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RETRIEVING CONTENT...PLEASE WAIT
Blogger Previews: Southeast Division
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Bench scoring up from last year
by Unknown 8:59 PM
Our starting 5 will remain the same from last year, but we've got a new look to our bench--and I think our new bench is going to have more offensive firepower than last year's.
Leon Powe is starting to get comfortable in the paint, and he appears to be ready to shoulder some of the offensive load. In previous seasons, because he was green behind the gills, he rushed his moves, forced shots that weren't there, and played into the defenders traps. But now with 2 years under his belt, he's got a better understanding of the timing of the game, and how to feel where his defender is overplaying him. Here's an example of his improving game; versus the Knicks (final preseason game), he started on the right blocks, worked his way towards the middle of the paint, dropped his shoulders into the defender's chest to create some space, and instinctly stepped back and fired a fallback jumper. Last year, if his initial move was being contested, he would have pump faked his man into the air, and then jump into his body to draw contact. This year, he has countermoves to utilize when his defender is playing him tightly.
No longer is he limited to garbage points--he's ready to be our go-to guy in the post (at least among the bench players)
Doc said in an interview yesterday that Tony is going to be in the rotation this year (somewhere he wasn't really a part of last season, especially in the playoffs). I'm venturing to say Tony's not just there to be a warm body, but to be one of the scoring options off the bench. With scoring games of 25 and 32 pts this preseason, its clear that when he's on his game, Tony can carry the scoring load when members of the Big 3 are resting.
When Eddie House is encouraged to take more shots, he won't have to be told twice. He's going to have to be more aggressive with his shots. Not that he naturally isn't a quick triggered guy, but last year House held back to keep the team oriented offense going. This year, defenses will play us much tighter, meaning we might not get many good looks at the bucket. Those who have an opening should take the shot. When Eddie uses a screen, if his defender goes under it, he needs to pick up his dribble and take that shot. Or if he's running a 3 on 2 break and both defenders are running to cover the paint, he needs to stay on the perimeter and fire away. Eddie can score in bunches and that's what he has to be aware of.
Between Powe, Tony, and Eddie, we have guys who can score for us off the bench. And we will have to rely on them coming through for us because we will have to be a better team than last year if we want to repeat as champions. The competition is going to be fiercer now that we're champs, and we have to be up for the challenge. That means our bench will have to contribute more. I trust they will.
Derren.Matts
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 10/25
Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 10/24
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Biggest Obstacle to Repeating
by FLCeltsFan 8:32 AM
After watching the preseason, I no longer am worried about the Celtics' mindset and their motivation. The starters appear to be just as motivated as they were last season but are way ahead in that they have their chemistry already in place. They have been playing with surgical precision. We have gotten reports from practice that they are going hard at each other and there have even been a couple of skirmishes in practice because they are so competitive. Before the preseason, I was concerned that perhaps they wouldn't have the same fire as they did last season and might be a bit complacent. But, after watching them play, there is no doubt that this team is motivated to repeat.
I also have no concerns about replacing James Posey. Yes, we are weak in the back up forward spot where Posey spent most of his minutes. But, I think we will be ok there as I have been encouraged by the play of Bill Walker, who I see as surprising a lot of people who will wish they had taken a chance on him. Walker has shown the ability to play very good defense and stay in front of his man (along with behind, on top of and in the face of) his man. Also, although undersized, I see Tony Allen spending some time at that position. Tony has the ability to be a lock down defender when healthy. His decision making has been better this season and even though smaller than most small forwards, I think he can be effective at this spot. Leon Powe can also play some at the 3 as well as the 4 and 5. Big Baby is surprisingly agile for his size and could also see some time at the 3 if Leon continues to impress at the 4 and 5. Finally, there is always Brian Scalabrine, that $3 million dollar albatross who was rather unimpressive in the preseason, but could fill in here if necessary and he does play decent defense from time to time.
