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This Only Happens Every 100 Years
Jun 12, 2012
This fascinating video, created by NASA, captures the transit of Venus across the face of the sun. This rare but predictable event will not be happening again till 2117.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Tom Foremski's post is fascinating, not so much for what he gets right but for what he misunderstood. Read his post and comments to see what is broken. What is broken is lay people's understanding of how search engines work. It is why Search Engine Optimists are able to overcharge so many businesses for services they don't need.
I'm not saying Search Engine Optimization doesn't have a time and a place. I'm simply saying that the average person doesn't understand that place. That is why so many business owners pay Search Engine Optimization (SEO) firms–sorry to the handful of ethical SEO firms–what amounts to extortion money out of fear of losing their rankings; even when that ranking brings traffic that doesn't convert. Sad! They should ask better questions.
As you imply by saying ask better questions, garbage in, garbage out. Or, as I like the expression, measure twice, cut once. Or, the easiest problem to solve is the one that never occurs.
It's all about insight and understanding. As opposed to just information, which too often can be information overload.
We explore how these concepts relate to politics in Politics 2.0 – the convergence between politics and web 2.0. The shifting and evolving political landscape means that the political ROI, in this case conversion being votes, fundraising, media and volunteers, is increasingly dependent upon, or at a minimum integrated with, interactive and social community elements that build "stickiness" and interest and loyalty from among the information clutter (also, the next generation of message microtargeting as well).
GIGO. That is the problem.
Personally I think the majority of the problem lies within the Industry itself. How can we expect anyone not involved in search to understand the complexities of an Industry yet to be unified and held to some form of standards and testing.
Anyone can just set up shop and call themselves an SEO without any qualififcations at all. Check out some of the freelance sites around and the quality of providers in there passing themselves off as SEO's. It's a worry when people who have nothing more than a good list of web directories pass themselves off as an SEO Expert of 4 years.
I think a unified Industry with uniform standards and testing would go a long way to weeding out those giving quality provders a bad name. There is plenty of information out there, both good and bad, regardless though any quality provider would set their clients or potential clients straight in regards to what services are required for their project.
Great article!
Agree Mark, you need to go to school for years to qualify for anything, but everyone can claimed to be an SEO expert and even when they can show their portfolio there are still no easy way to ditermine if theyre good or not
I find that a lot of problems with 'business owners paying Search Engine Optimization (SEO) firms what amounts to extortion money' is because they are not knowledgeable on the basic structure of web marketing or the purpose of website directory themselves.
What I am trying to say is that if you have an online web business and you are making money from it then it is also your responsibility to be fairly knowledgeable on how to market your business to get more sales. I am not saying that you should be proficient in SEO language, all the associated jargon, or be an expert in site building or Flash.
What I am saying is that if only business owners pay a little TLC and show some interest in wanting to learn the basics then there is no chance for these so-called unqualified marketers to budge in and claim superiority over the industry because they will be weeded out in no time.
It would be a good idea for companies to have someone "in-house" who actually has a good grasp of SEO, so that he can find proper companies to contract.


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October is known for above-average volatility, though the reasons are unclear. Expect more of the same this time around.
- Russia's chicken gamble backfires
Russians are now paying more for poultry products. US producers are unscathed.
- 10 retailers primed for huge sales growth
Here are the sob stories and rising stars in the competitive retail sector.
The stock is downgraded to 'underperform' by a prominent analyst who says the company is broken.
On a day when stocks soared, Netflix's (NFLX) drop was particularly jarring.
The stock just can't catch a break after passing $300 in July. Its plunge since then has been breathtaking, with shares closing at $64.53 Wednesday.
The day's fall was triggered largely by a downgrade from one of the more prominent analysts covering the stock. Michael Pachter of Wedbush Morgan said in a research note to investors that the company is broken.
Increasing competition in its core business has forced the company to offer value-add services to augment its product portfolio and protect margins.
Cotendo, a smaller Israeli rival which competes with Akamai for value-added services, was founded in 2008 and launched in March of last year. The company has raised more than $36 million in funding from Sequoia Capital, Benchmark Capital and other investors, and also has the backing of strategic partners such as Citrix, Juniper (JNPR), Google (GOOG) and AT&T (T).
But a few are more likely to sell than others. Here are some names.
By Brian Orelli
Another day, another buyout rumor. Monday, it was Onyx Pharmaceuticals (ONXX) that jumped after Bloomberg said the company was in the early stages of exploring the possibility of putting itself up for sale. Before that it wasAchillion Pharmaceuticals (ACHN). And BioSante Pharmaceuticals (BPAX) before that. The rumor list is a mile long.
Here's a news flash for you: Every public biotech could be sold at any point.
New credit downgrades to a number of banks by S&P and still-negative chart patterns mean Bank of America and Citigroup are still very much out of favor.
By Tom Aspray, MoneyShow.com
After the stock market close on Tuesday, S&P downgraded 15 big banks to reflect the results of its new credit criteria. Though many of the banks had been prepared for a downgrade, others immediately wondered about the impact on a fragile stock market.
The low-volume decline last week followed by Monday's strong surge has kept the rally from the October lows intact, but it order to reverse the negative momentum, a strong weekly close is needed.
Bargain-shopping will never save us, and spending isn't as strong as some would believe.
By Jeff Reeves, InvestorPlace.com
A lot of hay has been made lately about the return of American consumers and the resurgence of retail. Yes, holiday sales got off to a bang as shoppers spent a record $52.4 billion over the Black Friday weekend -- up 16.4% from 2010. Yes, Cyber Monday sales also blew the virtual doors off, if early projections of $1.2 billion hold true.
But let's not fool ourselves. Unemployment remains above 9%. Serious debt woes continue to plague America and Europe. And the broader economic troubles lurk like an unrepentant Scrooge.
The much-awaited offering of the online gaming company may not be as overpriced as you might expect.
By Suzanne McGee, The Fiscal Times
Got an avid FarmVille player among your family members or Facebook friends? The much-ballyhooed initial public offering of online gaming company Zynga (which counts FarmVille among its offerings) is apparently finally on track for the week before Christmas.
You might want to consider giving shares in the company in the hopes that the FarmVille players on your list will recoup some of what they've paid to Zynga for "gold" and other virtual items.
The increases show that the shipping company is confident in its business and its per-package revenue growth.
The higher rates incorporate a reduction in fuel surcharges, which will fall by one percentage point for ground packages and two percentage points for domestic and international air mail. Freight charges are also set to rise, with next-day air freight and two-day air freight facing an increase of 5.9%. Three-day freight charges will remain unchanged.
If the Supreme Court says yes, it could cost the industry billions.
Labor disputes are common in the auto and airline industries but not so much in the pharmaceutical sector. Yet a dispute between pharmaceutical companies and their drug reps could have such serious implications for the entire industry that both sides petitioned the Supreme Court to take on a current case. On Monday the petition was granted.
The court is now set to decide whether GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has to pay overtime benefits to its sales representatives. What the court decides will have ramifications for similar cases against other Big Pharmas, including Merck (MRK), Novartis (NVS), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) to name a few.
Could the social-networking site handle a massive offering all by itself?
According to the Wall Street Journal, Facebook chief financial officer David Ebersman "has told bankers he is skeptical about the value bankers could bring to such a deal." That nugget, courtesy of anonymous sources, was designed to make the masters of the universe who arrange multi-billion dollar deals quake in their $695 Gucci loafers. It probably worked.
