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Thursday, May 17, 2012
Loud thinking on economic issues just creates confusion
Book Review: Non-fiction/The Next Convergence by Michael Spence, Random House, 296 pp; Rs499 (Paperback)
Many of our most celebrated economists' effort in surprisingly oversimplified or sensationalized rhetoric, especially in times of market uncertainty. Michael Spence has long been pointing out the fault lines that interfere with competent markets. He won the Nobel Prize in economics for working on the same theme in 2001, together with George Akerlof and Joseph Stiglitz. Here, Michael Spence's new book, "The Next Convergence", warns of the rough patches that arise when the world tries to accommodate both rapidly-growing emerging economies like India and China and slow-growing USA and western European economies.
This book refers that in the decades since 1950, as political, social and technological barriers fell, the growth impetus spread to populous developing economies, particularly in Asia. So far, such convergence has been unheard off- as only thirteen developing countries have managed to grow at an average rate of 7 per cent or more in first twenty five years. The formula for success is evident like buzz-embarrass the spirit of capitalism and get into the vibrant world of globalized trade. Nevertheless, nor is that easy bandwagon for success quite as achievable as many free-market economists would have us believe.
In 1950, author writes, "the average incomes of people living in these countries had raised twenty times, from about $500 per year to over $10,000 per year." Though ironically, he missed stressing, these blocks account just fifteen percent of the earth's total population. In recent years Spence has been majorly preoccupied with the economics of development and growth, and his active concentration in laissez-faire's flaws has stayed with him. His book however is not sure about this nor, unfortunately, of many of the other macroeconomic policy issues he tackles. "The Next Convergence" adds hardly anything new as an overrated book and author's relentless loud thinking on contemporary economic issues creates more confusion than solution.
The book primarily tries to survey the current state of both the growth and development economics, but without having standing to deal with the complexities of foreign aid, trade liberalisation, natural resources and the difficulty that countries experience when they begin evolving from middle-income nations to the next level economies. Any anticipation for breaking little new ground would be over expectation from this work, which is akin to rest on the broad generalities, finally leaving little in terms of outcome. The book has more questions than answers that may or not be bad enough but from readers' perspective such mode of narration is hardly satisfying.
The crux of Michael Spence's book exposes that future of global economy is going to be promising, in which perhaps 75 per cent of humanity will enjoy standards of living similar to those of today's high-income countries by the middle of this century. Such unrealistic optimism seems based more on the ground of feeble research and weird hypotheses. Though, he further contradicts his own optimism by citing the potential risks against the future high growth in developing economies.
Lastly, his four findings are not new though gives the book some ideational foreground, to recognise the limits of one's knowledge and the need to feel the way; appreciate the benefits of adversity; understand that sustainable wealth is built on people; finally, realise that governance matters. Altogether, these four are the Spence's superstructure for "The Next Convergence" in a multispeed world!
Atul Kumar Thakur
May 17th, 2012, Thursday, 2012, New Delhi
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
(Published in The Financial World/Tehelka on May15th,2012)
Posted by standpoint at 6:11 AM
Labels: Atul Kumar Thakur, Book Review, FW, Michael Spence, Non-Fiction, Random House India, Tehelka, The Financial World, The Next Convergence
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Does your understanding of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into being a partner influence your own experience as a guest?
For example, do you touch base with the owner or receptionist before arriving? Leave the room impeccably clean? Follow up with feedback after your stay? Share your stories in the comments below!
Feeling travel-inspired? Continue the conversation in these posts: Where is your dream holiday and Best time of the year to travel

subset: commoncrawl


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Our January quilt will be cheery indeed! It'll have a soft ruffled texture too (after washing and drying the finished quilt). And it takes only 1 minute to make one of these. So make a bunch and you may win the makings of your first quilt of the new year!
Choose a bright multi-colored fabric and cut it into a circle using a CD for a pattern.
Fold into quarters and cut a circle out of the middle, by eye.
Place the "Cheerio" on a white 6" square. (The square can be ivory, ecru etc.)
Machine stitch around the outer and inner edges of the circle, as shown above.
Snip along the outer and inner edges, about every 1/4 - 1/2 inch. Be careful not to clip the stitches.
I used a toothbrush to speed up the fraying in the photo above, but you don't need to do that. When the lucky winner finishes the quilt, it will fray in the washer and dryer. After the first washing there will be a lot of threads to pick off. But after that, loose threads won't be a problem. And the texture will be so nice!
Remember you enter your name in the drawing once for each block that you bring.


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About Zone
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Isolatek Spray Applied Fireproofing Material
Isolatek International, a 135 year old US company, is a global leader in the development, manufacturing and distribution of proprietary passive fire resistive materials protecting commercial, industrial, petrochemical and tunnel projects. www.isolatek.com
Zolatone Multicolour Interior Wall Finishes
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Water borne interior wall finishes which are spray or roller applied are designed primarily for areas that are subjected to high wear and tear. www.zolatone.com


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This week, after a Freedom of Information Act Request by Government Attic, the FCC released the indecency complaints it received about The Simpsons from 2010-2013. The complaints are pretty great in the way all FCC complaints are pretty great. They provide a little window into the mind of the type of person who would get so enraged by something that happened on The Simpsons — On The Simpsons! Today! In 2013! — that it moved them to actually go through the trouble of filing a complaint. Your real life Flanderses and such.
But all of this brings up a point: How great must the complaints from the early years be? Like, back when the show was scandalous as hell and taking the world by storm. I bet they received literally thousands of complaints about the line "Eat my shorts" alone. God, I want to see those complaints. I want to see them so bad.
Until then, I suppose these will do.
Whale blown up by TNT:
I recently watched an episode of The Simpsons titled – The Squirt & The Whale. Which involved a beached whale getting blown up by tnt. I thought it was horrible and raw. Please stop showing stuff like that. Thanks.
Poop, pee, etc.
Language used was the concern. Talking about taking a poop, found this offensive. Another was having to take a pee, found offensive as well. Need to use better language as in the past when language was more pure.
Also, "toosh."
One line was about whipping someone's toosh.
This one almost sounds like a threat:
My complaint is an over all view of how the use of bad language, and nudity, have just been allowed to creep in. There are so many shows that allow this, it is hard to define them all. My question is what is wrong with the FCC? Do you allow your children to watch this kind of show? It is on at all times, and is spreading such an allowance message that there is no standard of decency anymore. Please pay more close attention to these low character type of shows. The damage is being done, and America will pay the consequences. I am 62 yrs. old, and know there doesn't have to be such lanquage as this to have a good show. I really can't believe how you have allowed the standards you are to supposed to uphold, fall so drastically. Thanks for listening.
It's funny because it kind of sounds like the second sentence is the complaint:
A family cartoon show, Mr. Simpson was in his house totally nude & went outside naked while his neighbor was watering her grass. Then his wife ran out of the house trying to cover him with a towel.
People really hate nude Homer:
Homer Simpson is portraying in Playboy magazine & hires someone to take nude pictures of him while the children are outside the house. The children look thru the window & see him in different poses for the pictures. It?s pornography, a disgrace to make children think it?s ok to be on Playboy magazine.
"The next affront to my faith is…"
I found the shows portrayal of Ned Flanders as a mindless killer following the orders to kill people from Homer Simpsons transponder bible highly offensive. Further, the depiction of God as subservient to Satan is blasphemous and revolting to a true Christian believer. The "God" character referring to Satan as "the big guy downstairs" is highly~offensive. The next affront to my faith is hte depiction of God as a servant to Satan by giving Satan a cup of coffee. This is all the further I cared to watch this program. This depiction of Christianity has become a standby for "The Simpsons" and I find it highly offensive. Thank you for your time.
"… (happenings of a middle class family)…"
In the episode, Homer Simpson is imagining unpleasant things that could happen while being uninsured. Among the things Homer was also imagining was Marge Simpson having a lesbian kiss with another woman. This is a show which audiences from as young as 4 years old watch frequently. Because of its animated format and theme of the story (happenings of a middle class family), this is naturally accepted by many parents as an acceptable program for children. The image of Marge Simpson kissing another woman is indecent and the episode should be banned from broadcast to prevent children from seeing this.
Groin kicking:
On WZDX Fox54, the show "The Simpsons", depicted a girl kicking Bart Simpson in the groin over and over and over, at least IO times, before he said "stop kicking me in the groin" and she replied "no groin, no krav magra" and then she resumed repeatedly kicking his genitals.
Groin kicking resulting in "sexual agony":
On WZDX Fox54, the show "The Simpsons", depicted Lisa Simpson kicking Bart Simpson in the groin leaving him lying on the floor in sexual agony.
This one isn't even about The Simpsons, technically. It is still my favorite by a mile, because (a) it takes a hard left turn at the midway point, and (b) "barley covered vagina."
a commercial for shick razor blades came on during the simpsons.in it the show a young girl in her underwear with her legs propped open so there is a crotch shot done on a female in her barley covered vagina WHICH IS VERY LEWD,DISGUSTING AND PORNOGRAPHIC!the camera focused on her barely covered vaginal area for a while and that part of the shick commercial had nothing to do with razors and will not sell any more razors for schick. we are tired of all the female nudity allowed on t.v. all of the time when female nudity is publically aired on tv it is never a mistake because you never see any male nudity on tv!IF THE MALE PENIS AND MALE NUDITY AND THE MALE PENIAL AREA CAN NEVER BE SHOWN ON NON-CABLE TV THEN WOMEN'S VAGINAS&WOMEN NUDITY& WOMEN VAGINAL AREAS SHOULD NEVER BE AIRED ON NON-CABLE TV AT ANY TIME AT ALL NEVER NO MATTER HOW MANY BRIBES THE FCC IS TAKING IN ORDER TO ALLOW FEMALE NUDITY,FEMALE CROTCH SHOTS AND FEMALE VAGINAL AREAS TO BE AIRED ON NON-CABLE TV!
Good points, all.
(via Gawker)


