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Tag Archives: Rayman Legends
Rayman Legends has over 120 Levels + Two new Trailers
Ubisoft has showed off a new E3 trailer for Rayman Legends that boasts the game has over 120 levels.
Rayman Legends Coming to the PS Vita with Exclusive Content
Rayman Legends will be coming to the PS Vita day and date with the PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii U version.
Rayman Legends – 20,000 lums Under the Sea Trailer
Ubisoft has shown off a new Rayman Legends trailer that looks amazing. The animation is tight, the level design rivals New Super Mario Bros in some areas, and overall the graphics are spectacular. Check out the trailer for yourself past the link.
Rayman Legends Trailer has the 'Eye of the Tiger'
Ubisoft has shown off a fantastic new trailer for Rayman Legends that channels it's inner Rocky. Check it out past the link.
Rayman Legends Challenge Mode out this week for Wii U
Nintendo has announced that the Rayman Legends Challenge mode will be released on the Wii U eShop on April 25th for free.
Rayman Legends will Receive 30 more Levels due to the Delay
Ubisoft Montpellier says they were able to add 30 more levels into the final game due to it's delay till September. They're hoping this will help ease over disgruntled Wii U owners who were expecting the game two months ago.
Rayman Legends Wii U Exclusive demo Coming this Month
Remember Rayman Legends? The game that was supposed to come out in February. Since the debacle of the delay, Ubisoft has promised some exclusive content for the Wii U version of the game.
Rayman Legends team Refining the game During the Delay
Rayman Legends, a finished game, was delayed on Wii U, so the team could work on the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game. The game will be coming out sometime in September, where it likely to get crushed by GTA V and Mario. However, the Wii U development team is taking the extra time to work on the game more.
Was Rayman Legends Delayed Because of a Distribution/Promotion Issue
There is a new rumor going around discussing the real reason Rayman Legends was delayed on the Wii U and made multiplatform.
Rayman Legends on Wii U is Getting a free Online Challenge Mode this April
To make up for the seven month delay on Wii U, Rayman Legends on Wii U will be getting a free online challenge mode for the eShop. Check out the video of the developers demoing the mode.
Rayman Legends Petition Gaining Momentum
Ubisoft has made the horrible decision to delay Rayman Legends on the Wii U for a multiplatform release this fall with the Xbox 360 and PS3 version. While most fans don't care its coming to other systems, the Wii U version is complete so fans have organized a petition to to get the Wii U version released at the end of February.
Ubisoft has sent Rayman Legends to die
Ubisoft has delayed Rayman Legends on the Wii U to September, in order to have a simultaneous release on the Xbox 360 and PS3. This is a horrible business decision that will cost Ubisoft in the long run.
Rayman Legends no Longer a Wii U Exclusive, Ubisoft Confirms PS3 & 360 Release
Rayman Legends was originally confirmed as a Wii U exclusive, however, Ubisoft has stated the game is coming to the PS3 and Xbox 360 as well.
Digital Foundry: Rayman Legends runs in Native 1080p – 60 fps
The Tech wizards at Digital Foundry have played the Rayman Legends demo and have came away very impressed stating the game runs at native 1080p and 60 fps. Hit the link for details.
Tons of Rayman Legends Demo Footage – The game really pretty
The Rayman Legends demo dropped on the Wii U eShop yesterday and there is tons of footage below. Check it out, this game is soooooo fun!
Rayman Legend and Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed Demos up on Wii U eShop
Nintendo and its partners are finally starting to release demos on the eShop. Last week the FIFA demo when up, now we have new demos of Rayman Legends and Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed.
Rayman Legends Demo out on Wii U Launch, New HD screenshots
Rayman Legends may have been delayed but that doesn't stop us from playing the game on the day the Wii U launches. Ubisoft has announced that Rayman Legends will have a demo on November 18th, the Wii U's launch day in the US.
Rayman Legends "is slowing" Beyond Good and Evil 2′s production – Ubisoft
The Wii U exclusive is slowing down the development of Beyond Good and Evil 2 says Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot. However, the game is still being worked. More details through the break.
Wii U "surprisingly powerful", says Rayman Legends creator
Ubisoft's Michel Ancel is very impressed with the Wii U. Saying the system is "quite powerful", even when compared to the PS3 and 360.


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There is a practice of acknowledging your daily success' each night.
The practice is to note 3 things you did in the day that were a success... They could be a simple little thing, or some major thing. The idea is to go to bed knowing that you had a great day and to focus on what went well instead of beating yourself up.
So... I'm going to leave this up for a while. If you feel like sharing your success for the day.. even 1.. go for it.
My intention for this thread: to have contributors list their success, and only the success's without comments from anyone about it. Please do not reply to the posts here, but rather, in the on topic area instead. This way, this thread will be full of people acknowledging their success and become a VERY positive thread to read.
Make sense?
Dont have to write a story to explain. The success is your success, no matter how you word it. Just state the success and congratulate yourself

subset: commoncrawl


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Question: What is Israel Inspires? Answer: Israel Inspires is a year-long series of pro-Israel activities designed to create a pro-Israel renaissance on campus. Rutgers Hillel seeks to empower Jewish students from Rutgers and other campuses with the resources to express their pride in Israel and their Jewish heritage. Israel Inspires is being supported by Jewish federations and Jewish agencies throughout New Jersey. The Israel Inspires program will not only inspire students in regard to Israel, it will also build a powerful sense of Jewish identity, community and pride. It will be a transformative, touchstone event in the lives of thousands of students. The centerpiece of the Israel Inspires initiative is the Israel Inspires Weekend, October 9-12, featuring: 1) A community-wide Israel Peace & Pride Rally, Thursday evening, October 9 2) The Israel Inspires Block Party, Friday, October 10 3) Israel Inspires Weekend For more general information about Rutgers Hillel, visit http://rutgershillel.org. Question: How can I get involved? College students and community members are encouraged to participate in public events throughout the week. Contact firstname.lastname@example.com or check http://rutgershillel.org/ for specific information as the event draws closer. Individuals may provide financial support by sending a check to Rutgers Hillel, 93 College Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08904. Question: What is the relationship between this program and the National Student Conference of the Palestine Solidarity Movement? Answer: Organizers of the National Student Conference of the Palestine Solidarity Movement support university divestment from companies doing business with the State of Israel. They have promoted the destruction of the State of Israel and have refused to oppose terrorist attacks against Israelis. Rutgers Hillel believes that a secure, economically healthy Israel is in the best position to make peace with its neighbors. Rutgers Hillel has sponsored a wide array of pro-Israel programs on campus in the last two years that appeal to students' interest in arts, culture, politics and social activities. Israel Inspires will concentrate these programs in a three-day celebration of Israel. Israel Inspires activities will contrast with the negative message of the Palestine conference. The Palestinian conference at Rutgers presents enormous challenges to our community, but also a unique opportunity to focus increased resources and attention on of the most important issues facing both college students and the entire Jewish community. Question: What is Hillel's reaction to the decision of Rutgers President Richard McCormick and New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey to allow this conference to proceed on campus? Answer: In a statement to the press, President McCormick said: "The governor and I agreed that we find the views of New Jersey Solidarity to be reprehensible. But we also agreed that the best way to counter deplorable arguments is more discussion, not less, and that the appropriate place for this kind of discourse is the university. Governor McGreevey and I share the belief that the strength of our society depends on such openness." We join the governor and university president in their revulsion at the message of this conference. Though we disagree with the views of New Jersey Solidarity, legal precedent favors free speech in this context. Rutgers Hillel made a tactical decision not to oppose this conference on campus. Instead, we will create a conference that promotes pride in Israel and Jewish identity.
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Scott Billingham _ Almeria May
I would just like to thank you and everyone involved in the Almeria trip for making my first euro Trackday a great experience. I now plan on doing many more euro Trackdays with Focused in the future.
Denver Knight - Almeria Easter Weekend
Just a note to say how much I enjoyed Almeria on Easter
weekend. The whole team are a real credit to your organisation and the way the
event was managed was fantastic. I had rider clinic for one day ended up two and
I knew Neil Hodgson would be down to earth but the time and effort he put in
plus his obvious enthusiasm for making me quicker but also be a safer rider was
really worth the money. It will not be my last Euro track day and
thanks very much for a great weekend.
Danny Kilkenny from Houghton le Spring - Silverstone Stowe circuit
"Thanks guys for a great day. First time on track and very nervous, but every one from Focused Events could not have done more to ensure I enjoyed every minute. Jim Whitham and Glen Richards had time for every one and where very helpful. Altogether a fantastic day, can''t wait to do it again."
Alan Blake from Bournemouth - Stowe
"Just want to say fantastic day, great fun,very well organised, emphasis on safety and the willingness to black flag if needed was reassuring. Ducati hire bike was great value. If you can say thanks to Jamie Whitham,obviously just one of us who enjoys his biking, not some prima donna like you get in some other sports, looking forward to the next one."
Paul McGregor from Poole - Mallory Park Trackday
"Just a quick note to say thank you for a great day. I hired a Ducati 848 and couldn't be happier with how the day went. Organisation was spot on. The free advice from your instructors was great as I was a 1st day track rider. Will definitely be back to do a few more now i have the bug!"
Ali McMath from Chorley - Oulton Park
"I love doing track days with Focused Events. Today was the best ever! Can''t tell you what a buzz it was. Thank you for running the event so professionally. You always keep the same high standards to ensure everyone gets the best out of their day. Alan is a brilliant instructor and always has great advice and offers lots of encouragement. I would say to any ladies out there who are contemplating doing a track day to book with Focused Events without hesitation. Thank you again, Ali."
Darren Monk from Rookley - Cadwell Park
"Hi, just wanted to say what a great day we had at Cadwell Park. Myself, Kassandra, Warren, Allison, Marcus, Ben and Ian travelled up from the Isle of Wight, but it was well worth the long journey! Well organised as usual, great track and fine weather! Awesome to meet one of my favourite racers Simon Crafar and spend some time on track with him! What a great guy! Thanks again, Darren Monk."
Roy Poole from Grimsby - Cadwell Evening
"I did my track evening at Cadwell at one of your events and enjoyed every minute. Thanks for the support from instructors and the rest of the team Roy Poole."
Tony Cowen from Liverpool - Jerez
"Just wanted to say what an experience. The whole event from start to finish was fantastic, well organised and all the lads a great help. Really enjoyed the whole event, can't wait to book my next euro track day. A big pat on the back to all the lads from big tony."
Angelo Hadzidimitriou from Southampton - Cartagena
"Thanks for a great euro event, well organised, lots of track time and made some good friends. Weather was spot on and john and micks organisation was top notch. La torre golf apartments could not be faulted. Good value for money, see you again soon."
Jayne Worth from Birmingham - Mallory Park
"Thank you guys for making our first ever track day a fantastic day to remember for all the right reasons! Arriving on our own bikes in rather foggy conditions to say the least and having never done anything like this before we were a bit nervous - well I was anyway! But throughout the day everything was done to make us feel at ease and comfortable. Many thanks to Lee who gave us on track guidance and advice throughout the day which was excellent and really useful and I noticed a difference in my riding on the way home! We have been raving it about it ever since and the photos are on facebook!"
Ian Glenn - Offroad Adventure
"I have just come back from Spain and had to write in. What a great couple of days! The bikes are superb, I have got to get one of these. The routes you use were great. I particularly enjoyed the challenging climbs. No one else around at all which was a nice surprise. The hills were all ours and what great views. Thanks again for looking after us. Great fun."