Though the insurance company has been facing headwinds, there are long-term reasons for investor optimism.
Aflac (AFL) ought to be reveling in its own success. As the top seller of cancer and medical insurance products in Japan, Aflac produces predictable cash flows from premiums on these policies.
But the shares have been volatile, reflecting its fight against the currents of Japan's natural disaster and Europe's debt crisis.
The company has grown sales 7% and per-share profits 14% over the last year, and expectations are for modest growth in 2012 (8% in sales and 4% in per-share profits).
A coordinated intervention by the world's central banks to pump money and liquidity into the system suggests things in Europe are worse than we thought.
Things are much worse than I thought. For me, that's the real takeaway from this financial D-Day, this worldwide coordination from wealthier countries to help major banks in Europe that were clearly about to go under.
Remember, there were two risks to the situation: credit to the banks and credit to the countries. Apparently the credit had all but dried up for SocGen, for BNPParibas and maybe even for Deutsche Bank (DB). Now that credit will be freed up.
|Jim CramerTheStreetcom
Zacks ranks this specialty retailer a strong buy and expects to see double digit earnings growth this year.
By: Tracey Ryniec
Genesco Inc. (GCO), a specialty shoe and hat retailer, is in the sweet spot for retailing. This Zacks #1 Rank (strong buy) is expected to see double digit earnings growth this year. Shares recently soared to a new multi-year high. But surprisingly, GCO is also a value stock, with a forward P/E of 14.7.
Being involved in retail since 1924, Genesco has seen its share of both good and bad economies. Headquartered in Nashville, it now operates 2,225 footwear and headwear retail stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
The company notched an impressive gain Tuesday after telling analysts it would target DIY customers.
This stock is on a roll, rising nearly 15% in the past three months.
You'd think the company wouldn't be faring all that well. The housing market is dismal, with home prices continuing to drop. Homeowners are cash-strapped, with little money budgeted for major renovation projects.
A single error on the company's part can lead to dire consequences for small-scale merchants.
Groupon shares closed Tuesday at $16.01 -- well below the company's Nov. 4 IPO price of $20.
By rejecting a settlement between Citigroup and the SEC, a Federal judge seems to have struck a blow for transparency and investor protection. But the ruling could backfire.
Maybe the Occupy Wall Street movement is making everyone just a little bit more thoughtful about the roles and responsibilities of both the financial services industry and its regulators toward investors.
At least, that's one possible conclusion we can draw from the unexpected decision by Judge Jed Rakoff, of the Federal District Court judge for the Southern District of New York, to nix the proposed $285 million settlement between the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) and Citigroup over allegations that the bank didn't disclose to investors that it was involved in selecting investments for a mortgage-bond investment pool -- as it continued to sell those investments short.
|CGSThe Fiscal Times
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US markets were able to rally hard and largely trim the day's losses. Meanwhile, a bounce in crude oil could be in the offing.
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[BRIEFING.COM] The stock market began the new week on a cautious note. The S&P 500 lost 0.3%, but managed to erase more than half of its opening decline. Thanks to the rebound, the benchmark index reclaimed its 50-day moving average (1976.78) after slipping below that level in the morning.
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by Matt Trueblood
on February 17, 2010 @ 00:00:00
In a ballpark that encourages offense the way The Ballpark in Arlington does, a lot of managers might elect to play it safe on the base paths. Correctly identifying his team as a home for adept thieves, however, manager Ron Washington's team ran 185 times in 2009, and did so with success.
The Rangers as a team put the ball in the air a good bit last season, even more than they typically have. They could stand to do so even more. The park is highly favorable to extra-base hits and less friendly to grounders. In fact, groundballs turn into outs at above-average rates in Ameriquest.
Adding Vladimir Guerrero and giving the full-time center field and leadoff spots to Julio Borbon shake up the offense somewhat. Still, fantasy owners can feel fairly supported while investing in Rangers because of this consistently productive environment for any batter.
It took 10 years of frustrating 8-7 losses, but the team has finally committed itself to balance, and for them, balance means more pitching. With that idea, they added Rich Harden, who looks to complete a potentially deep but young rotation.
Team president Nolan Ryan has made no secret of his desire for his pitchers to build up stamina and pitch deep into games. It has only just started to show up at the major league level, but the team has embraced the notion. It didn't hurt that the club brought in one of the best pitching coaches in the game, Mike Maddux, prior to last season.
Elvis Andrus and Ian Kinsler are one of the league's best double-play combinations. Chris Davis and Michael Young's corner play could offset their brilliance, though.
Josh Hamilton and his balky knees and cannon arm will settle nicely into left field, and Borbon's speed make him a very rangy center man. Nelson Cruz, too, has a throwing arm upon which no one will be trying to stretch singles to doubles down the right-field line.
Texas Rangers fantasy baseball player profiles
About Matt Trueblood
Matt is a journalism student at Loyola University Chicago. The guest contributor is a featured Chicago Cubs columnist on the Bleacher Report as well as a contributor to hotstove.com. Matt envisions himself as both a writer and analyst and strives to deliver pieces that are both well-researched and thought-provoking. He work first appeared on KFFL.com in February 2010.
Don't miss these great reports....
Recent KFFL releases
Fantasy Football Rankings: Standard Scoring
Fantasy Football Rankings: PPR Scoring
Fantasy Baseball Closer Depth Charts: White Sox chaos coming?
Fantasy Football Rankings: Scoring only


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3 Day Pass to FFF9. This pass includes entry to all 3 days of fun, plus admission to all FFF Nites shows*.
To answer xkathf's question: eyephouria is referring to the FFF Nites shows that start on Thursday.
Anyways, I plan on giving everyone I meet a high five. High fives are free and amazing, so who wouldn't want one? (I'm excluding people who are germaphobic and people without hands from this question, for obvious reasons)


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Pentax K-x test samples at IR (second two-lens kit drops to $751 again)
We have another double-update for the Pentax K-x! Imaging Resource has posted their first round of full-size samples taken with the camera. They have at least 100 test samples, and some of them are also available as DNG RAW. If you are interested in RAW-only, use your browser's search function (eg
CTRL-D CTRL-F in Firefox) and search for the word "DNG". This also means that they have a camera in their hands and a review is under-way!
And on the availability front, the Amazon pre-order $99 discount is back for the second K-x two-lens kit. This is the one with the 18-55 and 55-300mm lenses. Its opening price is $850 but Amazon offers it right now for $751. Please note that this is in pre-order status!


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McLaughlin Funeral Home
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St. Louis, Missouri 63104
Phone: 314.771.0717
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Written by Administrator
Monday, 07 July 2008 17:12
McLaughlin Funeral Home
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St. Louis, Missouri 63104
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Lun Tang
Lun Tang is a Hong Kong based photographer, who has earned awards from
- the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA)
- the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI)
I love weddings and I love photographing weddings. Every wedding has a unique touching story behind. I enjoy attending weddings as wedding is a day that full of joy, laughter, tears & beauty. As a photographer, my mission is to capture these transient moments. When looking at the smiley or teary faces from my photos, I hope everyone can feel the same way. Read More...
|Lun Tang
|New Territories, Hong Kong
|Starting Rates
|Artistic Wedding Photojournalist
|3 Contest Winning Photos
|Client Letters
|7 Client Letters
|Follow Me
The Wedding Photojournalist Association proudly recognizes the accomplishments and creative excellence of Lun Tang. The following awards have been earned by Lun from the WPJA. These achievements come with great merit considering the high level of competition that a member faces in the contests.
