Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to Students

September 8, 2009 -

Amid protests and counter-protests, President Barack Obama will deliver a 20-minute speech on the value of education to America's students this morning.

The Back to School event has been banned from some school districts whose managers are apparently being influenced by the squeaky wheels among the anti-Obama crowd.

In any case, the White House has pre-published the text of the Prez's speech. And, once again, Obama will reference video games - specifically the Xbox:

I’ve talked about your teachers’ responsibility for inspiring you, and pushing you to learn.

I’ve talked about your parents’ responsibility for making sure you stay on track, and get your homework done, and don’t spend every waking hour in front of the TV or with that Xbox.

I’ve talked a lot about your government’s responsibility for setting high standards, supporting teachers and principals, and turning around schools that aren’t working where students aren’t getting the opportunities they deserve.

But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world – and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities. Unless you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed...

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Comments

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by jedidethfreak on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 13:15.

Then why are you here? Obviously, by this particular comment, you are either too immature to be discussing politics with any particular amount of informed opinion, or you're just not intelligent enough to make a witty comeback.

---

He was dead when I got here.

--- With the first link, the chain is forged.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by DarkSaber on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 13:20.

I reply to people with an intelligence level to match their own, so with that said:

Go stick an egg up your nose. Come on little monkey, dance. Dance for my amusement and I may give you a peanut.

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I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

-------------------------------------------------- I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Flamespeak on Wed, 09/09/2009 - 00:36.

"I reply to people with an intelligence level to match their own"

If you are trying to belittle the mental prowess of others, please ensure your own posts are free of dialog that would lead others to believe you are lacking in said mental prowess.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by DarkSaber on Wed, 09/09/2009 - 10:52.

First I'd have to be convinced to give a shit.

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I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

-------------------------------------------------- I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by jedidethfreak on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 13:39.

Typical response here. Can't argue with what's being discussed, so you'll respond with childish remarks that only prove how stupid you really are.

---

He was dead when I got here.

--- With the first link, the chain is forged.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Austin_Lewis on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 11:06.

Just notice that it seems to be a recurring theme in the Obama administration.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by DarkSaber on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 11:12.

Yes, because no other government in the history of ever has ever engaged in less than smart PR work.

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I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

-------------------------------------------------- I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Austin_Lewis on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 12:03.

With how amazing his PR team was when he was trying to get elected, it's interesting that they're fucking up so often now.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by DarkSaber on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 12:13.

Not really, seems about par for the course for most governments.

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I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

-------------------------------------------------- I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Zero Beat on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 09:16.

"The people aren't here to serve Obama, he's here to serve us, and he apparently doesn't understand that."

Most politicians don't get that. They think we elect them to be kings when they're supposed to be instruments of our will.

"That's not ironic. That's justice."

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Baruch_S on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 22:26.

Basically, yeah.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by JB on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 08:34.

"The original lesson plan the Whitehouse sent out didn't make any mention of education ...(snip) ...he had a lesson plan that read like something out of Cuba, Saddam's Iraq, or Hitler's Germany."

Ha! Really? You should post a link to the original speech or just post the speech itself. I would like to read that to see how much they changed.

"I'd far rather be happy than right any day."

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Austin_Lewis on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 08:50.

Sadly, about 4 hours after I read the original LESSON PLAN (not speech, this was the government-issued 'suggested lesson plan for how to prep kids from K-6, with a seperate one from 7-12) on DocStoc, it was replaced with error messages. A few hours later, a new lesson plan was on the same website, with a lot of the 'how can you help Obama' shit toned down. This was, of course, after the public caught wind and raised holy hell. However, I'm more than happy to provide you with Version 2.0, available here http://www.docstoc.com/docs/10582301/President-Obama%27s-Address-to-Students-Across-America-September-8-2009

I know we're on 3.0 at least now (they just added in 'how can education help reach YOUR goals, instead of asking how you can help the president reach HIS goals). Originally, for example, the first bullet point suggested that teachers either assign kids books written by or about Barack Obama, or that they read the books to them during class time (and seeing as the 2 books he wrote are as narcissistic and full of shit as JT's book, that seems like a great way to waste valuable education time). There are a lot of other changes between the original and the one I reposted. The whole thing has taught me a lesson though; screencap ridiculous things.

