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World oil prices crept higher Friday at the end of an exceptionally volatile week that saw 12-year lows on the back of oversupply and China-driven markets turmoil.
Traders were awaiting publication of a crucial employment report in the United States for a steer on oil demand in the world's top consumer of crude.
Around midday in London, Brent North Sea crude for delivery in February stood at $33.95 a barrel, up 20 cents from Thursday's closing level.
US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for February won 15 cents to $33.43.
World stock markets recovered slightly on Friday, with most European indices staging a modest rebound after China removed trading curbs, a move that underpinned Asian equities in earlier deals.
"Oil futures saw some demand today as there was a slight improvement in market sentiment after China's central bank fixed the yuan mid-point more or less the same from the previous day," said IG Markets analyst Bernard Aw.
This week's plunge in Chinese stocks is raising further concerns about the country's economic growth slowdown and its impact on oil demand.
China is the world's second biggest economy and top energy consuming nation.
Beijing attempted to reassure markets late Thursday by lifting a "circuit breaker" system that had led to the suspension of shares trading twice this week.
And the central bank set the yuan's reference rate against the dollar a little higher after eight straight days of weakening. Beijing's decision Thursday to set the peg at a five-year low sent shudders through markets, fuelling a global rout and sending oil to 12-year lows.
In tumultuous trade on Thursday, New York oil tanked as China's turmoil heightened worries about the nation's powerhouse economy.
WTI had tumbled to $32.10 a barrel, a level last seen in December 2003. Brent meanwhile sank to $32.16, its lowest point since April 2004.
"The trigger for the latest slide in oil prices has, of course, been worries about global demand, prompted by the concerns over China," Capital Economics research house said in a note.
The global oil market has suffered a calamitous start to 2016, tumbling also in response to a vast supply glut that has plagued prices in recent years.
Oil has been hammered by persistent crude oversupply, brought about by high production levels in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and in the United States, as producers compete for market share.
And despite initially lifting prices, a deepening diplomatic spat between key OPEC members Saudi Arabia and Iran has made it less likely for the group to agree to cut output in a bid to lower prices, analysts say.
GMT 11:50 2017 Tuesday ,21 NovemberEuropean stocks shrug off Germany's political woes
GMT 03:59 2017 Tuesday ,21 NovemberWeekly inflation decreases by 0.88%
GMT 23:50 2017 Monday ,20 NovemberBahrain Bourse daily trading performance
GMT 14:54 2017 Sunday ,19 NovemberBahrain Bourse daily trading performance
GMT 03:16 2017 Saturday ,18 NovemberAsian markets head for positive end to volatile week
GMT 11:57 2017 Friday ,17 NovemberUS stocks boosted by solid Wal-Mart, Cisco earnings
GMT 06:51 2017 Friday ,17 NovemberBahrain Bourse daily trading performance
GMT 03:57 2017 Thursday ,16 NovemberStock markets retreat as oil slides


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Suffering with ED? See why hundreds of men are taking our all natural 'Herbal Revitalizer Tonic for Men' to improve their good health. Our 'Herbal Revitalizer Tonic for Men' helps reduces inflammation and enlargement of the Prostate, while improving your performance, stamina and longevity - naturally.
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subset: commoncrawl


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1In 1-quart saucepan, heat 1 1/2 cups water to boiling over high heat. Stir in rice; return to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand covered 5 minutes; fluff with fork and let cool slightly.
2Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix sauce ingredients until smooth; set aside.
3In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic; cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add bell peppers; cook about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened. Add shrimp and tomatoes; cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until shrimp are pink and peppers are crisp-tender.
4Stir sauce into shrimp mixture. Heat to boiling; cook and stir until sauce is thickened. Serve over rice.


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Healthways (TVTY) & Its Peers Head-To-Head Survey
Healthways (NASDAQ: TVTY) is one of 15 publicly-traded companies in the "Hospitals, Clinics & Primary Care Services" industry, but how does it contrast to its rivals? We will compare Healthways to related businesses based on the strength of its profitability, risk, dividends, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, earnings and valuation.
Valuation & Earnings
This table compares Healthways and its rivals top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.
|Gross Revenue
|Price/Earnings Ratio
|$501.00 million
|-$129.11 million
|Healthways Competitors
|$1.06 billion
|-$22.56 million
Healthways' rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Healthways. Healthways is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry.
Volatility & Risk
Healthways has a beta of 0.27, indicating that its share price is 73% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Healthways' rivals have a beta of 1.58, indicating that their average share price is 58% more volatile than the S&P 500.
Insider & Institutional Ownership
64.6% of shares of all "Hospitals, Clinics & Primary Care Services" companies are owned by institutional investors. 8.4% of Healthways shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 10.4% of shares of all "Hospitals, Clinics & Primary Care Services" companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.
This table compares Healthways and its rivals' net margins, return on equity and return on assets.
|Net Margins
|Return on Equity
|Return on Assets
|Healthways Competitors
Analyst Recommendations
This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Healthways and its rivals, as reported by MarketBeat.com.
|Sell Ratings
|Hold Ratings
|Buy Ratings
|Strong Buy Ratings
|Rating Score
|Healthways Competitors
Healthways currently has a consensus target price of $45.83, suggesting a potential upside of 35.80%. As a group, "Hospitals, Clinics & Primary Care Services" companies have a potential upside of 11.12%. Given Healthways' stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Healthways is more favorable than its rivals.
Healthways rivals beat Healthways on 7 of the 13 factors compared.
About Healthways
Tivity Health, Inc., formerly Healthways, Inc., is focused targeted population health for those aged 50 and older. The Company offers three programs: SilverSneakers senior fitness, Prime fitness and WholeHealth Living. The SilverSneakers senior fitness program is offered to members of Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Group Retiree plans. The Company also offers Prime fitness, a fitness facility access program, through commercial health plans, employers and insurance exchanges. Its national network of fitness centers delivers both SilverSneakers and Prime fitness. As of December 31, 2016, the Company's fitness networks encompassed approximately 16,000 participating locations and more than 1,000 alternative locations that provide classes outside of traditional fitness centers. As of December 31, 2016, the Company's WholeHealth Living network included over 88,000 complementary, alternative, and physical medicine practitioners to serve individuals through health plans.
Receive News & Stock Ratings for Healthways Inc. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Healthways Inc. and related stocks with our FREE daily email newsletter.


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To refresh your goals:
- List your biggest current goal in each of these categories:
- Personal
- Family
- Social
- Career
- Financial
- Community
- Spiritual
Spend no more than two minutes on each category.
- Invest another two minutes making adjustments in each category.
- Return to them after two days and decide which deserve to be promoted to your new life list.
— Adapted from How to Get Control of Your Time and Your Life, Alan Lakein, Signet.


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Who said you can't build an affordable metal detector that has all of the exciting technology you love at a lower price?
ACE 250 Graphic Target IDwith 6.5x9 Inch PROformance Searchcoil
Add these great items over the Standard 250 (Save over $50 if Purchased separt)
Who said you can't build an affordable metal detector that has all of the exciting technology you love?
Announcing the All NEW, features-loaded, Ace 250 metal detector. With 40 years of engineering prowess behind it and a head-turning sporty, outdoor design, this machine was made to perform for the 21st Century treasure hunter. But don't be fooled, this detector doesn't win first in class on looks alone! It's as new on the inside as it is on the outside.
Loaded with full-range notch discrimination, pinpoint feature, graphic target ID and Touch-n-Go technology, the Garrett Ace 250 is the finest metal detector in its class. It also comes with a graphic target ID cursor with 12 element GTA notch discrimination of greater accuracy, Coin Depth Mode, Tone ID, 8 Sensitivity Settings, 5 pre-set hunting modes and of course that most advanced LCD graphic screen for quick and easy visual target ID.
The Ace 250 is the most desirable machine of its kind on the market. And its brawny, rugged good looks even inspired us to design the Ace Series accessory line. From bags, caps, hunting aprons, digging tools and visors to earphones, you can be the treasure hunting Ace you were destined to become!
Of course you'd never expect a detector with this price tag to offer so much greatness. Just one more reason, you need the Ace 250. So hold on tight. The Ace 250 will take you on the treasure hunting adventure of your life!
Settings: • Full Range, Multi Notch Discrimination Modes• Sensitivity/Depth• Mode, 5 Distinct Discrimination Patterns• Pinpoint Searchcoil:• The Ace 250 comes with the ALL-NEW, Rhino Tough 6.5x9" PROformance interchangeable Searchcoil
Search Modes:• All Metal• Jewelry• Custom• Relics• CoinsSpecification:• Length: 42" to 51" Adjustable• Weight: 2.7 lbs (1.2 kgs)• Frequency: 7.2 kHz• 4-AA battery operation (batteries included)• 2 Year Warranty


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MoDOT to reroute around landslide-prone area
Tue, 25 May 2010 13:32:48 GMT —
The Missouri Department of Transportation plans to reroute a section of Missouri Route 79 in northeast Missouri around an area prone to landslides.
The Hannibal Courier-Post reports that the project near Ashburn will cost about $3 million and will delay two bridge replacements on Route 79.
The Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission must still approve.
Work could begin later this spring and finish by late next year.
The cost of the project would mean that bridge replacement projects on Route 79 near Foley and Elsberry would be delayed a couple of years.
Engineers say both bridges are safe.
Two landslides have occurred in the past two years on Route 79 near Ashburn when a shifting hillside caused large fissures in the roadway.
---Information from:
Hannibal Courier-Post, http://www.hannibal.net


text: Avaaz is helping free our world. They're a super small set of people, yet they use a vast array of volunteers, helping support nearly every freedom organization on the globe. It's not about politics, it's about freedom. It's about humanity to humans. It's about not giving in to a more powerful adversary and become slaves. Avaaz uses everything from facebook to twitter to cell's to you name it - all forms of electronic communications to help those pushed down by powerful leaders with few problems using force to kill humans of the very nation, those enslaved in sex-slavery trade, those who would try to allow corruption and inequality to rule. I feel as my old history teacher said 30 years ago: that over time power has changed more & more from "Might over Right" to "Right over Might". Now is the time to free all humans, and Avaaz has helped. From Egypt & Lybia to Syria & Iran and lots of other places too, they're helping free our humans at a great rate.


