text:
By any normal business metric, the top-paid college basketball coaches in the NCAA are the most overpaid leaders in the U.S.
Take Kentucky's John Calipari, No. 1 on our pay list. He parlayed a run at the national title with the University of Memphis Tigers into an eight-year, $32 million deal. It's good money, sure, but it wouldn't be out of place on the trading floor of any top-tier Wall Street firm or in the executive suite of hundreds of multinational businesses.
But measured against the revenue Calipari generates, his take-home looks outsized. Calipari (who left his two prior college programs--Massachusetts and Memphis--in hot water with the NCAA for alleged violations) pulls down 10% or so of the $35 million to $40 million that his program generates for the university (the entire athletic department generates $72 million a year, the school says). The corporate equivalent for Calipari's pay package would be
In Pictures: The Highest-Paid College Basketball Coaches
Nice work if you can get it, and less rare than you'd think. At least 25 of the 347 Division I college basketball coaches now strolling the sidelines earn $1 million or more annually, not including potential bonuses.
Following Calipari on our pay list are Florida's Billy Donovan (a two-time national title winner), $3.3 million a year; Kansas's Bill Self (a national title in 2008), $3 million a year; and Ohio State's Thad Matta (national runner-up in 2007 and owner of a .749 career winning percentage), $2.5 million a year. University of Louisville's Rick Pitino, one of the most storied names in the game thanks to his run at the University of Kentucky and in the NBA, pulls down $2.25 million a year.
Big-time basketball schools say they have little choice but to shell out big bucks. Keeping a top coach on campus means competing with the pros, where the average salary is $4 million. Calipari and Pitino have both coached there, and Duke's Mike Krzyzewski was once wooed by the New Jersey Nets. Also, consider that much of a coach's income comes through outside sources like television and apparel deals instead of university coffers. Calipari's deal with Kentucky lets the school handle such agreements while guaranteeing his $4 million a year. Other schools choose to guarantee less while allowing the coach to make his own side deals.
Mark Yost, author of Varsity Green, estimates that a March Madness appearance raises alumni giving by an average $450,000 per school, a fifth of a highly paid coach's salary. The 10 highest-paid coaches in college hoops certainly win. Cumulatively, they boast a .735 lifetime winning percentage, 137 NCAA tournament appearances and nine national titles. That accounts for many more millions than they've been paid.
As for Calipari, Kentucky defends its contract with the coach wholeheartedly. "We're in a competitive marketplace," says Kentucky Deputy Athletic Director Rob Mullens. "There is a very thin pool of elite coaches that are movable, and he has all the things that the supporters of this program require."
As CEO of Kentucky basketball, Calipari does endure an exhausting schedule. In addition to games and practices, there's glad handing with corporate sponsors, face time with boosters, charity work and media responsibilities. Few would begrudge him a nice paycheck. But a 10th of his program's revenues? Only in his line of work does a CEO get that kind of deal.


text:
i consider myself an advancing player: stronger then intermediates but still far away from expertise
IMPsOpps play 2/1
How does this violate our Community Guidelines?
Select a reason and click "Flag Post" to flag this for review. You may provide an optional (required if choosing other) description of why you find this objectionable. You may also wish to send a private message to to request him or her to edit or remove the .
Email or username:
Log In
Forgot your password?
Benefits include:
Plus... it's free!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Prior to my surgery my friend Alicia contacted me to see if I was at all interested in speaking at an event the Minneapolis Junior League was presenting on Saturday, February 12.
The Minneapolis Junior League was holding their Leadership and Latte Day: Your Heart, Health and Happiness. The facilitator wanted to bring to the agenda a piece that would cover diet and exercise as preventative medicine for heart disease; presented by either a nutritionist, personal trainer/therapist with fitness focus or combination expert.
I hadn't had any contact with the MJL prior to this event and was a bit apprehensive to accept, simply because this event was out of my comfort zone as I typically speak to running groups. We have the common bond; running. I didn't know what I may have in common with this group. I knew they were a professional group of women who volunteered their time to benefit women and children. I didn't know how I would I would feel 2.5 weeks post surgery, another reason for my apprehension.
I did decide, yes, I would do this. I know that it is good for me to stretch out of my comfort zone and good for me to connect with others. I do enjoy sharing my story.
I was still very apprehensive.
As the week of the presentation neared I learned that I would be part of presentation that consisted of two other speakers. Dr. Joyce Wahr, a cardiac anesthesiologist as well as adjunct professor at the University of Michigan, would be speaking before me relating to the risk factors, gender data and preventative measures of woman's heart disease. After her segment Krista Post, Psychologist, would be speaking. I would be the final speaker. Now I was real apprehensive.
I entered the Excelsior and Grand Clubhouse and introduced myself to many of the women. They were very warm and very welcoming. I learned that 61 women had reserved a seat for the event. I was directed to place my literature upon the table for the members attending. As I reached for the agenda I was shaking with nervousness.
Dr. Joyce Wahr delivered a great presentation. I learned very much from her as she spoke about women and heart disease. We had a break and Krista then spoke about the components of emotional well-being. There was no break between Krista and I. I was introduced "Julie will share with us an inspirational story of how one woman has embraced life-changing habits to lead to a more heart healthy life" and up to the front of the banquet room I went.
I looked into the eyes of the women, I began to deliver my presentation. During my presentations I don't hold any notes, I don't use the projector or power point, I don't use photos. I speak from my heart. Just myself and my audience. I spoke to these women about how I changed my life..one step at a time and how those baby steps led to lifestyle changes. Big lifestyle changes. It is a very personal history and one I enjoy sharing very much.
The women laughed with me, they even cried with me. At the end of my presentation they asked many questions and let me know that I did in fact inspire and motivate them. I was asked if I was willing to speak at upcoming events. I've received phone calls and email to see if I will schedule other speaking engagements.
I enjoyed myself so much. I love to share of myself in this way. To let others know that yes, you can change your behaviors, today, to live a healthier lifestyle. It isn't too late. You do get another chance!
I'm going to run with this, to polish my speaking, to accept these speaking engagements, to share myself with others. It's an offer I don't want to refuse.


text:
Hi, I've been working on my game for a while now, and I've started making levels. Unfortunately, when I have a lot of tiles on screen, some tiles will lag behind on updating the position they're drawn on by a frame. Reducing the frame rate doesn't help this, so is there any solution that doesn't involve making the tile size bigger?
Also in case you're wondering, they're drawn at x-Frame.sx, y-Frame,sy. With Frame.sx and sy being the scroll value.


text:
Results 1 to 5 of 5
Thread: Johnny Unitas name trademarked?
Johnny Unitas name trademarked?
I'm a Towson grad and get their alumni mag, Towson. Reading through it, I find the ad for the homecoming game against Hofstra on Oct 13. It reads "Join us at Johnny Unitas R Stadium for the Homecoming Football game."
(the "R" is supposed to be the registered trademark name but don't know how to get special characters into posts.)
I'm guessing his son did this, so he has to get a royalty payment whenever his name is used?
I'm also guessing Johnny himself would not approve."I used to be disgusted, now I try to be amused" - Elvis Costello
10-01-2007, 09:09 PM #2Pro Bowl Poster
- Join Date
- Aug 2006
- Posts
- 1,005
Re: Johnny Unitas name trademarked?
No, you can't trademark a name that's just a personal name. There, usually, has to be something else. ie: Billy Bob's Plywood. Billy Bob by itself typically isn't going to work.
....fyi that's not legal advice blah blah blah.
Re: Johnny Unitas name trademarked?
Towson Tigers Facilities"I used to be disgusted, now I try to be amused" - Elvis Costello
01-22-2008, 11:51 PM #4Rookie Poster
- Join Date
- Jan 2007
- Location
- Jacksonville, Fl
- Posts
- 8
Re: Johnny Unitas name trademarked?
The above link will show you what names associated with Unitas are trademarked and which one have been in the past.
Re: Johnny Unitas name trademarked?
Of course you can trademark a name. Try using "elvis's" name or any celebrity name without their permission.
Here is an article from 2003 when Towson wanted to name the stadium for him (which the did):
"Beyond even a name, celebrities can trademark their iconic style or shape. Michael Jordan, for example, owns the right to the silhouette of a man rising, splay-legged, preparing to dunk a basketball, used for his Nike sneakers. A person drawn in that shape is essentially assumed to be Jordan, said Clark C. Griffith, a Minneapolis sports marketing attorney. Griffith's father owned the Twins baseball team from 1961 to 1984, and his great-uncle was a pivotal figure in baseball history and namesake for old Griffith Stadium in Washington -- "before naming rights paid," Griffith said."Season ticket holder since 1996 Section 148 Tailgate Lot H
See my photos and video at www.bmoreravens.com


text:
FDA rejects petition to ban BPA in food packaging
(CBS/AP) BPA, the chemical found in food packaging that has been tied to all sorts of health risks, appears to be here to stay.
PICTURES: BPA for lunch? 6 kid-friendly canned foods that flunked test
PICTURES: BPA: 7 Secret Sources
BPA tied to behavior problems in girls, but how about boys?
The Food and Drug Administration has rejected a petition from environmentalists that would have banned the plastic-hardening chemical all food and drink packaging, including plastic bottles and canned food.
The agency said Friday that petitioners did not present compelling scientific evidence to justify new restrictions on the oft-debated chemical, though federal scientists will continue to study the issue.
The Natural Resources Defense Council's petition was the latest move by public safety advocates to prod regulators into taking action against the chemical, which is found in everything from CDs to canned food to dental sealants. The NRDC petitioned the FDA in 2008 to ban BPA as a food additive, including all uses in food or beverage packaging. Petitions on various safety issues are routinely filed by advocacy groups, companies and even individuals. When the FDA failed to respond within the required time-frame, the group sued the agency. In December the FDA said it will rule on BPA use in food by the end of March, HealthPop reported.
About 90 percent of Americans have traces of BPA in their bodies, mainly because it leaches out of bottles, canned food and other food containers.
A study last November found people who eat a serving of canned soup for five consecutive days could raise their urinary BPA levels by a whopping 1,000 percent.
Some scientists believe exposure to BPA can harm the reproductive and nervous systems, particularly in babies and small children, potentially leading to cancer and other diseases. They point to results from dozens of BPA studies in rodents and other animals.
But FDA reiterated in its response that that those findings cannot be applied to humans. The agency said the studies cited by NRDC were often too small to be conclusive. In other cases they involved researchers injecting BPA into animals, whereas humans ingest the chemical through their diet over longer periods of time. The agency also said that humans digest and eliminate BPA much more quickly than rats and other lab animals.
"While evidence from some studies have raised questions as to whether BPA may be associated with a variety of health effects, there remain serious questions about these studies, particularly as they relate to humans," the agency said in its response.
The agency's official position is that there is "some concern" about BPA's effects on young children. The government is spending $30 million to conduct additional studies on the chemical's impact on humans. Several federal studies published in the last two years suggest that even human embryos retain far less BPA than other animals.
Last October, a studyof pregnant women found BPA exposure while in the womb may disrupt fetal brain development, leading to behavior problems in young girls.
Many companies have already responded to consumer demand by removing BPA from their products. In 2008, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Toys "R" Us said they began phasing out bottles, sippy cups and other children's items containing BPA. By the end of 2009, the six leading makers of baby bottles in the U.S. went BPA-free. Earlier this month Campbell's Soup said it would begin removing BPA from its most popular soups, though it did not set a time frame.
But the vast majority of canned goods in the U.S. are still sealed with resin that contains BPA to prevent contamination and spoiling. Canned food manufacturers have used the chemicals since the 1950s, and the practice is approved by the FDA. The chemical industry says BPA is the safest, most effective sealant.
Some manufacturers have begun switching to alternatives. Heinz reportedly uses BPA-free coatings for its Nurture baby formula cans, and ConAgra and General Mills say they have switched to alternative sealants for some canned tomatoes.
The federal government has been grappling with the safety of BPA for more than four years. The FDA revised its opinion on BPA in 2010 saying there is "some concern" about the chemical's impact on the brain and reproductive system of infants, babies and young children. Previously the agency said the trace amounts of BPA that leach out of food containers are not dangerous.
While older children and adults quickly eliminate the chemical through their kidneys, newborns and infants can retain it for longer. Scientists pushing for a ban on the chemical argue that BPA mimics the effects of the hormone estrogen, interfering with growth.


