text:
Dames. If I live to be a million, I'll never figure them out. I've got nothin' but dames in my life, and everyone of them is trouble.
I set my jaw against the early cold and tugged my collar higher on my neck. The first few hints of fall were nipping at the breeze as I trudged toward Pinkie's. I loved fall. Apple pie, marshmallows, everything. Nights were longer, meaning more time indoors, meaning less time away from troublesome broads. Well, all but one really troubling broad.
Twilight. Twilight, Twilight, Twilight. Now there was a heck of a mare. Smart, pretty, and one of the most irritating people I know. She always had this sense of being a know-it-all, like you could almost hear her correcting you out loud as you talked. But she rarely did. She just gave you that same eager smile and asked you to continue. At least when she was talking to anyone but me, that is. And then she'd leave a note for you somewhere about 'suggestions' that were worded a bit too imperiously to take seriously and too good not to. I pushed her out of my mind. I was nearly there.
Three steps down from the street brought me to Pinkie's door. Pinkie's was a great place. Best place to go after dark if you were thirsty and underage. Or if you needed a safe place to stay for a night or two. Pinkie operated out of the back of Sugarcube Corner and ran a tight ship: anyone who messed with anyone inside, besides simple stuff or pranks, was kicked out. Anyone who had trouble behind them was welcome. Anyone who brought it in was kicked back out to deal with it. Adults, kids, princesses, didn't matter. Nobody messed with Pinkie's house.
Music greeted me as I walked in, carried to my ears on the voice of an angel. Sweetie was singin'. She was crooning out a song I didn't recognize. Might have been Louis Armstud. It wasn't a piece I'd heard before. Somethin' she'd written herself? Sounded new.
Eyes greeted me, too. A couple of thick-necked hoofballers and their cheerleader dates with their fake, peroxide smiles. Hated that bunch; always too loud and too obnoxious. They quieted a bit as I walked past, none of them eager to repeat what happened the last time they messed with me. I may be half their size, but I'm tougher than I look. Doesn't hurt that I breathe fire, either.
There were a couple apprentices there, too, surprisingly. Even a go-fer and an errand-filly I knew from Canterlot. My people. Tonight must be special if they got a chance to come out. I gave them a nod as I headed for the bar.
"Been a while, Spike. What's your poison?" Dinky Hooves was behind the bar tonight. Weird. Pinkie never took a night off.
"Applejack's. And leave the bottle. It's been a long day."
"You gonna be wantin' your usual, too?"
Usual. Now there was a loaded word. It made me think of
wait, Twilight? What are you doing in my head? Go away. It's supposed to make me think of Rarity. "
Dinky paused and put a dainty hoof on my claw. I let her. Dinky was good folk. "You alright, Spike? You look kinda peaked." She put the mug down in front of me with a bottle of Sweet Apple Acre's finest apple juice, brought in by none other than Ponyville's finest bootlegger: Apple Bloom.
I put the bottle to my head and closed my eyes. The cold glass felt good. "Yeah. Just a lot on my mind, recently. Where's Pinkie at? Not like her to take a day off."
"No one's seen her. Not for a while now. Last anyone saw of her was three days ago, at the Spa. But no one seems to be worried yet, so there's been nothing official done."
"Then it's probably nothing. I'll look into it in the morning."
Dinky frowned and pulled her hoof back. "
I'll go get your bath ready, then." She sounded disappointed. Let her be, I'd had a long day.
I didn't watch her go. It was probably a failing of mine, not keeping closer eye on the mares in my life. But there were too darned many of them! Besides my client and her boss, (who was the boss of all bosses) there were five more broads, and then three miniature ones, and then a whole host of others I had to rub elbows with. And of course there was Dinky. Another guy might count himself lucky to know so many mares, and cute ones, too. Not me. Dames were nothing but trouble.
Speaking of trouble, here it came now, in the form of that sweet-faced little filly Apple Bloom. She was hard to figure, sometimes, so unlike her friends. She was rough, tough, could out-wrestle most of the colts in her class, and loved pink. She loved frilly dresses and princess fairy tales and sparkly ribbons and mud. She had eyes you could lose yourself in and a devious mind lurking behind them. It was no wonder she was the area's number one candy smuggler. She could have any colt she wanted if she put her mind to it, but she kept latching on to me, who knew better than to get tangled with a broad who wore trouble like a badge.
"Enjoyin' the juice, Spike?"
She tugged a lollipop out of her pocket and tucked in her mouth. "I haven't even opened it, Bloom." I twisted off the top and poured myself a glass before she could offer to, and pushed away the lollipop case she held out. I knew her game: butter me up by acting all neighborly and then try and wheedle a favor out of me. Not tonight. I couldn't afford it. Snips had doubled his rates, putting me two weeks behind on my cootie insurance. Something about a shortage of shots.
Before I could take a sip, the mug was snatched away from me by Sweetie Belle. She hadn't even finished her song. I glared at her as she took a sip and handed it back. "Keep it," I said as I pushed it away. All she did was bat her eyes and smile at me. She was trying to be sly tonight, something she normally wasn't. Sweetie was many things. Sweet? Definitely. It was even in her name. Pretty? That, too. She echoed her sister that way. Sly? I would hesitate to even call her 'average'. She wasn't dumb, really. Just slow on the uptake. Something was up, then, if she was playing at being sly.
"Why thank you, Spike! Such a gentlemanly thing to do," she said coquettishly. THAT put my scales on edge. Sweetie Belle flirting was a definite sign that something was up.
"What do you want, you two?"
"Oh, nothin', Spike. Just wondered if you'd be interested in doin' a little favor fer us." Apple Bloom leaned back against the bar and smiled around the lollipop in her mouth. Her smile was too tight for that pretty face. Like she wasn't happy about something. Wonder what.
"We'd be ever so grateful if you would." I felt a shiver crawl down my spine when Sweetie batted her big, doll-like lashes at me and grinned. "Please, Spike? For me?"
I could hear Bloom's lollipop crack. So she didn't like Sweetie's flirting, either? Weird. I figured they'd be trying to tag-team me; hit me from both sides with their girly wiles. But if Apple Bloom didn't like what Sweetie was doing, then it meant they weren't playing on the same team. I could use that.
"Weeeell, I could be persuaded."
Time to take a risk, Spike. Time to put your manliness on the line and break out of
this. I leaned in closer to Sweetie and waggled my eyebrows, kept my voice low.
"For a kiss."
Bloom's lollipop shattered. Bullseye.
"Ah don't think a kiss would be appropriate." Heh. She was mad now. I could almost feel the daggers she shot Sweetie. "Let's just stick t'business fer now."
Sweetie stared for a moment. I could hear her think, those rusty gears grinding away in her head. Should she go for it, or stick to the original plan, whatever that was? "But Apple Bloom, surely a kiss," She shot her partner a quick smirk. She was going for her new plan. Spike, you sly old devil. "Is a small price for the favor we're asking?"
Crunch crunch crunch, went the shards of Bloom's lollipop. I didn't need to look at her to know she was grinding her teeth pretty hard. "But Spike hasn't even agreed to th'favor yet, so keep yer lips to yerself." There was heat in her voice. A lot of it.
Time for another gamble. I turned back to Apple Bloom and cranked the charm up full blast. "Soundin' a little jealous, Ms. Bloom. Maybe you'd like to give me the kiss instead?" Eyebrow waggle, check. Confident smirk, check. Flustered Apple Bloom? Check and double check.
"Ah, er
" She turned away to try and keep me from seeing her blush, but it was too late. I'd already seen everything. Putty in my claws. Only problem was that I was digging myself deeper. Exactly the opposite of what I wanted.
I saw Dinky coming back out of the corner of my eye. Good. I could pull myself out before I got any more stuck. I grabbed the bottle of Applejack's and tipped my hat. "But I'm afraid it's gonna have to wait. I've got an appointment with a bathtub to keep."
And with that, I left the three fillies at the bar without a further thought. I could feel Apple Bloom fuming at my back, but didn't pay it any mind. Wrong move.
I settled into the bath with a sigh. The mud was nice and hot, just the way I liked it. Smelled a bit, too. Miss Dinky always did know how to spoil me. She even used the good mud from behind Mrs. Hook's Bait and Tackle, the one with all the worms wiggling in it. Who needed fancy imported mud when you could get the good stuff right here in Ponyville?
I took a moment to savor it. It was rare that I got to treat myself like this. Twilight hated it when I filled the bathtub with mud, saying it was 'gross' and 'dirty'. Which was true, but was half the reason I liked it. The other half was because the grit kept my scales nice and shiny. Speaking of which, I couldn't see my scale-brush around anywhere. Oh well. Steel wool worked just fine.
As I scrubbed, my mind wandered back to the ladies in my life.
Twilight. Why did my mind always wander back to her? She was so annoying, always barging into my thoughts and taking over. I wanted to think about the sweet curl of Rarity's deep violet mane, not Twilight's impossibly straight hair, or that goofy grin she got when she thought she was being subtle. She was such a terrible liar; it was no wonder I always beat her at cards. Not like Rarity's practiced pout.
Darnit, Twilight. Can't I have some alone time even in my own head?
Apparently, she figured it was fine to let me be after that, because Rarity trotted into my head the next minute. I sighed in relief.
Sometimes I think I thought about her too much. Weird, I know. Thinking about your crush too much was par for the course, wasn't it? I couldn't help myself, anyway. She was just so beautiful and could be the sweetest thing on the planet when she wanoh hey a bug! Cool, it's still wiggling! It's huge! I'm gonna eat it. Yes I am. I'm gonna eat you, little bug. *cronch* homfgromnf nom homf oh Celestia that's good.
...wait, where was I? Oh right, Rarity.
Rarity was everything I said she was and more. There were depths to her that
I hadn't plumbed yet, beyond the image of the fashion-obsessed pony everyone saw. Even at a glance, though, she was smart and beautiful and had charm for days. Knowing her as well I did (at least I think I do), I knew her beauty went to the bone. She'd given up a lot for others just to make them a little happier and their lives more beautiful. Even mine! And I was just a kid with a crush, I think. I leaned back against the edge of the tub. Who wouldn't be at least a little in love with her? No one, right?
