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Climate Change:
The Quality, Comparability, and Review of Emissions Inventories Vary Between Developed and Developing Nations
GAO-10-818: Published: Jul 30, 2010. Publicly Released: Aug 5, 2010.
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Nations that are Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change periodically submit inventories estimating their greenhouse gas emissions. The Convention Secretariat runs a review process to evaluate inventories from 41 "Annex I" nations, which are mostly economically developed nations. The 153 "non-Annex I" nations are generally less economically developed and have less stringent inventory reporting guidelines. The Department of State (State) represents the United States in international climate change negotiations. GAO was asked to report on (1) what is known about the comparability and quality of inventories and barriers, if any, to improvement; (2) what is known about the strengths and limits of the inventory review process; and (3) views of experts on implications for current and future international agreements to reduce emissions. GAO analyzed inventory reviews and inventories from the seven highest-emitting Annex I nations and seven of the highest emitting non-Annex I nations. GAO also selected and interviewed experts.
Recent reviews by expert teams convened by the Secretariat found that the 2009 inventories from the selected Annex I nations--Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States--were generally comparable and of high quality. For selected non-Annex I nations--Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, and South Korea--GAO found most inventories were dated and of lower comparability and quality. Experts GAO interviewed said data availability, scientific uncertainties, limited incentives, and different guidelines for non-Annex I nations were barriers to improving their inventories. The lack of comparable, high quality inventories from non-Annex I nations is important because they are the largest and fastest growing source of emissions, and information about their emissions is important to efforts to address climate change. There are no inventory reviews for non-Annex I nations. Experts said the inventory review process has notable strengths for Annex I nations as well as some limitations. The review process, which aims to ensure nations have accurate information on inventories, is rigorous, involves well-qualified reviewers, and provides feedback to improve inventories, according to experts. Among the limitations experts identified is a lack of independent verification of estimates due to the limited availability of independent statistics against which to compare inventories' data. Also, GAO found that the review process's quality assurance framework does not independently assess concerns about a limited supply of reviewers and inconsistent reviews, which could pose challenges in the future. Experts said Annex I nations' inventories and the inventory review process are generally sufficient for monitoring compliance with current agreements to reduce emissions. For non-Annex I nations, however, experts said the current system may be insufficient for monitoring compliance with future agreements, which may require more reporting. As part of ongoing negotiations to develop a new climate change agreement, State has emphasized the need for better information on emissions from high-emitting non-Annex I nations. While improving the inventory system is important to negotiations, some experts said disagreements about emissions limits for developed and developing nations pose a greater challenge. GAO recommends that the Secretary of State work with other Parties to the Convention to (1) continue encouraging non-Annex I Parties to improve their inventories and (2) strengthen the inventory review process's quality assurance framework. State agreed with GAO's findings and recommendations.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Status: Closed - Implemented
Comments: Following our report and consistent with our recommendation, State department officials worked with their counterparts in international negotiations to enhance inventories from non-Annex I Parties. In 2011, at the seventeenth session of the Conference of the Parties in Durban, South Africa, Parties agreed on several issues to improve inventories. Specifically, Parties decided that non-Annex I Parties shall submit biennial inventories, adopted new guidelines for these inventories, and established a process for international consultation and analysis of submissions.
Recommendation: Recognizing the importance of high quality and comparable data on emissions from Annex I and non-Annex I Parties to the Convention in developing and monitoring international climate change agreements, the Secretary of State should continue to work with other Parties to the Convention in international negotiations to encourage non-Annex I Parties, especially high-emitting nations, to enhance their inventories, including by reporting in a more timely, comprehensive, and comparable manner, and possibly establishing a process for reviewing their inventories.
Agency Affected: Department of State
Status: Closed - Implemented
Comments: Following our report and consistent with our recommendation, State department officials worked with their counterparts to explore various ways to strengthen the quality assurance framework for the inventory review process. This has resulted in several improvements in the review process, including new software tools for inventory review teams and, beginning in June 2012, additional training for expert reviewers on complex models and higher-tier methods. In addition, annual meetings of lead expert reviewers have addressed consistency of inventory reviews and the availability of resources and reviewers.
Recommendation: To provide greater assurance that the review process has an adequate supply of reviewers and provides consistent reviews, the Secretary of State, as the U.S. representative to the Framework Convention, should work with other Parties to the Convention to explore strengthening the quality assurance framework for the inventory review process. A stronger framework could include, for example, having an independent reviewer periodically assess the consistency of inventory reviews and whether the Secretariat has sufficient resources and inventory reviewers to maintain its ability to perform high quality inventory reviews.
Agency Affected: Department of State
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In the wake of the increasing importance of Kazakhstan as a market for Indian teas, the Tea Board of India has taken a delegation to the country, which is now the second largest buyer of Indian teas after Russia.
The delegation is being led by Tea Board Deputy Chairman Neelam Meena, and will comprise major exporters and importers, according to a Tea Board release.
Kazakhstan has a market size of 24 million kilograms per annum, and India meets almost half of this demand. Major Indian tea exporters and importers will put up an exhibition and hold a tea-tasting session for the general public during the visit. From India, major exporters such as Premier Tea, JV Gokal, McLeod Russel, B K Birla Group and Harrison Malaylam will be part of the delegation.
Keywords: Kazakhstan, Tea Board of India

subset: commoncrawl


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In This Section
AES News
- First Book in "AES Presents" Series from Focal Press
- New edition of Handbook for Sound Engineers, edited by Glen Ballou
- 137th Audio Engineering Society Convention Breaks Records and Draws Acclaim from Attendees, Exhibitors and Presenters Alike
- Convention reminds West-Coast audio community, "If It's About Audio, It's At AES!"
- AES 2014 Election Results
- The results are in!
- Time to Vote: 2014 AES Elections
- Deadline was Friday, July 11th
AES Honorary Membership Award
Ronald E. Uhlig
The AES recognizes and honors those who have made outstanding contributions to the field of audio in engineering, technology, service, and the arts through its Awards Program.
In 2013, Ronald E. Uhlig was presented with the AES Honorary Membership Award in recognition of his pioneering engineering achievements to enhance the film sound experience for the audience, including the development of international standard setting technology that allowed stereo variable area soundtracks to replace monaural film sound, and later, the development of digital data read/write capability for 35mm digital audio.


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This book brings awareness to how we can help protect the birds of North America's habitat. There are many very simple things we can do to help. About 100 North American birds are at risk due to harvesting alone. The book shows us that we don't have to move mountains to make a difference, just take simple, small steps to make a big difference.
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More West Coast passengers boarding Hawaii cruises
He said it's costly to transport the ships, especially in some cases when the ships are too large to make it through the Panama Canal and must go around South America.
To take advantage of this business, Hawaii must showcase new activities - like the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival and Mele Mei, a month long celebration of Hawaiian music that started last May - that cruise passengers might enjoy while they're on shore, Uchiyama said.
"Being able to attract more cruise companies to our shores is an opportunity that the Hawaii Tourism Authority is working towards," he said in an email.
The number of people who flew to Hawaii to board a cruise here, meanwhile, numbered nearly 108,000 in the first 11 months of 2011 - a 4.8 percent drop from the previous year.
This number has been declining since Norwegian Cruise Lines - which operates the only cruise that goes solely between the Hawaiian islands - withdrew two of its three interisland cruise ships in 2008.
NCL America has complained that its interisland service is at a competitive disadvantage to ships coming from the U.S. West Coast because they're foreign-flagged and aren't subject to U.S. taxes and labor laws. These vessels make brief stops in Ensenada, Mexico - sometimes for just a few hours - before continuing to Hawaii to satisfy U.S. law governing foreign ships.
The Jones Act requires ships transporting people and goods between U.S. ports to have been built in the U.S., to be crewed and owned by U.S. citizens and to fly the U.S. flag.
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O.K. so I had to sign-up JUST so I could move this review along a bit... ABSINTHE is available in the U.S. - There are SEVERAL reputable and quality options to buy as well. While they range from a mild Anise flavor to a more Harsh Licorice taste - you can alter the recipe to suit your palate. Try something new THIS WEEK, o.k.?
Response to review below: some truly extraordinary absinthe is made by Lance Winters, master distiller, at St. George Spirits of Alameda, California. See the New York Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/05/dining/05absi.html?pagewanted=all
don't bother with this one. unless you bring it in yourself from Europe (which is hard to do), you will never find true absinthe in North America, where it is still illegal. the stuff sold as Absinthe in Ontario liqour stores is the best you'll find, and it's absolutely vile