text: Kidpower Teenpower Fullpower International is a global nonprofit leader dedicated to protecting people of all ages and abilities from bullying, violence, and abuse by empowering them with awareness, knowledge, and skills. Since, 1989, Kidpower has served millions of children, teenagers, and adults, including those with special needs, through its positive and practical workshops, extensive free online Library, consultation, and publications. Instead of using fear to teach about danger, Kidpower makes it fun to learn to be safe! Our K-12 curriculum is used by families, schools, and youth organizations for their own child safety programs. Publications include: Bullying: What Adults Need to Know and Do to Keep Kids Safe, the Relationship Safety Skills Handbook for Teens and Adults, The Kidpower Book for Caring Adults: Personal Safety, Self-Protection, Confidence, and Advocacy for Young People, and our cartoon-illustrated Safety Comics series and Introductory Curriculum for Educators.


text:
What's On
At Seven we aim to bring the best in local and regional performing arts, and great talent from further afield, plus a diverse range of interesting and entertaining films from all over the world.
For many events, tickets are available from TicketSource. Just click on the link on the event. Where not sold out, tickets are always available on the door. Please note that in the event of a sell out tickets may be sold on if not claimed by the start of the performance.


text:
Attract top talent who prefer working for small companies. There are big company people and small company people -- your job is to find the ones that are naturally attracted to your environment. A sharp young woman recently told me that she and her friends made a pact after college that they would not "sell out" by working for big companies. Working for a big company can be terrific for the right person, but the fact is there are many people who prefer a smaller work environment. Actively promote the fact that you are "a small company that does big-time projects," or something similar. Don't try to hide the fact that you are small (it won't work anyway.) Instead, emphasize to candidates the clients whom you serve and the quality of the work that you do.
Let your company culture come through in your job postings. Typically, small companies have a more laid-back, less corporate work environment. If that is true for you, let that "un-corporate" attitude come through in your job postings as part of your recruiting strategy. For example, a client of mine in the kitchen and bath industry posted a job opening for a designer. In the ad, they described themselves as a company that designed "award-winning, high-end kitchens and baths while not taking ourselves too seriously." Then, they described their ideal candidate as follows:
"You know how to design kitchens and baths and are darn good at it. You can sell what you design (that seems obvious but you would be surprised.) You like people and they like you. You are a good problem solver and you can prove it. You care about where you work and the people you work with."
This is a great job description because it clearly describes the profile of this company's ideal candidate and does it in a non-reverent tone that captures their culture. You should strive for an appropriate tone in your postings on Monster. Be clear about what you want in job applicants while using the tone of your posting to attract people who will do well in your environment and culture.
Use the interview process to play up your work environment. I once referred a young salesperson to a client of mine as a job applicant. The salesperson worked for a big company. The President of the client company, a smaller franchisor, set up the interview himself. He arranged to meet the salesperson at a local coffee shop, and told him that he would be the guy "wearing shorts and riding a Harley." You can imagine how much that appealed to this 25-year-old. Here he was stuck working in a corporate bureaucracy while other people were running companies and riding their motorcycle to work. It was a powerful, non-verbal way for my client to communicate the advantages of his small-company culture.
This doesn't mean you have to head to your local motorcycle dealership (unless you want to). Use your own authentic, distinctive characteristics to appeal to applicants. Let them experience you and your company, and see who responds to your culture. The people who respond positively are likely the ones who will fit your company best.
Provide flexibility. The world is filled with people who are looking for flexible work arrangements. There are seasoned A-players in all professions -- salespeople, attorneys, CPAs, and consultants just to mention a few -- who would do anything for a job that lets them use their skills and still have a life outside of work. Design a role for these people, let everyone in your network know about it, and see if you get any A-player referrals. Remember that time and flexibility can be more important to people than working for a big company. If you design and promote different roles with this in mind, you will be pleasantly surprised at the quality of people you can attract.
Pay and benefits. If you want to compete for A-player talent when making a job offer, you have to offer competitive pay and benefits. However, there is a difference between being in the ballpark and matching the benefits of the Fortune 500. Put the best plan that you can afford in place for compensation, health insurance, retirement, vacation, and associated areas. If a job candidate puts together a spreadsheet to compare your dental coverage to that of a Fortune 500 company, you likely won't be able to beat them. Don't worry about it; move on and find other people who are the right fit for your environment.
Hiring takeaway: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. For many A-players, small is beautiful. Work hard to find A-players. Actively promote the advantages of your smaller-company culture. Get creative about things like flexible work arrangements. Be competitive about benefits but don't worry about matching bigger companies in everything. Your job is to promote your advantages to a wide number of candidates so the people who prefer your kind of culture and work environment can step forward.


text:
This is not an offer for credit and should be used for estimation purposes only based on the information you provided. You should not base your decision on this estimate alone. Title, registration, tax and other fees, and personal circumstances such as employment status and personal credit history, were not considered in the calculations.
The range of GasGas children's motorcycles has been completely renewed with the launch of the Kids 'Two' enduro. New models that sport a removable battery and update their image so as to continue being the best formula of initiation of the youngest riders to the world of two wheels.
There are hobbies that are transmitted from parents to children, from grandparents to grandchildren, creating invisible links between members of a family, united by the same passion: motorcycles.
Front rim - Aluminium 14 x 1.60 in.
Rear rim - Aluminium 12 x 1.85 in.
Front - Michelin Starcross MH3 14 in. 60/100 -14
Rear - Michelin Starcross MH3 80/100-12
70.5 lb. (32 kg)
Maximum pilot - 88.2 lb. (40 kg)
Motor controller - 48V programmable top speed, power, throttle sensivity and regeneration
Power - 600-1,500 W
Front - Hydraulic forkwheel
Front wheel travel - 3.7 in. (95 mm)
Rear - DNM gas shock absorber, preload adjustment
Rear wheel travel - 4.9 in. (125 mm)


