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After spending $5 million on lawsuits accusing corporate vendors of a $30 million computer debacle at Civic Center, Marin County officials threw in the towel, settling the case this week for $3.9 million.
County supervisors, who had vowed to fight to the end, instead bailed out after repeated court setbacks and skyrocketing legal costs.
The seven-page settlement with Deloitte Consulting LLP, a public document that nevertheless contends its terms are "strictly confidential," imposes a gag order that prohibits county supervisors and Deloitte executives from participating or assisting in "any written or oral statement contradicting, questioning, or disputing" an eight-sentence joint statement indicating dismissal of all claims against Deloitte -- as well as software giant SAP and former county auditor Ernest Culver, who managed the computer project.
The stipulation in effect bolsters public relations for Deloitte while insulating supervisors from public accountability for decisions made behind closed doors.
Although the county "remains concerned" about Culver's activities, "Deloitte Consulting did not improperly influence the employee" and "what remained was primarily a dispute about the scope of work that Deloitte Consulting was engaged to perform," the statement said. "The settlement reduced the total fees paid to Deloitte Consulting and spares the taxpayers the continued expense of litigation. It does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing by either party."
In effect, the county will get a $3,875,000 rebate of Deloitte's $11 million fee. The firm dropped a "change order" claim against the county that with interest totaled $670,000. No payments are due from SAP or Culver.
The New York law firm of Kazowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman billed the county $4.1 million for its work in pursuing the case. Another $600,000 went to Capsicum Group, Inc. of Philadelphia for electronic document reproduction and organization services. Estimates of substantial county staff time spent on the litigation and other related costs were not immediately available.
Although Deloitte and county officials declined to elaborate on the settlement or the joint statement that was disclosed Wednesday following a series of closed sessions held by supervisors last year, an official at SAP said the firm was delighted.
"We maintained all along this had no merit," according to SAP spokesman Andy Kendzie in Washington, D.C. "Time after time the courts agreed with that as they threw out, or diminished, baseless allegations," he said, adding the "county was ill-advised to pursue this litigation." He called the settlement a "complete vindication of SAP's conduct and that of its employees."
"Mr. Culver is glad the county has finally decided to dismiss its meritless case against him," said Culver's attorney, Thomas Mayhew of Farella, Braun & Martel in San Francisco.
County supervisors did not respond to emails for comment, and County Administrator Matthew Hymel declined to comment, although he turned over the settlement document at the request of the Independent Journal.
County Counsel Steven Woodside, choosing his words carefully, noted the settlement ending the case with all parties was hammered out "word by word" in closed sessions and approved unanimously by the supervisors. Asked if taxpayers got a raw deal paying lawyers $5 million to get a $3.9 million settlement, he said, "I can't comment on what you just said."
One lawsuit filed by the county sought $30 million from Deloitte, alleging fraud, misconduct and misrepresentation. A second accused Deloitte of racketeering, seeking treble damages, or potentially $90 million, claiming that the company, along with SAP and Culver, engaged in a conspiracy.
Officials claimed Marin was used as a "guinea pig" by consultants who employed rookies to work on an untested system and rushed to meet installation deadlines despite problems, in order to obtain fee payments. The result was a "defectively designed, deficiently installed and poorly-functioning SAP system," the county contended in legal papers. Culver, SAP and Deloitte denied the allegations, saying they fulfilled their obligations.
The fancy system designed and installed by Deloitte triggered a cascade of problems, ranging from bobbling the county payroll to an inability to reconcile cash accounts. Some problems persisted, prompting a decision by supervisors to scrap it as soon as a more efficient program can be phased in.
Although county brass contended early on that their legal case was strong, two judges disagreed.
Marin's "racketeering" or conspiracy case was all but dismissed by U.S. District Court Judge Susan Illston, who tossed out many contentions and sent portions back to Marin Superior Court. Judge Illston also gutted much of Marin's case against SAP and Culver, and added bribery allegations involving the former auditor rested on a "thin reed."
Still, county officials predicted taxpayers would prevail. "Our board is not shrinking from this corporate attempt to bury us in legal costs," Supervisor Steve Kinsey said at one point. "The compelling documentation we've gathered has bolstered our board's confidence to fight this all the way through trial if necessary." And County Counsel Patrick Faulkner declared a few months before he retired last year that "the county is committed to seeing this case through. There are important causes of action remaining."
Late last March, the county's legal standing took another blow as Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge John Herlihy, acting as a judicial referee in one case, dismissed complaints lodged against Deloitte.
Documentation compiled by the county indicated the project's installation was troubled from the start. One email exchange involved a dispatch from a Deloitte project manager to a colleague: "The staff situation (at the county is) primarily the result of multiple poor resource decisions by firm management at the highest levels ... resulting in a quantity, not quality approach ... due to a rush to hire, resulting in a declining collective skill set among our consultants, a lack of an adequate staff training and development program, resulting in a poorly skilled workforce."
Deloitte asserted it did a good job, saying it "complied with all its obligations under the contract and performed well. All our work was approved by the county administrator responsible for the project."
Culver, who headed the project before he joined SAP as an executive in 2007, also denied any impropriety.
County supervisors chose the sophisticated SAP program in 2005 as officials sought to bring efficiencies to a bureaucracy that relied on an aging accounting system incapable of in-depth financial oversight.
A grand jury probe concluded the botched program cost taxpayers $28.6 million as of April 2009, although Hymel noted some of the expense jurors included would have accrued no matter what system the county installed.


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• Fully-digital audio and control• Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) provides high immunity from interference and unauthorised listening, even when using other radio systems• Wireless transmission with integrated True Diversity Wireless systems with True Diversity technology have two separate receiver components in the receivers one for each antenna. In order to increase the reception quality, the receiver automatically switches to the antenna signal that is stronger at the moment. This can greatly reduce the risk of signal quality deterioration and dead spots that suddenly arise, such as when a singer moves around on the stage.antenna technology for transmitting and receiving• Three selectable frequency bands : 2.4 / 5.2 / 5.8 GHz• Automatic or manual silent change to an interference-free frequency response acc. to EN 3000328 ETSI• Automatic recognition of interferences in all frequency ranges• Processor-controlled and automatic audio channel allocation of the microphone units• Digital 128-bit encryption and additional 24-bit PIN code against unauthorised listening• Revoluto Microphone Array Technology• Corridor characteristic• LED strips on both sides of the housing indicate that the microphone unit is in ready-to-talk mode• Touch buttons with backlit illumination in 3 colours and braille• Microphone button to switch the microphone on / off• 2 buttons to adjust the level on the headphone output• Voice-controlled activation of the microphone possible• High-quality aluminium housing with a non-glare matt black coating of Alexit soft-touch paint (on the rear) and touch buttons (on the front)• Integrated two-way speakers• The loudspeaker is turned off when the microphone is activated• Adjustable mini stereo jack output (3.5 mm) as documentation or headphones• Parameters can be programmed via the control unit and the appropriate configuration software• Automatic Power OFF when the control unit is in the stand-by mode or switched off• Power on LED• Charging status of the battery can be monitored and transmitted to the control unit• Operating control LED indicates the status when the minimum capacity is too low• Charging contacts for charging the integrated rechargeable batteries in the charging unit• Reliable processor-controlled charging electronics avoids memory effect and ensures immediate use of the microphone units• LED strip on the side of the housing indicates the charging status and the power on LED on the rear indicates the use of an external power adapter• Maximum charging time of 2.5 hours when the battery (NiMH) is completely empty• DC connection for battery recharging or powering via external power adapter• Minimum operating time 20 hours
beyerdynamic GmbH & Co. KGTheresienstr. 8D-74072 Heilbronn
Phone: +49 (0)7131 - 617-400E-mail

subset: commoncrawl


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NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partner university faculty. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Causes of Yeast Infections
I just got my fourth yeast infection in less than one year. I never had one before this past year. Even though I`ve changed to using fragrance-free products and laundry detergent, as my gyno suggested, I keep getting them. The only thing that is different in this year that I`ve been getting them is that I am now in a serious committed relationship. We have sex with condoms. My partner also uses baby powder around his penis to stay dry. What could be causing the imbalance of yeast in my body, the condoms or the baby powder? What other suggestions do you have? I am very miserable and would be very grateful for your help. Thank you for your time.
Thank you for visiting NetWellness. A question similar to yours has been previously addressed. The link below will connect you to that information. NetWellness may also have some general information available that you can access through our search feature. Feel free to write back if you still have questions or need an explanation.
NetWellness Staff