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Robert Mcclelland
AFL chief to lobby Wilkie on pokies legislation
Adam Carey AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou will lobby independent MP Andrew Wilkie to look at alternative plans for poker machine reform.
Government to close child 'abduction' loophole
Peter Martin Loophole that allows separated parents to in effect abduct children overseas is to be closed.
Labor win if Rudd was leader
Michelle Grattan Kevin Rudd more than twice as popular as Julia Gillard, according to Age/Nielsen poll.
Voters say no to offshore process
Michelle Grattan Only one in five ALP voters support PM's position on offshore processing for asylum seekers.
Rudd warns against terrorism complacency
Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd says another September 11-style attack could occur if nations drop their guard against terrorism.
ALP rushes new laws for asylum plan
Stephanie Peatling, Misha Schubert Federal government wants to resurrect its failed attempt to send asylum seekers to Malaysia.
A-G slams indigenous bail issue
Richard Willingham Robert McClelland says 26 per cent of the adult prison population is indigenous.
Infighting turns heat up on PM
Michelle Grattan and Katharine Murphy Prime Minister Julia Gillard is facing a damaging fight among Labor MPs over asylum seeker policy and renewed questions about her leadership after the High Court's decision to strike down the...
Sheikh complains to ASIO over link to al-Qaeda
Dylan Welch and Erik Jensen Sheikh Zoud says he has no connection to al Qaeda preacher Anwar al-Awlaki.
Six women in danger dossier
Dylan Welch, Rafael Epstein, Erik Jensen SIX women living in Australia have been linked by US intelligence agencies to an al-Qaeda plot to recruit women for terrorist attacks, according to a diplomatic cable discussing Australian links to...
New call for 'Breaker' Morant inquiry
Nick Galvin More than 100 years after Harry 'The Breaker' Morant was executed for killing Boer prisoners of war, Attorney-General Robert McClelland is believed to be considering calling a public inquiry into the...
Toughen up dog laws: Shorten
Katharine Murphy MP Bill Shorten has called for tougher national standards to restrain savage animals - and harsher penalties for their owners - following the tragic death of Ayen Chol, killed by her neighbour's pit...
Wolves at our door? What we can learn from Norway's horror
Tom Hyland Officials in Australia might have underestimated the right-wing threat.
Second Burmese tells of killings
Dan Oakes and Jessica Marszalek Federal police will question a Burmese-born Brisbane man who claims to have murdered dozens of political activists while working undercover for the military regime.
Priests 'can't hide abuse'
Richard Willingham Catholic priests would be forced to report all admissions of child abuse during confession under a plan from the independent senator Nick Xenophon.
Fears over Australians' links to al-Qaeda
Dylan Welch The use of an image of the Sydney Opera House in an online terrorism magazine has startled Australia's counter-terrorism officials.
Opera House in terrorism manual
Dylan Welch THE Sydney Opera House has appeared in an online al-Qaeda magazine on terrorism and bomb-making, prompting the federal government to try to prevent the magazine's spread to the Australian web.
Unease as Sydney Opera House is used in jihad site
Dylan Welch The Sydney Opera House appears in an online al-Qaeda magazine on terrorism and bomb-making.
Burma 'hit squad' in Australia
Dan Oakes and Mike Hedge Nine members of a death squad run by the Burmese military regime in the late 1980s are living in Australia, according to a refugee who claims to have commanded the squad.
Burma refugee says he was a killer
Dan Oakes The Australian Federal Police will investigate claims by a Burmese refugee living in Australia that he murdered dozens of political dissidents in Burma while working as an undercover agent for the...


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USA Watchdog | July 23 2012
Investment banker and Wall Street insider James Rickards says the Libor rate rigging scandal "is the greatest fraud and greatest potential liability in history." He thinks rate rigging banks could be on the hook for "$2.5 trillion," and "The potential damages could destroy the banking system."
Rickards is the author of the best seller "Currency Wars: The Making of the Next Global Crisis." He says, "Too big to fail has turned into too big to jail. These guys are outside the legal system. They can do whatever they want."
As far as gold is concerned, Rickards sees gold in the "$5,000-$7,000" range in three to five years. Rickards believes gold is a good buy right now because "There is a lot of upside and not much downside." Join Greg Hunter as he goes One-on-One with James Rickards.


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Hotel was your typical Holiday Inn Express. It was conveniently located next to the major North/South Hwy, but little else. Room was clean and comfortable, breakfast was typical. One odd thing, the front desk never seemed to be "manned" Each time I needed them I had to locate a desk worker, or use a phone they had placed on the... More
- Also Known As:
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel And Suites Hannibal
- Holiday Inn Hannibal
- Hannibal Holiday Inn
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
- Welcome to the newly renovated Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites located near Highway 61 in America's Hometown, Hannibal, Missouri. Conveniently located near General Mills, Buckhorn, Enduro, and all other factories located in industrial area. We feature 74 rooms, including 16 kitchenette suites, and 4 Jacuzzi suites. The Holiday Inn Express also offers a heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, laundry facility, business center, free wireless high-speed Internet in all rooms, meeting room, and free extended Continental breakfast. We also offer the in room amenities as follows, hair dryers, iron with a full size board, coffee pots in every room, and free HBO and Cinemax. There are many restaurants, and shopping areas located near the Holiday Inn Express. We are also only located about 3 miles from the historic downtown area. The downtown area includes the Mark Twain Home, Museum, and other Mark Twain attractions. Hannibal also has a spot the kids would enjoy called Sawyer s Creek, which is located right across the street from the Mark Twain Cave, and Cameron Cave. Our friendly staff is here 24 hours a day to welcome you to Mark Twain's Hometown, and to our hotel the Holiday Inn Express Hannibal. ... more less
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with IHG, Priceline and Cheap Tickets so you can book your Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Hannibal reservations with confidence. We help millions of travellers each month to find the perfect hotel for both holiday and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.


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Chemspec Europe
06/05 - 06/06/2013, Munich, Germany
FECC Congress
06/17 - 06/19/2013, Hamburg, Germany
Turkcoat Eurasia
09/12 - 09/14/2013, Istanbul, Turkey
Management change in Biesterfeld Spezialchemie GmbH
Effective from May 01st, 2013, Thomas Arnold has been appointed as Managing Director of Biesterfeld...
[more]In-Cosmetics 2013 hits new visitor record 2013
Once again this year many visitors and exhibitors from the cosmetics industry lined the corridors...
[more]Biesterfeld Spezialchemie GmbH is a part of the Biesterfeld Group. Biesterfeld Spezialchemie GmbH is a pan-European, rapidly growing distributor of products requiring special performance in the fields of LifeScience, Food Ingredients, CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, Elastomers) and Performance Products.
In cooperation with leading companies in the chemical industry, our sales team - with its focus on technical applications - is constantly working on innovative products for the international market.
The key elements of our European service package are: the development of customer-specific solutions, a comprehensive product range, and immediate delivery on demand from regional warehouse locations.