text:
Quotes from Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones
Showing all 160 items
- Padmé Amidala: You're not all-powerful, Ani.
- Anakin Skywalker: Well, I should be.
- Obi-Wan: Your clones are very impressive. You must be very proud.
- Jango Fett: I'm just a simple man, trying to make my way in the universe.
- Jango Fett: Do you like your army?
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: I look forward to seeing them in action.
- Jango Fett: They'll do their job well. I'll guarantee that.
- Jango Fett: Always a pleasure to meet a Jedi.
- [while chasing Padme's assassin, Obi-Wan and Anakin track her to a nightclub]
- Anakin Skywalker: Where are you going, Master?
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: For a drink.
- [while Anakin searches the nightclub for the assassin, Obi-Wan sits down at the counter, and the dealer to his right turns to hi]
- Elan Sleazebaggano: You wanna buy some death-sticks?
- [Obi-Wan executes the Jedi Mind Trick]
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: You don't want to sell me death sticks.
- Elan Sleazebaggano: Ah, I don't want to sell you death sticks.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: You want to go home and rethink your life.
- Elan Sleazebaggano: I want to go home and rethink my life.
- [Elan leaves. The assassin closes in on Obi-Wan, but just before she can shoot him, he turns around and uses his lightsaber to c]
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: Why do I get the feeling you're going to be the death of me?
- Anakin Skywalker: Easy... Jedi business. Go back to your drinks.
- Anakin Skywalker: Don't say that Master... You're the closest thing I have to a father... I love you. I don't want to cause you pain.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: Then why don't you listen to me?
- Anakin Skywalker: I try, Master.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: Can you see him?
- Anakin Skywalker: I think he's a she... and I think she's a Changeling.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: In that case be extra careful. Go and find her.
- [He heads towards the bar]
- Palpatine: Master Jedi, may I suggest the Senator be placed under the protection of your graces.
- Sen. Bail Organa: You really think that is a wise decision during these stressful times?
- Padme: Chancellor, if I may comment, I do not believe...
- Palpatine: The situation is that serious? Oh, but I do, Senator. I realize all too well that additional security might be disruptive for you, but... perhaps someone you're familiar with. An old friend, like... Master Kenobi.
- Obi-Wan: Anakin, may the force be with you.
- Anakin: May the force be with you, Master.
- Yoda: Senator Amidala, your tragedy on the landing platform, terrible. Seeing you alive brings warm feelings to my heart.
- Yoda: But for certain, Senator, in grave danger you are.
- Anakin: We will find out who's trying to kill you, Padmé. I promise you.
- Obi-Wan: You have made a commitment to the Jedi order, a commitment not easily broken.
- Obi-Wan: Anakin, how many times have I told you to stay away from the power couplings.
- Obi-Wan: Where are you going? He went that way!
- Anakin: Master, if we keep this chase going any longer that creep is gonna end up deep fried. And personally, I'd very much like to find out who he is, and who he's working for. This is a short cut... I think.
- Obi-Wan: Well, you've lost him!
- Anakin: She went into the club, master.
- Obi-Wan: Patience. Use the force. Think.
- Yoda: Track down this bounty hunter, you must, Obi-Wan.
- Mace Windu: Anakin, escort the Senator back to her planet of Naboo. She'll be safter there. And don't use registered transport. Travel as refugees.
- Yoda: Until caught this killer is, our judgment she must respect.
- Yoda: The council is confident in its decision, Obi-Wan.
- Mace Windu: The boy has exceptional skills.
- Obi-Wan: But he still has much to learn, Master. His abilities have made him... well arrogant.
- Yoda: Yes. Yes. A flaw more and more common among Jedi. Too sure of themselves they are. Even the older, more experienced ones.
- Obi-Wan: Anakin, don't do anything without consulting either myself or the Council.
- Anakin: Attachment is forbidden. Possession is forbidden. Compassion, which I would define as unconditional love, is essential to a Jedi's life. So you might say, that we are encouraged to love.
- Yoda: Dangerous and disturbing this puzzle is. Only a Jedi could have erased those files. But who, and why, harder to answer. Meditate on this I will.
- Anakin: It doesn't have to be that way. We could keep it a secret.
- Padme: We'd be living a lie. One we couldn't keep, even if we wanted to. I couldn't do that. Could you, Anakin? Could you live like that?
- Yoda: Do not assume anything Obi-Wan. Clear your mind must be if you are to discover the real villains behind this plot.
- Yoda: Bring him here. Question him we will.
- Mas Amedda: This is a crisis. The Senate must vote to give the chancellor emergency powers. He can then approve the creation of an army without a vote.
- Palpatine: But what senator would have the courage to propose such a radical amendment?
- Mas Amedda: If only Senator Amidala where here.
- Yoda: Around the survivors a perimeter create.
- Yoda: If Dooku escapes, rally more systems to his cause we will.
- Yoda: Concentrate all your fire on the nearest starship.
- Count Dooku: The force is with us, Master Sidious.
- Darth Sidious: Welcome home Lord Tyranus. You have done well.
- Padme: I do not like this idea of hiding.
- Anakin: Sometimes we must do what is requested of us.
- Padme: Do you have any idea who's behind these attacks?
- Anakin: I've heard this lesson before.
- Obi-Wan: You haven't learned anything, Anakin.
- Anakin: Someday I will be the most powerful Jedi ever.
- Anakin: Excuse me, I'm in charge of security here, milady.
- Jango Fett: We must stop them before they're ready.
- Mace Windu: Protect the senator at all costs.
- [Assassin Zam Wesell meets her employer, Jango Fett, outside in a back alley on Coruscant]
- Zam Wesell: I hit the ship, but they used a decoy.
- Jango Fett: We'll have to try something more subtle this time, Zam. My client is getting impatient. Take these...
- [Jango gives Zam a container of venomous Kouhons]
- Jango Fett: Be careful. They're very poisonous.
- [as Zam starts to leave]
- Jango Fett: Zam, there can be no mistakes this time!
- [after Obi-Wan injures Zam inside the Night Club, Anakin and Obi-Wan drag her out into the alley to interrogate her]
- [Zam is suddenly shot in the neck by a toxic dart; Anakin and Obi-Wan see a "rocket-man" take off and fly away, and Zam dies]
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: Do you know who it was you were trying to kill?
- Zam Wesell: It was a Senator from Naboo.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: And who hired you?
- Zam Wesell: It was just a job.
- Anakin Skywalker: Who hired you? Tell us.
- [Zam stays silent; Anakin raises his tone with anger]
- Anakin Skywalker: Tell us now!
- Zam Wesell: It was a bounty hunter called...
- Padme: You'll be fine.
- DormÈ: It's not me, M'lady. I'm worried about you. What if they realize you left the capital?
- [regarding Anakin]
- Padme: Well, then my Jedi protector will have to prove how good he is.
- Obi-Wan: I was beginning to wonder if you'd got my message.
- Anakin: I retransmitted it to Coruscant, just as you'd requested, Master. Then we decided to come and rescue you.
- [looks at his handcuffed hands]
- Obi-Wan: Good job.
- C-3PO: I've had the most peculiar dream.
- [Yoda is training children to be Jedi at the Jedi Temple. Obi-Wan comes in and explains he's looking for a planet]
- Yoda: Mmm. Lost a planet, Master Obi-Wan has. How embarrassing. How embarrassing. Find it, we will try.
- [Pointing to a spot in the star hologram]
- Obi-Wan: This is where it ought to be, but it isn't. Gravity is pulling all the stars in this area inward to this spot. There should be a star here, but there isn't.
- Yoda: Most interesting. Gravity's silhouette remains, but the star and all its planets have disappeared. How can this be?
- [One of the children raises his hand]
- J.K. Burtola: Because someone erased it from the archive memory.
- [All of the children]
- Jedi Bear Clan: That's right! Yes! That's what happened! Someone erased it!
- Mari Amithest: If the planet blew up, the gravity would go away.
- Yoda: Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is. Uncluttered. To the center of the pull of gravity go, and find your planet you will.
- Obi-Wan: But Master Yoda, who could have erased information from the archives? That's impossible, isn't it?
- [Frowning]
- Yoda: Much harder to answer, that question is.
- Yoda: Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is.
- Obi-Wan: Why do I get the feeling you're going to be the death of me?
- Anakin: Don't say that, master. You're the closest thing I have to a father.
- Anakin: You're the closest thing I have to a father.
- Obi-Wan: Then why don't you listen to me?
- Palpatine: You don't need guidance, Anakin. In time, you will learn to trust your feelings. Then, you will be invincible. I have said it many times, you are the most gifted Jedi I have ever met.
- Anakin: Thank you, Your Excellency.
- Palpatine: I see you becoming the greatest of all the Jedi, Anakin. Even more powerful than Master Yoda.
- [last lines]
- Obi-Wan: I have to admit that without the clones, it would have not been a victory.
- Yoda: Victory? Victory you say? Master Obi-Wan, not victory. The shroud of the dark side has fallen. Begun the Clone War has.
- Anakin: When I'm around you, my mind is no longer my own.
- Mace Windu: This party's over.
- [telling Padme about the Sand People]
- Anakin: I... I killed them. I killed them all. They're dead... every single one of them. And not just the men. But the women... and the children, too. They're like animals, and I slaughtered them like animals! I HATE THEM!
- Obi-Wan: Just relax, concentrate.
- Anakin: What about Padme?
- Obi-Wan: She seems to be on top of things.
- Anakin: I wasn't strong enough to save you mom. I wasn't strong enough, but I promise I won't fail again.
- [R2-D2 is pulling C-3PO's head back towards his body]
- C-3PO: This is such a drag.
- [his head is placed next to his body]
- C-3PO: I'm quite beside myself.
- Obi-Wan: Blast. This is why I hate flying.
- [In the speeder, while chasing the assassin]
- Obi-Wan: You know I don't like it when you do that.
- Anakin: Sorry, master. I forgot that you don't like flying.
- Obi-Wan: I don't mind flying, but what you're doing is suicide.
- Anakin: You're going to pay for all the Jedi that you killed today, Dooku.
- Obi-Wan: We'll take him together. You go in slowly on the left...
- Anakin: No, I'm taking him NOW!
- Obi-Wan: No Anakin, NO!
- Count Dooku: That was brave, boy, but foolish. I would have thought you'd have learned your lesson.
- Anakin: I'm a slow learner.
- Nute Gunray: She can't do that! Shoot her or something!
- Padme: We live in a real world, Ani. Come back to it.
- Anakin: If you are suffering as much as I am, please tell me.
- Padme: I can't... We can't... It's not possible.
- Anakin: Anything is possible, Padme, listen to me.
- Padme: No you listen! We live in a real world, come back to it. You're studying to become a Jedi, I'm... I'm a senator. If you follow your thoughts through to conclusion, it will take us to a place we cannot go, regardless of the way we feel about each other.
- Anakin: Then you do feel something!
- Padme: I will not let you give up your future for me.
- Anakin: You're asking me to be rational. That is something that I know I cannot do. Believe me, I wish I could just wish away my feelings, but I can't.
- Yoda: Clear your mind must be, if you are to discover the real villains behind this plot.
- Anakin: I've got a bad feeling about this.
- C-3PO: Master Owen, may I present two most important visitors?
- Anakin: I'm Anakin Skywalker.
- [intrigued, but wary, tone]
- Owen Lars: Owen Lars. This is my girlfriend, Beru.
- Beru: Hello.
- Padme: I'm Padme.
- Owen Lars: Well... I guess I'm your stepbrother. I had a feeling you might show up someday.
- Anakin: Is my mother here?
- [a one-legged Cliegg Lars appears]
- Cliegg Lars: No, she's not. Cliegg Lars. Shmi is my wife. Come inside, we've got a lot to talk about.
- Anakin: If you'll excuse me Master.
- [Anakin jumps out of the speeder]
- Obi-Wan: I hate it when he does that.
- Padme: Please don't look at me like that.
- Anakin: Why not?
- Padme: Because it makes me feel uncomfortable.
- Anakin: Sorry my lady.
- Palpatine: I will not let this Republic, which has stood for a thousand years, be split in two. My negotiations will not fail.
- Mace Windu: If they do, you must realize there aren't enough Jedi to protect the Republic. We're keepers of the peace, not soldiers.
- Count Dooku: Brave, but, foolish, my old Jedi friend. You are impossibly outnumbered.
- Mace Windu: I don't think so.
- Count Dooku: We'll see.
- Obi-Wan: Be mindful of your thoughts Anakin. They'll betray you.
- Anakin: It's all Obi-Wan's fault. He's jealous. He's holding me back.
- [first title cards]
- Title card/crawl:: A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
- Title card/crawl:: There is unrest in the Galactic Senate. Several thousand solar systems have declared their intentions to leave the Republic. This separatist movement, under the leadership of the mysterious Count Dooku, has made it difficult for the limited number of Jedi Knights to maintain peace and order in the galaxy. Senator Amidala, the former Queen of Naboo, is returning to the Galactic Senate to vote on the critical issue of creating an ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC to assist the overwhelmed Jedi...
- Padme: It must be difficult having sworn your life to the Jedi... not being able to visit the places you like... or do the things you like.
- Anakin: Or be with the people I love.
- Padme: Are you allowed to love? I thought that was forbidden for a Jedi.
- [Anakin and Padme are about to be carted into the arena]
- Anakin: Don't be afraid.
- Padme: I'm not afraid to die. I've been dying a little bit each day since you came back into my life.
- Anakin: What are you talking about?
- Padme: I love you.
- Anakin: You love me? I thought we had decided not to fall in love. That we'd be forced to live a lie and that it would destroy our lives.
- Padme: I think our lives are about to be destroyed anyway. I truly... deeply... love you and before we die I want you to know.
- Obi-Wan: What took you so long?
- Anakin: Well, you know, Master, I couldn't find a speeder that I really liked...
- Obi-Wan: There he is.
- Anakin: ...with an open cockpit and the right speed capabilities.
- Obi-Wan: If you spent as much time practicing your saber techniques as you did your wit, you'd rival Master Yoda as a swordsman.
- Anakin: I thought I already did.
- Obi-Wan: Only in your mind, my very young apprentice.
- Count Dooku: It is obvious that this contest cannot be decided by our knowledge of the Force... but by our skills with a lightsaber.
- Anakin: I'm a Jedi.
- Watto: A Jedi. Whaddya know?
- Count Dooku: May I ask why a Jedi Knight is all the way out here on Geonosis?
- Obi-Wan: I'm tracking a bounty hunter named Jango Fett. Do you know him?
- Count Dooku: There are no bounty hunters here that I am aware of. The Geonosians don't trust them.
- Anakin: When I got to them we got into aggressive negotiations.
- Padme: Aggressive negotiations? What's that?
- Anakin: Ah, well, it's negotiations with a lightsaber.
- [With head stuck on a battle droid's body]
- C-3PO: DIE, Jedi dogs. Oh... what did I say?
- [Anakin's lightsaber is broken in half]
- Anakin: Not again. Obi-Wan's going to kill me.
- [Anakin uses his Force levitation to slice a fruit for Padme]
- Anakin: If Obi-Wan caught me doing that, he would be very grumpy.
- Anakin: From the moment I met you, all those years ago, not a day has gone by when I haven't thought of you. And now that I'm with you again... I'm in agony. The closer I get to you, the worse it gets. The thought of not being with you- I can't breath. I'm haunted by the kiss that you should never have given me. My heart is beating... hoping that kiss will not become a scar. You are in my very soul, tormenting me... what can I do?- I will do anything you ask.
- [uncomfortable pause]
- Anakin: ... if you are suffering as much as I am, PLEASE, tell me.
- [about Amidala]
- Anakin: Just being around her again is... intoxicating.
- Padme: We'd be living a lie. I couldn't do that. Could you Ani?
- Yoda: Blind we are, of creation of this clone army we could not see.
- Mace Windu: I think it is time we inform the senate that our ability to use the force has diminished.
- Yoda: Only a Dark Lord of the Sith knows of our weakness. If informed the senate is, multiply our adversaries will.
- [observing the battle droid assembly line]
- C-3PO: Oh my goodness! Shut me down. Machines building machines. How perverse.
- Padme: All mentors have a way of seeing more of our faults than we would like. It's the only way we grow.
- Padme: Sometimes there are things no one can fix.
- Padme: Ani? My goodness, you've grown.
- Anakin: So have you, grown more beautiful... for a senator, I mean.
- Padme: Ani, you'll always be that little boy I knew on Tatooine.
- C-3PO: He says he has a message from an Obi-Wan Kenobi, Master Anakin. Do you know what he's talking about?
- [as he realizes the man he just pushed off a building is still attached to him]
- Obi-Wan: Oh, not good.
- [to Pademe]
- Anakin: Oh don't worry, I've given up trying to argue with you.
- Obi-Wan: They are using a bounty hunter named Jango Fett to create a clone army.
- [thinking Obi-Wan's starfighter has been destroyed]
- Jango Fett: Well, we won't be seeing him again.
- [laughs]
- Boba Fett: Yeah.
- Count Dooku: Master Windu, you have fought gallantly. Worthy of recognition in the archives of the Jedi Order. Now... it is finished.
- [to Obi-Wan]
- Count Dooku: As you can see, my Jedi powers are far beyond yours. Now, back down.
- [shoots Sith lighting at Obi-Wan who blocks it with his lightsaber]
- Obi-Wan: I don't think so.
- Palpatine: Master Yoda. Do you really think it will come to war?
- Yoda: The dark side clouds everything. Impossible to see the future is.
- Yoda: To the forward command center take me.
- C-3PO: What's all this? A battle? There must be some mistake! I'm programmed for etiquette, not destruction!
- Yoda: Powerful you have become Dooku, the dark side I sense in you.
- Count Dooku: I have become more powerful than any Jedi. Even you.
- [Dooku shoots Sith lighting at Yoda who effortlessly deflects it away]
- Yoda: Much to learn, you still have.
- Anakin: Jedi business. Go back to your drinks.
- Count Dooku: Geonosians don't trust bounty hunters.
- Obi-Wan: Well, who can blame them?
- Anakin: One day, I will become the greatest Jedi EVER. I will even learn how to stop people from dying.
- Padme: We used to come here for school retreat. We would swim to that island every day. I love the water. We used to lie out on the sand and let the sun dry us and try to guess the names of the birds singing.
- Anakin: I don't like sand. It's coarse and rough and irritating and it gets everywhere. Not like here. Here everything is soft and smooth.
- Obi-Wan: You're sweating.
- Count Dooku: You must join me, Obi-Wan, and together we will destroy the Sith!
- Obi-Wan: I will never join you.
- Padme: To be angry is to be human.
- Anakin: I'm a Jedi. I can be better than this.
- Mace Windu: What is it?
- Yoda: Pain, suffering, death I feel. Something terrible has happened. Young Skywalker is in pain. Terrible pain.
- Anakin: You call this a diplomatic solution?
- Padme: No, I call it aggressive negotiations.
- C-3PO: For a mechanic, you seem to do an incessant amount of thinking.
- Count Dooku: What if I told you that the Republic was now under the control of a dark lord of the Sith?
- Obi-Wan: No, that's not possible. The Jedi would sense it.
- Count Dooku: The Dark Side has clouded their vision. Hundreds of senators are now under the influence of a Sith lord called Darth Sidious.
- Obi-Wan: I don't believe you.
- Count Dooku: I have good news for you, my lord. War has begun.
- Darth Sidious: Excellent. Everything is going as planned.
- Anakin: You're asking me to be rational. I know that is something I cannot do.
- [Padme says that she believes Count Dooku is behind the attacks on her life]
- Ki-Adi-Mundi: He is a political idealist, not a murderer.
- Mace Windu: You know, m'lady, that Count Dooku was once a Jedi. He couldn't assassinate anyone. It's not in his character.
- Jar Jar Binks: Senators. Dellow feligates...
- Obi-Wan: I will never join you, Dooku.
- Count Dooku: It may be difficult to secure your release.
- Obi-Wan: Well that's Anakin's tracking signal, all right. But it's coming from Tatooine. What the blazes is he doing there? I told him to stay on Naboo.
- [while pursuing Count Dooku, a laserblast knocks Padme out of the gunship]
- Anakin: I don't care! Put the ship down!
- Obi-Wan: You will be expelled from the Jedi order!
- Anakin: I CAN'T LEAVE HER!
- Obi-Wan: COME TO YOUR SENSES! What do you think Padme would do were she in your position?
- [pause]
- Anakin: She would do her duty.
- Anakin: PADME!
- [to pilot]
- Anakin: Put the ship down!
- Obi-Wan: Anakin! Don't let your personal feelings get in the way!
- [to pilot]
- Obi-Wan: Follow that speeder.
- Anakin: Lower the ship!
- Obi-Wan: I can't take Dooku alone! I need you! If we catch him, we can end this war right now! We have a job to do!
- Obi-Wan: And don't forget, she's a politician, and they're *not* to be trusted.
- Obi-Wan: These Kaminos, are they friendly?
- Dexter Jettster: That depends.
- Obi-Wan: Depends on what Dex?
- Dexter Jettster: On how well your manners are, and how big your pocketbook is.
- Obi-Wan: I hope he doesn't try anything foolish.
- Captain Typho: I'd be more concerned about *her* doing something than him.
- Dexter Jettster: This baby belongs to them cloners. What you got here is a Kamino Saberdart.
- Obi-Wan: I wonder why it didn't show up in the analysis archives.
- Dexter Jettster: It's these funny little cuts on the side that give it away. Those analysis droids only focus on symbols. Huh! I should think that you Jedi would have more respect for the difference between knowledge and... heh heh heh... wisdom.
- Obi-Wan: Well if droids could think, there'd be none of us here, would there?
- Queen Jamillia: We have to keep our faith in the Republic. The day we stop believing democracy can work is the day we lose it.
- Padme: Let's pray that day never comes.
- Palpatine: And as my first act with this new authority, I will create a grand army of the Republic to counter the increasing threats of the Separatists.
- [points his gun at Anakin]
- Jango Fett: Don't move, Jedi. Take him away!
- Mace Windu: We will not be hostages to be bartered, Dooku.
- Palpatine: It is with great reluctance that I have agreed to this calling. I love democracy. I love the Republic. Once this crisis has abated, I will lay down the powers you have given me!
- Padme: You're making fun of me!
- Anakin: Oh, no, I'd be too frightened to tease a senator!
- Anakin: Mem boshka de Shmi Skywalker.
- [I'm looking for Shmi Skywalker]
- Watto: Ani? Little Ani? It is you!
- [first lines]
- Naboo lieutenant: Senator, we're making our final approach into Coruscant.
- CordÈ: Very good, Lieutenant.
- Gov. Sio Bibble: It's outrageous! After four trials in the Supreme Court, Nute Gunray is still the viceroy of the Trade Federation! I feel the Senate is powerless to resolve this crisis.
- [Jango Fett is trying to destroy Obi-wan's ship]
- Boba Fett: Get him, Dad, get him. Fire!
- [Cliegg Lars is telling Anakin about what happened to Shmi]
- Cliegg Lars: It was just before dawn. They came out of nowhere. A hunting party of Tusken Raiders. Your mother had gone out early, like she always did, to pick mushrooms that grow on the vaporators. From the tracks, she was about halfway home when they took her. Those Tuskens walk like men, but they're vicious, mindless monsters. Thirty of us went out after her. Four of us came back. I'd be with them, only... after I lost my leg I just couldn't ride any more... until I heal. I don't want to give up on her, but she's been gone a month. There's little hope she's lasted this long.
- [Anakin gets up from the table]
- Owen Lars: Where are you going?
- Anakin: To find my mother.
- Cliegg Lars: Your mother's dead, son. Accept it.
- Yoda: Fought well you have, my old Padawan
- Count Dooku: This is just the beginnig!
- Count Dooku: Master Kenobi, you disappoint me. Yoda holds you in such high esteem. Surely you can do better!
- Padme: If the Senate votes to create an army, I'm sure it's going to push us into a civil war.
- Gov. Sio Bibble: It's unthinkable! There hasn't been a full-scale war since the formation of the Republic!
- Queen Jamillia: Do you seen any way to bring the Seperatists back into the Republic through negotations?
- Padme: Not if they feel threatened. My guess is that they will turn to the Trade Federation or even the Commerce Guilds for help.
- Gov. Sio Bibble: It's hard to belive that after four trials in the Supreme Court, Nute Gunray is still the viceroy of the Trade Federation. I feel that the senate is powerless to prevent this crisis from getting any further.
- [returning Anakin's lightsaber]
- Obi-Wan: This weapon is your life.
- [to Anakin]
- C-3PO: The maker has returned!
- Nute Gunray: This is not looking good at all!
- Gilramos Libkath: We must get the starships back into space!
- Obi-Wan: Do you believe what Dooku said about this 'Darth Sidious' controlling the senate? It doesn't feel right.
- Yoda: Joined the Dark Side Dooku has. Lies, deceit, creating mistrust are his ways now.
- Obi-Wan: You look tired.
- Anakin: I haven't had much sleep of late.
- Obi-Wan: Because of your mother?
- [Anakin nods]
- Obi-Wan: ...Dreams pass in time.
- Obi-Wan: It's a great pleasure to see you again, milady.
- Padme: It has been far too long, Master Kenobi. Ani? My goodness you've grown.
- Anakin: So have you. Grown more beautiful, I mean. Well, for a Senator I mean.
- C-3PO: I'm programmed for etiquette, not destruction!
- Obi-Wan: Ever make your way as far into the interior as Coruscant?
- Jango Fett: Once or twice.
- Obi-Wan: Recently?
- Jango Fett: Possibly.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: Captain Typho has more than enough men downstairs. No assassin will try that way. Any activity up here?
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: You're using her as bait?
- Anakin Skywalker: It was her idea... Don't worry, no harm will come to her. I can sense everything going on in that room. Trust me.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: It's too risky... besides, your senses aren't that attuned, young apprentice.
- Anakin Skywalker: And yours are?
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: Possibly.
- [Cuts to a shot of Zam Wesell loading a probe droid and dispatching it. When it cuts back, Anakin and Obi-Wan have moved their c]
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: You look tired.
- Anakin Skywalker: I don't sleep well anymore.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: Because of your mother?
- Anakin Skywalker: I don't know why I keep dreaming about her now. I haven't seen her since I was little.
- Anakin Skywalker: Quiet as a tomb. I don't like just waiting here for something to happen to her.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: Dreams pass in time.
- Anakin Skywalker: I'd rather dream of Padmé. Just being around her again is... intoxicating.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: Be mindful of your thoughts, Anakin, they betray you. You've made a commitment to the Jedi Order... a commitment not easily broken... and don't forget she's a politician. They're not to be trusted.
- [the probe droid cuts a hole into Padme's window. R2 awakens, but when he sees no alarm, he shuts off]
- Anakin Skywalker: She's not like the others in the Senate, Master.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: It's been my experience that Senators are only focused on pleasing those who fund their campaigns... and they are more than willing to forget the niceties of democracy to get those funds.
- Anakin Skywalker: Not another lecture, Master. Not on the economics of politics...
- [They return to the main room]
- Anakin Skywalker: ... and besides, you're generalizing. The Chancellor doesn't appear to be corrupt.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: Palpatine's a politician. I've observed that he is very clever at following the passions and prejudices of the Senators.
- [Obi-Wan checks a palm-sized view scanner he has pulled out of his utility belt. It views R2D2, over by the door, but no sign of]
- [R2 sounds an alarm as the poisonous Kohuns get within inches of Padme's face]
- Anakin Skywalker: I think he is a good man. My instincts are very positive about...
- [He stops]
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: I sense it, too.
- [They move and quickly kill the Kohuns]
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: What's going on?
- [shrugs]
- Anakin Skywalker: She covered the cameras. I don't think she liked me watching her.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: What is she thinking?
- Anakin Skywalker: She programmed R2 to warn us if there's an intruder.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: It's not an intruder I'm worried about. There are many other ways to kill a Senator.
- Anakin Skywalker: I know, but we also want to catch this assassin. Don't we, Master?
- [Anakin visits Watto's place on Tatooine. The following dialogue between Anakin and Watto is in Huttese]
- Anakin Skywalker: Ding mi chasa hopa.
- [Translation: "Let me help you with that". Anakin starts to fidget with a piece of equipment]
- Watto: Ke booda? Yo baan pee hota. No wega mi condorta. Kin chasa du Jedi. No bata tu tu.
- [What? I don't know you... What can I do for you? You look like a Jedi. Whatever it is... I didn't do it]
- Anakin Skywalker: Mi boska di Shmi Skywalker.
- [I'm looking for Shmi Skywalker]
- [Watto eyes Anakin, and then Padme and starts speaking English]
- Watto: Annie? Little Annie? Naaah!
- [the piece of equipment Anakin has been tinkering with comes to life]
- Watto: You are Annie! It is you! Ya sure sprouted! Weehoo! A Jedi! Waddya know? Hey, maybe you couldda help wit some deadbeats who owe me a lot of money...
- Anakin Skywalker: Chut, chut, Watto.
- Anakin Skywalker: My mother...
- Watto: Oh, yeah. Shmi... she's not mine no more. I sold her.
- Anakin Skywalker: Sold her?
- Watto: Years ago. Sorry, Annie, but you know, business is business. Sold her to a moisture farmer named Lars. Least I think it was Lars. Believe it or not, I heard he freed her and married her. Can ya beat that?
- Anakin Skywalker: Do you know where they are?
- Watto: Long way from here... someplace over on the other side of Mos Eisley, I think...
- Anakin Skywalker: I'd like to know.
- Watto: Yeah... sure... absolutely. Let's go look in my records.
- [Excuse me, Watto]
- Watto: Ke Booda?
- [What?]
- Watto: Di nova, "Chut, chut."
- [I said, "Excuse me."]
- [turns to his pit droids]
- Watto: Go ana bopa!
- [Translation: "Shut Down". The pit droids obey]
- [Jocasta Nu asks Obi-Wan if he's having a problem]
- Obi-Wan: Yes, I'm trying to find a planet system called Kamino. It doesn't seem to show upon any of the archive charts.
- [They study the star hologram]
- Madame Jocasta Nu: There are some inconsistencies here. Maybe the planet you're looking for was destroyed.
- Obi-Wan: Wouldn't that be on record?
- Madame Jocasta Nu: It ought to be. Unless it was very recent.
- [She shakes her head]
- Madame Jocasta Nu: I hate to say it, but it looks like the system you're searching for doesn't exist.
- Obi-Wan: That's impossible. Perhaps the archives are incomplete.
- Madame Jocasta Nu: The archives are comprehensive and totally secure, my young Jedi. One thing you may be absolutely sure of - if an item does not appear in our records, it does not exist!
- Madame Jocasta Nu: Kamino? It's not a system I'm familiar with. Let me see.
- Madame Jocasta Nu: Are you sure you have the right co-ordinates?
- Obi-Wan: According to my information, it should be in this quadrant somewhere, just south of the Rishi Maze.
- Madame Jocasta Nu: No co-ordinates? It sounds like the kind of directions you'd get from a street tout, some old miner or Furbog trader.
- Obi-Wan: All three actually.
- Madame Jocasta Nu: Are you sure it exists?
- Obi-Wan: Absolutely.
- Madame Jocasta Nu: Let me do a gravitational scan.
- [as he and Obi-Wan come running to Count Dooku]
- Anakin Skywalker: You're gonna pay for all the Jedi that you killed today, Dooku.
- [Dooku ignites lightsaber and fights]
- Count Dooku: Master Kenobi, you disappoint me. Yoda holds you in such high esteem.
- [fights more]
- Count Dooku: Surely you can do better!
- Obi-Wan: We'll take him together.
- Anakin Skywalker: You go slowly while I take him now!
- [runs toward Dooku]
- Obi-Wan: No! Anakin, no! No!
- [Dooku electrifies Anakin with his hands]
- [to Obi-Wan]
- Count Dooku: As you see, my Jedi powers are far beyond yours. Now, back up.
- [tries to electrify Obi-Wan, who blocks the electricity with his lightsaber]
- Obi-Wan: I don't think so.
- [deleted scene; Obi-Wan and Mace are walking along the Jedi Landing Platform]
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: It appears someone doesn't want us to know about this Kamino System.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: I'm concerned with my Padawan. He is not ready to be on his own.
- Mace Windu: If the prophesy is true, he is the one who will bring balance to the Force.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: But he still has much to learn. His skills have made him, well, arrogant. I realize now what you and Master Yoda said from the beginning, the boy was too old to start his training. Master we should not be given this assignment. I fear Anakin will not be able to protect the Senator.
- Mace Windu: Why?
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: He has an emotional connection with her. It's been there since he was a boy. Now he's confused. Distracted.
- Mace Windu: Obi-Wan, you must have faith that he will choose the right path.
- [bows his head]
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: Yes, Master.
- [gets into his Starfighter and takes off]
- Mace Windu: Which means there's something happening in their System we should know about.
- [pause]
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: Master, do you think a Jedi could have erased those files?
- Mace Windu: I hope not.
- [they walk over to Obi-Wan's Jedi Starfighter]
- Mace Windu: This disturbance in the Force is making it hard to get a sense of things.
- [the small platform they are on with Obi-Wan's Starfighter moves outside]
- [pause]
- Elan Sleazebaggano: You wanna buy some death sticks?
- [using a Jedi Mind Trick]
- Obi-Wan: You don't want to sell me death sticks.
- Elan Sleazebaggano: Uh, I don't want to sell you death sticks.
- Obi-Wan: You want to go home and rethink your life.
- Elan Sleazebaggano: I want to go home and rethink my life.
- Count Dooku: Master Windu, how pleasant of you to join us. You're just in time for the moment of truth. I would think these two new boys of yours could use a little more training.
- Mace Windu: Sorry to disappoint you, Dooku. This party's over.
- Count Dooku: Brave, but foolish, my old Jedi friend. You're impossibly outnumbered.
- Mace Windu: I don't think so. The Geonosians aren't warriors. One Jedi has to be worth a hundred Geonosians.
- Count Dooku: It wasn't the Geonosians I was thinking about. How well do you think one Jedi will hold up against a thousand battle droids?
- [as Anakin massacres the Tusken Raiders who took his mother, Yoda has a vision]
- Qui-Gon Jinn: Anakin! ANAKIN! NOOOO!
- Boba Fett: Yep
- [Hands a hologram of the Death Star to Count Dooku]
- Geonosian: If they knew what we were trying to build here, they'd destroy us.
- Anakin Skywalker: He's overly critical.
- Count Dooku: We must persuade the Commerce Guild and the Corporate Alliance to sign the treaty.
- Nute Gunray: What about the Senator from Naboo? Is she dead yet? I'm not signing your treaty until I have her Head on my Desk!
- Padme: And now, if you will excuse me, I will retire.
- Taun We: Remember, if you want to order more soldiers it will take time to grow them.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: I won't forget, thankyou!
- [strokes her neck as he leaves]
- Separatist: What you propose could be construed as treason.