So why did I say "kid with a crush" instead of "love-struck he-dragon"?
I knew who I wanted, and it was
no, no not Applejack! Oh sweet merciful gemstones what the heck was AJ doing in my head? Ugh. I ground the heel of my hand against my head. It was just an almost kiss, AJ! I like you, but as a friend. Yeah, you're pretty, almost as pretty as Twi Rarity. But I've got a crush on Rarity, not you!
I bit my tongue mentally to stop my brain from babbling. Yes. I did like AJ. She was dependable and loyal and... not Rarity. She was pretty, like Rarity but in a rougher way. It was just an almost-kiss. I hadn't betrayed Rarity by almost-doing something on accident. She didn't seem to think anything of it at the time, either. She was a friend, and that was that. There.
I sighed as Applejack smirked at me and galloped away from my thoughts. Stupid brain. Get back on track.
You know the worst thing about liking older dames? They never treat you like an equal. As deeply as I felt about Rarity, I had to be honest. She still thought of me as a baby. The best that could be said was I was a particularly affectionate pet to her. But that was fine, I could change that. I just needed to show her I was the mature, responsible older dragon she surely wanted deep down. Applejack probably thought I was some weird little brother or cousin or something. Or a neighbor-kid from down the road. None of them saw me as anything more than a kid, though.
Come to think of it, so did Fluttershy. Weird how I didn't seem to mind when she did it. She treated me like
well, a baby dragon, with a heavy emphasis on 'baby'. It was sweet on her, though. She gave me all the mooshy gooshy snuggly wuggly attention I could handle and then some, but I never minded it in the least. As much as it hurt my manly pride to admit, I did like the attention, even when she'd come over just to tuck me in at night. Reminded me of when I was little and
Darnit, there she was again.
Quick. Think of someone else. Pinkie Pie, or Rainbow Dash. Yeah, them two.
I licked bug goop off of my fingers and frowned. If all the others made me feel like a kid, then Rainbow and Pinkie made me feel old. Both of them were just too bubbly and boisterous, and always messed up all the work I put into the library. Especially Rainbow Dash. Pinkie Pie was silly, and made of nonsense and bubblegum, but she could restrain herself unless she got her hooves on raw sugar. When (and it was always "when", never "if") she got into the stuff she'd go berserk and turn into a pink tornado that left disaster in her wake. And you couldn't get mad at her, oh no. When she'd crash she'd be the most adorable thing ever and Twilight would just throw a blanket over her and keep going, saying something flippant. And when she woke up, she wouldn't remember a thing.
But Rainbow didn't even have that much going for her. She'd barge in, make a mess, never apologize, then rush out to do something else. Sounded an awful lot like another mare I wasn't going to think about. Both her and Pinkie acted like they were my age, while I was stuck lecturing them about responsibility and proper use of library resources, which did not include "kindling". And Rainbow would try to play cool, act like she didn't hear me, but we both knew I was right, and just who the cooler one was. Me, of course. Yeah, it was harsh, but the truth hurts, baby. She was still pretty cool, though. Not many broads can pull off a rainbow hairdo and make it look good. She had a ways to go before it was as cool as my spines, though.
I smirked and scrubbed a rough patch under my armpit. That felt good. First good feeling all night. Between dizzy dames looking down their muzzles at me and screwy fillies trying to get their girl germs on me, on top of my job, and my side-job, I was pretty pooped.
I patted the pocket of my coat to reassure myself my spitball gun was still there and looked around. Looked as good a time as any to take a quick nap. I shuffled down until my head rested against the back of the tub, and was asleep before I could close my eyes.
I was being chased. That horrible space-bear Twilight had chased off was back, and was hungry this time. I didn't know how or who put it up to this, but it was coming for me, intent on turning me into its first appetizer. My spitball gun was useless against its starry hide, and my stubby legs were too short to outrun it. I had seconds before I was eaten.
A muzzle jabbed me in the ribs. I was scared, couldn't make out who it belonged to, and slapped at it. It did it again and called my name. No longer caring, I wrapped both arms around it and let it pull me away. Anything was better than getting eaten by an Ursa. Its jaws closed on air, then evaporated, along with the rest of it.
I opened my eyes to find a pair of deep violet ones looking back at me. They were huge and worried and a little red around the edges. I looked down. My arms were wrapped around Twilight's muzzle. My heart was racing, and all I wanted to do was curl up and hide. The dream had felt so real.
"Spike, are you alright? You sounded like you were having a nightmare." She didn't pull her head away. She did the opposite, and nuzzled my stomach. She sounded as worried as she looked.
I swallowed and closed my eyes again. That terrifying space-bear was waiting on the other side of my eyelids. I was afraid. You would have been, too, if you were chased by a three-story star-monster. I looked her in the eye and shook my head. "Come here, then," she said quietly, pulling me close.
Don't get me wrong, I liked Twilight just fine, but when she picked me up and held me, it was different from any other time. I felt like everything was going to be okay. No Ursa Minor could touch me, so long as I held onto her. She lifted me onto her bed and wrapped her mane around me, and I curled up next to her with my face in her shoulder. I was warm and safe, and I'm not too proud to say it was the best, most confusing thing ever.
I yawned and closed my eyes. The Ursa wasn't waiting for me this time, just sleep.
I woke up again. How did I manage to do that twice? I was back in the tub, and my arms were wrapped around something. I looked down. Dinky's muzzle was squashed against my chest. Her cheeks were mushed together and bright red. I coughed and let her go with a pat on the head. "Uh, hey again." Oh man. Awkward.
She backpedaled a bit and fidgeted. "I uh, I-I came to see if you needed anything." She looked nervous.
"Well, thanks, Miss Dinky. I'm okay, though." Something wasn't right. I checked the pocket of my coat again. When I looked up, Dinky was pointing a perfume bottle at me. There were tears at the edges of her eyes. "Dinky? You wanna put down the piece? We can talk this out. Whatever I did, we can work through it."
"Oh Spike
I'm so sorry." Her grip on the bottle wavered for a moment. "I-I can't. I just can't." She shook her head. I moved slowly for my gun, but a voice from the door stopped me.
"Hands awff da spitshoota, flatfoot."
Bloom's hired muscle stood in the doorway. Two feet of trouble in a purple and orange wrapper, with a cute face and a name you'd never associate with thuggery: Scootaloo. I'd tussled with her before, and came out on top only half of the time. Maybe a bit more. I did not want to throw down with her. Not with Dinky in the room.
She popped her hooves and strutted up to me, motioning for Dinky to keep the bottle on me. "You's been breakin' a lotta hawrts lately, big boy. My bawss, Miss Belle, even powr Dinky heeyahr. Th'bawss thinks it's time you's learned a lesson in mannahs." She took a step closer and nudged me across the cheek. "An' there ain't nuttin' yew c'n do about it, tough guy. So keep ya yap shut an' we'll go easy on ya's."
Oh dear Celestia in Canterlot her accent was terrible. She shot for downtown Broncs, missed, and wound up somewhere inside of a bad Fillywood production. It would have been funny if she hadn't been grinning like a fiend. Or if Dinky hadn't been pointing the perfume bottle at my face.
I glanced at Dinky, who wouldn't meet my eyes. "So you're workin' for the Cutie Mark Crew, now? I thought I taught you better than to get mixed up with them. I thought you liked me."
Dinky tightened her grip on the bottle. "I didn't want to do this Spike. I do like you. Like, like you-like you." She opened her eyes and locked them with mine. There was steel there, and tears. "But they've got my mom." That was two surprises in two seconds. I must be off my game if I missed that.
Apple Bloom's hoof came down on her shoulder. "Don't you worry none. You just keep 'im covered with that piece. Me an' my girls will take care of th'rest. And Scootaloo? Stop it with the accent. It's so bad even I can't understand ya."
I liked the accent."
"I'm really sorry about this, Spike." Sweetie Belle stepped out from behind Scoots lugging a huge makeup kit. "But Apple Bloom is kinda right. If you hold still this'll be over with quick." She opened it and pulled out a set of makeup jars. My heart began to beat faster.
I leaned backward, my hands in the air. I'd seen that kit before, and what had been done with it. Poor Snails got it last month, when he refused to pay his cootie protection. "What are you gonna do with that?" I kept my voice low, even. If I kept it cool, I could maybe bluff my way out of this.
Bloom's face, though, put paid to my delusions of getting out of this unscathed. That evil grin let me know they weren't going to listen to me. I clenched my fists and snorted back a loogie, ready to make a fight of it. Let 'em take me. I was gonna go down spittin'.
She pulled out a long, pink frilly dress with a silver tiara and waved it at me, causing me to lean away from the germs infesting it. Scootaloo tugged a pair of ribbon spools around her hooves and clapped them together. "You know exactly what I'm gonna do, Spike." Her voice was low, her eyes dangerous. "We're gonna teach you why it's a bad idea to toy with a girl's heart. We're gonna show you why it's a bad idea to mess with the Cutie Mark Crew."
Both Scoots and Sweetie punched the air. "Yeah!"
Dinky let out a scream and fired. Time slowed down. Drops of perfume hung in the air as I began to move. The Crew leapt on me, ribbons flying and lipstick bared.
Darkness fell.
I stumbled into the library some time later. I was battered, bruised, and covered in makeup. Half a dozen ribbons hung from my spines, partly-tied. A frilly dress hung off of one shoulder. I'd made it out alive, but only barely. I was covered in cooties and frou-frou junk. I could feel the girly germs working their way through my system, even with the mud on my scales. I smelled like a mixture of shame and girl. My pride felt like it was on fire.
I needed to get this off of me. I rushed into the bathroom, pushing the door open and stumbling to the sink.
Or at least that's what I was going to do.
I had to stop in the doorway. Twilight was there in the tub, her eyes as wide as dinner plates. The quiet noise of a tripped alarm spell jangled in my ear, mixing with the Cob Calloway on the record player. My Moonicron toy was floating in the air above her head, and my plastic submarine was doing donuts in a bank of soap-suds.