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- Description
Quick Overview
Jaquline USA Complete Nail Treatment is a miracle elixir that offers 7 benefits in one. It improves the overall health of your nail from root to tip by stimulating cell process and protecting against splitting and breakage.
- Instantly hardens and thickens nails
- Deeply moisturizes and softens nail surface
- Boosts growth effectively
- Evens out nail surface
Additional Information: Jaquline USA is your one stop solution for all nail care range. Right from one stroke gel finish nail enamels to nail strengthener, Jaquline USA brings you high quality products at affordable rates!
How to use product
- As a treatment, apply two coats on clean and bare nails. Use twice a week for better results.
- As a base coat, apply one coat under nail polish.
Explore our entire range of Lipstick Shades available here.
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By RuChika MahaJan
it has atualy helped my nails grow harder. adds nuce glow to nails. makes them healthy and also helped to avoid yellowing of nails. great product
Posted on 9/26/2017
By sumitra pathak
Just got this delivered today. I'm really looking forward to give it a try and see how it works out for me. :)
Posted on 8/18/2017
By IndieIndian
Its perfect for reformes nail biters like me. It nourishs your nails and will stop peeling. You'll see results in 8 days, just apply it once every 3 days. Once you're happy with your nails switch to the strengthener and start using regular nail polish.
Posted on 4/7/2017
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Netherlands : Car Rental 20% Discount!
Netherlands and events during 2015
Here you will find not only information about the country you intend to visit but news for all the events you can participate at during your vacations. You just chose a destination you wish to visit, so allow Economy Car Rentals to present you videos with the events, happenings and festivals suitable for any age and any taste. Check out all the festivals in Netherlands during 2015! Explore Netherlands and take the best moments with you, a rental car in Netherlands helps you to travel free and independent from one event to the other. Learn more about the locals, their culture and the mentality of Netherlands. Read the reviews of our customers and get an idea of the service.
Car group examples such as SUV 4WD, Full Size, Full Size, Cabrio are here to assist you to decide and make the most of your holidays. Various cars e.g. VW Golf, VW Jetta, Ford Focus, VW Up, Mercedes C-Class, Opel Astra Caravan, Volvo V50, Ford Mondeo SW, Peugeot 207, VW Passat available for your car rental in Netherlands Visit our Fleet Page and find more information.
*Economy Car Rentals wants to keep up to date its customers about all festivals, events and happenings! Soon all latest events will be online!
Upcoming events during 2015 for:
Last Updated 2015-02-20


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"I know say nothing wey dem no go kall dem president today because the bobo na black man."
"na ge please"
...And a pox americana upon y'all as well.
That Rammstein joint is the mad notes. I need more ubermetallik to get me through this night shift son. Let's do it.
@袜子 , From Brazil Sepultura【Roots Bloody Roots】 XD
i made my outfit, my friend is American, haha
If he was a true American, he would set you on fire.


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Christmas Read Alouds: Gift of the Magi
One of the most popular classic Christmas stories that we have read and/or listened to as a family quite often through the years is O.Henry's Gift of the Magi. In this story, a young, poverty stricken married couple give up each one's greatest possession in order to get the other person a Christmas gift. It is heart-warming and embraces the true meaning of sacrificial giving.
Christmas Read Alouds: The Christmas Tablecloth
In addition to "If You're Missing Baby Jesus," we have also been blessed for many years with the Christmas story of the Christmas tablecloth or tapestry. This story is a story of hope, restoration, and God's working in mysterious ways—and never ceases to give pause to all of us as we share in it.
Christmas Read Alouds: If You're Missing Baby Jesus
One of our favorite Christmas traditions is reading aloud from Christmas stories.
We have done this for so many years that we have a handful of them that we try to read whenever some of the grown kids are over during December–and especially on our family Christmas decorating night and Christmas Eve. (Many of our favorites are in Joe Wheeler's "Christmas Stories From the Heart" books.)
Using Custom Collections From Your Library
Does your public library have a "customs collection" service? The Fort Wayne, IN public library system does, and it is amazing. If you aren't aware of this, I suggest calling your library and asking about it–especially if you teach using unit studies of any kind.


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Behringer RX1202Fx Eurorack Pro Rack Mount Mixer by Behringer
Save 3%!
Out of Stock
3 sold
Item Information
Ultra-low noise design 12-input mic/Line rack mixer with premium mic preamplifiers and 24-bit multi-FX processor.
- Dimensions
- 48.20cm x 13.30cm x 15.00cm
- Weight
- 3.04kg
- Manufacturer Number
- Product Number
- 004000600070
Customer Reviews
Write the first review of Behringer RX1202Fx Eurorack Pro Rack Mount Mixer.
Questions & Answers
Delivery Information
For UK orders we offer a Free Delivery, Standard or Next Working Day delivery service.
We have separate delivery charges for Europe, North America, Japan and the Rest of the World based on the size, weight and destination of your order.
Please view our About Delivery page for full details.
Returns & Refunds
If an item is faulty or damaged on delivery and we are notified within 24 hours we will arrange for a replacement or a refund of the item - it needs to be within this time period for us to make claims with our couriers.
If you have simply changed your mind or no longer require the item(s), you must notify us within 7 days from receiving your order. The item(s) must be in their original unused and unopened packaging and be in a resalable condition for a full refund. You will need to pay for the cost of returning the item(s) and the item(s) remain your responsibility until we receive them.
Please view our Returns & Refunds page for full details.
Full Details
- 2 aux sends per channel
- 4 balanced high headroom line inputs
- Effective, extremely musical 2 band EQ and Clip LED on all channels
- Integrated 24 bit digital stereo FX processor
|Height (mm)
|Net weight (kg)
|Depth (mm)
|Width (mm)
|Power Input
|230 VAC @ 50 Hz
|Weight (kg)
|Product Dimensions (mm)


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Found Here
- antique
- Araucana eggs
- art journal
- Blanton's Bourbon
- blue eggs
- book pages
- Broad Channel
- Brooklyn
- butterfly exhibit
- Cathedral of St. John the Divine
- circles
- collage
- college students
- Earth Day
- Easter
- fake journal
- frisbee
- Greenmarket
- icon
- iconography
- Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
- Martin Luther
- Museum of Natural History
- NYC subway token
- park
- peacock
- poetry
- Scrabble
- skeleton key
- Sketchbook Project
- Sketchbook Project Library
- symbolism
- tulips
- vintage
- visual journal
- Westside Market
- Williamsburg Market
Tag Archives: Sketchbook Project
Day 26
What a visual treat today was! Met Jane early in Grand Central. We took the train to Brooklyn. We stopped into The Bagelsmith for an early lunch (scrumptious!) before heading to the Sketchbook Project Library. Spent almost four hours at … Continue reading
Day Seventeen
Got an email from the Sketchbook Project announcing a painting exchange. For a fee, they send you a canvas and guidelines. You create your painting, send it to them and they match you up with a "pen pal" of similar … Continue reading
Day Fifteen
Jane called. She wanted to set a date to visit the Sketchbook Project Library. We decided on Saturday, April 26. We will meet in Grand Central. She has begun her journal for the project. I looked into it after she … Continue reading


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A growing functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) literature suggests that cognitive, sociocommunicative, and sensorimotor impairments in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with impaired brain network connectivity. However few ASD studies to date have combined measures of functional and anatomical connectivity. Even more importantly, there are no studies combining these with measures of dynamic processing, as provided by magnetoencephalography (MEG). We propose to use fcMRI, DTI, and MEG for a comprehensive investigation of connectivity in ASD, selecting a task paradigm to identify a visual, lexico-semantic, executive, and motor (VLSEM) circuit for an exemplary set of network nodes. Data from sixty adolescents with ASD and 60 matched typically developing (TD) participants will be acquired to pursue four specific aims: (1) To identify nodes of a VLSEM circuit using fMRI during lexical-semantic decision and to examine the functional connectivity within this circuit and between nodes and the remaining brain. (2) To examine the dynamic, spatiotemporal characteristics of the VLSEM circuit, using MEG in time-domain and time-frequency analyses including phase-locked co-oscillation in several frequency bands. (3) To examine the anatomical integrity of connections within the VLSEM circuit using probabilistic DTI tractography, and to test for links between fcMRI, MEG, and DTI measures. (4) To examine the relation of functional and anatomical connectivity as well as dynamic processing with diagnostic and neuropsychological measures in the ASD group. The study will contribute multimodal imaging evidence for an improved and comprehensive understanding of brain network abnormalities in ASD. Such evidence will be particularly important for the identification of biomarkers of ASD, including those which may distinguish biological subtypes of the disorder. The contribution to the search for biomarkers will have public health benefit because such biomarkers will be crucial for the identification of genetic and other causes of ASD needed for targeted treatment.
This project will use several MRI and MEG techniques for an in-depth investigation into abnormalities of brain network connectivity in autism spectrum disorder. Evidence from this study will contribute towards finding brain biomarkers needed to identify genetic and other causes of ASD and to develop targeted treatments.