text:
How could we go on a Filipino cuisine food tour without exploring the joys of the very Pinoy dampa! These humble, down-to-earth restaurants are a treasure trove for seafood lovers and so we trekked to Macapagal Avenue to their Seaside dampa to feast in a restaurant called Trinity. Usually, you have to go to the market to buy your ingredients and they just cook what you bought. But you can also just order from the menu and they'll do everything for you. I must say, one of the restaurants I enjoyed the most so far.
Crispy Kangkong and Ensaladang Mangga
We started out with appetizers, crispy kangkong and ensaladang mangga. I'm not a big fan of crispy kangkong, so I wasn't really excited when we picked that as an appetizer. But I must say, this version is the best I've tasted ever! The batter was very thinly applied, and so the kangkong ended up super crispy. I've never enjoyed crispy kangkong quite like this. I'm a big fan of ensaladang mangga (we always remove the onions though) so it's a given that I enjoyed it too.
Tinolang Manok
Of course we had soup to start the main meal. We opted for tinola with tons of malunggay, which was Delle's request since malunggay is excellent for nursing moms. I love malunggay in anything (like munggo and other soups) so this was a good start for the dining extravaganza that was to follow.
Inihaw na Liempo
Let me get the non-seafood dishes out of the way, because inasmuch as the inihaw na liempo is a Pinoy favorite, the seafood dishes took center stage for this meal. I really wanted to eat more of this delicious ulam, but the seafood was just beckoning a little too successfully.
Halabos Na Sugpo
I've always LOVED halabos even as a kid. But the halabos I'm used to are the smaller shrimps, so when they brought out this halabos na sugpo, I was in heaven! We made a sawsawan of toyo, spicy suka, clamansi and siling labuyo for this. Oh my lord, it was sooo good! There were 4 of us eating, and 2 were allergic to shrimps (Delle included), so me and a friend had a field day. I also eat halabos with tomatoes and patis, but whatever the sawsawan, I'm a happy boy when there's halabos.
Inihaw na Pusit
I saved the last two dishes, which I thought were the best ones, for last. Again, I'm not partial to squid, I'm more of a shrimp and crab person, usually because my experience is that the squid comes out rubbery and hard to chew (much more swallow and digest). This squid was the most tender, flavorful squid I've had in a long time. It was just melting in my mouth. If all squid was as easy to chew as this, I'd be eating more squid.
Chili-Butter Crabs
Oh. My. Lord. I ate so much of this finger-licking crab that I felt a little woozy after. This crab had so many levels of yummy that I don't even know where to start describing it. Again, 2 of us 4 were allergic to crabs so us two who were left were tasked to devour most of this crustacean, and we stepped up to the challenge. As a kid, our family used to go to Aurelio's along Roxas boulevard to feast on their crab buffet, so eating crab this good brings back very good memories. The crabs we had were all male, so we didn't get any aligue (which is good, given my cholesterol levels), but I can imagine if the crab we had was also bursting with that red gold of goodness! I swear, it was so good that writing about it now makes me salivate all over again!
I guess what this experience shows is that you don't need to go to an expensive restaurant to eat good Pinoy food. In fact even smaller restaurant like the ones in dampas would put the expensive ones to shame. The crispy kangkong, the pusit and the crab alone are worth every centavo you'll pay. Eating good Pinoy food like these really reminds me of family memories, they come flooding back as I take mouthfuls of say, sugpo or alimango. And when the food is this good, the conversation becomes just as fueled. We really enjoyed our lunch today, hope to have more like these in the coming stops.


