Lots of Picks today, so let’s jump right to it!

• (updated) Spot Runner’s innovative business model didn’t work out, so it’s realigning it. The company lays off 100 50 but plans to hire about the same number to accommodate the realignment.
• New look and new features for blog commenting system provider Disqus.
• Google is no longer allowing new accounts for Feedburner’s Ad Network–I’ve still not seen AdSense for Feeds in my account, have you?
• It looks like bloggers are not going to let China get away with faking many aspects of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.
• Hitwise has Google’s US market share at 70.77% for July.
• Are you waiting for a Google Android cell phone? It could be in your hands as early as September!

It must be a least a week since we’ve had a juicy meme to sink out teeth into. Fortunately, one has surfaced over the past few days: Is there still a need for public relations?

TechCrunch, RWW, and Steve Rubel are among those weighing in with their thoughts on the subject. Here are a few choice morsels:

TechCrunch:

First off, don’t hire PR help until the volume of inbound requests by press are simply too much to handle without help.

Tell me you watched it! The men’s 4x100M swimming relay was the highlight of the Olympics thus far. If you’re American, you must watch the video. If you’re French, not so much.

Today’s Picks:

• IAC has announced it has started testing ads in its popular RSS reader Bloglines.
• If you’re going to SES San Jose next week, here are 33 reasons why you should attend the Internet Marketer’s Charity Party.
• Pete Blackshaw author of Satisfied Customers Tell Three Friends, Angry Customers Tell 3,000, shares some tips for responding to negative reviews of your business.