7th Place - Getting Ready
11th Place - Getting Ready
|19th Place - Reflections
The following letters are from the clients of Lun Tang. Click an image to view a larger version.
Janet & Gary
Married April 7th, 2013
"Your photos are absolutely gorgeous! We are more than happy with them and cannot wait to see the rest of it. We feel like starts being featured on your website, haha. Again, we cannot thank you enough for you to participate on our wedding day. You have captured every little moment dear to our hearts. We will definitely recommend you if we hear anyone in need of a photographer."
Joanie & Chris
Married December 30th, 2012
"Dear LunTang, Thank you so much for doing such a wonderful job. You are truly great and I'm still enjoying your slideshow this morning, sorry I have been a naughty bride that never stay still!!! Cheers Mr and Mrs Towler"
Maggie & Hong
Married December 15th, 2012
"Thank you so much on 15/12!! You & your team are very nice & professional^^ We love the photos & video very much^^"
Ivy & Thomas
Married December 9th, 2012
"Hi Lun! Thank you and your team so much for your effort on 9 Dec! Knowing that it must be exhausting working for 3 consecutive days for 3 different wedding! but you still give us 100% effort and took great pictures for us! And I have to say your team's great and friendly attitude also...more "
Agnes & Jackal
Married November 25th, 2012
"Lun, you and your crew are very professional. The photos and videos are excellent. Thank you again!!"
Ling & Cheung
Married October 28th, 2012
"Dear Lun, Thank you very much for your hard work yesterday. You and your team have done a great job! I can't express how satisfy I am with your photo and video. Besides, many friends are requesting your contact. Best regards, LC Choi"
Micell & Wonka
Married June 30th, 2012
"Thank you Lun Tang!!!!! I hv seen the photos ytd night immediately!!! I really love the photos u taken for us!!! And thanks for your team!!! Omg i cant believe i have a cinematography video!!!! Really soo appreciate hardwork fromyou and your team!! Please keep it up and may all the best...more "


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And now, they're coming for your Social Security money - they want your fucking retirement money - they want it back - so they can give it to their criminal friends on Wall Street. And you know something? They'll get it. They'll get it all from you sooner or later. Because they own this fucking place. It's a Big Club: and you're not in it.
—George Carlin
Apropos of this post:
The [NBC/WSJ] survey — which was conducted Feb. 24-28 of 1,000 adults (200 reached by cell phone), and which has an overall margin of error of plus-minus 3.1 percentage points — also listed 26 different ways to reduce the federal budget deficit.
The most popular: placing a surtax on federal income taxes for those who make more than $1 million per year (81 percent said that was acceptable), eliminating spending on earmarks (78 percent), eliminating funding for weapons systems the Defense Department says aren't necessary (76 percent) and eliminating tax credits for the oil and gas industries (74 percent).
The least popular: cutting funding for Medicaid, the federal government health-care program for the poor (32 percent said that was acceptable); cutting funding for Medicare, the federal government health-care program for seniors (23 percent); cutting funding for K-12 education (22 percent); and cutting funding for Social Security (22 percent).
So, the approach I laid out for the Democrats is not only popular, it's the most popular. Well, that and people just have no fucking idea about earmarks and their relative proportion of the federal budget. Add that to the striking unpopularity of the GOP's putative positions and you have a multifaceted issue about which you can be sure that The Democrat will make not one peep, will grudgingly accept the whatever the GOP's demands are, and will be roundly slaughtered by voter fury about come 2012 but interpret said slaughter as implicit approval of the GOP message and most definitely not anything to do with The Democrat's utter fecklessness. Optimism!
Looking at how Ruth Marcus addresses Boehner's nonsensical output in her column this morning, dare I say that I see signs of actual progress. Perhaps even the Villagers are growing tired (and maybe even a little afraid) of the GOP's shtick?
There are times when I flirt with the notion that the country would be better off with divided government.
She starts, ominously and predictably enough, with some Serious Person boilerplate: the compromise position on anything is always superior, even when one side's position is empirically better relative to some definable long-term metric. But, for once, she quickly rights the ship, and this opener proves to be simply Reese's Pieces for the many Broderians reading her piece on their homeworld:
The man who would be speaker outlined his agenda Tuesday in a speech to the City Club of Cleveland — economic policy reduced to, literally, five easy tweets. The Ohio Republican offered up a depressing blend of tired ideas, tired-er one-liners ("We've tried 19 months of government-as-community-organizer") and cheap attacks. The cheapest: calling for the firing of Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and economic adviser Larry Summers.
[Boehner says "job-killing" twelve] times, actually. As in "job-killing tax hikes," "job-killing bills," "job-killing agenda," "job-killing federal regulations." This is bumper-sticker politics, not a real economic plan. I've been skeptical that Democrats would get much political traction with their argument that the Republican agenda is just George W. Bush recycled, but speeches like Boehner's make me rethink.
Even those two paragraphs appearing on the WaPo Op/Ed page would be cause enough for a minor celebration. But, being a professional, she saves her best for last:
The argument for immediate spending cuts is hard to square with the argument against tax increases. If the latter is harmful — a disaster, in Boehner's words — then surely the former is as well. "When Congress returns, we should force Washington to cut non-defense discretionary spending to 2008 levels — before the 'stimulus' was put into place," Boehner says. This would be more convincing if he were willing to identify specific cuts. It is, even more, an enormous dodge. Stimulus spending is a sliver of the long-term fiscal problem.
Democrats — and the country — would benefit from a responsible opposition party. I'm still looking for evidence of one.
So am I. But there are two important points in here, both of which being concepts that almost never see the light of day in the MSM:
Getting those two simple concepts into wide and repeated circulation: a big deal. Now, of course, when Obama returns from vacation to fire his cabinet, well, that's something else.
I suppose this qualifies as PAM; Spencer Ackerman over to the Washington Independent has finally noted that even if you manage to keep Dick Lugar aboard the START train, you still have to find seven other GOPers willing to vote with the President on anything:
that acrimonious tenor is likely to flip some of the [relatively few GOP] yes votes [on arms reduction under W Bush for fuck's sake] to either no votes or abstentions, however striking the hypocrisy.
Indeed it is. Now, of course, this isn't considered to be the result of faulty logic or lousy governance on the part of the GOP, mind you. Oh no, definitely not that. They're just playing the game and trying to win the day, politically. All that matters is what happened five minutes ago, and that's only for the next 15. What we have here is plainly, plainly a failure on the part of The Democrat:
It's just not clear yet [if the GOP votes will be there]. If not, it won't just be an indictment of the Obama administration's legislative acumen.
I guess we're supposed to celebrate the "won't just be" part of that. Strikingly bad construction. Rest assured that we shall never, ever see an article that systematically attacks the GOP's stunning and repeated hypocrisy and categorizes the brazen lies, all of which is made worse by being lies and hypocrisy in service of nothing; they have no policy ideas to offer that go beyond a four word, rhyming phrase, and they never do. Because they aren't required to. Nihilism works because it's allowed to work by the Washington media establishment. At least it is when it's coming from the GOP. And, in this case, it's a brazen hypocrisy that threatens us all, directly and existentially. This ain't kids with dirtbikes, these are actual fucking hydrogen bombs. And it's a brazen violation of what was supposed to be a long-respected construct that "politics ends at the waters edge" when it comes to granting the President reasonably wide leeway on foreign policy, and especially when it comes to nuclear foreign policy.
