Due to an exaggerated application of the principle of inter-regional solidarity, the difference between total taxes paid by Catalonia and public spending fluctuates between 7% and 9% of Catalan GDP, far more than in any other European region.
Kansas had lost two of three to Kansas State in the regular season but defense was the difference in the regional final as the Jayhawks held star guard Mitch Richmond to a season-low 11 points on 4-of-14 shooting.
The other difference was that, unlike its Big East tournament final against Syracuse and Midwest regional final against Duke, Louisville's comeback didn't put the game away.
Since he has been in office, Mr Mubarak has cleverly used the occasional sign of difference with America to bolster his nationalist credentials, while using Egypt's regional weight to please Washington.
But for most of the regional retailers represented they'd like for some kind of resolution or stronger support to make a difference in their bottom lines.