For a moment, pitcher and cup are connected by a shivering, silver rope, making and unmaking itself in a sequence of tiny, sparkling miracles.

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But extremely loose monetary policy should act as a counterbalance, forcing investors to walk the tight rope in making up their minds about the yellow metal next year.

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One reason the BRICs matter is that the world's most important country thinks they do, and is willing to rope them into decision-making.

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Penny Johnston of Waldoboro, Maine started her business of making doormats from recycled lobster trap float-rope at age 69.

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He needed the rope loose, but too many people were on it, making it tight.

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