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Show Reviews (77)
Robert Hewitt Wolfe took his ball and went home, and everyone else tried to keep on playing with a brick. Injuries ensue.
Andromeda makes me very, very sad, when I think about where this series might have gone.
The show did fairly well in its first season, and with good reason. The show was new and interesting, with a well-matched set of characters and an intriguing universe for them to play in. This continued a little bit into the second season.
Then Robert Hewitt Wolfe, the man at the reins who developed the show from Roddenberry's original ideas, had to leave.
From that point on, Andromeda went to hell.
The show became more episodic. Characters became trivial and one-dimensional. Insight was abandoned in favor of traditional action. Dylan Hunt gets a girl-of-the-week. The show came to DEFINE the term "faceless baddies". Any semblance of depth in the series vanished in a puff of smoke. We were left with the Kevin Sorbo Space Cowboy Hour. Heck, even Keith Hamilton Cobb stepped out. (EDIT: Further information reveals that Cobb's initial contract was only for three seasons anyway, so this point no longer applies.) But he came back just long enough to finish the physical and metaphorical assassination of his character.
When the reformation of the Commonwealth, the event that motivates the entire series from its outset, occurs with barely a flaccid whimper and hardly a lick of excitement, you know you've fallen, hard. And when the motivation for the series after that point is "The universe is dangerous! We have a ship!"...
...Yeah. Oh, what might have been.
(EDIT: Recently, Robert Hewitt Wolfe posted a short one-act play called "Andromeda: Coda" on his website. The play is a short exchange between Harper and Trance that serves to summarize where Wolfe was going with the story before his involvement with the show ended. It can be found at http://www.rhwolfe.com/Insider%20Info.htm .)moreless
Why did I wait until 2012 to get into Andromeda?????????
First of all let me just say that I am as about as big a fan of Science Fiction as it gets. I can be just as self absorbed, over opinionated, and as well deluded as the next person when it comes to waxing lyrical. But really, there is no need. Andromeda gets such a bad rap, that I too fell foul of taking on board all the negativity surrounding it and never gave it a look until 2012, STUPID me. This show is really one of a kind, as long as you don't have any pre-conceptions and go into with an open mind. I love the Roddenberry Universe, and no one is telling me that Deep Space 9 is not the best show in any universal dimension. But in the parallel Roddenberry universe where things aren't quite as serious and deep, then Andromeda rules.
Mr. High Guard himself, Dylan Hunt, is no Sisko or Picard and definitely no Janeway. Although there is a bit of Tiberius about him, as Eddie Murphy would say "You gotta be a horny motherf***r to f***k a green bitch". Although he does lead an assortment of real cool ship mates in his quest to re-assemble the long dead commonwealth. It's all good but for me, Seamus Zelazny Harper played by Gordon Michael Woolvett, is an absolute Star. Also, Rommie would give Seven a good run for her money in the whole "resistance is futile" stakes. And without giving anything else away, the rest of the cast all fit in really well.
It may not be as cerebral as the Trek stuff, but has just as much right to its existence. I am coming up to the end of season four, and although it may not get to me in the same way as the final season of DS9. I have a feeling that the end of season five is going to be like saying goodbye to an old friend. I came to Andromeda after finishing BSG. In much the same way I was late onto BSG due to some things I read about the remake, again, stupid me. BSG is up there with DS9 for me, and it was great getting into Andromeda as a tonic for all the heavy emotional journey, yet brilliance of BSG.
Anyway, there I go doing the thing I said I would not, and mouthing off to the world like some film critic who thinks that his opinion is worth anything at all. Seriously though, Andromeda is really good fun. Just ignore all the negativity, ignore me and my opinion, and give it a chance, you will not be disappointed.moreless
I really wanted to like this show but just a few things stopped me the need for decent acting three dimensional charcters coherent plots and in sci fi decent effects as well.
Dylan Hunt: The Legendary Journey's.
I'm a big science fiction fan and will give every new show that comes along a try sometimes in the cases of Farscape and Battlestar Galactica, to name just two you discover that they're just so good that you are immediately gripped and that you'll buy the DVD box sets so you can watch every episode again and again even the episodes that aren't that good. On the other hand, as in my case with Firefly i missed it on TV I saw it on DVD and it was worth taking the chance on a show i'd never seen before.
However back to the subject of Andromeda the opposite end from the shows i just mentioned, this show is a nothing more than a complete joke and gives television science fiction and indeed science fiction in general a bad name it has been poorly written and acted since the first episode and should never have lasted five episodes let alone five seasons. I started watching and I wanted to like it I really did it should have been easy coming from the mind of Gene Roddenberry brought to life by Robert Hewitt Wolfe and starring Kevin Sorbo who may not be the greatest actor in the world but he was very good in Hercules, so I tried to like it, I honestly did I watched every episode of the first season then about half the episodes of season 2 which is where everything began to go seriously wrong. Season one to me was pointless and not particularly great in the way it was written but it was at the least watchable ass a sort of lazy time passing substandard way. But Season 2 undermined what little effort had gone into it so I sat continually hoping that it would improve and show the full potential it had hinted at but it never did and after Sky changed the time it was on I just decided it wasn't worth my time or effort trying to keep up with. In my opinion it suffered from a case of too many cooks so it has had no sense of direction and any arcs it tried to create were immediately junked when someone new came in and they tried to imprint their own ideas. When Robert Hewitt Wolfe was at the helm it was poor but there were glimpses small ones only but glimpses anyhow that it could improve but then he was fired for seemingly trying to make a decent Sci-Fi show. From then on it was downhill becoming a messy flashy thing where effects were the best thing about it and most of them were rough and looked to computer animated giving an already unrealistic and stupid show one more reason for people to hate it while story and acting took a back seat with Kevin Sorbo basically rehashing Hercules and the rest of the cast standing in the background getting to spout the occasional line of meaningless dialogue, it's no wonder Keith Hamilton Cobb left as soon as his contract expired he'd spent his last two years on the show reduced to standing in the background looking mean and having about two episodes showcasing his character now I'm not saying he's a brilliant actor but he was good enough to bring Tyr Anazazi the Nieztechien warrior to life and make him an interesting character even if only he'd been allowed.
The characterisations were paper-thin and with the exception of Dylan Hunt and Harper badly acted not that I think Gordon Michael Woolvet is exactly a great actor either but he could do the comedy stuff he was given and deliver it well even if it was hardly ever as funny as the writers wanted it to be, but now I see him as a poor imitation of Firefly's Wash even though Harper came first a statement that on the face of it makes as much sense as the average episode, Lisa Ryder as Beka on the other hand was especially bad wearing the same expressionless face for whatever her character was meant to be feeling, she is a bad actress and here's hoping she never darkens the door of either Stargate show and especially not Battlestar Galactica. But the worst acted and most annoyingly pointless character was Laura Bertram as Trance Gemini from the start she was annoying where she was meant to be cute and friendly irritating where she was supposed to be mysterious and the viewers were supposed to care what her secrets were, a lethal combination of a bad actress and dozens of mediocre to just down right bad writers meant she just made the character come across as smug making you want to throw something at the screen when she was on and yell at Dylan to toss her out of an airlock. Ditto for hopes never to see her ruining SG or BSG
As for Dylan Hunt he was the ultimate moronic cardboard hero never wrong always did the right thing and was sanctimonious from the outset. I'd tuned in every now and then during seasons 3, 4 and 5 to see if things had gotten better to discover they hadn't they'd gotten worse and now Dylan had become even more indestructible and annoyingly smug and superior and now didn't let any other character get even the most simple thing to do he just hogged the screen time solving every tedious problem that faced him by beating up the bad guys or shooting them with that stupid laser stick of his no doubt as a result of Sorbo becoming an executive producer. As for Bacic and the other blonde who cares what her name is not as bad as bottle blonde No.1 Ryder but not hard to tell she's ex Baywatch they came in and were just as average as I'd come to expect from this show. As for the final episodes The Heart of the Journey Part's 1 & 2 the first part seemed like it might at least take the series out with some kind of a bang with Harper and Rhade looking like they'd left the crew for good then a tense and even unexpected ending to part 1 with the destruction of Earth but it was ruined in part 2 yes Earth was destroyed but it had never seemed like it mattered to much during the run so blowing it up had little impact and the ending was lame and not even a good ending if it had just been a season finale but this was the last ever episode and what do we get everyone looking like they're about to die the Andromeda against over two thousand ships and it survives then they fly into the square thing and everything is alright and everyone survives man what a complete and utter cop out I mean it's the final episode what would have been wrong with killing off at least one of the crew I mean if I had have had the bad luck to have had anything to do with this shambles I would have at least taken the opportunity to knock off the supremely annoying Trance but no she gets to live. At the top I called this Dylan Hunt the Legendary Journey's in reference obviously to Hercules Sorbo's last show, but that is insulting at least Hercules was entertaining even when the acting did sometimes leave a lot to be desired and the stories were just silly this show was just a complete waste of time and how on earth this lasted longer than Farscape or Firefly I will never understand and think about it this pile of garbage lasted as long as and for as many episodes as Angel and even Babylon 5 for crying out loud it just makes no sense to me. As for the quotes that appeared at the start of each episode and the episode titles what were they all about, I assume they were supposed to bring some deep meaningful insight to the story but they never did they were just more meaningless words. Then there's they opening credit speech voiced with the exception of season 2 by Sorbo as Capt Hunt as each season passed they became ever more ridiculous, they had neither the meaning nor the simplicity of the Space the final frontier speeches of the original Star Trek or the ST: TNG.
I can't ever imagine this is the show Gene Roddenberry wanted made from his original ideas but it was and will forever be linked with his name and that is a shame. Finally I read here on tv.com a reviewer, who said in their piece that this show was from the start darker than Farscape that person is seriously, seriously wrong and makes me wonder if had you ever actually seen it cos from where I sat the two are not even in the same league, when Farscape was dark characters were tortured or killed or sacrificed themselves like Zhaan or Crais, on Andromeda bad guys said horrible things to them and laughed before getting soundly thrashed by Captain Indestructible, darker than Farscape my ass. I hate this show I hate the design of the ship it's big and ugly I hated the shallow one dimensional characters it is in my opinion a show that wouldn't even hold the attention of a 5 year old that anyone could enjoy it mystifies me that anyone could regard it as good well written well acted or in anyway anything other than worthless trash is astounding. As a fan of Sci Fi I hate this show so much. I really, really hate this show.moreless
An interesting concept poorly executed?
This show was conceptualised by the late Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, it was initially supposed to be the Federation that had fallen into collapse, not "The Commonwealth" and could have been a very interesting series if it had been taken in this direction.
However, it was decided to be made into a completely new universe with the commonwealth replacing the federation and Kevin "Hercules" Sorbo cast as the captain. The moment you saw that name you realised it would be more action and less thinking and to me that more or less killed the series.
It had the potential to be so much more, a new generation of Star Trek with amazingly deep and well rounded characters like in The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine and Voyager!
Instead we were first treated to a mildly entertaining action fest with one dimensional characters trying to rebuild the commonwealth (by beating up aliens it would seem) and fight off the magog and their ultimate weapon but eventually it just degenerated into something even more mindless at which point I stopped watching.
It makes me sad to see that a concept with so much potential just turned into this.moreless
Hercules: The legendary journeys - In Space!
Kevin Sorbo does it again. He start the main character in a decent show that is best watched with not too high expectations but tends to send some surprising moments your way. The story is easily summarized: Dylan Hunt, captain of a large warship is frozen in time for about 300 years and wakes up to see everything he stood for, loved and cared about has gone down the drain. He then tries to reform the universe to his commonwealth. With his allround talent and shiny-knight-in-armor good-doing and a talking space ship (Knight Rider lives again!) he's travelling the galaxy in search for support of his dream on resurrecting the commonwealth.
I mostly watch the show for the supporting characters, I have had enought of Kevin Sorbo already on that Hercules show.
Edit: Shows has jumed the shark in the 3rd season already. Seems like Majel Roddenberry is easily able to screw up her husband's ideas.
Edit2: The show is dead and gone. Nothing good is happening after the 2nd season. I swear no never again watch another series starring Kevin Sorbo and/or being made by Roddenberry's widow. Ever.
Overall rating:
Season 1&2: 8.5
Season 3: 6.7
Season 4: 5.3
Sesaon 5: 4.2moreless
Star Trek TOS perfected
Majel Barrett Roddenberry took a project from her late husband's desk and turned it into "Andromeda," with the help of Robert Hewitt Wolfe, who later developed "The Dresden Files" TV series. The plot, backstory, and tech resolve many of the holes that the original Star Trek series was known for. On "Andromeda" there are no quasi-scientific phasers, just railguns and missiles; no force fields, just super-hard hulls. And no transporter. In one "Andromeda" episode the ship's AI (artificial intelligence) says sarcastically, about a crew member imprisoned on another ship: I could just dematerialize him and make him reappear here, if such things actually existed. And the backstory explains why the captain puts himself personally in harm's way so often -- something the captain of a large warship rarely does.
But the star of the show is the actress playing the title character. Lexa Doig plays both the warship's AI, seen as a hologram, and an android imbued with a version of that AI, called a "ship's avatar."
Why do so many say the show was great for the first three seasons (and then...)? One main reason was that Lexa Doig got married and pregnant with the first of two children about then. Her role was much reduced -- some appearances as the the AI, but not as the athletic, kung-fu kicking avatar, naturally.
Perhaps the only gain for her fans is that she may use her married name when she continues acting. "Doig" is about the rockiest name for an actress since "Zellweger," and as inappropriate in its way as "Bullock."
The other cause for the apparent change in quality was the departure of Wolfe due to "creative differences," or some such. However, this isn't that clear. What I much liked about the series was its exploration of different species, particularly villains. A human subspecies called "Nietzscheans" -- think of Ricardo Montalban's "Khan" from "The Wrath of Khan," multiplied into billions. A ravenous race embodying the worst attributes of any villain imaginable, called the Magog. Humanity itself ranking only second or third in capabilities in this federation -- called the "commonwealth." A species called Vedrans are acknowledged by all as superior.
And the warships are beautiful. And their names are fresh and thoughtful.
I'd rate the middle part of "Babylon 5" -- after Boxleitner's arrival -- ahead of Andromeda. B5 achieved a gritty, naturalistic tone. The current "Battlestar Galactica" takes that too far for my taste, into gruesomeness and nihilism. For me, "Firefly" and "Serenity" got it almost precisely right.
Both B5 and Andromeda for me slackened at the end when they got all cosmic and mystical. Of course, that's the same problem many had with "2001." Seems a vulnerability of sci-fi.
I'd thought Andromeda moved from first-rate space-opera to mysticism after Wolfe left. But Wolfe published a script online that shows he was fully on-board with the mystical stuff.
An earlier poster asked for comparisons with "Farscape." I only tried the first episode of "Farscape" on fancast. The video broke up, and I wasn't motivated to try later. Some similarities, perhaps. Castaway spaceman, going back to "Planet of the Apes" and well before.
But Andromeda's castaway is himself not of Earth. And he brings along his ferocious warship, and his AI. Makes all the difference. And the aliens aren't Muppets. Different flavor, different shows. "Farscape" looked like it had a sort of sword-and-sorcery quest type theme. "Andromeda" is far more Roddenberryesque.
Enjoy Andromeda for its excellent parts.moreless
Andromeda gave me the first impression of a show trying too hard to be cute and having an aire of silliness. Once I finally watched several episodes in order and grasped the story arc, instead of silliness I found accessability and a fun show to watch.
I have to admit thinking that Andromeda was a bit weak after watching a few episodes in that first season. I don't know what exactly turned me off the show back then. Maybe it was the purple Trance and her tail or Rev's philosophical quotes but in any event I didn't give it much of a chance while the show was still being filmed. During the 2007 writers strike I was starved for something interesting and started watching the show on DVD. Maybe not having to wait a week for each episode made all the difference but now I find the show very entertaining and in the space of 8 months I have gone through 4 seasons or 88 episodes. I am now starting the 5th season and I find myself disappointed, knowing that the series ends here. Andromeda, a series I originally found a bit silly, has captured my interest because of a cast thats greatness lies in thier ability to make the audience feel as though they are part of the gamg. The series isn't perfect and has it's share of problems, but it's core cast have always been able to create that sense of family that draws the audience in and wanting more. It's just too bad that there can't always be more.
Andromeda was special
There is something spiritual about Andromeda. It took me on a journey that allowed me to belive in the greatness of people and that perhaps we are not alone but just ignorant to what's out there. At the end of the fourth season, i found myself quiet sad and could relate to dillians sadness. He worked so hard to re-create the commenwealth, it was kind of sad for me to see him stuck on some god aweful place, where becka was greedy and trance was not herself. What happened to the friendship they all had. The fourth season was my last season, that was the end of the show for me. The 5th season was simply a bonus but the story arc was frustrating sometimes. It was nice at the end to see dillian reach his goal but i wanted more, even if it was just another episode to see what they they would set in montion with this new found peace.moreless
I love this show...
The great thing about Andromeda was that instead of being extreamly serious and scientificly correct it was quite lax. I love shows that star people from other shows that can make fun of the shows they had stared in, and were quick to make jokes about the show they were currently in. The first 3 seasons were great, and I enjoyed the return of Steve Bacic as Telemechus Rhade in season four. Season five was alright, though it could be kind of confusing in a few episodes. Everything ended fairly well which made up for the strangeness of the last season. All in all a very good show that I would recommend to any Sci-Fi fan.moreless