EDIT

By the way, for everyone saying that Bush Sr. did the same thing, yes, he did, except his didn't start out as a politicized message, and the speech can be seen at the presidential library for Bush Sr. Oh, but there was still an outcry. It just happened afterwards http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/When-Bush-spoke-to-students-Democrats-investigated-held-hearings-57694347.html

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by jkdjr25 on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 09:22.

I feel the need to point out that asking how we can help the President is nothing new. As a matter of fact it happened in WW2 when the government asked kids to help the war effort by collecting tinfoil, and the like. At the time it was considered patirotic to want to help the President, so why the shift in opinion?

Simple. It's not their guy who is in office at the moment.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Austin_Lewis on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 09:28.

There's a difference between 'help the president' and 'help the war effort'. One suggests we need to help the head of the government get his way, and the other suggests we need to help the thousands of servicemen who need guns, helmets, etc. get equipment. It was considered patriotic to do what was best for your COUNTRY, not for the individual at the top.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by DarkSaber on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 09:37.

Too bad no-one told GWB that.

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I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

-------------------------------------------------- I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by jedidethfreak on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 12:43.

So, since you don't like President Bush, you're going to give Obama a free pass to do things that are exactly the same - if not worse - than him?

Your hipocrisy is blatantly obvious.

---

He was dead when I got here.

--- With the first link, the chain is forged.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by DarkSaber on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 12:58.

And it's blatantly obvious that you have jumped straight in without reading (or possibly just not understanding what you read in) this comments section, because I think Obama is a dick. Like all politicians.

Was that simple enough for you, or do you need help with the longer words?

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I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

-------------------------------------------------- I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by jedidethfreak on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 13:13.

Well, by your own comment, Obama can do what Bush did because Bush did it. You had a problem with Bush doing it. That's blatan hypocrisy. Just because you don't like Obama doesn't mean it isn't hypocrisy.

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He was dead when I got here.

--- With the first link, the chain is forged.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by DarkSaber on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 13:15.

And just because you type doesn't make you intelligent.

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I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

-------------------------------------------------- I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by jedidethfreak on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 13:37.

What's the matter? Can't respond with something that actually pertains to the argument?

---

He was dead when I got here.

--- With the first link, the chain is forged.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Mr.Pat on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 14:40.

Says the person who refuses to cite any of his "facts".

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by DarkSaber on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 13:39.

I know you are you said you are so what am I.

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I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

-------------------------------------------------- I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Lou on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 09:15.

You forgot Reagan when he started to talk about tax reduction and domestic policies. Yeah that might of excaped your mind.

Good thing the Obama administration took off that stupid lesson plan. If a kid really wants to write the president he/she should do it on their own and not being told to by the prez or being forced by their ignorant parents.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Austin_Lewis on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 09:25.

I can't remember Reagan's speech, and unlike Bush's library, his is hard to navigate via the internet. So I didn't speak on it. But I can tell you that Reagan didn't send out a lesson plan saying 'make the kids read about Reagan, watch his movies, and read his autobiographies, and discuss how you can help Reagan reach his goals'. If anyone can find his actual speech, that'd be great.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Bennett Beeny on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 07:16.

"There should at least be a small shred of respect for the Office, even if you disagree with his politics."

Eight years ago the Republicans were telling us the same thing. Apparently, it's one rule when their guy is in power, and another when he's not. At least it shows what complete hypocrites these Republicans are.

Personally, I think people should be able to criticize the president, but the criticisms should at least make sense. After all, it's not as if no other president ever gave a speech about education.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Zerodash on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 07:37.

You are actually, seriously implying that Democrats are above hypocracy?

All politicians are hypocrites. All Conservatives are hypocrites. All liberals are hypocrites.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by DarkSaber on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 08:06.

Hell, in America, the political liberals aren't even liberal.

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I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

-------------------------------------------------- I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Vake Xeacons on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 09:42.

Either that, or the speech is too appalling that even the liberals aren't going to take it.

I remember taking algebra in 8th grade in a gifted class. I was "gifted."

I have an IQ of 150. That's metallly retarded by today's standards. That's why I'm not smarter than a 5th grader because you can't get into 5th grade with an IQ like mine.

This isn't the first time Obama has said "Abandon all else for education." He's ordered people of all ages to "go back to school." Because we qualify for special ed nowadays. We're stupid. Obama says so.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Valdearg on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 11:47.

Wow, your IQ of 150 really doesn't show through with that comment.