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To facilitate the UEFA Champions League Trophy Parade today (April 21st), there will be road closures in place in the Cardiff City Centre between 4.30pm until 5.30pm.
The parade will start at 4.45pm from Cardiff Castle, and will go down High Street along St Mary Street into Guildhall and then into the National Stadium for Wales (Principality Stadium.)
To ensure this event takes place safely the following roads will be closed between 4.30pm until 5.30pm – North Road with the junction with Cathedral Road and Westgate Street from the junction with Park Street. There will be no parking allowed on Guildhall either.
Council traffic officers will be facilitating the road closures for this event.


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PayPal is a American international e-commerce service that enables to send money and to accept payments without revealing any financial details.
Google Analytics is a service offered by Google that generates detailed statistics about a website's traffic and traffic sources and measures conversions and sales. Google Analytics can track visitors from all referrers, including search engines and social networks, direct visits and referring sites. It also displays advertisin...
jQuery UI is a curated set of user interface interactions, effects, widgets, and themes built on top of the jQuery JavaScript Library. Whether you're building highly interactive web applications or you just need to add a date picker to a form control.
jQuery: The Write Less, Do More, JavaScript Library.
A family of standard web feed formats used to publish frequently updated information like blog entries, news headlines, audio and video.
A pingback is one of four types of linkback methods for Web authors to request notification when somebody links to one of their documents. This enables authors to keep track of who is linking to, or referring to their articles.
Windows Live Writer Tagging Support Schema
Really Simple Discovery is a way to help client software find the services needed to read, edit, or "work with" weblogging software.
CloudFlare is a global CDN and DNS provider that can speed up and protect any site online.
The Tweet Button is a small widget which allows visitors to share content and connect on Twitter.
All Twitter's social tools, including buttons and timeline widgets.
iOS Safari instructions for mobile web apps
This site uses the viewport meta tag which means the content may be optimized for mobile content.
A semantic personal publishing platform with a focus on aesthetics, web standards, and usability.
Previously Google Apps for Business. G Suite is a cloud-based productivity suite that helps you and your team connect and get work done from anywhere on any device. It's simple to setup, use and manage, allowing you to work smarter and focus on what really matters.
The Apache HTTP Server is an open-source HTTP server for modern operating systems including UNIX, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS/X and Netware. The goal of this project is to provide a secure, efficient and extensible server that provides HTTP services observing the current HTTP standards. Apache has been the most popular web server ...
PHP is a widely-used general-purpose scripting language that is especially suited for Web development and can be embedded into HTML.
The DOCTYPE is a required preamble for HTML5 websites.
This page contains a meta robots tag which tells search engines and robots to index or not index the page.
The http-equiv attribute provides an HTTP header for the information/value of the content attribute. The http-equiv attribute can be used to simulate an HTTP response header.
Google's hosted library for web fonts. Allows websites to choose and use fonts from a free, wide variety of fonts.
The iconic font and CSS toolkit
UTF-8 (8-bit UCS/Unicode Transformation Format) is a variable-length character encoding for Unicode. It is the preferred encoding for web pages.


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- Amalgam #61, ultrachrome archival pigment photograph by Dave Kennedy
Jen Graves: Today I'm trying to get over to see a show of video, photography, and sculpture at Cornish, by faculty members Robert Campbell and Preston Wadley. Wednesday, I'm going to hear Mel Chin talk at UW. He's the featured national artist the School of Art is bringing this spring, and he's, like, a brain-cousin to the elder Buster Simpson. I hear Buster'll be in the audience, too.
Thursday is Art Walk, and you never know what you'll get, but I'm curious about Dave Kennedy at Gallery4Culture, Timea Tihanyi at Linda Hodges, and Allyce Wood and Diana Lindbjerg at SOIL. Want to see the ongoing painting show by Anne Petty and Laura Hamje at Prographica, too (out in the upscale wilds of Denny-Blaine).
David Schmader: Tonight, I'm watching BenDeLaCreme on the new episode of RuPaul's Drag Race! Beyond that, I'm listening to the Wu-Tang Clan ouvre in chronological order. (The moral: RZA should be carved in Mt Rushmore.)
Kelly O: I'm going to the Comet Tavern tonight, for at least one 45 cent beer at the official reopening, then tomorrow April 1st, to see their first live show, with the Country Lips at 10:30.
Paul Constant: As my week's plans hinge on a karaoke outing with a small group of friends, I'm trying to decide if the best Kanye West song to sing at karaoke is "Runaway," "Stronger" or "No Church in the Wild."
Danielle Henderson: I'm going to see The Edge of Our Bodies tonight at the Washington Ensemble Theater and then I'm spending the rest of the week collecting my invoices and finally doing my taxes, which is the absolute most boring part of being a goddamned adult.
Bethany Jean Clement: It is my ambition to go to happy hour at Aragona some evening this week. I will definitely be going to Safeco Field to check out some of their new stuff to eat and drink (Georgetown Brewing Company cask-conditioned beer! Taylor Farms shellfish! Hot Cakes desserts!) in advance of the season of baseball. I am wondering whether I can check out the new Comet without having some sort of nostalgic nervous breakdown. I will watch The Wolf of Wall Street, which I suspect is just not as bacchanal-shocking-good-bad as everyone said...the rest is TBD—we shall see!


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Sign the rehab bill
Buffalo News, published June 28, 2009
Now that the State Legislature once again passed a rehabilitation tax credit, Gov. David A. Paterson should sign that bill.
For the past few years, New York has had the opportunity to breathe life into urban neighborhoods and downtown cores, a chance to revitalize deteriorating housing and commercial property. The opportunity also offers the possibility of revitalizing historic structures.
But in order to make all this happen, the government needs to sign legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, D-Buffalo, and Sen. David Valesky, D-Oneida, to create an expanded historic preservation tax credit program.
This is an important piece of legislation that has wide-ranging economic stimulus potential for homeowners and developers interested in improving neighborhoods and central business districts. It could mean the difference between a developer tackling a rehab project for a long-vacant building or moving on to a project of less value to the community but with greater economic incentives. Projects might not get done without this expanded program.
Recently, Mayor Byron W. Brown drove the point home by calling a press conference to discuss the prospects of such notable older buildings as the Statler Towers, the former AM&A's department store complex and the old Central Terminal on Buffalo's East Side.
Brown and preservationists are absolutely on point in urging Paterson to take into account the fate of older buildings that could be put to better use with projects that also provide jobs and strengthen the business core. Homeowners too would have the ability to take care of needed infrastructure problems and improve the value of their properties and neighborhoods.
The facts in a nutshell: The commercial program provides a tax credit of 20 percent of rehabilitation costs up to a maximum of $5 million for substantial rehabilitation of properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The residential program is designed for owner-occupied houses listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places and provides up to a $50,000 tax credit to cover 20 percent of qualified rehabilitation costs.
Both programs must be in distressed areas where the median income is at or below 100 percent of the state's median family income. Homeowners earning below $60,000 per year have an opportunity to receive their tax credit as a refund. Moreover, similar tax credit programs exist in 30 other states and studies have shown that these programs create $3 to $5 of investment for every dollar of incentive provided by the state.
Credit is due Hoyt and Valesky for doggedly pursuing this legislation and working with their colleagues. It hasn't been easy or quick, but it'll be more than worth the effort if the governor finally signs this bill. He didn't see fit to sign similar legislation last year because of cost concerns.
This year the program is limited to distressed neighborhoods, providing for lower cost estimates. What's not to like?
Buffalo needs this program. In fact, all of upstate needs this program. Paterson has the ability, in a stroke of the pen, to provide the kind of economic stimulus in distressed and deteriorating areas that could turn Main Streets and blighted neighborhoods around and put people to work.
Sign the bill.


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The Third Wheel Trailer (2002)
"The only thing Stanley & Michael didn't plan on for the perfect date was...Phil." 31 May 2002 Comedy, Romance 87 mins
The clumsy and shy Stanley is a nice fellow, beloved by his colleagues in the office. He has a crush on the gorgeous new-hire Diana, but he has difficulties to get close to her. When Stanley finally invites Diana for a date, he hits the homeless Phil with his Taurus, and his planned night turns upside down.
Watch the official The Third Wheel 2002 trailer in HD below or find more The Third Wheel videos on Vidimovie.