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A change in Cena
by, 05-22-2013 at 01:40 PM (8365 Views)
This is my first blog on the site and it turned out longer than i thought.
Now i had this crazy idea about a change in cena's character, so let me know what you guys think.
Its the night after payback John Cena has just defeated Rayback in cruel ambulance match, so Cena comes out on raw to celebrate and goes on to talk about the match and how it was his never give up attitude and his fans that helped him win, the crowd goes into their usual boos and cheers, Cena just soaks it in with a smile and out comes Curtis Axel along with Paul Haymen just to mock Cena and saying Cena's not a worthy champion and in the discussion slaps Cena, and right then and there something flips inside of Cena and he loses it starts beating the life out of Axle when Paul tries to save his client he punches him too, out come a few Refs trying to brake it up and Cena just shoves them, delivers the AA to Axle and leaves. Cole and Lawler are confused as to what took place in the ring. The camera rolls to the locker room Cena is seeing washing his face has a look of confusion on his face and he drives out of the arena.
On the next RAW, the main event has been set earlier by Vickie Guerrero, John Cena vs Curt Axle, Cena out to open raw he apologises to the fans and the ref's saying he does not know what got into him the last week on RAW saying it was not him and it will not happen again. The audience starts to say booring again and again and suddenly the smile on Cena's face vanishes and he starts to yell at the audience 'Shut UP, i put my ass on the line for you people, each night deliver you good shows and you don't even respect me!! I have been to hell and back with my matches and still you don't care, I am the Champ so you know what i don't give a fuck what you assholes think.' 10 sec after delivering the promo the look on Cena's face changes and he again has that look of confusion on his face stares at the mic, then at the audience and leave the ring with a look of confusion and his hand on his head. We go backstage Cena enters Vickies office and tells her he doesn't feel right and wont be able to compete and just leaves the arena.
The next week on RAW Vickie storms out saying Cena ruined her Main event last week but she wont let it happen tonight he's here and that match will take place right now. Cena comes out to his usual entrance running to the ring looking ready to go. The match is mostly dominated by Cena who looks to deliver his 5 knuckle shuffle runs to the ropes and Paul grabs his leg tripping him, Cena goes after paul knocks him over real bad, than all of a sudden grabs a chair and attacks AXLE ending the match in DQ, Cena looks really angry and again the look changes to a look of confusion stares at chair, heyman and Axle laying on the floor and walks away shocked. The commentators discuss about what just happened and everyone's shocked.
The next week on raw we understand that John Cena underwent a psyche evaluation and the wwe doctors are here to tell us his condition. The doctors reveal that Cena has developed a split personality of sorts all that anger that he kept controlled in him trying to obey his principles of 'hustle loyalty & respect' its all coming out without his will, he does remember the events that occur but has no control over this rage drive.
So now we get a new Cena who's unstable nobody knows when he will flip or on whom, its not heel turn he is still a good guy when he's himself but when the rage takes over there's no telling what will happen.


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Parents Need to Understand FacebookTo help kids reach their potential, parents today must know about Facebook. That's the purpose of this site and related materials, including our new book.
Some background: In 2009, a series of classes at Stanford helped parents learn more about Facebook. The instructors were psychologist Dr. BJ Fogg of Stanford's Persuasive Technology Lab and BJ's sister, Linda Phillips, a mom with 8 kids, ages 11 to 26 (now that's experience!). We measured the impact of our curriculum, and we found clear benefits in all areas we measured.
available on Amazon.
To create this book, we selected the most pressing questions parents have about Facebook. We answer one question in each chapter. We worked hard to make each chapter short, easy to read, and accurate. The initial response has been very good.
If you go to Amazon, you'll see the table of contents, which is a list of the questions we answer.
We believe this book is the best resource for parents. We explain both the bad and good aspects of Facebook. The book points readers to additional resources, like our video tutorials.
We will continue our work teaching and updating parents. See the items below for steps you can take to learn more about Facebook:
1: Learn from our class
To be notified of our future classes, either at Stanford or online, please let us know using this form.
2: Get updates about Facebook
You can stay current with Facebook by signing up for a free newsletter about Facebook, created for especially for parents.
3: Join our global Teaching Team
Can you help other parents learn about Facebook? If so, see the Teaching Team page. We seek 20 talented people to work with us in the early stages. Our eventual goal is to create a global network of qualified people who can teach parents about Facebook.
Our material helps parents think clearly about Facebook
In our work with parents, we focus on "how to think" about Facebook more than "what to do." Our "how to think" approach empowers parents to deal with whatever comes next. In contrast, if we simply told you, as a parent, "what to do," those steps may not work as your child gets older or as Facebook evolves (and Facebook will continue to change, of course).
Case in point: Facebook as "Private Bedroom" . . .
Some parents worry about joining Facebook because they don't want to intrude on their child's privacy. They see it as spying in their kid's bedroom. This view -- Facebook as private bedroom -- is not accurate. Why?
#1 - Strangers don't enter a kid's bedroom. But on Facebook, kids can interact with strangers.
#2 - In a bedroom, acts are not observable by hundreds of people. In contrast, acts your child does on Facebook are widely observable.
#3 - Finally, what goes on in a bedroom is not recorded online, potentially forever. But it is on Facebook.
In short, we believe that if you view "Facebook as private bedroom" you will make mistakes in parenting.
There's a bright side . . . Facebook can benefit kids
Parents worry about the safety of their loved ones. That's natural. But there's a bright side to Facebook that parents should not overlook. Today's youth can learn important skills by using Facebook in the right way. We've identified five skills areas kids can learn on Facebook. These skills are vital for their future success:
What's Next?
If you're not already on Facebook, you should get started soon. The best way for parents to understand Facebook is to use it.
In addition, you should sign up for our free newsletter to stay updated with the ever-changing world of Facebook. Each newsletter explains new skills kids can learn on Facebook that will benefit their future.
Please share our website with friends who need this info.
Dr. BJ Fogg founded the Persuasive Technology Lab at Stanford University, where he directs research and design. In addition, he devotes at least half his time to industry projects and innovations, all of which focus on using technology to change behaviors in positive ways.
BJ is the author of Persuasive Technology: Using Computers to Change What We Think and Do. He is the co-editor of Mobile Persuasion: 20 Perspectives on the Future of Behavior Change and the 2009 book Texting 4 Health. BJ is now completing an edited volume called The Psychology of Facebook.
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Must Watch Video: Crazy Talented Chick on Ellen
I saw this video online yesterday and it blew my mind! It's Christina Bianco – she does impressions of female singers – tons of them, and all during the same song! Crazy!
It's rare to find a good singer at all these days, even rarer to find a good impressionist, and this girl can do it all!
Subscribe to 107.7 WGNA on


