But I do think that, although we've stabilized the financial system, one of the problems that we're still seeing all the time -- and I heard about it when it was in Allentown just this past week -- was the fact that small businesses and some medium-sized businesses are still feeling a huge credit crunch.

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Those works of Lennon are frankly mediocre, with a tossed-off feeling, and hardly worthy of our attention other than the fact that they are by Lennon.

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In fact, when it comes to the economy or personal financial security, small businesses and American consumers are not feeling positive at all.

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But the game could never shake a certain feeling of inevitability, a sense that Louisville was indeed the better team and would eventually make this fact known.

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While I think I would have enjoyed the company of many different dogs, I believe that the depth of my feeling for Rose in particular comes from the fact that she is, in matters of intelligence, loyalty and affection, an extraordinary animal.

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But my hope is that after a difficult year -- and this year is going to be a difficult year -- that businesses start investing again, they start making decisions that, you know, in fact there's money to be made out there, customers or consumers start feeling that their jobs are stable and safe, and they start making purchases again.

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