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Finishing up last-minute goodies around here tonight! Little bit of books for the hubbies business, and last-minute teacher gifts to send with the kids for school tomorrow. (Shocker, last-minute gift from me?) Oh yeah did I also mention I am doing all that while playing on this here blog and catching up on my favorite show….The Real Housewives of BH. I really like all the Real Housewives shows but my favs are Orange County, Beverly Hills, and of course New Jersey! I know I am weird!
So here is what I made for the kids teachers, I played around with the ever popular family rules. I typed up different fun-loving rules for the classroom, and made all of them different fonts. Then I printed it out on card stock and got some black frames (of course on sale at Fred Meyer). I had to trim it down a little, but then that was that! I think they are cute, and if I were a teacher I would like it (I think, lol).
Here it is close up, so you can see all the different words. Well kind of…Did you notice I am back to camera phone pictures? Grrr, something is wrong with my memory card. Will have to get a new one, or maybe I could get a new camera??? Hint, Hint! (Or my sister can sell me hers, that she never uses!)
Preparing myself for the kiddos to be out of school next week. I took the week off as well, should be interesting. Honestly it will probably fly by as usual. Mad dash for all the Christmas goodies, and making some sweet treats.
Talk to ya later!


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Toxic foam causes thousands of fish to die in the Tolka River
Thousands of fish have died as a result of an apparent detergent dump in to the River Tolka in the north inner city, a Government agency has said.
A 5km stretch of the northside river – from the Finglas Road to the sea – was contaminated by a toxic foam yesterday with investigations by the EPA, Dublin City Council and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) under way to establish the source of the pollution.
IFI director Brian Beckett said today: "We had a discharge of contaminating material causing a significant and extensive fish kill.
"We have teams out there at the moment quantifying the numbers but we're talking about probably in excess of thousands of fish [killed] at this stage."
He said the Tolka is a "hugely productive river" for fish and that the investigation to determine the source of the contamination is "ongoing".
Speaking on RTE Radio Mr Beckett appealed to those responsible for the pollution to come forward.
"We would ask particularly anybody who's involved in the handling of toxic materials in the area that they would redouble their efforts and ensure that anything that they're doing with those materials are according to their licences that would be appropriate from the local authority or the EPA," he said.
Workers arrived at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin yesterday to find foam on a large section of the river and fish jumping out of the water in distress.
The park's foreman Brian Furlong told the Herald: "When I arrived it looked like there had been a huge snowfall down by the river. The foam was floating through the air.
"Unfortunately, this has resulted in a large kill of fish. It's so disappointing to see as many of them were mature large fish, such as trout, which are necessary for breeding," he said.
Brian said he fears it will take some time for the stocks to recover after such heavy pollution to the river. "It's very disappointing, we haven't seen an incident this bad in years."
Online Editors


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|University of California, Berkeley
|Jepson Herbarium
|Jepson eFlora
Key to families | Table of families and genera
(For a list of species in Lavatera, use the above link.)
Jepson Manual glossary definitions can be seen by moving your cursor over words underlined with dots.
1. Shrub, generally 1–2 m; flowers purple-violet ..... L. olbia
1' Annual, biennial, generally 0.5–1 m; flowers bright rose-pink or white ..... [L. trimestris]
Citation for the whole project: Jepson Flora Project (eds.) [year] Jepson eFlora, http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/IJM.html [accessed on month, day, year]
Citation for an individual treatment: [Author of taxon treatment] [year]. [Taxon name] in Jepson Flora Project (eds.) Jepson eFlora, [URL for treatment]. Accessed on [month, day, year].
We encourage links to these pages, but the content may not be downloaded for reposting, repackaging, redistributing, or sale in any form, without written permission from The Jepson Herbarium.


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23 May
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There are a few reasons why we love smart thermostats:
1) You can control multiple zones of heating & cooling without walking around the house adjusting individual thermostats.
2) You can remotely access and control your house heating and cooling system via a smartphone or tablet.
3) We can integrate the HVAC into the other house systems so that the system does not waste energy when you are not home. (It knows when the alarm is on.)
We have been using the Crestron HVAC controls as our primary solution for the past several years because they allow the thermostats to be located out of sight in a mechanical area. Each thermostat connects to a small, paint-able temperature sensor, so we can eliminate unsightly thermostats in areas where aesthetics matter. The Crestron products allow us to group multiple sensors or thermostats so that we can control any number of thermostats using one interface.
The new Lutron QS system includes thermostats that work with their lighting control and motorized window shading systems. They have local and remotely located thermostats and their products also allow us to use wireless temperature sensors that can control any heating/air conditioning system.
Another product for HVAC control is the new Nest thermostat. These great little thermostats are inexpensive, connect to existing thermostat wiring, and connect to the WiFi network in the home. They have a simple online interface for remote control via PC, smartphone or tablet. They also have a learning feature that allows them to learn from your heating/cooling use and anticipate your needs. Although they do not work with remote temperature sensors and they cannot be grouped into zones yet, they are a very cool product at a reasonable price point.


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Hurricane Isaac Sourdough
I'm bored waiting for Isaac to rear it's ugly head here in New Orleans and thought I'd share how I'm passing the time. SO, I'm making my first real sourdough bread. Here are my loaves shaped and proofing....waiting to be baked. Since Isaac won't hit us head-on until later this evening I'm confident I can get these baked before we lose power. For anyone who will be affected by the hurricane...STAY SAFE!!!!