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Made in America
Authentic Amish Craftsmanship
Kiln Dried Domestic Solid Hardwoods
Water Based Formaldehyde Free Stains and Paints Available
Our Amish Hanover Bunk Bed is beautifully handcrafted by Amish craftsmen employing age-old practices with classic designs that stand the test of time. Our Amish children's furniture is made entirely of kiln-dried solid hardwoods, grown and harvested responsibly within 250 miles of our builder's studio. The Amish Hanover Bunk Bed fits standard twin mattresses & the top bunk has guardrails on both sides for ultimate security. This Bunk Bed is handcrafted and hand assembled by skilled Amish craftsmen in Ohio.
- Hand made in the USA
- Authentic Amish workmanship
- Kiln dried solid hardwoods
- Mortise & tenon joints
- Dovetail drawers
- Full extension drawer slides
- Water based formaldehyde free paints and stains available
- Veneer free
- Particle board free
- Pressed wood free
- Plywood free
- MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) free
- Approximately 3" wide mattress support slats spaced approximately 3" apart
- Ladder can be repositioned & placed on any side
- Fits two standard twin mattresses
* Each item is custom made to order & may take 8-10 weeks to complete, plus packing/shipping time
* ETAs vary by season; please email us for current estimate
* Our products ship only in the contiguous USA
* Free Shipping is a curbside only service. It is not Inside Delivery
* Inside Delivery (room placement, assembly & debris removal) is available. If interested, contact us for a quote
Note about case goods: This bunk bed is made of solid hardwood but the backs of case goods as well as drawer bottoms are made of 1/4" formaldehyde free Pure Bond plywood. PureBond plywood is compliant with US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, earning one point for LEED's EQ Credit 4.4 for Low Emitting Materials: Composite Wood. PureBond Plywood also satisfies the emissions standards of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Phase 2 regulations, the highest standards in the United States. Alternatively, case goods can be built entirely of solid wood; please contact us if interested.
Dimensions (items can be customized):
|Hanover Bunk Bed:
|44" W x 80" L x 44" H
|20" W x 23" H x 16" D
|5 Drawer Chest:
|35" W x 50" H x 18" D
|6 Drawer Dresser:
|54" W x 32" H x 18" D
|Toy Box:
|35" W x 18" H x 19" D
|3' Bookcase:
|34" W x 36" H x 12" D
|4' Bookcase:
|34" W x 48" H x 12" D
|5' Bookcase:
|34" W x 60" H x 12" D
©2008-2017 Baby Eco Trends, LLC | Site Updated September 26, 2017 | info {at} BabyEcoTrends {dot} com


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Dear All, I have a page here Untitled Document. You can select a value from the dropdown list and you will get a list of configurations with the word "Select". If you click on the "Select" word you will get a pop-up value with a list of checkboxes. So what I want is that once they click on the checkbox the window will close and update the "Select" with the revelant "Tyre Serial No". How to achieve the updates? I also want to limit the pop-up window to only at any one time.
The last part is the easiest to solve. Just open the new window using the same window name.
Getting the child to communicate with the parent can be tricky, but the child is allowed to run functions in the parent window. So, the parent window can have a function that sets the relevant section to what was selected. All the child then has to do is to run that parent function with the appropriate information.
Dear Paul, Where do you set the window name for it to be same name? I have seen the child function updating the parent but in my case each time you use a new drop down list the a new set of information is out. How to update dynamic value in my case?
The window.open() method is how you should be opening a new window. You'll see there that the second parameter is where you provide a name for the new window.
Dear Paul, Ok will try on it. How about the data passing and updating any idea how to start and go about it? Thank you.
One way is for the parent window to have a function that alerts to let you know it was run. Then you can work at making the child window run that function, and when successful, you can pass information to that function.
The parent window function will then be allowed to perform changes to the parent window that you are requiring.
Dear Paul, Got one problem regarding the onlick I am using href like this Select? So you want me to replace with window.open is it? Any codes for the parent and child communication or good example for me to start working on it?
That _blank way of opening a new window is a technique from the last century, when HTML3 ruled the roost. With HTML4 in 1999 that technique was deprecated. It's allowed in HTML4 Transitional so that you can transition from HTML3 to HTML4, but in HTML4 Strict using _blank is not allowed.
It's time to use proper techniques such as window.open() for such behavioural changes to your page.
Dear Paul, Ok I have done the changes via this method Select is this ok? Next thing I have this code in my pop-up window. The problem now how is best mechanism to pass the label it so that once is checked in the window then it will set the value accordingly? Shall I send via get method? Next thing my label ID will all be dynamic and how to make this work dynamically window.opener.document.form.details.value = val;I mean the element name?
function selectAndUpdate(val){ alert("VAL :"+val); window.opener.document.form.details.value = val;}
Not really, because a label doesn't provide the user the visual clue that it can be clicked, so leave it as a link.
Select
You are going to have the same onclick event code duplicated around many times on your page, which goes strongly against the DRY principle - don't repeat yourself. Don't use inline onclick attributes, and instead use one piece of scripting to attach a function to the onclick event of the links.
function openTyreDetails() {
window.open('tyreDetails.php', 'TyreDetails');
We can also let the child window know the id value of the one that was used, because the this keyword from the onclick event refers to the element that triggered the event, so we can easily pass the id to the child window.
function openTyreDetails() {
window.open('tyreDetails.php?tyre=' + this.id, 'TyreDetails');
That way the child window can pass that id back to the parent window, so that the parent knows which one to affect. Does that make sense?
The function is assigned to the onclick event of each link with the following type of code:
var details = document.getElementById('layoutDetails'),
links = details.getElementsByTagName('a'),
for (i = 0; i < links.length; i += 1) {
links[i].onclick = openTyreDetails;
The best place to put the script code is at the end of the body, just before the  tag. If the script is in the head, nothing below it exists yet, so there you're stymied when it comes to working with elements on the page.
Not only is it best-practice to put scripts at the bottom to speed up your web page, it also allows the script to work with page elements as the page is loading.
Dear Paul, I have put like this. But when I press the select is not working no pop-up comes out? So the best method to send value is via get is it? The next challenge how to assign the value according to the this.id? How manipulate this window.opener.document.form.details.value = val;?


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Packing Seal, 5/16 Sq In., 5 Ft
PALMETTO PACKING| Zoro #: G1131392| Mfr #: 1350
Zoro #: G1131392Mfr. Part #: 1350
$26.66 /ea
Orders over $50.00 ship free. DetailsStandard ground shipping
Technical Specifications
|Zoro #: G1131392 Mfr #: 1350
|Max. Pressure for Valves (PSI): NR
|Max. Pressure for Pumps (PSI): 500
|Max. Temp in Steam (F): NR
|pH Range: 3 to 11
|Features: Aramid Yarn is Strong and Durable Packing
|Material: Yellow Para-Aramid
|Ambient Temp. Range (F): -10 to 500
|Item: Compression Packing Seal
|For Use In: Pumps and Valves
|Application: Used in Abrasive Slurry Applications. Also Used As End Rings
|Max. Shaft Speed (ft/min): 2500
|Color: yellow
|Square (In.): 5/16
|Length: 5 ft.
|Country of Origin (subject to change): United States
Product Description
Compression Packing Seal, -, Yellow Para-Aramid, Square (In.) 5/16, Length 5 ft., Yellow Color, Ambient Temp. Range (F) -10 to 500, Max. Temp in Steam (F) NR, Max. Pressure for Pumps (PSI) 500, Max. Pressure for Valves (PSI) NR, Max. Shaft Speed (ft/min) 2500, pH Range 3 to 11, For Use In Pumps and Valves, Features Aramid Yarn is Strong and Durable Packing, Application Used in Abrasive Slurry Applications. Also Used As End Rings, - Standards