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WALKER COUNTY, Texas At 18 months old, Aiyden Benjamin Lewis was just learning how to talk. His grandmother, 55-year-old Shanta Fey Crawford retired so she could be with him while his mother was at work.
The two were found viciously murdered at her home west of Hunstville on Wednesday evening, and now the search is on for the person responsible, according to authorities.
Crawford and her grandson were found dead in their home along Highway 30 at M. Williams Road. Relatives said Crawford was found in the kitchen, while Aiyden was found in another room.
Walker County Sheriff s deputies were led to the home after Crawford s husband came home from work and made the gruesome discovery. He made a frantic 911 call, then ran outside crying and flagged down a neighbor.
He called and stopped me and told me to come look, said Larry O Bryant.
O Bryant went inside and saw Crawford lying dead on the kitchen floor. What happened to little Aiyden, he said, broke his heart.
I m mad. It would make anybody mad. It s good I didn t see who done it, he said.
Crawford's nieces from Houston were in Huntsville visiting other family members when they got the call.
We're just trying to wrap around mind around it. It's very difficult, Tanesha Johnson, Crawford s niece, said.
Family and friends in the community have no idea why anyone would hurt them.
She was always talking about God. She was supposed to go to a prayer meeting. She's full of life. She had the prettiest smile, Unlesha Crawford said.
They said the little boy had the cutest ways about him.
He was so sweet, so full of life. The last time I saw him, he was taking pleasure in running in circles, Unlesha Crawford said.
Neighbors said the family was well-known at a nearby Baptist church. Church members were getting ready for service on Wednesday night when they received the bad news.
One call came behind another call, and because I ve been friends so long with the family, the right thing to do was to come be with the family, said family friend Debora Byrd.
Loved ones said the grandmother was a peaceful woman with a big heart. They were shocked to learn someone had cut her life and the life of her precious grandson so short.
My sister-in-law, especially, you know she was tremendous. There was nothing she wouldn t do for you; always wore a smile. She was just a good person, said Don Mills.
The murders left Crawford s next door neighbor puzzled.
I didn t hear anything out of the ordinary or see anything out of the ordinary, but, I m sorry, I m still just a little shaken up, said Wesley Haynie.
Most in the area can t remember any crimes so heinous happening there.
I don t know how to describe it, I really don t. I m sad about the situation because I would really like to know what really went on, said Johnny Hawkins.
The victims loved ones agree.
I don t have a clue really as to what happened, I ve got a lot of suspicions but, basically, that s all it is is a suspicion right now because I haven t had anyone to tell me anything, Mills said.
The Texas Department of Public Safety held a news conference Wednesday night, but troopers revealed very little about the murders and their search for the killer.
It s very difficult hard to do but that s what they re paid to do, and they re going to do their job, said DPS Trooper Erik Burse.
The Texas Rangers are assisting with the ongoing investigation.


