ANYONE is hilarious, since the phrase defines his very being.

8/20/2011 10:19:00 AM  
Anonymous Dan Sanderson said...

The only real "HATER" in town is Millard. He has even raised his kids to hate right along with him. From the court system (where his wife works ans , from what I hear, is a good and respected employee) she is not of the same cut of cloth.
Millard, sadly, has become viral to those people who feel they are not part of the main steam and want to get even with those that are. Their revenge is to hate right along with Marty. They get to vent about those that have more in society that they do and seem to believe their hatred will make them equal by ganging up on others. Kind of sounds a bit like a certain psycho in Germany back in 1939..Oh yeah, that is Marty's bible.
Unanimous, RickandJenn and all the other AKA's, WE don't hate, you do. If you don't like this blog, ship out.

8/20/2011 11:57:00 AM  
Anonymous No Conspiracy Here said...

I don’t get it. I don’t get the issue. And I don’t get all the miss information. The one thing I do get is that no matter what the Council majority says or does, there are a small group in our City that will go out of their way to manufacture an issue.

Allan Roeder encouraged Pop Warner to move to Jim Scott Stadium and indicated they would be rolled into the NMUSD JPA.

Steve Mandoki (aka Dilbert) never made that happen. Pop Warner therefore sought relief.

There is no precedent as Weathervane Wendy tries to fabricate. She should not the Liaison to the Schools.

8/21/2011 06:05:00 AM  
Anonymous unanimous said...

Sanderson, I LOVE this blog and have no intention of shipping out. Everyday I get a kick out of all the "funny" quips and outright hate spilled by the lefties here. Made up conspiricies, unfounded guilty verdicts for alleged violations, and thinking all who post here that oppose you are really just Millard. So wrong, so often. Much more funny than a memo from Joe. I hear a great time was had by all at Pop Warner but Leece did not show up for the kids (surprise !!). She apparently was shopping at the Lab sale. Much applause for Mensinger and Monahan and Hatch from the crowd has been reported. Let's get ready for some football.

8/21/2011 08:00:00 AM  
Blogger The Pot Stirrer said...

No Conspiracy Here,
I watched Mensinger's rant at the council meeting. The council and audience were presented with only HIS version of events regarding just what was "promised" to Pop Warner by Roeder. None of those "promises" were done in a public meeting. Since I believe Roeder to be an honorable man - one who doesn't go back on promises made - I'm VERY suspicious of the claims made by Mensinger to get a Pop Warner debt paid to the NMUSD by the city - who has no responsibility to do so.

8/21/2011 08:20:00 AM  
Blogger The Pot Stirrer said...

unanimous,
As a matter of FACT, Leece was specifically and singularly the only council member NOT INVITED to attend the festivities. One might speculate that the snub was because she, alone among the council members, voted against the $10,000 handout for the debt owed to the NMUSD for use of Jim Scott Stadium. Mensinger's petty, frat-boy mentality apparently prevailed.

8/21/2011 08:27:00 AM  
Anonymous what have you done for us lately? said...

Geoff, you seem to consistently take shots at Mensinger.

Can you tell us what you have actually done in our community? Not writing a blog where Council Haters gather. What have you done to add value?

8/21/2011 09:25:00 AM  
Anonymous Taxation without representaion said...

This pop warner and costa mesa united thing needs transparency.
If they take the money , their books should be open.
The golf tourney and parking fees and other things collected at the stadium. ad up to more than most programs see in five years.
If menacer wants it run like a business it shouldn't send tax dollars to another business.
mensinger pay his property tax yet?? 10k for 10k. He thinks he is paying it.
Thank you Wendy for separating tax usage and charity.
People use to complain about paying school tax when they didn't have kids.
I can't believe they are happy about a football tax.
Build it and they will come. Ok
Build it ,pay for it , and subsidize it and they will come. BS
This is also an example of the spending to come when the economy does turn around. Pet projects, not POLICE,FIRE, roads and infrastucure.

8/21/2011 11:10:00 AM  
Anonymous batiab said...

Mensy should have all the players he brought to the stink eye investigation start raising money.

Those players looked so good in their RIGHEIMER shirts!!!

What a joke! The guy should be ashamed of himself. Then he had the nerve to say the kids were not involved. PLEASE!!!

8/21/2011 11:26:00 AM  
Anonymous Dan Sanderson said...