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The Canadian Bottled Water Industry
The bottled water industry boom began in the early 1980s and the industry has had significant growth since then. The industry has continued its rapid growth over the past two decades with a recent slowdown in sales in 2008 and 2009.
A number of factors have contributed to the growth in consumption of bottled water. Many people drink bottled water because they prefer the taste to that of tap water or perceive it to have more purity. As consumers focus on healthy-eating with a significant emphasis on sufficient hydration, bottled water is seen as a natural product and a vital part of a healthy lifestyle.
Greater portability and accessibility of bottled water has also contributed to increased demand. The boom in the consumption of bottled water has moved the product beyond the niche market and into the mainstream as bottled water has become a basic staple for many Canadians.
Industry Structure
The Canadian Soft Drink & Ice Manufacturing Industry represented 4.8% of the total value of sales of goods manufactured by the food and beverage industry, 4.5% of employment in the sector, and 3.2% of the number of food and beverage plants in 2009.
In 2009, 287 establishmentsFootnote [note 1] (plants) in the Soft Drink and Ice Manufacturing Industry shipped $4,032.6 million worth of product and employed 11,162 people. Canadian Soft Drink and Ice Manufacturing Industry exports totalled $127.3 million in 2009 (Figure 1). The Canadian market absorbed the remaining $3,905.3 million in domestic shipments and a volume of imports worth $593.9 million. This industry has become a net importer since 2006.
Statistics Canada data for shipments of bottled water are not available; however by using per capita consumption data and adjusting for trade, Canadian production can be estimated to be approximately 2.29 billion litres.Footnote [note 2]
The Canadian bottled water industry has approximately 65 bottlers. The majority of bottling plants are located in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia with some plants also located in Atlantic Canada and the Prairies. Industry firms range from large multinational enterprises (MNEs) to small and medium sized Canadian-owned firms. Over the past ten years, MNEs have been very aggressive in establishing a leadership position in the Canadian market for their particular brands.
Within the bottled water business there are two distinct industry segments: the home-office delivery format which consists of returnable polycarbonate containers (up to 18 litres in size); and the single-serve PET bottle format ranging from 250 ml to 5 litres.
The large format polycarbonate containers constitute the most important segment by volume. These bottlers supply to offices, homes and supermarkets. These products are sold as an alternative to tap water and other beverages. The main factor which has fuelled the growth of this segment is increased public perception about the use of chlorine and the resulting chlorine by-products that remain in municipal water supplies.
In the case of the smaller formats ranging from 250 ml to 5 litres, packaging could include custom glass, polyethylene terephthalate (PET plastic) or aluminium cans. Some companies also offer water packaged in tetra paks. These products are available through supermarkets, large format outlets, convenience stores, drug stores, gas stations, vending machines, restaurants and other food service outlets. The convenience size PET segment accounts for about 25% of the market.
The rapid growth of the PET bottled water segment stems from Canada's success as an exporter of bottled water and the public's choice of bottled water as an alternative refreshment.
The increased consumption of bottled water along with Canada's competitive advantage with regard to water resources has attracted large international beverage companies to seek Canadian manufacturing and distribution facilities. However, in recent years, merger and acquisition activity has slowed as the bottled water industry matured.
Most bottled water production facilities in Canada use the ozonation method which leaves no chemical residual aftertaste or odour.
Competition in the single-serve PET plastic market is intense with soft drink giants selling their own brands at extremely competitive prices. In the past they had been distributors of other bottled water brands.
With consolidation in the retail sector, the entry of large format outlets and an increased emphasis on private label food and beverage products, there has been a significant increase in private label bottled water products in the Canadian market.
Domestic Market
From 1999 to 2009, sales of goods manufactured by the Soft Drink & Ice Manufacturing Industry increased 31.7% from a value of $3,062.3 million to $4,032.6 millionFootnote [note 3].
From 1999 to 2009, annual per capita consumptionFootnote [note 4] of bottled water increased 107.3% from 32.7 litres to 67.8 litres. However, per capita consumption decreased 6.6% since 2007 when it peaked at 72.6 litres.
Although bottled water has moved from being a niche or specialty item to a mainstream product, soft drink and fluid milk sales still outweigh bottled water sales in terms of percent share of the beverage market place. Measured by volume (hectolitres), sales of bottled water accounted for 10.6% of all non-alcoholic beverage sales in 2009, according to Beverage Marketing Corporation (Figure 2).
The domestic market continues to be the most important for this industry as demand has grown to the point where there are now more than 100 different brands of bottled water available in Canada, of which 20% are imported. This brand proliferation has resulted in the segmentation of bottled water products into three price categories: premium, regularly-priced and private label brands. By offering consumers a wide range of choices, the industry is better positioned to compete with other beverages in the market place.
Bottled water competes with a variety of other cold beverages, including carbonated soft drinks, milk and dairy beverages, fruit and vegetable juices, soya beverages, energy drinks, relaxation drinks and sport drinks and to a lesser extent with hot drinks such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate.
From 2008 to 2009, total bottled water sales volume declined 3.4% from 23.7 million hectolitres to 22.9 million hectolitres (Table 1).
Millions of Hectolitres | Share of Volume | % Change | |||
Categories | 2008 | 2009 | 2008 | 2009 | 2008/09 |
Total | 213.8 | 216.8 | 100% | 100% | 1.4% |
*CSDs: Carbonated soft drinks. ** Assumes 48 grams of coffee per litre. *** Includes tap water, vegetable juices, sports drinks and miscellaneous others. Source: Beverage Marketing Corporation | |||||
CSDs* | 35.3 | 35.3 | 16.5% | 16.3% | 0.0% |
Coffee** | 34.2 | 35.9 | 16.0% | 16.6% | 5.0% |
Milk | 27.4 | 27.5 | 12.8% | 12.7% | 0.4% |
Tea | 26.0 | 27.9 | 12.2% | 12.9% | 7.3% |
Bottled Water | 23.7 | 22.9 | 11.1% | 10.6% | -3.4% |
Fruit Beverages | 20.0 | 18.8 | 9.4% | 8.7% | -6.0% |
Subtotal | 166.6 | 168.3 | 77.9% | 77.6% | 1.0% |
All Others*** | 47.2 | 48.5 | 22.1% | 22.4% | 2.8% |
Statistics Canada data show that the Canadian market for the Soft Drink & Ice Manufacturing Industry totalled $4,499.2 million in 2009, an increase of 56.5% over 1999 when the domestic market was valued at $2,874.4 million.
Value-added is a measure of the value of an establishment's outputs minus the cost of inputs and in the Canadian Soft Drink & Ice Manufacturing Industry it fluctuated from a low of $1,037.1 million in 1999 to a peak of $1,886.8 million in 2009. In 2009, the proportion of value-added to sales of goods manufactured was 46.8% -- higher than the Canadian food and beverage manufacturing industry as a whole for which the proportion of value-added to the total value of sales of goods manufactured in 2009 was 36.4%.
From 1999 to 2009, employmentFootnote [note 6] in the Canadian Soft Drink & Ice Manufacturing Industry decreased 15.5% from 13,217 people to 11,162 people (Figure 3), reaching its lowest level of 9,323 people in 2003. Between 2005 and 2007, employment increased, but then declined again due to a tightening economy.
The overall decline in employment was accompanied by an improvement in labour productivity for the Soft Drink and Ice Manufacturing Industry from 2005 onward as measured by output per production worker. A reduction in the number of employees and a streamlining of operations along with other cost-cutting measures has improved industry productivity. In making these improvements, the industry better positioned itself to compete in the domestic market against other beverages and in foreign markets such as the U.S.
Data from Statistics Canada on investment in the bottled water industry is not available. However, the bottled water industry's capital investment is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars and growing. In order to meet the increased demand in the consumption of bottled water over the past 10 years and to respond to consumer environmental concerns, potential new capital investments are being considered. However, growth rates in new buildings and capital equipment such as bottling lines will be determined by growth in demand in domestic and export markets.
Profitability is affected by the prices firms have to pay for inputs to production. In order to maintain profits, manufacturers are under increased pressure to improve productivity and cut costs. For the bottled water industry, increased energy and transportation costs and increased packaging costs have affected the cost of production. The value-added per production worker provides some indication of profitability. For the Canadian Soft Drink & Ice Manufacturing Industry, the value-added per production worker has increased since 2005 from $321 thousand to $369 thousand in 2009. Profitability for the Soft Drink & Ice Manufacturing Industry has improved, especially since 2005 (Figure 4).
Trade Performance
The Canadian bottled water industry serves mostly the domestic market.
From 2000 to 2010, Canada's exports of bottled water decreased sharply from a value of $206.5 million (468.9 million litres) to $22.5 million (109.8 million litres) (Figure 5). While exports initially were on the rise in the early 2000s and peaked at $284.3 million in 2002, the value of exports declined after that period due to several factors. The recessionary period in the U.S. during 2002-2003 caused some decreased consumption of bottled water in that market. In addition, the rising value of the Canadian dollar made domestic product more expensive relative to its competitors in other countries. Negative campaigns and media attention across North America alleging environmental and health affects of bottled water products also caused lost sales to Canada's major market, the U.S. The recent economic downturn since 2008 also negatively impacted bottled water sales in the U.S. and other markets as consumers cut back sharply on discretionary spending (Appendix B).
Although total exports of bottled water have declined, the industry has become somewhat less dependent on the U.S. market. In 2010, the top three export markets for Canadian bottled water were the U.S. (61.3%), Japan (25.3%), and Taiwan (8.4%). In 2007, the share of exports to the U.S. was 76.7%, while the share of exports to Japan was 14.1% and Taiwan held 5.9% of bottled water exports.
From 2000 to 2010, imports of bottled water increased 103.0% from $44.0 million to $89.3 million. While France was the number one supplier of bottled water to Canada throughout this period and accounted for 40.3% of imports in 2010, Italy increased its share of imports to reach 30.2% in 2010, and to a lesser extent the U.S. also made gains and accounted for 18.4% of imports in 2010 (Appendix B).
Exports, which had been in Canada's favour up to 2006, have been surpassed by imports since 2007 when Canada's bottled water global trade deficit was valued at -$17.7 million. Since then Canada's global trade deficit has grown to -$66.8 million in 2010. Canada's trade balance with the U.S., although positive, has declined steadily since 2002 and was valued at $2.6 million in 2010. Competition in export markets has become highly competitive which in turn has recently made exporting much less profitable.
Regulatory Framework
Food and Drugs Act
Bottled water is regulated under the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations as a food product.
Health Canada is responsible for establishing standards for the safety and nutritional quality of all foods sold in Canada. The department exercises this mandate under the authority of the Food and Drugs Act and pursues its regulatory mandate under the Food and Drug Regulations.
All health and safety standards under the Food and Drug Regulations are enforced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The CFIA is also responsible for the administration of non-health and safety regulations concerning food packaging, labelling and advertising.
The Food and Drug Regulations set out conditions regarding health, quality, and composition and labelling requirements that would apply to bottled water manufacturers just as they would to other food and beverage manufacturers so that consumers will have confidence in the safety of the products they purchase.
Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act
The Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, also enforced by the CFIA, requires that pre-packaged foods either imported or made in Canada, must not bear any false or misleading information regarding its origin, quality, performance, net weight or quantity.
Mandatory Nutrition Labelling
On December 12, 2007, nutrition labelling became mandatory on most pre-packaged products. Certain bottled water products are exempt from these regulations if specific criteria are met. Exemptions can be found in section [B.01.401(2)] of the Food And Drug Regulations. Products lose their exemption status if a health claim or nutrient content claim is made.
For more information on Food Regulatory issues visit the following internet address: www.agr.gc.ca/food-regulatory-issues-division.
Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR)
Natural Health Products Regulations came into effect in Canada on January 1, 2004. These regulations apply to specific homeopathic or traditional medicines found in Schedule 1 of the NHPR or a combination of these ingredients which are represented to diagnosis, treat, mitigate or prevent disease, disorders or an abnormal physical state or its symptoms. These types of ingredients can also be represented as restoring, correcting, modifying organic function in a manner that maintains or promotes health.
Vitamin water is regulated as a natural health product (NHP) by the Natural Health Products Directorate of Health Canada. Due to the broad definition for a NHP there is an overlap between the two regulatory frameworks. In March 2009, Health Canada released a guidance document entitled, "Classification of Products at the Food-Natural Health Product Interface: Products in Food Formats"
in order to assist in classifying a product as either a food or Natural Health Product. The format of the product will be a factor in determining what regulations apply to the product and what health claims may be permitted.
The Federal Government regulates which health products can be sold in Canada. Health Canada ensures that natural health products sold in Canada (including vitamin water) are safe and effective under their recommended conditions of use and are labeled appropriately to enable consumers to make informed choices.
More information on Natural Health Products Regulations can be found at Health Canada's website as follows: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/about-apropos/index-eng.php.
Health Claims
A health claim is any representation in labelling or advertising that states, suggests, or implies that a relationship exists between consumption of a food, or an ingredient in the food, and health.
All health claims are subject to subsection 5 (1) of the Food and Drugs Act which prohibits false, misleading or deceptive product representations. In Canada, specific health claims are permitted on foods and Natural Health Products. The terms "food"
and "drug"
are both defined in the Food and Drugs Act. Natural health products (NHP), which are a subset of drugs, are defined and regulated under the Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR). These definitions are important in determining the correct classification of a product (i.e. food, drug or NHP) and whether a specific claim is permitted on a product.
Food and beverage products are permitted to make a function claim when used under the specific conditions set out in Table 8-2 of the CFIA's Guide to Food Labelling and Advertising (GFLA). Function claims are claims about the specific beneficial effects that the consumption of the food or a constituent of the food (i.e. nutrient or other component) has on normal functions or biological activities of the body. Permitted variations on function claims can be found in Table 8-2 of the GFLA. Beverage manufacturers may wish to make a new function claim but must have scientific evidence to validate the claim prior to its use on food labels or in advertisements. The Food Regulatory Issues Division of AAFC can provide assistance to manufacturers considering making a new function claim or another claim requiring a pre-market submission to Health Canada.