So that's where my toys kept disappearing to.
She broke the silence first. "Spike."
Long, awkward seconds ticked by. She looked at me, I looked at my toys. Neither of us felt like laughing.
"I won't tell if you won't."
I nodded and shuffled my feet uncomfortably. "Right."
"Neither of us has to breathe a word about being caught in an embarrassing situation."
"Of course not."
"We can keep this between ourselves, keep each other's secrets. Like friends do."
"Most definitely."
More long, silent seconds.
I scratched my neck.
She fiddled with a rubber duck.
You could cut the awkwardness with a knife.
She cleared her throat. "
do you want to play with the submarine? The Twilight October could use a new captain." She offered me a sheepish grin.
I could feel a smile cracking my face as I nodded and climbed in with her. "Yeah. Thanks, Twilight."
Her smile widened as she passed me the toy. At that moment, I didn't care if I couldn't stop thinking about her when I shouldn't, or if she confused me with being nice and motherly or sisterly or whatever she was when all I wanted was for her to stop being weird. It didn't matter if our work relationship wasn't entirely appropriate. And so what if every time I thought of Rarity, Twilight was there with her? I realized that she was my friend first, and always would be no matter what. I grinned and shook my head.
Dames. If I live to be a million, I still won't have them figured out. But I wouldn't live a minute without 'em.
Secret Tub Fun 6 - Spike by Lawn-PygmyWatch
©2011-2016 Lawn-Pygmy
Sixth in the Secret Tub Fun Series!
On a cold night at the beginning of Autumn, a hard-bitten young dragon decides to spend the night at his favorite little hole in the wall. But his past catches up with him while he's indulging in one of his favorite pastimes. Will he be able to make it out in one piece? Or will he fall prey to the ungentle attentions of the leader of Ponyville's smuggling ring?
With many thanks to the people who've helped me with this and others so far. Pride, RoyGBiv, Lycurgus, DCN, all of you. Thanks.
On a cold night at the beginning of Autumn, a hard-bitten young dragon decides to spend the night at his favorite little hole in the wall. But his past catches up with him while he's indulging in one of his favorite pastimes. Will he be able to make it out in one piece? Or will he fall prey to the ungentle attentions of the leader of Ponyville's smuggling ring?
With many thanks to the people who've helped me with this and others so far. Pride, RoyGBiv, Lycurgus, DCN, all of you. Thanks.
...see, I'm not sure what I could possibly contribute here. It's like when reviews any new story I put up by way of a filibuster. I love it but it tends to carry the unfortunate consequence of other readers not knowing what they could possibly add and thus remaining silent. Everyone else has covered all of the bases and then some in this case.
So, short form: there is absolutely nothing about this story I do not love to pieces, and I think you know that I know that you know that this should be its own series SOMEHOW. So you should totally do that! And, uh, bring Scootabruiser back while you're at it.
(Oh, and bonus points for Spike/Twi deep friendship bond.)
So, short form: there is absolutely nothing about this story I do not love to pieces, and I think you know that I know that you know that this should be its own series SOMEHOW. So you should totally do that! And, uh, bring Scootabruiser back while you're at it.
(Oh, and bonus points for Spike/Twi deep friendship bond.)
Those long comments are a joy to read, even if they are a bit intimidating. They are almost directly responsible for most of the improvements I've made, with Director's Cut being the best example.
But even if you don't have anything to add, it's still great to hear. Especially from a writer as good as yourself.
I've been wanting to turn this into a series of its own for the longest time. Failing that, I'd like to write a second piece.
I've even got an outline all sketched out, more or less, and a title! 'The Malted Falcon', starring Snips as a major villain, and a giant chocolate raptor as the macguffin.
In fact, I'm gonna get started now.
But even if you don't have anything to add, it's still great to hear. Especially from a writer as good as yourself.
I've been wanting to turn this into a series of its own for the longest time. Failing that, I'd like to write a second piece.
I've even got an outline all sketched out, more or less, and a title! 'The Malted Falcon', starring Snips as a major villain, and a giant chocolate raptor as the macguffin.
In fact, I'm gonna get started now.
It's true, detailed comments are the best! I try to provide them whenever I can, it's just there were so many this time from more, erm, timely readers. And thanks for the compliment! I'm still learning myself, but I'm glad to hear you say I'm making some headway.
Anyway, yes! Go forth and create hilarity! I can't wait.
Anyway, yes! Go forth and create hilarity! I can't wait.
I shall! Especially with STF nearly finished and an upcoming break on the way.
Which would you rather see, though? Adventure series continuing on with STF canon? Noir piece with Spike and the CMC and other small ponies? Or a dark comedy with Gilda and Rainbow?
Which would you rather see, though? Adventure series continuing on with STF canon? Noir piece with Spike and the CMC and other small ponies? Or a dark comedy with Gilda and Rainbow?
Those all sound good, quite honestly. Even that last one.
Follow your heart's desire--it's a good bet I'll read it!
Follow your heart's desire--it's a good bet I'll read it!
I'm thinking I'll do the first one. I've wanted to do an adventure set for a while, though this one will almost be more ambitious than STF was.
Six young ponies rescuing the Immortals from isolation-driven and ennui-enforced magical corruption and the weight of their own evils? Seeing the world outside Equestria's borders and meeting new races?
I shiver to think of the possibilities.
Six young ponies rescuing the Immortals from isolation-driven and ennui-enforced magical corruption and the weight of their own evils? Seeing the world outside Equestria's borders and meeting new races?
I shiver to think of the possibilities.
Anypony here ever hear of a movie called "Bugsy Malone"?
No, and now I have to find it.
Hope you do. And if you do, can you shoot me a link? It's an old flick, and kind of hard to find. You'll love it. The cast of ALL kids and the crazy weapons make this one of the funniest "Roaring '20s"/"Gangland"/Noir parodies I've ever seen. Fits the theme of your story to a "T"!
This is still one of my favorites both to read and to write. I've been tempted more than once to make a sequel, but it'd have to wait until after Secret Tub Fun's finished.
oh god this is my all time favorite of them all so far. EPIC NOIR.
That was an excellent take on Twilight and Spike's relationship. I would say it is most remarkable
Thank you! Those two are a joy to write together. Look for them to show up again!
the dream part is what really did it for me
I love the idea of Apple Bloom as a crime boss. It's both surprisingly plausible and quite absurd.
A few paragraphs in and the image of Sweetie Belle singing like Louis Armstrong forced its way into my mind and wouldn't leave for the rest of the story
She could totally do it, too. Her song VA is really good for such an adorable little mite.
A video of Louis Armstrong overlaid with MLP scenes would be the best thing ever.
A video of Louis Armstrong overlaid with MLP scenes would be the best thing ever.
This might be the best piece of fan fiction I've ever read.
I'm a big fan of Film Noir style monologues, so this is absolutely amazing and hilarious to me.
Also love how you put in references to Twilight's and Pinkie Pie's STB story.
Also love how you put in references to Twilight's and Pinkie Pie's STB story.
Look out for other references in other STF bits, too! Pinkie's has one to Fluttershy's, in fact. Trixie's has references to Pinkie's and Fluttershy's and Rarity's.
They're all eventually going to tie up together in 12, where it's shown that this is all happening on the same night, though not necessarily at the same time.
They're all eventually going to tie up together in 12, where it's shown that this is all happening on the same night, though not necessarily at the same time.
Wow it's late...
This must have been so fun to write, that was amazing.
This must have been so fun to write, that was amazing.
I am not sure if I can articulate a response to this.
It's awesome though, that's for sure. xD
It's awesome though, that's for sure. xD
Spike Noire...
I love this!
I love this!
That was just brilliant. Like many of these other readers it was damn near impossible to get through this without grinning the whole way through. Even better, while I was reading I couldn't help but think of Kids Next Door, the episodes where #2 is playing out some western or noire theme situation but with the added sillyness that comes with being a kid, and that just made this even better.
BAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I just LOST it at the bug part. Everyone in the library was looking at me weird. Well played sir, well played.
Okay, now THIS is deserving of the descriptor "epic." Hilarious all the way through. Remind me to point this out to anyone who refuses to believe silly and hardboiled can't truly mix.
Kids. They take everything too seriously, don't they?
Kids. They take everything too seriously, don't they?
ANYTHING silly can be made outright hilarious if you do it with a pokerface and a dry wit. The British have been proving this for decades.
And juxtaposition for comedy is one of my favorites.
And juxtaposition for comedy is one of my favorites.
Oh my Celestia this is amazing and I want more. You really nailed that noire feel. I also read this in black and white, and the image that kept popping into my head was one of Spike in a trench coat with the collar up, fedora pulled down low, and hands in his pockets. I swear I've seen it before, but I can't find it.
It's probably collected in one of the ponibooru sites, either bronibooru or ponibooru. You could also catch it somewhere on the chans, as well.
I had an image like that in mind when I wrote the piece, and had Casablanca playing in the background the whole time. I even put a bunch of smoke in my room and scrounged a couple soft jazz tunes to get the ambiance right.
Kinda impressive for the middle of Bumfuck, Nowhere now that I think about it~
I had an image like that in mind when I wrote the piece, and had Casablanca playing in the background the whole time. I even put a bunch of smoke in my room and scrounged a couple soft jazz tunes to get the ambiance right.
Kinda impressive for the middle of Bumfuck, Nowhere now that I think about it~
I read this in black and white.
Is it wrong if I read Spike's narrative with Humphrey Bogart's voice?
Anyway, loved this story. You should continue down this narrative
Anyway, loved this story. You should continue down this narrative