Unanimous: No hate here, in fact I feel much compassion for the handicapped. I know you played football too long without a helmet and the resultant handicap is to blame for your blind loyalty to the idiots on the council.
Lefties?? Certainly not me. I am a registered Republican and have voted along party lines since Ike. You certainly do not have to be a "Lefty" or a Democrat to be opposed to what Righeimer, etal all doing to the once fine city of Costa Mesa.
I was at the Pop Warner event, were you? It started out like political rally until people remembered why they were there.
I was a big part of helping to raise funds for the stadium, were you? I still wear my Costa Mesa United polo shirt. It is gray, but we can probably find one in faded black so you will feel comfortable.
I have been a flag waving American who served in two wars and shed blood for what I believe in. I have voted in every election since I was old enough to do so. I love our country and my city and I despise what these egotistic morons are doing to both it and our party.
Shame on them and on you for supporting them.

8/21/2011 11:46:00 AM  
Blogger The Pot Stirrer said...

"what have you...."
And I should answer that question, posed by an anonymous person writing from who-knows-where, for what reason? I throw it right back at you... what have YOU done lately? OOPS! To answer that you'd probably have to identify yourself, right?

I'm QUITE satisfied with my contributions, both financial and personal, to our community. How I contribute, or how much, is none of your business.

Oh, yes - I "take shots" at Mensinger because he makes it so darn easy. If he doesn't like criticism - which he clearly DOES NOT - then he made a huge mistake getting himself appointed to the City Council. Of course, he can always resign...

8/21/2011 11:50:00 AM  
Anonymous Dan Sanderson said...

Pot Stirrer: If i were back in a foxhole, you are the kind of guy I would want by my side: honest, dependable and brave. All the men I led into combat were like you. Back then, I never heard whether or not someone was a Democrat or a Republican. There was only one God too. They were all Marines or Soldiers defending the great flag of our country. My bet is that none of these folks like "Unanimous" ever wore military a uniform or served their country.
Millard claims to have been a Marine, but his actions and words sure don't fit the mold.

8/21/2011 12:02:00 PM  
Anonymous I'd like to know said...

Geoff , I think the question of how you contribute to Sandy Genus' failed campaign efforts. Or the candidates you backed, that lost.

When Geoff West is pushing up daisies, how will they say you added value in this city? What have you done Geoff?

Your typical hater response is to attack, without answering the question.

8/21/2011 03:52:00 PM  
Blogger The Pot Stirrer said...

"I'd like to know",
Campaign contributions are public record - feel free to dig around to your little heart's content.

And there we are with the "hater" reference again. How very sad for you. I don't "hate" anyone, although I don't like you very much so far.

Life is full of disappointments. There are many things I'd like to know, but probably never will. For example, who you are and how long you've worshiped at the alter of the CM Press? When you're not writing your drivel here are you turning tricks on Harbor Blvd.? Do you cross-dress only on odd days of the week? You know, important stuff like that.

I'm quite comfortable that when I'm "pushing up daisies" I'll be doing so knowing I've made a contribution to lives around me.

And, just so we're clear - I don't care a whit about what you think of me or what I write here. If you don't like it just stop reading...

8/21/2011 04:02:00 PM  
Blogger The Pot Stirrer said...

Dan Sanderson,
Forgive me for not responding sooner.. I was distracted by "I'd like to know"...

Thanks for the kind words.. much appreciated. They more than offset some of the other less-than-friendly things that are posted here from time to time.

If what I write here helps you form your own opinions on issues, then I'm a happy guy.

8/21/2011 04:06:00 PM  
Anonymous Mike McNiff said...

It's pretty ironic how many cowards under assumed names question your bonafides and what you've done for the city, so let's lay it out - you've call a spade a spade and keep a close eye on a bunch of crooks, calling it like you see it and reporting (yes, reporting, while also putting your POV in as well) on the shenanigans that go on hereabouts. Certainly the local press has failed at that, but then again, the print media is all but dead.

While these clowns question you, do they ever offer up THEIR suggestions on how to fix things, other than calling people who disagree with them Haters? They always ask about YOUR suggestions and what you've done, and you've certainly been candid on that front. But they continue to throw stones while bringing nothing constructive to the party.

I realize most Costa Mesans are blissfully unaware that the current city council is f'ing things up on a major scale, but they'll be much more aware when the dust settles, and we'll all lose at that point. At that point, it will be too late to pull their heads out of the sand.

Keep fighting the good fight, Pot Stirrer, and keep stirring the pot. I still believe that, with a little leadership, Costa Mesa can be a great place to live and raise a family, just as it was when I was raised here. Now we just need to find true leaders, not a bunch of wolves in sheep's clothing preaching to the uninformed and ignorant, lapping up the same old talking points ad nauseum (sp?).

8/21/2011 08:44:00 PM  
Anonymous Lincoln Law said...