For more information on regulatory issues or information on making health claims, please contact the Food Regulatory Issues Division.
With respect to the environment, bottled water manufacturers, like all food and beverage manufacturers, must meet all federal laws (e.g. the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act) and each province's legislation and regulations.
Canadian bottled water companies must also adhere to provincial regulations when taking water at source. Some provincial governments are reviewing their water and environment regulations to improve water management.
In Canada, each province has the authority to regulate its own water standards which are based on national guidelines for Canadian drinking water quality. These guidelines are published under the auspices of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water, composed of representatives from all provinces, the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Health Canada and Environment Canada. Health Canada acts as Secretariat to the Committee and as such prepares the technical documents which are reviewed by committee members. The guidelines can be viewed at the following website: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/water-eau/drink-potab/guide/index-eng.php
In addition, companies which are members of the Canadian Bottled Water Association (CBWA) must adhere to standards set by the industry including an annual unannounced plant inspection which involves audits of product quality and plant operations.
The Canadian bottled water industry has been involved in implementing a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system which was funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Canadian Food Safety and Quality Program (CFSQ). HACCP is an internationally recognized system in which critical points in a process are identified and controls are put into place to ensure food safety hazards are eliminated.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Canadian bottled water industry faces a number of challenges. These include increasing transportation and packaging costs related to the higher price of petroleum, pricing pressure from private label products, the demands of large grocery chains in order to gain store listings, competition from imports and declining exports due to the increasing value of the Canadian dollar and a declining economy, and recent negative media attention. These factors impact upon the profitability and growth of the industry moving forward.
The concentration of major retail chains has continued to be a challenge to the bottled water industry and has resulted in a higher degree of competition for shelf space. For water bottlers, the domestic market will likely continue to be the most important market for the foreseeable future. The Canadian market is small, but sophisticated, and extremely well served which means that competition will continue to be strong.
During the past decade, the growth of warehouse club stores that emphasize value, as well as the increasing concentration of the distribution sector in general, have increased pressure on manufacturers to reduce prices and focus on efficiencies. Furthermore, the introduction and increasing prevalence of private or own-label products by retailers have further pressured manufacturer margins and increased retailer leverage. Although making goods for private label leaves retailers in control of the "brand equity"
resulting from consumer loyalty and leaves lower margins for manufacturers, it has provided real growth opportunities for some small- and medium-sized manufacturers without requiring the expenditures needed to launch their own brands. These market forces will continue to be a challenge in the future.
Although retail concentration has increased over the years, bottled water enjoys a wider variety of distribution channels than many other processed food products channels that they must continue to exploit. The industry distributes its products through supermarkets and grocery stores, drug stores, convenience stores, gas stations, mass merchandisers and warehouse outlets. Restaurants and fast-food chains are also major purchasing points for bottled water. Vending is another distribution channel for bottled water, making it available to consumers at strategic locations.
Increased competition from other non-alcoholic beverages, such as energy drinks, sports drinks and relaxation drinks, has provided consumers with more beverage choices. Changing consumer preferences and demographics, with a larger segment of older consumers who are increasingly concerned about their own health, as well as concerns about obesity have resulted in an increased demand for new products. The bottled water industry is well placed to respond to consumers' demands for new products. The industry has also reduced prices, cut costs and improved efficiencies to remain competitive in the marketplace.
Higher oil prices have resulted in increased packaging costs (PET plastic) and higher transportation costs and distributions costs. In response to these price fluctuations, the industry's bottling and distribution systems have become highly automated and very efficient.
Regulatory Challenges
Revisions to Division 12 of the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations, which defines standards for bottled water and ice, are underway in consultation with the bottled water industry. Health Canada and CFIA will jointly publish and post online the government response to the consultations which will outline the intent going forward, and the regulatory process will follow. The summary of consultations and stakeholders' comments which had been received as of November 2008 is posted on the following website: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/pubs/securit/water-eau-eng.php.
Under the authority of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, international standards for bottled water are being developed. The Codex Alimentarius is a collection of internationally recognized standards, codes of practice, guidelines and other recommendations relating to foods, food production and food safety. These texts are developed and maintained by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, a body that was established in 1963 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO).
With respect to provincial regulations, bottled water companies may own or lease land with a source and, in some provinces require licences, subject to renewal, to take water. These companies monitor their sources but have neither the responsibility nor the ability to influence water protection beyond their sources from surrounding areas.
Bottlers are vulnerable to ground water contamination that may seep into their sources from surrounding areas. They are also vulnerable to changes in usage policies and licensing requirements by provincial governments.
The Province of Ontario enacted the Clean Water Act on July 3rd, 2007. This Act requires water bottlers using more than 50,000 litres per day to obtain a "Permit To Take Water"
. The Province has proposed a levy, charging water bottlers, canning companies and other heavy commercial water users $3.71 per million litres of usage to cover a portion of the costs of the programs required to manage water for the environmental, social and economic benefit of Ontarians.
Environmental Challenges
With respect to the environment, water bottlers, like all food and beverage manufacturers, must meet all federal laws (e.g. the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and each province's legislation and regulations.
Environmentalists are concerned about the extraction of water from lakes, streams and wells for shipment elsewhere. They feel that over the long term, extraction from these sources may reduce the water table in the vicinity. This is one of the issues which alarms residents when bottlers arrive in their area. The Canadian bottled water industry is an efficient user of its water source. The industry uses only 1.3 litres of water to make one litre of bottled water in comparison to other beverage manufacturing industries which may use several litres of water to make one litre of a particular beverage.
Another environmental issue that bottlers have faced is waste resulting from packaging after it has fulfilled its intended purpose. Waste reduction is important everywhere and particularly for large urban centers that are rapidly using up their landfill capacity and are experiencing difficulty and expense in finding, developing and ultimately being able to use acceptable new landfill sites. The reduction of materials in secondary packaging (e.g. cartons) can potentially provide both financial and environmental benefits. In the food and beverage manufacturing industry in general there are some difficulties with reducing bulky packaging. Plastic and cardboard can help protect food during transportation. There is a trade-off between the volume of packaging materials needed to identify brands and increase the attractiveness of a product on the one hand, while minimizing packaging requirements from an environmental and cost control point of view, on the other hand.
The bottled water industry has reduced the amount of plastic in its PET bottles which has contributed to lower energy use and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Many water bottlers manufacture their own PET bottles at their bottling facilities, saving energy that would be required to ship empty bottles into their plants. Some bottled water companies use recycled PET (rPET) in their packaging. The large format polycarbonate segment of the industry re-uses its bottles on average 45 times before recycling them.
Packaging materials used by the industry, including cardboard, plastics, and aluminum, are either recyclable or re-usable. Bottle deposit laws and other regulations to ensure recycling and re-use of packaging are a significant regulatory concern to the bottled water industry. The industry has been actively involved in provincial recycling efforts throughout the country and is an active participant in environmental stewardship organizations across Canada.
Recycling regulations on containers vary from province to province. In virtually all Canadian provinces and territories, PET containers used for beverages are collected for recycling through deposit return programs. In some jurisdictions, e.g., Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and the Atlantic provinces, consumers pay levies on beverage containers at the point of sale to cover costs of their respective container recovery system. In some provinces/territories, a deposit is charged and a potential refund of 5 to 30 cents provides an incentive to consumers to return the container to a collection center. All packaged beverages (except those consumed 'on-premise', for example at a restaurant or other such away-from-home location) are included in such programs. In other jurisdictions, containers are collected in a Multi-material Collection (e.g. curbside blue box programs) system as an alternative to being restricted on the choice of containers. According to the Canadian Bottled Water Association (CBWA), 97% of the population in Canada has access to recycling facilities, and PET recycling rates range from 60% to 85%.
According to Stewardship Ontario, plastic water bottles are the third most recycled product in Canada, behind newspapers and aluminum. They are also the third most valuable item in a recycling program and, when recycled, are used to make playground equipment, automobile parts, carpet, fleece clothing, sleeping bags, etc.
The Canadian beverage industry, in partnership with governments, has initiated Public Spaces Recycling to capture recyclables that are abandoned by consumers in parks, recreational facilities, transit stops, public schools, and gas stations. This initiative has enjoyed success in the provinces of Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.
According to a March 19, 2008 press release by Refreshments Canada, "PET"
beverage containers (including water bottles) account for 0.3% of solid waste generated in Canada.
Some bottled water companies have undertaken initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint. These include improved energy efficiency and the use of alternative energy sources in manufacturing facilities, and reduced fuel consumption with improved delivery routes and upgrades to distribution vehicles.
Supply Chain Management
Like other food and beverage manufacturers, the bottled water industry is using GS1 Canada. GS1 Canada is a member organization of GS1, a global organization with over 100 members with the goal to develop standards and solutions to improve supply chain management. Canada's previous national electronic product registry/catalogue known as ECCnet, developed by the Electronic Council of Canada has merged with and is now administered by GS1 Canada. The registry facilitates E-commerce by ensuring the integrity of product data using international standards of data exchange. As part of its E-commerce development, food and beverage manufacturers are developing the capability to track and trace their products throughout the food chain to specific batches at manufacturing plants and will eventually be able to trace batches back to their origin.
The industry expects growth over the next five years as consumers become more concerned about the quality of municipal water. Recent media attention on aging municipal water infrastructure has raised some concerns for consumers of tap water. In addition, recent processing innovations in the industry may attract additional consumers to this product category. Functional products such as flavoured water, vitamin water, and oxygenated water have generated new interest in the category. Increasing obesity concerns will also continue to attract consumer interest in bottled water.
More competition is expected in the market as new age and functional products increase their appearance in the Canadian market. The Canadian market is still considered to be small and, because domestic bottled water consumption is well behind U.S. levels, growth is anticipated. In 2009, per capita consumption in the U.S. was 104.48 litres.Footnote [note 9]
According to Euromonitor International, bottled water sales in Canada are expected to reach a volume cumulative average growth rate (CAGR) of 1% over the forecast period of 2010 to 2015. The industry is well positioned to respond to continuing consumer demand for healthier beverage products. The industry is also actively involved in environmental improvements in the packaging and distribution of its products.
Industry Associations
The Canadian Bottled Water Association (CBWA) was established in 1987. Current membership stands at 140 bottling distribution and equipment companies. CBWA members produce and distribute approximately 85% of the bottled water sold in Canada.
The CBWA is the Canadian Chapter of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. Membership in the CBWA requires companies to adhere to standards adopted by the IBWA in the form of a Model Code Quality Assurance Program. The Program includes submission to an annual unannounced plant inspection administered by an independent organization. The inspection audits quality and testing records, reviews all areas of plant operation and checks compliance with federal and provincial regulations.
Ms. Elizabeth Griswold
Executive Director
Canadian Bottled Water Association (CBWA)
Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 3B2
Tel: 905-886-6928
Fax: 905-886-9531
Internet Site: www.cbwa.ca
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
International Bottled Water Association (IBWA)
1700 Diagonal Road, Suite 650
Alexandria, VA 22314 U.S.A
Tel: 703-683-5213
Fax: 703-683-4074
Information Hotline: 1-800-WATER-11
Internet Site: www.bottledwater.org
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Contact
Monica Treidlinger
Senior Market Development Officer
Sector Development and Analysis Directorate
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Canada K1A 0C5
Tel: 613-258-1933
Fax: 613-258-6768
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Footnote 1
Statistics Canada changed its survey methodology in 2000 and again in 2004 such that the number of establishments is not directly comparable to previous years.
- Footnote 2
The domestic market for bottled water is calculated using per capita consumption multiplied by the population, minus exports, plus imports. Production is calculated using the value of the domestic market plus exports, minus imports.
- Footnote 3
Statistics Canada Annual Survey of Manufacturers
- Footnote 4
Beverage Marketing Corporation
- Footnote 5
Data includes both foodservice and retail.
- Footnote 6
Statistics Canada changed its survey methodology in 2000 and again in 2004 such that the number of establishments and employees is not directly comparable to previous years.
- Footnote 7
Statistics Canada changed its survey methodology in 2000 and again in 2004 such that the number of establishments and employees is not directly comparable to previous years.
- Footnote 8
Data is based on HS codes.
- Footnote 9
International Bottled Water Association (www.bottledwater.org)