As for replacing Posey's offense, that is the easy part. Eddie House has shown that he is deadly from the outside and with Tony's ability to drive to the hoop and draw the defenders to him, it leaves Eddie on the perimeter to shoot away. I love the unit with Gabe Pruitt at the point (who also has a nice shot), Eddie at the 2 guard and Tony at the 3. This lineup really looked good together in the preseason. With Bill Walker at the 4 and Patrick O'Bryant or Leon Powe at the 5, we have plenty of fire power on that second unit. With each player upping their games this season, we shouldn't lack for offense on the second unit.
As for the concerns about the center position, I think Perk proved last season that he is more than capable of holding down the middle on a championship team and he looks even better this season, in spite of still getting into game shape after his off season surgery. There has been a lot of concern about the back up center spot with the loss of PJ Brown. But, Leon Powe has proved over and over that he is very capable of playing center, even against bigger players. He has long arms and good leaping ability and most importantly knows just how to position himself for rebounds and put backs. Patrick O'Bryant has shown some flashes of talent in the preseason and could also be a factor by playoff time. He is definitely not the bust he was made out to be by the Warriors. Leon is effective against most centers, but we have O'Bryant when we need more length.
No, I think these things will all work themselves out and the Celtics will be fine. The biggest obstacle to repeating is going to be staying healthy. We saw that even in the preseason, teams are going to come at the Celtics hard. Games are going to be more physical and with more contact and teams playing more physical, there are more chances for injuries. We have already seen Pierce have to leave the game because of a hard hit in the neck area. Rondo has had to miss games for a sprained ankle.
We have already seen some injuries on other teams that have been serious. Larry Hughes injured his shoulder and will be out until at least December. Marcus Camby injured his heel and could miss considerable time this season. James Jones and Jamaal Magloire both will be out at least until December with wrist and hand injuries. Jason Collins injured his elbow and will be out until December. Jason Smith in Philly is expected to miss the entire season because of a knee injury. Martell Webster is out until December with a foot injury. Manu Ginobili is out until at least mid December with an ankle injury. Antawn Jamison could miss much of the season with a knee injury. Gilbert Arenas is out until at least mid December with a knee injury. And Brendan Haywood is out until at least April with a wrist injury.
You get the picture. We have just had a handful of preseason games and there is already a considerable list of players out with serious injuries. The Celtics starters are a year older and the older they get, the more susceptible to injury they will be. They had a short offseason and may not be in top condition because of less time to prepare for the new season. We also have several players who have had serious injuries in the past and another injury is always possible. Tony Allen, Bill Walker, and Leon Powe all have a history of knee issues. Perk has had 3 shoulder surgeries in his 5 year pro career. A major injury to any of the Celtics' key players would very quickly derail their championship aspirations.
Before their championship last season, the last Celtics team to win it all was the 1986 Celtics team that was considered one of the greatest of all time. Bird was 30, McHale was 29, Parish was 33, and DJ was 32. They were getting up there in age, but not ancient by any means. This team was so dominant they finished the season with 67 wins and lost only one game all season on the parquet. They returned basically the same team for the 1987-88 season but failed to repeat. Why didn't they repeat? One word... injuries. The Celtics were plagued in the 1987-88 season by a series of injuries that ended their bid for back to back titles.
The Celtics are a stronger team this year and in spite of many of the teams improving, the Celtics should be favorites to repeat. The one thing that could derail them though, is a major injury to a key player. If the Celtics can manage to stay healthy this season, Bryan Doo, the Celtics' strength and conditioning coach, will be due for a raise. And, if they can manage to stay healthy this season, we can expect to be anticipating another ring ceremony to begin next season.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 10/23
Thursday, October 23, 2008
by FLCeltsFan 9:49 AM
Herald Celtics’ Eddie House quick but in control
FL's Take: Eddie played great in the preseason. He has improved as a point guard and the pressure no longer makes him an automatic turnover. But, I think I like him best as a shooting guard. I would like to see Gabe at the point and Eddie at the two and either Bill Walker or Tony Allen at the 3.
Kobe Bryant's knee feels just fine
FL's Take: Kobe is such a drama queen.