Be happy Geoff as there are many of us out here who appreciate your forum. It is informative, truthful and you publish stuff even from the CM Press crowd. Personally, I don't read his crap, but clearly he reads your blog and writes with many aliases. those kinds of cowards never come out of the shadows, so don't waste your time wondering who these jerks are. If I were you, I wouldn't print their hurtful stuff. Sooner or later they would contribute something worth while or quit writing here.
I've been away, but I'm back.

8/21/2011 09:13:00 PM  
Blogger Gericault said...

well Geoff, you tried.Your "nice positive thoughts for the weekend" degenerated rapidly into personal attacks on the messenger.I don't "Hate" anyone, although I definitely "think" less of some more than others.It's a sad state we find our city in. You disagree with the politics of the current cabal and they label you a "hater",you support our longtime city employees and you are called a "thug", you criticize the mishandling and wasteful policies they are implementing and you are accused of "personal attacks".
I hate their "tactics", and small minded views. I "hate" their willingness to blithely follow a political ideology based on no facts or studies. I "hate" the politicisation of everything being done in this city using the GOP playbook and policies forged on high from think tanks funded by ALEC.
Costa Mesa First formed to fight Righeimer and promote our native son Chris McEvoy, because we saw this coming. We saw Righeimer move into this city and immediately establish a GOP foothold over policies. We witnessed his duplicitous stance supporting the private sale of the public Fairgrounds and his close ties with Ellis.We watched him attack private homeowners and the working class with draconian rules against pick up trucks in driveways.We witnessed his disregard of rules and laws designed to ensure open governance and proper procedures designed to protect the public.
Blame me for many things, but in regards to the Costa Mesa First PAC all that does is remind everyone that "WE TOLD YOU SO".

8/22/2011 06:26:00 AM  
Anonymous PTA MOM said...

Pot Stirer- Keep on stiring. I think you have all these creeps on the run. They wouldn't be sending all their comments if it wasn't to counter what you and the rest of us are pointing out. I read the CM Press last night and have no doubt the author is one and the same as all those who write here. Did you notice that he won't let you respond to him? Imagine the comments he would hear from the communtiy...wow. Maybe it would give him a wake up call and he would quit.

8/22/2011 08:01:00 AM  
Blogger The Pot Stirrer said...

Gericault,
The attacks are not unexpected... comes with the turf.

Your points are well-taken. It's a shame that folks didn't listen to us, huh? What might have been...

8/22/2011 08:31:00 AM  
Blogger The Pot Stirrer said...

PTA Mom,
I suspect our racist laureate over at the CM Press hears PLENTY from the community - he just doesn't publish those comments. He picks and chooses from those submitted and probably "submits" some of the comments on his blog himself, to make it appear that he actually has a following.

As to him quitting... not a chance. He's been at this for more than a decade, spewing more bile than one would have thought possible. Who would have thought that he'd find so many ways to spout his "if it ain't white, it ain't right" mantra? Of course, he is a member of Mensa - he tells us. He's such an unhappy guy that I almost feel sorry for him. Almost... Sometimes I think he needs to spend about a week with Richard Simmons to help him turn that old frown upside down. :-) :-)

8/22/2011 08:37:00 AM  
Anonymous unanimous said...

Sanderson: i also LOVE the OCGOP. Thanks for your kind comments, you are definitely another HATER of anyone who disagrees with you and have to resort to personal attacks. You're a Hater and are so sick you don't even know it. You think it is normal.

8/22/2011 09:01:00 AM  
Blogger Joe said...

Riggspeak:

"Hater":
Anyone in Costa Mesa who prefers democracy and following the law over the extremist agenda.

8/22/2011 09:32:00 AM  
Anonymous Dan Sanderson said...

Unanimous: You aren't. I suggest you go back and read your own posts and see who is the person who projects hatred, just like the one you just sent to me. At least I use my own name and don't hide like you do.
I don't hate you, I feel sorry for your not being able to stand up and be yourself. You are not unanimous, you are simply, alone...

8/22/2011 09:59:00 AM  
Blogger feral390 said...

Does it make me a "hater" if.....?
I HATE Riggy,the chest bumping non elected one,the bever,our kilt wearing fool of a pretend mayor,baugh,moorlach,the OCGOP,the joke organization costa mesa taxpayers association,the republican funded attack on the working class,city planning commissioners (especially stool sample Jimmy Fitzy)the parks commisions stance on outlawing small groups of kids playing in a park,the loss of ABLE, a "restructured" police force,layoffs,outsourcing,downsizing,consultants,interim staff,$3000 a week spinmasters,the term unfunded liability,the city acting as an HOA,political cronyism,everyone who voted for riggy,parading kids at council meetings and then crying to leave the kids out of it,pretending to be transparent, and above all... the catch phrase "kicking the can down the road"

8/22/2011 10:24:00 AM  
Anonymous clear as mud said...

feral 390, i agree with you 100%!! id like to add: jewel encrusted badges and stink eyes!