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NERL Model License
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Working With NERL
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- Research
- Open Access
Randomized trial comparing group size of periodic in-person sessions in a remotely delivered weight loss intervention
© The Author(s). 2017
- Received: 15 June 2017
- Accepted: 13 October 2017
- Published: 23 October 2017
Few randomized studies have examined differential effects of group size in behavioral weight control, especially in hybrid programs that include Internet treatment approaches.
Randomized controlled trial (n = 195) comparing a 4 month hybrid internet weight loss program coupled with monthly face to face groups of 100 persons (Large Group, LG; 1 group) or to the same approach with monthly groups of 20 persons (Small Group, SG; 4 groups). Repeated-measures mixed-model analysis with age and race as covariates were used to estimate primary (weight) and secondary outcomes, and to test group differences in change over time.
The sample was 46.3 years old ±10.4, 90.3% female, and 51.9% non-white, with BMI 37.9 ± 8.4 kg/m2. Participants in the LG were more likely to return for the 4-month assessment visit than those in the SG (p = 0.04). Participants randomized to both the LG and SG conditions experienced significant WL over time (no between group difference: −4.1 kg and −3.7 kg, respectively) and weight loss was positively associated with attendance at monthly meetings and logins to the website. Satisfaction with the program was high and similar in both groups (94.4% reported that they were "satisfied" or "very satisfied").
Using a hybrid approach of in-person and online weight loss interventions may be an effective way to reach larger and more diverse populations. Delivering the face to face component of the intervention in groups larger than those traditionally delivered (20–25 people) could increase the cost-effectiveness of group-based behavioral weight loss interventions.
Clinical trials registration number
NCT01615471. Registered June 6, 2012. Registered retrospectively.
- Hybrid internet plus in-person groups
- Large group
- Behavioral weight loss
The majority of US adults are overweight and obese [1], and studies show that even modest weight loss of approximately 5% of initial body weight can improve health parameters like cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure, and reduce risk for chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease [2, 3]. More recent evidence links obesity to progression and recurrence of some cancers [2–4]. Therefore, for the majority of US adults, risk reduction through modest weight loss is a public health priority.
Intensive behavioral lifestyle interventions have been developed and are proven to reduce weight in clinical trials at levels that are beneficial for health [5–8]. The 2014 American Heart Association evidence-based guidelines on the treatment of obesity suggest that lifestyle interventions are most successful when they include face-to-face sessions [6]. Research also suggests that both individual and group sessions are effective delivery formats for face-to-face sessions in behavioral lifestyle interventions [6–8], and that group format may be more effective and cost-effective for delivery of comprehensive treatment [9].
Other than the comparison of individual with group delivery formats, little research has examined the effect of group size on weight loss. The Look Ahead study delivered 3 of 4 sessions per month in group format with an average group size of 11 participants; groups ranged from 6 to 21 participants over the 209 groups delivered across the 15 sites [10]. In an analysis controlling for site differences, group size was not found to be associated with mean weight loss [10]. In the single randomized trial conducted to date on this topic in obesity, Dutton and colleagues examined the effects of group size on engagement and weight loss [5]. Sixty-six participants were randomized to one group of 30 or to one of three smaller groups of 12 members. Behavioral weight loss treatment was delivered with 24 weekly groups (months 1–6) followed by 6 monthly sessions (months 7–12). Weight losses were over 3 kg and 4 kg greater in the smaller groups versus larger group at 6 and 12 months respectively. Participants in the smaller groups completed significantly more self-monitoring records (p < .01) than the larger group, and there was a trend for smaller group participants to attend more sessions (p = .09), at least partially explaining the differences in weight loss between groups. Thus, the limited available evidence is mixed regarding group size and weight loss outcomes and no data exists on group sizes above 20–25 persons. With dissemination of group based treatment in mind, examination of larger group sizes is needed as the cost of in-person treatment delivery is affected by the number of sessions needed and also the number of individuals who can be treated in each group session.
The cost, logistics and accessibility of comprehensive group behavioral lifestyle interventions have resulted in much research over the past decade on alternative delivery formats and locations for weight loss interventions. One promising alternative has been delivery via technology, including Internet interventions accessed via computer and mobile devices. In general, weight losses of approximately 4–6 kg can be reliably achieved with Internet programs that involve some form of weekly human e-counseling or ongoing feedback from behavioral lifestyle counselors (email, group chat, etc.) [11–16]. Research also suggests the efficacy of weekly professionally led group chat visits as part of an internet program [17, 18] but less is known about periodic human support delivered either in person or online.
The combination of periodic face-to-face visits and internet delivery might be appealing for several reasons: it retains some of the benefits of face-to-face delivery through participant interaction and modeling; it provides opportunity for greater accountability with periodic in-person weigh-ins; and using Internet intervention components has the potential to reduce labor costs in program delivery, allows constant access to ongoing treatment components, and increased convenience for participants. One study examined a hybrid approach delivered predominantly via weekly Internet chat groups (15–20 individuals), coupled with individual sessions once per month with a dietitian. Results suggested no additional benefit from the monthly individual face-to-face sessions, given an effective Internet program that included participant-provider interaction and participant-participant interaction within the online treatment [13]. Another study by Leahey and colleagues [19] added optional weekly group-delivered weight loss sessions to a 3-month online behavioral weight loss program and demonstrated no differences at the end of treatment (5.8% vs. 4.3% loss), but significantly greater weight losses were maintained 1 year after baseline (9 months post-treatment: optional groups 4.5% loss vs. 1.2% for internet only).
Given that individual treatment is more costly to deliver than group treatment [9], and that Internet delivered programs are largely accessed by individuals on their own, we reasoned that an Internet- and mobile-delivered program could be combined with periodic group treatment and that it might promote ongoing engagement with the program when delivered in a community setting. Another reason for offering a hybrid program in a community setting was to increase potential to appeal to a broader audience since treatment was delivered via multiple formats. Since little data existed on group size, we also sought to explore the feasibility of delivering the face-to-face component of the hybrid program in a larger group of 100 compared with more traditional large group sizes of 25. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 4-month Internet- and mobile-delivered weight loss program with monthly face-to-face group sessions delivered in a large group format (approximately 100 person group) compared with the Internet and mobile program delivered via a smaller group format (20 person groups).
Recruitment of intervention participants
We recruited and enrolled participants between April and June 2012 in Kannapolis, NC and the surrounding area, beginning the intervention in mid-June. A comprehensive recruitment website was developed to provide details about the study, eligibility, a video of a former research participant (African American female) talking about study participation, general information about participating in a research study and frequently asked questions. Potential participants were recruited through television advertisements, flyers and word of mouth and directed to the recruitment website, which linked to an online eligibility screener. Individuals were eligible if they met the following criteria: overweight and obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m2); aged 18–65 years old; living or working within 30 miles of Kannapolis; able to attend 4 monthly Saturday group sessions and 2 assessment visits at the Nutrition Research Institute in Kannapolis; had access to the Internet on at least a weekly basis; and had an email address or were willing to sign up for a free account (e.g., gmail). Participants were excluded if they were unable to read and write English, taking insulin, pregnant during the previous 3 months or planning pregnancy in the following 6 months, participating in another weight loss program, or were taking weight loss medications. Though no upper BMI limit was set, physician consent was required for individuals with BMI > 50, previous history of heart attack or stroke, or current treatment for cancer. To ensure participant safety, The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaires (PAR-Q) was administered at the baseline assessment visit, and those endorsing any item on the PAR-Q were encouraged to consult their primary care physician prior to making any changes to their exercise routine.
To aid with recruitment into a study where participants could be randomized to come to a large treatment group with 100 people, participants could join the study alone but were encouraged to enroll in the study with up to three friends or family members who also met eligibility criteria. Participants were oriented (video), provided informed consent, and enrolled online. A paper copy of the consent was provided to the participant at the baseline assessment visit. This study was approved by and was in accordance with the ethical standards of the UNC Chapel Hill Institutional Review Board.
Participants in the Lose Now NC intervention trial were randomized to one of 2 intervention groups: a "large group format" (LG) in which monthly sessions would include up to 100 participants, or a "small group format" (SG) in which monthly sessions would include approximately 20 participants. Randomization was stratified on the size of the "friends or family" social group joining together (1 = joining alone, 2, 3, or 4). Eligible participants were randomized following baseline measures, using a computer generated random numbers method by the project coordinator with allocation concealed to participants until randomization was revealed at the initial group session.
A standard behavioral intervention based on the DPP, and adapted for use by our research team in other internet and face-to-face delivered studies [11, 12, 20–23] was adapted for this protocol. Behavioral weight control approaches are founded on teaching self-regulatory and behavioral skills (self-monitoring, goal setting, problem solving, stimulus control, etc.) and providing the support necessary to enable participants to adopt lower calorie diets (e.g., 1500–2000 kcals per day based on starting weight) and moderate physical activity (e.g., walking) to produce energy deficits necessary to produce modest weight losses of 1–2 lbs. per week. Both treatment groups attended four monthly group sessions and had access to an identical Internet program in between sessions. The main difference between the two study groups was the size of the monthly group sessions.
Monthly Treatment Groups: Treatment group sessions were held in a community facility equipped with a large room with chairs, a podium, and audio-visual equipment, which would accommodate 150 people. Smaller rooms with conference style tables and audio-visual equipment were also used. At the beginning of the program, all participants were provided with a "weight loss toolkit" to encourage evidence-based weight loss behaviors and for retention purposes. The kit included a 16 oz. water cup, Meal Measure portion control plate, and a Calorie King calorie counting guide [24]. They also were given a pedometer (PE-330 Step Tri-Axis Pocket Pedometer) at the second group session to correspond with the lifestyle physical activity lesson topic. Group sessions were held once a month on a Saturday and were approximately 90 min in duration. Over the 4 months, the same interventionists co-led the large group and individually led the small groups. Interventionists were from a multi-disciplinary team of dietitians, psychologists, exercise physiologists and health behavior experts and were trained at the Master's or PhD level. The monthly sessions began with an individual, semi-private weigh-in, followed by a group session. Both groups received the same paper copy of the 'lesson' for the session, but delivery of the content followed a slightly different format. In the LG, there were interactive features such as group text polling, cooking and exercise demonstrations, information tables for browsing before and after the session, and audience participation using a microphone. The SG sessions followed traditional behavioral weight control group session protocol with groups sitting in a small group or circle format with a table and allowing for more interaction and discussion between members and with the leader.
