Two UB experts will be doing important work on commissions analyzing how New York State can strengthen its response to natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy, which destroyed homes through wind, flood and fire, and left millions of people without electricity, transportation and other critical services for days or weeks.
The faculty members are Chris Renschler, associate professor of geography, and Adel Sadek, professor of civil, structural and environmental engineering. Both are faculty members in MCEER, UB's extreme events engineering research center, and on the faculty advisory committee of the UB 2020 Strategic Strength in Extreme Events: Mitigation and Response.
Renschler has been appointed as a member of NYS Respond, a commission that will make recommendations for how the state can better deploy people and resources during natural disasters, and especially after a weather-related emergency.
Among other topics, NYS Respond will look at disaster-information communication, one of Renschler's areas of expertise. He was appointed to the commission because of his research on providing timely and reliable information in extreme events, and helping officials and the public to rapidly identify and meet such needs as shelter, food, water, electricity and essential appliances.
Sadek serves on a subcommittee of the NYS 2100 Commission that is "tasked with finding ways to improve the resilience and strength of the state's infrastructure in the face of natural disasters and other emergencies," according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office.
Renschler, director of UB's Landscape-based Environmental System Analysis and Modeling lab (LESAM), has studied and responded to a number of disasters, helping decision-makers obtain emergency data quickly and efficiently.
Following Hurricane Sandy and the Haiti earthquake in 2010, he and his students used aerial imagery to assess how individual structures were damaged. This project gave disaster responders a clear and rapid picture of which neighborhoods were hardest hit.
After Hurricane Irene in 2011, Renschler collected aerial imagery and topographic data of the flooded areas and led a LESAM/MCEER research team that visited communities in the Schoharie Creek watershed west of the Catskill Mountains to document flood damage.
Renschler's work on Irene, Sandy and the Haiti quake was supported or facilitated by the Information Products Laboratory for Emergency Response (IPLER), a National Science Foundation-funded Partnership for Innovation project headed by the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and UB. Renschler is a co-principal investigator of the project, whose activities include developing technologies that can provide emergency responders with real-time damage assessments during disasters.
"I am honored to serve on the governor's commission to contribute to enhancing the functionality of a rapid and reliable flow of critical information for decision-makers, including emergency responders, utility managers and impacted individuals," Renschler said.
Sadek, director of UB's Transportation Systems Engineering Lab, serves as chair of UB 2020's Strategic Strength in Extreme Events. His research focuses on traffic, which includes everything from air pollution at border crossings to creating the best evacuation routes during emergencies.
The NYS 2100 Commission subcommittee on which he sits consists of roughly a dozen "SUNY experts" and was formed by Timothy Killeen, SUNY vice chancellor for research and president of the SUNY Research Foundation.
The subcommittee's immediate job, Sadek said, is to review all reports related to the state's infrastructure, find any gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed and make recommendations that will improve the state's bridges, tunnels, roads and other infrastructure.
"Our task is to help make sure that transportation infrastructure is more resilient in cases of extreme events like Hurricane Sandy," said Sadek, who studies the use of new technologies, such as collision-avoidance systems, adaptive traffic control and dynamic route guidance to increase safety and efficiency.
NYS Respond and NYS 2100 are two of three disaster-preparedness and response commissions that Cuomo's office announced on Nov. 28. Recommendations are due to the governor by Jan. 3. For details on all the commissions and a list of appointees, click here.


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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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Tech Services & Software
Is the iPad good for Amazon?
Everybody's focused on whether the iPad will be a Kindle killer. But the real story may be how Amazon benefits from the arrival of its would-be competitor.
David Carnoy
Jan. 27, 2010 4:44 p.m. PT
David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
Expertise Mobile accessories and portable audio, including headphones, earbuds and speakers Credentials Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer
Apple has released a new e-reader app called iBooks that will compete with Amazon's Kindle for iPad app Apple
Now that the dawn of the iPad is upon us, the inevitable comparisons between Apple's wundertablet and the Kindle--and what it all means for Amazon--have begun in earnest.