150 is actually relatively good, considering the Average IQ, sadly, is between 90-110. Now, if you put that IQ of yours to use, you'd realize this whole thing is about inspiring kids to do well in school.

End. Of. Story.

It is a sad truth that this country is full of kids who are dropping out of school at alarming rates, whether that be because of thier own attitute towards education, or the lack of support they recieve. Getting a good education is the absolute best thing that anyone can do for themselves, and the fact is that many of us don't realize that until we've passed up that chance. Obama is trying to convey that fact to the next generation, so that he may inspire a few more to succeed than in the past few decades.

Anyone who doesn't see that is either willfully ignorant or just plain stupid.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Thomas P. on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 12:58.

I hope you understand that a IQ of 100 is average in the world. Are you saying that Americans should all be superhuman?

Also, IQ score is only a small piece of the pie. A person's drive to succeed is a larger factor.

I can be born a genius, but if I choose not to use this "gift" then it is all irrelevent.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Valdearg on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 13:09.

I'd actually say that 100 is pretty damn stupid, considering the fact that most of the people I know score well above that, (120-130), and they are of average intelligence. Then again, maybe I just know smart people? I don't know, either way, my point was that we need something to inspire kids to do better in school, which is exactly what Obama is doing. He's not accusing America of being stupid, even when he probably be right in saying so, and he's not trying to zombify our kids, like Austin_Lewis seems to think.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by DarkSaber on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 13:14.

Yeah Val, you're right, the actual world average is 120-130. An average of 100 must be a U.S. thing.

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I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

-------------------------------------------------- I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by vellocet on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 14:14.

IQ stands for Intelligence Quotient, the score comes from your mental age / actual age. When your mental age is equal to your actual age, your IQ is 100. That's also why IQ tends to get lower as you get older.

------- Morality has always been in decline. As you get older, you notice it. When you were younger, you enjoyed it.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by MrKlorox on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 18:26.

/raises a glass of wine to 'missed opportunities'

/smashes it against the wall

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Sporge on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 12:58.

Umm of course the average iq is between 90 and 110, the iq test is set up to have an average of 100. Iq tests change depending on your age though, the internet ones are normally pretty awful in that regard, well at least the free ones I've seen. Having an Iq of 100 means you are average for your age.

I am soooo tired of politics on all sides really.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by DarkSaber on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 07:05.

"When did this country become so full of douchebags?"

About 200 years ago when European countries rounded up their douchebags and shipped them over there.

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I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

-------------------------------------------------- I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by nightwng2000 on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 04:59.

Looks like he's getting the hang of "moderation and diversity" versus "change your hobby because I don't like your hobby and I know better than you and your Parents what is good for you and what is bad for you".

He's still guttertrash when it comes to certain other issues.

Nightwng2000

NW2K Software

http://www.facebook.com/nightwing2000

Nightwng2000 is now admin to the group "Parents For Education, Not Legislation" on MySpace as http://groups.myspace.com/pfenl

Nightwng2000 NW2K Software http://www.facebook.com/nightwing2000 Nightwng2000 is now admin to the group "Parents For Education, Not Legislation" on MySpace as http://groups.myspace.com/pfenl

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Zero Beat on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 09:11.

Gotta admit, he at least seems to still be human. He must not have had the lobotomy that all politicians undergo at one point in their careers. Or just a partial.

"That's not ironic. That's justice."

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by DarkSaber on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 07:03.

"He's still guttertrash when it comes to certain other issues."

That's pretty much a given seeing as how he's a politician.

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I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

-------------------------------------------------- I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Baruch_S on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 09:03.

Here here!

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by JustChris on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 11:13.

So we're doomed to elect guttertrash? Damn.

Maybe what we need is electing a non-politician into office.

GameSnooper

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by jedidethfreak on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 12:37.

Electing non-politicians isn't the answer either. Look at Schwartzenegger and Jesse Ventura, and the messes they made.

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He was dead when I got here.

--- With the first link, the chain is forged.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by PHOENIXZERO on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 12:42.

They? State government is a lot more than just the governor. That's like blaming the presid.... Oh wait.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by ZippyDSMlee on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 12:23.

In oder to do that you have to remove lobbying and tie house and senate pay to 5X minuim wage.

Until lobbying is a hanging offense I choose anarchy! Stop supporting big media and furthering the criminalization of consumers!! http://zippydsmlee.wordpress.com/

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http://zippydsm.deviantart.com/

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by michaelleung on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 04:58.