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On Mondays during the NHL lockout, Sporting News will present radical—and, in most cases improbable—proposals designed to get the league back on track and ensure its long-term health. The third in that series: using the preseason to bring games to fans all over the world.
More: Turn the league over to Brendan Shanahan | Put ads on jerseys—now
The NHL preseason is supposed to be in full swing, with teams facing off and getting each other ready for the regular season. Of course, because of the NHL lockout, now in its third week, the best hockey players in the world are either in already playing regular-season games in Europe or working out on North American rinks, renting ice time like the general public.
Does anybody really miss the NHL preseason? Even in the best of times, hockey's exhibition warmups feature half-power rosters playing half-intensity games in half-empty arenas, with full-scale risk of injury.
Players no longer have to play their way into shape, but there still is value in re-acclimating to game conditions. It just doesn't have to take the shape of eight exhibition contests.
Last year, with renovations at Madison Square Garden keeping them off home ice until a month into the season, the New York Rangers hit the road for the preseason, with games in Albany, Newark and Philadelphia, before heading to Europe exhibitions against clubs there, and the season opener. Nobody in New York batted an eye—in fact, season-ticket holders were happy to be free from the burden of adding useless ducats to their already hefty bill.
For places like Albany, separated by a three-hour drive from NHL rinks to the north in Montreal, the east in Boston, and the south in the New York metro area, hosting a preseason game is a once-a-year treat. Last year's Rangers-Devils game, buoyed by fans from New York's northern suburbs who enjoyed cheaper tickets than they might otherwise find, and with the kid-friendly atmosphere of a minor-league rink, drew a crowd of 9,420—the largest in Albany history for a preseason game.
That is how the preseason should be. Instead of a long slog toward opening night, with diminishing returns on actually preparing players for the season, the NHL should use its exhibition slate to build the game from its roots.
Start by having each NHL team play one exhibition game at the arena of its AHL affiliate, giving fans in those cities the chance to see the products of the farm system in the colors of the big club. Granted, this would not be such a big deal in the AHL cities of Chicago and Toronto, but for fans in 93 percent of AHL outposts, it would be a once-a-year chance to see NHL hockey in person.
While those fans would have more regular chances to see their favorite NHL stars, it also would behoove the NHL to schedule each team for one preseason game against another NHL opponent at each home rink. The change would be in ticketing. Give season-ticket holders the option to pass on preseason seats, and make all tickets for the preseason game beyond affordable: $5 for the upper bowl, $10 for the lower bowl, $20 for any suites whose regular users choose to pass. Give 10 percent of the tickets to local youth groups, and schedule all preseason games in NHL arenas for weekend afternoons. Advertise accordingly, with a focus on people who have never been to an NHL game, and get them in the door. If the theory is true that people just need to see hockey in person to fall in love—and by and large, it seems to be—then use the preseason to broaden the fan base, not just gouge the diehards for practice games.
The point is to pack the rinks with as many kids as possible: for them, it's about the experience of going to the game, and learning about it, not the result. Take it from someone whose first NHL game was a week after his sixth birthday: upon returning home from Canadiens 8, Rangers 2 in a game at the end of the 1986-87 season, the highlight of the night that Mr. and Mrs. Spector heard about was the Madison Square Garden escalators. The kellygreen seats also were pretty cool.
After building its brand in AHL cities, and seeding the future in its own cities, the best move for the NHL would be to use the remainder of the preseason to grow the game globally. As shown by the wide range of places where NHL players currently are plying their trade, and where the league has sold television rights, there is a lot of room for hockey on this planet. Take advantage of that by sending two teams per year to Austria, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, and Switzerland. In Europe, each pair of NHL teams would be opposed by two teams from the host country in a round-robin tournament that would include one guaranteed NHL vs. NHL matchup, plus a championship game and a fourth-place game.
In addition to growing the NHL, a heavy European preseason presence would add some meaningful competition before the season, but at manageable stakes. Then, continue the popular Premiere Series by having the teams in Europe open their regular seasons on the other side of the Atlantic, either in the same country where they had their preseason tournament, or someplace nearby, to avoid repeating the preseason matchups.
Eventually, the goal would be for hockey's popularity to become widespread enough for all 30 teams to play internationally on an annual basis, and beyond that, once the travel issues can be figured out, to globalize the NHL itself. In the meantime, the teams not going to Europe would play more neutral-site games in cities without AHL representation—such as Anchorage, Kansas City, Quebec, and Saskatoon—and more community-friendly exhibitions at home. With the teams traveling overseas locked into a total of six preseason games, a half-dozen also should be the limit in North America.
There are teams that already utilize some of these ideas, but to make the preseason something worth looking forward to, instead of the mess it is now, it has to be the league that takes charge and puts effective policies in place. Just as families can take their kids to Florida and Arizona on school breaks to spring training, they should be able to make an early-autumn afternoon out of going to the rink, and be able to count on it being an affordable annual tradition. At least, when there's preseason hockey to be played at all.


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Ukiah Daily Journal -
No injuries were reported after a car drove into a business on North State Street Tuesday morning.
A woman driving a light green Volkswagen Passat said another car caused her to crash into the front of Deep Valley Security at 960 N. State Street around 11 a.m. Oct. 9. She and her passenger appeared uninjured.
An employee who was in the building at the time said he heard a crash from the collision, then another crash as the car hit the building. He said no one inside was injured as no employees were in the front of the building
The window was shattered and the front wall of the building -- which the employee said had been recently remodeled -- was pushed in several inches.


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By Monte Boyer, email@example.com
For more than two years now, retail facility managers have been hunkering down; deferring maintenance and postponing facility upgrades until the economy shows signs of improvement. Although "waiting for the dust to settle" is an understandable strategy for survival, it is not without risk. Dollars deferred today may pale in comparison to the ultimate cost of postponed maintenance. Equipment that hasn't been properly serviced can become increasingly inefficient, unreliable or -- even worse -- prematurely fail.
Retail facility managers can reduce that risk, and at the same time increase efficiencies, by partnering with the right service provider. A good HVAC partner can help facility managers overcome some of the challenges posed by today's economic environment through consolidation of efforts across both facilities and services, and by creating operational and energy efficiencies.
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Do yourself a favor; reduce your dependence on multiple, local vendors to perform maintenance. Instead, select a vendor that partners with you across your portfolio -- preferably someone with national capabilities. Whether you're responsible for eight facilities or 8,000, you can drive down costs through consolidation to one vendor that can meet all your needs. They're out there. Some national service providers have thousands of technicians in place across the country. Service providers that are backed by a national or global infrastructure offer:
2. Select a vendor with single-source accountability
Not only should you select a vendor that can execute nationally, choose one that delivers expertise across multiple services. Here's where the efficiencies grow exponentially. Top-tier service providers offer expertise in everything from HVAC, janitorial, lighting, refrigeration, fire and safety to energy efficiency and sustainability; a suite of expert services managed by a single point of contact. One call ensures consistent performance, value and responsive service across all sites.
3. Select a self-performing vendor
Avoid working with a vendor who will manage contractors but outsource the work. Instead, partner with a provider whose employees actually perform the facility services. Self-performing providers make you their only priority. They take ownership of the work. And with a self-performing vendor, you can avoid subcontractor markups. With a national HVAC consolidator, you may have passed along the headache of managing multiple HVAC providers but you have not eliminated it.
4. Select a single-source provider to increase operational efficiency and effectiveness
Choose one provider that can see the big picture. If you currently work with 15 different HVAC vendors, and ask them to prioritize equipment replacement, you'll get 15 different perspectives. Conversely, a single-source provider will consider all equipment from all facilities when identifying critical needs and setting priorities. By working with one point of contact who has a greater view of your portfolio, you can be confident that priority is given to issues most critical to your business. Strategic investments made today when costs are lower can provide your organization with a competitive cost advantage for many years.
5. Select a single-source provider to increase energy efficiency
Partner with a provider that can show you how to increase energy efficiency. The key will be getting access to facility data that's relevant, meaningful and actionable -- which the right service provider can deliver. Today's most advanced technologies allow you monitor building performance in real time; identifying trends within buildings and across portfolios, spotting areas of concern and flagging underperformers. Some commercial control systems actually monitor themselves and send notifications when there's a noteworthy event or when it's time for a service call.
When priorities do call for the replacement of equipment, the right providers make sure you're choosing the most energy-efficient solutions. Ideally, they even help to identify ways to leverage federally- or utility-sponsored rebate programs.
The right service provider
Choosing the right service provider requires careful consideration. Take the time to identify vendors who have national reach and are single-source, self-performing providers with demonstrated expertise in energy and operational efficiency. By partnering with a top-tier vendor, retail facility managers can reduce risk, increase efficiency and overcome some of the challenges posed by today's economic environment.
Monte Boyer is VP and general manager, Johnson Controls National Service. Johnson Controls is an OEM supplier with over 125 years of experience in the HVAC industry. With more than 150 local branches throughout the United States and Canada, Johnson Controls National Service provides retail customers with innovative solutions and an expertise in HVAC, refrigeration, security and fire safety, as well as lighting applications. For additional information on Johnson Controls National Service visit www.johnsoncontrols.com or contact Monte at email@example.com.