text:
How I Got a $40,000 Trip to Australia & New Zealand Almost for Free!
This is the story of how my wife and I "stayed" 40 times at a Hyatt last October, spending $1,690 in cash but getting a free trip of a lifetime by earning 270,000 United miles and 20 free nights at any Hyatt in the world.
The 2-week trip to Australia and New Zealand this year would have cost over $40,000 if I had paid cash for it but I spent less than $2,000! Here's how:
The Deal: it all starts with an incredible Hyatt deal last October that I took full advantage of! Similar to this Hyatt Big Welcome Back Promotion from Spring 2010 that I've mentioned previously, the main idea was that two stays at any Hyatt earned you one free night at any Hyatt. Since there are 7 different Hyatt brands, the two stays can be as little as $50 each at Hyatt Place, their most affordable brand, while the free night can be in a $1,000 Park Hyatt room! But that is just the beginning.
Every two "stays" at Hyatt I was stacking offers and getting:
- 1 Free Night at any Hyatt
- 13,500 United Miles
- 1,000 Hyatt Points (Diamond members get 500 points on every stay)
I also:
- Earned Hyatt Diamond status after a promo lowered the threshold to 15 stays
- Paid for "stays" with $100 Hyatt Gift Certificates I bought for $79.99 at Costco
- Got a 2% rebate on the $79.99 for being a Costco Executive Member
- Got a 2% rebate via my credit card
All in all, 20 "stays" each cost about $845 and earned each of us 135,000 miles, 10 free Hyatt nights and Hyatt Diamond status. The $845 math is an average of $55 per stay minus 20% from the gift certificates, 2% from Costco and 2% from credit cards. Also, you're probably asking: "why does he keep putting 'stays' in quotes?" Well, because Hyatt Place uses kiosks in the lobbies. I would just drive over, check in via the kiosk, get my room key and get right back in my car and go home!
The Flights: We spent some time in the lounge at O'Hare then flew first class from Chicago to San Fran on United. There we hung out in a great Air New Zealand lounge then boarded an Air New Zealand 747 for an incredible flight to Auckland and then another Air NZ flight to Sydney. The flight to Auckland was in the "Executive Business" section of a two-class plane. We had seats 1A & 1K in the nose of the plane since the pilots are in the upper deck! It was better than any first class experience I've ever had. Row 1 is private and perfect for two people travelling together.
The pods we were in were a great experience, with solid in-flight entertainment and comfortable seats that convert to lie-flat beds. The flight was about 12 hours which basically equates to 3 hours of wine/dine/movie, 8 hours of sleep and 1 hour for breakfast. The meals were first-rate and the service was as friendly as, well, everything else NZ. Of note: the Air New Zealand lounge in Auckland is incredible and has free massages!
Flight Math: We redeemed 110,000 United miles for a multi-segment trip that would have cost about $12,500 each at the time or about $25,000 total. It included First Class on United from Chicago to San Fran, Executive Business from San Fran to Auckland to Sydney to Auckland to LAX and United First back to Chicago. The Air New Zealand tickets were possible because they are in the Star Alliance with United. Of note: one of the benefits of a Star Alliance Award ticket is that they allow one (and sometimes two) "stopovers" beyond your destination. This allowed us to go to Sydney and Auckland on the same ticket. Also of note: redeeming "business class" mileage for a ticket on a two-class (as opposed to three-class) international flight is a great deal. Air NZ "business" is better than first on most carriers.
The Hotels: In Sydney, we stayed at the Park Hyatt Sydney which is on a pier in Sydney Harbour across from the Opera House and just underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We had a large upgraded room with a view overlooking the Opera house that would have cost approximately $1100 USD per night! Even better, as Hyatt Diamond, we had free breakfasts, free internet, an upgraded room and were able to check-in very early (around 11am). The "free breakfasts" were huge because our bill was over $100 every day!
After a long stay in Sydney, we left the Park Hyatt and flew back to Auckland on Air New Zealand where we checked into in a free suite at the Hyatt Regency there.
Hotel Math: We redeemed 10 of our free nights (yes, I have another trip to come!) for the $1100 per night room plus got breakfast and internet (both exorbitant) for free. In Auckland, the suite was about $1600 total plus we had access to their club lounge where we found all we needed for breakfasts and dinners. The total cash value was about $15,070.
Also, we got off the Hyatt kick for a bit and stayed at a small resort near the far northern tip of New Zealand near Matauri Bay. I couldn't redeem free nights here but I'm glad we mixed it up.
A Short Trip Review: Sydney was gorgeous, livable and warm. I was amazed at how many people lived within a walk from the sprawling harbor waterfront. It's also a top 20 global modern city but has colonial British charm. Incredibly, their real estate market makes the US market circa 2006-07 look old-fashioned. The Park Hyatt Sydney is one of the great hotels of the world, surprisingly intimate, modern-yet-warm and with the service PH is known for. Breakfast was an incredible buffet in a beautiful waterfront room.
As for New Zealand, it is my new favorite place on the planet. We weren't in Auckland proper much. It was a little sleepy compared to the rest of NZ. Waiheke Island was an incredible spot (think Hawaii + Napa - people!). Northern New Zealand is gorgeous. Words fail. It's proverbial summer with Irish rolling hills, sheep, beaches, volcanos, thousand-year-old trees, topography on steroids and very few people. It's one of the most remote places on earth - and you feel that, in the best possible way - but yet it's a friendly, modern, western, English-speaking first-world country. Incredibly, we never set foot on the South Island which people say is more scenic and is where Lord of the Rings was filmed.
A quick highlight reel:the Matauri Bay region of northern New Zealand, lunch at Icebergs at Bondi Beach, breakfast at the Park Hyatt, early morning runs around Sydney Harbour, the Harbour taxis, walking from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach, lunch at Jonah's near Whale Beach, Manly Beach, the Royal Botanical Gardens!
Wow! It is hard to believe that 20 days of modest effort (less than 30 minutes?) last October netted me a $40,000 vacation of a lifetime for less than $2,000. Other than at our free, gluttonous breakfasts, we ate very modestly and since my wife and I are pretty simple tourists (we just like walking around) we didn't incur any other significant costs beyond what we would have at home.
Take the best online coupons and deals with you on the go! Download the newly updated Brad's Deals iPhone app today.
Related coupons:


text:
Welcome to Singing carrots
We can advice you in which key to sing Alexander's Ragtime Band based on your vocal range
Learn about your voice type
Learn what is a vocal range and how it defines a voice type. Find out which kind of voice do you have.
Identify your vocal range
Find out what is your vocal range. It will allow you to find songs that you can comfortably sing.
All you need, to sing Alexander's Ragtime Band
|Artist / From:
|Alexander's Ragtime Band
|Original Key:
|C Major
|Vocal range:
|Difficulty in Original Key:
|Difficulty in optimal Key:
|Min transposition needed:
|Max transposition possible:


text:
Will I Am - Michael Jackson Album 2008
Will I Am gives this exclusive interview talking about four new songs recorded for the next Michael Jackson album.
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
Comments will only be displayed by verified emails. No Spamming or Racism.


text:
TORONTO (Reuters) - Unionized workers at a Wescast Industries Inc WCSa.TO WCSa.TO plant in Strathroy, Ontario, have gone on strike, the auto parts maker and the union said on Saturday.
Wescast, which supplies exhaust manifolds and other components for cars and light trucks, said union members at the machining plant began a legal strike on Saturday morning.
"The company has put plans in place to ensure continued supply of parts to customers," it said in a brief statement.
The Canadian Auto Workers union said in an email to Reuters that 75 workers have walked off the job.
The union said in an earlier statement it was meeting with members on Sunday to discuss a plan to escalate actions and was operating a 24-hour picket line.
Wescast says on its website that it has a 51 percent share of the North American exhaust manifold market and even larger share among the Detroit Three: General Motors Co (GM.N), Ford Motor Co (F.N) and Fiat SpA's FIA.MI Chrysler Group LLC.
Wescast announced in June it agreed to be bought by China's Sichuan Bohong Industry Co Ltd but the deal has not yet closed.
Reporting by Jeffrey Hodgson; Editing by Bill Trott


text:
FalconSync is your way to connect to organizations and involvement at UWRF!
Join up with the organizations you are already a member of or find out what else is going on in your area.
Use the calendar to find Falcon 5 events! Attend the events and earn cool prizes.
Swipe your UWRF ID card at Falcon 5 events to keep track of your involvement.


text:
Get connected
True High Speed Internet for the High Country
Your new, high speed wireless internet service provider is here! Mountain Broadband is locally owned and operated.
Plans starting at just
See plans and pricing
Recent News
Conifer and Evergreen
Our new sites in Conifer and Evergreen are up and running. We have spent considerable time to bring you the best internet available in the mountains. And there is never a contract. Sign up today and see the difference for yourself.