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About 54 Mint
54 Mint is a little gem in the heart of downtown San Francisco across from the old US Mint Building. We offer authentic Italian cuisine prepared only with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Our pastas and desserts are made fresh on a daily basis. 54 Mint is also a retail store where you can purchase, for a simple gift or for your own need, a variety of imported products such as extra virgin olive oil from Umbria, balsamic vinegars, cheese, spices, wines and much more...Our bar will remain open until midnight offering an extended variety of cocktails and high-end imported and local spirits as well as a late-night menu of small bites.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Dining Style:
Casual Dining
Italian, Mediterranean
Hours of Operation:
Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm;
Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 5:30 pm - 10 pm,
Friday and Saturday: 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Sunday: 5pm - 9:30pm
Happy Hour: Everyday 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Cross Street:
Mission and Market streets
Dress Code:
Smart Casual
Price Range:
$30 and under
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Phone Number:
(415) 543-5100
Parking Details:
a Public Parking Garage is also available, located on the corner of Mission and 5th streets.
Public Transit:
Mint Plaza is located off of Fifth Street between Market and Mission Streets in San Francisco's Central Market district. The Plaza is a short distance (approximately 1 block) from the BART/MUNI Powell and Montgomery Street stations. Convenient MUNI bus lines include the 14 Mission, 15 Third, 30 Stockton, 45 Union and all Market Street routes.
Executive Chef:
Mattia Marcelli
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Happy Hour, Outdoor dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Restaurant Photos
New Year's Eve Special Menus & Offers
Sunday, December 31, 2017
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New Year's Eve Special Menus & Offers
Sunday, December 31, 2017Details
Ring in the New Year with a taste of Italy. Join us for our multi course menu for $85 per person, with optional wine pairing. Seating from 5pm - 10pm. Limited a la carte will be available. 48-hour cancellation fee.
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Mon - Thu 9:30PM - 9:45PM
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Private Dining
54 Mint offers several exclusive and semi-private room options. It can accommodate parties as large as 130 people and can seat groups on a single table for 25 people or less. Please email us at firstname.lastname@example.com for any party of 12 or more to get a quote and prix-fixe menu options.
54 Mint Ratings and Reviews
My wife and I had a wonderful dinner here this week. Her comment was best - "this feels like one of those places in Florence". More specifically, it didn't feel like techie San Francisco - all noise and hard edges. A bit old school and a bit euro and a bit really good food. We had a local buffalo mozzarella and grilled brocollini starter and fried smelts w/aoli. Simple sure, but very nice. The grilled brocollini was especially nice. We then shared Cacio e Pepi pasta and grilled lamb chops. Both were excellent. A good bottle of wine (Barolo) and all was good in the night.
Sometimes they have truffles...we missed them but will try again.
This restaurant is a gem and truly authentic Italian. It has stood the test of time and done it well. The waiters quickly are like close friends explaining every ingredient with loving detail. Everyone is Italian and they imbuse your experience with old world passion. Order the buffalo cheese appetizer and you will be told about the elderly lady in Tomales Bay who has named all her cows and sells her cheese to only two restaurants in the area. Really a lovely place.
We were looking for a new place to eat after a theatre matinee. We saw this place listed on Open Table and thought we would give it a try. So glad we did! 54 Mint is awesome! The food was outstanding, the service was outstanding and we will surely recommend this place to friends. There were so many interesting choices on the menu we had a hard time deciding which entree to have. We wanted to try them all, so we will be back! In the meanwhile, treat your taste buds and go there. You won't be disappointed!
Service was atrocious. It was Dreamforce week and downstairs was taken over by a group and seemed to be getting all the attention from the servers. Received a different wine from the one ordered and took 3 times asking where the cocktail was that one of us ordered. Pastas however were delicious.
Food, though visually appealing, lacked culinary prowess. The mixed salad was generous but the breadcrumbs garnish was too salty. Octopus was the most tender ever-perhaps too much so-and lacked any depth. The pastas were bland and forgettable.
As far as the service, my date felt pressured by the hovering waiter. His first words told us that they were busy so we should quickly order!
It's too bad because it's a great dining room, though rather noisy, and we won't be going back.
We have eaten here at least a dozen times since they opened several years ago. Never been disappointed. A simple menu with authentic and hearty Roman food. Great starters you can make an entire meal out of, terrific pasta, and always a few fresh and authentic main course large plates. The wine list is fantastic, and generally fairly priced, though you can drop a bundle on an older Barolo if you are a mind to. The waiters and bar tenders are very knowledgeable about the many obscure Italian regional wines.
We showed up early for a reservation and were seated right away. The cocktail menu is pretty sizable and I had a perfect Old Fashioned. The smelt appetizer was worth the price of admission. Salty and crunchy with a great tangy dip. The pasta dishes were well proportioned and thoughtful, with amazingly perfect pasta. I'm looking forward to another visit. Waitstaff was friendly and knowledgable, and offered great pairings.
54 Mint was a tremendous find for me. I was just looking for a time what would work and, as luck would have it, I discovered it. I was meeting some people I'd not met before for a business dinner and we were all impressed. I had about the most succulent halibut I've had in a year - and I order that frequently. we had a great table downstairs surrounded by wine racks. It was bit noisy, but not too bad.
The ambiance was so delightful, the staff was very welcoming and friendly. The food was amazing and I could have just stayed there for hours and enjoyed the atmosphere. Love it and will go back again when we visit San Francisco again, hopefully in the near future.
Came on a weeknight with a reservation. After being sat, waited 30 minutes for a server to come by and acknowledge us. Pasta sounded fancier than it was, so I was surprised when I got a bowl of spaghetti and sauce. I'm all for simple dishes but was looking for something I can't make at home. I've been here before and have been impressed but after this experience won't be returning.
This was my second visit to 54 Mint. This time wer went for dinner. We shared the octopus appetizer abd the charred broccolini and buffalo mozzarella appetizer and the special duck gnocchi. With two glasses of excellent white wine and the gelato, we were shocked at the price of our neal. I think this place is geared for business folks. It's conveniently located in downtown SF.
Our waiter talked us into a $200 bottle of wine that was quite disappointing. Food took forever to serve and one of our dishes was cold when they brought it (they fixed it). We picked this restaurant because it was so highly rated on OpenTable (3rd disappointment in a row in San Francisco). Don't go to San Francisco for the food if you come from Chicago. Average restaurants in Chicago are better and cheaper than the nicest restaurants in SanFrancusco.
54 Mint was recommended by a friend. We had a nice evening. I would definitely recommend reservations and sitting in the lower level. We were seated at a community table which I enjoyed but some may not. Service was good. Food portions were moderate, definitely enough to fill you up. The quality of the food was very good as well. My first choice was the duck, which they were out of (6 pm dinner on a Saturday). We had the fettuccine special which was very nice and perfectly seasoned. Wine has a 300% mark-up. The corkage fee on line was $25 but $30 when we arrived. Still better to take your own if you desire a fine wine with dinner. Desserts were fantastic.
Overall, not a good experience. It started out well enough (after we made it through the dark, somewhat scary plaza) as our table was ready, the atmosphere was nice and the wine recommended by our server was quite good. It was loud, but festive. My husband enjoyed the grilled octopus, but the meatballs were a bit salty. We both wanted the Cacio e Pepe pasta. I asked if I could have spaghetti rather than the traditionl thicker noodle, and the server was unsure if it would be ok with the chef. Big red flag! I wasn't asking anybody to shave truffles over the dish, just to substitute the pasta. I also asked for the pasta to be cooked to a very soft consistency, just leave it in the pot a bit longer. I did get the spaghetti, but it was quite hard, even my husband agreed. I asked the waiter to take it (politely)as I couldn't eat it.
He offered to have it remade, but by then my husband was finished, I was over it and ready to leave. When we got the bill, my dish was still on it because he "offered me something else." I made a simple request for a medical reason, it wasn't prepared correctly and should have been taken off the bill. We then had to walk through the scary plaza again.
What started out as a fun evening, ended in disappointment due to a lack of attention to a simple detail.
We really enjoyed the authenticity of the food and style of service. We very much appreciated the full bar, which included some Italian specialties that are hard to find such as certain aperitif and after dinner drinks that are available. Excellent wine list, too! They offer an option of gluten-free pasta, which I don't think they publicize much, and they were also flexible about making a couple of dietary changes for me. Highly recommended!
As always, the food was spot on delicious.
We were very disappointed in the service. 54 Mint has always been one of our favorite restaurants in SF. The service was dismal. We asked the server for certain things like a lime, it never came. No dressing on the salad, it came over dressed. Two coffees, only one was served. At one point, my husband almost got up and went to the bar to get service, finally our waiter returned to our table. We brought a client from LA to dinner to impress him and we left embarrassed. We can not longer recommend your restaurant. The point to going to a restaurant is to be restored. Our experience was anything but.
The dishes were fantastic, especially our two pasta dishes and the simple fish of the day (lingcod). That wait staff was extremely friendly and accommodating of our two young children (ages 6 and 1). It was a wonderful dining experience overall. We will be recommending it to our friends.
This is a difficult review to write since my partner's evaluation and mine are somewhat different. We shared the SUPPli which was nicely done but I thought it needed a little more something to enhance the flavor; he enjoyed it. We also shared a radicchio/pear salad that needed more pear. I found the gnocchi itself to be good but the sauce was a bit bitter. His fettuccine special was very good. He had a chocolate tort for dessert which was very good and they put a candle in it for his birthday. It was a nice touch for an older person. The service was good; the staff was very attentive. Oh, yes, the bread. It was really good...though a bit cooler than room temperature was seemed odd.
The restaurant has a basement room which looked to be perfect for larger groups of energetic young people. They were noisy and seemed happy; since we were on the main floor, my partner and I could hear each other--the best of both worlds.
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Actor Robert De Niro and director Spike Lee are combining their forces to put together a television series titled Alphaville about Manhattan's Alphabet City. The show will air on Showtime, putting it alongside series like Dexter and Weeds. Will this be the next big thing on TV?
The Hollywood Reporter tells us this about the new show:
Alphaville is an ensemble drama chronicling Alphabet City's gritty and tumultuous past before it became the gentrified East Village. Set during the 1980s, it will re-create the neighborhood's eclectic mix of struggling artists and musicians living alongside Puerto Rican and black families. Along with its growing bohemian and celebrity population that also included graffiti artists, break-dancers, rappers and DJs, the neighborhood was plagued by illegal drug activity and violent crime.
It will be on the same cable network that airs hit shows like Californication and United States of Tara. De Niro is going to be an executive producer and it's likely that Lee will direct the pilot episode.
Lee hasn't had a lot of big hits with his films -- pretty much ever, with the exception of Inside Man -- so it will be interesting to see if he can make his mark on the small screen.
Lee and De Niro are both native New Yorkers, so this seems like an ideal project for them to pool their resources on. What will be really interesting, though, is if De Niro has a regular part on the show, or even a frequent cameo. He hasn't spent much (any) of his career on television, and it might be a new avenue for him to take.
So is there any interest in the TV-watching public in this show, or will this fade away as quickly as it came to be?
Source: George Napolitano/Getty Images
© 2017 Spike Cable Networks. All Rights Reserved.