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New signs lighting up Denver's skyline heralded the next phase of CenturyLink's branding plan in the Mile-High City. The Louisiana-based company, which acquired hometown telecom Qwest Communications in April, replaced the familiar Qwest sign on top of the company's headquarters with its own name this week.
View Full Article in:American City Business Journals
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Record Broken!
See Current
Most People On A Loveseat At Once
New York City, New York, United States / March 1, 2011
19 people on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon climbed onto a loveseat at once, a new world record. The mark was set at 18 before Fallon himself climbed onto the pile, making the final record 19.
The group set the record on March 1st, 2011 in New York City during the taping of a URDB segment on the show.Dan Rollman and Corey Henderson served as witnesses.
- all participants must have entire body weight on couch
- no feet or other body parts may touch ground
- must provide video evidence
Related Records
Emily Patricia
I absolutely love the way this is shot. The angle is amazing. Did you do that on purpose?LIKE (1) · REPLY response to previous attempt
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I love this too:)LIKE · REPLY response to previous attempt


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Marsico Institute
Press Room
New Articles published by Dr. Douglas Clements
April 2015
Read the new publications co-authored by Marsico Executive Director Douglas Clements and Kennedy Institute Endowed Chair Julie Sarama's on the development of children's mathematics skills. Their research, published in The Routledge international handbook of young children's thinking and understanding, Handbook of research methods in early childhood education: Review of research methodologies and Mathematics and Transition to School provides helpful information on how to help students develop a robust understanding of math.
Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth to Age Eight: A Unifying Foundation
March 2015
Children are already learning at birth, and they develop and learn at a rapid pace in their early years. This provides a critical foundation for lifelong progress, and the adults who provide for the care and education of young children bear a great responsibility for these children's health, development, and learning. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) and National Research Council (NRC) were commissioned to explore the implications of the science of child development for the professionals who work with children birth through age 8. In the resulting report, Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8: A Unifying Foundation, the committee finds that much is known about what professionals who provide care and education for children need to know and be able to do and what professional learning supports they need. However, that knowledge is not fully reflected in the current capacities and practices of the workforce, the settings in which they work, the policies and infrastructure that set qualifications and provide professional learning, and the government and other funders who support and oversee these systems. The report offers recommendations to build a workforce that is unified by the foundation of the science of child development and early learning and the shared knowledge and competencies that are needed to provide consistent, high-quality support for the development and early learning of children from birth through age 8. Read the report here.
Dr. Douglas Clements Keynote Speaker
February 2015
Dr. Douglas Clements was recently the keynote speaker at the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment conference in Ireland to speak about his research and Building Blocks Program. Read more.
Assessing the Effects of the TRIAD Math Intervention for Preschoolers
February 2015
Technology-enhanced, Research-based, Instruction, Assessment, and professional Development (TRIAD) is a math intervention for preschoolers that combines a curriculum, a software-based teaching tool, and in-person teacher professional development. This study randomly assigned 42 schools to implement TRIAD or to not implement TRIAD, and the study found that the TRIAD intervention had positive effects on student math performance. The study meets WWC group design standards with reservations because it demonstrates baseline equivalence but has unknown levels of study attrition. Read more.
New Resource Available for Teaching Children Mathematics
January 2015
Executive Director Dr. Douglas Clements and colleagues have a new resource - Developing Essential Understanding of Geometry and Measurement - available from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in January 2015. This book focuses on essential knowledge for teachers about geometry and measurement. It is organized around four big ideas, supported by multiple smaller, interconnected ideas--essential understandings. Taking teachers beyond a simple introduction to geometry and measurement, the book will broaden and deepen their mathematical understanding of one of the most challenging topics for students--and teachers. It will help teachers to engage students, anticipate their perplexities, avoid pitfalls, and dispel misconceptions. Teachers will also learn to develop appropriate tasks, techniques, and tools for assessing students' understanding of the topic.Get your copy of Dr. Clements' new book.
Why Math Might Be the Secret to School Success
December 2014
The Marsico Institute's own Dr. Douglas Clements was on NPR this week to talk about the Building Blocks program.
"Little children are big news this week, as the White House holds a summit on early childhood education on Wednesday. The president wants every 4-year-old to go to preschool, but the new Congress is unlikely to foot that bill.
Since last year, more than 30 states have expanded access to preschool. But there's still a lack of evidence about exactly what kinds of interventions are most effective in those crucial early years.
In New York City, an ambitious, $25 million study is collecting evidence on the best way to raise outcomes for kids in poverty. Their hunch is that it may begin with math."
Click here to read more.
The Building Blocks of Early Mathematics
November 2014
What are the building blocks of mathematics? How important are they? Doug Clements answers these questions by summarizing recent research and development work. One effective instructional approach featured in all these is basing instruction on learning trajectories. This approach will be illustrated through a set of research projects using learning trajectories successfully.
Dr. Douglas Clements was recently the keynote speaker at the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment conference in Ireland to speak about his research and Building Blocks program.
A Study Seeks to Determine What Makes Prekindergarten Successful
March 2014
Read about the latest research (conducted with Drs. Douglas Clements and Julie Sarama on their Building Blocks curriculum) to understand what makes quality education successful and scalable.
Play, Mathematics, and False Dichotomies
April 2014
Dr. Clements' and Dr. Sarama's latest resource on play-based learning in a blog forum presented by the National Institute for Early Education Research.
Click here to read more.
Children's Museum of Denver Broke Ground on a Multi-million Dollar Museum Expansion
April 2014
The Children's Museum of Denver broke ground today on a major Museum expansion, announcing the plans, timeline and a naming gift for the $15.8 million campaign. Museum president and CEO, Mike Yankovich, cited the "critical role" the Museum plays in early childhood education, and its 74% attendance growth since 2003 as the need for this much-anticipated expansion.
Click here to read more.
Building Blocks curriculum cited as effective curriculum in New York Times
January 2014
Douglas Clements, PhD, and Julie Sarama, PhD developed and evaluated an innovative curriculum for early children education, preschool to grade 2 with funding from the National Science Foundation. The Building Blocks project created exemplary mathematics materials designed to enable all young children to meet the new preK-grade 2 standards developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (principal investigator Doug Clements was on the writing team for NCTM's Principles and Standards for School Mathematics). The article written in the New York Times makes a case for using what we know to increase the quality of early childhood education nationwide.
Click here to read.