Internet and Mobile Program: Between face-to-face sessions, participants were asked to log into a comprehensive Internet program adapted from those tested previously by Tate et al. [11, 12, 22] that provides the self-monitoring tools, tailored automated behavioral feedback, tailored lifestyle content resources (lessons and a problem solving tool to help overcome barriers to diet and exercise change), and social support (e.g., online message board). New lesson content was posted weekly, and included information on making dietary changes, goal setting, exercise barriers, and problem solving. Presentation of the content included text, videos and interactive questionnaires. The expected frequency of Internet use was at least once a week in order to report weight, diet and exercise, and to use the program tools.
Weighing, Diet, and Exercise Recommendations and Self-Monitoring Options: Participants were instructed to weigh daily and to report weight on the study website. At session one, participants were given calorie goals designed to produce 1–2 lb. weight loss per week based on starting weight. They were given three "plans" designed to help them meet their prescribed weight loss calorie goal. The first plan offered was to self-select their diet and use the website diary to monitor all calories consumed and meet the calorie goal. The website diary used the Calorie King database and was fashioned after many commercial online diet self-monitoring tools. The second was to use an external diary (commercial smartphone app, other web-based diary or paper diary), and to enter total daily calories and fat to the website at the end of the week. The third option was to follow a study-provided meal plan at the recommended reduced calorie level and indicate only deviations to the meal plan on the study website diary. No preference was proposed for the three plans, however, the "pros" and "cons" to each were presented at the first session, and participants were encouraged to select the plan that fit best with their lifestyle and preferences for self-monitoring.
Participants also were asked to select a physical activity progression plan that took into account their baseline level of activity and progressed gradually towards an increased goal during the intervention. Plans for baseline "low active" (<60 min/week), "somewhat active" (60–150 min/week), and "highly active" (>150 min/week) levels recommended a progression over the 16-week intervention that increased the weekly minutes to 175, 200, and 250, respectively. Participants were asked to report their exercise minutes on the website. An online exercise scheduler and exercise barrier problem solving tool were provided to promote adherence to the recommendations. The pedometer was provided, after one month, as an additional tool for monitoring total activity and reporting steps on the study website was optional.
Assessments occurred at baseline and 4 months in person and using online questionnaires. Basic demographic information, including age, sex, race, education level, and income, was assessed at baseline only. Body weight was measured in lightweight street clothes, without shoes, on a calibrated digital scale (Tanita BWB 800) by blinded assessors. Height was measured at baseline using a portable stadiometer (Seca). Resting blood pressure was measured in seated position using a GE Dinamap ProCare 100 after 5 min rest; the average of two measures was used [25]. If there was a discrepancy of >10 mmHg systolic or >6 mmHg diastolic, a third measure was taken and the average of the three measures was used. Non-fasting blood samples were collected by fingerstick according to standard protocol. Hemoglobin A1C (HgA1C) was analyzed using an Alere Afinion (Orlando, Florida) point of care analyzer. Blood lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL) were analyzed using the Alere Cholestech LDX point of care analyzer.
Dietary intake was measured via two 24-h dietary recalls conducted at each assessment time point using the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Recall (ASA-24) from the National Cancer Institute [26]. Participants were provided with pre-established logins and prompted to log in to the ASA-24 website at an unscheduled time and complete a 24-h recall on one weekday and one weekend day, at which time they reported everything they had to eat and drink in the 24 h on the day prior.
Physical activity was measured using a staff-administered version of the Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ) at each assessment period [27]. Using a guided-interview format, this measure assesses leisure-time physical activity, walking, and stair-climbing over the previous week. Although originally developed as a self-report measure, the interview format allows for clarification of the activities and activity intensity unavailable when using the questionnaire alone.
Participants also completed a measure of quality of life at baseline and 4 months using the CDC Health-Related Quality of Life scale [28]. This is a 4-item measure that assesses perceptions of general health, including self-reported ratings of number of unhealthy physical and mental health days in the last 30 days. In this study the measure had acceptable internal consistency (α = .70). The Physical Activity Group Environment Questionnaire (PAGEQ) is a 26-item measure that assessed group cohesion at 4 months (α = .96) [29]. The measure assessed individuals' perceptions of the cohesiveness of the group sessions and was modified for this study to assess a weight loss group. Program adherence was measured by recording attendance at face-to-face group sessions and logins to the study website. Participants also completed a study-developed program satisfaction questionnaire at 4 months.
Statistical methods
The primary outcome of change in weight, as well as secondary outcomes of percent weight loss, change in blood pressure, cholesterol, HbA1c, general health, calorie intake, and calorie expenditure, were analyzed using intent-to-treat methodology. Multiple imputation using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method was used to replace missing values. PROC MI and PROC MIANALYZE in SAS 9.3 were used to conduct repeated-measures mixed-model analysis with age and race as covariates to estimate primary and secondary outcomes and to test group differences in change over time [9, 30]. Race and age were included as covariates in our analysis as they have been shown in prior studies to be associated with weight loss [31, 32]. Individuals who reported using medication for hypertension were censored for analyses of change in blood pressure. Similar methodology was used for analyses of total cholesterol and HbA1c. This program was designed to be inclusive (i.e., did not include an upper BMI cut off) and included a participant with a weight that was a statistical outlier located six standard deviations above the mean. Analyses were conducted both with and without this case (data not shown) and were similar. The results presented follow intention to treat and include the outlying case.
Given the pilot nature of this study, analyses presented here were conducted using the individual as the unit of analysis. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted considering the social grouping of participants with their friend and family. These were unadjusted analyses that used the average weight loss of the social group (containing between 1 and 4 individuals) as the unit of analysis with baseline observations carried forward for any missing data at 4 months. Analyses conducted considering the clustering of participants yielded results for weight and secondary outcomes that were similar to those when using the individual as the unit of analysis. Therefore, we subsequently present the results of the sensitivity analyses for the primary outcome of weight in the text, but not for the remaining outcomes.
Program retention, adherence, and satisfaction measures were compared using t-tests and chi-squared tests. Group comparisons with skewed distributions were analyzed using Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests and are reported with medians and interquartile ranges. Relationships between program participation and weight loss were assessed with Spearman correlations. Finally, logistic regressions were used to test baseline characteristics as predictors of achieving a five-percent weight loss.
Baseline characteristics by treatment group
Total Sample (N = 195)
Large Group (N = 112)
Small Group (N = 83)
Age (y) [m ± sd]
46.3 ± 10.8
45.0 ± 10.4
48.2 ± 11.1
Female [n (%)]
176 (90.3%)
102 (91.1)
74 (89.2)
High school or less
19 (9.8)
12 (10.8)
7 (8.4)
Some college
80 (41.2)
39 (35.1)
41 (49.4)
College graduate or beyond
95 (49.0)
60 (54.1)
35 (42.2)
Race or ethnic group
88 (45.1)
58 (51.8)
30 (36.1)
101 (51.8)
52 (46.4)
49 (59.0)
6 (3.1)
2 (1.8)
4 (4.8)
Married or living with partner
124 (63.6)
70 (62.5)
54 (65.1)
Current smoker
15 (7.7)
7 (6.3)
8 (9.6)
82 (42.1)
44 (39.3)
38 (45.8)
Weight (kg)
103.7 ± 27.1
102.7 ± 23.7
105.0 ± 31.3
BMI (kg/m2)
37.9 ± 8.4
37.6 ± 8.0
38.3 ± 8.9
Systolic blood pressure (mm Hg)
127.4 ± 14.7
126.5 ± 14.6
128.6 ± 15.0
Diastolic blood pressure (mm Hg)
75.1 ± 10.7
74.0 ± 11.1
76.5 ± 9.9
Total cholesterol (mg/dL)
188.0 ± 35.1
186.0 ± 34.8
190.8 ± 35.7
5.6 ± 0.6
5.6 ± 0.7
5.7 ± 0.6
Enrolled with friends/family
134 (68.7)
75 (67.0)
59 (71.1)
Intervention adherence
Weight loss and secondary outcomes
Anthropometric, diet, physical activity, and cardiometabolic changesa
Change at 4-months
Time x Group
Weight (kg)
Large group
102.5 (97.6, 107.5)
−4.1 (−5.1, −3.0)
Small group
105.2 (99.5, 111.0)
−3.7 (−5.0, −2.4)
Weight (%)
Large group
−4.0 (−5.0, −3.0)
Small group
−3.5 (−4.7, −2.3)
Systolic Blood Pressure (mm Hg)
Large group
123.9 (120.7, 127.1)
−5.9 (−8.8, −3.0)
Small group
125.2 (121.2, 129.1)
−5.1 (−10.8, 0.7)
Diastolic Blood Pressure (mm Hg)
Large group
72.0 (69.6, 74.3)
−1.5 (−4.0, 1.0)
Small group
76.5 (73.6, 79.4)
0.02 (−4.9, 5.0)
Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)
Large group
183.6 (177.2, 189.9)
−3.3 (−7.9, 1.2)
Small group
192.8 (185.0, 200.6)
−7.9 (−15.3, −0.6)
HbA1c e
Large group
5.5 (5.4, 5.6)
−0.1 (−0.2, −0.1)
Small group
5.6 (5.5, 5.7)
−0.2 (−0.2, −0.1)
General health rating
Large group
2.9 (2.7, 3.0)
−0.2 (−0.4, −0.04)
Small group
2.9 (2.7, 3.0)
−0.2 (−0.4, −0.00)
Caloric Intake (kcal)
Large group
1985 (1866, 2105)
−316 (−492, −139)
Small group
1844 (1705, 1984)
−378 (−621, −136)
Caloric Expenditure (kcal)c
Large group
278 (194, 780)
Small group
299 (197, 456)
There were improvements in systolic BP, HbA1c, and self-reported health ratings over time (p's < 0.01); however, there were no differences by group (p's > 0.18). There were no significant changes to total cholesterol or diastolic BP over time (p's > .15). Participants in both groups reported decreased caloric intake at 4 months and increased caloric expenditure in leisure time physical activity (p's < 0.005), with no difference in the magnitude of the dietary and activity changes made by treatment group.
Among those who completed the 4-month assessment, weight loss was associated with change in calorie intake (rho = 0.26, p = 0.004), self-reported ratings of general health (rho = 0.18, p = 0.04), and change in HbA1c (rho = 0.38, p < 0.001). Weight loss was not associated with change in self-reported physical activity (rho = −0.15, p = 0.06), change in blood pressure (systolic, rho = 0.18, p = 0.10; diastolic rho = 0.05, p = 0.66) or change in cholesterol (rho = 0.08, p = 0.36).
Satisfaction with program
Group Cohesion at 4 monthsa
Large Group
Small Group
Attraction to group-Taskb
7.0 ± 1.2
6.8 ± 1.4
Attraction to group- Social
5.6 ± 1.9
6.0 ± 1.6
Integration with group- Task
6.3 ± 1.2
6.1 ± 1.5
Integration with group- Social
5.4 ± 1.3
5.1 ± 1.4
Attraction to group leader
6.1 ± 1.5
6.6 ± 1.6
The objective of the present study was to compare the effects of treatment group size in the context of a hybrid program using the Internet and monthly face-to-face groups. The study delivered treatment using an Internet program coupled with either monthly large group (100 persons) or smaller groups (20 persons). Participants in both large and small treatment group formats showed significant weight loss over the 4 month intervention (approximately 4 kg) and weight losses did not differ significantly between groups. Weight losses were approximately 4% at 4 months and were associated with reduction in HbA1c.
