"We're going out of our way to avoid the word closure, because closure sounds like we mean forgetting. This place is about remembrance."

- Paul Rufien, a member of the committee that led the effort to construct a memorial spot near Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo. The memorial in a park near the school was dedicated Sept. 21, more than eight years after the shooting deaths of 13 and the self-inflicted deaths of the two shooters.

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"It's been hard. He was everybody's buddy."

- Tara Garland-Hoffman, office manager of the Central Dakota Humane Society animal shelter, speaking after the death of a mutt dog who was the shelter's first resident and became its mascot for 13 years. Buddy was only a puppy when he was taken in. He died peacefully in the night of Sept. 17.

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"He's probably the most important person in the parade."

- A quote from George Jury, watching the Autumnfest parade in Bismarck on Sept. 22; he was talking about Joe Schonert, 16, of Baldwin, whose role was to come along behind the horseback units and scoop up manure. At least he was privileged to trail the young, beautiful rodeo queens riding in the parade.

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"There has to be some standard about who we give credibility to, who we give access to such a prestigious platform as Columbia University. What is the message that is sent to the students in his country who have have suffered under him? This is not a man who should be hosted in civilized society."

- Malcolm Hoenlein, of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, talking about the invitation given to Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, to speak at Columbia University in New York on Monday. Ahmadinejad then addressed the United Nations.

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"So let me just joke - try to tell a joke here. I think the politicians who are after atomic bombs or are testing them, making them, politically, they are backward, retarded."

- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in his speech at Columbia University. In his speech, he also said that Iranian women are better and more respected than men and have perfect freedom.

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"We see sparks of brilliance, and we're hoping that once we get to the end of the season, that's where you're at."

- Lisa Krom, coach of the Bismarck High School volleyball team, speaking after the BHS girls defeated Century's team Thursday.