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Peru presents the traveller with so many natural and man-made wonders, it seems impossible to fit everything into just one trip. Luckily for you, this incredible journey has it all: Lima, former heart of the Spanish empire in the Americas … the Sacred Valley, heartland of the Inca empire, still filled with vast and enigmatic ruins of their artistry … Cusco, where Inca and colonial influences come together in gorgeous harmony … Machu Picchu, the sacred, cloud-wrapped "Lost City of the Inca" … and a four-night cruise on the Amazon, nature's richest ecosystem, travelling in elegant style while delving deep into the reaches of the Amazon basin aboard the luxurious Delfin II. A delightful, colonial-style riverboat, the Delfin II combines the art of travel with the art of a classic Amazon river expedition for a cruise experience like no other on Earth. Every step of the way, we'll enjoy guided tours and excursions, first-class accommodations, and meals designed to highlight yet another of Peru's treasures, its world-class cuisine. With 2 nights in Lima, a 4-night Amazon cruise, a 2-night stay in the Sacred Valley's Urubamba, and overnights at Machu Picchu and in Cusco, this is the value-packed trip of a lifetime!
Tour Operator: Haimark, Ltd.
Tour Dates: SOLD OUT! October 19 - 29, 2015
ALTERNATE DATE: October 5 - 15, 2015
Tour Cost: From approx. $3,995 USD per person based on double occupancy, plus air
Activity Level: High
Review a PDF version of the Amazon River brochure (alternate date)
Reservations: Call the Queen's Alumni Educational Travel office at 1-800-267-7837 or Haimark at 1-800-798-4223


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Contemporary Computer Desk with Keyboard Tray
This will be a nice addition to your home or work space.
This simple computer desk by Coaster Furniture will be a lovely addition to your home office.
This desk offers ample surface area for your computer monitor and mouse. Below, a roll out keyboard tray adds convenience and a lower shelf provides space for your CPU tower or other computer accessories. In a sleek metal finish, this computer desk has everything you need for your home office. Accessories and electronics not included.
Dimensions: 30" L x 17.75" W x 29" H; Weight: 23.37 lbs.
Contemporary Computer Desk with Keyboard Tray
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Our innovative products will provide you and your family with years of enjoyment. And with the Brookstone Protection Plus service and replacement plans, you'll have the added peace of mind knowing that if the unexpected does happen, we will simply repair or replace your covered product. Our enhanced coverage goes above and beyond the manufacturer's warranty, saving you time and money.
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Wildlife and Ecology Studies Worldwide
A working biologists index to world literature on mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds; includes studies on all aspects of their life cycles and behaviors, including hunting and management research - Indexes about 1300 journals, plus books, government documents and "grey literature" - Basic truncation symbol is the asterisk: *.
Coverage: 1935 - present, updated quarterly.
http://www.lib.umn.edu/get/3757My Library


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Key findings have been presented at different conferences and some of the data has been published. Now we bring you the full report.
Through this study, we explore the circumstances and situations of queer PAGFB who are made to, or expected to, fit into society's norms around gender and sexuality. We look at their experiences with natal families and in school; we chart their journey through intimate relationships and jobs; we attempt to understand what happens to them in public spaces, and how they are treated by various state agencies; we discover where they seek and find support, community, and a refuge from the violence and discrimination that mark far too many lives.
Most significantly, this research has given us new insights into gender itself, which we feel are crucial additions to the current discourse in both queer and feminist spaces. Finally, the study flags areas of particular concern, and highlights some necessary interventions.
Read more.


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Anna Karenina (1877)
by Leo Tolstoy, Leo Tolstoy
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No one is probably more upset by my three-star rating than I am. I love the Russian greats. I love epic novels. I love Tolstoy. And yet, despite Anna Karenina's status as a classic, this one only mildly worked for me.
First of all, the story is great. I love the drama. Whether it be Kitty and Vronsky, Anna and Karenin, Dolly and Oblonsky, Anna and Vronsky, Kitty and Levin, or Levin and Levin's ego, I was entertained by the constant building up and tearing down of relationships. And these characters are wonderful. Their lives aren't always the most exciting (though sometimes they are), but their internal dialogue really paints characters I want to know better.
I thought the foreshadowing was done exceptionally well, and though it was perhaps too evident what was going to happen in the end (it was the horse race that did it for me), the novel was not guilty of pandering to less observant readers. Further, some of the philosophical ramblings and moral considerations were entertaining and thought-provoking. Certainly it wouldn't be Tolstoy without them.
For me, Anna K. lacked direction and focus, however. I've read War & Peace. I knew to expect long scenes and longer ramblings. But even with its epic cast and wide setting, W&P was a more tightly focused novel.
This lack of focus is evident in the title. Shouldn't a book named Anna Karenina be about Anna Karenina? But really, it's not. Sure, she's a central figure and probably her story is the most memorable of the stories in the novel, but she's not the most prominent character, nor is she necessarily the most well-drawn or interesting character.
The themes in Anna K. are strong and well-thought-out, yet Tolstoy's net is cast so wide that many of them slip right through. What is this novel about? Well, love obviously. As well as gender roles, family, compassion, and… well… other stuff. Lots of other stuff.
I think these themes would've come through clearer had Tolstoy spent less time theorizing and more time on the building of characters. The story of Anna and Vronsky, for instance, appears more as a slide show than as a complete story: here is where we met *click* this is our first date *click* this is us post-shag *click*. I never really get a complete sense of who the people are. I understand what motivates Anna, but I want to see her decisions played out. I want to better feel—no, I want to see her turmoil played out. This turmoil is evident, as I mentioned earlier, in the thoughts of the characters, but I want see it unleashed on stage. The reader gets a vision of this turmoil during what I'll call "the unraveling," but I would've liked to have seen more of it earlier.
I've watched enough Russian films and read enough Russian stories to know that Russians do not like to be rushed. Yes, I'm sure there are exceptions to this rule, but I have yet to encounter one. Any story that can be told in 45 minutes will probably be stretched to two hours in the hand of a Russian. That's fine. I can respect that. But in Anna Karenina, not only is Tolstoy taking his time to tell the story, but he's running around, letting his ADD get the best of him while telling the story.
It's a good story. If you haven't already read it, then you should. But it's possible (very possible) your mind will wander. If this wandering mind bothers you, just consider it an exercise in better understanding the author. And remember, not everything Tolstoy wrote was quite so digressive (long-winded, yes; but not without coherence).
Never have I been so glad to finish a book. I love big books and I can get through them pretty fast but Anna Karenina took me forever because it was just so slow moving. Lots of characters to get confused. Some of the best parts of the book I was looking forward to, Anna and Vronsky finally being together were completely blown over and didn't know until she was pregnant. Then the rest of the book is her going back and forth on what to do stay with her husband or leave with her lover, when she finally makes that decision she's going back and forth on her feelings for Vronsky and what to do about her ex-husband. Really? Make a fucking decision already. Of course the other characters go through their own drama which was slightly better because it actually went somewhere. Kitty and Levin's relationship was the best part of the book and wished it focused more. Never plan to read this book again.
Angus and Robertson Top 100 (2006 - 2008) Book #82.
I was surprised when I read this book and enjoyed reading it. I did not anticipate liking this book. I never liked the character of Anna within the story, but there were plenty of other characters throughout the story that I did like. Tolstoy did lose my interest briefly when the story was lost sight of, to include information regarding politics of the time, but this was brief. Overall, it was an interesting novel to read.
Beautiful story, beautiful edition. Some people like Tolstoy, some do not. I find his characters and settings to be natural (given the social conditions of the time as I know it) and as I read his stories, I can often relate them to people I know. Despite the title and the films, there are actually two stories in parallel: Anna Karenina's fall and "Kostya" Levin's redemption. Most people like Anna's story best; I like Levin's story best. Perhaps because I have seen others, through one bad decision after another, follow her trajectory it can be infuriating to read. Many people in life, say "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" and yet are surprised when they are hit and their ship starts sinking. She is one of them.
Although their families and social circles are intertwined, the two characters rarely interact. At the start, we see Anna at her height of graciousness and beauty at a train station. Through the novel, Anna finds the pillars that had supported her world removed one by one as her continued bad decisions alienate those around her until all of her hope is lost. She descends into such pettiness that the lover who adored her could hardly stand her and she is alone, a social outcast. Her story ends "with a whisper" at a train station. Levin starts as an awkward and angry loner, but through a good marriage and conscientious efforts at managing his estate, he finds comfort and happiness. Levin's conscientious seeking for truth leads him to through the moments of crisis he encounters in his life. Through each crisis, he becomes a better man and he better appreciates the blessings in his life. Finally, threatened with the loss of these blessings at a moment of crisis, he finds the faith in God that he has argued and fought against through much of the book. Levin's conscientious seeking for truth leads him to be the best that he can be.
One thing I appreciate about writers of the period is that each chapter represents one scene and one point of view. Each book is well organized. Modern writers often merely insert an extra line when switching perspectives or settings, if they bother with that courtesy.
After an hour of this boring crap, I could not imagine listening to the other 29 hours.
Each time I reread Anna Karenina, picking my way past the attics and cellars and rusting machinery of Tolstoy's obsessions and prejudices, a new layer of his craft emerges, to the point where, for all my admiration of Joyce, Beckett and Kelman, I begin to question whether the novel form isn't too artisanal a medium for the surface experimentation of the modernist project ever to transcend the flexing of space and time that apparently conventional language can achieve in the hands of a master.
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Anna Karenina [Norton Critical Edition, 2nd ed.] by Leo Tolstoy
Anna Karenina [Norton Critical Edition, 1st ed.] by L.N. Tolstoy
Anna Karénine - Résurrection by Léon Tolstoï
I capolavori: Anna Karenina - Guerra e pace - La morte di Ivan Il'ič - Resurrezione - La sonata a Kreutzer e altri racconti by Lev Tolstoj
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Amazon.com Amazon.com Review (ISBN 0143035002, Paperback)Some people say Anna Karenina is the single greatest novel ever written, which makes about as much sense to me as trying to determine the world's greatest color. But there is no doubt that Anna Karenina, generally considered Tolstoy's best book, is definitely one ripping great read. Anna, miserable in her loveless marriage, does the barely thinkable and succumbs to her desires for the dashing Vronsky. I don't want to give away the ending, but I will say that 19th-century Russia doesn't take well to that sort of thing.
(retrieved from Amazon Mon, 30 Sep 2013 13:29:46 -0400)
Anna Karenina tells of the doomed love affair between the sensuous and rebellious Anna and the dashing officer, Count Vronsky. Tragedy unfolds as Anna rejects her passionless marriage and must endure the hypocrisies of society. Set against a vast and richly textured canvas of nineteenth-century Russia, the novel's seven major characters create a dynamic imbalance, playing out the contrasts of city and country life and all the variations on love and family happiness. While previous versions have softened the robust, and sometimes shocking, quality of Tolstoy's writing, Pevear and Volokhonsky have produced a translation true to his powerful voice. This award-winning team's authoritative edition also includes an illuminating introduction and explanatory notes. Beautiful, vigorous, and eminently readable, this Anna Karenina will be the definitive text for generations to come.… (more)
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Fast convection drying
August 31, 2012
The Diesel 330 Convection Drying System from DrySmart quickly heats and dries building materials. Its variable speed supply and exhaust blowers transport heat energy and exhaust evaporated moisture to create a controlled, balanced drying environment. The drying system trailer can be set up on-site in minutes.