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New Jersey employers reflect national move to self-insurance
New Jersey employers outpace the national average when it comes to self-insurance, even though that average has been climbing steadily, according to a recently released report.
The National Employee Benefit Research Institute found that 59.9 percent of New Jersey employees who have employer-provided insurance are enrolled in self-insured plans, compared with 58.5 percent nationally.
The national average has been trending upward since 1998, when it stood at 40.9 percent.
In self-insurance plans, employers pay for employee benefits directly and assume the financial risk, although they contract with private insurers to manage the plans. In traditional fully insured plans, employers pay insurance companies to provide the insurance and the insurer assumes the risk. Self-insured employers face fewer state insurance mandates and regulations.
Incentives to self-insure
Christine Stearns, vice president of health and legal affairs for the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, said self-insurance is more attractive to employers in New Jersey because fully insured plans are more expensive than in other states.
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An increasingly controversial aspect of self-insured plans is their reliance on "stop-loss" policies, in which an insurer pays for costs for each employee above a set amount, which is $25,000 per year in New Jersey.
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The increasing number of self-insured employers may also present problems to the financing of the Affordable Care Act. That law includes an $8 billion assessment on fully insured plans, which is not paid by self-insured companies.
Wardell Sanders, president and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Health Plans, expects New Jersey insurers to pay more than $200 million because of the assessment.
"It's going to increase costs and the tax is a big tax," Sanders said.
Sanders also said that New Jersey's efforts to increase regulations on fully insured plans could be self-defeating.
"The irony is that the more that the state tries to regulate the insurance marketplace, in a way, they lose folks altogether as they try to go to the self-funded arrangement," Sanders said.
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"You see the midsized groups and smaller- and smaller-sized groups self-funding," Sanders said. He noted that this would increase costs for those remaining in fully insured plans, including individuals and small employers.
Self-insurance can be cheaper
However, the primary driver of insurance costs is the cost of medical care, which is well above the national average in New Jersey.
"If you're in a state where the cost of health insurance is high above the national average, then the number of people who are covered by self-funded health plans is higher," said Thomas Considine, chief operating officer of Magnacare, a company that serves self-insured employers. "It's not that people in New Jersey are sicker than other places, it's that their treatment and their insurance costs more. "
Considine, the former state commissioner of the Department of Banking and Insurance, noted that some states have higher regulatory hurdles for employers to have self-insured plans, such as New York requiring businesses to have at least 50 employees to self-insure. "Some states have put up arbitrary regulatory blocks against self-funding for small groups," he said
Considine added that other states more tightly regulate stop-loss programs.
"Some states make their plans take a much higher level of risk; it's a protectionist measure to protect traditional commercial health insurance companies," he said.
Considine has been a persistent critic of the Affordable Care Act, but said the law will benefit Magnacare.
"Some of the obligations that are on companies in the fully insured world don't exist" for self-insured companies, he said.
Considine said Magnacare saw a spike in interest from employers after the Supreme Court decision that upheld the Affordable Care Act, and another spike after President Barack Obama's reelection. Considine said self-insured plans feel like traditional insurance, both to employers and to workers.
"It has all of the benefits -- greater economic benefits and greater flexibility in plan design," Considine said. He noted that while the number of large employers who are fully insured is small, the remaining companies are a significant potential market for Magnacare.
"One of the things that's surprised me in my move back to the private sector, is how many medium to large employers still have commercial health insurance," he said. "It seems grossly economically inefficient to me."
NJ Spotlight, an independent online news service on issues critical to New Jersey, makes its in-depth reporting available to NewsWorks.


