text:
The blobfish has just been unofficially voted the 'World's Ugliest Animal', kicking off a unique conservation effort which proves that protecting endangered species need not be a morose affair, after all.
Giant panda Tian Tian was (and still is) choosing to be coy about whether or not she is pregnant. Tian Tian's baby will be the British zoo's first giant panda cub; so understandably, the nation is in a tizzy.
Meanwhile two communities in Belgium are at loggerheads over Xinhui and Haohao, a pair of giant panda cubs loaned to them by China. The Dutch-speakers of the country are not pleased with the decision to house them in a wildlife park in the French-speaking area.
Elsewhere, in the United States, a group of scientists discovered that panda poop has microbes that could make them an alternative source of biofuels.
It took me a little more than a year, but I finally realised I've reached a stage in my life as sub-editor. I am sick of Giant Pandas.
But they're endangered so you can't argue with the fact that they can use the publicity. And it seems publicity is guaranteed when you're cute as heck, photogenic, and have useful poop.
This is all well and good – there are after all only a few thousands of giant pandas left – but would we be giving giant pandas the same attention if they weren't this adorable?
Simon Watt does not think so. Simon is a biologist, writer, science communicator and TV presenter, who is the brain behind the "Ugly Animal Preservation Society" (UAPS). To put it simply, Simon wants a fair world where endangered species are given the attention they need irrespective of whether you would want to cuddle them to sleep.
This is not the first time someone has tried to bring unattractive animals to the limelight. Noted naturalist Sir David Attenborough turned heads last year with his selection of ten animals that he would like to save from extinction. The ten animals which were then featured on a BBC show called "Attenborough's Ark" did not feature the more popular species like the tiger and the giant panda. Instead, there was a type of long-lived salamander, a frog species where the males give birth out of their mouths, and an anteater-like creature called the sunda pangolin.
The UAPS is trying to spread the same kind of awareness, but using a totally different way to engage with the public – comedy. UAPS rounded up a bunch of comedians, got them to host stand-up shows themed on an endangered-but-ugly animal each, and then asked people to vote for the 'World's ugliest animal'. The National Science + Engineering Competition (NCES) partnered with them to make the campaign happen.
The winner will be the mascot of the UAPS, a symbol and a voice for a forgotten category of endangered species. Yesterday, the UAPS got its mascot – the blobfish. But feasting your eyes on this unconventional beauty will be a little more meaningful if you understand that this is not just an eye-grabbing exercise by Simon Watt. It's a unique and serious effort to educate people that conservation isn't just about cute animals, and depressing figures need not be the only way for conservationists to reach out to the public.
Simon (@Simondwatt on Twitter) was nice enough to answer some of my questions over email:
Do you really think that the cuteness of a species comes to play in conservation efforts?
SW: It really does. Our zoos are a good example. Much of what they do is excellent but they are still not perfect. A recent paper has shown that zoos do tend to prefer prettier species and that many of those animals deemed ugly don't appear in zoos at all. In general the best conservation approaches are to look after habitats and then the species within that habitat tend to take care of themselves.
What happens once UAPS's mascot is chosen? What is the best case scenario for the winner?
SW: Our comedy show tours the country and so at each location they elect a different local mascot and means that each place feels a special affinity with their mascot. Furthermore it gives us reason and cause to discuss and talk about species that are often neglected.
In London, the mascot is the proboscis monkey, in Edinburgh, the gob-faced squid, in Cheltenham and Bristol, the three toed sloth, in Winchester, the Titicaca water frog and in Brighton it is the naked mole rat.
We have used the platform to create other educational resources such as YouTube videos, guides to building bat boxes and class room activities. Some of our gigs are used to raise money for conservation charities.
How difficult/easy was it to convince comedians to participate? Do all of them have science backgrounds like Dean Burnett?
SW: Our performers are either comedians who dabble in science or scientists who dabble in comedy. Everyone has their own take and can personalise their sets as much as they like. If they want a little help with any of the biology of the species, I help them as much as they need. We do have a core set of people who I know and trust and think are hilarious. I am lucky to work with them.
I am impressed and amazed by how many people want to help and we even have people e-mailing us ugly animal pictures and poetry and wanting to contribute.
When and how did the under-representation of ugly animals strike you?
SW: I spend my life trying to communicate the joys of science. I do this through a variety of means including lectures, theatre, radio and TV. I mentioned at the end of one of my talks how bored I was with how we seem to focus on the same species all the time and that most only seem to care about cute and fluffy animals. A member of the audience said I should set up a society and the idea of the comedy night struck me.
I haven't heard of a lot of examples where the environmental cause is championed using comedy. How effective has it been so far?
SW: From the start it had two aims. Firstly, I wanted to get people talking about species they might not come across or think of often. Animals that are not the ones that feature in most documentaries articles or zoos but that are still facing threats to their survival.
My second aim was to make it fun. Conservation can be so depressing, that it is easy to switch off. I wanted to make sure that everyone enjoyed our nights so that they would want to keep learning more.
It has been very popular and continues to grow. I have even created a solo show all about frogs as this is a group of animals in a particularly bad way at the moment.
What is an "ugly" animal, anyway?
SW: Each act is allowed to propose an animal using their own criteria. The only real rules are that their set must be 10min, that the animal must be endangered.
In many cases the comedians already know what species they want to talk about. For those that don't I have a long list of what I think are particularly interesting and particularly ugly animals. As a biologist I can furnish them with as much biological knowledge as they need.
Some feel that their animal is actually quite cute and maligned by most. Others feel an affinity for the underdog while others even if they think that even if their species is not the most unattractive that it is a loser for some other reason.
For instance, sloths are not that hideous but they are so slow that they cannot even outrun the algae that grow on them.
Keywords: endangered species, conservation, comedy, ugly animals preservation society, interview, simon watt, david attenborough