START is a dead letter under a Democrat. Period. May not even get out of committee. That's what the MSM should be looking at, day after day, 24/7: how can the country's governance be this fundamentally broken? Instead, we'll get plucky dogs and Clinton's penis.
The Democrat should be hollering today and every day about the thousands, thousands of potentially loose nukes that are now going to be sitting around, just waiting to find a use. And putting it all on the GOP's doorstep. We'll see none of that. Instead, Obama will just stroll into the messaging buzz-saw. Again.
Alan Grayson (D, FL) predicts exactly what was going to happen (that an amendment to the already passed healthcare bill goes through reconciliation alongside ping-ponged Senate bill), gets laughed out of the room by Chris Matthews. I'm oh so sure that Matthews is duly chastened as of this morning…
ryking reports that:
the Teabaggers were going apeshit over Brown's vote for the jobs bill on Twitter and I almost wet myself laughing at the vitriol. I guess these imbeciles thought he'd vote like a typical GOP automaton. News flash, imbeciles: Brown knows he won a protest vote in Massachusetts; he wants to be re-elected after he serves out the last two years of Ted Kennedy's term so he can't — and therefore won't — march in goosestep, er, LOCKSTEP, with the America-hating GOP.
I wish I thought this was an accurate analysis. Unfortunately, I'd say this is an example of the GOP leadership knowing that a lockstep vote here, coming hot on the heels of the Brown mania, would be an all-too-clear and inescapable indictment of their current anti-democratic ways.
Of a piece with that, repeatedly bottling up jobs bills just isn't going to play for any of them. Thus, Brown is given the go-ahead to vote for cloture, and a few of the moderate GOPers also scurry in to join him. The key vote, though, comes later: when the bill will pass 98-0 or some-such. The GOP Senate knows well that people don't pay attention to anything, and certainly not the vagaries of cloture votes. No price will be paid for their delaying or otherwise weakening bills; after all, the GOPers can still just run on having voted "for" it in the end. They know that neither will their enablers in the media ever bring up the inconvenient cloture votes nor will the Democrat ever stoop to being so impolite as to mention such a thing in public.
It's basically stimulus 2.0: take all the glory of anything that works or turns out to be popular, while doing none of the actual policy work needed to bring it about. In fact, you fight all that every step of the way and use the legislative mayhem to further inculcate the sense that DC is fundamentally off the rails. Rest easy that nobody on any side of the aisle or in the media will say or do anything about it. It's an entirely cost free position that, so far anyway, is working like a charm.
So, no. I don't feel the need to advance our Code Brown independent vote counter past 0. That happens in the unlikely event of his taking a difficult stand, one clearly against the leadership's wishes. When FOXnews hollers about a vote, or he's forced to apologize for some perceived slight, or prostrate himself before Rush: then and only then the 0dometer will advance. And sorry, it's just not going to happen.
Alright then, how did we do? We were basically calling for:
It makes much more sense going forward for Apple to abstract away the "I'm ready to sync" part of the current equation; you buy the app, it comes with an iPhone app, they are linked and automatically exchange info. Changes then sync next time you dock the phone or tablet or, presumably, automatically over the air if you so desire.
Some of which we got, I guess. Certainly not the xenomorph part of my theory (yet); instead, you get to buy iWork for your Mac, and then buy it three more times for your iPad. Why the hell didn't I think of that? But we didn't get tight, vertical integration of any kind, really, even though Steve did use the product matrix with the hole between iPhone and a laptop. Just have to wait for some future revision (if ever) to really get the full-on, 24/7 back-and-forth arrows going there. Or else they suspect the entire "home computer" side of the equation will gradually extinguish itself over a number of years and obviate the whole issue. And maybe it will. iPad certainly represents a first step in that direction.
That's what makes its interface choices, and the relative popularity of same very important going forward. As the Macintosh set the standard for computing, well, so far, I strongly suspect the iPhone and its descendants is setting the standards for future consumer computing. At the very least as said computing gets done through Apple.
AT&T stays on as carrier. If Apple was ever going to go with Verizon, this was the product. Not happening. Mark my words, Apple will buy or found its own damn dumb-pipes company before it has product on the Verizon network. Period.
The lack of contracts part of the equation is certainly interesting. I suspect AT&T sees it as a way to lessen the network impact by encouraging people to buy a month of service when they really need it, then let the service lapse for a while. No other explanation for it, really. We can therefore expect iPhone 3G service to get markedly worse in densely populated areas since they think they've got the overloading issue prefigured. Wonderful.
My overall iPad-specific thoughts in convenient numerical form:
This helpful guide brought to you by Steve Benen and the Washington Monthly. Clip and save.
A series of remarkably uninformed (yet typical) maunderings coming out of the Gartner Group. First, we have:
Google's Android will have more than quadrupled its market share by the end of 2012, market watcher Gartner has claimed. But Symbian looks set to remain the dominant smartphone OS for several years to come.
Android's market share stood at a paltry 1.6 per cent during Q1 2009, but will grow to 14.5 per cent by the time Q4 2012 […] The main reason for Android's market share growth will, Gartner VP Ken Dulaney told website AppleInsider, be because "unlike Apple, they [Google] license their OS to multiple OEMs".
I see. And it's also safe to assume that, even with this remarkable and unprecedented market growth, the apologist claims will remain that Android is optimized for the "next" generation of smart phones.
But let's address the nonsense about OEMs. While that was somewhat true (or at least arguable) for personal computers, it will never be true for phones, or at least not in the near future. Android is at a serious disadvantage precisely because it has to support a panoply of devices, each with its own strengths and weaknesses which each affect the user's interactions with the phone(s) in unique ways. This is precisely why the iPhone is so polished: Apple has put real effort into making its weaknesses seem normal, or at least liveable and the strengths seem transformative (even when they're only relatively iterative improvements or even just a fresh coat of paint on a given feature present in other phones). With even a handful of platforms to support, the OS can no longer be tuned in this way…every little quirk or petty slow-down seems like the end of the world, especially when you're just trying to call Granny or find that photo. Apple's rapidly growing marketshare with its one and only phone and solitary, much dislike carrier seem to back this up in spades. This is what they're achieving with AT&T as a partner! Imagine what they could do with dumb pipes.
You'd assume at this point that Gartner, though wrong, would have more or less shot its idiotic claim wad right there. You'd be wrong:
Windows Mobile's share will grow from 10.3 per cent to 12.8 per cent during the same quarters
How? Windows Mobile 6.5 is universally regarded as a stunning failure, with it's predecessor being no better (ie, it can't soldier on for a decade á la XP while Microsoft figures out how to fix it). During the time Microsoft spent developing 6.5 Apple released the iPhone. Three times. Microsoft has no chance. Verizon is aligning with Android, Motorola dropped Microsoft long ago. HTC is hemorrhaging money on the back of Windows Mobile; they're its largest vendor. If Microsoft/Windows Mobile is even in the top ten of this list come 2012 I will buy and then eat my hat.