For example, in its write-up of the iPad launch, The New York Times said that Apple's new deals with five major publishers basically amounted to a declaration of war. "The announcement puts Apple on a collision course with Amazon," the Times said. And Steve Jobs, while praising Amazon for pioneering the e-book category, told the world that, "we are going to stand on their shoulders and go a little bit farther."
That may very well be true, especially when it comes to stuff like comic books, graphic novels, textbooks, and interactive children's stories, but the war we're looking at isn't the war we're used to seeing in the consumer electronics world, where one piece of gear simply is superior, sexier--and better-priced--than another.
From the get-go, as soon as rumors surfaced about an Apple tablet, many a tech pundit made his or her readers aware that such a device would make for a very strong e-reader. After all, since the iPhone and iPod Touch are already good e-readers, it was pretty easy to assume that an Apple tablet would be that much better because it had a larger screen. And no doubt it will be.
The only big caveat was price. However, with Apple announcing that its entry-level 16GB Wi-Fi-only iPad would cost a mere $499, its tablet becomes an even more direct competitor to the Kindle. The starter iPad will cost only $10 more than the Kindle DX, which has the same size screen as the iPad (9.7 inches). But the DX doesn't do color or a fraction of the things the iPad can do. Heck, it doesn't even have a touch screen. And that would lead one to believe that the Kindle DX--along with more expensive E Ink e-readers like Sony's $399 Daily Edition, the upcoming Plastic Logic Que, and the Skiff Reader--are a seriously endangered species.
On the other hand, the standard $259 6-inch Kindle, which we used to call the Kindle 2, continues to be quite viable, though Amazon would be smart to shave its price to $199 the day before the iPad officially starts shipping (Apple says buyers will have the iPad in their hands within the next 60 days).
Aside from price, the Kindle has a few things working in its favor: its nonbacklit E Ink screen helps reduce eye-strain and is also very energy-efficient, allowing you to get up to two weeks of battery life (without the wireless turned on). By contrast, Apple rates the iPad as having up to 10 hours of battery life. Having to recharge after a day of heavy use certainly isn't that big a deal, but a lot of Kindle owners like the fact that they don't have to think about recharging every day or two.
All that said, the real story here isn't the hardware, for at the end of the day, Amazon doesn't care about the hardware that much. What it wants to do is sell e-books, which don't take up warehouse space, require trucks to be delivered, or an expensive customer service team to support. And it wants to sell lots of them.
Naturally, it would like people to buy and use its Kindle e-reader, which it's invested a lot of time and money into and will continue to improve, especially now that Apple has its slick iBooks e-reader app. But its strategy has always been about getting the Kindle platform onto as many devices as possible. And in those terms, it's just fantastic that Apple has gone ahead and put out an excellent e-reader and is promoting the hell out of its e-reading capabilities.
Yes, the iPad's more open in terms of what formats it supports and will be much better at displaying PDF files than any Kindle (or any other e-reader for that matter) is. As far as Amazon's concerned, who cares? Assuming the Kindle for iPad app works the same as the existing iPhone app, Amazon's feeling pretty good. (Kindle for iPhone remains the top free download in the books category on the iPhone--and has been for a long time.)
Did Amazon tell me this? Of course not. Amazon's about as tight-lipped as Apple is when it comes to forward-looking information. When I asked Amazon spokesperson Andrew Herdener about a Kindle app for iPad and whether Apple would allow it on the device (Apple did say that all current iPhone apps would work on the iPad, so I assume it will allow it), I got a nice, prepared-statement-sounding response.
"Customers can read and sync their Kindle books on iPhones, iPod touches, PCs, and soon Blackberrys, Macs, and iPads," Herdener e-mailed me. "Kindle is purpose-built for reading. Weighing in at less than 0.64 pounds, Kindle fits comfortably in one hand for hours, has an e-ink display that is easy on the eyes even in bright daylight, two weeks of battery life, and 3G wireless with no monthly fees--all at a $259 price. Kindle editions of New York Times Bestsellers and most New Releases are only $9.99."