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South-based cement maker India Cements is seeing selling by foreign funds. On Wednesday, CLSA sold 11.05 lakh shares at Rs 161. CLSA's sale comes after ABN AMRO Bank sold 10 lakh shares on March 16 at Rs 164. On March 2 and 3, foreign funds GMO Trust and Grantham GMO sold 12.50 lakh shares each at Rs 153.32 and Rs 149.88 respectively.
Dealers said funds are booking profits on their investments in India Cements. From about Rs 61 in last April, the shares touched a high of Rs 172.15 on March 10.
On Wednesday, the shares closed at Rs 160.30 (BSE), down by about 1.6 per cent from the previous close of Rs 162.90.
Rajesh Abraham
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Groundhog Madness (The Legend of Punxsutawney Phil)
in Pets
Everyone's heard the stories regarding groundhogs predicting an early Spring, right? Well in this episode of The Missy Show, we explore the origins of this groundhog/weather legend and find out more about the most famous groundhog of all, Punxsutawney Phil. So be sure to join hosts J and D as they dive into this fun and interesting topic, February 7, 2015 at 5pm Central on The Missy Show.
Groundhog Day
in Sports
It's the Groundhog day edition of Sports Time Radio with Dan the Man and the Big Jack. Did you team win the Super Bowl? They'll be some fantasy sports talk as it is fantasy monday. The interview at 5:30 p.m. Rick Keeler from www.DistrictonDeck joins the podcast for some Washington Nationals talk. Remember any sports at any time and anywhere = Sports Time Radio www.SportsTimeRadio.com On Twitter @SportsTimeRadio @DanZeeeMan @Burketime and @ MrFanofSports
What Women Can Learn From Groundhog Day!
in Business
Join us today on Women Leading the Way Radio as we interview Cathy Francis, President of Karacal Communications.
Groundhog Day has been in existence in the US since the early 1800's. February 2nd also marked an important date for farmers who celebrated Candlemas Day, which marked the midpoint of winter, halfway between the shortest day and the spring equinox. In olden times during the middle of winter farmers used it to determine whether they would have enough crops to feed their stock before winter was over.
It is ironic that today we're talking on Groundhog day, regardless of whether he saw his shadow or not. So maybe we should be asking the question ourselves: are we going back into hibernation or is spring around the corner. We can play this analogy out as it relates to how we react in our own careers these days.
Cathy Francis' career has been guided by her uncompromising quest to provide her employers and clients with open minded leadership and flexibility while providing simple effective solutions to human resources and management issues. She credits her success to her ability to think strategically and to translate strategic plans into tactical actions that lead to business success.
Cecile Bereal is your host of Serving Up Diversity, a show designed to showcase the value of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and to examine best practices among stellar companies striving for a cohesive and diverse workforce.
American Chaos Radio: The Vanderwall Groundhog Effect
Please join the Man, The Myth, The Legend Jason Wade Taylor/Randy Hahn LIVE tonight at 10pm EST right here on America Chaos Radio for the hardest hitting, over the top Conservative Radio on the web.
TONIGHT: Ozark breeder gives up 200 dogs Man accused of arson at facility.
ST. LOUIS (AP) — An unlicensed breeder in southwest Missouri agreed to surrender 200 purebred dogs after allegedly setting fire to his property, distraught over his wife's leaving, financial problems and the prospect of losing his animals.
"I just went a little nuts," Michael VanderWall told the Ozark County sheriff Tuesday, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Super Bowl XLIX Recap / Groundhog Day - Episode #232
in Sports
On this edition of The Broad Street Line, we'll break down Super Bowl XLIX from EVERY angle, and give you our thoughts on the questionable decision by the Seattle Seahawks that resulted in the fourth title for the New England Patriots.
Later in the show, we'll take one final spin around the NFL before the offseason officially begins, give you our picks for this weekend's Grammy Awards, and get you caught up on the rest of the past week in sports as only we can. So come and take a ride on The Broad Street Line: The future of sports talk radio has finally arrived.
At Eye Level - Feels Like the First Time... and Every Time Since!
Hosted by Matt G and "Doc" Savage
In keeping with the Groundhog Day theme, this month, we're going to start over again and do what it is we do best... the same thing we do every week! We'll update you on Matt's burgeoning stand up comedy career reboot and some other things that are on the horizon.
Join us for your weekly dosage of the refined insanity we like to call At Eye Level. As usual, your participation is welcome!
At Eye Level - From Stood Up to Stand Up
Hosted by Matt G and "Doc" Savage
From Bronson to Nader - Anarchic fun from minute one this time around, where we talk everything from stalkers and crappy Charles Bronson films to fights breaking out at weddings and environmental concerns. Just listen already, "you punk...you scum!" (Bronson impersonation) One of our funniest episodes awaits...
Groundhog Day Reboot
So, last week's show didn't go quite as planned. Due to various unforseen circumstances, we're going with Murcury being in retrograde, Regan Talleh and Alycia Marie, were unable to join us. In keeping with the spirit of Groundhog Day, we've decided to do a reboot. We've invited them to return to the show and give it another shot. We know we've had our hearts broken in the past, but this time it's going to be different.
We'll hear about Matt's return to stand up at last Monday's open mic at the Zodiac Venue Bar in Colorado Springs and what motivated him to do it. He may even play a clip or two.
Of course, as usual, we want to hear from you! Feel free to call in with your questions or comments.
What Are You Bringing to the Fire?
in Spirituality
Ombassa Sophera of the P.L.A.Y. Experience is the special guest joining Celeste Morgan on the Celestial Show for "What Are Your Brining To the Fire?"
The energies are hot this weekend with Candlemas, the Feast Days of 2 (count them) 2 Goddesses (Brigid and Oya) as well as Groundhog Day. We are inviting you to a global party to celebrate the coming of Spring. It's the time of Rebirth and Expansion. Join us at the sacred fire for a sacred divine feminine conversation on a High Priestess night. Let's see what's behind the veil when Ombassa Sophera and Celeste Morgan join forces!
Call in 347 426 3346 or post your questions on "The Celestial Show with Celeste Morgan" fan (LIKE) page on Facebook.
Ombassa Sophera works in many fields and continues Ombassa continues to integrate natural stress management strategies (P.L.A.Y. and Heal) into her lifework of empowering individuals with practical formulas for ultimate health and well-being through her partnerships with groups and organizations that empower women, such as The Round Hut Village, a non-profit organization based in Sydney Australia, where she currently facilitates P.L.A.Y. events. Using various art forms, creative mind exercises, physically engaging activities and herbal traditions, POWER P.L.A.Y. provides avenues for immediate resolution, restoration of energy loss and new life blueprints for simple, daily maintenance.
For more information go to: www.Ombassa.com
in Comedy
a look at Women in Science
in Atheism
I know, I know, you were promissed that Kevin wouldn't be there and we had an all female cast for this one, but through no fault of their own, some of our pannel couldn't join, soooo....
Join Kevin & Karen as we pay tribute to Women of Science, who are all too often forgotten by mainstream and often faced difficult chalenges living in a man's world but through sheer love of science, made history.
Nancy joins us for This day in history segment with a story on a groundhog biting a mayor,
We have the Another brilliant moment..., and the Top 10 other women of science you should know
Karen offers us a Spotlight on Mme Marie Curie
And we interview Rachel Nanon Brown, a paleoantropologist working in Texas on Mammoths, formely science host on Dogma Debate with David Smalley and now chairs the science segment on Atheists on air podcast.
don't miss it
This episode was pre-recorded
Screenwriter Danny Rubin Of The Movie "Groundhog Day"
in Spirituality
Join author Anthony Peake for "The Anthony Peake Conscioousness Hour"
Special Guest: Screenwriter Danny Rubin
Danny Rubin is an American screenwriter, actor, lecturer, celebrity blogger, and most notably the screenwriter of the modern classic Groundhog Day
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text:
November 19, 2009
LIMA Ś Knowing how to stop the financial exploitation of the elderly starts with recognizing they are victims of a crime, a former law enforcement investigator said Thursday.
David Kessler, an independent trainer and consultant, told attendees at a seminar hosted by PSA 3 Agency on Aging, there is a perception problem when it comes to elderly citizens who are swindled out of their life savings.
ōThe problem with these crimes is we recognize these crimes differently than other crimes against the elderly. We tend to blame the victim because they should have known better, or itÆs their fault for falling prey to a scam artist,ö Kessler said. ōIf that same person had been robbed or their home burglarized, weÆd never yell at them and blame them. We really donÆt know the level itÆs at because itÆs so underreported across the country because of the shame factor plus they are afraid their family or friends are going to think theyÆre stupid or yell at them.ö
Kessler said predators target their victims and work to isolate them from their comfort zone in order to gain their trust. Financial exploitation is a growing problem, but itÆs rarely reported.
ōVery rarely does the victim come out and say, æIÆm a victim.Æ ItÆs usually stumbled upon by the bank, by someone who looked in their parentsÆ checkbook or savings book and saw large withdrawals coming out of their accounts,ö he said. ōThe victims very rarely come forward like they would in any other crime. They are more likely to come out with someone knocking down their mailbox than they would for a $100,000 fraud crime.ö
Kessler has seen the impact firsthand. His father, a decorated World War II veteran, was a victim.
ōThey usually say, æI thought I had a buddy,Æ ö Kessler said. ōThatÆs how it starts.ö