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Steve Gasser, President
I am always looking for ways to inspire new ideas with others so that we can continue to help others achieve their business dreams. Even after 17 years in business, I continue to be as passionate about inspiring possibilities for those around me as the day Vivid Image first opened its doors. As President of Vivid Image and a certified Social Media Consultant, I can often be found strategizing with business colleagues, experimenting with new technologies, or assisting our team with initiatives that will have a profound impact on how we will provide value to our clients and community. More about Steve
Beth Gasser, Owner and Vice President
Anyone who has worked with me knows I am all about producing results and getting things done very quickly. While my title is Vice President, I can usually be found writing articles, inspiring new ways of using social media, working with small businesses to implement social networking, and teaching workshops and seminars. I love being the Vivid Image representative who is active in the Mom Blogger community, connecting, blogging, and putting into practice all the social networking tasks that I advise others to do. More about Beth
Sarah Skoog, Internet Marketing Strategist
Developing an Online Presence From the Ground Up.
Creating an online presence can be a groundbreaking task. Often, unsure of where to start, and already wearing various hats, businesses are looking for a reliable web foreman. Working with businesses to establish a sound foundation, I help them establish and define their unique goals. Together we develop the framework for what sets them apart from the competition, and showcases what market they are going after. The end result is a step by step online strategy constructed from achievable phases and measurable goals. Remember… developing strategies is the key step for producing winning results!
Kori Sanders, Operations Manager
When we talk about strategies here at VI, we typically mean the planning that goes into developing a new website. I think of a different strategy – the one that keeps your experience with VI a rewarding one. The process from initial meeting to a website "going live" needs to be linked together in one fluid motion. You deserve a seamless progression of your project and that's why I'm here. I'll be with you taking the first big step with your website and to keep making those future little steps that assure your site is doing everything it can for your business. Now and into the future, I'm that point-of-contact to assure you get what you need, when you need it.
Barb Doering, Marketing Manager
One of the most important goals is to attract visitors to your site and encourage them to engage and interact with your site. As a Marketing Manager, I work with you to set your marketing direction, then develop online strategy and manage overall progress. Together, we'll set goals, a budget, and metrics to meet or exceed your expectations. I'll help you find the best options to help your business succeed.
Margaret Diggins, Graphic Designer
Every business has goals and online expectations. I love to work with clients to design their web presence to reflect their brand and company culture. How I design a website will impact their target market and how they interact online. The design, layout and functionality of a website build the foundation for ongoing relationships with customers. I bring a sense of peace and passion to the design process and look forward to working with you.
Karlie Mosher, Graphic Designer/Photographer
Having an online presence is pretty important in this day and age. Having a solid online presence that expresses your company, identity, and mission is even more important. In today's world with so many companies and products, it can be hard to get yourself noticed. As a graphic designer it is my job to help better your company and attract customers via web and print design, whether that is by website or by brochure. I want to help you make your company a successful and a visually attractive one. I don't think there is any company that is too small to have a great designed identity and website.
Jackie Kaufenberg, Social Media Marketing Manager
Social media has changed how people are doing business. Marketing is no longer a one-way conversation. The beauty of social media marketing is how it lets people engage with brands, and then share their passion for the brand with others online. I can help your company determine the best strategy for social media, from researching what your competitors are doing, to developing goals and strategies, and creating content that aligns with your brand messaging. From there, we will determine how to measure the success of your social media goals, and how to continue to engage with your customers online to reach your company's core goals. More about Jackie
Deanna Schwint, Programmer
The possibilities are endless with online applications but without taking the time to define requirements and take small steps, the goals of an online application may not be achieved. I spend my time learning the in's and out's of how businesses work in order to move these processes online. This can range from a simple contact form to a complex ordering system. Either one produces results that make a difference for businesses and that is what makes my position rewarding.
Steve Slater, SEO Specialist
Everyday people use the Internet to research companies, find information, and make transactions. Today's consumers are savvy searchers online, expecting to find what they want using search features that deliver quality results. The growing use of search engines, tied with social media and mobile technology, makes it more important for people like me to dedicate time to understanding how search engines work. In order to effectively use them as a marketing tool, it's my role to stay on top of the ever changing SEO trends, guidelines, and information. I'll help make sure your customers can easily find and do business with you online. I will never settle for just achieving a high page rank in search engines; my #1 goal is to make sure that you are growing your business.
Tyler Steinhaus, Technical Specialist
While my official title is Information Technology Specialist, I make it my goal to stay on top of all those little, technical details that make things run smoothly. From domain names and emails, to website updates and programming, it's my job to keeping projects flowing seamlessly. When he's not at work or attending classes, Tyler enjoys fishing and all kinds of sports.
Beth Holm, aka Administrative Super Hero
With a background in customer service and direct sales, I understand that without clients we are "out of business". My goal is to put clients first, listen to their needs, follow through and communicate effectively. I am also ready at all times to assist the staff at Vivid Image to help serve clients and keep operations running smoothly. I am motivated to add to your overall experience at Vivid Image joining a team of top-notch professionals who work in a creative and encouraging environment. Ready, willing and able… How may I help you?


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The wine was then taken off its lees and put into French oak barrels where it aged for 12 months with regular racking. 1999 was another extraordinary vintage for Husch and this Pinot Noir stands out as one of the finest of this delicate varietal that we have ever produced. The color is bright cranberry red. Earthy berry aromas in the nose have nuances of spicy toasted oak, dried cherry, currant and tobacco. The wine has well integrated concentrated fruit flavors on the palate with a velvety smooth finish. This wine is a delicious accompaniment to a traditional lamb dish like Shepherds Pie and we also recommend it with grilled salmon, veal dishes or French Onion Soup.
Husch is a small family-owned winery. Founded in 1971, it is the oldest winery in the picturesque Anderson Valley. The vineyards are comprised of some of the earliest varietal plantings on the valley floor. In 1968, Tony and Gretchen Husch bought the 60-acre Nunn ranch, about equidistant between Philo and Navarro. The land was well known for its yields of apples and grains. They...Read More About Husch
Beyond Napa and Sonoma in the north you find a couple of other counties producing great wine. Among these are Mendocino and Lake County. The northernmost California winegrowing regions, these two counties are right above Napa and Sonoma, geographically. Yet, wine-wise they are very different - both from their southern neighbors and from each other.
Notable Facts
Mendocino...Read More About North Coast
Pinot Noir(PEE-noh nwahr)
Pinot Noir is a finicky grape. It only grows in
the right climate, with the right soils and the right care. Perhaps because
it is so difficult is why it is so loved. Pinot Noir hails from Burgundy, a region known for crafting the most collectible and sought-after wines from this varietal.
Not only does Pinot reign in Burgundy, it is also...Read More About Pinot Noir
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CDC Lab Resumes After Safety Lapses
July 25, 2014|
A high-security tuberculosis lab at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may return to transferring hazardous materials.
July 25, 2014|
A high-security tuberculosis lab at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may return to transferring hazardous materials.
July 23, 2014|
The former head of a US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention biosecurity lab has left his post amidst safety retooling at government labs.
July 15, 2014|
After a string of incidents leading to lab closures and a moratorium on the transfer of select agents, US labs are reassessing safety threats within their own walls.
December 17, 2013|
Some gain-of-function influenza research poses a significant public health threat and should be banned.
August 12, 2013|
Researchers develop a new "molecular biocontainment" strategy for safely studying deadly flu viruses.
February 23, 2013|
The US government has come out with new rules for life science research deemed risky.
January 24, 2013|
After a year-long voluntary moratorium to discuss regulations and safety measures, scientists are set to resume controversial H5N1 research.