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GTR XX-Long Shock Shaft (2) by Traxxas
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2 unhurt in Burlington plane crash
Credit: Mark Garfinkel
A female pilot's crash landing into a grove of trees in Burlington yesterday had public works employees scrambling to shut down a water treatment plant nearby as the Cirrus SR22 swooped down dangerously close, officials said.
The plane's descent was softened by an emergency parachute that was deployed by the pilot and the town's water supply was never affected, police said.
The pilot and her male passenger, who have not been identified, walked out of the marsh area near the Burlington Mall with the help of first-responders.
|The article you requested has been archived


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Does apple tv eliminate the need for a local cable provider, or will i need to keep my cable service to see my local channels?
Apple tv and the local cable networks, does one eliminate the need for the other?
- Asked by Melissa S from Bay City
3 Answers from the Community
Best Answer:
You will need cable to see local, real time TV channels. Apple TV is not a tv channel service. Ywith Apple TV you can stream some TV shows through a subscription based service like Huluplus. Or TV shows you purchase on iTunes, etc. but not any live channels or local content like your local news.
- Answered by Linda R from Hampton Cove
- Nov 24, 2013
If you live close enough to the city, you can get a high def antenna to get local channels and get rid of cable. That is what I did.
- Answered by Philip G from Cherry Hill
- Nov 26, 2014
No, Apple TV does not replace your local cable service; it simply adds additional Internet-based services and adds the ability to view your iTunes content on your HDTV. To watch your local channels, you'll need to keep your cable service.
- Answered by Julian B from Baie-d'urfe
- Nov 20, 2013


text:
Tell us what you want
Our thoughtful experts are ready with ideas, inspiration and advice for your next journey.
The islands of the Maldives are home to some of the world's most impressive luxury hotels. Every year sees another grand unveiling as increasingly glamorous and sophisticated resorts jostle for the attention of the discerning traveller. Fear not, though, because we have been to the Maldives on a number of occasions, with our expert team only working with the best of a very, very good bunch. Whether you're looking for a romantic break or honeymoon, a luxury family getaway or a diving holiday, we have the inside track on the perfect resort for you.
The little sister of one of our favourite Maldivian retreats, Huvafen Fushi, PER AQUUM Niyama opened its doors in March 2012. It is every bit as luxurious and spoiling, with an added dose of funk and attitude in the form of the world's first underwater nightclub. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
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A serious contender for one our favourite Maldivian hotspots, Anantara Kihavah leaves no stone unturned, with effortless style and a mega dollop of attention to detail. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
Baros is an immaculate resort on a private, palm-fringed island surrounded by a shallow lagoon. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
Sister property to the contemporary classic Cheval Blanc in Courchevel, Cheval Blanc Randheli caters to a similar audience of high flyers with an innate appreciation of the finer things in life. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
The new Constance Halaveli has villas either on stilts in a beautiful lagoon or on the pristine beach. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
COMO Cocoa Island is located in the less developed South Malé Atoll of the Maldives, reached by a 30-minute private speedboat transfer from the international airport. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
Landaa Giraavaru in Baa Atoll, with its verdant, beach-fringed coral islands, is a quintessential Maldivean paradise. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
Formerly Soneva Gili, this luxury hotel and spa occupies a tiny island set in a sparkling lagoon and surrounded by thriving coral reefs, ideally located just twenty minutes' journey by speedboat from the international airport on Malé. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
One of the most luxurious resorts in the Maldives, PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi is located half an hour by speedboat from the international airport. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
Sitting on an untouched atoll and boasting one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, the Park Hyatt Hadahaa is a diver's paradise. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
Set on one of the largest islands in North Male Atoll, the One&Only at Reethi Rah is one of the finest of the (very fine) hotels in the Maldives. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
A luxury hideaway on the island of Kunfunadhoo in the Baa Atoll. Reaching the resort involves a half-hour scenic flight by seaplane from the Maldives' capital of Malé. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
Located towards the south of the Maldivian archipelago, Six Senses Laamu is designed to offer individual style along with a strong sense of community. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
As a member of the Soneva family, this new luxury ultra yacht set sail in 2015, and offers guests the freedom to cruise to some of the Maldives' most spectacular reefs and paradise locations. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
The latest addition to the Viceroy Hotel collection, Viceroy Maldives is certainly one to rival its Maldivian neighbours. Located in the remote Shaviyani Atoll, it is an hour's seaplane flight from the capital Malé. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
This super-luxurious Maldivian hideaway is located in the Noonu Atoll, just 45 minutes by seaplane from the capital Male, and boasts a collection of 47 exclusive pool villas and residences. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
Conrad Maldives Rangali is a wonderful resort on a private island surrounded by a marine life Mecca of stunning coral reef, whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins and turtles. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
So many beautiful desert islands, so many beautiful hotels to choose from. The Maldives has got an enviable problem on its hands with quite so much choice, but here at Original Travel we have been to the best of the bunch of hotels, and think Constance Moofushi will appeal. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
COMO Maalifushi is the group's second luxury hotel in the Maldives after Cocoa Island, and has recently opened in the more remote south-western Thaa Atoll. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
With such a bewildering choice of resorts in the Maldives every island idyll needs a special something to differentiate from the rest; in the case of Anantara Dhigu it's simple, this is one of the best – and best value – family hotels in the Maldives, all just 35 minutes by speedboat from the... Read moreAdd to Ideas+
With so much competition of places to stay in the Maldives of late, with a new resort cropping up weekly, LUX* Maldives is a great option for all travellers, be it families, couples or divers. The quintessentially Maldivian resort is on the island of Dhidhoofinolhu in the South Ari atoll and... Read moreAdd to Ideas+
Set in a 3.5 mile private lagoon on the beach-fringed island of Medhufaru, Soneva Jani is the brand's newest resort, due to open in October 2016. Part of a five-island cluster in the Noonu Atoll, the other four islands remain untouched, while Soneva Jani itself is one of the lowest density... Read moreAdd to Ideas+
This boutique private island resort is located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Alongside its idyllic setting Milaidhoo puts an innovative focus on experience led stays, so making for a truly unique Maldivian resort. Read moreAdd to Ideas+
Our thoughtful experts are ready with ideas, inspiration and advice for your next journey.
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Happy New Year! For 2016 we've resolved to put an end to the confusion and frustration that comes with swimsuit shopping. With the help of the swimwear fit and style experts over at The Beach Company, we're breaking down the best fit tips for every body type. From curvier frames to athletic body types, we're helping to make sense of the endless swimwear options and narrowing them down to the picks that were made to fit and flatter your frame. Want to know what you should be looking for? Scroll on to get the experts' dos and don'ts, find your perfect suit, and never hate swimsuit shopping again!
January 3, 2016
Swimwear Shopping Guide for the Curvy woman
Curvy: You're curvy throughout with a full bust, hips, thighs, and butt like Christina Hendricks or Scarlett Johanson.
What to look for: For curvy frames, the key is to highlight your curves while providing enough support and coverage. If you're not keen on exaggerating your curves, then steer clear of monokinis or string bikinis with thicker ties, which can accentuate your widest areas.
Tips and tricks from Savita, fit and style expert for The Beach Company:


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UPDATE: Oppenheimer Holdings Reiterates Outperform Rating, Lowers PT on Capital One Financial Corp.
In a report published Friday, Oppenheimer Holdings reiterated its Outperform rating on Capital One Financial Corp. (NYSE: COF), but lowered its price target from $71.00 to $68.00.
Oppenheimer Holdings noted, "For the second year in a row COF threw an air ball in 4Q. Last year it was a stunning expense bulge and this time it was not so much the 4Q results themselves but the guidance that pre-provision earnings would be flattish with the 4Q level in 2013 and that it did not plan to ask the Fed for any share repurchases in this year's CCAR process. The shares were down 7% in the aftermarket, and we are disappointed as well. Nevertheless, in cases like this we find it best to put the emotion aside and do our numbers, and they point us to a still compelling but lower $68 price target on our downwardly revised $6.50 estimate, and thus we maintain our Outperform."
Capital One Financial Corp. closed on Thursday at $61.59.
Latest Ratings for COF
|Oct 2017
|BMO Capital
|Oct 2017
|Bank of America
|Oct 2017
|Wells Fargo
View More Analyst Ratings for COF
View the Latest Analyst Ratings
Posted-In: Oppenheimer HoldingsAnalyst Color Price Target Analyst Ratings
© 2017 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.