It doesn't take too much reading between the lines to see the little jabs. The comment about weight (the iPad, at 1.5 pounds, would be difficult to hold in one hand for long periods), the extra cost for 3G on the iPad, and the e-book pricing are all worth noting.
If you didn't already know it, Amazon is pricing e-books very aggressively. It's being so aggressive that it actually loses a couple of bucks on most new releases and bestsellers because it buys books from publishers at somewhere around a 54-percent discount off the list price of the book. So if a new hardcover costs $24.95, it's buying the book for around $12 and selling it for $9.99. It doesn't believe customers are willing to pay more than $10 for an e-book, which I agree with, but it's got publishers worried that Amazon is devaluing books to the point that people won't want to buy any books, including hardcovers, for more than $10. (Word is Amazon is able to make up its losses by selling backlist titles and assorted other books at a nice profit margin.)
Apple, meanwhile, has struck deals with the aforementioned five major publishers--Hachette, Penguin, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and Macmillan--that apparently give those publishers more control over pricing their e-books and potentially give them a bigger cut of the overall sale. Though I understand publishers' concerns, pricing e-books higher isn't a recipe for selling more e-books (or hardcovers), particularly if Amazon is willing to continue with its loss-leader pricing strategy.
If book publishers and print media companies think Apple's the right company to get in bed with to improve their fortunes, they may be in for a surprise. The Apple App store is about volume and cheap prices (just ask game companies). Sticking books on there for $13.99 instead of $9.99 isn't going to work and will just play to Amazon's hand. And that may just mean a lot of folks will end up buying an Apple device to read on, but turning to Amazon for their e-books, whether they be black-and-white text-only affairs or the fancier color, interactive stuff that's certainly coming to the Kindle Store by the end of this year.
I don't know about you, but I don't mind. Let me know what you think. Is the iPad a Kindle killer? Or is it a Kindle helper?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Starred Tortoise - Geochelone elegans
Reticulated Python - Python reticulatus
Indian Rock Python - Python molurus
Gharial - Gavialis gangeticus
Mugger or Marsh Crocodile - Crocodylus palustris
Estuarine or Salt Water Crocodile - Crocodylus porosus
White backed or Bengal Vulture - Gyps bengalensis
Indian Cobra - Naja naja
Black necked Stork - Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
Adjutant Stork - Leptoptilos dubius
Spoonbill - Platalea leucorodia
Rosy Pelican - Pelecanus onocrotalus
Macaw - Ara chloroptera
White Ibis - Threskiornis aethiopica
Night Heron - Mycticorax nycticorax
Sarus Crane - Grus antigone
Demoiselle Crane - Anthropoides virgo
Grant's Zebra - Equus burchelli boehmi
Wolf - Canis lupus
Malayan Giant Squirrel - Ratufa bicolor
Tiger - Panthera tigris
Indian Giant Squirrel - Ratufa indica
Sambar - Cervus unicolor
Common Otter - Lutra lutra
Muntjac or Banking Deer - Muntiacus muntjak
Lion tailed Macaque - Macaca silenus
Bonnet Macaque - Macaca radiata
Asiatic Lion - Panthera leo persica
Leopard or Panther - Panthera pardus
Nilgiri Langur - Presbutis johni
Common Langur - Presbytis entellus
Striped Hyena - Hyaena hyaena
Nile Hippopotamus - Hippopotamus amphibius
Gaur Bos - gaurus
Asiatic Elephant - Elephas maximus
Dhole or Indian Wild Dog - Cuon alpinus
Indian Chevrotain or Mouse Deer - Tragulus meminna
Small Indian Civet Cat - Viverricula indica
Jungle Cat - Felis chaus
Common Palm Civet Cat or Toddy Cat - Paradoxurus hermaphrodites
Brown Capuchin - Cebus paella
Blackbuck - Antilope cervicapra
Binturong or Bear Cat - Arctictis binturong
Sloth Bear - Melursus ursinus
Himalayan Black Bear - Selenarctos thibetanus
Savanna Baboon - Papio cynocephalus
Asiatic Wild Ass - Equus hemionus khur
Distribution:Fairly common in sandy tracts such as the coastal scrublands of the Ramanathapuram District in Tamil Nadu and the semi- arid and desert tracts of Peninsular India. It is said to be very common in Chittor District, Andhra Pradesh and the adjacent Kolar District, Karnataka. The name is derived from the star patterns on the hard shell of the tortoise. This reptile is found in dry scrub jungle and arid areas. It moves about when it is dark, feeding on fallen fruits leaves and grass. Females are larger than the males. Breeding occurs just before monsoon. The female lays about 4-8 eggs in a pit it has dug. The young hatch after 70-120 days. It is also a favorite pet and breeds well in captivity throughout the year. Length 15 – 26 cm Food in Captivity Carrot, Cabbage Reproduction 3 to 6 eggs Breeding Season October - January Status Rare