text:
This will be a rather long article. What's worse, it is not supposed to be funny, and it is doubtful whether reading it will improve your bridge game. Just so you know.
Stayman or Blast?
Sitting north in a team match, vulnerable, you hold ♠AJxx ♥Qx ♦Kxxx ♣xxx and hear partner open a vulnerable 1NT, showing 15-17 HCP. 3NT may be the best game even when partner holds four spades, but it isn't so likely. In the long run 4♠ wins about 2.4 IMPs over 3NT, which is quite a lot,so you bid Stayman. Partner responds 2♥, and you bid 3NT, ending the auction. That is too bad, as you could have blasted 3NT immediately, but it was worth looking for the 4-4 spade fit, and anyway, we are in the same contract so nothing is lost. Right?
Wrong!By bidding Stayman we have told the opponents that we hold four spades and fewer than 4 hearts, while partner holds 4 or 5 hearts and fewer than 4 spades. Both pieces of information may help them on opening lead, and the information about partner's hand may help them during later defense.
While most will agree that our Stayman auctionwill cost a few IMPs in the long run, it is hard to quantify how much the leaked information will cost on average. It would be useful to add a price tag to bidding Stayman, as we could then determine whether it was actually worth bidding Stayman in the first place, or if we should have blasted 3NT right away, or if it would perhaps be better to play entirely different methods.
There are several ways in which we can try to quantify the price of information. Perhaps the best way is to look at a large database of hands played in real life, preferably from high-level play. For example, we could look at the average number of tricks that are dropped on defense after a Stayman auction, and compare it to the average number of tricks dropped after a quick 1NT : 3NT. I think that that would be quite interesting, but I haven't done it, and I will not discuss it here. Perhaps some readers will be able to do such an investigation more quickly than I can.
What I will discuss here is how the price of information can be quantified using only double-dummy simulations.
It seems somewhat contradictory to use double-dummy simulations to investigate how much the leaked information is worth. After all, the auction is completely irrelevant to double-dummy analysis.
Well, double-dummy analysis can be used to quantify the price of information, but it takes a bit of effort. The analysis that I will present here looks only at how much the leaked information helps the opponents on opening lead. It would be nice to also find out how much the defense can benefit later in the hand, but while it seems theoretically possible to do this using double-dummy analysis, I am not sure that it can be done in practice.At the moment I am happy to only consider opening leads.
Blind lead simulations.
Imagine the following 4-step experiment.
Step 1. We randomly deal a deal consistent with the Stayman auction to 3NT. North gets our exact hand, South gets a (14?) 15-17 notrump opening, with semi-balanced hands according to taste, and for East and West we try to exclude hands that would have acted, perhaps by overcalling or by doubling Stayman.
Step 2. From this deal, we first only take the West hand, that is, the hand on opening lead against 3NT. We then deal the other three hands 200 times consistent with one of two auctions: 1NT : 3NT, or 1NT : 2♣ :: 2♥ : 3NT. In either case we do not force North to hold our hand, because West does not know our hand when choosing an opening lead. For each set of 200 hands, and for each of those hands, we look at how well each lead fares in comparison with the optimal lead. Since we are playing a team game, we use IMP scoring to determine the difference with the optimal lead. Then, for each of the two auctions, we select the lead that on average gives away the fewest IMPs. We call these two leads the blind double-dummy leads. They may be identical, but they need not be, because the 200 deals are selected using different specifications.
Step 3. Now consider the original deal found in step 1, and see how many tricks can be taken after each of the blind double-dummy leads. Again we compute the difference in IMPs. We would expect the blind double-dummy lead found using all the available information to do better in the long run, but it is certainly possible that on any given deal the uninformed lead scores better. Sometimes inferior plays score better.
Of course when the two leads are identical, as will often be the case, we do not have to compute anything. In that case the IMP difference will be 0.
Step 4. We repeat the above three steps for a large number of hands, say 400. Yes, I do know that 400 is not so large a number, I will get back to that on the next page.
We compute the average number of IMPs that the informed double dummy leads score better than the uninformed double dummy leads.This average number we regardas the Price of Information.Since the available informationwill also help the defending side during the rest of the play, I would think that the actual price is actually a bit higher.
I should note now that double-dummy leads are different from leads in practice. Contrary to at the table leads, they are not signals. They assume that after the opening lead everybody plays double-dummy. This makes the lead of an ace much more attractive, since you will always find the optimal switch. The lead of two or three small cards becomes more attractive as well. Leading from Q10x may cost a trick when partner has xxx, but leading from xxx when partner has Q10x will at most cost a tempo,because if the suit can be picked up, the double-dummy declarer will find it. To me that is the weakest part of this study, and I would be very happy if somebody would do the real data study I mentioned on the previous page.
Significance and Optimization.
(Feel free to skip this page, it definitely won't improve your bridge results, but is included to address statistical concerns.)
Using only 400 deals is a rather small number to get accurate results, but as we need to perform 400 (twice 200) double-dummy simulations to determine the blind double-dummy leads for each of these west hands, the computer is actually running over 160,000 double-dummy simulations. That takes a considerable amount of time, at least on my computer, so increasing the number of hands is not appealing. Can we increase the accuracy of our experiment without dramatically increasing the time it takes to run the experiment?
There is a trick that we can use to increase the significance greatly, without increasing the amount of time needed to run the simulation.
Suppose that in Step 2, when we take the West hands from the original deal, we really throw away the rest of these deals. That's right, we forget the South and East hands. After we have determined the two double-dummy leads in Step 2, we can deal new East and South hands for the comparison in Step 3. Since there was nothing special about the original deal and we are using the same specifications, we are not doing anything wrong by dealing new hands. But instead of dealing only 1 new hand, we could do the comparison for, say, 100 deals for each West hand. After all, since we invested so much energy in finding the two double-dummy leads, it would be wasteful to then use those leads for only 1 data point!
If we use 100 deals for each West hand, we get 40,000 data-points instead of 400 without significantly increasing the computer time. Since these 40,000 data-points are dependent, it is not as good as obtaining 40,000 independent data-points, but it is much better than having only 400 independent data-points. Exactly how much better this is cannot be computed without knowing more about the probability distributions, but once the work is done we can use our data to determine the significance of the simulation.
I found that using the numbers given above provide quite accurate results (usually a standard deviation of less than 0.1 IMPs).
The price of bidding Stayman
So what is the price of bidding Stayman? Here are the prices of the two different auctions ending in 3NT:
1NT : 2♣ :: 2♥ : 3NT: 0.49 IMPs.
1NT : 2♣ :: 2♦ : 3NT: 0.06 IMPs.
What is going on here? How can the price of the second auction be so much lower than the first? Isn't the second auction at least as revealing as the first? Did something go wrong?
No, this is not a measurement error. In fact, you may be able to deduce why the difference between these two auctions is so large.
Keep in mind that we are only considering the benefit to the opponents on opening lead. Moreover, we are using optimal double-dummy leads.
If you evertook a quick look at the book called Winning Notrump Leads, by Taf Anthias and David Bird, then you probably remember that after the auction 1NT - 3NT you should almost always lead a major suit. And what do you think that you should lead after 1NT - 2♣ - 2♦ - 3NT? Right, a major suit, perhaps even more so than after 1NT - 3NT. Even though this Stayman auction gives a lot of information, which will be useful during the defense later in the hand, it makes little difference on opening lead.
On the 400 West hands for each of the two auctions, after 1NT : 2♣ :: 2♥ : 3NT the double-dummy leads were identical 89 times, but after 1NT : 2♣ :: 2♦ : 3NT they were identical 247 times.
The auction 1NT : 2♣ :: 2♥ : 3NT is quite different. Knowing that opener has 4-5 hearts and responder 4 spades makes it much more appealing to lead a minor suit. Thus, the information leaked by this auction is quite useful on opening lead.
Should you bid Stayman?
So, should you bid Stayman on this hand? In order to determine thiswe also need to determine how often you have a 4-4 spade fit, and how much you lose by bidding 3NT when you have a 4-4 spade fit. On the previous page I stated that 4S is about 2.4 IMPs better, an enormous amount. But that is a double-dummy number, and does not take into account that the opponents are also more likely to mislead against 3NT when we have a 4-4 spade fit. In order to get more realistic numbers we should redo the whole study, but now for the auctions 1NT : 2♣ :: 2♥ : 3NT :: 4♠ and 1NT : 2♣ :: 2♠ : 4♠.
Here are the results:
Opener has no 4-card major:
Probability: 0.34
Blasting gains: 0.06
Opener has 4+ hearts:
Probability: 0.38
Blasting gains: 0.49
Opener has 4+ spades:
Probability: 0.22
Blasting gains: -1.26
Opener has both majors:
Probability: 0.07
Blasting gains: -0.39
The conclusion is that blasting 3NT on average loses about 0.1 IMPs, assuming the opponents make the optimal blind double-dummy leads, and all play is perfect afterwards. What does this means for real bridge, where people lead differently, and do not defend perfectly afterwards? I don't know, but it does seem to me that there is a lot more to be said for blasting 3NT than I expected beforehand.
Is Puppet Staymanperhaps better?
In recent years it has become more popular to search for a 4-4 major suit fit using Puppet Stayman. Instead of 1NT : 2♣ :: 2♥ : 3NT, the auction would go:
3♦ (no 5-card major) - 3♥ (4 spades)
3♥ (5 hearts) - 3NT
The major difference with standard Stayman is that in the first auction, it is not known whether opener has 4 hearts. So perhaps you would expect the price of Puppet Stayman to be less than that of standard Stayman? Well, I suspect that this is indeed the case when one considers the whole play of the hand. But I found that when only considering opening leads, PuppetStayman actuallydoes slightly worse than standard Stayman. The cause is of course the very small relevant information leakage of the auction 1NT : 2♣ :: 2♦ : 3NT.
The price of Forcing Stayman
If you are also a regular reader of Kit's Corner, then you may recognize the hand ♠AQ8 ♥K84 ♦Q8765 ♣A2 fromHe Will Continue. Partner opens a mini notrump, showing 10-12 HCP, what should you do?
As the mini notrump could easily contain a 5-card major, the player holding this hand set out to find out if that was the case. Unfortunately, he had to do so using Forcing Stayman, and they had the following auction:
It should be obvious to the reader that revealing so much about opener's shape (a balanced hand with 4 hearts and 4-5 diamonds) comes at a tremendous cost. Perhaps it is better to blast 1NT - 3NT? Kit wrote in his article:
Is the concealment factor worth risking getting to the wrong game? This is a matter of philosophy more than anything else.
Usually when people say that something is a matter of style, or philosophy, what they mean is that bridge is too difficult a game to determine the optimal strategy. And usually they are right. But here I believe that the optimal strategy is actually quite clear.
If you do have a 5-3 major fit, then 4M will usually be better than 3NT. Classical double-dummy simulations (not using blind leads) suggest that playing in 3NT loses about 1.2 IMPs on average (a bit more if partner has spades, a bit less if partner has hearts). So how much do we lose by bidding Forcing Stayman and not finding a 5-3 major fit? The procedure described above indicates the information leakage of the given auction costs about 1 IMP! And note this is only the price of bidding Stayman when considering the opening lead. Clearly telling so much about opener's hand will also hurt us during the play of the hand.
Considering how rarely opener will have a 5-card major, it is clear to ignore the possibility of having a 5-3 fit, and to bid 3NT right away.
Further applications of blind lead simulations
I think that the idea of blind lead simulations can be useful to more kinds of questions. Here is a hand that I recently posted on Bridge Winners:
Vulnerable at IMPs, partner opens 2NT (balanced 20-21). Should you bid 3NT?
Double-dummy simulations revealed that you should barely bid 3NT holding the club king instead of the queen, and certainly not when holding the queen. I don't find those simulations very convincing. Despite the fact that I like to play with double-dummy simulations, I think that it is very dangerous to draw conclusions about real-world bridge. It seems to me that on this hand, the play will often be straightforward, but the opening lead can be vital. Thus, the double-dummy declarer should on average make 3NT considerably less often than one would in practice.
Using blind lead simulations we can correct for this fact. Again we deal 400 deals consistent with the auction, throw away everything but the West hands, for each of the West hands deal two sets of 200 new deals consistent with 2NT-pass and with 2NT-3NT, and determine the blind double-dummy leads after both of these auctions. (These leads will often be the same, so maybe we could just work with the double dummy leads against 3NT, but while we are at it we might as well do things properly.)
Then, we deal 100 new deals for each of the West hands and determine the double-dummy results in 2NT and in 3NT after the earlier found double-dummy leads. Which contract is better?
I found that passing 2NT is still better, but now the difference is only 0.3 IMPs per hand, while a classical double-dummy analysis gave a much larger difference of 1.7 IMPs. My hesitant conclusion is that passing 2NT is still the right call, but not by that much.
All simulations were done using the programdeal, written by Thomas Andrews. Thanks to Meike Wortel and Simon de Wijs for programming help and stimulating discussions.
How does this violate our Community Guidelines?
Benefits include:
Plus... it's free!