text:
Star Wars on Stamps
5,000 - 10,000 downloadsAdd this app to your lists
Tweets por @Appszoom
+ By Marvin Mallon
In 2007 the United States Postal Service issued a sheet of fifteen 41¢ stamps paying homage to the movie, "Star Wars". The leading characters in the film (both human and otherwise) were depicted. View the stamps and learn the "back story" of each of the principal members of this classical film series.
Recently changed in this version
Corrected Internet link.
Modified email link.
Comments and ratings for Star Wars on Stamps
(59 stars)
I hate it.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
- Loading...
huh? can he really survive in simple, small fishbowl. you know they are self aware? think they deserve better.
ahh it's getting out.....
Creepy.. Does it come with the octopus?
Other things you might Fancy
Added to these lists
Recently Fancy'd by
- copperboom1203 SafetyPin Follow
- lam82154 lam82154 Follow
- eliza.klarer azile99 Follow
- Jordan Jeffreys jordanjeffreys Follow
- Dany Shimaniac CrystallineThrenody Follow
- Katface Hodgkinson katfacehodgkinson Follow
- lovely.rain.75 waterlily00 Follow
- Shannon nonnahsjk Follow
- Lauren Faffler SwedeLove Follow
- Kendarius Fan Page BacG3t Follow
- Shenya Bergan kandigirl42 Follow
- Ben W benlightened Follow
- Madison Reeves quoth_the_raven Follow
- utku bayar Unicorny Follow


text:
1988 BEST Fish Market
The fish is fresh, and so are the mongers, who slice the orders.
Be respectful of our online community and contribute to an engaging conversation. We reserve the right to remove impersonators or personal attacks, threats, profanity, or flat-out offensive comments. By posting here, you are permitting Boston magazine and Metro Corp. to edit and republish your comment in all media.


text:
About Schools in Virgie, KY
Contact a Coldwell Banker® real estate agent to learn more about the schools and school districts in Virgie, KY.FIND AN AGENT
Virgie, Kentucky is located in Pike County. Nearby cities and towns include Wheelwright, McRoberts, Jenkins, Pikeville, Fleming-Neon, Elkhorn City, Payne Gap, Coal Run Village, Clintwood, Pound, Wayland, Millstone, Betsy Layne, Pippa Passes, Clinchco, Mayking, Haysi, Maytown, Martin, Whitesburg, Allen, Dwale, Hindman, and Wise. Virgie is a rural community with a population of 276. The median household income is $32,186. In Virgie, 62% of residents are married, and families with children reside in 36% of the households. Half the population of Virgie commutes 25 minutes or less to work, with 61% of residents holding white collar jobs and 39% residents holding blue collar jobs. The median age of homes in Virgie, KY is 27 years, with 72% of those homes owned, 17% rented, and 11% not occupied.
Contact a Coldwell Banker® real estate agent to learn more about the schools and school districts in Virgie, KY.FIND AN AGENT
See if your personality and goals are right for real estate.SEE ALL REAL ESTATE CAREERS
Community information and market data Powered by Onboard Informatics. Copyright ©2015 Onboard Informatics. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on in making any home-buying decisions. School information does not guarantee enrollment. Contact a local real estate professional or the school district(s) for current information on schools. This information is not intended for use in determining a person's eligibility to attend a school or to use or benefit from other city, town or local services.


text:
In Asia Pacific, the Poverty and Environment is undertaken at the regional level and in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Lao PDR, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Thailand, and Timor-Leste.
Contact: email@example.com ; firstname.lastname@example.com
Within the Asia-Pacific region, the first country programme on poverty-environment mainstreaming was launched in Viet Nam in 2005 with the support then from the UNDP PEI programme. A second PEI national programme was launched in Bhutan in 2008, the first country under the joint UNDP-UNEP Poverty-Environment Initiative. more
Lao PDR
Papua New Guinea
Mainstreaming Environment through Regional Forums
Advancing Environmental Rule of Law and MEAs Implementation
Integrating Environment into National and UN Development Processes
Engaging with Major Groups and Stakeholders


text:
Daniel leads Outlaws to home win
The time off doesn't seem to have slowed the former Miller standout.
Daniel scored 31 points to lead the Corpus Christi Outlaws in a 136-62 victory over San Angelo Sunday at Ray High School. He burned the Chaparrals for 34 points in Saturday's 144-109 win in San Angelo, a clear sign that Daniel is happy to be back on the court.
"It feels good to be playing competitive ball again," said Daniel, a 1999 Miller graduate.
After finishing high school, Daniel continued his career at Vorhees College in Denmark, S.C. He then spent some time playing in Mexico before leaving the league in 2004.
When Corpus Christi owner and coach Chris Jones approached Daniel about joining the newst franchise in the Texas Professional Basketball League, he was hooked.
"Chris came to me at my job and talked to me about his idea," Daniel said. "I liked what he had to say, so I told him to put me down."
Daniel had plenty of help in Sunday's victory.
Former Texas A&M-Corpus Christi players Corey Stokes and Nick Jackson combined for 49 against San Angelo.
Stokes finished second behind Daniel with 28 points, followed by Jackson with 21.
Ali Benson had 15 points for the Outlaws, while King graduate Richard Miller added 10. All but one of Corpus Christi's 12 players scored in a game that was lopsided from the start.
Forced to travel with only seven players, San Angelo trailed 14-2 two minutes into the game and had trouble matching the pace. The Outlaws led 38-11 after the first period, a deficit that only grew as the game went on.
Corpus Christi stretched its lead to 71-34 at halftime and went on to outscore the Chaparrals 65-28 in the second half.
"This early in the season, I'd say they look pretty good," said San Angelo player and TPBL commissioner Chris Cardenas. "They did a good job sticking with their offense. Even in a blowout like this, they stuck with it.
"They're going to be a team to look out for."
Corpus Christi Outlaws 136, San Angelo Chaparrals 62
San Angelo11231513 - 62
Corpus Christi38333431 - 136
San Angelo - John Thomas 17, Tracy Braziel 14, Marcus Colbert 10, Mike Rangel 9, Chris Cardenas 8, Justin Lozano 4.
Corpus Christi - Michael Daniel 31, Corey Stokes 28, Nick Jackson 21, Ali Benson 15, Richard Miller 10, Kelly Moore 8, Marcus Williams 7, Alex Aluga 6, Quincy Sims 5, Shain Neff 3, Sam Gray 2.
3-pointers - San Angelo, Cardenas 2, Rangel, Thomas, Colbert; Corpus Christi, Neff, Stokes 2, Williams, Daniel 4, Sims, Benson.
Records - San Angelo 0-2, Corpus Christi 2-0.
Contact Javier Becerra at 886-3734 or HYPERLINK mailto:firstname.lastname@example.com firstname.lastname@example.com
All times p.m.
Jan. 14At San AngeloW, 144-109
Jan. 15San AngeloW, 136-62
Jan. 21At Abilene3
Jan. 22Abilene3
Jan. 28At Midland3
Jan. 29Midland3
Feb. 5Houston3
Feb. 11At San Angelo3
Feb. 12San Angelo3
Feb. 18At Abilene3
Feb. 19Abilene3
Feb. 26Midland3
March 5Austin3
March 11At Midland7
March 19Houston3
Subscribe to the Caller-Times
Need Help? Call us at 1-800-566-8098.
Monday-Friday: 5am-8pm / Saturday: 7am-12pm / Sunday: 6am-1pm