Distribution:This python is distributed throughout Northern India and through Burma to Southeastern Asia. Also found in Nicobar Islands. The Reticulated python or the Regal python is found in eastern Assam, Bangaldesh, Myammar, Malaysia and Thailand. It is never found far from water. One of the longest pythons, growing upto 10 meters, this magnificent snake has a shining skin. Apart from catching small mammals, it can also take a full grown wild boar. It can be tamed in captivity, by hand rearing. A female python can lay about 100 eggs. It is a nonvenomous snake. The skin of the animal is killed for its skin which is used for making belts, hand bags and wallets. The python is endangered and hunting is banned. Length 6 – 8 m Food in Captivity Rat, chicken Reproduction 20-100 eggs Breeding Season September - January Status Endangered
Distribution:Found in Sri Lanka and peninsular India, Sind in the West and Bengal in the East. Unlike other snakes which have a zig-zag movement, the python can move in a straight line. This is one of the largest non-venomous snakes. It feeds on a variety of prey species from frogs to fawn of deer. A pair of sensory pits near the nostrils helps it detect body heat of prey such as hares and rodents in the dark. It kills its prey by coiling around and suffocating it. The python can swallow prey species, much larger than the girth of tis body since its jaw bones can be opened at least 180 OC. They prefer to be near water. The female lays between 8-100 eggs during summer and coils around them to maintain constant temperature. Breeding Season December, January and February Clutch Size 8-100 eggs Incubation The mother incubates upto 58 days Life Span 22 years in captivity Status Endangered
Distribution:Confined to the Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra and the Mahanadi rivers. The name "Gharial" is actually a reference to the pot-like structure on the snout of the males. Gharials are good swimmers in swift flowing waters, but extremely clumsy on land. Adults bask in the sun. Their man diet is fish. The females nest on steeps banks to lay about 40 eggs. Gharials take care of their young ones. Once common, this crocodile has been excessively hunted and is now found only in rivers such as Ganges, Brahmaputra and Mahanadi. Food in Captivity : Fish Breeding Season Mating occurs in water between December and January, when they are of 13 to 14 years of age Nest Nest cited I sand Clutch Size 40 eggs Incubation Incubation temperature 32-34 oC
Distribution:Found in the hills of India and Sri Lanka and Iran. The Mugger or the marsh crocodile is a fresh water reptile found in streams, river and lakes. In summer when lakes and rivers dry up, these crocodiles can migrate long distances in search of permanent water sources. Some also dig deep burrows in the soft mud and remain there during the summer. The feed on fish, turtles, water birds, and even deer and wild board. They may attack and kill humans to defend territory of young ones, but they are not man-eaters. One may often seen the muggers with their mouths wide open, this being a method of controlling their body temperature. This is most widely distributed of the three species of Indian crocodiles. Length 1.5-75 cm Food in Captivity Beef, Fish Reproduction 3-40 eggs Breeding Season January - March Status Endangered
Distribution:Found from Kerala in the West Coast through the estuaries on the east coast (Cavery river), to the Sundarbans in West Bengal, Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Indonesia. Measuring over 4.5 metres in length, this is one of the largest reptiles. The "salty" as it is commonly referred to is found in estuarine areas of Sundarbans and Orissa, as well as the Andamans. It is capable of swimming almost 100 kms. Into the sea. It preys on a wide variety of animals including fish and small mammals. The breeding coincides with the monsoon. The female builds a nest out of leaves, grass and twigs and guards it tenaciously. The heat given off by the vegetation helps in the hatching of the eggs. Food in Captivity:Mainly fish Breeding Season Mating commences in the dry season and egg laying with the beginning of South-west Monsson. Nest it is a mound nest builder. Nests are composed of mounds of vegetation and mud raked together.