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Mosque Selimiye by deviantmike423Watch
©2010-2016 deviantmike423
Watercolor on arches 12X8"
is that the mosque located in Edirne?
beautiful painting^^ lovely
beautiful painting^^ lovely
Harika! (Great in Turkish)
it's my hometown (:
That must be an awesome town to be from. Have you visited the mosque?
your hometown rules;D
you are a painting fool lately, Michael.
This one has majesty.
This one has majesty.
I have tears in my eyes now.
SO beautiful...
SO beautiful...

subset: commoncrawl


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- 63Promote
Framed Art Print
Merry X-masby Shilpa
Choose from a variety of frame styles, colors and sizes to compliment your favorite Society6 gallery, or fine art print - made ready to hang. Fine-crafted from solid woods, premium shatterproof acrylic protects the face of the art print, while an acid free dust cover on the back provides a custom finish. All framed art prints include wall hanging hardware.
ohh love!!!!! ♥ and Merry xmas to you Shilpa!!!! :D
Pretty! Merry Christmas!
Beautiful Shilpa!
Thank you and a Merry Xmas to you too Carina :)
thanks Christine...Merry Xmas to you too :)
Thanks Monika....Merry Xmas!
Beautiful!! Merry Christmas! :)
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text:
Blind Detective
Cannes 2013 Review: Tone-Deaf Comic Thriller 'Blind Detective' Falls Flat
- By Shaun Munro
- May 21, 2013
Tone is one of the most important though less-commonly discussed facets of filmmaking, one that is almost entirely disregarded in Johnnie To's fascinating mess, Blind Detective, an entry into the Cannes Film Festival's small MidnightScreenings branch. Chong (Andy Lau) is the titular blind detective, a formerly-sighted member of his profession who,...
Cannes 2013 Lineup Will Make You Want to Buy Tickets to France
- By Scott Beggs
- @scottmbeggs
- April 18, 2013
This year, The Cannes International Film Festival opens on May 15th with a bombastically modern retelling of the Roaring Twenties and closes on May 26th with a South African-set crime thriller on the heels of apartheid. Everything in between looks amazing. The lineup boasts new Winding Refn, Chandor, Sofia Coppola,...


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25 Mar 2014 10:21 AM #1
Sencha Video link under Community Menu
The Video link is missing under the Community Menu if your viewing the forums.
A coworker showed it to me figured you all would want to know.
25 Mar 2014 11:15 AM #2
Thanks for the notice! I've filed a ticket to get it looked at.Are you a Sencha products veteran who has wondered what it might be like to work at Sencha? If so, please reach out to our human resources manager: firstname.lastname@example.com


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On Sunday, March 3 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, 2979 Coloma St. in Placerville, the Cahersiveen Irish Band will perform a benefit concert for the preservation fund of the beautiful and historical church.
Church of Our Saviour is the oldest church in continuous operation in El Dorado County and is in its 152nd year.
This will be a fun and lively event featuring this group from Sacramento with a repertoire ranging from simple old Irish songs and American folk classics to hard-driving, edgy, Scottish and Breton jigs and reels.
Cahersiveen was founded by Marta Quinn in 2003 and ranks among the top Celtic bands in Northern California.
Quinn, who continues to direct the band, plays the bodhran, an Irish hand-held drum, and Irish concertina. She has performed in area Celtic festivals, pubs and upon invitation performed internationally at the annual Festival for Music and the Arts in County Kerry, Ireland.
Other band members include Ingrid Peters on fiddle and doing vocals and Dr. Cathie Apple on flute.
Peters is a unique violinist and vocalist who has built an impressive career in music performance, composition, improvisation and education.
Apple plays a wide range of music including playing with the Sacramento Baroque Soloists, Camerata Capistrano Baroque ensemble, as well as being an avid supporter of new music performing regularly at the Festival of New American Music in Sacramento.
Guitarist Gabe Stivala also performs a wide variety of musical styles including jazz, folk tango, and Celtic music. His most recent work, in addition to Cahersiveen, includes playing with Veranda Swing and the Philharmonic Jazz Trio.
Andy Rubin will be joining the band on banjo for this performance. He is co-founder of The Freilachmakers Klezmer String Band, a Sacramento-based ensemble.
All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the church's preservation fund.
Tickets are $15 each or $30 per family with children and are available from Tom and Lee Weikert at 530-644-0382 or at the El Dorado Arts Council, 459 Main St. in Placerville. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door. Parking is at the rear of the church or in the main city parking lot with access by walking across the bridge over Highway 50.


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Foundation Spotted Appaloosa Filly Ohio
Perfi is a 2 year old this year. She has shed out her winter coat and has beautiful color this year! She has some Frank Scripter lines topside and is eligible for FPD designation with the ApHC
She is a very sweet in your pocket horse. She is not broke. as a two year old she is somewhere around 14-14.2 hands.
Price is 3,500 and she is located in Caldonia, Ohio
Proudfoots Perfective Appaloosa
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President Obama's housing speech was light on policy Thursday, and instead offered what sounded like the beginning of an effort to rebuild the moral case for homeownership. Read More »
Jan 8, 2015
President Obama's housing speech was light on policy Thursday, and instead offered what sounded like the beginning of an effort to rebuild the moral case for homeownership. Read More »
Thursday's home sales report offers the clearest evidence that the housing market is moving out of the emergency ward and into a rehab facility. But the big question right now is how long it will stay in that recovery unit.
The National Association of Realtors reported that home sales rose for the fourth straight month in July to the highest seasonally adjusted annual rate since last September. Read More »
It's no secret that the apartment sector has been on a tear.
A big share of July's gain in housing construction came from the multifamily sector, which tends to be fairly volatile on a monthly basis.
But looking at a rolling 12-month total of multifamily starts without any seasonal adjustment shows that construction for the year ended July reached its highest level since 1989, according to Commerce Department data released Tuesday. Read More »
Housing affordability hit its lowest level in nearly six years in June as home prices continued to climb, according to a report this past week from the National Association Realtors.
The Realtors' group produces a simple measure of affordability that takes a typical mortgage payment for the median priced home and compares it to median household incomes. In June, the average mortgage payment represented 16.3% of household income, which was the highest since 2008. Excluding the last six years, it is lower than any time since at least 1989. Read More »
U.S. home prices have slowed down from their breakneck growth pace of the past year, according to CoreLogic's price index.
Prices were up 7.5% for the year ended in June. That's down from a revised 8.3% year-over-year increase reported for May, which was initially reported as an 8.8% gain. Read More »
A growing number of economists and policy makers have expressed surprise over the slow recovery of the housing sector in recent weeks, with many blaming some of the softness on the sharp and sudden rise in mortgage rates that began exactly one year ago, when then-Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke hinted that the central bank might begin to slow its bond purchases later in 2013.
Measures of housing construction and sales have shown little growth from last year's levels so far. By contrast, housing indicators at this time last year were notching significant gains when compared to 2012. Higher prices, low inventories, and harsh winter weather likely have contributed to weaker demand as well. Read More »
A growing number of economists and policy makers are faulting last summer's spike in mortgage rates for a broad slowdown in housing activity that began last fall.
But wait a minute, you say. Mortgage rates are still below 4.5%, rates that were unheard of before 2011. And home values, while up at least 11% over the last two years, are still well below their bubble-era peak. The National Association of Realtors' housing affordability index shows that housing is still more affordable than anytime between the early 1990s and 2008. What's not to like? Read More »
Housing demand is cracking under the weight of affordability. The National Association of Realtors reported Tuesday that sales of existing homes fell a small 0.2% in March to an annual rate of 4.59 million. It was the seventh drop in the last eight months, pushing sales 7.5% below their year-ago readings.
But the drop in demand won't lead to a flat-line in home prices. Read More »
If housing demand has softened, someone forgot to tell home sellers.
Sellers have pushed asking prices on their homes to a five-year high, but they are facing slightly more competition than they were one year ago.
Data from the website DeptOfNumbers.com, which tracks inventory and listing price information for 54 large metro areas, shows that inventories are up 7% from a year ago. A few key takeaways: Read More »
With home sales slowing and newly optimistic buyers putting their homes on the market, the inventory crunch is finally starting to ease up. Existing homes sales increased 1.7% to a 5.48 million annual rate in August, according to the National Association of Realtors. Inventory just barely nudged up, to a 5-month supply from 4.9 months a month ago.
A separate, seasonally adjusted measure of inventory, which Trulia calculates from NAR's numbers, shows inventory has grown 7 months in a row and stood at 2.07 million units in August, up 5.1% from January but still down about 6% from a year ago.
What's happening is rising housing prices are inspiring many newly optimistic homeowners to put their property on the market, while at the same time reducing the number of "underwater" borrowers who until recently couldn't sell their homes because they owned more on their mortgage than the home was worth. With more people putting homes on the market and the pace of sales easing due to the regular fall slowdown and rising mortgage rates, there are more homes on the shelf. Read More »
Real Time Economics offers exclusive news, analysis and commentary on the U.S. and global economy, central bank policy and economics. Send news items, tips, comments and questions to email@example.com.
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Anorexia takes hold of Lila's life in Faerie, Eisha Marjara's debut novel
Filmmaker struggled with an eating disorder herself, and the novel became a way to work through the issue.
Movie review: Zoolander's mismatched threads sink sequel
HBO Now has 800,000 paying subscribers since April launch
Doug Camilli: Kanye West seeking a little investment
Invest in this: Tom 'n' Gisele quarrelling? Miley and Liam just neighbours? Does this name offend you? What's Dakota Johnson's project?
Now here's a view from The Six: Toronto to give Drake a key to the ...Drizzy may have had a hint this was coming, as he rapped in his most recent single, 'I might get a key to the city and give it away'
The $200K Oscar swag bag has it all — a sex toy, $275 toilet paper ...The year's loot bag out-dazzles the previous year's high-end cornucopia. How about a walking tour of Japan? Or something known as the Vampire Breast Lift?
Miley Cyrus buys $6.8M Malibu house right next door to on-again fiancé Liam HemsworthThe pop singer was seen moving into the four-bedroom split-level off-beach property right next to Hemsworth's. Cyrus also owns a rancher in a western suburb of L.A.
Gwyneth Paltrow's ex-bodyguard testifies in stalking trial about pornographic letters sent to actressDante Soiu, 66, sent Paltrow 66 letters and packages between 2009 and 2015, containing religious messages and his desire to marry her
Why some publishers are giving away their titles for freeSometimes just giving away something for free works better than increasingly sophisticated schemes to keep artistic content from being pirated
'Why is Yann Martel walking backwards?' Life of Pi author explains the process for his ...To research his new novel, The High Mountains of Portugal, Yann Martel also visited a chimpanzee sanctuary in Montreal, observed two autopsies
George Elliott Clarke's The Motorcyclist is, subversively, not about a black man, but a man ...The African-Canadian male depicted in George Elliott Clarke's most recent novel, The Motorcyclist, is a multitude of things
A white man is playing Michael Jackson in a TV movie and the Internet is ...'Joseph Fiennes is not surprised he was cast to play Michael Jackson,' one Twitter user wrote. 'I threw up in my mouth! #diversity'
In or Out? My Thugli Valentine and and a Shonda Rhimes benderWondering what to do tonight? Every single day, Erik Leijon and Denise Duguay come up with suggestions
Books for Kids: When Snowflake and Inkdrop meet, the story becomes twice as goodThe publisher's bumf that accompanied this book placed it in the category of "juvenile fiction," a spot most picture books occupy – some by default.
Erik's Lunch Mix: Batiste's Beatles tributeErik Leijon's song for today comes from the world of late night television
The Walrus Talks: Blue Met event's lineup includes Heather O'NeillFor many Montrealers, it used to be that the two surest harbingers of winter's thaw and spring's onset were the Expos and Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival.
In Entertainment: Kanye West tweets support for Cosby, Depp spoofs Trump"BILL COSBY INNOCENT !!!!!!!!!!" An outrageous Kanye West tweet normally wouldn't be worth the lead item in our entertainment wrap here.
New Harry Potter play coming out in book formScholastic Inc. announced Wednesday that a "script book" of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" will be published July 31.
In or Out? Jason Bajada's Volcano and Louis CK's Horace and PeteAnd the Montreal sisters behind Eläma are on Dragon's Den tonight on CBC
Dylan's 'Basement Tapes' give Canadian restoration duo Grammy attentionTORONTO - Years of sifting through dusty attic boxes and reels of fuzzy audio recordings has given two Canadian music archivists a shot at Grammy glory.
Erik's Lunch Mix: El Guincho is your auto-tuned robot tour guide to ChinatownHis album Hiperasia comes out Friday but for now, Erik Leijon picks the single Cómix for his video song of the day
Ghostface Killah responds to Shkreli's diss video, calls the pharma bro 'a real killer'