text:
FLUSHING — Police were looking for a man who sexually assaulted an 8-year-old girl in Flushing, police said
The girl was shopping at the Marshall's the Sky View Center mall with her mother around 5:50 p.m. Oct. 26 when she stepped away to look at a display of books, police said.
Police said the man walked past the girl several times and grabbed her buttocks as he passed her.
The suspect was described as a white or Hispanic man, about 5-feet-7 with a slim build and light skin with black hair cut into a fade on both sides, police said.
He was last seen wearing a black jacket with a hood, blue jeans and metal-framed glasses.
Anyone with information on the incident was asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting tips to 274637 and entering TIP577. All calls are confidential.
©2011 Community News Group
By submitting this comment, you agree to the following terms:
You agree that you, and not TimesLedger.com or its affiliates, are fully responsible for the content that you post. You agree not to post any abusive, obscene, vulgar, slanderous, hateful, threatening or sexually-oriented material or any material that may violate applicable law; doing so may lead to the removal of your post and to your being permanently banned from posting to the site. You grant to TimesLedger.com the royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual and fully sublicensable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, perform and display such content in whole or in part world-wide and to incorporate it in other works in any form, media or technology now known or later developed.


text:
On 1 October 2011, the EUDAT project was launched to target a pan-European solution to the challenge of data proliferation in Europe's scientific and research communities. Aiming to contribute to the production of a Collaborative Data Infrastructure driven by researchers' needs, the project is coordinated by CSC - IT Center for Science, Finland, and co-funded by the European Commission's Framework Programme 7.
EUDAT aims to provide Europe's scientific and research communities with a sustainable pan-European infrastructure for improved access to scientific data. Burgeoning volumes of valuable and complex data - newly available from powerful new scientific instruments, simulations and digitization of library resources - represents a fantastic opportunity for science, but has created new challenges related to data management, access and preservation. EUDAT aims to address these challenges and exploit the opportunities using its vision of a Collaborative Data Infrastructure.
Aim is to develop a generic infrastructure for scientific data management that can be used by a diversity of research communities and existing infrastructures. This can only be achieved through a systematic and focused approach covering the entire life cycle of data objects. And by encouraging collaboration between the various stakeholder; in particular between the communities involved in designing specific services and the data centers willing to provide generic solutions. EUDAT's ultimate goal is to develop a high-quality, cost-efficient and sustainable pan-European data ecosystem, driven by European research needs and user communities.
The EUDAT consortium comprises 25 European partners, including data centers, technology providers, research communities and funding agencies from 13 countries, who will work together to deliver a Collaborative Data Infrastructure that can sustainably meet future researchers' needs.
As Work Package leader, SURFsara is responsible for technology appraisal and designing of the EUDAT candidate services.
For more information and to subscribe to the EUDAT newsletter, please visit www.eudat.eu.