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Genetics and Molecular Biology
Print version ISSN 1415-4757On-line version ISSN 1678-4685
Genet. Mol. Biol. vol.28 no.2 São Paulo 2005
Molecular cytogenetic characterization of parental genomes in the partial amphidiploid Triticum aestivum × Thinopyrum ponticum
Ana Christina Brasileiro-VidalI; Angeles CuadradoII; Sandra P. BrammerIII; Ana Maria Benko-IsepponIV; Marcelo GuerraI
IUniversidade Federal de Pernambuco, Departamento de Botânica, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
IIUniversidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Biología Celular y Genética, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
IIIEmpresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Embrapa Trigo, Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
IVUniversidade Federal de Pernambuco, Departamento de Genética, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
The wheat line PF 839197 and six hybrid derivatives from a cross between PF 839197 and Thinopyrum ponticum were cytologically characterized by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Probes for the 5S and 45S rDNA genes (pTa794 and pTa71, respectively), a highly repetitive rye sequence (pSc119.2), the synthetic oligonucleotide (AAG)5, and total genomic DNA from Th. ponticum and rye were used. In the wheat line, a 1RS.1BL translocation was revealed by the labeling patterns produced with pSc119.2 and (AAG)5, and confirmed by genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) using rye genomic DNA as a probe. Analyses of partial amphiploids confirmed previous results indicating mitotic instability, with a tendency to stabilize at 2n = 42 or 56. GISH with Th. ponticum genomic DNA showed that in one hybrid derivative, with lower chromosome numbers (2n = 42-45), chromosomes were not labeled, whereas in the hybrids with 2n = 48-56 up to 14 chromosomes were labeled. These data suggest that the original chromosome set of these hybrids was 2n = 56, and that chromosomes from both genomes were lost by mitotic instability. FISH using the rDNA probes and GISH with Thinopyrum genomic DNA suggested that cells with 2n = 56 contained an entire wheat genome plus two monoploid chromosome sets of Th. ponticum.
Key words: wheat, Thinopyrum ponticum, rye, hybrid derivatives, GISH.
Thinopyrum ponticum (Podp.) Barkworth & D. R. Dewey has been extensively used in wheat breeding programs as a source for new genes, such as the resistance genes against leaf and stem rust (McIntosh et al., 1998). This species is decaploid (2n = 10x = 70) including the genomes JJJJsJs, with J and Js proximally related (Chen et al., 1998a). As other Triticeae species, Th. ponticum has a symmetric karyotype, hindering the identification of individual chromosomes. Furthermore, no banding pattern allowing the identification of each homoeology group was reported for this species.
In a recent attempt to better characterize the karyotype of Th. ponticum, Brasileiro-Vidal et al. (2003) reported the presence of 20 5S rDNA and 17 45S rDNA sites, in addition to other sites of satellite DNA sequences. The 45S rDNA sites were terminally located on the short arms of the 5S rDNA bearing chromosomes. Considering the basic number x = 7, the decaploid nature and the chromosome morphology of this species, the 17 linked 5S-45S rDNA loci and the three single 5S rDNA loci seem to be restricted to two homeologous groups.
Many partial wheat × Thinopyrum amphiploids with 2n = 8x = 56 have been produced by backcrossing the wheat × Thinopyrum hybrid with wheat. These amphiploids usually contain a complete wheat complement (42 chromosomes) and two monoploid Thinopyrum complements (14 chromosomes), but sometimes there are some substitutions of wheat chromosomes by Thinopyrum chromosomes or the opposite (Fedak et al., 2000). The genomic composition of these amphiploids has been analyzed by genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) using genomic DNA of several species as probes (Chen et al., 1998b; Cai et al., 2001). Thus, the J and Js genomes have been distinguished by the presence of sequences from the St genome (Pseudoroegneria strigosa, StSt), mainly in the centromeric regions of Js chromosomes (Chen et al., 1998a).
Other probes, such as synthetic oligonucleotides and the repetitive sequence pSc119.2 isolated from rye, have also been very useful for genomic characterization of interspecific hybrids (Cuadrado and Schwarzacher, 1998). In wheat, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with (AAG)5 or with a probe rich in GAA repeats results in a banding pattern similar to the N banding (Pedersen and Langridge, 1997; Cuadrado et al., 2000). As a result, the seven pairs of the B genome are easily recognizable, as well as some A and D chromosomes in intergeneric hybrids (Cuadrado and Schwarzacher, 1998).
The research unit "Embrapa Trigo", located in Passo Fundo (state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil), has developed a program to generate introgressions of Th. ponticum genes, mainly for leaf and stem rust resistance, in local wheat cultivars. Six accessions obtained from the wheat × Th. ponticum hybrid backcrossed twice and self-fertilized for five to seven generations were analyzed for chromosome number and DNA content. The results revealed a chromosome number variation generated at least partially by mitotic instability (Brasileiro-Vidal, 2003). Five of these accessions revealed wide intra-individual variation, with higher chromosome numbers (around 2n = ca. 56), while a single accession showed a more or less stable chromosome number, 2n = 42 being the most frequent one.
In the present work, a combination of cytological methods, GISH and FISH, was used to characterize the genomic composition of the six above mentioned accessions and of the wheat line PF 839197 used as a parent in the first cross. The cultivar 'Alondra' is one of the ancestral lines of this wheat line and putatively carries a wheat-rye translocation on the short arm of chromosome 1, designated as 1BL.1RS (Schlegel, 2003). However, it is not known if the rye short arm was transmitted to the progeny and if it is still present in PF839197.
Materials and Methods
Plant material and chromosome preparation
The genotypes analyzed included the wheat line PF 839197 and six wheat-Th. ponticum partial amphiploids. The latter were produced by crossing line PF 839197 with the accession PF Ag. el. 84001 of Th. ponticum. The hybrid was backcrossed twice with the wheat cultivar 'CEP 19' (PF 839197/PF Ag. el. 84001//2*'CEP 19'). Three accessions (PF 984501, PF 984504, PF 984506) were obtained by selfing for seven generations (BC2F7), and other three accessions (PF 984901A, PF 984902, PF 984903A) were derived from selfing for five generations (BC2F5) followed by haplodiploidization, as described by Laurie and Bennett (1986; 1989), modified by Suenaga and Nakajima (1989) and Inagaki and Tahir (1990). Haplodiploidization was achieved by crossing individuals of the BC2F5 generation to maize plants. The resulting hybrid lost all maize chromosomes by somatic elimination, whereas the entire haploid chromosome set of the original hybrid derivative was maintained. Chromosome doubling was performed when the haploid plants reached the 4-5 tiller stage, using a solution containing 0.25% colchicine and 10% dimethyl sulfoxide for 3-4 hours (Brammer, 2000). The described material is part of the wheat breeding program of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Trigo, Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil).
Root tips were pretreated in ice-cold water (ca. 0 °C) for 24 h, fixed in ethanol: acetic acid (3:1, v/v), and stored at -20 °C. The material was digested in an enzyme mixture containing 2% (w/v) cellulase (Onozuka R10) and 20% (v/v) pectinase (Sigma) for 1.5 h at 37 °C. Root tips were squashed in a drop of 45% acetic acid and frozen in liquid nitrogen.
DNA probes and labeling
Six DNA probes were used for in situ hybridization: (1) total genomic DNA of Th. ponticum; (2) total genomic DNA of Secale cereale; (3) clone pTa71, containing the 18S-5.8S-26S rDNA repeat unit from T. aestivum (Gerlach and Bedbrook, 1979); (4) clone pTa794, that includes the complete 5S rRNA gene unit from T. aestivum (Gerlach and Dyer, 1980); (5) clone pSc119.2, containing the 120-pb repeat unit of a tandemly arranged DNA family derived from S. cereale (McIntyre et al., 1990), and (6) the synthetic oligonucleotide (AAG)5.
Probes were labeled with digoxigenin-11-dUTP (Roche), biotin-11-dUTP (Sigma) or rhodamine-5-dUTP (Sigma) using nick translation (genomic DNA and pTa71), random primer (synthetic oligonucleotide) or the polymerase chain reaction (pTa794 and pSc119.2) with universal forward and reverse primers, at an annealing temperature of 55 °C. In the GISH analyses, the genomic DNA probes of Th. ponticum and S. cereale were added to the hybridization mixture at the ratios of 1:40 and 1:10, respectively, with non-labeled blocking genomic wheat DNA.
In situ hybridization
In situ hybridization was performed essentially as described by Heslop-Harrison et al. (1991), at 85% stringency. Digoxigenin-labeled probes were detected using anti-digoxigenin-fluorescein isotiocyanate (FITC) conjugate (Boehringer), while biotin-labeled probes were detected using avidin-rhodamine or avidin-FITC conjugate (Vector). All preparations were counterstained with 2 mg/mL 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and mounted in Vectashield H-1000 (Vector). The best cells were captured with a Leica DMLB microscope equipped with a Cohu CCD camera and the Leica QWin software or photographed on Fuji Super G or Kodak Ultra ASA 400 color films, and scanned at 300 dpi. The images were optimized for best contrast and brightness with Adobe Photoshop 6.0.