8/22/2011 12:32:00 PM  
Anonymous Dan Sanderson said...

Since I am old and have some time on my hands, I compiled a partial list of AKA's used by our own "Wicked Bigot of the North". Here are a few. Some reoccurring and some used but once:
Unanimous, Unanimous AKA___, I'de Like You To Know, What Have You Done For Us Lately, No Conspiracy Here, RickandJenn, Showing Up Late For The Party, Vicki, Geoof is the Leader of the Council Hater Band, Rocky Road, NB Makes the Right Choice, Like Talking to a Drunk, Put Wendy on TV...Dare You, Not Surprised, ooh Danny Boy, ajay, Grant Street...Move, Nick is a Thug, Some Serious Suggestions, Nick Makes $208k a Year, Beth, What's Up, Robert the Drake, If Horses Could Talk, The Armory Property, Bye Bye Gericult.
All of these posts are from the same person over just the past couple of days. There are amny more. The only reason Unanimous thinks they are unanimous is that all of him agree with all the rest of him......That makes it unanimous.

8/22/2011 01:36:00 PM  
Anonymous Grant Street said...

Dan, you nailed it. A turd by any other name is still a turd.
ood job!!

8/22/2011 04:00:00 PM  
Anonymous Not Surprised said...

Dan and Geoff...I have to apologize if I came across as one of the aliases of the "Wicked Bigot of the North," I totally support the employees and their quest for justice. I am not a supporter of the council majority, especially Righeimer. I will be more careful how I direct my comments in the future.

8/22/2011 08:38:00 PM  
Anonymous I will take a giver... said...

So Wendy was actually contributing to the city with sales tax revenue while the boys were doing nothing that contributes to city coffers, in fact they were taking from it, but she is going to get heat? Bogus, sounds like she was the better councilperson that day.

8/22/2011 09:05:00 PM  
Anonymous heart4costamesa said...

Thanks Pot-Stirrer for keeping the stew fresh.

I too have been fascinated by the CMCEA/City Manager letters back and forth. I'm gonna guess Tom doesn't write all his own letters either. Some from the CMCEA have been terrific pieces of prose. If the City’s are written by Duarte then appearances had me fooled. I didn’t think he had it in him. Interesting how Hatch has deliberately minimized the importance of a “mere” policy even while the City hastens to comply. Although no council members will be part of the committees, their presence will be felt, I am afraid, through Mr. Hatch. Chief Stavely hit it on the head when he said Tom has the ability to be a great City Manager, but not with this bunch in charge. C’mon Tom. Remember what a City Manager does. You manage the City, looking out for what’s best for the residents, the employees, everyone; not just taking orders from a self-styled Board of Directors.

I think not all RFP”s have been recalled, just some that were faulty in contents. Haste does make waste. The City still contends they have the right to proceed to solicit and evaluate outsourcing bids, but cannot act until the legal issues are resolved. I wish this were a restart. I doubt it’s a legit one. I’d love wrong on that! But I think as soon as they perceive an opening, they will pull the trigger again, without ever having bothered to get ready or take careful aim.

And I am not at all tired of all the Cancel the Layoff signs. There are more every week, it’s cool how people choose to express themselves this way. Whenever another pops up in someone’s front yard it means that another citizen, taxpayer, voter is expressing how they feel about the actions of this Council Majority, and wasn’t afraid to do it.

8/23/2011 12:43:00 AM  
Blogger The Pot Stirrer said...

heart4costamesa,
I'm not sure about the "Hatch" letters - I know he was on vacation when at least one of them was composed. They have a firm feel to them - more than previous "Hatch" communications. Maybe that's just evolution in a stressful time.

It's my understanding that the three RFPs that had been released under the "outsourcing" plan have, in fact, been recalled and will be reviewed by the Contracting Committees for each before being re-issued - if that is what is determined by the committee to be the proper course of action. The "jail" RFP is being reviewed - today, as a matter of fact - by the committee. At least, this will be the first such meeting on that RFP.

You mentioned Chief Staveley. He's a fine guy, with a wealth of experience and a clarity of expression rare in local politics these days. I recall watching the tape of Hatch's conversation with the members of the CMPD in which he, Hatch, told them that this council doesn't trust them - or him. That was an astounding admission. It was very shortly after that comment that Staveley stepped up and told the troops just where that bogus 125 headcount came from - two council members on Staveley's first day back as Interim Chief told him that was the number they wanted, period.

8/23/2011 12:57:00 AM  
Anonymous Dan Sanderson said...

Not Surprised: My mistake. Accept my apology. Have a great day.
Dan

8/23/2011 09:43:00 AM  

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