Ryan Gomes fitting in with Timberwolves
FL's Take: Gomes is such a classy guy. I wish him the best in Minnesota, but wish the Celtics could have kept him.
Celtics: Signs point to win
Globe Are they on pace?
FL's Take: As much as I love Larry Legend, I can't cheer for him to succeed in Indy. If it wasn't for Pitino, he would probably be in Boston still. But then again, Danny has proved to be a much better GM than Larry so we may be better off.
Lakers popular choice
FL's Take: The Lakers were the popular choice in the Finals too. Nine out of ten experts picked them to win the title last season and the Celtics got no respect then, either. But, it proved to give the Celtics more motivation last season and it is going to give them more motivation this season.
Player profile: Glen Davis
MetroWest Daily Celtics: A general disrespect
FL's Take: The Celtics are the team that everyone loves to hate. But, that never stopped them from dominating in the past and won't stop them now.
CelticsBlog 5 days
FL's Take: Just 5 days. I can't wait! They better televise the whole ring ceremony!!
South Beach no place for troubled point guard
FL's Take: If Ricky Davis made it through his stint in Miami, surely Tinsley can.
Stock up, stock down
Tanguay's Take Burned by Felger!
NBA.com GM survey: 2008-09 predictions
Perkisabeast Meet the big winners of the preseason
Detroit Free Press Detroit clearly No. 3 in the Eastern conference
SI.com An opposing team's scout sizes up the Celtics
GM Survey: Lakers will win title
NY Daily News No love for the Knicks from NBA GMs
Basketbawful Bill Walker: Not so popular, apparently
Dime Sam Cassell was never going to be an assistant coach this season
Tony Allen is not the next James Posey
FL's Take: No, Tony won't be the next James Posey. Posey had a whole different skill set than Tony. Tony can provide some of the defense that the Celtics lost with Posey, but he won't be able to guard the big 3's like Posey could. Also, he won't be the 3 point threat that Posey was. But, the Celtics don't need one person to fill Posey's shoes. Tony can provide some defense. Bill Walker may be the guy to guard the bigger 3's or maybe Leon can do that. And as for Posey's offense, the combination of House, Pruitt and Allen can do that. Tony can get to the basket in ways that Posey couldn't. House's shot has been lethal in the preseason and with Tony driving and kicking out to House, we have the 3 point shooting covered. Too much has been made of replacing James Posey. The Celtics are going to be just fine.
Real GM Who is playing well in the preseason?
Full Court Press Pruitt deserves respect of King James
FL's Take: Pruitt is definitely proving that he can play. I like this kid!
Mass Live Wrapping up the Celtics preseason
Sports of Boston Celtics player previews: The bench centers
Lex Nihil Novi Celtics fall flat against Pacers, drop to 13-3 (81-82)
The Mark Acres chronicles
Hub Hoops Phil Jackson and Danny Ainge walk into a bar
Connecticut Post Doc gets props in GM coaches survey
Enterprise Ainge vows that Celtics won't have a letdown
FL's Take: I don't think that the Celtics will have any let down. Judging by the intensity of the team in the preseason, especially KG, Pierce and Ray, they are going to be just as motivated this season as they were last.
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Blogger Previews Northwest Division
Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 10/22
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Celtics Dominate Knicks in Preseason Finale
by FLCeltsFan 8:11 AM
A few thoughts about the Celtics 101-90 win over the Knicks in the season finale.
Gabe Pruitt played well in his second start of the preseason. He played 32 minutes and finished with 8 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and most importantly, no turnovers. I think Gabe can handle the back up point guard position and that would free Eddie House to play the 2 guard where he can be most effective as a spot up shooter to spread the floor. House has had a solid preseason and is effective whether playing the point or the 2 guard. In the preseason finale, he once again was firing on all cylinders, scoring 20 to go with 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals.
The starters played 21 minutes or less again last night and once again functioned like a well oiled machine. Their efficiency is almost scary to watch. Perk played only 12 minutes but made the most of them with 6 points and 5 rebounds. Rondo once again sat out but could have played if it was a regular season game. It was better to give Gabe another chance to run the team with the starters than to rush Rondo back anyway.