text:
Starting a Wellness Program in Your Company
by Terri Eyden on printer friendly
By Anne Rosivach
With health insurance expenses expected to continue to rise, employers are looking for wellness programs that can potentially reduce the cost of health care to both the employer and the employee. Employers benefit because healthy employees are more productive; employees gain because their out-of-pocket costs are reduced.
A recent Benefits Advisors Network (BAN) webinar emphasized the importance of comprehensive wellness programs. "A lot of us are very well meaning. For years, health risk assessments and biometrics screenings have been the core of wellness programs. Certainly, it's important to set some metrics we can track over time, BUT we have to make sure we're not putting all of our eggs into the assessment basket and not leaving anything for actual interventions."
Successful programs begin with a buy-in at the top and leverage all resources within a company. Success is dependent on the continuing commitment of the employer and employees. Regular screening, combined with intervention where appropriate; changes in culture and workplace policies; and small incentives all contribute to successful programs in both large and small companies.
Program Design
Comprehensive, effective programs incorporate the following design features:
- Health advocacy
- Care coordination
- Case management
- Consumer-driven plans
- Health risk assessment
- Value-based benefit designs
Wellness programs should also include:
- Occupational health, such as health screenings and case management
- Employee counseling and assistance, with an emphasis on prevention as well as treatment
- Crisis intervention
- Ongoing support groups
- Aftercare treatment
- On-site health facilities
Appropriate Interventions
Following up on health risk screenings is an important feature of any wellness program. Health education, supportive environments, and linkage to other employee support services are all appropriate follow-up interventions. Programs should also determine the needs and interests of employees through surveys, focus groups, or a wellness advisory team.
Wellness involves behavior change, webinar speakers said. "We have to realize our limitations in the complex area of behavior change. We can lead a horse to water, or lead an employee to a program, but we really can't force behavior change upon him or her. The individual must be willing."
Among others, a supportive environment that encourages healthy behavior includes:
- A smoke-free policy
- On-site food resources
- On-site catering policies
- Quiet space or a stress-break station
- On-site medical clinics
- A release time policy
There's more on AWEB!
Do you have colleagues or clients who might like to receive the free AccountingWEB newsletter?
• Practice
• Education
• Tax
• Education
• Tax
• Technology
• Wealth Management
• Technology
• Wealth Management
Cultural and behavioral changes can be set in motion by using some common incentive approaches. In fact, 46 percent of employees in companies that offer incentives complete health risk assessments versus 19 percent of employees who are not offered incentives.
Small financial incentives, in the range of $40-$60 per month, can generate short-term behavior changes in many participants. Behavior changes could be relatively simple, such as an employee completing a health risk assessment or biometric screening.
Financial incentives also appear to be effective in encouraging participation in health coaching and to engage in worksite activities and team challenges. Where major behavior changes are required, however, financial incentives show only a short-term effect.
Other common incentive approaches include special employee recognition programs or reduced health insurance deductibles or co-pays. Wellness-specific performance goals could be tied in with reviews and merit increases.
Incentives alone do not lead to internal changes, such as deciding to change one's diet or exercise more, and they may not be a practical tactic for sustained improvements in population health. Healthy behaviors result from a commitment to a comprehensive approach that balances screening, interventions, and a supportive environment.
Related articles:
- Employers, Employees, and Even Society Benefit from Office Wellness Programs
- Wellness Programs Pay Off in Lowering Health Care Costs
- On-site Health Clinics and Wellness Centers Provide Health and Savings
Wait, there's more!
There's always more at AccountingWEB. We're an active community of financial professionals and journalists who strive to bring you valuable content every day. If you'd like, let us know your interests and we'll send you a few articles every week either in taxation, practice excellence, or just our most popular stories from that week. It's free to sign up and to be a part of our community.
1 week 3 days ago by Jason Bramwell
1 week 3 days ago by Jason Bramwell
2 weeks 5 days ago by mucar1990
3 weeks 3 days ago by JayPZee
1 month 9 hours ago by Jason Bramwell
1 month 2 days ago by olaola
Editor's Choice
As part of our continued effort to provide valuable resources and insight to our subscribers, we're conducting this brief survey to learn more about your personal experiences in the accounting profession. We will be giving away five $50 Amazon gift cards, and a $250 Amazon gift card to one lucky participant.
This is strictly for internal use and data will not be sold
or shared with any third parties.
or shared with any third parties.


text:
More Products By Purina:
Average rating from 1 reviews.
Average rating from 1 reviews.
Average rating from 1 reviews.
Similar Products:
Average rating from 50 reviews.
Average rating from 6 reviews.
Average rating from 2 reviews.
Editor's Best Lists:
Products We Are Testing:
Purina Carvers
Average rating from 65 reviews.
(4.6 out of 5, based on 65 reviews)
Photosadd photo
Reader's Reviews (65)
Great Treats
posted 6 years ago
I have not met a dog that has not loved these treats. They smell fantastic. They work great for getting dogs that are a little scared, out of their kennels at the shelter.
Pros: Every dog loves them
Cons: Run out fast
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Did you?
Dogs love these!
posted 6 years ago
I bought some of these. My dogs absolutely love them. They do have some additives in them but are pretty good for them. They smell really good to, not only to them but if you open the bag and smell them they smell really good. Not a bad product so far.
Pros: Taste, smell, pretty good ingredients
Cons: Nothing so far
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
Did you?
Want to review a product, but not finding it? Just add it and review it!
Recent Product Reviews
November 15, 2014 | By Robyn
July 14, 2013 | By Xiaoxiao111
Pink is my favorite color these are wonderful.I will recommend a good website fou you: www.9footballshirt.org
Freshpet Select Roasted Meals for Cat
June 28, 2013 | By Kittymom314
I introduced this food to my two cats, one is a senior at 13 years and the other is about 7 years. Both females. The 7 year old is a new addition, recently adopted :) Because of their age differenc… more ›