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Indicazioni stradali per Arenal Backpackers Resort
350 meters west of central park, towards volcano, La Fortuna, Costarica
Mappa & Indicazioni stradali
How to get here:
-Walking distance from the bus station
-When you get off of the bus you will see MEGA SUPER next to you. Walk past mega super and take the first right. Walk 1 block and you will be on the main road. Take a left and walk 3 blocks.
-We are located on the right hand side next to a hotel named, Sierra Arenal.


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If there was a moment when the British woke up to Olympic cycling it was probably in the summer of 1992 when Chris Boardman won the first cycling Olympic gold medal for his nation in 72 years.
Boardman, who beat Germany's Jens Lehmann into silver, broke the Olympic record for the 4000m individual pursuit in Barcelona, with a time of 4 minutes 27.357 seconds. His shock appearance on the top of the podium was only matched by the futuristic looking bicycle he rode and aerodynamic helmet he wore.
Nicknamed 'the Professor' because of his meticulous attention to detail, Boardman opted not to defend his Olympic title at the Atlanta Games four years later and switched events, winning a bronze in the men's 52 km time trail instead. Britain's best cyclist of his generation earned the honour of wearing the 'Yellow Jersey' of the Tour de France three times, and set the world one-hour cycling record of 56.375 kilometers.
Boardman retired from professional cycling in 2000 and went on to use his knowledge to help train the next generation of Olympic title winners in the UK. His inspirational gold medal at Barcelona in 1992 almost certainly kick-started the British dominance of the velodrome that followed.
football team ghana 1992
Antonio Rebollo gets ready to light the cauldron with the Olympic flame
©Getty Simon Bruty
The secret of good ice: "You need more than freezing water"
Carrots fuelling an unlikely Mongolian medal charge
Justine Brasseur follows in famous family footsteps
Young Australians aim for medals – in Ice Hockey!
Learn to eat smart


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Tag: Australia cruise
Princess Cruises Announces Largest-Ever Australia Deployment for 2016-2017
April 15, 2015 – Princess Cruises has announced it will home port five ships in Australia to sail the cruise line's largest-ever program offering in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific for the 2016-2017 season. Princess Cruises will introduce the 3,082-guest Emerald Princess to the market, with Golden Princess returning to sail from Melbourne […]
Posted: April 15th, 2015 under Cruise Ship News.
Tags: Asia cruise, Australia cruise, cruise, south america cruise
Comments: none
Ovation Of The Seas to Sail from Australia in Winter 2016/17
April 14, 2015 – Royal Caribbean International announced today that Australia will welcome its very own brand new cruise ship for the first time when Ovation of the Seas homeports in Sydney for winter 2016-17. Currently under construction in Germany, Ovation of the Seas will not only claim the title of the largest cruise ship […]
Posted: April 15th, 2015 under Cruise Ship News.
Tags: Australia cruise, cruise
Comments: none
Azamara Club Cruises Announces 2017 Voyages
December 10, 2014 – Azamara Club Cruises today unveiled its 2017 itineraries. In 2017, Azamara will offer 65 voyages to 203 ports in 68 countries, including the addition of four new ports; Kaikoura, New Zealand; Mahe, Seychelles; Yucatan, Mexico and George Town, Grand Cayman. Azamara will introduce new voyages including Australia to Asia, Southern California […]
Posted: December 10th, 2014 under Cruise Ship News.
Tags: Asian cruise, Australia cruise, cruise, Europe cruise, Mediterranean cruise, New Zealand cruise
Comments: none
Azamara Club Cruises Offering Complimentary Companion Airfare On Select Voyages
June 2, 2014 – Azamara Club Cruises is inviting cruisers to share a destination-immersive cruise vacation by offering complimentary companion airfare when they make a booking in June and July 2014. Azamara offers exciting cruises to places and events such as Sambadrome at Rio de Janeiro's Carnival; European ports and towns which larger ships cannot […]
Posted: June 2nd, 2014 under Cruise Ship News, Hot Cruise Deals.
Tags: Australia cruise, cruise, european cruises, luxury cruise, New Zealand cruise, Premium cruise
Comments: none
Princess Cruises Debuts 2015-2016 Exotics Sailings
May 27, 2014 – Princess Cruises has debuted its 2015-2016 Exotics program which will take guests to a myriad of fascinating destinations that span the globe. The diverse deployment includes more than 40 unique itineraries to 140 destinations in 70 countries on six continents. Guests will be able to book cruises to Tahiti and the […]
Posted: May 27th, 2014 under Cruise Ship News.
Tags: Australia cruise, cruise, south american cruises, World Cruise
Comments: none
Legend Of The Seas Moving To Asia, Australia, South Pacific Sailings In 2015-16
May 7, 2014 – Royal Caribbean International today announced Legend of the Seas' year-round deployment for 2015-16, offering itineraries to breathtakingly beautiful destinations throughout Southeast Asia from Singapore in the summer season, and sailings to idyllic settings in Australia and the South Pacific during the winter season from the cruise line's new homeport of Brisbane, […]
Posted: May 7th, 2014 under Cruise Ship News.
Tags: Asia cruise, Australia cruise, cruise
Comments: none
Holland America's Fall & Winter Schedule Offers Diverse Regions With Value Pricing
September 30, 2013. As fall arrives, Holland America Line is featuring a diverse range of itineraries around the world. Come fall and winter, Holland America Line ships will sail to the tropical climates of the Caribbean and Panama Canal, make an October trans-Atlantic crossing, and spend time in South America, Australia and New Zealand during […]
Posted: September 30th, 2013 under Hot Cruise Deals.
Tags: Australia cruise, Caribbean cruise, cruise
Comments: none
Holland America Line's Oosterdam & Volendam Return To Australia/New Zealand Market For 2013-2014
April 2, 2013. Holland America Line's ms Oosterdam and ms Volendam will return to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific islands for the 2013-14 season with a series of sailings that will visit more than 50 ports of call. During the voyages, guests will have the opportunity to experience the region's incredible wildlife on […]
Posted: April 2nd, 2013 under Cruise Ship News, Hot Cruise Deals.
Tags: Australia cruise, cruise, New Zealand cruise, South Pacific cruise
Comments: none
Holland America Increases Capacity In Asia For 2013-2014
March 6, 2013. Holland America Line will position ms Volendam and ms Rotterdam in Asia for the 2013-14 season, increasing capacity and adding more robust itineraries in the popular region. New expanded Singapore sailings make it easier to sail round-trip from the bustling port and experience exotic calls at destinations like Myanmar and India. The […]
Posted: March 6th, 2013 under Cruise Ship News, Hot Cruise Deals.
Tags: Asia cruise, Australia cruise, cruise, far east cruise
Comments: none
Discover OZ With Free Upgrade Aboard Royal Caribbean In Winter 2013-2014
January 30, 2013. Plan for a grand adventure Down Under with Royal Caribbean International for the winter 2013-14 season and enjoy even greater value. The cruise line known for delivering exciting global destinations aboard the world's most innovative cruise ships is offering Oceanview and Balcony staterooms for the fare of Interior and Oceanview, respectively, on […]
Posted: January 30th, 2013 under Hot Cruise Deals.
Tags: Australia cruise, cruise, New Zealand cruise, South Pacific cruise
Comments: none