text:
Nutrition Now Women's Gummy Vitamins Mixed Berry -- 70 Gummies
Great product
I have a hard time swallowing huge vitamins. This is a good product at a great price. Tastes good, as well.
March 7, 2013
product is not chewable
I have gotten delightful chewable vitamins that are like jelly candies and enjoyable to bite into and chew on. But this product is like rubber -- Too bad I opened it and cannot return it. It was the worst thing I ever got for a multi-vitamin.
March 7, 2013
Tastes great!
Enjoy taking these vitamins. Taste great and I know that I feel better when I take them.
February 24, 2013
I usually have trouble taking vitamins because I just forget to take them. Taking a pill a day is hard to remember. But, I keep these on my desk as a daily reminder and they're so good, I actually get excited to take them! I have to stop myself from eating them, though. They're just that good. :)
February 5, 2013
My wife hate taking vitamins but not anymore! She loves these things. My duaghter loves them too!
November 20, 2012


text:
Great interview with a Sim City designer by the Venue team. I found this bit about parking pretty interesting (and a bit sad):
Geoff Manaugh: While you were making those measurements of different real-world cities, did you discover any surprising patterns or spatial relationships?
Librande: Yes, definitely. I think the biggest one was the parking lots. When I started measuring out our local grocery store, which I don't think of as being that big, I was blown away by how much more space was parking lot rather than actual store. That was kind of a problem, because we were originally just going to model real cities, but we quickly realized there were way too many parking lots in the real world and that our game was going to be really boring if it was proportional in terms of parking lots.
Manaugh: You would be making SimParkingLot, rather than SimCity.
Librande: [laughs] Exactly. So what we do in the game is that we just imagine they are underground. We do have parking lots in the game, and we do try to scale them—so, if you have a little grocery store, we'll put six or seven parking spots on the side, and, if you have a big convention center or a big pro stadium, they'll have what seem like really big lots—but they're nowhere near what a real grocery store or pro stadium would have. We had to do the best we could do and still make the game look attractive.
"It just went down. Everything in Birmingham is going down."
One obvious exception would be what Mr. Minter calls the African Village in America, and the amazing fabrications he has raised to fill almost every square foot of his consolidated half-acre holding.
It is, by some reckonings, one of the nation's most extraordinary and least-known sculpture gardens. Here's a room-size re-creation of the Birmingham jail cell that held Martin Luther King Jr., surrounded by six concrete Dobermans.
There's a monument to those murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary, including 26 pairs of flea-market shoes ("I got them for a pretty good price," he said) and the raging rubber head of Jesse Ventura.
And everywhere else is welded iron and hand-painted biblical signage and bric-a-brac to overrun a landfill. It seems all but inevitable that Mr. Minter will eventually raise a memorial to the Boston Marathon bombing, although the only clear patch of lawn lies behind the twin towers.
The African Village also stands among the most endangered art environments: Mr. Minter serves as the site's artist in residence, curator, docent and groundskeeper, and he just turned 70.
His installation represents one of the last great "yard shows" in Alabama, said Emily Hanna, curator of the African and American collections at the Birmingham Museum of Art. This coinage describes the culturally distinct and sometimes visionary home displays of the South.
Related article here.
Paffendorf's startup, Loveland Technologies, created a website called "Why Don't We Own This?" It addresses one of Detroit's biggest problems: abandoned property. Detroit is big, covering 139 square miles, enough to hold Boston, Manhattan, and San Francisco. Yet over the past 60 years, its population has shrunk from 1.8 million to just over 700,000. As a result, thousands of foreclosed, government-owned lots go up for auction for as little as a few hundred dollars. Identifying those properties is a labyrinth for anyone without a real estate license. Loveland's website provides a simplified and information-rich online map of auction property for anyone looking to buy. Renters, too, can learn if a building is on the verge of foreclosure.
Paffendorf's website is significant because it represents a new, simplified approach to these problems, from the toilet paper to the schools. Detroit has often sought salvation in big solutions: a car company comeback; the Renaissance Center, a cluster of seven towers downtown; casinos; the 2006 Super Bowl; the 2009 election of Bing, a Detroit Piston star turned steel magnate. Nothing has worked. But the city's depression—and the depressed real estate prices that came with it—created opportunities. And opportunity lures entrepreneurs. The startup types, like Paffendorf. And the ones with lots of money, like Dan Gilbert, the founder and chairman of Quicken Loans, the third-largest mortgage provider in the country; he moved 1,700 employees downtown in 2010, giving him 7,000 employees there and making him Detroit's third-largest landowner (trailing only the city and General Motors). With slicked-back hair and a perpetual poker face, Gilbert has just gotten started on his plan to transform the area.