text:
Serious business tennis players equipment
This thread is only for those who take tennis equipment in a serious way and stick with something once it works no matter how old, cheap or ridiculous it is.
This is not for those who are continuously tinkering with string and racquets.
It's for those who play competitive tennis and have been using the same racquet line for years and the same strings, changing only the tension. If you are one of those who evolve in the court and not tinkering with the your gear this is where you post your approved stuff.
I'll start myself.
Racquet: POG Mid
I've been using Prince Graphite mids since early 2010. Started with Prince TT Graphite Mids but run out of sticks and got a good deal on POG mids.
Strings: 1.40mm Nylon
Provide a firm and comfortable feel in my open pattern POG. If i need to go up some lbs on the tension it won't hurt me. Provide good power and feel and last a reasonable amount of time, and when it's time no restrung it doesn't hurt my wallet. Got 3 reels for 45€ shipped.
Overgrip: Tourna Original for HC and any tacky overgrip for clay
Tournas are great for HC when it's hot, in clay they're crap because they grab clay and become more rough than usual and give me chills.
The original Prince Calfskin Leather grip works just fine for me.
Dampening: Power-pads
Found out that, with nylon, power-pads would take off that awful "pling" sound without dampening everything like the regular dampeners.
Clothing & Shoes: I'm not very picky in this area, i have narrow feet and i fit comfortably in every shoes. I have Adidas, Nike, Babolat, Rebook. I just pick the ones that go better with the outfit.
As for as clothing goes, my club provides clothing and i love them. Plain and simple, design looks close to these ST shirt:
That's it. Post your go to gear and remember, STICK WITH WHAT WORKS! ;)
I've been using the Prestige Pro, both YouTek and IG for half a year now, and I intend on playing with them until they break. The only tinkering I've done with weight is just matching the weight and balance of two of them to my third, and favorite.
For strings I hit with 16l gauge poly in the 40's, unless I want to splurge a bit and then I string gut/poly.
For clothes I'll wear whatever, although I get shirts and shorts for playing club tennis. For shoes I prefer the barricade line.
Racket: K90
Been using it since it's released, tried the newer ones, but doesnt compare it to the k90. though i kept the ps 6.1 90 blx with modded specs SW 356
String: Isospeed Baseline Spin/Gosen OG Micro White
The best overall, yet dirt cheap setup.balanced string for my gameplay
Overgrip: Solinco Wonder Grip
Tacky grip, yet i can still continue to use it even if it's all brownish color.
Dampening: Wilson Shock trap & Powerpads
For some reason, i cant play tennis without the wilson shock trap. without it, can't keep my balls in. used a black color powerpads to make it more special
Apparel: Nike Federer Polos and vapors tours
love the feel of wearing the federer polos. makes my oppenent jealous. the vapor for intense speed, yet, i still manage to keep my vapors from grinding around the courts
Racquet: Babolat Pure Drive Team (woofer) I've been using these since 2005.
Strings: Dunlop Black Widow between 57-60lbs. I used to use a hybrid setup with Pro Hurricane and prince syngut, but it started to break too fast.
Overgrip: Wilson Pro White
Shoes: Babolat ProPulse3's. Waiting for pair #8 to come in. I really hope the 4's fit and are more durable when they are released!
Just as i thought, people that stick with something that works don't generally visit this section of the forum...
Racquet = Wilson Six.One BLX Tour 90
Tried the new Pro Staff BLX 90 for kicks and giggles. Not enough of a difference to warrant a change.
Strings = Natural gut 16/MSV Co-Focus 1.18
Grip = Wilson Pro Overgrip over leather.
If they stop making the Pro Overgrip, I'm going to throw a fit.
Dampening = Hates it.
Bag = Don't really care as long as it's not stupidly designed.
Apparel = Usually wears Nike stuff and Vapors, but have been known to rock Under Armor compression shirts, and their Coldgear stuff long sleeve stuff when it's cold at night. Double socked since 20oz. stopped being $0.99.
I'm getting closer to that point where I can stop tinkering with equipment and just PLAY. For strings it's nat gut mains with syn gut crosses; overgrip is Supergrap; racquet is .... almost there. I'll be set soon. And oh, shoes are Asics.
see sig from frames.
unlikely to switch, now. gone down in tension over recent years, settled at 53.
umm, strings, was BB for ages, now the Volkl (bit softer, half the price)
clothes : adidas
shoes, barricades
but i'm not pretentious about it, this si just stuff that works (the racquet/string) and stuff that i know the size in (adidas)
i don't like the premise much, really.
'the high and mightys' indeed
Dunlop Bio 300
Always preferred Dunlop rackets for years, starting with Maxplys then a mid Alu Powerflex in the late 80's then to the Bio 300
Using the stock silk multi 16. Feels good to me, I know it doesnt seem very popular here but I like it.
Leather Gamma grip plus Supergrap (nothing seems better)
Stock Dunlop Bio dampener.
Using vantage custom made frames for 5 years now. 100sqin, 310g, 6 pts HL. Added 8g of lead in the handle.
Tourna blue overgrip. Tourna Sampras O vibration dampeners. Shoes are asics gel res 3.
For the last 5 years, I've settled with the POG Longbody, cut down to 27.5". The head on the POG Mid was too small for me, and the Oversized was too big. The Longbody was just right with its 100" sq in head, and some lead at 3 and 9 o'clock. So I bought alot of these sticks, and grommets, before they become ultra-rare.
After trying lots of soft multi's, I've stayed with Mantis Comfort and Rip Control.
Finally, no more demo-ing racquets, different strings, and wasting money.
This is kind of snobbish but I'll bite,
Racquet: Tecnifibre T-fight 320 Vo2 Max (1 with samurai PJ, 1 with 2011 PJ) -- had for a long time now
String: Solinco Outlast 17 (the best string ever made), with some Head RIP Control 16 and Red Code 17 thrown in
Shoes: Asics Gel Solution Speed for matches, Courtbalilstec for hitting
Grip: Wilson Sublime (black)
Overgrip: Yonex Supergrap (indoor) Tournagrip (outdoor)
Damp: Always the RG Babolat damp, simply the best
I might be trying the Dunlop M 2.0 though
This thread is only for those who take tennis equipment in a serious way and stick with something once it works no matter how old, cheap or ridiculous it is.
This is not for those who are continuously tinkering with string and racquets.
It's for those who play competitive tennis and have been using the same racquet line for years and the same strings, changing only the tension. If you are one of those who evolve in the court and not tinkering with the your gear this is where you post your approved stuff.
Racquet: Wilson Jack Kramer ProStaff. That's right, wood.
Strings: Wilson Gut
Shoes: Converse All Stars. Black canvas
Shorts: White cotton, 3" length
Shirt: Lacoste white cotton
Socks: White cotton
Headband: White cotton
No over grip, or dampener. Real old school.
I guess this makes me real serious.
Translation: This thread is for people who judge people for trying to find their ideal setup.
Racquet: Prokennex 90's
Strings: Always Poly/poly hybrid, never stay with one string because where's the fun in that? :)
Overgrip: Gamma Supreme, down to the last 4 grips need to move to supergrap next....
Dampening: Only real tennis players play with naked racquets
Shoes: Any Nike shoe or Barricades
Racquet: EXO3 Red (2009)
Strings: Premiere 18 at 58lbs
Grip: Standard grip
Shoes: Barricade II or V
My string setup is one of 2 things unless I'm playtesting... I'm tinkering with weed whacker string, but that is a totally different story.
Racket: Dunlop Biomimetic Max 200G with "some" lead in the handle...
Strings: Dunlop Black Widow 17 @ 33.5 lbs OR Dunlop ICE 17 at 49ish lbs... Right now I'm using Black Widow.
Overgrip: Tournagrip
Who uses a dampener? Not me.
Shoes: B7
Bag: Dunlop 10 pk green
Apparel: Nike socks, Nike compression shorts, right now I'm hooked on the solid color Dri-Fit cotton shirts.
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text:
How to Make Healthy Graham Cracker Peanut Butter Snack
This is a fun and healthy snack, and it fills you up fast so you won't be hungry for a while after.
- Peanut butter
- Mini chocolate chips
- Graham crackers
We could really use your help!
sleep health?
rate articles?
coping with loss?
- Very easy to make
- For little kids only: give them one piece of the Graham cracker.
- Great for birthday parties
- Not finger food
- If necessary, remember to ask your parents if you can use a knife.
Article Info
Categories: Party Snacks
In other languages:
Español: hacer un bocadillo saludable con galletas Graham y mantequilla de maní, Русский: приготовить полезную закуску из крекеров и орехового масла
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 5,014 times.


