Although outnumbered, the Spanish infantry fought hard, and caused enough American casualties to make Shafter blink.

ECONOMIST: THE WAR OF 1898

In the meantime, however, Shafter had another plan: If he couldn't beat them, he was going to join them.

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Shafter said he was planning to approach CES officials about compensating him for his lost booth time during Bieber's two-hour appearance.

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Shafter's attack failed to take the city, but it provoked the trapped Spanish fleet into a foolishly gallant attempt to break out.

ECONOMIST: THE WAR OF 1898

"It's the best of times, it's the worst of times, " grumbled Shafter's business partner, Xybotyx co-founder Dan McShan, surveying the madness surrounding him.

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On August 23rd of that year, Allen completed the 1.6-mile course as designated by the Royal Aeronautical Society, located at Minter field in Shafter, Calif.

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