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Document Based Question. Writing for a Nine. How much do you need to know about history?. Nothing. You do not need to know much about history to do well on this part of the exam. The more you know, the better your essay will be, but it is still possible to get a nine knowing very little.
Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author.While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server.
Writing for a Nine


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Parish Council could fund threatened Colnbrook-Staines bus service
Colnbrook Parish Council will consider putting funds towards keeping the threatened 305 bus service running to ensure that local children can get to secondary schools in Staines.
Chair Cllr Scott Bryant has proposed to fellow councillors that the Parish Council should consider making a funding contribution to the 305 Colnbrook to Staines bus service, should its funding be pulled at the end of March.
Cllr Bryant made his comments at the last full meeting of the Parish Council two weeks ago, after being alerted to the situation by a resident via email.
Clerk Katie Jones has confirmed that the parish council has under the Local Government and Rating Act 1997, section 26, Transport Act 1985, section 106A.
Following discussion councillors agreed that the clerk should get more information from the Royal Borough and the bus company as to the level of funding required and any statistics on the number of Colnbrook users of the 305 service.
Slough Borough Council will also be approached for funding in view of the "vital link to schools".
A report will be prepared for consideration at a future Parish Council meeting.
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Someone with Time On Their Hands
Most days hes a goofy, hyper nut. Most days, hes just looking
for laughs. The rotten days however Minor crossover of TB x JL (OH
he opened his eyes he was greeted with the same multicolor brightness
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The girl had squealed like a helium ducky when she saw the pictures
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to him Her red breasts pushing against his chest, her arms locked
around his neck and her vertex pressed tautly against the place just
above his pelvis. The itch struck him, and struck him hard. So he had
giddily agreed and the whole Joker clan went out to play: him, Harley
Quinn, Punch, Judy, and the hyenas. Off to the museum to graffiti and
gas and rob the place, which they did without a hitch. Until the Bat
brigade showed up. There was the traditional scuffle and banter
throwing until he, Harley and the kids escaped with the dolls,
leaving Punch and Judy to take the fall.
did so quietly and obediently as they always did. The Joker saw this
on the GTV news, while Harley played with her dolls, tiny bells
tinkling and porcelain clinking softly in the background. The itch
was still there. He became aware of his molls own antsiness when
he overheard some of the more interesting stories her dolls were
playing out. Oh,
Mistah Mini J, Im sooo tired.,
the little harlequin with the pink and black diamond attire sighed.
In a deeper tone she voiced the violet and lavender clown dolls
thoughts, Really,
Mini Quinn? Do you want me to tuck you in? Maybe have a bit ofpie
before we turn in?
She had opened her mouth for Mini Quinn to answer, but he snatched
the female doll from her hand.
a high falsetto he answered, Oh,
yes, Mini Mr. J! And by all means have seconds!
Then he had looked up deviously through his green dreads, red eyes
beaming. Harley had mirrored his look, dark lips turned up in a
cheeky smile. An instant later the mad moll was swept up into the
clown prince of crimes long arms, the owner of the latter running
at top speed to the makeshift bedroom. He had dropped her like a sack
of giggling potatoes and hopped on top of her. They raced each other
to have their clothes off first, Harley stopping at her cap and
makeup. Ever since their first date, the greasepaint, domino mask and
fabric pigtails had become her true face. Plus Joker liked it better
that way.
night had gone on happily, violently and blissfully.
way they always did before a Rotten Day.
evening completely recollected, the Joker popped his neck and turned
to his side. There was Miss Quinn, snoozing dreamily with the sheets
just covering her naughty bits. Her cap was crooked and her makeup
had half rubbed off on her pillow, a trail of drool snaking from the
corner of her mouth. Aaaw. The Rotten Day feeling twisted and
prickled, throwing acidic ideas through his head.
her off the bed.
her new dolls.
her into one of the chemical vats.
all of the above.
shook his head and hauled himself out of the bed. He snapped and
popped his limbs and spine, admonishing the Rotten Day feeling for
aiming so readily on his little imp. Certainly he would give her a
bubble bath in his perma-clown vat one of these days. Most likely on
their anniversary after another splendid date. But not today, no.
This Rotten Day belonged to someone else. The way theyd belonged
to Officer Bennett, Officer Yin, Prank and countless others he
couldnt be bothered to put names to.
Rotten Day would come, just later.
gave a roaring yawn and Bud and Lous ears perked up from the
corner of the room theyd occupied after he and the lady finished
their midnight playtime. Shush, kids, dont go waking Mom until
I say so. The behemoth of a clown proceeded to tug on and jump
into his clothes wondering all the while who his Rotten Day would be
for. Another member of the GCPD? Some rich fellow on the top of the
world? Perhaps a random lady off the street to break up the sausage
fest monotony? Hed just have to wait and see.
dressed and ready to go he tiptoed dramatically over to the door.
Okay kids, the hyenas got to their feet excitedly, tails
wagging, go get her! Go get her! He closed the door swiftly on
the sound of cackling barks and a rudely awakened lady jester. As
bedlam went loose in the bedroom he slunk away, out of the lair and
into the garage. His hotrod waited expectantly. He got in with a
ribbon of snickering following after him as he sped through the
streets, looking this way and that for the proper nominee.
streets were depressingly empty, as were the sidewalks. He heard
scarcely a shriek or chortle thrown at him. His grinning maw drooped
into a grumping frown. If he didnt have a decent victim for this
Rotten Day, well, it would just get bottled up and bottled up until
Harley would just have to be–.
The Gotham City Gala Hall loomed in the distance, glowing with lights
and various rich socialites and stars. Well, beggars cant be
choosers I suppose. The wealthy, hoity-toity types werent
nearly as fertile for going loony tunes as the common man, woman or
child. The Rotten Day feeling promptly whacked him upside the head
with a mental two by four. The malevolent metallic non-voice
whispered in his head, stronger and louder than all the usual tenants
in his skull. It whispered promises of sudden, sporadic sadism. If he
didnt get the Rotten Day itch scratched as of yesterday it would
dig out the real bogeyman lurking in the deepest darkest crevice of
his brain.
horrid creature that was him and wasnt him; a thing wearing his
colors over a different, sinister face. If that monster didnt get
any showtime outside of the appointed Rotten Days, well, bad things
would happen. Things completely outside of his sunny, kooky reign and
that worried the Joker on a grand level. If the Rotten Thing didnt
get its day, it would take
a week. Or a month. Or a year. Or however long it took until it was
satisfied to let his cheery self back in the drivers seat. The
Rotten Thing would do things to people, to the entire city, that
would shatter the audiences view of him as simply an off kilter
clown. They were a little spooked by him, and that was fine. The
police and the Batman knew he was nuttier than squirrel poop, and
that was fine. But the Rotten Things antics, if let loose
completely, would destroy it all.
of shattering little girls spines, slicing bloody smiles into
victims, injecting all manner of horrible things into peoples
blood and stomachs flashed in his minds eye.
shook his head wildly and blinked them all away. But the Rotten
Thing, sat impatiently in his head, wanting its Rotten Day. Alrighty
then, lets get this show on the road!, he shrilled with sour
happiness. He revved the hotrod and leaped up onto a Lamborghinis
hood, parking on the roof. Practiced legs sprung him out of the
bizarre vehicle, bounding him off expensive car hoods all the way to
the building. In his purple coat was a myriad of lunatic weapons from
smiley face grenades to his retractable laser pogo stick. But this
calls for a more personal approach. He eyeballed the exterior
walls, noting the plethora of ornamental ledges, decorations and/or
footholds they provided.
think the city planners would learn
by now. But, he crooned as he took his first leap onto the side of
the building, fingers and toes finding instant grips, one mans
stupid architecture is another clowns ladder! Ha-ha-ha-ha!
That said he began to spider his way up to the giant open windows.
Proper, phony laughter lilted out of the open portal along with the
ghost scent of champagne and chandelier light. On a normal
daystretch the definition as you willhe would be happy to Joker
gas the lot of them and paintball the entire building. But no, no,
no, today was a Rotten Day: all attention was to be for one person
and one alone. Finally he made it to the bottom ledge of the
gargantuan window, bony white hands scrabbling to hold onto it.
went his bulging red eyes, the yellow pinprick pupils scanning the
sea of plastic smiling faces. There were the pretty starlets who
slept their way into whatever higher class party it was, the tubby,
rich old men whod brought them and a few glamorous socialites who
were invited on principle of being glamorous socialites. Closest to
him was a crowd of glitzed up business folks, talking shop and
gossip. They were planted next to one of dozens of little roundtables
with silky tablecloths draping down like dresses. A candelabra sat in
its middle, guarded by a bottle of vintage he-didnt-care-what and
a few flute glasses of he-didnt-care-what around it.
glitzy folks were smiling their drab practiced smiles at each other,
gabbing on and on about how their businesses were going and who they
thought was sleeping with who. Oh, thrill and a half., Joker
droned. At this rate hed just have to snatch up whoever got
closest to the window. Harrumph. He was just pondering grabbing
