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'QUADRUPLE-DOUBLE' RARE IN NBA

 
Published April 10, 2009

We hear a lot about "triple-doubles" in the NBA. Has anyone ever gotten a "quadruple-double"?

In NBA slang, a "double" is reaching double figures in one of these statistical categories: points scored, rebounds, steals, assists or blocked shots.

A "triple-double" is when a player reaches double figures in three categories. For example, on March 19, LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers scored 26 points, had 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his 24th career triple-double. Oscar Robertson is the all-time leader with 181, and the only player to average a triple-double for an entire season.

A "quadruple-double" has occurred only four times since the 1973-74 season, which is when the NBA started keeping daily records on blocked shots and steals.

In 1974, Nate Thurmond had 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists and 12 blocked shots in a game. In 1986, Alvin Robertson had 20 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 steals. In 1990, Hakeem Olajuwon had 18 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists and 11 blocked shots. And in 1994, David Robinson had 35 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 blocked shots.

Most NBA observers think there would be more, recorded by all-time great players such as Robertson, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell or Jerry West, if steals and blocked shot records had been kept earlier.

No "quintuple-double" has ever been recorded in the NBA.

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Daylight saving time decisions

Who makes the decision regarding when to begin and end daylight saving time? How much energy is actually saved via the "extra hour" of daylight?

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 states that daylight saving time, or DST, runs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. According to a 2008 Department of Energy study, evening electricity savings during DST were offset slightly by small increases in energy consumption in the morning. To read the full report, go to digbig.com/4yjya.

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Air traffic controller retirements

Is it true that because of the stress and pressure, air traffic controllers retire at about 40 or 45 years old?

Because of recent pay cuts and rule changes, a number of air traffic controllers are retiring at age 50 - the earliest age possible. There is a mandatory retirement age of 56, but federal law provides for exemptions up to age 61 for controllers with exceptional skills and experience.

Air traffic controllers are eligible to retire at age 50 if they have 20 years of service as an active air traffic controller. They also can retire after 25 years of active service at any age. This is an earlier age and with fewer years of service than other federal employees.