text: Is there any way to help keep the forums form getting too cluttered. It seems as if there are some topics that are getting scattered around the forums in several different areas, mainly the subject of the stats banner. I think I have seen posts about this in about 5 different topics. I know that it takes time to moderate a forum like this. I also think we all need to be sure we stay on topic when posting a note and before posting a new topic we need to be sure and take a look at other topics first to be sure we are not just posting the same thing again. Just a few of my thoughts.


text:
Symptoms: Squeaking Brakes, Brake Pulsations/Shaking, Brake Grinding, Pulling and Fading, Shakes on Highway, Scraping, Clunk When Pressing Brakes
Brake Repair – Rosemount, MN
Medi-CAR Auto Repair has extensive experience in car and light truck brake repair to keep you and your passengers safe. Your brakes will often "tell you" there is an issue with noises like squeaking or grinding or sensation such as pulling or pulsations. Many people are aware that brakes consist of disc brakes in front and either disc or drum brakes in the rear. The system is actually very innovative, as it must be, considering your foot only needs to apply a small amount of pressure on the brake pedal to stop a 2,000 pound machine.
Your brake system uses hydraulic fluid pressurized by the master cylinder flowing through a system of hoses and tubes to the hydraulic pistons located at each wheel. Here are the parts associated with your brake system.
Disc Brakes:
- Disc brake rotors and pads
- Calipers and hardware
Drum Brakes:
- Brake drums and shoes
- Wheel cylinders
- Return springs
Parking Brake:
- Cables and levers
Hydraulic System:
- Master cylinder
- Brake fluid and hoses
- Power booster
Warning: Your braking system can become compromised if the brake pads are worn, the hydraulic fluid has too high a concentration of water (this fluid naturally absorbs water), there is air in the lines or the lines or hoses are worn or damaged.
Schedule Your Appointment
Medi-CAR Auto Repair / 14555 South Robert Trail Rosemount, MN 55068
Appointments: (651) 322-6466 / Hours: M-F, 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Medi-CAR Auto Repair - a local, independently-owned auto repair shop servicing Rosemount, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, Apple Valley, and Farmington, Minnesota and the Twin Cities Area.


text:
Land Rover is renowned for building luxury vehicles that can take you off the beaten path while at the same time providing comfort and reliability.
At Joe Riscica's Auto Repairs in Deer Park, NY, we make it our priority to keep your Land Rover running safely and efficiently with regular service, repair and maintenance. Automotive maintenance is important to keeping your Land Rover running in top condition and lasting long into the future. We provide 25 – point inspections for your Land Rover with any service which helps limit the amount of repairs needed on your vehicle.
We at Joe Riscica's Auto Repairs look forward to being your Deer Park Land Rover repair and service shop. Click here to contact us, or give us a call at 631-667-3395.
Schedule an appointment for your next Land Rover service or repair today!
Some of the scheduled maintenance & services that your Land Rover car, truck or SUV may need include:
We have many years of experience in fixing Land Rovers, along with mechanics that are up-to-date with current technology and equipment. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff, technicians and mechanics are here to help you with all of your Land Rover's service and repair needs.
Our Land Rover repair and service shop is located in Deer Park, NY. We proudly serve the following areas: Deer Park, North Babylon, Babylon, Dix Hills, West Islip, Bayshore, Brentwood, Wheatly Heights, Commack, Hauppauge and surrounding areas.


text:
Ben Stiller and wife Christine Taylor have listed their sprawling two-home compound in the Hollywood Hills for $12.5 million.
The property includes a restored 1929 Spanish-style home, with 5,334 square feet, and a three-story contemporary Mediterranean, originally built in 1930 with 4,062 square feet, the Los Angeles Times reported in its Hot Property column. Together, the two homes have 10 bedrooms.
The property has been the subject of a few tweets on Stiller's Twitter page.
Stiller, 43, has starred in comedies such as "Meet the Parents" (2000) and its 2004 sequel, "Tropic Thunder" (2008) and "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonia" (2009). He is due to star in the Noah Baumbach-directed comedy "Greenberg" due out next year.
Taylor, 38, whose television guest appearances include "Arrested Development" (2006) and "Friends" (1997), has starred in several films with Stiller, including "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story" (2004) and "Zoolander" (2001).
The listing agent is Jonah Wilson of Sotheby's International Realty's Sunset office. The listing calls the compound the "crown jewel of outpost estates."
And If That's Not to Your Liking...
In West Hollywood, Bette Davis' former condominium in the Colonial House is for sale for $2.45 million, The Times reported.
The 2,242-square-foot condo is on the fourth floor of the 1930 Colonial Revival-style building designed by architect Leland A. Bryant. The brick building, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, features a library, a swimming pool, gardens, wood-paneled elevators, security and gated parking.
Owner Gordon Thompson III, a design consultant, recently renovated and updated the three-bedroom, 2 1/2 -bathroom unit. The home has city, mountain and treetop views, many original built-ins, hardwood floors and a terrace, The Times reported in.
The listing agent is Rory Barish of Keller Williams Realty, Beverly Hills.


text:
Smart Access Smartphone Link
Superb Applications Optimized for Seamless In-Vehicle Use
iOS Apps
(Social Network)
Android™ Apps
(Social Network)
(Social Network)
Compatible Models
A Growing Array of Road-Ready Apps
Easily send someone a link that shows your location via SMS, email or social network. The recipient just clicks the link to display a map showing where you are in real time. You have total control over who you share this information with, and for how long.
Taps into your social and music libraries to find the artists and teams you're interested in. Provides relevant alerts and recommendations on events, concerts and sports within your area. Invite friends and purchase tickets within seconds.
Media4car - Media player application
Media4car is a useful application that allows you to easily playback and view or listen to your favourite music and video files on your iPhone® through your car's navigation system. The large touch-panel screen allows you to make operations just as you would on a smartphone for ease-of-use in your car.
* Supported iPhone: iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5 (iOS 7.1.2 and later)
* Compatible models: NX605, NX604, FX503
Shuttle Music Player
Shuttle is an intuitive music player offering powerful features like a built-in 6-band equalizer, gapless playback, lyrics support, and much more. The paid version Shuttle+ also offers ID3 tag editing and folder browsing.
TuneIn Radio
TuneIn has the world's largest collection of over 100,000 real radio stations playing live from around the world. Enjoy music, sports, news, talk, and live special events. Follow your favorite genres, podcasts, artists, sports teams and more.
INRIX® XD™ Traffic Maps & Alerts
INRIX Is the most accurate traffic, routing and road alert app that gives you control of your commute. Choose your fastest route, decide the best time to leave, know your arrival time in advance and share it with friends and family. INRIX crowd sources data from more than just phones. We have GPS data from over millions trucks, cameras, road sensors, in- car navigation systems. We also track local events that impact traffic. INRIX is trusted by most of the top car manufacturers in the world including Ford, BMW, and Toyota for their in-car navigation systems. The app makes it easy for you to report immediately and share accidents, hazards and police activity. Using the app is a win for the whole driver community, helping everyone save time, money and avoid frustration.
Waze is a fun, community-based traffic & navigation app, 70 million strong. Join forces with other drivers nearby to outsmart traffic, save time & gas money, and improve everyone's daily commute. With community-generated real-time traffic, you'll always get the best route to your destination.
Receive real-time feedback on vehicle performance including fuel economy, horsepower and torque, g-force measurements, and even it can be used as a scan tool to read and clear OBD-II* trouble codes that trigger the "check engine" light.
*(OBD-II hardware available sold separately)
Pandora® internet radio
Internet radio with a touch of personal interactivity. Pandora lets you give a "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" to the tunes you hear, so your preferences can be reflected in future song selections.
Original4car Apps — Intelligently Adapts Key Apps for In-Vehicle Use
Twi4car - Exclusive In-Vehicle Twitter Applications
Easily and safely bring social networking into your car.When an smartphone is connected to NX605, NX604 or FX503 in the vehicle, you can update your status, and respond to and interface with the social media sites easily via the 6.2-inch display.
DriveSuite4car - Exclusive Utility Application
Clarion's in-vehicle smartphone controller integrates DriveSuite4car, a utility application which allows you to access helpful information in a vehicle. DriveSuite4car enables the user to have more within their reach including News4car, Calendar4car and Gallery4car. These apps offer more ways to make the most efficient use of your time while on the go.
News4car - News Application
Keep up to date while cruising down the road. You can listen to news feeds from the news app on your smartphone.
Calendar4car - Calendar Application
Calendar4car is an app that allows easy checking of your schedule while in your car by connecting to Clarion invehicle equipment. With Calendar4car, you can sync with Google CalendarTM for a full understanding of your schedule.
Gallery4car - Slide Show Application
This is an application to let you enjoy a slide show of pictures taken with your smartphone right on your navigation display. You can enjoy slide shows of pictures taken on the trip in your car.


text:
Today, Rovio launched Angry Birds for Facebook using Flash Player 11 with support for 3D graphics. The most social version of Angry Birds yet takes advantage of hardware accelerated graphics in Flash Player to bring a silky smooth gaming experience to a wider audience than ever before. More than 130 million people play Angry Birds every day – now with Flash Player, hundreds of millions of Facebook users can do the same. New, enhanced special effects like lighting, smoke and explosions running smoothly at 60 frames per second bring the game to a whole new level and allow players to have a more connected and engaging experience. As we showed you at Adobe MAX in the fall, Rovio's general manager of North America, Andrew Stalbow provided a sneak peek of this new hardware accelerated version of Angry Birds built on Flash Player 11:
Angry Birds on Facebook game makes it even more exciting to play with friends, offering amazing new power-ups like Sling Scope, Birdquake, King Sling and Super Seed to extend players' gratifying arsenals. And with new accelerated graphics, the feathery antics have never been more fun to more people. For more information about how to power-up your games using Flash and AIR, please visit the Adobe Gaming Solutions site.