This study is among the first to investigate delivering behavioral weight loss in a group of more than 100 individuals and to examine group size in the context of supplementing a primarily Internet delivered program. Though other studies examining group size used large groups of a similar size to the "small" groups used here (approximately 20–30), our results are similar to the Look Ahead findings where group size was not related to weight loss [10]. In contrast, Dutton et al. [5] found weight losses to be 3–4 kg better in smaller groups (8–10 participants) compared to larger groups (30 participants), and this was partially explained by adherence such that small group participants showed better self-monitoring and a trend toward better session attendance. Participants in the current study were encouraged to join the study with friends or family members, so it is possible that participating in a large group was less overwhelming with existing social support members than participating alone. Moreover, because much of the treatment was actually delivered online, it may be that more than four in-person treatment sessions are needed to see an effect of group size, as found in the Dutton study with 24 weekly sessions. Finally, it may be necessary to use much smaller groups of approximately 10 individuals to see the benefits of small group size.
We have previously reported on a Stepped Care model for delivering behavioral weight loss that began with monthly group contact (groups of approximately 25) and utilized postal mail for lesson and diary exchange between monthly sessions [20]. At 3 months, weight losses averaged 5.9% in the group receiving monthly group treatment, somewhat better than reported here; however participants in that study had to agree to be randomized to receive either weekly or monthly group treatment sessions which may reflect a different study sample. The weight losses achieved in this study were similar to those in Leahey et al. [19]. The Leahey study reported average weight losses of approximately 5% after 4 months using a hybrid in-person and online approach, however the in-person meetings were more frequent (weekly versus monthly) and were optional. Interestingly, the hybrid approach produced better maintenance in that study; our study did not have a longer term follow-up visit. Though few studies have examined ways to augment remotely delivered treatments with in-person sessions, future research might examine the size, frequency, and timing of face-to-face interaction that produce the best outcomes.
Though not statistically significant, it is worth noting that the direction of the observed means in this study were in a direction favoring the LG (weight loss, attendance, logins etc.). LG participants attended 25% more treatment sessions compared with small group participants (3 vs. 2). They also logged into the study website twice as many times over the 4 months (22 vs. 9 times), on average. Retention was significantly greater in the LG compared with SG (p < .05). When we designed the study we were unsure whether the large group might lead to greater feelings of anonymity, and if so, whether this would be beneficial or detrimental for attendance. Our measure of group cohesion did not show differences on feelings of integration with group members, and while program satisfaction was high in both groups, 99% of LG participants would recommend the program to a friend. Taken together, these metrics suggest that engagement and satisfaction was not worse, and may have been somewhat better in the LG participants compared with the SG.
To control for potential effects of treatment group leaders, all four SG treatment leaders participated as leaders in various sessions in the LG. However, to encourage participation with the large number of people necessitated conducting the LG in a somewhat different manner than the SG. For example, text message/internet polling were used during the sessions to allow participants to express how they had done the previous week, amount of weight lost, etc. and view group level feedback instantaneously. Similarly, participants could text in questions or problems at any time and the treatment providers address questions during the session. These aspects may have created a fun and engaging atmosphere. Future research might examine approaches to interaction in groups in addition to group size.
This study was not designed to study non-inferiority, however, future well powered studies might include careful cost tracking to determine the cost-effectiveness of behavioral weight loss delivered in substantially larger groups. Similarly, we employed a novel method of recruiting in a community setting - encouraging enrollment with family or friends. This study was also not designed to examine the effects of enrolling with others on weight loss but this method of delivering treatment in a large group may be of interest to those seeking to study social influences on weight loss.
One of the notable strengths of this study is the diversity represented in the sample. Prior to recruitment for the randomized intervention trial, we conducted focus groups of men (any race) and African American women to gather feedback on recruitment messages and message placement that would maximize recruitment of groups that are typically underrepresented in behavioral weight loss trials. Consensus from participants was that joining a weight loss program as part of a research study would be highly favorable and most were likely to attend the monthly visits and use the web-based program, suggesting feasibility of our approach. Sample recruitment flyers with images, taglines and a brief description of the program were also presented to the groups. The results of the focus groups were summarized in a report and provided to a marketing company for finalization of the study recruitment website and advertisements. Our recruitment approach also utilized a community member who was a Black male. These combined approaches resulted in a yield of 50% of the participants self-identifying as African American and fewer than 50% reporting a college degree which lends to the generalizability of the findings. Despite these efforts, men were underrepresented in our sample, indicating a need for further study of how men can be recruited to participate in weight loss programs [34]. A further strength of this study was that weight was measured objectively by blinded assessors. The weight losses were modest, 3–4%, however the study was 4 rather than 6 months duration, as is commonly reported in the literature and used tailored, automated feedback rather than human email counseling; thus the human counseling support was limited to the monthly face-to-face group sessions. The study is also limited by the short duration, modest follow-up rates (75%), self-report measures of diet and activity, and our ability to study only a single large group. Furthermore, we are unable to separate group size from other aspects of treatment delivery as noted above. Future trials should control for this.
The results of this study suggest that using a hybrid approach of in-person and online weight loss interventions may be an effective way to reach larger and more diverse populations. While a fully-powered study with multiple large groups is needed to confirm this initial finding, this study provides preliminary evidence that moving beyond modest-sized treatment groups (20 people) may be a worthwhile direction for increasing the cost-effectiveness of group-based behavioral weight loss interventions. Further, it will be important for future studies to investigate the mechanisms through which larger versus smaller groups operate and perhaps whether smaller versus larger groups may be more appropriate for use with mobile technologies, specific demographic subgroups, or phases of treatment.
The study team would like to acknowledge the Nutrition Research Institute for hosting study assessments and group sessions and the NC SPEED team for their contributions to the formative work and community recruitment efforts. We also acknowledge the efforts of Graduate Research Assistants Candice Alick, Loneke Blackman, Jennifer Frank and Mary Shen.
Funding for this study was provided by the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the University Cancer Research Fund at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Availability of data and material
Please contact the corresponding author to discuss availability of data and materials.
Authors' contributions
DT was the Principal Investigator on the study and was responsible for the study design, overall direction, data analysis and manuscript development. CV, BN and MC contributed to the study design, implementation, data analysis and manuscript development. CSH contributed to the study design and manuscript development. KH contributed to the study design, intervention development, management of the day to day implementation of the study, and manuscript development. KP and MD contributed to the intervention development, intervention implementation and manuscript development. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Ethics approval and consent to participate
This study was approved by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Institutional Review Board. Participants provided written informed consent for all study procedures.
Consent for publication
Not applicable
Competing interests
DT is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for Weight Watchers International.
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"Hawaii" is the twenty-third episode from Season 1 of Modern Family, it aired on May 12, 2010.
Plot Summary
Jay's plans to do nothing but relax on vacation are interrupted by an unwelcome reality check. Meanwhile, Phil tries to make the trip romantic for Claire; Mitchell and Cameron disagree on whether they should go sight-seeing, and the kids get themselves into trouble.
Episode Description
The episode begins with Cameron and Mitchell trying to get the perfect picture of Lily and the family as they get off the bus to their hotel. They get inside and see the beauty of Hawaii and Manny states that he's home.
Manny and Luke gets settled into their room and Manny realizes he's not going to have the greatest or neatest room mate.
The adults are at the pool and Gloria tries to get Jay to go workout with her. Jay rejects her offer and relaxes with a beer and burger, when he gets a call from his brother who reminds him that their dad died at the age Jay just turned; 63. He goes with Gloria to workout. Meanwhile, Phil tries to talk Claire into turning their vacation into a honeymoon. Claire rejects saying she has to stay on top of what the kids are doing. Also, Mitch and Cam can't wait until they do more adventurous activities, claiming they have many friends around the world.
The next shot is of Jay waking up Gloria so that they can workout again, much to Gloria's dismay. In separate interviews, Jay admits that the phone call from his brother scared him and Gloria thought that one of the perks of marrying an older man was that she had more time to relax.
In an interview, Mitch and Cam talked about how much they both love taking trips and being adventurous. In an interview alone, Cameron says he's not that into it. When Mitchell is excited to go on a trip, Cameron declines and Mitchell is a tad bit heartbroken. Meanwhile, Jay is taking 'staying fit' to the next level and Phil and Claire ditch their kids.
Gloria is now worried and annoyed that the only thing that Jay is worried about is staying fit. Claire tries to loosen up by letting Haley go off with some new friends she just met, stating it felt both 'weird and good'. Cameron tries to get Mitchell to chill for a day instead of running off to find new things and Mitchell takes delight in it. Manny and Luke begin to bicker because Luke makes too much of a mess.
It's time for Jay's birthday dinner, but Jay is missing, Luke and Manny is still bickering, Haley has a hangover, and Cameron and Mitchell is going crazy trying to get Lily off the elevator that they left her on. By the time the dust settles, Claire takes care of Haley, Phil finds Jay stuck in a hammock (his back gave out) and they both end up getting stuck together for twenty minutes, and Gloria gets Lily off the elevator while Cam and Mitchell is still going crazy.
The episode ends with Phil giving the voice over:
"The rest of the trip went better. Haley's room stopped spinning. Jay got back to the vacation he always wanted. And Mitch and Cam managed to do some sight-seeing at a working banana plantation where they promptly lost Lily again. Me and Claire? We... we had a great time. But we never did get that honeymoon."
Phil gives Claire one last surprise: a ceremony to renew their vows. He says they "couldn't have a honeymoon because they never had a wedding."
Main Cast
(The characters striked out do not appear in this episode)
- Jay Pritchett
- Gloria Pritchett
- Manny Delgado
- Claire Dunphy
- Phil Dunphy
- Haley Dunphy
- Alex Dunphy
- Luke Dunphy
- Mitchell Pritchett
- Cameron Tucker
Guest Starring
- Laki Kaahumanu as an Officiant
- Jason Sadang as Ukulele Player
- Stephanie Barron as Lei Greeter
- Casey Enovijas as Pool Attendant
- Christian J. Keau as Bus Driver
- Jay's father died at the age of 63.
- Jay's brother is heard over the phone and is uncredited. It is unknown if that was the voice of Jonathan Banks who played the character in "The Musical Man".
- Phil and Claire left Haley, Alex and Luke on their own in order to go through to the adult only pool, however the hotel staff would not have allowed this.
- Haley and Alex had their own room, however they are both minors and therefore the hotel would not allow them to stay in a room without an adult.
- Manny and Luke also had their own room, despite both being minors.
- When the family arrived at the hotel it was the middle of the day, however when they were at the airport in the previous episode it was also the middle of the day, and the flight from Los Angeles to Maui is around 5-6 hours, so it would be evening/night when they arrived.