text:
Sunday 19 May
Small giant clam (Tridacna maxima)
What's the World's Favourite Species?
Find out here.Small giant clam fact file
- Description
- Biology
- Range
- Habitat
- Status
- Threats
- Conservation
- Find out more
- Glossary
- References
- Print factsheet
Small giant clam description
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Mollusca |
Class | Bivalvia |
Order | Veneroida |
Family | Tridacnidae |
Genus | Tridacna (1) |
At less than a third of the size of the true giant clam (Tridacna gigas), the small giant clam (Tridacna maxima) deserves its name. As an adult, it has a large shell that adheres to a rock by its byssus – a tuft of long, tough filaments that protrude from a hole next to the hinge of the shell. When open, the bright blue, green or brown mantle is exposed and obscures the edges of the shell with its prominent and distinctively furrowed edges. The small giant clam is a bivalve mollusc, referring to the two valves on the mantle. These siphon water through the body to extract oxygen from the water using the gills, and to feed on algae (4). The attractive colours of the small giant clam are the result of pigment cells, which have a crystalline structure inside. These are thought to protect the clam from the effects of intense sunlight, or bundle light to enhance photosynthesis, the energy-producing process carried out by the tiny algae living within (4) (5).
- Also known as
- maxima clam, rugose clam.
- Size
- Length: 35 – 40 cm (2)
Ellis, S. (1998) Spawning and early larval rearing of giant clams (Bivalvia: Tridacnidae). Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture, 130: 1–55. Available online at:
http://www.ctsa.org/upload/publication/CTSA_130631672860873095404.pdf - Algae
- Simple plants that lack roots, stems and leaves but contain the green pigment chlorophyll. Most occur in marine and freshwater habitats.
- Hermaphrodite
- Possessing both male and female sex organs.
- Invertebrates
- Animals with no backbone, such as insects, crustaceans, worms, molluscs, spiders, cnidarians (jellyfish, corals, sea anemones), echinoderms, and others.
- Larva
- Stage in an animal's lifecycle after it hatches from the egg. Larvae are typically very different in appearance to adults; they are able to feed and move around but usually are unable to reproduce.
- Larval
- Of the stage in an animal's lifecycle after it hatches from the egg. Larvae are typically very different in appearance to adults; they are able to feed and move around but usually are unable to reproduce.
- Mantle
- In molluscs, a fold of skin that encloses a space known as the mantle cavity, which contains the gills. The mantle is responsible for the secretion of the shell.
- Metamorphosis
- An abrupt physical change from the larval to the adult form.
- Mollusc
- Belonging to a diverse group of invertebrates, mainly marine, that have one or all of the following; a horny, toothed ribbon in the mouth (the radula), a shell covering the upper surface of the body, and a mantle or mantle cavity with a type of gill. Includes snails, slugs, shellfish, octopuses and squid.
- Photosynthesis
- Metabolic process characteristic of plants in which carbon dioxide is broken down, using energy from sunlight absorbed by the green pigment chlorophyll. Organic compounds are made and oxygen is given off as a by-product.
- Plankton
- Aquatic organisms that drift with water movements; may be either phytoplankton (plants), or zooplankton (animals).
- Sessile
- Fixed and stationary.
- Symbiotic relationship
- Relationship in which two organisms form a close association, the term is now usually used only for associations that benefit both organisms (a mutualism).
IUCN Red List (May, 2011)
http://www.iucnredlist.org - Wells, S.M., Pyle, R.M. and Collins, N.M. (1983) The IUCN Invertebrate Red Data Book. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.
CITES (February, 2005)
http://www.cites.org - Ellis, S. (1998) Spawning and early larval rearing of giant clams (Bivalvia: Tridacnidae). Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture, 130: 1 - 55.
- Jantzen, C. (2008) Pers. comm.
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Small giant clam biology
A sessile mollusc, the small giant clam attaches itself to rocks or dead coral and siphons water through its body, filtering it for phytoplankton, as well as extracting oxygen with its gills. However, it does not need to filter-feed as much as other clams since it obtains most of the nutrients it requires from tiny photosynthetic algae known as zooxanthellae (4).
Beginning life as a tiny fertilised egg, the small giant clam hatches within 12 hours, becoming a free-swimming larva. This larva then develops into another, more developed, larva which is capable of filter-feeding. At the third larval stage, a foot develops, allowing the larva to alternately swim and rest on the substrate. After eight to ten days, the larva metamorphoses into a juvenile clam, at which point it can acquire zooxanthellae and function symbiotically (4). The juvenile matures into a male clam after two or three years, becoming a hermaphrodite when larger (at around 15 centimetres in length) (4) (5). Reproduction is stimulated by the lunar cycle, the time of day, and the presence of other eggs and sperm in the water. Hermaphroditic clams will release sperm first, followed by eggs (4).
TopSmall giant clam range
The small giant clam has the widest range of all giant clam species. It is found in the oceans surrounding east Africa, India, China, Australia, Southeast Asia and the islands of the Pacific (1).
See this species on Google Earth.
TopSmall giant clam habitat
Found living on the surface of reefs or sand, or partly embedded in coral (2), the small giant clam occupies well lit areas, due to its symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae, which require sunlight for energy production (4).
TopSmall giant clam status
The small giant clam is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List (1) and is listed on Appendix II of CITES (3).
TopSmall giant clam threats
The small giant clam is collected in small numbers for the shell trade, and it is also eaten (2). In Asia, the muscle of the small giant clam is considered a delicacy, and the Bedouins around the Red Sea also eat this marine invertebrate (5).
TopSmall giant clam conservation
It has been shown that numbers in protected regions are considerably higher than numbers outside these areas. Research into clam farming, as well as into the ecology, growth rates and reproductive behaviour of the small giant clam is necessary to understand the conservation needs of this species. The Tongan Government gives a limit for the minimum size that can be harvested (2).
TopFind out more
For further information on giant clams and their cultivation:
Authenticated (18/08/09) by Carin Jantzen, Coral Reef Ecology Working Group (CORE), Center for Geobiology and Biodiversity Research, Ludwig-Maximilian-University München.
More »Related species
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BB 9.1: Grade Center – Creating a Column
May 11, 2012 in BB Tutorials, Faculty
Create Column for Blackboard 9.1 is used to create a column where you would enter manual grades such as attendance or an assignment completed where a link was not automatically created in the Blackboard 9.1 Grade Center.
- Select Create Column. This option is used if you want to create a column where you will manually enter grades.
- Required fields for you to enter are Column Name and Points Possible
- Other choices to make at this time would be: Primary Display (choose Score which is default; Text; Letter; Percentage; Complete/Incomplete); Category (if you plan on weighting grades by category, this is important to choose); Due Date (students see this in their My Grades view)
- Under Options, you have three choices to select: Include This Column in Grade Center Calculations; Show this Column to Students; Show Statistics
- Once you've created your grade column, click Submit to save your changes.