text:
to page content
to site navigation
Explore the Entrepreneurship.org Resource Center to find resources. Designed with entrepreneurs in mind, our resource center allows you to find materials to grow great ideas.
This tool is a sample legal agreement covering terms for confidentiality and invention assignment, including non-competition and power of attorney rules.
Armen Berjikly, the Founder and CEO of The Experience Project, and Julio Vasconcellos, VP of Business Development discuss their experience of building a technology start-up that unites people who can improve each other's lives. Berjikly discusses how he built his new venture from fund raising to establishing the company infrastructure. He talks about the importance of hiring the right people to work in a start-up and illustrates the key role of a "Mentor Capitalist" in the journey of an entrepreneur. Berjikly also describes the financial and psychological challenges an entrepreneur faces while building a company.
A business enterprise may be operated as a sole proprietorship, an unincorporated business association, or a corporation. In determining the form of business organization that an individual should enter into, consider alternative forms of business organizations, particularly LLCs.
Many companies go under because of failure of the relationships among the team members. Teams often launch firms without talking about what they want to get out of the venture. This article shows how company founders can better structure their top team relationships to prevent problems down the road.
Taking on debt can be healthy for a company's cash flow and sustainability, according to the author, who notes that the keys lie in ensuring debt is taken on for strategic purposes and that the company is ready to manage this important new relationship.
Real estate and insurance are cornerstones of a construction company founder's strategy for building and protecting both business assets and personal wealth. With the help of a financial advisor, she's sustaining her vision of leadership: to understand value, share profits and give back to the community.
Trade Data on Consumer Goods Industries
The decision to offer employee health benefits is tough for any business owner. In approaching the issue, the first question an entrepreneur should ask is where health benefits fit into the culture of the organization. The answer largely depends on the kind of bond the entrepreneur wants to create between the company and its employees.
Providing management direction and Department-wide leadership and expertise in the areas of acquisition and federal assistance to ensure the timely delivery of quality goods and services that directly results in creating a more secure, democratic, and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community. Creating and implementing strategies to maximize the effectiveness, efficiency, and responsiveness of the contracting and grant making processes through Department-wide leadership in the areas of policy development, training, and support. Integrating technology, highly-experienced acquisition staff, and best business practices to offer mission-oriented and cost-effective risk management in the Department's business areas of acquisition and federal assistance. Promoting partnerships with contractors, federal assistance recipients, and the general public by ensuring the transparency of State Department's procurement processes while maintaining the highest level of public trust, integrity, ethical standards, and compliance with Federal and State Department procurement regulations and policies. Fostering innovation in the administration of these functions by collaborating with Department staff and the general public to explore new directions in Federal Government and Department procurement and federal assistance policies and procedures.
For entrepreneurs running growth companies, one major challenge is providing affordable health care coverage for employees. Most important, costs continue to rise for many key prescription drugs. This article provides practical strategies entrepreneurs can use to provide prescription drug coverage for their teams and help lower their companies' overall health care costs.
Want to get connected? Sign up to receive regular news, polls and updates from The Kauffman Foundation.
A robust online curriculum for entrepreneurs.
Explore Founders School >
A network of U.S. cities facilitating a weekly entrepreneur education program. Go to 1 Million Cups >
Whether you are starting or growing a company, FastTrac will help you live your dream at each stage.
Get started with FastTrac >


text:
This article is part of the supplement: Proceedings of the 15th European workshop on QTL mapping and marker assisted selection (QTLMAS)
Comparison of five methods for genomic breeding value estimation for the common dataset of the 15th QTL-MAS Workshop
- Equal contributors
Author affiliations
1 Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture of China, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
2 Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
Citation and License
BMC Proceedings 2012, 6(Suppl 2):S13 doi:10.1186/1753-6561-6-S2-S13Published: 21 May 2012
Genomic breeding value estimation is the key step in genomic selection. Among many approaches, BLUP methods and Bayesian methods are most commonly used for estimating genomic breeding values. Here, we applied two BLUP methods, TABLUP and GBLUP, and three Bayesian methods, BayesA, BayesB and BayesCπ, to the common dataset provided by the 15th QTL-MAS Workshop to evaluate and compare their predictive performances.
For the 1000 progenies without phenotypic values, the correlations between GEBVs by different methods ranged from 0.812 (GBLUP and BayesCπ) to 0.997 (TABLUP and BayesB). The accuracies of GEBVs (measured as correlations between true breeding values (TBVs) and GEBVs) were from 0.774 (GBLUP) to 0.938 (BayesCπ) and the biases of GEBVs (measure as regressions of TBVs on GEBVs) were from 1.033 (TABLUP) to 1.648 (GBLUP). The three Bayesian methods and TABLUP had similar accuracy and bias.
BayesA, BayesB, BayesCπ and TABLUP performed similarly and satisfactorily and remarkably outperformed GBLUP for genomic breeding value estimation in this dataset. TABLUP is a promising method for genomic breeding value estimation because of its easy computation of reliabilities of GEBVs and its easy extension to real life conditions such as multiple traits and consideration of individuals without genotypes.


text:
NEW ORLEANS -- The New Orleans Police Department superintendent and the Landrieu administration asked the Civil Service Commission to drastically change how the highest ranking officers are hired and fired.
The commission signed off on the measure in principal, with their final vote next month hinging on the details.
'Our proposal calls for consolidating and combining our 32 police divisions led by a combination of majors, captains and lieutenants into 16 police divisions each led by a police Colonel,' NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas told the Commission Monday.
It's the first step in a major restructuring of the NOPD.
With the 16 new 'colonel' positions, Serpas said he would ultimately eliminate the rank of 'major,' giving the colonels a pay hike and giving him the authority to promote and demote them. Eight of the proposed colonels would serve as commanders of the NOPD's eight neighborhood districts.
But opponents said Monday that the move goes beyond the new positions.
'We see this largely as an erosion of civil service,' said Claude Schlesinger, an attorney for the Fraternal Order of Police, or FOP.
Serpas said he wants a three-tier panel to choose three finalists for each colonel position. Ultimately, the choice of who gets the promotion would be Serpas'.
Instead of officers testing to move up rank by rank -- for example, from lieutenant to captain, captain to major, and major to colonel -- lieutenants could leapfrog others and be appointed colonel.
It changes the promotion structure, which opponents said guarantees experience and eliminates favoritism.
'The chief is where he is because he was a captain, because he was a major, because he was a deputy chief and went to other departments and I think that is gonna be lacking,' said Captain Mike Glasser, president of the Police Association of New Orleans or PANO.
'An erosion of a step-by-step process of defining merit, as opposed to having an open competition that is independently and transparently judged, I would argue, that the most meritorious candidates based on their qualifications get selected, not just because they've been in the cue,' said New Orleans Deputy Mayor and CAO Andy Kopplin in support of the move.
Opponents said these are all changes that can be made within the existing civil service structure already in place at City Hall. But Serpas argued that's not possible because it doesn't open up the field of candidates wide enough.
'If you have 16 civil service majors, you're shuffling the chairs again. You're not substantively making any changes, you're just shuffling the chairs that you have,' because promotions to major are required to be made from the existing NOPD Captains.
Serpas said he would fund the positions through the attrition of others. The director of the Civil Service Commission questioned whether benefits would make the positions more costly and whether the colonel model is the best model for the NOPD.
Serpas and Kopplin pushed the board for tentative approval, saying the police unions would never agree with it in principle, but that he'd work with them on the details before the final vote next month.