Leon Powe solidified his spot as the first big off the bench. I love Leon. He muscled his way to 19 points, 12 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block in 25 minutes. He definitely plays big and I expect him to break out this season if given the opportunity.
Tony continues to be up and down with 4 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 turnovers last night. I have said it before, but the most important thing that Posey brought was consistency every night. They always knew what they would get from him and he rarely made mistakes. If Tony is to fill his shoes, the one thing he needs to work on is being consistent. He can't be up one night and down the next. And, he has to be able to play no matter how many minutes he gets.
Bill Walker may end up being the steal of the draft. He doesn't play like a rookie and like Leon, always seems to make the most of his minutes. Last night, he finished with 2 points, 4 rebounds and 1 steal. Walker may end up being the player who makes us forget James Posey.
After being out-rebounded in the first several preseason games, the Celtics out-rebounded their opponents in the final two games. The Celtics shot 44% while holding the Knicks to 40%. Also, after turning the ball over 20 times or more in previous games, they cut their turnovers to 14. But, they still need to cut down on turnovers even more. All in all, it was a very good preseason. The stars got lots of rest but proved that they still have what it takes. The young players have proved that they can contribute.
[Box Score]
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Our first real concern
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
by Unknown 1:24 PM
Losing James Posey was big--any Celtics fan who followed the team last season can see that. But it appeared we had enough talent and depth at the backup 3 to cover Posey's departure. A healthy and determined Darius Miles, along with spot minutes from Tony and Ray Allen should keep us running smoothly at Small Forward. But then came the reality check. Darius is not the same player he was 3 years ago, so yesterday he was let go. That leaves us with a hole, a possible chink in our armor. As of right now, we have no legit SF who has the size and length to guard taller 3's in the league. I like Tony and think this is his year to breakout, but he's 6'4" and it'll be tough to send him out against 6'8" guys who can shoot above him.
Lots of people are raving about Bill Walker, and penciling him in the 12 man roster, but I'm not so quick to issue him such an important role. I'm just as excited about his future as any fan, but he is a rookie and rookies do struggle with mistakes, as well as keeping up with conditioning needed to grind out 82 games, plus another 20+ intense playoff games.
I think it'll be wiser to find a veteran backup 3 who won't be as prone to youthful mistakes.
Maybe we'll see Ainge make a trade before opening day to shore up this concern.
-Derren.Matts
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 10/21
Random Thoughts and Final Preseason Game Preview
by FLCeltsFan 9:28 AM
Well, now the speculation can stop as to whether Scal would be bought out and whether Sam would move to the coaching staff. In the end, Danny made the most obvious move. Miles was the only one with a non-guaranteed contract and his playing time had dwindled as the preseason wore on. They could have kept him on the roster until just before opening night, but they wanted to give him a chance to catch on with another team. He can still play and according to Doc and Danny his behavior problems are far behind him. Some team should take a chance on him. If I was a GM in the Blazers' division, I would be picking him off waivers right now. How often do you have a chance to help your team while at the same time sticking it to a rival?
This may be the season that Gerald Green finally matures into his talent. He has looked good in the preseason for the Mavericks but then again, we have seen him excel in the summer league as well as in the preseason but then fizzle when the games count. I always get attached to our young guys and like to keep an eye on them even after they are traded. The Celtics had such high hopes for Gerald but he just wasn't mature enough to make the most of his talent. I felt sorry for him in the Slam Dunk contest last season because he really worked hard on his dunks and that was pretty much all he had going for him and then to be upstaged so thoroughly must have been a blow to his ego. I really hope that he does well this season.
Perk is making strides to be an even better player this season then he was last season, and he was pretty solid last season. I have noticed that he is making an effort to go right up with the ball when he catches it around the basket instead of putting it on the floor like he used to. I can see Perk taking another leap in his development this season.