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Looking for a fun and often FREE way to cool down this summer? Visiting a local spraygound is a great way to beat the heat!
The water spraying out of the fountains and interactive features provide an endless supply of fun for children. And because there is typically little to no standing water, they are safe for young children who don't know how to swim.
Below is a extensive list of Spraygrounds, Splashpads, Spray Basins and Spray Parks Northeast Ohio has to offer.
If you know of any locations that aren't listed, leave a comment below or send me an email. Also, the water features could be closed for maintenance at any given time, so please call the number provided to confirm before planning your trip.
**Remember to LIKE Northeast Ohio Family Fun on Facebook to keep up to date on the latest Northeast Ohio fun!
Cuyahoga County
Geauga County
Lake County
Lorain County
Mahoning County
Medina County
Stark County
Summit County
Wayne County
Ashland County Spraygrounds, Splashpads & Wading Pools
Ashland – FREE RJ Spraypark at Kroc Center
Open May 30-Septmeber 5, 2015: Monday-Saturday, 10am-7pm
527 East Liberty Street Ashland, Ohio 44805
Cuyahoga County Spraygrounds, Splashpads & Wading Pools
Beachwood – Outdoor Swimming Pool & Spray Ground
Newly-renovated full-size outdoor pool and a 600-square-foot water park-style sprayground with seven different water features. Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
26001 South Woodland Rd. Beachwood, Ohio 4412
216-831-0700 ext 1318
Cost: Membership Required
Broadview Heights – FREE Splash Park
Approximately 3,000 square feet and includes many play features. Park also includes a playground, concession stand, restrooms, pavilion and skate park. Open daily from 10am-8pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
9543 Broadview Rd Broadview Heights, OH 44147
Cost: FREE
Cleveland – FREE Spray Basins & Spraygrounds
Various playgrounds located throughout Cleveland have spray basins which are like giant water sprinklers. These are turned on in the summer when the temperature reaches 80 degrees.
Open from the second weekend in June through the second weekend in August, Wednesdays thru Sundays from Noon until 7:30pm. NOTE: Temperature must reach 80 degrees.
- Arthur Johnston Park – East 147th & Seville Ave
- Carol McClendon Park – Union Ave & E 98th St Cleveland, OH 44104
- Charles Orr Park – Ansel Rd. & Lamont Ave
- Crossburn Park – Sprecher Ave. (W. of W.130th)
- Dove Park – Dove Ave & E 102nd St Cleveland, OH 44105
- Easton Park – East 88th & Easton Ave
- Emery Park – W 130th St & Interstate 71 Cleveland, OH 44135
- Fairview Park Sprayground – Franklin Blvd & W 38th St Cleveland, OH 44113
- Gawron Park – Harvard Ave E & E 136th St Cleveland, OH 44105
- Grant Playground – Central Ave & E 38th St Cleveland, OH 44115
- Grdina Park – St Clair Ave & E 61st St Cleveland, OH 44103
- Halloran Sprayground & Outdoor Pool – 3550 W 117th St Cleveland, OH 44111
- Herman Park – West 60th & Herman Ave
- Irma Park – E 74th St & Irma Ave Cleveland, OH 44105
- Loew Park Spray Park– 4741 W 32nd St Cleveland, OH 44109
- Mercedes Cotner Park – W 95th St & Maywood Ave Cleveland, OH 44102
- R.J. Taylor Park – Nottingham Rd & Melville Rd Cleveland, OH 44110
- Regent Park Sprayground – East 70th & Regent Ave
- Roberto Clemente – W 38th St & Seymour Ave Cleveland, OH 44113
- Rockefeller Park – Martin Luther King Jr Dr & E 105th St Cleveland, OH 44106
- Scoutway / Moulton Park – E 115th St & Moulton Ave Cleveland, OH 44106
- Trent Park – Trent Ave & W 40th St Cleveland, OH 44109
Cleveland Heights – FREE Cain Park Splash Pad
Open from June 6 – September 7, 2015.
Cleveland Heights Recreation ID required
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Euclid – Indian Hills Spray Park
Season Swim Pass or Daily Admission Rates
1941 Sagamore Dr Euclid Ohio 44117
South Euclid – Spray Park at Quarry Park
Open from June 6 to September 7, 2015. Monday through Friday from 10:30am to 6:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6:00pm. Season Swim Pass or Daily Admission Rates (Note: There is no fee for parents and adults supervising children at the Splash Park)
Quarry Park South – South Euclid, Ohio
Fairview Park – Gemini Center Sprayground
Spray area, water features include bubblers, tippy buckets, misters and waterjets, dry playground area, concession stand, pavilion seating and large shade umbrellas. Membership Required.
21225 Lorain Road Fairview Park, OH 44126
Fairview Park – Morton Park Splash Pad
For residents only – Free of Charge. Please make sure to bring your ID for verification
Opens Memorial Day through Labor Day.
W 223rd St & Morton Ave Fairview Park, OH 44126
Lyndhurst – Lyndhurst Brainard Sprayground
Open from June 6 – September 7, 2015, daily from 10am-6pm.
Season Swim Pass or Daily Admission Rates
1840 Brainard Rd Lyndhurst, Ohio 44124
Olmsted Falls – FREE Spray Fountain at Village Green Park
Newly renovated spray fountain and playground. The park also has baseball fields, volleyball, horseshoes and picnic tables.
Columbia Rd & Water St Olmsted Falls, Ohio 44138
Richmond Heights – Sprayground at Richmond Heights Community Park
Open early June through mid August
27285 Highland Rd, Richmond Heights Ohio 44143
Admission: $1
Shaker Heights – Thornton Park Splash Zone
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day
3301 Warrensville Center Road Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
Westlake – FREE Crocker Park Lake Ridge Academy Splash Zone
Lake Ridge Academy Splash Zone is located at Crocker Park Shopping Center, behind GameStop in the West Park.
Monday-Wednesday: 10am-4pm and 7pm-10pm
Thursday: 10am-4pm
Friday and Saturday: 10am-4pm and Light Show 7pm-10pm
Sunday: 11am – 4pm
25 Main Street Westlake, Ohio 44145
Geauga County Spraygrounds, Splashpads & Wading Pools
Middlefield – FREE Splash Pads at Eagle Park
The park has two splash pad areas, a large playground area, paved walking paths and a gazebo.
Splash Pad open from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10am until 8pm
14730 Springdale Avenue. Middlefield, Ohio 44062
Lake County Spraygrounds, Splashpads & Wading Pools
Eastlake – Willowick Dudley Park Spray Park
Spray Park can be used by Willowick residents only. Recreation ID cards are required to enter. These cards can be purchased for a fee at Manry Activities Center – 30100 Arnold Drive. Call 440-516-3011 for more information. Must purchase a Recreation ID card. Willowick residents only
31500 Willowick Dr Eastlake, Ohio 44095
Mentor – FREE Walsh Spray Park
The 3,000 square foot interactive spray park includes three large ground sprays, two interactive elephant water cannons, donut spray, two activation bollards, a flower shower and a sunflower spray. Open daily May 30 through August 23, 2015 from 10am to 8pm.
7221 Bellflower Rd Mentor, Ohio 44060
Mentor – FREE Spraypark at Morton Community Park
Open daily May 30 through August 23, 2015; Monday – Saturday, 10-8pm; Sunday, 1 – 8pm
9325 Rosemary Ln, Mentor, OH 44060
Mentor – Civic Center Waterpark
Large sprayground and pool. A heated Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool, water slides, sprayground, baby pool, playground and much more. Open May 30 through August 19, 2015. Admission rates apply.
8600 Munson Rd Wooster, OH 44691
Wickliffe – FREE Orlando Spray Park
The spraypark is open for Wickliffe residents only & their guests (resident must accompany guest). Opens June 6, 2015 and runs daily from 10am to 8pm
30100 Twin Lakes Dr Wickliffe, Ohio 44092
Lorain County Spraygrounds, Splashpads & Wading Pools
Amherst – Splash Park at the Inclusive Playground at Hollstein Reservation
47160 Hollstein Drive Amherst, Ohio 44001
North Ridgeville – FREE North Ridgeville Park and Recreations Splashpad
The Splash Pad is open to North Ridgeville Residents only. Located within South Central Park, and includes various sprinkler, splashing, and dumping apparatus. Runs from late May to early September. Daily from 10am-8pm
7565 Avon Belden Road North Ridgeville, Ohio 44039
Oberlin – Lorain County Metroparks Splash Zone
95 West Hamilton Road Oberlin Ohio 44074
Mahoning County Spraygrounds, Splashpads & Wading Pools
Youngstown – FREE Wick Recreation Area Mill Creek Metroparks Sprayground
TBD – Still waiting to find out if it will be open this summer
1861 McCollum Rd. Youngstown, Ohio 44509
Youngstown – FREE Walter Scholl Recreation Area Mill Creek Metroparks Spraypool
Bears Den Rd & Normandy Dr Youngstown, Ohio 44511
Austintown – FREE Austintown Township Park Splash Pad
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day noon-7pm daily
6000 Kirk Rd Canfield, Ohio 44406
Medina County Spraygrounds, Splashpads & Wading Pools
Medina – FREE Splash Pad at Fred Greenwood Park
Open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day; 11am – 8pm
Entrance on West Sturbridge Drive Across from A.I. Root Middle School
333 W Sturbridge Dr Medina, Ohio 44256
Medina – FREE Splash Pad at Ray Mellert Park
Open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day; noon-8pm
Entrance on North Huntington Street and on Foundry Street/Miner Drive
Stark County Spraygrounds, Splashpads & Wading Pools
North Canton – Dogwood Park Pool & Sprayground
Large sprayground and pool. Dogwood Park also features the North Canton skate park, playground area, four baseball fields, one basketball court and two horseshoe pits. Sprayground and Pool open daily starting May 23, 2015; 11am to 8pm. Admission rates apply
241 7th St NE North Canton, OH 44720
Massillon – Oak Knoll Wading Pool
Oak Knoll Pool is designed for children ages 10 and under. The park also has a playground, picnic tables and plenty of green space.
618 6th St SW Massillon, Ohio 44647
Summit County Spraygrounds, Splashpads & Wading Pools
Barberton – FREE Edgewood Park Sprayground
Open daily from 11am until 8pm
1170 Liberty Ave Barberton, Ohio 44203
Cuyahoaga Falls – FREE Wading Pools
Children ages 9 and under can enjoy the six supervised wading pools located throughout Cuyahoga Falls. The pools are filtered and chlorinated. Open Saturday, June 6 – August 18, 2015. Monday-Saturday from 11 am – 6 pm and Sundays from 12 pm-6 pm. 330-971-8225
- Lions Park Wading Pool – 641 Silver Lake Ave Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221
- Linden Park Wading Pool – 241 Roanoke Avenue Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221
- Indian Mountain Park – 1552 E. Bailey Rd Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221
- Quirk Cultural Center – 1201 Grant Ave Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223
- Valley Vista Wading Pool – 2790 Valley Rd Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223
- Oak Park Wading Pool – 2250 12th St Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221
Cuyahoga Falls – FREE Falls River Square Interactive Fountains
Open daily 11am – 10pm.
2nd Street, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221
Wayne County Spraygrounds, Splashpads & Wading Pools
Wooster – Knights Field Park Sprayground
The sprayground is 19,500 square foot with 6 different spraying features. Knights Park also features a huge playground, picnic pavilion, horseshoe pits and Kiddy City (a miniature city for kids to ride their bikes in). Open late May through early August
Season Swim Pass or Daily Admission Rates
701 Rebecca St Wooster, Ohio 44691 (directions)
Please note that I have not visited each of these locations. In addition, the water features could be closed for maintenance at any given time, so please call to confirm before planning your trip.
If you know of any locations that aren't listed, leave a comment below or email me with the details. Thanks!