Bruce Wayne himself or one of his pretty pieces of arm candy when he
saw the perfect candidate. Said candidate was just barely visible due
to the lifted skirt of the tablecloth falling from a fancy chairs
seat. Through the wedge of visibility he could see the little
creature huddled under the table, a bear in their tiny arms. He might
have overlooked her altogether if not for the eyes.
eyes were huge, pie plate-sized things in her sockets, staring out of
her fabric window at the legs of what he suspected were her dreary
parents. On cue mommy dearest noticed the little Mary Jane-wearing
feet poking out from under the table. An evil step mother look
crossed the womans dour face and she daintily knelt down so that
her dress wouldnt touch the floor. Lacey Walch, you get out
from under there this instant!
I dont want to, the girls nearly nonexistent voice
missy., enforced dear old dad. Lacey inched her way out from under
the cloth, her entire diminutive self revealed. She looked to be just
budding out of her toddler years, her dark hair cropped short around
her baby-faced jaw. Her glitzy attire consisted of a simple
black and white dress that reached all the way to her toes. In her
arms was the rather ragged bear and her eyes focused on its matted
fur. Her big, face-eating, black eyes. In his head the Joker had
already called dibs on her descent into crazy land. The kid in him
cringed and growled as Mrs. Walch snatched the bear away from the
girl, sharp fake tips digging into the stuffing.
warned you about this, Lacey. You only get Mr. Ted when you behave
and I told you not to go hiding like that. She turned her tall,
skinny back on the girl, the bear tucked under her bird wing of an
Walch gave his daughter one last glance before ending with, Youll
get Mr. Ted back when you behave like a good girl.
to self: find Walch residence and dump stinkbugs in Mr. and Mrs.
Walchs underwear drawers., he groused to himself, ruby lips
turned up in a yellow-toothed snarl. His ears pricked at the murmured
explanation from Mama Walch that Lacey was only there because they
didnt dare trust a babysitter in this town and yadda yadda yadda.
He focused back on the girl who was now groping at the air gingerly,
wanting a teddy bear to spontaneously appear in her fingers. Joker
cocked a non-brow at a champagne flute on the table near Laceys
head. It trembled on its own. Trembled all the way to the edge of the
table and thencrash!
frou-frou alcohol went splashing everywhere, over the girls Mary
Janes and mommys heels. Lacey!, Mrs. Walch screeched in
minor scandal. Do you want to go home right now!?
go sit down and dont get into anymore trouble or youre grounded
for the week. The herd of tittering rich folks edged away from the
broken glass as a waiter came by and cleaned the mess up. Lacey
blinked rapidly, eyes going glassy. Now was as good a time as any to
lure her to the window. He puckered his lips to whistle but smothered
it just in time. A whistle could attract anyone. He just wanted the
kid. As he pulled himself closer to the wall he felt an unfamiliar
shape press against his chest. Joker risked releasing the ledge with
one hand and groped in his breast pocket for the thing. In the thrown
light he saw that it was the last harlequin doll; one hed
forgotten they even swiped.
was the smallest one theyd stolen and the only porcelain piece was
its face. Otherwise it was pure fluff and fabric, bending like a
noodle this way and that. The outfit was sheer monochrome, the
diamond design replaced by black spades and white hearts all over its
costume with a half-and-half harlequin cap. Cute, but too bland for
Harley and him. He smirked at the bearless, doll-less girl. Not
like Ill miss it. Ducking his head under the window he plopped
the doll on its fabric fanny, jiggling it in place. The little cap
bells jingled and jostled for about ten seconds before he saw her
little head floating closer. Closer, he could see her face. Closer,
he could see her dress. Closer, he could see her tiny hand reaching
out for the doll–. Yoinks! The Joker pulled the doll over the
ledge with him, little Lacey gasping.
trotted over and looked down. They locked eyes: bug-eyed red with
bug-eyed black. She gasped. He twiddled his fingers at her around the
doll. Hiya, kiddo! Do you want this? He shook the doll
temptingly at her, its head mere inches from her reaching fingers.
She almost got it until she felt herself falling over the ledge.
Lacey jerked herself back, but kept her eyes jumping from Joker to
the doll. Joker pulled a moping face and crooned up at her, Aww,
dont you want the little guy? Hes not having much fun with a
big lug like me. Cmon The girl drummed her fingers anxiously
on the window ledge.
a bit closer, Lacey dear, my hearings going. She leaned the
smallest bit closer.
Yes, I want him, but you Youre
bad guy? A crook? A big, city-terrorizing jerk?, he offered. Lacey
shook her head uncaringly.
far away. Joker chuckled as quietly as he could and twirled the
doll in his hand.
maybe you
are. Care to blow this big, boring grown up party and have some real
fun? Tell you what, have him as a freebie. He tossed the doll up
and he could have sworn he saw the thing float into her hands. Her
mouth twitched once, twice and then a smile strained into life.
Smiles were obviously as rare as a white tiger for little Miss Walch.
Hands now full of brand new toy, Joker saw his best opening short of
just grabbing her by the scruff of her collar and hauling her away.
He held out his giant alabaster hand. So, what do you say, kid?
Her big, staring eyes paused on his face for a long second. Back to
his hand. Smoothly and slowly she planted her hand in his palm.
fingers swallowed her hand like a tarp around a napkin. In a swift
yank he pulled her out the window and into the crook of his arm as
easy as he would a pillow. From the corner of his eye the jester saw
Laceys face was placid but she had a death grip on the doll. Hold
on tight, keed. She nodded mutely before he jumped as hard and as
far as he could, landing with a hard thud on a car roof and leaving
foot-shaped dents. The Joker cackled as he and his willing captive
leapt back to the hotrod. He settled in easily and was happy to
discover that Lacey was small enough to curl in a ball and sit
unobtrusively in his lap. Comfy?
Oh, wasnt she a million laughs? The Rotten Thing was tempted to
just gas her now and be over with it. But she deserved some classic
fun before getting Rotten fun.
The hotrod zoomed off the Lamborghini and into the parking lot,
burning rubber and spewing blue fire. And so they sped off on a
kiddified version of his first date with Dr. Harleen Quinzel. The
first stop had been a candy shop where after much reassurance that it
was all on him, Lacey quickly and quietly took handfuls of hard candy
and suckers while Joker gobbled taffy and chocolate. From then on he
had to poke and probe at the girl for any suggestion of where she
wanted to go. Toy stores and bookstores were overlooked for a simple
playground in a rusted park no one went to, save for the poor kids.
Lacey climbed into a swing she explained, We lived here once.
When Mommy and Daddy were poor. They were too s-stressed outto
yell. She swung herself and the dollnow dubbed Mr. Mime due to
his coloringand the Joker perched himself on the one next to her.
The chains squealed in pain but he swung anyway, pretending he was
hearing true screams.
arent you a soap opera script waiting to happen? But lets talk
about something different hmm? Lets talk about jam versus jelly.
Lets talk about the merits of egging houses and putting thumbtacks
on teachers chairs. Lets talk aboutsorry, what was that?
saidI said you talk about kid things. Not even the other kids
talk like kids. Just about their new toys. So saying she petted
Mr. Mime. If Joker had to guess, hed say Mr. Ted had been her
favorite toy since her poverty days, with mommy and daddy trying to
substitute toys for attention.
grown up things bore me. Speaking of which, I have a decidedly
un-grown-up thing to ask you: howd you break the glass? Lacey
shook her head. Yes you did it somehow. Same with catching Mimey
over there. Howd ya do it? Im dying
of jealousy. Joker cocked a brow as she threw him a horrified
die! Suddenly the fronts of his shirt and jacket tugged themselves
forward. The pair blinked in shock. Lacey ducked her head and Joker
swept a hand over his front.
planning to, just a figure of speech. I see you did it again, Ace.
Ace when youre with me. Ace. Thats quite a neat trick you have
up your sleeve by the way. Could cause a heck of a lot of ghost
hoaxes. Or other things. The Rotten Thing did a little dance in
his skull, urging a certain plan to the forefront of his mind. An
antique plan certainly, but one that was guaranteed to work. But
hey, since you so graciously shared with me, its only fair I share
something with you.
Right? Lacey-Ace shrugged and darted her eyes away, face flushing.
Howsabout you and I go to one more stop on our little road trip,
kay? He heard her mumble a yes and something along the lines of
dont have to be home so soon but he ignored this. Several
miles and an extensive, littered road away from Gotham City was the
ACE Chemical Plant. The Jokers nursery, hospital and home. He and
the Rotten Thing grinned at the memory of chemically burned skin,
throat and eyes. The snapping, growing skeleton, his face changing
structure, body hair singing off and head hair exploding into a
lions mane. Then the sudden bursts of muscle from nowhere. Biceps,
calves, abs, pecs and everything else exploding with strength and
size like a kernel becoming a piece of popcorn.
thenoh, then had come his brain.
had come first. Sudden, inexplicable technical data and understanding
that ranked at and above Stephen Hawking level had erupted like a
conflagration. But mostly, mostly,
it was epiphany. The Joker would later compare it to a child working
on a confounding math problem of 2 plus 2, then realizing it made 4.
That was what happened on a gigantic scale in his brainimmense,
irreversible, impossible understanding.
But as the intelligence came, memory went. Or more, it had been
broken like a ceramic tile, and those shards were shattered, and
those pieces became dust, and those dust particles became mist. Ever
since, those teensy bits of memory mist had been squished and pushed
together a million times to try and come up with a solid origin of
who he had been. And every time he mentally re-smashed the product,
knowing it wasnt true. All he could recall of his time pre-clown,
was wanting people to laugh and what hed looked like before his