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Boston Celtics (5-2) at New York Knicks (2-2)
Preseason Game #8 – Road Game #4
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
7:30 PM ET
TV: CSN, MSG, DTV LP ch 751
Radio: WEEI
Madison Square Garden
New York, NY
Tonight the Celtics will play their final preseason game against the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden. The Knicks beat the Celtics in their first meeting at the TD Banknorth Garden behind 19 points from Nate Robinson and 15 from Zach Randolph. In spite of the Celtics' 3 stars playing more minutes than they had in any previous game and 27 points from Eddie House, the Celtics lost 104-97. The Celtics will be looking to avenge that loss as they clash in the other Garden.
Rondo had said that he planned to play in this game but reports this morning indicate that Doc will hold him out again just as a precaution. This will give Gabe Pruitt a chance to once again try to prove that he is capable of holding down the back up PG spot.
Probable Starting Matchups
PG: Gabe Pruitt vs Chris Duhon
SG: Ray Allen vs Jamal Crawford
SF: Paul Pierce vs Quentin Richardson
PF: Kevin Garnett vs Wilson Chandler
C: Kendrick Perkins vs Zach Randolph
Players to watch
Celtics
 With the Celtics carrying 4 point guards into the season, it will be up to Gabe to prove he deserves playing time. Sam hasn't played in the preseason, but that doesn't mean he won't get minutes when the season begins. Eddie House has proved that he is more than capable of playing the back up PG spot, but more than that he is instant offense off the bench. I can see a second unit with Tony at the 3, Eddie at the 2 and Gabe playing the point.
 Tony has made some bold statements about his ability to replace James Posey. He has had some great games but has been inconsistent. He tends to follow up a big game with one that is less than memorable. We need to see consistency from Tony.
Knicks
 Nate Robinson had his way with the Celtics in their last meeting and it will be interesting to see if the Celtics can stop him in this game.
 You can't stop Eddie Curry. You can only hope to contain him.
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Celtics Cut Roster to 15
Monday, October 20, 2008
by FLCeltsFan 1:54 PM
We knew it was coming and most expected that this was the move that Danny would make. The Celtics placed Darius Miles on waivers today. According to the Globe:
“Darius was a model citizen during his time here in Boston. He showed that he still has a lot of basketball left in him.” said Ainge said in a press release.
The 6-foot-9-inch, 235-pound forward appeared in six preseason games for the Celtics, averaging 1.8 points and 1.3 rebounds in 10.4 minutes per game.
Miles, 27, was the only player in camp with a non-guaranteed contract, and the writing may have been on the wall when he did not see any action in Friday night's preseason loss to the Knicks. By waiving Miles, the Celtics are not required to make another move before the season begins on Oct. 28, meaning Sam Cassell, Bill Walker, Patrick O'Bryant, Gabe Pruitt, and Brian Scalabrine can all remain on the roster if the Celtics wish.
Sam may still be mostly a coach, Danny may still look for a trade to bring in another center who will be a banger inside, and Scal may still spend more time on the inactive list than on the court, but for now, the Celtics can go into the season with the remaining players without making any more moves if they choose.
I really hope he catches on somewhere and can play 10 games this season. I believe he will. If I was a GM in the Blazers division, I would sign him and play him just to keep Portland from getting even stronger. Anyway, now Celtics fans can stop speculating about who would be cut and when.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 10/20
Perk Beasts as Celtics Beat Nets 83-66
by FLCeltsFan 8:52 AM
Just a few thoughts on last night's game.
Perk was a beast last night. He is still getting himself into shape after the shoulder surgery, but I would say he is getting there quickly. He played 22 minutes, the most of any starter not named Pruitt, and finished with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 block. One thing I noticed about Perk's play so far is that he has been trying to go right up with the ball when he catches it instead of putting it on the floor like he has in the past. I can tell that it is something he has been working on and it makes him much more effective under the basket.
In spite of having just one more preseason game left, we didn't see anything close to a regular lineup. First, Rondo was out. Second, the 3 stars all played in limited minutes once again. Maybe if it had been closer Doc would have given them more playing time but then the Celtics probably would have won by 50 or more.
