I've been trying for the past several months to come up with a good way to provide up-to-date information on the goings-on and upcoming events of all our region's YP organizations. I tried using an online calendar - didn't work out because the categories weren't conducive to YP stuff. I tried an online newsletter - didn't work out because too many e-mail addresses on my list were blocking the e-mail from getting through. Below is a link to my latest attempt, a printable PDF e-newsletter. Technologically, it's pretty basic, but I figured it might be easier for YPs to be able to save it/print it/forward it/read it in the john/whatever. Let me know your thoughts!

YP Loop: February, 2008

For Christmas, my Dad got a Wii. After he unwrapped the Wii and got my cousin Allie to hook it up to the TV for him, all the "kids" (I put kids in quotes because we range in age from 10-35; those of us who don't have kids are kids.) and half of the adults crowded around and fought out who was going to play which game against whom. Pretty soon we had a pretty intensely competitive game of bowling going on.

When my turn to play came around, I tried to get out of it, but my cousins wouldn't let me. They all knew they would beat me - my eye/hand coordination is sub-par, I've never been that big into video games, and I've always been horrible at sports. I can't hit, catch, or throw any type of ball. I was the only kid on my pee-wee T-ball team who consistently struck out. Not kidding.

But I got an "A" in Bowling 101 in college (it was based on effort and improvement, not on score), so at least I had that going for me when I took the controller into my hand and secured the strap around my wrist. I tried to recall all the tips I learned so many years ago about staying low to the ground on release and lining my ball up with the arrows and following-through. I took a deep breath, took my three steps, swung my arm back, brought it forward, released the ball and followed-through.

Wouldn't you know it - I got a strike! On my first try! And then I got another. And another. And another. For the first time in my life, I was actually winning a video/sports game. Pretty soon, I had racked up the highest score of the evening. We were all stunned. Silence filled the room. It was the best Christmas ever.

So, that's a pretty long story to explain why I'm so excited about our Mixed-Up Bowling event on January 31. I haven't been real bowling in a long time, and I can't help but wonder if my few shining moments on Christmas will carry over into real life. Maybe I'm not as bad at bowling as I think I am. Maybe I won't have the lowest score of the evening. Or maybe I will. Either way, I know I'll have fun, and I hope you'll join me so you can have fun too. For just $20, you'll get two games of bowling, shoe rental, pizza, and pop (any other drinks you want are on you), and you'll get to network with other cool YPs from Greater Akron. Check our website for more info and to RSVP. Don't forget to B.Y.O.S.!

Guest post by Aniqa Feerasta, intern from The University of Akron

Unless you live under a rock, you probably have heard something about the history making Iowa caucuses last week and today’s New Hampshire primaries taking place as I hammer away at the keyboard. And chances are, you probably have something to say about it.

If by chance you do live under a rock, Barack Obama (a Democrat) and Mike Huckabee (a Republican) won in Iowa. Obama, the son of a Kenyan man and a Kansan woman, is the first African American to win the Iowa caucus.

I must admit that I am one of those very opinionated individuals and nothing fires me up like politics. (C’mon, I know you know someone like me…or maybe you are like me). Even if you don’t care much for politics, it’s hard to miss this year’s election excitement. A woman, an African American, and a Mormon as front runners in the same election is mind blowing.

Pundits are already predicting record voter turnout…but whether the media buzz translates into more people at the polls remains yet to be seen. However, if the chance to pick the next person to make crucial decisions on behalf of the entire nation isn’t motivation to cast a vote, perhaps the chance to make history will be.

Looking for a new downtown lunch spot or after work hangout? Check the new downtown restaurant, Lockview! I enjoyed lunch there on Wednesday with three friends, and we all raved about our meals. Lockview specializes in grilled cheese sandwiches, with nine different varieties on the menu, ranging in price from $4 to $7. Cole slaw and goldfish crackers (a nice twist!) are included. French fries, sweet potato fries, or tater tots can be added for a mere $1.50. We tried the sweet potato fries and the tater tots, and they both rocked!

Lockview also has some great appetizers (including the aforementioned fries & tots), extensive beer and wine lists, and a full bar…perfect for after work or after ice skating! Happy hour specials include $2 off martinis, $1 off draft beers (except Bud Light), and $1 off glasses of wine.

Lockview is located at 207 S. Main Street, across from Lock 3, in the space formerly known as the Lime Spider. Phone is 330-252-5128. Website, www.thelockview.com, is currently under construction.

The Greater Akron Chamber is excited to announce the debut of a new programming series targeted toward young professionals. Marketed under the name "Young Professionals Network," YPN for short, the series features networking and professional development events designed to bring together YPs from throughout our region, regardless of affiliation with any particular YP group. Membership in YPN consists simply of joining our mailing list, and is open to all interested parties. Click HERE to join YPN's mailing list.

Click HERE for more info and to check out YPN's 2008 Calendar of Events. Due to limited space available, reservations and pre-payment are required for all YPN events. Reservations may be made online or by calling (330) 237-1244.

YPN is a program of the Greater Akron Chamber, sponsored by FirstMerit Bank.