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Caribbean Solutions, SolGuard SPF 25, Natural Skin Care, 6 oz
By Caribbean Solutions50 Reviews
Expiration Date:?Jun 2017
Expiration Date
The length of time for the expiration date or "best used before" date depends on the type of product, as well as the brand.
Perishable items (such as flax oils or certain probiotics) generally have shorter expiration dates. Although our warehouse is fully air-conditioned, these more fragile items are put in cold storage (freezer or refrigeration unit) for maximum freshness.
Our receiving department does its best to verify and then enter the correct expiration dates for all incoming products. However, discrepancies do occur from time to time. This being said, the exceptionally high turnover at iHerb ensures that our inventory is among the freshest in the industry.
Shipping Weight:?0.59 lbs (0.27 kg)
Shipping Weight
The Shipping Weight includes the product, protective packaging material and the actual shipping box. In addition, the Shipping Weight may be adjusted for the Dimensional Weight (e.g. length, width & height) of a package. It is important to note that certain types of products (e.g. glass containers, liquids, fragile, refrigerated or ice packed) will often require protective packaging material. As such, these products will reflect a higher Shipping Weight compared to the unprotected product.
- Product Code: CBS-25061
- UPC Code: 320031250619
- Package Quantity: 6 oz
- Dimensions: 1.5 x 2.4 x 6.5 in, 0.5 lbs (0.23 kg)
Total: $17.75
Combo Discount: -$2.00
Together: $15.75
Product Overview
- Natural/Biodegradable
- Eco-Safe/Reef Friendly
- UVB/UVA Protection
- No Parabens
- Botanical/Mineral Blend
- Water Resistant
- Broad Spectrum Protection
Our Natural blend of skin conditioning Hydrators and Broad Spectrum sunscreen affords you the safest protection while keeping moisture in the skin tissue replenished.
Suggested Use
Preferred Usage:
Apply Sol Guard smoothly and evenly before exposure to sun. (30 minutes prior to exposure is recommended.) Reapply Sol Guard evenly, every 45 minutes while in the sun, or after towel drying. Shake Sol Guard well before using.
For external use only, if a rash or any irritation occurs, suspend use.
Pure Active Ingredients:
Organic aloe vera leaf (aloe barbadensis gel), natural titanium dioxide, natural (transparent) zinc oxide, wild pansy extract (viola tricolor extract), green coffee bean extract (coffee arabica bean extract), hibiscus (hibiscus rosa sinensis extract), cucumber extract (cucumis sativus extract), melon extracts, organic sunflower oil (sunflower seed oil glyceride), tocopherol acetate (natural vitamin E from corn), organic jojoba oil (simmondsia chinensis seed oil), theobroma cacao seed butter, cetyl alcohol. Natural sorbate/food grade. Our maximum sunscreen contains 9% titanium dioxide and 3.5% transparent zinc oxide. As the spf number goes down, so does the amount of the natural minerals, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, thus reducing the screen abilities.
iHerb Customer Reviews
I discovered this product line about 4-5 years ago. I called the owner and had a long conversation with him. I suggested he try to get his products on iherb.com...and I am so glad he did! I love all of the Caribbean Solutions products. They feel like silk on my skin, have great ingredients and do an excellent job. I highly recommend all of their products.
Usually I'm trying to avoid walking with my child during the hours of high solar activity. But there are times when we linger and this sunscreen has proved that it really great one. Has the same ingridients as sunscreen for kid has. And do protects wonderful. Обычно я избегаю гулять с ребенком во время часа пик солнечной активности. Но часто бывает, что мы задерживаемся. В таких случаях этот санскрин доказал, что он хорош. Состав такой же, как и у санскрина предназначенного для детей. Также хорошо защищает кожу от солнца.


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Issued by a federal district court, Wednesday's order permanently blocks the law, which would have banned abortions as early as six weeks of pregnancy.
What does "choice" mean in an age of targeted restrictions on abortion providers?
A decision from Arkansas reinforces fetal viability as a constitutional bright line for abortion restrictions, even as more early abortion bans pass in the states.
The settlement will keep open the state's only abortion clinic but won't prevent future challenges to the law.
A veto in Arizona may have meant the demise of one attempt to further enshrine discrimination in the name of religious liberty, but the larger threat from the Supreme Court remains.
North Dakota is far from alone in spending large sums to defend anti-choice laws. But what makes the state unusual is that fiscal conservatives are now criticizing a double standard, where the lawmakers backing these bills are more regularly seen opposing other instances of what they call government interference, and decrying so-called "big spending."
From Michael Dunn's acquittal in the murder of Jordan Davis to a pending nominee to the federal bench, now more than ever our courts matter.
Sanford Health has announced it's credentialed physicians from the Red River Women's Clinic, drawing a lawsuit over the constitutionality of North Dakota's hospital admitting privileges requirement closer to an end.
A lawsuit challenging North Dakota's admitting privileges law may soon be resolved.
Anti-choice lawmakers and activists believe the drop is due to more women becoming educated about abortion and choosing to carry pregnancies to term, while reproductive rights advocates offer a different take: Harsh restrictions on access to abortion and reproductive health care have led to the decline.


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Jump to main content.
Region 10: the Pacific Northwest
Serving the people of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Native Tribes
Contact Us
All EPA
Region 10
Public Notice Issued:
August 13, 2014
Comments Due:
September 12, 2014
Technical Contacts:
Thor Cutler
(206) 553-0060 or1-800-424-4372, ext. 0060
Top of page
Tentative Determination
We have tentatively determined to reissue a ten year UIC permit to the above listed applicant
Public Comments and Hearing Requests
Persons wishing to comment or request a public hearing on the draft UIC permit for the Milne Point facility may do so in writing by the expiration date of the public comment period: September 12, 2014 at 5 pm Pacific Standard Time (PST). All comments should include the name, address, telephone number of the person commenting, a concise statement of the exact basis of any comment, and the relevant facts upon which it is based. Any request for a public hearing must be in writing, contain the requester's name, address and telephone number, and must state the nature of the issues proposed to be discussed in the hearing. A public hearing will be scheduled if EPA determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the proposed permit. All written comments and hearing requests should be submitted to Thor Cutler of the UIC program at the above address or via e-mail to firstname.lastname@example.com .
Document Availability
Documents available for download:
URL: http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/water.nsf/Public+Notices/milne_point_unit_uic_2014