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Boy Girl
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First name content excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to 30,000 Baby Names © 2005 by Marcia Layton Turner. Buy this book online or call 1-800-253-6476.
Last name content copyright © 2006 Patrick Hanks.
First name origins & meanings:
First name variations: Mari, Marie, Maria, Miriam, Marian, Mame, Mamie, Maymie, Mayme, May, Mally, Molly, Polly, Mara, Maretta, Marel, Marella, Maren, Marlo, Mariette, Marieta, Meriel, Mimi, Minette, Minnie, Minny, Mitzi, Madonna, Marilla, Marla, Marya, Muriel, Manon, Manette, Marija, Marika, Maire, Mare, Marquita, Maure, Mairin, Mair, Maura, Maureen, Moira, Moire, Moya, Muire, Masha, Mairi, Mariya, Mashia, Mash, Mariath, Mary, Meridith, Meri, Meredith, Merri, Merrie, Merrilee, Merrily, Merrita, Merrielle, Meredith, Meridith, Meri, Merideth, Merydeth, Merydith, Merydyth, Meredith
Last name origins & meanings:
This name appears in the following lists: Virtues
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Hebrides Ensemble on tour
We have just got back from a whistlestop tour and two standing ovations in Amsterdam and Leeds with Synergy
[more]New:Aud – a new way of reaching audiences.
Hebrides Ensemble will, over the course of the next two years, be the sole Scottish representative taking part in
15 hours agoThe Ensemble is on tour. We've just arrived to start our rehearsals at the Bath Festival. A good day ahead.
2013/05/22Rehearsals begin today. We're off to Bath Festival on Friday. Join us there for some great music.
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Professional | Technical Education | Legal Education | |
Daniel J. Lueders PartnerDan is an adjunct professor of law at Indiana University School of Law, having taught patent and trade secret law, trademark law, and patent litigation. He has served as ... View full bio » |
Northwestern University's Technological InstituteB.S. Civil Engineering |
Indiana University School of Law – Bloomington |
Marta L. Paul Of CounselMarta manages various intellectual property matters for clients involving patents, copyrights, trademarks, licensing agreements, and related litigation. Prior to joining the firm in 2003, Marta worked with administrative law ... View full bio » |
Purdue UniversityB.S., Civil Engineering |
Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis |
Braden R. Duffin AssociateBraden was born and raised in the Northwest United States. While earning his Mechanical Engineering degree, Braden gained experience working with Rolls Royce in the areas of mechanical design ... View full bio » |
Indiana University Purdue University IndianapolisB.S., Mechanical Engineering |
Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis |


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- Qrunch Quinoa Veggie Burgers, free of the top 8 allergens, gluten, and corn. -
This weekend was a rare occurrence. We had a leisurely weekend without planning anything or working on projects and it really felt like a mini-vacation, even though we didn't travel anywhere. Since I graduated from college with my undergrad degree two years ago, I felt like I'd been living on a scrambler carnival ride non-stop. I treasured having some time to recharge and definitely agree with the sentiment that the best ideas, creativity, and motivation comes from taking a time out from the bustling.
- Homemade Southwest Chicken Salad with salsa and black beans. Wait…did I say Black Beans? Yes, I did. My legume allergy seems to be lessening, as I can now tolerate black beans with no adverse reactions. I'm ecstatic! -
- Leftovers done right: Hearty Brown Rice Pasta with Turmeric Roasted Chicken with Italian Herbs -
- Quick Goat Cheese Pizza using Brown Rice Crusts -
- Almond Flour Orange Blueberry Muffins. I'll be sharing this recipe in my next post. -


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This is in fact an old idea. It muust have been lost with the old forums or simply it was never mentioned in public.
The idea in general includes a number of available facilities/upgrades (or simply named as wonders) which will be available to the gangs. They will be purchased for a standard sum which will double every time one wonder is purchased. Up to 3 wonders perhaps will be the maximum selection.
Now, some common examples could be 10% more cash from crimes or 10% more xp or 10% specialization boost, or 10-20% cost deduction in upgrading secondary statitics etc. There could be wonder also affecting rob another player features or mob costs-cuts etc. We can also have wonders that are needed for specific industries.
I know some may find the idea bad for solo players but the game is intended to be multiplayer. We might create a solo server some time afterwards for those that want to go solo. Before this can happen, the rob another player feature will need to be perfected.
Finally, you need to know that gang wonders are integral part of the game future (you must have noticed an open space in the table in manage gang. This was destined for the gang wonders as they would be released alongside with the full game but there was simply not enough time.
You may suggest type of wonders. Here is a full way to do it in a nice, structured way:
Wonder name: Cash Laundry Network
Building Costs: 250 Millions $
Building Item Needs: Nothing (Or perhaps a basketball or football team ?
Daily update cost: 50.000$
Affect: +10% Cash from every crime each gang member does.
Cash Laundry network is in fact a series of paid person who work together in order to cover the "dirty" money generated from illegal activity. It costs a lot to find the right persons, setup the needed legal enterprises and buy whatever other buildings needed. Also, money for its construction are spent to find the right persons to do the job while also some are spent for the right briberies to the right persons. The cleared cash generated from the whole business is a lot but since the whole system needs much in order to function, the final earnings are around 10% of the initial ammount. Finally there is a daily update cost of $50 000 as these are used to cover the clear steady costs such as rents of the buildings. The people working on it are getting paid through the dirty money so this is not an issue for you.
Way to go then. The more choices, the better. Also, this can be a good way to spend the gang money.
Gang Wonder ideas shortlist so far:
1.Cash Laundry Network -> +10% Cash from every crime each gang member does.
2.Gang Security Plan -> +10% increase in all defense systems against robberies for each member.
3.Gang Security Network (Upgrade to Gang Security Plan) -> +10% in all defense systems against up to 1 specific gang.
4.Hideout -> -10% to cost of Wanted level for entire gang.
5.Thieves Den (Upgrade to Hideout) -> - 10% of cost to Morale,Stamina for entire gang.
6.Underground Complex (Upgrade to Thieves Den) -> -10% of cost to Stealh,Health
7.On-call Doctor -> Gang members who would otherwise normally die, will instead loss all experience gained for that level.
8.The Fence -> Items sold to Black Market for 60% of base cost instead of 50%
9.The Specialist -> One extra specific specialty (chosen at wonder construction, once) available during rob another player.
10.Numbers Game -> +1-10% (Random) increase of total amount of cash in gang treasury.
11.House Security Company -> No cut fee applies to mobsters which guard the house.
12.Training Grounds -> No cut fee applies to mobsters on training.
13.Academy -> No cut fee applies to mobsters on sale.
14.Extreme Specialization -> Members with the specific specialty (chosen at wonder construction, once) receive 10-20% (random) boost to their affect.
15.Merchant Masters -> All items sold through players market, generate an extra 5% profit.
16.Underground Storage Pits - Storage fees applies at 50 items instead of 20.
17.Bootyland History Lessons- +10% xp from each crime


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Back to
Directory of States
[New Jersey State Plan Website -
Safety |
About the New Jersey State Plan
In addition, the New Jersey Plan provides for the adoption of
alternative or different occupational safety and health standards by
the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development in consultation
with the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, the
Commissioner of Community Affairs, and the Public Employees
Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board, where no Federal
standards are applicable to the conditions or circumstances or where
standards more stringent than the federal are deemed advisable.
Hazard Communication Program, Standards for Firefighters, Indoor
Air Quality and Indoor Firing Ranges standards are part of the PEOSH
Voluntary and Cooperative Programs Disclaimer Accessibility Assistance: Contact the OSHA Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs at 202-693-2244 for assistance accessing PDF materials. |


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'Witcher 2' video highlights effect of player choice
Verdant green pathways and serene dwellings are contrasted with miserable scenes of dereliction and destruction, while main character Geralt is greeted by different companions -- or, in sadder situations, not at all.
"One of the game's acts tells a completely different story based on the decisions you made earlier," explains Jonas Mattsson, one of the level artists who had worked on the game.
The Witcher 2's various merits were frequently referred to in end-of-year award discussions, alongside those of fellow action-oriented role-playing games The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, and Dark Souls.
It was originally released for PC in May 2011, with a regular flow of game updates and expansions, before an Xbox 360 conversion was produced for April 2012.
The developer of the game, CD Projekt Red, has announced a live Summer Conference for May 30 from 5pm GMT and is promising a "major announcement."
"The Witcher 2 Enhanced Edition - Changing Locations" trailer: youtu.be/yJQFRXXrVnk
Official website: thewitcher.com


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- February 28, 2013
- 10:58 a.m.
- Suggest removal
- Reply to this post
RayPray writes:
in response to KlausStoertebeker:
Jack Lew is confirmed. Another great decision of President Barack Obama.
Seriously - who want a job like that? I salute this guy!
Jack is one of our greatest big bankers....
He will certainly provide much needed inspiration for DC corporate rent-seeking and crony capitalism:
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I have a jsp page under that i add a list box under i get the countries through my database. so how can i do it?
If you are facing any programming issue, such as compilation errors or not able to find the code you are looking for.
Ask your questions, our development team will try to give answers to your questions.