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Planning to Walk
It's not just enough to encourage people to walk: as Tom Vanderbilt shows, decades of planning for high-speed automobility have made walking almost impossible in some parts of metropolitan areas.
"A large part of the problem is that places...were built on the idea that there wouldn't be anyone walking on them. Indeed, there wouldn't be much of anything happening on them, except for cars speeding uninterruptedly from one dense town to another. This was the vision articulated by early optimists like Benton MacKaye and Lewis Mumford, who sounded their call for such roads in a 1931 Harper's article called 'Townless Highways for the Motorist.' Not only should highways avoid the centers of towns, they argued-in order to keep long-distance traffic from congesting already-busy urban thoroughfares- but those highways should themselves be free of commercial development.
[But] the high-speed suburban arterial became a kind of American Main Street...What's more, these arterials were typically built without any provisions for people walking-because who would be? [Pedestrians] are as invisible to society as they are to the average driver. This failure to plan for anyone on foot is just one of a number of shortcomings of our overbuilt, undermaintained road network that are coming into relief."
Instead of laying streets and planning for sidewalks later -- as has been the practice in many developments - Vanderbilt shows how more than 300 municipalities are now planning for "complete streets" that facilitate multiple modes including walking.


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John Cusack is Emerson, a hit man who suffers a breakdown and is reassigned to a babysitting job. Malin Akerman is Katherine, the girl he's supposed to protect. And the title refers to the location - a bunker from where coded messages are sent out to agents in the field. Needless to say, if anyone got in a position to use one of these stations for nefarious purposes, it wouldn't be good. Well, guess what happens next...
The Numbers Station sounded like an intriguing premise. I was imagining a sort of mix between James Bond and Lost. A tight location, a siege situation, and lots of secrets.
That's why the opening is so disappointing. First there's the "oh this is like totally based on real things in the real world, for real"-caption. Look, if you want me to enjoy a film like this, the worst thing you can do is remind me of reality. Then there's the classic hitman-is-tired-of-his-job opening, which doesn't do the film any favors (though it does have one cool shot). And then there's John Cusack...
I'm not sure where it went wrong for for Mr. Cusack. He used to be the very definition of cool, now he looks like a man who has lost the will to live. That's the way he looks in every film these days. Every time he shows up he drains a scene of energy. It's worse than an actor just cashing a paycheck, or when you can tell they would rather be somewhere else, no, Cusack looks like a guy who doesn't even want to be. Because his performance completely fails, there's zero chemistry between the two leads. Malin Akerman tries heroically to make it work, but it's no good. She's acting opposite a lump of wet clay, and let's face it, she's not exactly A-list material herself. This is rather unfortunate, since most of the film takes place in a locked-down bunker, with only these two people to keep us company.
Which brings us to the basic setup. When Emerson and Katherine arrive for their shift - there are two teams covering this post - they discover that the station has been compromised, and that something happened to the other guys. This is the meat of the story. They have to find out what happened, protect themselves and protect the code.
Unfortunately many of the scenes are so poorly staged that it's completely unclear how big the facility is, what areas can be locked off, and what the general geography of the place is. This means there's no sense of claustrophobia at all, even though that's clearly what the film is going for. Also, if this station really is that important, why is it so badly designed and so hard to defend?
So the location doesn't work, what about the story?
Frankly it's a mess. What happened to the previous shift? This is explained via surveillance tapes, which the characters go through, but they can only find the sound. While they listen to this, we watch the events as proper flashbacks, with both sound and images, and yet, it often feels like the characters have seen the same clips we have seen, with images! That comes across as incredibly awkward.
Then there's the bad guys. I don't want to spoil anything, let's just say that we need a clear and present danger for the story to work, and we never get that. The writing is just so damn sloppy. Why does Emerson explain the code system to Katherine, when SHE is the code expert? Or why does Emerson vigilantly walk Katherine to the train at the end of every shift, but then he lets her ride home alone. Is he protecting her or not? Or is this just a feeble attempt by the writer to force a bit of bonding into the story?
When all is said and done, this is just a very simple story about two people briefly trapped in a bunker. The plot just goes around in circles, the same scenes playing out over and over again, and the film runs out of plot after a little over an hour. The remaining 20 minutes or so is just wrapping up.
The Numbers Station is crippled by a combination of lackluster direction, bad writing and a lead actor who is barely awake. It could have been a tight little thriller, but it's so full of plot holes and there are so many gaps in the logic that it's hard to enjoy it even as a silly B-movie.
Insert your own joke about making a movie "by the numbers" or stuff "not adding up" here.
Full cast and credits at IMDb.
The Numbers Station (2013)
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crunching black basalt at
a 'chateau' of the tropics
drapes and wallpapers of birds from france
strangely in place, despite the mosquitoes
(and, unexpectedly, on the top floor
a photo of k's grandparents among
the fashionable youth of the day)
Magical black, the stones and the shadows shining.
A little melancholic and black...not ready to go back to black X!
a great beginning of a book ... it made me dream!
A poem, a story...
your words and photos have the ability to transport.
xo, j