text:
DUNLOP Biomimetic Evolution 130 Squash Racquet
|Eligible for Free Shipping, No Minimum! (see promotion details)
Product Details
The DUNLOP® Biomimetic Evolution 130 squash racquet combines 3 technologies for enhanced performance. Patented Aeroskin material applied to the racquet's surface reduces aerodynamic drag for increased speed and power. HM6 Carbon compound is sandwiched between Aerogel enhanced carbon to dampen vibration for improved feel and energy return. And finally, Gecko-Tac grip surface treatment provides a superior hold even when wet.
- Premium graphite construction
- Biomimetic technology includes HM6 Carbon for enhanced feel and less vibration, Aeroskin technology for reduced drag, and Gecko-Tac grip material for security even when wet
- Head Size: 75.95 sq in
- Balance: Even
- String Pattern: 14x18
- Weight: 130 g


text:
Actor-producer Riteish Deshmukh says that he would love to direct a film in the future.
"Film making is a great process...acting is great and I am enjoying myself in production (too). As a producer you own the entire film, while director is the creator. I feel I should direct a film but not right now I am not ready but in future I will direct a film," Ritesh told reporters in a group interview.
As a producer, he has received his first National Award for his second Marathi production venture "Yellow" at the 61st National Film Awards ceremony, May 3.
The actor, son of late political leader Vilasrao Deshmukh, also feels that as a citizen one must know about their country but not sure whether he will join the politics in near future or not.
"Whether I want to join it or not is a different thing but as a citizen you must know about your country. Being aware is important and having an opinion is very important," said Ritesh who made his Bollywood acting debut with "Tujhe Meri Kasam" in 2003.
The film also helped him find his soul mate in his co-star Genelia Dsouza, with whom he tied the knot in 2012.
Do you like this article?
|Posted by:
|India-Forums.com Staff
|User Rating
|(2 Votes)
|..MiStLeToE.., JyotiBThakur
Riteish Deshmukh is best at watever he does... Love Riteish and Genelia as couple... God bless you guys. And all the best for Ek Villian and lai bhari.
If ritesh becomes director then 1st movie must be comedy-thriller.
Edited on:21 June 2014 at 1:35am
With her 'swagger' in "Tanu Weds Manu Returns", Kangana Ranaut has ... 4
Actor Riteish Deshmukh and his co-stars Aftab Shivdasani and Vivek ...


text:
Play & Stay Spring 2015
April 10-12: Blooms & Brews (revised itinerary!)
Make it a Play & Stay weekend (revised itinerary) for Friends' 35th Annual Meeting & Luncheon!
Enjoy visiting artists' work spaces and gallery tours for the 9th Annual Gorge Artists Open Studios in Cascade Locks and Hood River, happening all weekend. Celebrate the creativity in Gorge communities on your own Friday-Saturday using the tour map, then join Gorge Towns to Trails Project Manager Renee Tkach at Lorang Fine Art Studio on Saturday evening for a private gallery tour, presentation and reception. Artist and gallery owner Deborah Lorang will talk about the international art community she's fostered, and Renee will share the latest Gorge Towns to Trails updates. Enjoy a selection of seasonal bites and beverages from Thunder Island Brewing.
On Sunday morning, enjoy a hike at Dry Creek Falls with hike leader and Friends Board Member Debbie Asakawa before joining us at Skamania Lodge for Friends' 35th Annual Meeting and Luncheon.
Note: The Play & Stay weekend package and itinerary has been edited from its original concept. This special Saturday evening precedes the Annual Meeting & Luncheon on Sunday, April 12, and we look forward to seeing you at both events!
Questions? Call or email Kate Lindberg: (971) 634-1265, firstname.lastname@example.com.
Details & registration
May 15-17: Wine & Wildflowers
Your Columbia Gorge weekend vacation awaits! A single price includes custom weekend activities, river-view lodging, weekend transportation, and all of your meals. We take care of everything; you just show up! A Gorge expert from Friends' staff will be your guide, sharing little-known Gorge history and taking you to special spots in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. The eastern Gorge hillsides dotted with vibrant wildflowers will be your playground for the weekend. We will:
- Enjoy a wine-pairing dinner featuring renowned Columbia Gorge wines
- Walk with winemakers and vineyard owners as we take private tours of beautiful vineyards in the Gorge
- Take a guided Native American petroglyph walk to the famed "She Who Watches" aka Tsagaglalal
- Visit a Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust property to view Ice Age Floods remnants
- Learn about terroir and why the Columbia Gorge is known as "a world of wine in 40 miles"
- Experience the Gorge wildflower bloom and enjoy a visit to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
Our hub for the weekend will be in The Dalles at cozy Celilo Inn, perched up on a hillside overlooking the Columbia River. Executive Director Kevin Gorman will be your tour guide for the weekend.
Details & registration
Gorge Business Members
Thanks to the following Friends of the Columbia Gorge business members who are part of Play & Stay:
- Thunder Island Brewing
- Celilo Inn
Play & Stay is part of our Gorge Towns to Trails program. Gorge Towns to Trails is a vision for a comprehensive trail system that wraps around the Columbia Gorge, linking communities with recreation, benefiting tourism, and highlighting and enhancing the beauty and wonder of the Columbia Gorge. Friends of the Columbia Gorge is leading this effort and seeks input and partnerships from Gorge communities, citizens and elected officials.