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Problems are messages.
- Shakti Gawain
I always believe that the intensity of the whack along side the head that life has to give us is in order to get a lesson through to us is directly proportionate to the height and breadth of our stubbornness and illusion of control.
Problems give us the opportunity to learn something. If we don't get
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The Battle for Affirmative Action: As Higher Education Awaits a Supreme Court Ruling, the Debate over Racial Diversity Rages on. (Cover Story)
Goral, Tim, University Business
Now it's in the hands of the court. As this issue of University Business goes to press, the fate of affirmative action in higher education is awaiting a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. The court's decision--that is, whether or not the University of Michigan's undergraduate and law school admissions policies violate the U.S. Constitution--could have long-lasting effects on admissions policies at dozens of selective colleges and universities, as well as on scholarship programs, university recruitment, and K-12 education policies. And it may ultimately play a role in how employees are recruited and hired in the corporate world.
The court is expected to deliver a ruling by late June, but after the April 1 hearing, even veteran court watchers, as well as sources contacted for this article, were left wondering how it will all turn out. The last time the court addressed affirmative action in higher education was in the landmark 1978 University of California v. Bakke case. Then, the court held that the use of race as a factor in higher education admissions--which forms the basis of U Michigan's policy--was constitutional But times, and external pressures, have changed over the last 25 years. Leading the charge against affirmative action are several conservative organizations with close ties to the Bush administration, including the Center for Individual Rights (CIR), the Center for Equal Opportunity (CEO), and the American Civil Rights Institute (ACRI). The CTR is representing Barbara Grutter, Jennifer Gratz, and Patrick Hamacher, three white students who claim they were denied admission in favor of less qualified minority applicants. The plaintiffs contend that the interest of promoting diversity is not sufficiently compelling to justify race as a determining factor in admissions.
The court may vote to uphold the Bakke decision or to overturn it. It may also modify that law or perhaps develop new standards for considering race in university admissions policies. Most observers agree that the nine-member court is closely divided, and the case could turn on one vote.
"Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's vote is the key," says Nathaniel Persily, a law professor at University of Pennsylvania. O'Connor's past affirmative action rulings show an ambivalence that reflects the feelings of society as a whole, he told University Business. "All the recent affirmative action rulings have been 5-4 decisions. While striking down affirmative action programs, particularly in employment, she has also allowed some exceptions to a general constitutional bar on affirmative action."
The question in the case currently before the court, Persily says, is whether the diversity rationale in education will be one of those exceptions that O'Connor is willing to make to the more general bar on affirmative action. "Although it's possible that the court will strike down the University of Michigan program," he adds, "it is also possible that Justice O'Connor will create a small exception that doesn't completely close the door on affirmative action in higher education."
Leading up to the hearing, a record 66 amicus briefs were filed supporting U Michigan's policy. More than 80 colleges and universities filed individual briefs or co-signed other briefs. They were joined by 83 briefs filed on behalf of Fortune 500 companies that expressed concern about the ability to compete globally without a diverse and racially conscious workforce. Significantly, a brief filed by a group of retired military officers--including General Norman Schwarzkopf and former members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff--sought to demonstrate how a reverse of affirmative action programs would be detrimental to the military. The group pointed to the many problems faced by the military during the Vietnam War, when the lack of high-ranking minority officers had caused deep racial tensions within the ranks.
These briefs do have an influence in some cases, Persity says, but perhaps not in this one. …


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They used to stand up in conference and say, 'Quit worrying about it, we've got it all taken care of.
Unlike in stand up where there are far more women of color, in improv, their presence is sorely lacking.
"Dad had jeans that could stand up and deliver the State of the Union," Reagan joked.
England fans also love to bring up the score from the two World Wars, singing "stand up if you won the war!"
But is the "force" strong enough for her to stand up to that darn media that keeps " making things up?"
But all that would be no good if he would not stand up when the pinch came.
I'll spend no time belly-aching but I'll stand up to this like a man.
"They tell me that you stand up for him," she said, with a peculiar warmth in her voice.
I do not stand up in this presence to indulge in any mock sentimentality.
It was a good fifty feet in length and had a cabin in which one could stand up if one were not very tall.
Old English standan (class VI strong verb; past tense stod, past participle standen), from Proto-Germanic *sta-n-d- (cf. Old Norse standa, Old Saxon and Gothic standan, Old High German stantan, Swedish stå, Dutch staan, German stehen), from PIE root *sta- "to stand" (see stet).
Sense of "to exist, be present" is attested from c.1300. Meaning "to pay for as a treat" is from 1821. Phrase stands to reason (1620) is from earlier stands (is constant) with reason. Phrase stand pat is originally from poker (1882); stand down in the military sense of "go off duty" is first recorded 1916. Standing ovation attested by 1968; standing army is from c.1600.
"pause, delay," Old English, from the root of stand (v.). Meaning "place of standing, position" is from c.1300; figurative sense is from 1590s. Sense of "action of standing or coming to a position" is attested from late 14c., especially in reference to fighting. Meaning "raised platform for a hunter or sportsman" is attested from c.1400.
Sense of "stall or booth" is first recorded c.1500. Military meaning "complete set" (of arms, colors, etc.) is from 1721, often a collective singular. Sense of "standing growth of trees" is 1868, American English. Theatrical sense of "each stop made on a performance tour" is from 1896. The word was formerly also slang for "an erection" (1867).
"courageous," 1811, originally of fist fights. To stand (someone) up "fail to keep an appointment" is attested from 1902. Stand-up comic first attested 1966.
verb phrase
To persist and endure against rigors; take it: I've had at least seven lifetimes on Seventh Avenue, mainly because I've learned to stand the gaff
[1896+; fr gaff, the steel spur attached to the leg of a fighting cock]


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About 43 results for "questions to consider when optimizing your database"
How Domo built one big data platform to rule them all
Big data is one of the most talked about tech advancements in recent years. Here's how Domo built a business intelligence tool platform for big data in business.
Pro tip: How to enroll in Apple's Volume Purchase Program
Jesus Vigo reviews the requirements and steps for enrolling in Apple's Volume Purchase Program (VPP).
WordPress: A surprisingly viable enterprise cloud option
When determining whether WordPress has a place in your enterprise cloud environment, scale and management are key factors for your technical architects to consider.
10 questions Nadella must address to strengthen Microsoft's enterprise position
As Satya Nadella steps into his new role as Microsoft CEO, he faces a big challenge: How to keep the company competitive in the enterprise market.
Ask your data scientists to call my data scientists
When introducing analytic products and services into the marketplace, be prepared for an unlikely cog in the decision-making process: other data scientists.
Beat the technical interview!
Here's an article that makes the process of securing a software development job (which for us usually lands on the .NET/C# side of things) more fun by treating it like the "cheat codes" to a game in w...
CBT Nuggets launches AWS certification training series
IT training firm CBT Nuggets has launched online video training series to help IT pros prepare for Amazon's AWS certification program. TechRepublic talks to Jeremy Cioara, who created the online video...
Efficient code is good but clean code is better
Efficiency can be important when writing code, but it should usually take a back seat to writing clear code. Chad Perrin explains why.
Planning a Windows file server migration to Google Drive
In-house file servers can carry a hefty price tag, but that does not always mean Google Drive can alleviate these costs.
Use the Configuration Analyzer to troubleshoot System Center components
John Joyner shows what kind of troubleshooting information you can get by using the new Configuration Analyzer for System Center 2012 SP1.


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Unless your name is Anthony Kennedy, you probably have mixed feelings about the rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court in its recently concluded term. Kennedy, the court's famous swing vote, was on the side of the majority in every significant case that garnered major public attention.
But even if you were less than pleased with a few of the court's rulings — and we could have done without the Hobby Lobby opinion and one allowing sectarian prayers at town board meetings — the court did strike one mighty blow in defense of liberty. Which is a reassuring development to consider on this national holiday.
The case involved warrantless searches of data on cellphones. It was significant not only because it went to the heart of the Fourth Amendment's protection against such searches, but also because the decision was unanimous. In other words, the court isn't likely to have second thoughts should one or more justices retire.
The U.S. isn't the only country in which police are restrained from indiscriminate searches and seizures, but our Fourth Amendment provides an unusual — and seemingly unique — level of protection. And the court this term pushed that protection firmly into the 21st century, with implications for future technologies, too.
Americans seem somewhat glum about the state of freedom today. Gallup pollsters recently found, for example, that Americans ranked only 36th among residents of nations who were asked, "In this country, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with your freedom to choose what you do with your life?" The percentage of Americans who answered "yes" has dropped from 91 percent in 2006 to 79 percent in 2013.
Maybe that decline reflects pessimism about future job prospects and is not a popular assessment of overall constitutional liberty. We hope so, because it's easy to forget how many freedoms we take for granted that literally billions of people elsewhere still don't enjoy. And it wouldn't hurt to reflect on them today.


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This column is part a series of articles on the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the upcoming wave of regulations affecting the consumer financial industry.
On July 21, 2011—the "designated transfer date" in the parlance of Title X of the Dodd-Frank Act—the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will officially open its doors and inherit the remainder of its many and considerable powers. With the designated transfer date looming on the horizon, now is a good time to take a look at the significance of the date in the broader context of the Act and the upcoming regulatory onslaught.
Within two years of the designated transfer date:
- Through the bureau's Office of Financial Education, the Director is required to submit its first annual report on its (1) financial literacy activities, and (2) strategy to improve consumer financial literacy. The annual report goes to the Senate's Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, and the House's Committee on Financial Services.
- The bureau is tasked with monitoring the risks presented to consumers by consumer financial products and services. Beginning two years after the designated transfer date, the bureau must publish at least one report per year detailing the "significant findings" of its monitoring activities.
- The protection from pay decreases, involuntary separation, and involuntary reassignment afforded employees transferred from transferor employees expires.
Within three years of the designated transfer date:


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Larry Franks and Brian Swan on Open Source and Device Development in the Cloud
It's been a little busy this week, so only a few links. Some good ones in here though.
RubyMotion - Under the hood: A couple nice utilities for RubyMotion projects.
Dealing with color schemes in Sass: Using Sass to handle color schemes for your site.
12 best JavaScript libraries for February 2014: Some nice ones here for web designers. Fattable looks like something I can almost immediately find a use for.
Using vFabric TC Server with the Azure plug-in for Eclipse: Using the vFabric TC Server as a container for your Java applications, in Azure.
Java programming with lambda expressions: Examples of using lambdas in Java 8.
Vice.js: A Commodore Emulator for JavaScript.
A critical look at Atom.io: Atom.io is the new beta editor from the folks at Github. It's a nice idea, but there are some problems as pointed out in this link.
Search a git repo like a ninja: Hey, I can really use that.
- Larry


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