December 4, 2012|
The National Institutes of Health reveals a controversial plan to regulate the funding of H5N1 research.
October 24, 2012|
The federal government tightens regulations on SARS and other deadly viruses, but the changes could hamper research.
May 2, 2012|
After much ado, Nature publishes the first report of a bird flu virus adapted for transmission in ferrets.


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I've already posted this before. But it is just so good.
Sunday, September the 30th of 2012.
I've already posted this before. But it is just so good.
Monday, July the 18th of 2011.
Anonymous message.
Wednesday, July the 13th of 2011.
Monday, July the 4th of 2011.
tried to submit my frestory, but all this shit is in german. hope what im assuming are the terms of agreement wont come back to haunt me…
Just made my afternoon Nespresso…used the new George Clooney pods, of course :)
And, yes, I'm fresing from Europe. duh.
Rude boy taxi driver intentionally took us in the wrong direction to try and run up the meter. Then when we were getting close to the street I said "it's just one block up" and he accelerates the FUCK out of the car for 5 blocks in the wrong direction. Unfortunately, it worked out for him because I gave him a good tip cause I was too annoyed to wait for the change. #fresaproblems
Friday, July the 1st of 2011.
Friday, July the 1st of 2011.
Thursday, June the 30th of 2011.
Thursday, June the 30th of 2011.


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IcelandxReader: I like you, I love youThere he is. The boy I have loved since the moment I laid my eyes on him. Emil Steilsson is his name; he has silvery blonde hair and pretty purple eyes. Today is the day I tell him about my feelings! I tap him lightly on the shoulder."He-he-he-hey, hey, could you wait a minute?" I stutter. He turns to face me."What is it?" He asks. His eyes locked on mine. I gulp and take a breath."If you're busy, sorry I want to talk with you just a little while.""Well what do you want about?"What can I do? What's the point? He's not going to like me back. I try taking it slow by inviting him over to my house. Once we get there I ask him what game we should play. He suggests scrabble so we play that for a while even though I'm not very good at it. After the game I ask him if he's hungry only to remember that I haven't gotten any food from the grocery store yet. I really want to convey my feelings but why is it so hard?"Hey Emil, do you want to play ro-rock paper scissors?" Emil raises an eyebrow
2p!Angel!AmericaxReaderxAmerica: Black VowWarning: This story contains sensitive religious topics---The wingless fallen angelSurrendered himself to the contract of evilIn the past they even loved each otherHe ended it by his own hand***The Fallen AngelI was abandoned from the Heavens. My wing was wounded and I was lost in the realm of humans. I wandered into a town at dusk. That was when I met her... the girl with the most beautiful eyes. Once my red eyes locked onto her (e/c) ones, I immediately fell in love with her. However, I knew that we could never be together because she was a human and I am an angel. It was as if I had opened Pandora's box.She smiled at me, but then she saw my wings and gasped."You're
an angel!" I nodded sadly. She extended her hand towards me and smiled. She brushed my dark hair out of my eyes."I'm _____________, who are you?""A-Alfred." I responded shyly.That was how it all began. She nursed my wing and cared for me for a few weeks. During that time, I fell more and more in love
EnglandxTimelord!Reader: Part 6(Let's go and see what the world conference is doing while you and Iggy are confronting the Daleks)Everyone in the room was quiet and tense except for America who was pacing and fidgeting. After a minute of this, America slammed his fist on the table."We have to follow England and the Doctor!" He said firmly."Are you out of your mind aru? Even if we stood a chance against the Daleks we have no way of reaching their ship aru!" exclaimed China. Japan read the atmosphere and decided it was time to speak."Actuarry, my scientists have finarry created a transporter device." He said politely. "However, even if we were arr to go to the ship what weapons wourd be effective against the Dareks?" the room was silent for a moment."Well, you could all borrow my machine guns." Switzerland suggested. "But you had better give them back or else!""Ve could use high explosives. I doubt zat zeir armor could vithstand such force." Germany pointed out."I know some totally boss strategies that the hero
RussiaxReader: Rotton Boy Grotesque RomanceWas I born to be in love with her?Such a pretty little thing, I think to myself as I watch my love through the curtains of the window. How fortunate I am that she lives right across from me. She comes outside and waters the plants in her front yard, her soft hair falling in front of her eyes. So beautiful.It will be a pleasure when I become one with her. I want her to be mine, and mine alone.I move from the window and lean against the wall, which I have covered with papers on which I have written everything I know about her."Love me." I mumble, and the papers flutter with the slight breeze I create. Next to the papers are pictures I have taken of her secretly: eating, hanging out with her friends, playing with cats, and sleeping. There is even a picture of her undressing that I was lucky to get when she left her blinds up one night.I pick up a little doll that looks exactly like her and run a finger down its felt cheek, imagining what it would be like to touch the real thing. To f
EnglandxTimelord!Reader: Part 3"England, I have a confession to make." You said"What is it?""I'm not who I appear to be.""I kind of guessed that when I first met you. You're not exactly average.""Well, the thing is
" You were trying to think of the least awkward thing to say."Yes?""I used to be a man!" You said enthusiastically."WHAT?""Eleven times!" Then again, the stunned look on his face suggested that you had chosen the wrong thing to say."Excuse me but how could you have been a man eleven times?" England asked while trying to keep calm unsuccessfully."Let me explain. You're a member of UNIT correct?" You said choosing your words carefully."You could say that." He replied"Have you ever heard of
the Doctor?" England's facial expression changed from confusion to fury."I most certainly have! He's the man who keeps screwing up the world! Whenever there's the Doctor, there's trouble!""Well if you feel that way about the Doctor than you aren't going to like what I have to say." You said nervou
EnglandxTimelord!Reader: Part 5The room grew silent as everyone pondered the situation. You may be a different person but the Daleks will still be able to tell that you're the Doctor."Hold on, question." Russia said finally. "If Daleks are as powerful as the Doctor says, then why are they working with Pictonians?""I honestly have no clue. The Daleks NEVER make alliances with anyone. They even turned down the Cybermen." Everyone stared at you."Long story." You said plainly. America's computer started beeping and he checked it."Okay guys I have some news. Satellites have picked up readings of a HUGE spaceship!" He informed everyone."May I see?" You asked. He nodded and passed you his laptop. You recognized the ship as the same Dalek ship that had carried five "supreme" Daleks away from Earth. Those Daleks were also the last Daleks in existence. You were snapped out your thoughts as your body seized up and regenerative energy came of your mouth the same as yesterday."Are you okay, Doctor?" asked England. "That ha
EnglandxTimelord!Reader: Part 1(This will only make sense if you watch "Dr. Who" you also have to know about the noppera from the Hetalia movie Paint It White!)The Doctor ran as fast as he could to his TARDIS. He had been hit with a colorful ray from a strange white alien without a nose, eyes, or a mouth. He knew of them as Pictonians. His skin was turning white and if he didn't stop it he would turn into one of them. The white was moving rapidly but the Doctor noticed that his hands were giving off a gold light."Regeneration light? But how can I be dying?" He wondered. The light was getting brighter until the Doctor literally exploded in rays of gold light. He was regenerating. When the light stopped glowing the Doctor was no longer turning white. But he had changed."Wow I wonder what I-" The Doctor clutched his throat. His voice was considerably higher."My clothes are too big and I sound like a girl! Hang on." The doctor looked down. He had grown breasts and his hips were wider."My God I think I AM