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The name comes from believing interaction with others is the best form of treatment for the soul, thus they came up with the name "Group Therapy". A popular brunch item is their eggs benedict.
Group Therapy
Hot 5940 6 0
(11 Reviews)
Additional Details:
User reviews View all reviews
Without a doubt, Group Therapy Cafe is my favourite cafe in Singapore. Cafe-hoppers love this place. Hipsters love this place. I am none of those things, but I would say that I love this place most of all.
The poached eggs with a generous dollop of hollandaise sauce on thick cut white bread (instead of the usual English muffin) is a crowd favourite, but I usually hanker after the Shepherd's pie. This delicious dish is served with fresh salad with the most wonderful dressing - it is sweet, yet tart, and very refreshing! I usually don't like to have salad (it makes me feel like a rabbit), but the salad here is always the first item to disappear from my plate. Of course, the pie itself is prime comfort food after a hard day's work. The meat is succulent, and the mashed potatoes are layered thickly on top, browned just slightly with a golden crust.
Many of the main dishes come with crisps as sides - these are not fries, but ultra satisfying potato chips. While I am not sure whether these come prepackaged or whether the restaurant fries them itself, one thing is for sure - they are darned good. The chips have the optimal crunch to thickness ratio, which is perfect for those who like their crisps on the thick side. Even when I want to order something new on the menu besides my usual shepherd's pie, I always make sure it comes with crisps.
And of course, always order dessert! I can personally vouch for their carrot cake. It is a hot favourite of the other patrons as well! The sweetness of the cream cheese frosting is complemented and balanced perfectly with the carrot sponge, mingling delicately with the cinnamon and other spices to bring you to dessert heaven. A word of caution, it is a large serving, so please share if you are not starving! Also, more people should be granted the honour of savoring such a delightful creation.
#1 Go at odd hours.
For a cafe with a nearly hidden front door (you have to take a narrow flight of stairs up from an inconspicuous passageway), Group Therapy Cafe is really popular. And popular means large crowds at peak meal times. They don't allow reservations, so expect to queue. However, I would commend the cafe on their good service - instead of making patrons line up and queue at the restaurant itself, you can leave your number with them, go wander around the quaint district, and they will call you when a table becomes available. On weekends, it seems the crowds begin to wane around 3 or 4pm. On weekdays, they close early, so check the opening hours before you go.
#2 Don't be fussy about seating.
Group Therapy Cafe is meant to be a chill out place, after all. Instead of having a layout like a restaurant interior with many proper tables and chairs, the decor resembles someone's large kitchen, or living room. Hence, be prepared to sit and eat at on sofas (which might be a bit inconvenient if you're looking to order a full meal), high stools (girls wearing short dresses or skirts beware!), or even share a long table with some other patrons. This sort of arrangement is not unexpected though, you can find similar seating options in other cafes as well. However, if you are fussy about this, they do have the conventional type of tables, you might just have to wait for a bit more for them to become available.
All in all, I would highly recommend Group Therapy Cafe - it is an all-rounder in terms of food, ambience and service. I have been there more times than I can count, and I still look forward to the next time I am in the area, just so I can pop in again. Fingers crossed about the crowd, though!
Optional Information:
Group Therapy is literally the definition of a hole in the wall. We actually had to walk up and down Duxton a couple of times before we realized that the entrance to Group Therapy was just a small door to the left of Etna's Italian Restaurant.Considering we were there for Sunday brunch, the small cafe was packed but we were shown to our seats quickly and the food only took about 10 minutes to arrive.
My favourite dish of the day was the poached eggs ($15). The eggs are poached perfectly and the hollandaise sauce was so creamy and full of flavour. Despite all that sauce, the thick slice of toast still managed to give a crunch. I'm not normally a breakfast food person nor did I think that 2 eggs and bread would fill me up but boy was I wrong about that. I will definitely be coming back for more of this.
The other dishes we tried included their Shepherd's Pie ($15), Truffle Ravioli ($18) and Waffles with Ice Cream. The Shepherd's pie was good but I would have preferred it if it was packed with more meat and beans. The Ravioli and Waffles, however, were just average and there are definitely better places to try in Singapore if you're on a hunt for pasta and waffles.
Overall, if you enjoy cafe hopping and you're looking for a hidden gem to visit, Group Therapy is definitely one to check out!
Optional Information:
After hearing so much good stuff about this cafe from fellow diners, I have thought it must be real good. But I am in for a surprise. The cafe is located at the second floor in the middle of a row of shophouses. So one have go up by the narrow staircase. It is full and we are placed on the waiting list for a table. After a short wait, 9 of us are squeezed into a table for 5 by the window. After reminding us what is not available today by the staff, one just goes to the cashier to place order and make payment. GST is charged here.
Belgian-styled Waffle $12
with Vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, almonds & fruits
Also topped up another $3 to upgrade the ice cream to avocado gula melaka ice cream.
It looks great when served. Taste is otherwise. There is barely any avocado or gula melaka taste in the ice cream. It just tastes creamy that all. The waffle does not taste fluffly nor crispy. It does not feel like a freshly made one. What a disappointing choice I have made.
Overall I am quite disappointed with the place. It is too crowded. I am disappointed with the overpriced food.
Optional Information:
I was out with a date (our first, actually), and I thought maybe this place could help with the inevitable awkwardness if we unexpectedly run out of things to talk about.
We did experience awkwardness, but it was because we stood at the entrance for 10 minutes before someone actually noticed us standing there. (Did I mention that there was a bar facing the entrance, with staff working behind the bar counter? Too busy preparing orders to notice us maybe.)
Anyway, since we were immediately given a table, I didn't kick up a fuss. (Not really nice to strike an impression the wrong way right?) Afterall, the ambience was nice, laidback, perfect for a Sundate!
Orders were placed – the Beef Cheese Burger with Sunnysideup and Roasted Almond Latte for him, and the Baked Chilli Crab Pie with a Pear Cider for me. We also ordered a Caramel Granny Smith Apple Pie to share.
Murphy's First Law states that if anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. After a 20-minute wait, a server sheepishly informed me that my Chilli Crab Pie had somehow exploded in the oven, and if I were to wait for a remake, it'd take another 30-45 minutes. Seriously.
Determined not to ruin my date, I ordered Poached Eggs on thick toast and smoked salmon instead. By the time that was served, I was over-starved and I simply wolfed it down without savoring it. Although it didn't disappoint, it didn't amaze like what those reviews mentioned. He also felt that his burger patty was abit too dry too.
Fortunately, the Apple Pie and his Almond Latte did some redemption. I would still head back for a second try, but not until I shake off the bad thought that my Chilli Crab Pie may explode again.
Optional Information:
This place is a hidden gem, truly.
It make take a little bit of effort to find, a little bit of sun to brave, but the ambience of the cafe is worth it. This may be one of those cafes that have popped up recently in light of the trending hipster lifestyle~ but this cafe does it with reasonable success.
The decor is tres mignon, vintage with some artwork for sale hanging on the wall, and has some cosy sofas that you might get if you're very very lucky.
I personally find the drink items a tad bit pricey but this was my fault for going to a hipster cafe and ordering fruit juice. The tea and coffee that I've had in my 3 visits were all satisfactory.
The food can be improved – I've definitely had better, but objectively it was still of an acceptable standard. Don't go to group therapy expecting to be blown away by the food, but just chill and enjoy the ambience while sipping decent coffee or tea. When it isn't too crowded it's a great place to sit with a book and while your time away.
Optional Information:
Hidden in the depths of Duxton Rd, take note that the cafe is on the second floor, not the ground floor! It might take a little sweat and walk to find the cafe, but once you enter it, be greeted with a cool atmosphere and cosy ambiance.
Take your pick from high bar table tops to snuggly sofas to dine in. But if you're here during the peak periods, lunch/dinner time, then you'd probably have to settle with what's available. I'd have to say they all looked pretty comfy to me, so no iffys about it for me! I've been recommended the waffles and eggs benedict by my friends, but I picked the chicken and mushroom pie eventually. It was really filling. Even though it was really tasty, I did get a little sick of the pastry toward the end though, too much flour for me! >_< The eggs benedict which my friend ordered had a really thick hollandaise sauce, a little too much imo. But the waffles were heavenly.
Overall, this is a really cool and cosy place to catch-up with your friends! The staff are very pleasant and friendly, which is a factor that only enhances your experience. :)
Optional Information:
This place was not easy to find but I'm glad that my friend and I didn't give up! We ended up asking for directions and imagine our surprise when we found out it was located less than a minute away from 2d1n Soju Bang, where we frequent.
The first thing I liked was the ambience! It was great for a lazy weekday brunch, but we arrived a little too near to lunchtime and the more 'comfy' seats were taken. We were given a simple 2 seater table instead, which was located right beside the power plug! Hidden bonuses indeed. :)
My friend ordered their classic eggs benedict with ham, while I ordered their shepherd's pie. Both were definitely value for money! The servings were huge and neither of us could finish our mains.
I really liked their shepherd's pie, where the filling was seasoned perfectly and went really well with the mash potato. I scraped my fork across the crispy crust to whet my appetite because I'm compulsive like that. However, I felt the side of chips were more potatoes than I could ingest in one setting. Perhaps I should have requested to change it to another serving of salad, speaking of which, I enjoyed as well. The dressing was pretty unique!
When I tasted the eggs benedict, I knew I had to go back someday to eat the whole main by itself. I love it when chefs are generous with their hollandaise sauce! It was like a viscous lava dripping down the sides. I could taste some kind of cheese in the sauce, if I'm not wrong, which made it a winner in my list. Loved the twist!
Definitely a place for many more return visits!
Optional Information:
or rocking a mag and a coffee alone would be an ideal afternoon too.
My friends and I were cafe hopping in Duxton and so we decided to drop by here. I came here a pretty long time ago with my family to have their hot food. Their highly raved eggs benedict proved too cloying for me with the thick like mayo hollandaise. But i remember their key lime crumb cake was THE bomb.
Remember to have that.
Oh and their waffles. Yesterday we had their waffles topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, bananas, strawberries etc. The waffles was light and fluffy, I could easily finish it by myself if I wasn't bloated by so much coffee that day.
Their roasted almond latte too. ahhh
Caught up with my girlfriends at this cosy little hangout tucked away on the 2nd storey along Duxton Hill, and we had 2 huge cushiony sofas to ourselves! It felt homely and lovely. There are also plenty of arrangements made for small/huge groups with old-school, long wooden benches and the likes.
The crowd tends to get really busy during peak hours though, so either you get there during slower hours or be prepared to wait really long. I was late, but was told that my friends waited an hour and half.
The menu comprises of the typical all-day breakfast, and included a range of other mains - which in their case referred to pies, quiches and sandwiches. The chilli crab pie my friend ordered was savoury and good, whereas my smoked salmon avocado sandwich wasn't too bad as well. The mains are served with sides of salad and chips. I liked the toasted bread very much, honestly. I can't remember if the chips were baked or fried potato chips, but they were really good as well. Priced at around $18 for the sandwich, the portion was really huge so I guess it's worth it! It's great for sharing though, would be slightly too heavy for one person alone.
The food was great, but I felt that it didn't warrant the 1.5hr of waiting time. Hmm.
They do have a range of craft beers available on their menu as well, so you might wanna consider those if you're dropping by for a meal at night.
I truly came here with high hopes and I was disappointed.
The decor of this place is really just alright. After the initial awe, it just gets mild. There were close to no customers when I went with a date last Friday, but they refused us the sofa seats on the promise of a dinner crowd that never came.
The menu is one of them typed menus - no photos no pictures nothing much. So it did not appeal to me at all, and my date decided on a affogato. That was probably the single thing on the menu worth a mention.
It came quick and there's not much to say about the service. The affogato was delicious though. It was bitter coffee with excellent ice cream and it saved this place from itself.
This is really odd but I visited their washrooms and it made me very happy. What a pretty washroom concept, with the olden buckets and shophouse door.
Actually this place is worth a trip, so drop by!