text:
Your bitch is my dinner she wet like a fish
from Young Thug – Stoner Lyrics on Genius
Your girlfriend is Young Thug's "dinner", as in he's gonna eat her out. Also, she's wet like a fish because fish are always in water.
Super clever.
To help improve the quality of the lyrics, visit Young Thug – Stoner Lyrics and leave a suggestion at the bottom of the page


text:
LIMA � Nearly a year ago, the state of Ohio crossed an initial funding hurdle and decentralized its economic development work from Columbus to six regions, with the creation of the still-controversial JobsOhio program.
Allen County is nearly the southernmost county in the 17-county Northwest Ohio region, headed by Toledo-based Regional Growth Partnership. A year in, development officials say the start of a new way of doing business has been rocky but improving every day. The work to pull together as a region is happening against the backdrop of JobsOhio�s structure, which continues to generate multiple questions about its long-term viability.
�The simplest thing I tell people is that the state of Ohio decentralized its economic development activity. In the past, one way or another, it all led back to the Ohio Department of Development,� said JobsOhio Northwest Ohio Region Director Gary F. Thompson. �Trade missions, trade shows, sites, incentives, they handled it. But a lot of people in Columbus realized they couldn�t know everything about the state. They understood that regions are different, and that we could be more efficient and effective if they handed over some of the reins.�
The model is a major structural change for local economic development officials, who were used to working with regional representatives from the governor�s office when they needed to involve the state. Now, their first call is to Toledo, not Columbus.
About two months ago, RGP hired John Recker as a regional project manager for seven of the 17 counties. The move has helped a great deal, Allen Economic Development Group President Marcel Wagner said.
As the structure got off the ground, local officials complained about a lack of attention to the region. Today, they stop short of that. While Thompson said he�d give the effort so far a grade of �B,� Wagner signaled more of an incomplete.
�This is still a new partnership for everybody. We�re still feeling our way around,� Wagner said. �But having someone here that we�ve worked with before has been a huge help. John�s from the area. His office is here. He�s more accessible for us. He knows the companies, the territory here.�
Recker is a Putnam County native; he lives and bases his office in Ottawa. He has a strong connection to Allen County as well, as he previously served as a governor�s representative to the region and ran The Strategy Store, a data collection and survey group, at OSU-Lima.
Thompson agreed that Recker has been a big plus for the effort, but also said his hiring was not in response to local officials� complaints. RGP had always planned on hiring a regional project manager, but couldn�t find the right candidate, until Recker came along.
�I know your service area. I live in the service area. I know the officials; my number�s in their speed dial. We�re just doing business on a routine business. The good news is that Northwest Ohio is doing well. There�s good activity in economic development,� Recker said, while talking about how he would evaluate the agency�s job so far.
Cutting a direct link to Columbus isn�t always a good thing, Wagner said.
�With John, we have a closer connection to RGP. But we�re more distant from Columbus,� Wagner said. �It�s a different structure and a different partnership. We�ve always been an independent organization, but we feel like there is more pressure put on us at the local level, especially when you look at how you structure projects. We feel more pressure as a local organization to come up with our leads, our own marketing.�
The way the state divided the new regions separated traditional local partnerships. For example, while Allen County belongs to the Toledo region, Auglaize County now belongs to the Dayton region. The surrounding counties haven�t let that prevent them from working together. They formed a West Central Ohio development group and continue to work as their own region, supporting each other�s projects and sites and attending trade shows, for example, together.
At the state level, one of Kasich�s signature policy transformations is far from having a stable future. Two issues, whether the JobsOhio model � with public money funding a private organization � is constitutional, and how the organization will be funded long-term, are connected.
In September, the Ohio Supreme Court dismissed a case that was an attempt by state officials to determine whether JobsOhio passed muster with the Ohio Constitution. JobsOhio has faced multiple legal challenges from the left and right since its creation.
Along with whether the General Assembly can even by law create such an organization, the issue of how Kasich wants to fund it remains. The governor wants to transfer liquor operation dollars, currently used by the Commerce Department, to JobsOhio to finance bonds. Until those legal questions are settled, JobsOhio can�t access the bulk of its funding.
At the beginning of 2012, the state Controlling Board approved a contract between the state and JobsOhio to provide funding for two years, this year and next. In the case of the Northwest Ohio region, that meant the state provided $2.1 million to Regional Growth Partnership to manage that JobsOhio region. RGP and some regional partners had to match the funds, for a pot of about $4 million.
The governor�s office hasn�t explained what happens at the end of 2013 when the seed money runs out, and the liquor profit issue isn�t settled. At a recent meeting of development officials in the state, people asked where the money will come from, Wagner said.
�JobsOhio President John Minor said he has been assured by the governor that the funding will be there,� Wagner said.
That original outlay of cash to the JobsOhio region came from Ohio Third Frontier funds, which is not what voters intended the funding for. Ohio voters approved in 2002 and reapproved in 2010 the Third Frontier bond program, to create new technology-based products, companies, industries and jobs. The money is supposed to back those efforts, especially with help in commercializing new technology. The region, especially American Trim, has benefited greatly from the grants.
More recently, the state is sitting on its Third Frontier money. For example, the program ended its fiscal year June 30 having spent only about 20 percent of the $190 million available to invest, The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reported in July.
Also, in October, Kasich�s handpicked man to create and lead JobsOhio, Mark Kvamme, resigned to start his own venture capital firm. Minor, who had served as a JobsOhio managing director, replaced him. Kvamme leaving was a blow, because Kasich wanted him to create a venture capital-like group with Ohio�s new development effort.
The latest JobsOhio effort, a marketing campaign funded with $1.4 million in public money, is also drawing criticism. The ads are running out of state, but also in Ohio, in major newspapers, on TV and online. The �Live.Work.Thrive.� campaign is designed to promote and celebrate the state�s economic successes, Minor said in a statement at the launch of the campaign. Others, including Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald, have called the ads a waste of taxpayer money that seem more like a re-election effort by Kasich.
Administratively, the new system got off to a �rough start,� Thompson said, as officials had to sort through new roles and expectations.
Today, those things are sorted out and the system is �running pretty smooth,� Thompson said. And, some interesting things are happening � new communication, for example. Officials from the six state regions talk regularly now, Thompson said, sharing ideas and best practices.
Operationally, Thompson said RGP can move quickly on projects, developing a state package of incentives within a week or two, much more quickly than a month or more it would sometimes take in the past.
�We�ve seen a dramatic impact when it comes to things like that,� Thompson said.
JobsOhio has received one consistent criticism, that it only reports one half of the equation: companies moving to or expanding in the state. Without the other half, it is impossible to effectively evaluate JobsOhio.
RGP existed before the state designated it the lead agency for the region; several years ago it moved from a public-private partnership to entirely private. Thompson said the change helped the agency�s efforts �tremendously.� Companies instantly were more comfortable dealing with a private agency, he said.
However, RGP is funded through investors, such as companies, banks and utilities. JobsOhio is using money of taxpayers who can�t fully evaluate a return on their investment.
When companies do agree to locate or expand in Ohio and do receive tax incentives, those packages do eventually show up through the Ohio Tax Credit Authority. But those are only the successful projects, and they are reported only after the project is finalized. JobsOhio officials have repeatedly said the details they keep private are �trade secrets� and that the lessened transparency helps the state work with companies.
A year in, not everything has been thought of.
As JobsOhio was ramping up, for example, RGP was finishing a two-year project revamping its website. So, it finished the work it started with the knowledge that it wasn�t going to represent the larger region.
It remains that way today.
While it is the online portal for the Northwest Ohio region, the RGP website doesn�t list Ford or Procter & Gamble or Whirlpool among major employers; doesn�t list Lima�s Foreign Trade Zone in a list of foreign trade zones; doesn�t include Bluffton University, OSU-Lima, Rhodes State, University of Northwestern Ohio or Ohio Northern in its higher education list; and doesn�t list Wagner�s group, Allen Economic Development Group, or any other economic group outside Toledo, on a list of development resources for the region.