EnglandxTimelord!Reader: Part 2You casually walked out of your TARDIS. You were very curious as to how the humans solved the Pictonian invasion, but your first priority was to tend to your growling stomach. You walked over to an ATM machine and used your psychic paper to get some cash. You went to the grocery store and bought as many food items as you could. You staggered under the weight of your groceries and the second you walked out of the store you bumped into a person walking by and your food fell. The person you bumped into bent down to help you get your food in the bags."I'm so sorry, I didn't-" He stared at you. You recognized him as the blonde man that you encountered earlier."Are we always going to meet like this?" You asked nervously, hoping he wouldn't mention your previous encounter."I know you! You're that woman who bumped into me, snogged me, and then ran away.""Yeah, about that
sorry but if it's any consolation you're a good kisser." You paused and reflected on what you just said. Apparentl
EnglandxTimelord!Reader: Part 4"Are you sure you want to meet the others? They can be a bit
overwhelming.""I'm positive. It will be a new experience for me and that's what I like."England had been warning you about how some countries could be very obnoxious but nonetheless you really wanted to meet them. England opened the door to the meeting room and the sound of loud arguments hit your ears. A built man with blonde hair slicked back neatly stood up and yelled for everyone to shut up. He walked over to you and England and cleared his throat."You're late England." He spoke with a German accent and he looked pretty angry."I know, it's just that I have a guest with me right now and I had to tend to her needs." England replied calmly."Hello I'm the Doctor!" You said cheerfully. Everyone in the room stared at you with a shocked expression. You told them about your regeneration so they calmed down a little. A good-looking man with long wavy blonde hair walked up to you and took a long look at you."'Exactly 'o
ReaderxRomanoLovino Vargas was squirming in his seat."Jesus Christ, Grandpa, can't you drive any faster?!""Lovino, I'm already going 20 miles over the speed limit. Calm down.""Ve~, fratello, I'm sure _______ isn't going anywhere. She's probably just as excited to see you!"Lovino was growing even more impatient by the second. After being gone for two months in Italy, he wanted to see his best friend, _______! But, still a good forty minutes from his home, all he could do was wait. He could still remember when he first met _______, back in his freshman year of high school.FLASHBACK!! WOO~ WOO~WOO~!!!----------------------------------------------------------------------------Lovino was storming through the halls of his high school, moving fast to get away from the constant torture he was put through from the jerks around him. He moved to (country other than Italy) only three months ago, and ever since he got here he has been the victim to constant insults and abuse. His brother of course didn't
~A crave for Nutella~ (RomanoXReader)~A crave for Nutella~----You woke up in the middle of the night from a angry tummy. Oh right it was yours. You gently got up from laying down on your bed to sitting on your bed remembering that you skipped dinner today because you had to work late or your boss would of killed you for being lazy."A late night snack wouldn't hurt." You quietly said as you got up to go to the kitchen but then you felt an arm wrapped around your waist stopped your tracks.It startled you causing you to turn your head quickly to the following arm seeing a sleeping Italian snoozing away into dreamland.You smiled warmly at your boyfriend Lovino, You've been dating him for a long while now and you just loved him dearly. He did have some anger issues mostly with his brother or with his brother's friends but he never got angry at you. He treated you with love and kindness and you treated him the same.You gently took his hand that was wrapped around you and took it off nice and easily so you wouldn't disturb
Sick (RomanoxReader)You walk in the apartment, soaking wet from the pouring rain. You could hear gentle snoring from his room, which told you that your roommate, Romano, was asleep. You decided not to announce your arrival in that case, because the Italian was extremely grumpy when woken up. You were so tired, you didn't even change out of your wet clothes, and you just plopped on your bed and fell asleep. You woke up the next morning feeling incredibly weak, with a horrible headache and a fever. You tried to shrug it off, shuffling into the living room to see Romano (obviously) eating a tomato and some cereal at the kitchen table.When he saw you, he scowled. 'Oh no, what has the girl done to herself now?' he thought to himself.You coughed, smiling shakily as you look at your friend and said casually, "Good morning, Lovino! How was your sleep?"He gave you a steely glare and grumbled, "Fine. What have you done to yourself, bella?" You shrug your shoulders weakly, coughing again. He shook his head, stand
Romano X Reader AttentionRomano X Reader Attention "Give a' me the keys already!" "Catch me first!" You chuckled, looking around madly. You smirked as you jumped over the couch, and surged past the doorway onto the wooden floors of the dining room. Romano stomped in after you, "Give a' me the keys ragazza!" He said sticking his hand out expectantly. You just smirked in reply and swung the keys 'round your finger. Oh how easily he was played. "I'm going to a' tell you one a' last time idiota!" he said stomping his foot for emphasis and pointing at your cheek. You giggled and made your way behind the table, Romano facing you on the other side. Lightly drumming your fingers on its glossy surface you turned to Romano and just smirked again. It was all really too much fun! He always got this mad, and he would always chase after you until you gave him what he wanted, it was too fun to get a reaction out of him like this! Romano's gaze intensified as he set his hands on the
Pay Another Way (Romano X Reader)"LOVIIIIIIII~" "Oh n- DIO MIO!" THUMP. Your glomp sent the unaware Italian to the ground with you landing on top."IDIOTA, GET THE HELL OFF OF ME!" He struggled under you, scarlet spreading across his face from the closeness. Giggling, you jumped off and help the grumbling man stand up.You patted his dark brown hair with a cute smile, "Sorry, Romano! You're just so much fun to hug!""THAT WASN'T A FUCKING HUG, YOU STUPIDA RAGAZZA!" He shouted, his face burning with what seemed like rage.For somebody looking at you two, they would think that Romano hates you. He is always kind and friendly towards other girls, the grumpy Italian only acted this way to guys and well, you! But he doesn't hate you, actually the opposite; he loves you with all his heart, but doesn't know how to express it. All he knows is mindless flirting, not how to deal with his rapid heartbeat when he looks at you or the elation when he sees your white smile.You tilted your head at your, now q
RomanoxReader~Request"And that is why I like tom-WHAAAA ROMANO WHAT IS THIS?!?" Spain cried, snapping the young child from his nap. His brown hair muffled over his face before he blew it back, the little curl on the right side of his head perked back up. Sitting there looking dumb, Spain finally shook his head at the large mess on the ground.The girl that was with him, (Frist name) (last name), was quite astonished at the sight, but also felt a little bad for Spain. She had asked him to help pick out the 'best' tomatoes at the farmers market, and he delightfully took of the opportunity, and left little Romano at home. Only to discover.."Bastard. You left me!" the little cried, kicking a empty can across the floor, making a pouty face. (Your name) tried to hold in the giggles that wanted to come out, but she knew Spain didn't deserve this. The poor child was left at home with chores, and being lazy as he was, made a mess instead."Not THAT long!" Spain was scanning around the room looking at all the error
Romano x Reader Frustrations"Lovi! Oh Lovi-chan!" You called up the stairs."Don't call me that!" Romano called beck down the stairs, appearing at the top of them. "What do you want?""It's not what I want, it's what you want. Like this, for instance?" you pulled a luscious red tomato from behind your back. Romano's eyes widened. He came down the stairs slowly, eyes on the tomato. You started backing away from him, faster and faster until you were both running around the house. Unfortunately for you, Romano had longer legs and he soon caught up to you. He tackled you to the ground, cursing all the while. You gave him the tomato with one hand and smacked him upside the head with the other."What was that for you f****** ragazza?""Language, Lovi!" you told him sternly, and then smiled. "Anyway, what I really wanted you for was that we have to go to Antonio's house for that dinner party he invited us to."But ______" Lovi started."No, don't start on me. We promised. Go and get dressed in something fa