text:
ODT Online
ODT /directory
Green MP Julie Anne Genter
could be promoted on her party's list, according to a leaked
document, while two other Green MPs have fallen out of
Blogger David Farrar said he had been leaked an early version
of the list and published it on his website Kiwiblog this
A Greens spokesman said that no list existed yet and that the
process of ranking MPs did not begin for another two weeks.
An official list would still have to be drawn up by members
and final rankings would be decided in April.
Mr Farrar claimed that the leaked list was a draft that had
circulated among some party members.
It showed that Ms Genter, who entered Parliament in 2011 as
Greens' 13th-placed MP, had risen to 6th.
Earlier this week she was confirmed as the Greens' candidate
in the Epsom electorate.
Two male MPs have plummeted in the rankings and if the final
list remained the same, they could struggle to get back into
MP David Clendon, who is currently eighth on Greens' list,
fell to 17th. Steffan Browning, who is 10th on Greens' list,
fell to 16th.
Eugenie Sage and Denise Roche were promoted while Catherine
Delahunty and Kennedy Graham fell in the rankings.
Two candidates who are not in Parliament were given high
placings in the Kiwiblog list.
Marama Davidson, who represented Greens at the Ikaroa-Rawhiti
by-election, was placed at 11.
Nelson-based Aaryn Barlow, a project manager at the Nelson
Environment Centre, was promoted to 14th place.
1. Russel Norman (+1 from 2011)
2. Metiria Turei
(-1)3. Kevin Hague
(nc)4. Eugenie
Sage (+2)5.
Catherine Delahunty (-1)6. Julie Anne Genter
(+7)7. Gareth
Hughes (nc)8.
Kennedy Graham (-3)9. Denise Roche
(+2)10. Jan Logie
(-1)11. Marama
Davidson (new)12.
Holly Walker (nc)13. Mojo Mathers
(+1)14. Aaryn
Barlow (+4)15.
James Shaw (nc)16.
Steffan Browning (-6)17. David Clendon
(-9)18. Dora
Langsbury (+4)19.
Barry Coates (new)20. Sea Rotman (nc)
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.
Login or Register
to add your business to the ODT/directory. Quick link to
more roadtests & reviews
search cars for sale
Submit your news & photos - Login or
Opinion? Have your say - Login or Register
Submit your
event or notice
Add a photo
Bookmark ODT
Make ODT my
Otago Daily Times print and digital edition, The
Star - Dunedin, The News - Central Otago, The
Ensign - Gore, Southland Express -
Invercargill, The Courier - Timaru, Queenstown Times - Queenstown, Mountain Scene -
Queenstown, Extra! schools
publication, Property
Times South Canterbury


text:
166394536742048Folded Holiday Cards
Looking for color ideas?Visit the Color Boutique to explore, create, and share color palettes.
See and use your colors as you shop!
Don't lose your colors!
Sign in to save your colors for later
Have an account?
Sign In to see your colors
Sample any 3 for free—in your colors!
Sample any 3 for free
Click on a design and look for Add to Favorites.
Have an account?
Sign In to see your favorites
Has your rugrat been a sweetie...or a stinker? Show off your humor and holiday spirit by sending out this funny Folded Christmas Card, part of our Naughty or Nice design suite. Your little munchkin's mug gets put on display throughout the designs in this suite, accented by modern typography that shares your festive greeting.


text:
The New Jersey Health Information Management Association (NJHIMA) is a Component State Association of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). There are approximately 101,000+ members in AHIMA and New Jersey's association has approximately 1,800 members.
Our mission is to promote the excellence of NJHIMA members in the management of health information through professional development, innovation, and leadership.
To join NJHIMA, you must be a member of AHIMA and designate New Jersey as your state association. Learn more about AHIMA membership and join today!
Oppose H.R.2126 – The bill to delay ICD-10
ICD-10 Grassroots Advocacy Campaign
Debra Chrobocinski
Annual Meeting Theme Winner
Frances DiLorenzo, RHIT
AHIMA Triumph Award Recipient
Susan P. Scully, MS, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P
NJHIMA Mentor Award Recipient


text:
This Doodle-Filled Instagram Will Provide You With Endless Wisdom
Amber Ibarreche's puns, quips, and insights are what you need right now.
1. Brooklyn-based artist Amber Ibarreche is here to drop some serious knowledge on you with her doodling prowess:
2. Her work, which you can have printed on various items, is applicable to almost any life situation.
3. For when anyone gets you down:
4. On finding your soulmate:
5. When your parents tell you to get a job already:
6. On loyalty:
7. On thinking before you speak:
8. On the importance of human connection:
9. On achieving true success:
10. On staying in school:
11. On a healthy mind, body, and soul:
12. On seeing things differently:
13. And some are simply great when you need a good pun in your life:
15. One of her most popular doodle-turned-apparel items: "I Only Fuck With Goddesses."
16. "Everybody reads into it differently and it's interesting to hear their personal theory of the quote. I make everything for everybody. I never intentionally make anything queer. Witchy maybe," says the artist.
17. Get more of her wise words right here.
Preview Your Response


text:
Fort Payne, Alabama: Lirpa Anad NitsudThe scrap metal emissary with the unusual name waits for guidance along the road to Desoto State Park. Has vanished and reappeared over the years. Built by Ekim Snaggog. Reverse the letters of all the odd words, and it becomes a little more clear.
- Address:
- CR 89, Fort Payne, AL
- Directions:
- From Hwy. 35. Take County Road 89/DeSoto Pkwy NE until you reach the caution light at Fisher Crossroads. Go through the light and Lirpa Anad Nitsud is across the street from the Shell station.
- Admission:
- Free
Results 1 to 4 of 4...
Visitor Tips and News About Lirpa Anad Nitsud
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
Lirpa Anad Nitsud
Having recently discovered Roadside America, I decided to take a weekend road trip and see as many attractions as I could. The Lirpa Anad Nitsud sculpture was one of my first stops. I was impressed -- but the pictures don't do it justice. Instead of being a matte finish it is more of a shiny chrome-like finish.[Dave Turner, 05/12/2015]
Lirpa Anad Nitsud - Scrap Robot
The sign below the robot says Lirpa Anad Nitsud, which spelled backwards is Dustin, Dana, and April (maybe the artists' names?)[Zeus, 04/09/2012]
Or the names of the artist's children...and that's their terrifying cybernetic nanny.
Lirpa Anad Nitsud
We were in Fort Payne over the weekend and I got to see this sculpture, Zirpa Anad Nitsurd. It is still on County Road 89 (like you're going to DeSoto State Park). It's next to an old building that has a sign saying "The Barnyard." We thought it was pretty cool.[P.A. Baker, 07/21/2011]
Zirpa Anad Nitsurd
A very interesting collection of metal. Breastplates are Ford and DeSoto hubcaps, very good assortment of automotive parts and household appliances. Sign says; My name is "Zirpa Anad Nitsurd". Created by Mike Goggens, 1999.[Tony Lowros, 11/23/2000]
Nearby Offbeat Places
Latest Tips Across Roadside America
Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.
Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!
Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.