Gabe Pruitt filled in for Rondo quite well with 11 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists. He also had 6 turnovers, but was poised and did a good job of running the team. There is also a lot to be said for having a PG who can grab 12 rebounds against a couple of 7 footers in the opposing lineup. I'd like to see Pruitt at the back up PG and move House to the 2 guard, where he can be more effective with his quick release and great shooting touch. Tony can play the 3 and we would have a very lethal second unit. There wouldn't be any need to worry about where the offense would come from.
Speaking of Tony Allen, he continues to be up and down. Last night he finished with 2 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists in 27 minutes. One thing Posey brought that was important was consistency. You always knew what you would get when he took the floor and he rarely made mistakes. Tony needs to get to that point if he hopes to help fill Posey's shoes on this team.
Leon Powe played 11 minutes and had 5 points and 2 rebounds but also had a scare. He was injured when he went up for a rebound and a Nets' player landed on his left foot, hitting a nerve. Powe lost all feeling in his left foot for 30 minutes. After the game he was able to put pressure on it, and seemed to be ok. He also still has swelling in the hand that he injured earlier, but Powe is tough and has been playing through the injury.
The Celtics are still turning the ball over way too much. They had 29 turnovers last night compared to 12 for the Nets. They simply have to take better care of the ball. They could still beat a Carterless Nets team with 29 turnovers, but don't expect the better teams in the league to let them get away with it. One area the Celtics improved in last night was in the rebounding. So far in the preseason, they have been beaten on the boards pretty seriously. Last night however, they out rebounded the Nets 56-29. They need to continue to crash the boards if they want to repeat.
Doc played everyone but Sam Cassell and Rondo. There is still a lot of speculation as to what the team will do over the next week or so. With Sam not playing a minute in the preseason, he could be moved directly to the coaching staff. But, Doc has said that Sam is here to play this season, not coach. But then again, he hasn't played in the preseason. And then, there is Miles who has looked quite rusty in his time on the court and has played sparingly, including 11 minutes last night. With his non-guaranteed contract, it would seem that he would be the most likely cut, but then Danny wouldn't get to stick it to the Blazers. There are also rumors that a trade may be in the works with Big Baby and Pruitt as the bait to bring in a banger to play behind Perk. With 8 days left until the season opener, we should find out soon.
[Box Score]
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Comments from the Other Side - Nets
by FLCeltsFan 8:19 AM
Not a lot of comments because the majority of Nets fans couldn't watch the game. It wasn't on YES and no online feed was working for them. It is safe to say they didn't miss too many Nets' highlights. Enjoy the few comments I could find
Nets should strike back!...They mustn't let that they are defeated by Boston's bench.
VC will sit out. Boone and Swift won't be playing either, so expect lot of playing time for CDR, Brook, SWAT and Anderson. Boston's Big Three should be playing.
I expect that is payback for the Celtics not playing their starters in NJ.
Why are we playing the Celtics again? I don't want to show off any of the fine points of our intricate offense?
Boston also beat The Nets bench because 4th quarter only starter who played was Boone
Hey, we scored 40 in the first half, maybe we'll crack the 80s after all ...
I think we are going to win this game, I have a feeling Yi + Brook are going to takeover in the second half
I wish this was on TV or there was a feed. Audio doesn't even work.
You guys do realize that the Nets are down by 20 and look awful, right? Why do you want to watch this disaster?
I'd even settle for Bostons annoying announcers to watch. That lets you know how much I wanted to see it.
We needed Vince tonight. He can take Ray Allen any time he wants and that would have made it a lot closer.
Man outrebounded 56-29 & 14 offensive by Celtics..is that right ?!?..lot of bigs...no one boxing out ? C'mon.
Kept turnovers down but that rebound number looks wrong....can't believe w/ Nets big team they would get outworked that much on the glass. I know Pruitt has long arms but how does he grab 12 rebounds ?!?
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 10/19
Sunday, October 19, 2008
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