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See the white stretch of beach with the green dot. As an exclamation mark on top of Abel Tasman national Park it screams to be visited by all and it's possible now Yihaa
It was bought by the people of NZ through the crowdfunding site "Give a little", for the people of NZ. The beach was in private hands. Something that happens more and more in NZ. We in NZ think that the beach should be for everyone.
A Wellington lawyer owned the bank 6 million and had put the beach up for sale for 2 million.
Duane Major who lives in Spreydon, Christchurch started the campaign to ask people to help buy the beach. I bought some graines of sand and a splash of water and followed the process slowly. From almost 40000 buyers over 2.2 million was raised. As it was a tender there was a bit of waiting involved but late last night the beach was handed over and so everyone was rewarded.


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Do you produce goods that you would like to share with hundreds of interested buyers? Are you looking for a sales channel with an established target market? Do you believe in the value of community and building relationships with customers? If so, please consider signing up to become a producer/vendor with the Upper Merion Farmers Market. We are always looking for new vendors and producers to join our market family.
Our regular market season begins in May and ends in November. We also have a winter market that runs from December through April. We were established in 2010 and have retained many of our original producers/vendors. Click here to view our 2018 pricing information.
If you would like to join the Upper Merion Farmers Market, click to download the 2018 UMFM Application and the 2018 Rules & Regulations. Click here to go to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) website to download the appropriate market vendor forms.
E-mail completed forms to: email@example.com
Or mail completed forms to:
Upper Merion Farmers Market
c/o Public Information Office
175 West Valley Forge Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406


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The Kalahari bushmen of Africa once ranged over the entire continent of Africa, but were displaced by Bantus. Once the Europeans moved in, many of the bushmen were then exterminated. However, a few families still uphold the traditions today.
The Kalahari Bushmen of Africa
Key Facts In This Video
The Bushmen, once ranging across the entirety of Africa, were displaced by Bantus pushing south. 00:07
The poison used on the tips of arrows for hunting is a paste made from larvae and a poisonous plant. 01:00
Bushmen perform rituals for the spirits to show the hunters where to find game. 01:34
Written by Curiosity Staff May 26, 2015
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