The hybridization patterns obtained with the probes pTa794, pTa71, pSc119.2 and (AAG)5 on the cultivar PF 839197 were similar to that previously described for 'Chinese Spring' (Mukai et al., 1990; 1991; Cuadrado and Jouve, 1994; Cuadrado et al., 2000), except for the short arm of chromosome 1B, which exhibited a different pattern when using the probes pSc119.2 and (AAG)5 (Figures 1a, b). With these two probes, the chromosome arm 1BS showed the typical pattern of rye 1RS: probe pSc119.2 hybridized to both terminal and intercalary positions along this arm, with no hybridization signal with the (AAG)5 oligonucleotide probe. Using GISH with rye genomic DNA as probe, two chromosome arms of rye were observed, confirming the translocation 1BL.1RS in this wheat line (Figure 1c).
A second GISH experiment using genomic DNA of Th. ponticum as probe in one of the BC2F5 lines (PF 984902), with 2n = 42 to 2n = 45, indicated the absence of fragments or whole chromosomes of Thinopyrum. On the other hand, in five other accessions analyzed (two BC2F5 and three BC2F7), the same probe revealed a maximum of 14 out of a total of 56 chromosomes, with uniform labeling along the whole chromosomes (Figure 1d). Due to the mitotic instability, 59% of the 44 analyzed cells showed lower chromosome numbers (2n = 48 to 2n = 55), with 11 to 14 labeled chromosomes. No wheat-Thinopyrum translocation could be observed.
In situ hybridization with rDNA probes in cells with 2n = 56 revealed six chromosomes bearing only 5S rDNA sites (probably 5A, 5B and 1D), two with only 45S rDNA sites (probably 6B), and six with both 5S and 45S rDNA sites (probably 1A, 1B and 5D), as previously observed in wheat (Mukai et al., 1990; 1991), plus four other chromosomes bearing 5S and 45S rDNA (Figures 1e, f).
The presence of the rye 1RS chromosome arm in wheat cultivars affects their performance positively and also confers resistance against insect and pathogen attacks (Caver and Rayburn, 1994). Many wheat cultivars carry the 1RS arm, but in most cases one group 1 chromosome has its original arm substituted by 1RS (Berzonsky and Francki, 1999). The present in situ evaluation using rye genomic DNA and the probes pSc119.2 and (AAG)5 revealed the presence of the 1BL.1RS translocation in the line PF 839197, probably derived from the cultivar 'Alondra'.
The mitotic instability, reported by Brasileiro-Vidal (2003) in the same accessions, led to chromosome numbers around 2n = 42 in the double-haploid PF 984902 (BC2F5 line) and around 2n = 56 in the remaining partial amphidiploids. In the first case (2n = 42), no Th. ponticum chromosomes were found in the accession mentioned. Likewise, Cai et al. (1998b) also observed that the Th. ponticum genome had been completely eliminated from some BC1F2 individuals of the cross wheat × Thinopyrum. In the remaining accessions, the cells with 2n = 56 had always 42 wheat and 14 Thinopyrum chromosomes, whereas cells with 2n = 48 to 2n = 55 had a variable number of both genomes. These data suggest that the zygotic chromosome number of these individuals is likely to be 2n = 56, and that the mitotic instability has produced chimerical tissues with different chromosome numbers and an uneven proportion of wheat and Thinopyrum genomes. Brasileiro-Vidal (2003) observed that this mitotic instability was already present in the cultivar used as recurrent wheat parent ('CEP 19'). The same phenomenon was previously reported for other Brazilian wheat cultivars (Guerra and Moraes-Fernandes, 1977), and it was probably enhanced by the hybrid condition. Influence of the parental genotypes on chromosome elimination has also been observed in wide-cross hybrids, and differential elimination seems to be dependent on the ordered spatial arrangement of chromosomes throughout the cell cycle (see Heslop-Harrison and Schwarzacher, 1993).
The biparental chromosome losses found in the present work are in contrast to previous reports for wide-cross hybrids, such as barley × Hordeum bulbosum, wheat × maize, wheat × sorghum, and barley × maize, in which the mitotic chromosome elimination was always uniparental (Laurie and Bennett, 1988; Finch, 1983). However, hybrids of wheat with closely related genera, like Agropyron and Thinopyrum, tend to be rather stable (Chen et al., 1992; Cai et al., 1998b). Therefore, if mitotic instability is present in such hybrids, it should affect both parental genomes.
Partial amphidiploids of wheat × Th. ponticum with 2n = 56 chromosomes were reported before, but their genomic composition was variable. In line AT 3425, for example, seven Th. ponticum chromosome pairs could be identified, as well as three additional pairs of translocated wheat-Thinopyrum and 18 pairs of wheat chromosomes (Cai et al., 1998a). In the line Agrotana, a total of 40 wheat and 16 Th. ponticum chromosomes were observed (Chen et al., 1995). Line 784 had a similar composition as observed in the present work, with 42 wheat and 14 Th. ponticum chromosomes (Zhang et al., 1996).
Chen et al. (1995) suggested that Agrotana could be derived from the fusion of reduced or non-reduced gametes, followed by the loss of chromosomes at the beginning of the subsequent backcrosses and selfing procedures. Chen et al. (1999b) suggested that the genome of the donating species in partial amphidiploids of wheat × Thinopyrum may not necessarily be an intact genome of the donor species, but a synthetic genome combining chromosomes from both species. The alien genomic composition of the partial amphidiploid TAF46, for example, is a synthetic genome containing seven pairs of homoeologous chromosomes, that works as a single unit in terms of stability and transmission of its chromosomes through the gametes. The alien genome, once formed, is quite stable. The data presented here seem to confirm this observation, since five of the six accessions maintained ca. 14 chromosomes of Th. ponticum, and only one accession was entirely depleted of Thinopyrum chromosomes.
Partial amphidiploids of this type, with 2n = 56, have normally a regular meiosis with high frequencies of bivalent and low multivalent formation (Fedak et al., 2000). In Agrotana, for example, eight Thinopyrum-Thinopyrum bivalents, 16-20 wheat-wheat bivalents and no allosyndetic pairing were observed. This meiotic behavior could guarantee high fertility and chromosome stability (Chen et al., 1995). In the cells with 2n = 56 analyzed here, the detection of four chromosomes with 5S and 45S rDNA sites, in similar positions to those observed in Th. ponticum (Brasileiro-Vidal et al., 2003), suggests that the 14 Th. ponticum chromosomes represent two monoploid complements, since each monoploid chromosome set of Th. ponticum has two 5S and two 45S rDNA sites (Brasileiro-Vidal et al., 2003). It was not possible to recognize to which genome (J or Js) these chromosomes belonged. Partial amphidiploids do not have necessarily the same chromosome set as the introgressed species; therefore, they can be composed of different rates of J and Js chromosomes. Zhang et al. (1996) suggested that, of the 14 Th. ponticum chromosomes of line 784, six pairs came from the Js and one from the J genome. On the other hand, Chen et al. (1998b; 1999a) identified eight J and eight Js chromosomes in Agrotana.
If the 14 Th. ponticum chromosomes reported here in cells with 2n = 56 form seven bivalent pairs in meiosis, they could be maintained by selfing with a stable meiotic transmission. The mitotic instability of these accessions generates a mosaic of cells with chromosome numbers different from 2n = 56, but it does not seem to affect the production of gametes to the next generation. A GISH evaluation of meiotic cells may reveal the maintenance mechanism of such amphidiploids even in the presence of the observed mitotic instability.
The authors thank the Brazilian agencies Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Programa de Apoio a Núcleos de Excelência (PRONEX-CNPq) and Fundação de Amparo à Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco (FACEPE) for fellowships and financial support. The authors are very grateful to Dilma Angra for helpful suggestions.
Berzonsky WA and Francki MG (1999) Biochemical, molecular, and cytogenetic technologies for characterizing 1RS in wheat: A review. Euphytica 108:1-19. [ Links ]
Brammer SP (2000) Mapeamento de genes de resistência parcial à ferrugem da folha em cultivares brasileiras de trigo (Triticum aestivum L. em Thell). PhD Thesis, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre. [ Links ]
Brasileiro-Vidal AC (2003) Caracterização cromossômica de híbridos intergenéricos de trigo (Triticum aestivum x Thinopyrum ponticum) com diferentes combinações genômicas. PhD Thesis, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife. [ Links ]
Brasileiro-Vidal AC, Cuadrado A, Brammer SP, Zanatta ACA, Prestes AM, Moraes-Fernandes MIB and Guerra M (2003) Chromosome characterization in Thinopyrum ponticum (Triticeae, Poaceae) using in situ hybridization with different DNA sequences. Gen Mol Biol 26:505-510. [ Links ]
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Cai X, Murray TD and Jones SS (1998b) Identification and manipulation of Thinopyrum ponticum chromatin conferring resistance to Cephalosporium stripe disease and a perennial habit in wheat. Proc 9th Int Wheat Genet Symp, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, pp 29-31. [ Links ]
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Chen Q, Conner RL, Laroche A, Fedak G and Thomas JB (1999a) Genomic origins of Thinopyrum chromosomes specifying resistance to wheat streak mosaic virus and its vector, Aceria tosichella. Genome 42:289-295. [ Links ]
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Schlegel R (2003) Rye introgressions. Gatersleben: Plant Breeding Updates. http://www.desicca.de/plant_breeding/Rye_introgressions/ wheatrye_translocation_II/hauptteil_wheat-rye_translocation_ii.html.
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Correspondence to
Ana Christina Brasileiro-Vidal
Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Cidade Universitária, Departamento de Botânica, CCB
50670-420 Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Received: Febuary 13, 2004; Accepted: July 20, 2004.
Associate Editor: Everaldo Gonçalves de Barros