make up for this, two final ingredients had made their way in. Lunacy
being one. Giggly, goofy, guffawing craziness and his jubilation in
second was the Rotten Thing. The evil, slimy, angry-happy Thing that
he was sure had been there all along.
The ACE Chemical Plant, beautiful birthplace of moi., he
flourished to himself with a bow. Ysee? This place is named
just for you, Acey! Lets take a looksee inside, shall we?
Lacey-Ace agreed silently and didnt resist when he pulled her
inside the dilapidated building by her empty hand.
her gaping eyes took in the foul, dripping, sharp and otherwise icky
scenery of the building, she had to ask, Why are we here, Mr.
Joker? Red eyes turned down to beam at her, watching as she hugged
Mr. Mime closer.
help you, ya silly nut! Why else?
smells likelike sick things here. Like a really bad hosptal.
Yes, it always did have a lovely aroma. But, smelly or not, theres
something very important here, Ace. Or rather, up there. One pasty
finger pointed up to the brim of a giant steel vat. Lacey-Aces
nose wrinkled and she sneezed.
think thats where the smelly stuff is. The Joker smiled and
prepared to answer when a sudden spark of pain twinkled in his head.
The Rotten Thing was getting very, very
impatient. Impatient in a way that warned that if he didnt get on
with it soon, little Miss Lacey Ace Walch wouldnt get off as lucky
as he was letting her. Impatient in a way that said the Rotten Thing
would just drown her instead. Maybe carve a big bloody smile on her
straight little face. Maybe screw his kooky clown image from here to
Timbuktu and show the world just how horribly monstrous and sadistic
he could be. In short: get
on with it.
managed a quick giggle before scooping her up and speed-climbing the
rusty latter to the stinking vats rim. Sure enough, there was the
alien green glow of what he lovingly dubbed the Clown Chemical.
Although others had taken to calling it the Monster Mix, the
producers of the concoction swiftly putting a ban on it for what it
did to those exposed to it. Him being Exhibit A, of course. The Joker
cleared his throat and gingerly sat the girl on the rim, her Mary
Janes half a foot away from the glowing toxin. Well, most
veggies stink too, but those are good for you. Sos this gunk.
The Joker waved a hand grandly over the ocean of semi-poison, red
eyes glinting.
leaned her thin back harder into his callused hands, her thin line of
a mouth quirking uncomfortably. But it doesnt look edbull.
Eatable. I mean
Sure it is! I took a bath in it and guzzled I dont remember how
many gallons and look how I turned out! Lacey-Ace turned a
different facial expressiongasp!on him, one of incredulity.
I dont want to be a clown. I wantI want to be Her eyes
clouded over and once again she left him the perfect opening. The
Joker bowed his head confidentially to the small shell of her ear,
Lacey-Ace eyeing him wonderingly.
want to be stronger., his baritone supplied. She nodded dreamily
and he mimicked it. Stray locks of green hair fell around his face,
framing him like prison bars and making his vermillion eyes stand out
in dark sockets. You want to have control. For mommy and daddy to
not be solike themselves around you. Right, Ace?
Lacey-Ace said this with utter confidence, her mouth drawn open in
wistful readiness. How can it make me stronger? Lacey-Ace went
rigid but didnt fight as he positioned her further over the vat,
dipping her face towards the green goo.
No silly additional phrases or flourishes necessary. Just the simple
command: drink. First she stuck out her tongue and licked it. She
shuddered and he and the Rotten Thing were sure theyd have to hold
her head under. Instead they were rewarded with the phantom sound of
itty bitty lips slurping up something that had the consistency of a
Still no answer. The Rotten Thing began to grin its scarred, red grin
while the rest of him recoiled inside. This wasnt supposed to
happen when he was in control. It wasnt supposed to! Everything
was supposed to be light and funny and maybe hilariously violent, but
notnot this. No, no, no, no, no–!
laughed the Rotten Thing. In his mind he could see it leaning its
greasy, rancid head into the multicolor light of his brain. Its green
hair was grassy and snarled and framed its painted face, the smile
there constantly bleeding.
laughed the Rotten Thing as the Joker pulled the unmoving little body
into his arms, her face turning to reveal stained-black lips. The
Rotten Thing showed more of itself in mockery, flashing the flowing,
black-violet of its coat, the ends curling and smoking into unfunny
laughed the Rotten Thing as Ace stretched in his armswait. The
Rotten Thing grumbled to itself as the dozens of hundreds of other
Jokers laughed it away. Ace stretched in his hold as if from a nap
and she even yawned, not once releasing Mr. Mime.
the Joker sighed with a decent glaze of ah-I-was-never-worried
chuckle, I thought youd gone and conked out on me, keed. How
dyou feel? The newly blackened lips parted in a sigh, the
chemicals thick on her breath like liquor on a lushs. Then her
eyes opened and he knew the gunk had done its job. That nifty trick
of hers, the baby-sized telekinesis, was neat all on its own. But
amplified by the Clown Chemical, Monster Mix, Evil Elixir or
what-have-you, it would be like having an A-bomb in a little girls
brain. And that, in his book, was downright hilarious.
to her eyes, the black irises were gone, as were the whites. In their
place was a beautiful throbbing, shifting orange-yellow blaze. They
pulsed in hypnotic circles, shifting and growing and moving and
swirling and-and-and-and-and-a-a-a-a-a-aaaaaaaandddd—!!!
Joker snapped his eyes shut and shook his head for what seemed like
the billionth this evening. When he peeked them open again Aces
eyes were back to their relative normalcy, now with added insomnia
shadows under her eyes. Neat. The girls black mouth quirked up a
bit. A little more. A lot more. Until she grinned, pearly child teeth
bared. A voice, a voice very much like Aces if it echoed, sounded
in his head: I
feel great!
On great the pair lifted into the air like balloons, the clown
pinwheeling his arms for balance. Still speaking directly into his
mind she squealed, I
have real power now, Mr. Joker! I have real power andandI know
how to do things now! Amazing things like–!
She reached out her hand and aimed it at the vat. A small piece of
the rusted metal jiggled like pudding until it tore itself out and
flew to her outstretched palm. In her tiny pink hand in transformed
and folded and flattened into a shining silver hair clip in the shape
of a clover. She pinned this in her hair as if she were putting on a
dress-up queens crown.
floated closer to the Joker, her smile wide enough to split her face
as she prattled. And
this! Look at this!
This was her fanning out her arms and an immense LSD-esque
environment where the chemical plant used to be. It was like having
the Jokers brain on the outside. With a snap of her fingers it
disappeared. You
were right Mr. Joker.,
she sighed mentally as she hugged him as best she could around his
shoulders, I
can do whatever I want now, no matter what mommy and daddy say. No
matter what anyone says! All thanks to you, Mr. Joker. You were so,
so right.
Had he been a sane man, the Joker would be feeling utterly schmoopy
right now, warm fuzzies and all. Seeing as that wasnt the case:
course I was, ya nutty girl!, he brayed with a bear hug back.
Now do a clown a favor and set us down. Ace did so silently,
not letting the man go. So youve got your economy-sized brain
power with an extra hallucination flavor. Good on ya Acey, but why
talk in my head? Ace shrugged and looked up at him uncaringly.
never talked much anyway. But now I cant
talk. Im moot. Myewt. Er
Well crud, that didnt happen to me. A thousand pardons and all
that, but at least youve got the spiffy lip job to make up for
it. Ace quirked a brow before imagining a mirror in front of her
and puckering. She nodded approvingly and waved the mind mirror away.
Talk about a little power pack. Hed had to wait an entire
excruciating week until he got the hang of himself and here shed
caught the whole deal in seconds. So now there was a mentally
unstable little cutie in the world, as she said, all thanks to him.
The Rotten Thing rolled its eyes in its dark corner, sated for its
Rotten Day quota. For now. The odd couple walked out into the starry
night, the Joker deciding he might as well throw in the join Team
Joker line while he was at it. He opened his mouth to ask but was cut
off by a hand over his crimson mouth.
had levitated up to do so, still holding Mr. Mime, still smiling
silently. Not
yet, Mr. Joker. I probably will one day. But not right now. I have my
own things to do first.
Her eyes flashed that insane orange-yellow again and he felt a proud
tingle roll down his spine. She brought her hand away and the Joker
giggled with resignation.
win em all I suppose. But Im holding you to that future
playdate. Comprehende? Ace nodded yes and began to drift up and
away towards the moon, her hairclip giving off a soft flare. As she
shrunk to a mere dot in the sky he heard one last message.
Rotten Things bluffing, you know. Its just a bully throwing a
tantrum because hes stuck in timeout. With all the other yous in
there hes outnumbered a million to one.
Then she was gone. Somewhere inside he could hear the Rotten Thing
gnashing its piranha teeth in indignation and for the first time in a
long time, he brushed it off. Speeding back to the lair, he checked
off what he hoped, and somehow knew, was his last Rotten Day.


text:
Holcim's strong performance leading to record-breaking results in the first nine months carried over into the fourth quarter of 2006, and the group expects growth to continue in 2007, Holcim chief executive Markus Akermann said in an interview with Swiss bi-weekly Finanz und Wirtschaft.
'We have achieved record-breaking results in the first nine months. In the fourth quarter, the positive trend continued,' Akermann said.
For 2007, Akermann expects the pronounced growth to continue in Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe, while forecasting solid growth in industrialised countries.
'Overall, I expect Holcim's growth trend to continue,' he said.
Ackermann added that Holcim's expansionary course has by no means come to an end.
'Consolidation is out of the question, we will continue to expand,' Akermann said, adding that the cement maker was not considering a capital increase to fund growth.
'A capital increase is not being debated,' Akermann said. Published under Cement News