Damn him! Doesn't he realize those DSes are the root of all evil?

Steam ID: canadakiller

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by DarkSaber on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 13:12.

Damn straight I'm the root of all evil!

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I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

-------------------------------------------------- I LIKE the fence. I get 2 groups to laugh at then.

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by LegendaryGamer00 on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 16:32.

No, I'M the Root Of All EVIL!!!

Let's have Lewis Black settle this...

--------------------

Making the world a better place... one Headshot at a time...

Put your gamertag here too.

-------------------- Making sure I retain my INSANITY

Re: Obama To Mention Xbox in Controversial Speech to ...

Submitted by Bennett Beeny on Tue, 09/08/2009 - 07:10.

Yeah, really!

Shout box

MechaTama31: I mean, of the groups being bullied here, which of the two would you refer to collectively as "nerds"?10/19/2014 - 11:30pm

MechaTama31: But that's the thing, it doesn't sound to me like he is advocating bullying, it sounds like he is accusing the SJWs of bullying the "nerds", who I can only assume refers to the GGers.10/19/2014 - 11:21pm

Andrew Eisen: Interesting read. Unfortunately, too vague to form an opinion on but at least now I know what faefrost was talking about in James' editorial.10/19/2014 - 10:39pm

Neo_DrKefka: Breaking GameJournoPros organized a blacklist of former Destructoid writer Allistar Pinsof for investigating fraud in IndieGoGo campaign http://blogjob.com/oneangrygamer/2014/10/gamergate-destructoid-corruption-and-ruined-careers/10/19/2014 - 8:57pm

Neo_DrKefka: Only good thing I seen come out of the Biddle incident was the fact a professional fighter offered to give 10k to an anti bullying charity for a round in the ring with Biddle.10/19/2014 - 7:49pm

Neo_DrKefka: Even after all the interviews she is still on twitter making fun of people with disabilities (Autism) yet she is a part of the crowd that is on the so called right side of history...10/19/2014 - 7:48pm

Neo_DrKefka: Which #GameGate supports are constantly being harassed and bullied. Brianna Wu who I told everyone she was trolling GamerGate weeks ago with her passive aggressive threats was looking for that crazy person in the crowd.10/19/2014 - 7:47pm

Neo_DrKefka: I believe the problem #GamerGate has with Sam Biddle is he is apart of this blogging group that in a way hates or detests its readers. Also being apart of the crowd that claims its on the right side of history isn't helping when he is advocating bullying10/19/2014 - 7:45pm

MechaTama31: Of course, I'm looking at these tweets in isolation, I don't know a thing about the guy.10/19/2014 - 7:06pm

MechaTama31: If anything, the sarcastic implication seems to be that the SJW crowd is bringing back the bullying of nerds. But it's the GGers who are out for his blood? I'm lost...10/19/2014 - 7:01pm

MechaTama31: I don't really get this Sam Biddle thing. The reaction to his tweets seems to be taking them at face value, but... they're tongue in cheek. Right?10/19/2014 - 7:00pm

Andrew Eisen: I have it. The problem, so far as I can tell, is neither of them allow me to overlay my webcam feed or text links to my Extra-Life fundraising page.10/19/2014 - 4:08pm

quiknkold: and yes, its free10/19/2014 - 4:05pm

quiknkold: should grab Hauppauge capture. has mic support and can upload directly to youtube10/19/2014 - 4:05pm

Andrew Eisen: The former.10/19/2014 - 4:00pm

quiknkold: was it StreamEez, or the StreamEez feature in Hauppauge Capture? cause I know Capture has alot more support from the devs.10/19/2014 - 3:54pm

Andrew Eisen: I actually tried StreamEez last week. Flat out didn't work.10/19/2014 - 3:53pm

quiknkold: I use the Hauppauge Capture software's StreamEez. Arcsoft showbiz for recording. I just streamed a few hours of Persona 4 Golden with zero problem using the program. Xsplit is finniky when it comes to Hauppauge10/19/2014 - 3:40pm

Andrew Eisen: Trying to capture console games and broadcast with Open Broadcaster System because I've had technical difficulties using XSplit 3 weeks in a row.10/19/2014 - 3:37pm

quiknkold: and what are you trying to capture?10/19/2014 - 3:31pm

All shouts

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