I Like Your Curl [Romano x Reader ]Contains:Romano x Reader---------------------------"You know
I've always liked your girl."The words haunted him, dancing in his mind. Distorting (and if not destroying), all of his thoughts. Romano pushed past the huge crowd of people, reaching for your receding figure. Fear choking him stopping the Italia from screaming your name. Another huge wave of humans leaving to go to work or school caused Romano to lose sight of you in the sea of human flesh.It was only then that he was able to scream your name. But to no avail were you able to hear him upon boarding the subway train to your collage and place of work. Your eyes focused on the other side of the train opposite of him. His cries and screams lost to the arrival of another train and the departure of yours.His words lost in the void created by the 'wind' by the coming and going of the trains.~"You know
I've always liked your girl." How could he say that?! How could Spain say that?! He knows full and well that
RomanoxReader An Awkward Situation Romano never was a happy child. Throughout his childhood he saw his younger brother get appraised for his many talents. But when he tried to find something that he could do. The more the list of things Romano couldn't do became larger. Eventually he stopped trying, because he was afraid that if the list grew even larger. The farther the gap grew between him and his loved ones. When he was taken in by Spain he was afraid of being rejected. So before he could feel the hurt of rejection he rejected Spain. But slowly Romano found himself looking up to the gleeful country of Spain. When Romano left Spain's house he was saddened, but he was happy. He was happy because he would be spending time with his brother Feliciano. But this silver lining did not last long. His brother had gained new friends, and he spent a great amount of his time with them. Romano found himself alone, like the times in his childhood. When
RomanoxReader: Go Google itI follow Lovino down a hallway. I've had a crush on him for as long as I can remember. The problem is he doesn't seem too enthusiastic about me."This is the first time I have ever felt this way." I say to him."You should start smaller." He says coldly."I want to be the one closest to you!" I plead."Go away."I get tense all of the sudden. I try talking to him but the words chocked up in my throat."Will you speak up if you have something to say to me dammit?!" he yells."I-I want to know what you think of me." He scowls at me."I'll just tell you to go Google it."I gather up my courage and I start asking everything I want to know."What is your email?""Go Google it.""Where do you live?""Go Google it.""What do you like?"Go Yahoo! Google it.""Can I see you again?""Go Google it.""Do you eat eggplant?""What does that have to do with anything? Go Google it.""Who do you like?"At this question, Lovino turns tomato red."I can't tell you that
"***(Lovino's POV)She'll ne
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I use the Wireless XBOX 360 headset with the adapter that allows it to connect to the PC. It's battery will last a good 10 hours, it doesn't pick up ambient noises for the most part, and people always tell me I sound crystal clear when I ask. An added benefit of going with the XBOX 360 wireless headset is that it shows up in Windows as a device separate from my sound card so I configure my Ventrilo chat to come through the headset while my game sounds use my PC's speaker system.


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DETROIT (WKZO) -- This is HIS moment. Heading into Tuesday night's ALCS matchup Justin Verlander has been less than brilliant in his previous postseason appearances against the Yankees.
This postseason has been a bit of an awakening for the previously struggling Verlander who had a 5.82 ERA in 2006 followed by a 5.31 ERA in 2011. With numbers like that from your ace it's difficult to imagine your team getting past the first round…let alone a World Series and the American League Championship Series in 2011. The Tigers however…found a way in those seasons.
In 2012 it's been a different story. Verlander enters Tuesday night's game with a white hot .58 ERA having only allowed 1 run on 7 hits in his 2 appearances against the Oakland Athletics in the ALDS. He has been the dominant force in the postseason that Tigers fans have come to expect in the regular season.
On Tuesday night the Tigers take a 2-0 series lead into Comerica Park and their hopes of a commanding 3-0 series lead once again rest upon the shoulders of a more seasoned Verlander. On the minds of fans in Detroit will be questions about the Yankees.
At what point does Alex Rodriguez bat wake up? Can it wait until November?
How long until Robinson Cano ends the longest hitless streak in postseason history? How does February sound?
Can Phil Hughes mirror Anthony Reyes surprising game 1 performance in the World Series or will he continue to be ordinary? Let's hope not.
Those questions notwithstanding the Tigers could not have put themselves in a better situation. Up 2-0 with their ace on the hill and at home with what promises to be a raucous and motivated Tigers crowd at Comerica Park.
The Tigers and Yankees first pitch is set for 8:00pm with coverage beginning at 7:40 on AM 590 WKZO.


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Clogged pores and knotted muscles meet their match at Zen Fusion Wellness Spa, where aestheticians and therapists call upon more than a quarter century of collective experience to pamper patrons with a menu of facials, body wraps, and massages. Though they specialize in diverse fields, the staffers share a common belief that no salon experience should be one size fits all. Signature treatments, such as the ultimate facial and hot-stone massage, reflect this philosophy, showering each guest with personal attention and varying to accommodate unique skin types and conditions. Clients in search of slimmer silhouettes can avail themselves of body wraps, which cocoon legs and torsos in a cellophane sheath designed to shed inches and promote the growth of nascent wings.
Holistic Touch's experienced massage therapists harness the pampering power of therapeutic kneads to improve the general well-being of their clients. With the one-hour aromatherapy massage, a skilled muscle molder will craft a soothing concoction of aromatherapy oils specifically blended to address each client's needs and childhood aspirations, from reenergizing, uplifting whiffs to sweet, de-stressing wafts. All massage modalities help ease bodily aches, pains, and stress and can also help muscles recover from freak time-traveling injuries.
Awaken's stylists and aestheticians team up to revitalize exteriors with professional skincare and haircare services in a relaxing, gratuity-free salon. An adroit crew will attend to each guest, snipping and shaping clients' topmost threads ($20+ for men, $45+ for women), and applying topiary-trimming precision honed from years of ambidextrous scissor handedness. Color services transform hair chromatics with one-process ($45), full highlight ($95), partial highlight ($60), creative color ($18), and clear gloss ($28), and the damage-remedy hair spa ($40) can revitalize crowns' complexions. Hair straightening ($85/hour), updos ($45+), and bridal updos ($60+) match heads with makeup applications for events ($50+) and nuptials ($60+), prepping patrons for special occasions and wedding-day crime reenactments. Customized facials rejuvenate delicate skin ($45+), and massages butter backs and nuzzle noses with personally picked aromas ($50+ for 30 minutes).
At their location within Women's Health Medi-Spa & Aesthetics, Tooth Fairies Teeth Whitening's specialists transform smiles into beacons for compliments with their in-office treatments. In less than 30 minutes, technicians can whiten dulled gumstones up to six shades with blue LED lasers, lifting away stains caused by coffee drinking or eating a box of crayons mislabeled as pretzel sticks. They accommodate sensitive teeth and gums with gentle carbamide-peroxide treatments. Tooth Fairies Teeth Whitening also takes its services on the road, traveling to parties, special events, and fundraisers.
We have a Mobile Massage Business, and will travel to any residence or business within the Atlanta Metro area to perform chair and table massages.