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From blackvoices.com
After Gabby Douglas' disappointing day in an otherwise outstanding Olympics, the golden girl of the games is allegedly discussing her father, Timothy Douglas, who has been noticeably absent from the events, in a less than positive light.
According to the New York Post, Douglas slammed her Air Force father as a deadbeat yesterday, blaming him for her mom, Natalie Hawkins', financial woes.
"It was really hard for us growing up — my dad had left us, so he wasn't really in the picture anymore," Douglas reportedly said. "So my mom had to front all these bills. My dad didn't really pay the child support. He was short [on money]. It was definitely hard on her part, and she had to take care of me and the rest of my siblings."
Read more at blackvoices.com
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text: 03/08/2013 Ten Squash Student-Athletes Honored at Tenth Annual Breakfast for Champions345 Student-Athletes Recognized for Academic Excellence 02/03/2013 Eventful Weekend for Squash Ends With Win Over VassarPaul Monaghan Leads the Way With 4-1 Record in Five Matches 11/10/2012 Squash Earns Split of Two MatchesRams Top Vassar, 8-1, While Falling to Haverford, 9-0 03/14/2012 Five Squash Student-Athletes Honored at Ninth Annual Breakfast for Champions307 Student-Athletes Recognized for Academic Excellence 02/17/2012 Squash Drops Opener at CSA Team Championship to IllinoisRams Take on Bryant on Saturday in Consolation Bracket 2012-13:Was one of the top rated players on the team... Played mainly at the #3 slot, but did have matches at the #2 and #4 slots... Posted a 3-16 overall record... Defeated Vassar's Christian Lyon in straight games... Also defeated Vassar's Aiden Sperry and Bryant's Phil Carr during the season... One of nine players to be honored at Fordham's Breakfast for Champions for academic excellence. 2011-12: One of the mainstays of the Fordham line-up... Played anywhere from the #5 slot to #8... Posted a 4-8 overall record, which included a 3-2 mark at the #8 slot... Against nationally ranked NYU, defeated Ramy Toma in straight sets at the #8 slot... One of five players to be honored at Fordham's Breakfast for Champions for academic excellence. Before Fordham: Competed for the tennis and cross country teams at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C... Member of the 2008-09 conference championship for tennis... Member of the National Honor Society. Major: Communications & Media Studies/English. |


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By Melissa Hale-Spencer
GUILDERLAND — School board members here dealt quickly and unanimously with the physical problem of demolishing a vacant building, but had varied views and came to no conclusion when wrestling with the conceptual issue of whether to back a resolution on federal budget cuts.
The Farnsworth Middle School was built on property off of State Farm Road once used by golfers. The one-time clubhouse — or "caddy shack" as the school board president has called it — became the district office. It has been vacant since new offices were built at the high school as part of the recently completed $27 million building project.
The school board last month decided, in a unanimous vote, to demolish the building once it has been stripped of useable salvage.
Clifford Nooney, the district's supervisor of Buildings and Grounds, came up with the idea of putting the vacant building up for salvage bid. If a salvage company, for example, buys the windows and doors, or other materials, that would help offset the cost of demolition.
"Anything they take out, we don't have to haul away," Assistant Superintendent for Business Neil Sanders told the board.
He also reported that the vacant building, now used for storage, is in "overall poor condition."
District staff will do the demolition work.
"We do have to get a demolition permit through the town," said Sanders. "The building is cleared for asbestos."
He added, "The rodents moved out when everybody else moved out."
Nooney said the process of removing the building debris would take about a week. The offices had no basement but stood on a slab. Nooney said removing the slab would probably cost as much as demolishing the building, so it will be left in place and perhaps used for parking space.
After the board voted to declare the property as surplus and obsolete, board member Judy Slack said, "It's been considered obsolete for quite awhile."
Fiscal cliff
A federal across-the-board budget cut, under the Budget Control Act of 2011, is due to take place on Jan. 2. The United States Department of Education estimates that sequestration would result in a $1.2 billion cut to Title I funding — $88 million for New York State — and a $900 million loss for special-education grants — $61 million for New York.
Guilderland School Board President Colleen O'Connell said that the National School Boards Association has asked boards to pass a resolution to send to elected officials. "I don't have the numbers we would lose," she said of Guilderland. Title I funds go to poor districts. "We have to be concerned about schools less fortunate than us," said O'Connell.
She added, "Sometimes, when you have these very Draconian things…there are unintended consequences."
The sample resolution circulated by the NSBA includes eight "whereas" clauses, including, "Whereas, these across-the-board budget cuts, also known as sequestration, would impact education by a reduction in funds of 8.2 percent or more and could result in larger class sizes, fewer course offerings, possible four-day school weeks, loss of extracurricular activities, and teacher and staff lay-offs…" and "Whereas, federal funding for K-12 programs was already reduced by more than $835 million in Fiscal Year 2011, and state and local funding for education continues to be impacted by budget cuts and lower local property tax revenues."
The military or environmental groups, said board member Barbara Fraterrigo, could express the same types of sentiments. "I think the country is in such a budget crisis, everybody has to participate," she said, recommending that Guilderland add another "whereas" clause, saying, "We all have to participate."
Board member Catherine Barber responded, "I don't have a problem asking that cuts not be made to education. We're a school board."
"Where is the money going to come from?" asked board member Allan Simpson.
"We're not being asked to micro-manage the problem," responded O'Connell. "It's asking us to show support for this position."
"Asking for money and not having a way to fund it, I don't see how you can do that," said Simpson.
The board will decide at its next meeting, on Dec. 11, how to alter the resolution and whether or not to adopt it.
Other business
In other business at its Nov. 20 meeting, the board:
— Heard from Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Demian Singleton that the Farnsworth organic garden this year produced 4,010 pounds of food, donated to the Regional Food Bank. He thanked Heather Bryer and Colleen Ryan for "stepping up into leadership roles" and Jen Ford for her and her students' help; over 450 students participated;
— Heard congratulations for 11th-grade art students Camerina Ramierez, Maureen Phillippi, and Samantha Coons whose work was selected for the Wicked Exhibition, depicting the concepts of "good" and "evil," held in conjunction with the Broadway production of Wicked. They are students in an advertising and design class taught by Meredith Best;
— Heard praise for Zubin Mukerjee, recently named one of 413 semi-finalists in this year's Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology. Singleton said that Mukerjee is "in contention for the nation's most coveted teen science prize."
Mukerjee and Uthsave Chitra, a high school student in Delaware, were recognized for their original research paper, "Random Involutions and the Number of Prime Factors of an Integer," based on work they did together, mentored by Kirsten Wickelgren, an American Institute of Mathematics fellow at Harvard;
— Heard "heartfelt thanks" from Superintendent Marie Wiles for Guilderland's "bus drivers, clerical staff, teaching assistants, nurses, food-service staff, aids and monitors, custodians and maintenance staff who all work side by aide as partners in the education of our children….Our thanks to those folks who work so hard," said Wiles, noting that the day of the school board meeting, Nov. 20, was School-Related Professionals' Day, observed across the state;
— Learned from Wiles that "an advocacy event" is being planned for Jan. 31 at Columbia High School in East Greenbush to give elected officials "a better understanding of the impact of how certain policies and practices in school-district funding, coupled with an absence of any meaningful mandate relief, are quickly dismantling the quality education system for which New York State has been admired for decades."
The event is being hosted by the joint Legislative Committee of Superintendents in the Capital Region and the Questar III Board Of Cooperative Educational Services;
— Honored and applauded the girls' varsity soccer team that, for the first time in its history, played in the semifinals of the state tournament. "At the end of 110 minutes, we were tied and, unfortunately, lost on penalty kicks," said O'Connell.
Wiles said the team played "with heart and soul, and we couldn't be prouder";
— Approved the last seven change orders, totaling an additional $9,385, to complete the $27 million renovation project. "I feel like Emilio should be here," said O'Connell, referring to a former school board member, Emilio Genzano, who had expertise in construction. "He's here in spirit";
— Accepted delinquent tax rolls and a tax collection report showing that for 2012-13, $1.6 million is owed in property taxes out of a $61 million levy. The 97-percent collection rate is average for the district, Sanders said.
He also explained that Albany County is now responsible for collecting the unpaid taxes, and the school district will get the $1.6 million in revenues whether the county is successful in collecting it or not;
— Appointed Jason Marra as a citizen member of the school board's audit committee. Simpson, who chairs the committee, said that three "amply qualified" candidates were interviewed for the unpaid post and Marra was the unanimous recommendation of the committee members. Eight citizens applied for the post;
— Approved two new clubs at the middle school — a Ping-Pong Club to be advised by Lori Rafferty and Fran Gorka, and a Junior Dance Squad, which will learn dance techniques used by the Guilderland High School Dance Squad and will be advised by Rafferty.
"It truly is a testament to our faculty," said Wiles, noting the advisors will receive no stipend for their work; and
— Adopted policies on interpreters for hearing-impaired parents, on citizenship education, on programs for pregnant students, on codes of conducts for the public on school property and for prohibited students, and on notification of releases on Level 3 sex offenders.