text:
Why does the mailing list need to be hosted at the same place the code is?
I have a number of projects floating around and they all use Google Groups for the mailing list, whether or not the code is hosted on any given Google property.
Yes I was coming to the same conclusion myself - using GitHub (which seems to have been given the thumbs up all round, here, in the comments) and then putting the mail list elsewhere.
I'd like to do this only once, and get it right first time. Moving lists around is annoying.
Thanks for the comment.


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text:
Monday, November 28, 2011
Making Great Progress!!
36 comments:
- Mrs. Goodneedle said...
Your small quilts are wonderful, (and nifty thrifty!!) but your BIG SURPRISE is fantastic! Good luck with the super-secret stealth quilting.
- November 28, 2011 at 8:44 AM
- Loris said...
Happy and Speedy quilting to you today :-) It's gorgeous!
Love the little quilts...warm and mellow.
Still sharing my DH's computer here...making me crazy :-o
Check out my giveaway though. It's a good one!
- November 28, 2011 at 9:33 AM
- WoolenSails said...
Wonderful quilts and I want to see how you quilt your braids, I still need to add a border and do mine.
- November 28, 2011 at 9:54 AM
- Miki Willa said...
Wow! I am sure you will get the wonderful quilt off the frame before he gets home. Your small quilts are very nice, as well.
- November 28, 2011 at 10:01 AM
- Karen said...
Love the new mini - what is the background fabric? It's so perfect!
- November 28, 2011 at 10:24 AM
- Kim said...
Way to go "secret Santa"! Your son's quilt is going to be a hit come Christmas Eve...lucky young man. :) The little quilts are loaded with charm and of course you know I've always known that we pay the same amount of money for the scraps as we do the yardage that goes into the original quilt, so all is precious and in your hands very useful indeed. I am enjoying the table topper that you sent to me last year. Thanks again for that gift, Mary.
- November 28, 2011 at 10:27 AM
- Wendy said...
Your little quilts are darling, way to use those little pieces. I hope you finish your son's quilt before he gets home.
- November 28, 2011 at 10:39 AM
- Leeanne said...
I love both your wee thrifty scrappy quilts, just like you say you paid for all the fabric, not just the bits you used in the main project.
Good luck with the quilting today.
- November 28, 2011 at 10:48 AM
- Kathie said...
oh yes, two new little quilts, love them both,especially the braid one, I haven't tried that one yet!!!!
good for you , I have a scrap basket overflowing I have been thinking about making a quilt just with those fabrics, hmmm that might be a big challenge!
- November 28, 2011 at 10:49 AM
- Magnolia Bay Quilts said...
I missed your last post, but the framed quilt is so cool! I still love that fabric, and I think it may be one of my all-time favorites. You must have had a million of those little triangles left over after piecing Blessings from the Hollow! So many points in that quilt!
The secret quilt is looking really good. That's such a striking design. And your Jo quilt is so adorable!
- November 28, 2011 at 11:21 AM
- Carrie P. said...
Love those small quilts.
It looks like you have your son's quilt done in time for Christmas.
- November 28, 2011 at 12:06 PM
- Sandie ~call me crazy said...
Way to sew! Your son's reaction is going to be priceless. :-)
I love all the mini's! Where do you find the time?!
Have a fun day!
- November 28, 2011 at 1:11 PM
- Needled Mom said...
It looks so pretty on the frame. I can't wait to see it done. What kind of quilting are you doing on it?
Those minis are precious.
- November 28, 2011 at 1:19 PM
- Janet O. said...
Good luck on getting the quilting done! I love both of these minis. Your last post inspired me and I stopped at Hobby Lobby to look at frames today. Found the one I would like, but decided to wait for a sale. Then I loaded my cart with a bunch of Christmas stuff. Go figure--but it was on sale. : )
I need to try that braid!
- November 28, 2011 at 2:09 PM
- Bari Jo said...
Wow Mary! You are on a roll!!! Everything looks great! Love the braided quilt and the left overs quilt for sure! Is this braided quilt the quilt from the Fons and Porter's magazine from the fall? I have been trying to find it - ours has been out. Your son's quilt looks soooooo good! Hope it is about done by now!!! :O) What a great surprise for him! Home you get a picture of his face when he opens it! Hugs to you! Bari
- November 28, 2011 at 2:18 PM
- Sue said...
Very sweet quilts. I love what you've whipped up from the little leftovers :)
Your sons quilt is really awesome. I can't wait to see it done. I am certain he will be thrilled.
- November 28, 2011 at 3:29 PM
- Candace said...
Talk about using up your stash, Mary! What an adorable quilt! I can't wait to see the quilting on your son's quilt and I just love the quilt made with hexagon rulers! I have the ruler, but have yet to try it! Getting ideas here - please send time!
- November 28, 2011 at 4:12 PM
- Me and My Stitches said...
Such cute little quilts! I'm excited that you have that quilt together and on the machine. I can't wait to see the finished product!!
- November 28, 2011 at 4:15 PM
- Belinda said...
I just LOVE doing sneaky qifts don't you!!! He will be soooo amazed I'm sure of it!!!
Yes...waste not, want not! I was sewing out of my 'crumb' bin last night 'making fabric'....you know, some good ole mindless sewing!!
I certainly like your braid quilt too. I have always wanted to do one too!! Yours I.LIKE.
- November 28, 2011 at 4:25 PM
- Pat said...
YAY for such great progress on your son's quilt!!!
- November 28, 2011 at 4:38 PM
- Cyndi said...
Hey Mary! I love both of your small quilts...they are sooo adorable and what a great use of what some would consider "waste". And WOW! Your son's quilt is A.W.E.S.O.M.E!!! I know one guy who's gonna be thrilled at Christmas! :o)
Chat soon!
- November 28, 2011 at 7:11 PM
- Gene Black said...
I love your small scrap quilts. I hate tossing away any fabric I can possible use. I have pieces in sandwich zipper bags just waiting for inspiration. LOL
- November 28, 2011 at 7:56 PM
- regan said...
Beautiful quilts....all three of them!
- November 28, 2011 at 8:18 PM
- Janet said...
Wahoo! You're quilting it already! I hope you can get it done without him seeing it. Lovely little quilts!
- November 28, 2011 at 9:25 PM
- Sue-Anne said...
Your little quilts are gorgeous! Dying to see your secret quilt unveiled!!!
- November 29, 2011 at 12:23 AM
- Cheryl said...
Ohhh, your son's quilt looks fabulous. I can hardly wait to see how you quilt it. I know it will be a knockout!
- November 29, 2011 at 3:56 AM
- Lori said...
You are moving right along on the secret quilt!! How fun to have it on the machine.
Your little quilts are so pretty!!
- November 29, 2011 at 6:54 AM
- Jill said...
I am way behind on reading blogs, doing some catch-up today. Wow, have you been productive. Love your son's quilt and all the little quilts you have been making.
- November 29, 2011 at 11:27 AM
- Denise :) said...
Your son's quilt is marvelous! Did you get it all quilted??!?! I'm dying to know!!! :)
- November 30, 2011 at 8:49 AM
- Ulla's Quilt World said...
I love the quilts! I am so happy that I found your blog! :)
- November 30, 2011 at 10:19 AM
- Barb said...
your son is going to love his quilt! I can't wait to see the whole thing.
I love your little triangle doll quilt. That soft grey is perfect!!
- November 30, 2011 at 12:01 PM
- Kim D. said...
Your son is going to love his quilt, it's simply gorgeous! It's fun to use up those little triangles isn't it. I'm with you I can't bear to throw them out.
- November 30, 2011 at 2:32 PM
- Vivian said...
Looking forward to seeing the back of your son's quilt, and later, a photo of your son with his quilt. Those are my favorite photos of all--new owner with a quilt I've made.
Cute little quilts. Using the leftovers is always great fun, and so very green.
- November 30, 2011 at 6:58 PM
- Allyson said...
Mary, those two little mini quits are fantastic. The braid one has an optical illusion effect that messes with your eyes the more you stare at it. The weaving braids make the quilt look 3-D. And what a fun pattern for your son's quilt! I've never seen that pattern before. It's very striking. He will love it for sure.
- December 1, 2011 at 3:58 PM
- Gran - Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...
Thinking of you! Love your post - and your beautiful quilting!
- December 4, 2011 at 6:08 AM
- Nicky said...
Your son's quilt is absolutely stunning! How lucky is he to have such a striking quilt! Have to say i don't like throwing away scraps and mine are piling up - definitely feel the need for a scrap quilt or two!
- December 6, 2011 at 11:51 PM


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Children at Bitham Brook Primary School in Westbury recently took part in the Great Bitham Bake-Off.
The children in Mr Wood's and Miss Clark's classes researched different countries competing in the Winter Olympics.
They then chose their cupcake recipe and designed their cake to reflect different countries and different events in the Olympic Games. They also designed their own packaging. Miss Clark was very pleased with the whole event. "The children were so enthusiastic and creative. They developed good teamwork and they learned so much while having lots of fun," she said.
Earlier this month the school held a non-uniform day to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance. Jemma Brown from the Air Ambulance Charitable Trust came to assembly to talk about the service and about the new helicopter that they will be getting. She was delighted to learn the non-uniform day made £127.94 for their funds. David Ross, headteacher, said: "All the staff and children at Bitham Brook were very keen to support this local charity and the pupils asked Jemma interesting questions about the air ambulance service."


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than me. I have never gotten a satisfactory answer as to the history of its name, but I guess it just gives this wholesome blend of grains a special flair.
Grande Whole Grains is a wonderful blend of wheat berries, rye berries, triticale, barley, brown rice, oat groats, buckwheat groats and sesame seeds. Today was my first experience with this product and I can easily state that this is going to become a kitchen staple in my house.
Look at how beautiful this blend looks when turned into a cold salad or a warm risotto, both of which were delightfully delicious. (We'll share recipes soon, I promise!) I'm guessing many of you haven't tried this yet either. This product is not one that appears on many store shelves, but we're aiming to bring it back. So keep an eye out for it and try some when you find it.