text:
USU Facilities
Related Links
ARTsySTEM: The Changing Climates of the Arts and Sciences
This exhibits showcases works of art that share a…
The Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection: Fifty Works for Fifty States
This exhibit showcases, for the first time, the…
Utah Wilderness 50 Photographic Exhibition
This exhibit features 50 photographs that were selected…
New Student Orientation: SOAR
New Student Orientation for new incoming students and…
New Student Orientation: SOAR
New Student Orientation for new incoming students and…
Facilities Planning Design & Construction
Facilities Planning, Design & Construction Director
Ben Berrett
(435) 797-1957 Office
(435) 797-3888 Fax
Facilities (FCLT) 110B
6605 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-6605
The Facilities Planning Department carries the responsibility for all planning for Utah State University. This includes the coordination of the internal campus infrastructure, development of the campus master plan, and the implementation and maintenance of character and aesthetics of the internal campus. The Planning Department also has the charge of maintaining healthy positive relationships between Utah State Univerisity and the local community, as well as the state of Utah.
The Design and Construction Office of the USU Facilities Department is responsible for:
- Coordinating actual project design and construction, including Capital Development Projects (which exceed $1,500,000) and Capital Improvement Projects (which cost less than $1,500,000)
- Working closely with the Division of Facilities Construction Management (DFCM), the State agency that is responsible for all state-funded facilities
- Providing necessary inspections and coordinating contractor meetings for all campus construction projects
- Working closely with and facilitating the project design with architects and engineering (A&E) firms and campus customers
- Supporting Facilities Planning in completing design requests for campus customers requesting remodeling through Facilities Modification Request forms
- Providing overall technical support for the campus utility systems.
The Planning Department is closely allied with the Facilities Design and Construction Department, and provides input in the form of design and construction coordination in the following areas:
- Site development
- Building remodeling
- Parking
- Roads and walkways
- Landscaping
- Sculpture location
- Review of site drawings and specifications for new buildings
- Proposals to state funding agencies
- Space inventory and allocation coordination
- Signage
Golden Toaster Demo:
Demolition of Golden Toaster Video by Joe Beck, from USU's Planning, Design, & Construction.


text:
Tablet. Hotels for Global Nomads
Travel Better.
The Tipsy Pig
2231 Chestnut Street
in The Marina District
San Francisco, California
37.800322 -122.440117
Keywords: English See all and suggest more
1 Reviews
First reviewed by Clift Hotel
Find locally farmed, seasonal food at this English-inspired gastropub. Dishes include pulled pork sliders, fried burrata and steak tartare.
0 people found these commends helpful.


text:
Stags Soccer Getting Their Kicks
CMC Stags have a lot to be proud of as they move into post season. Not only will they participate in the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Championships for the third straight season after winning their fourth straight SCIAC Tournament title, but also four Stags were named to 2012 All-SCIAC Soccer Teams.
The SCIAC recently released its 2012 All-Conference Teams and David Taylor was selected Player of the Year. Harrison Doyle and Jaison Kimura were named First Team All-SCIAC and Jared Bernstein was named Second Team All-SCIAC. All four players are repeat All-SCIAC honorees. Doyle earned First Team honors for the fourth straight year becoming the sixth Stag in history to achieve the feat. Taylor earned First Team honors in 2011 and 2010 and Second Team honors in 2009. Kimura and Bernstein were both selected Second Team All-SCIAC in 2011.
CMS earned the SCIAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Championships after their 2-0 victory over Whitter on Saturday afternoon during homecoming. The Stags controlled the first half outshooting the Poets 5-1, but the team entered the break tied at 0-0. More chances developed for both teams in the second half. Whittier had seven shots, but only three were on goal and CMS keeper Daniel Roberts stopped all three to earn his second straight shutout. CMS had nine second half shots with six on net. Harrison Doyle, who scored the double-overtime game-winner in the semis at Redlands on Thursday, put the game away by converting a Taylor pass in the 85th minute.
In the NCAA DIII tournament, the Stags (13-6-2) will play the Tigers (18-0-3) of Trinity University (TX) in San Antonio, TX on Saturday, November 10 at 7:30 pm Central. The winner will take on the winner of the Mississippi College (13-5-1) vs. Whitworth University (13-2-3) match on Sunday at 6:00 pm Central on Sunday.


text:
Free Car Giveaway
ABC7 car giveaway!Comment
Are you a loyal ABC7 Facebook fan? If you are, you can win a new Ford Fiesta from Tysons Ford. And if that's not enough, we'll also throw in $3,000!
RecommendedRecent Facebook Activity
Only On 7
ABC7 News at 4 Now Weekdays!ABC7 is giving you MORE news in your afternoons with an extra hour, an hour earlier! Join ABC7's Leon Harris and Alison Starling for what's trending in your community and world. Every weekday afternoon at 4pm right after back to back "Hot Bench" shows at 3pm on ABC7.