Distribution:Found throughout India and West Pakistan. A huge bird with a naked head and neck shrunk into the shoulders, this is the commonest of all vultures of India. The White backed vulture spends a good part of its life on the wing, soaring in wide circles at great heights. If an animal dies somewhere, the vulture patrolling in the sky far overhead descends to scavenge and devour the carcass. This vulture breeds in colonies and can be seen atop large trees on the outskirts of towns and near villages. Food in Captivity:Meat Breeding Season Principally October to March Nest Made of sticks and often lined with leaves and grass on tree tops. Clutch Size 1 or 2 eggs Incubation 45-50 days Status Endangered.
Distribution:Occurs through the Indian subcontinent to Southern China in the east to the Philippines in the South, Andamans and Sri Lanka. Absent in arid deserts and in the hills above 1800m. The Indian Cobra is found in dense forests and open cultivated areas, abandoned rodent burrows and holes or cracks in rocks. This snake is identified by its hood which it raised when disturbed. The Cobra feeds on rats, small birds, frogs and bird eggs. Most snake charmers keep cobras, although these are defanged specimens. Snake charmers also spread the common myth that snakes drink milk, which in the wild is not true. Cobras are venomous snakes and their venom is a neurotoxin which paralyses the respiratory centre and this is the chief cause of death. Food in Captivity:Rat, Chicken Breeding Season January, April and May Clutch Size 12-22 eggs Incubation 48-69 days (both sexes known to incubate)
Distribution:Found throughout India (rare in South India) This long-legged and long-necked storki is confined to large jheels, marshes and rivers. Usually seen along, this bird wades in shallow waters. It can be spotted resting on top of trees or feeding along the edges of rivers and marshes. Like other storks it is a heavy bird, requiring large quantities of fish, especially when it has young ones in the nest. It also eats frogs reptiles and crabs. Destruction of Wetlands has led to rapid decline in the number of these storks and they could be endangered now. This bird is a winter visitor to northern India. Food in Captivity:Fish only Breeding Season September to December Nest An enormous platform of stick, often thorny with straw, leaves etc. placed 20 to meters on the top of a large tree. Clutch Size 3-4 eggs Incubation 30 to 50 days
Distribution:Found in North India and Assam Adjutants are so named because of their military walk. A heavy bird with a huge bill and neck, it has a hanging pouch on its neck. The function of this pouch is not really known. The birds is an efficient scavenger, often seen with kites and vultures feeding on carcasses and garbage dumps on outskirts of villages. Adjutants also eat frogs, fish, reptiles and large insects. The only sound normally produced by the bird is a loud clattering of the mandibles. Food in Captivity:Fish only Breeding Season October to January Nest A enormous platform of coarse sticks in a branch of a lofty tree. Clutch Size 3-4 eggs Incubation 30 to 50 days
Distribution:Found throughout India Spoonbills are immediately identified by their black spoon- shaped bill. Usually found in flocks, they frequent marshland areas, river banks and large jheels, feeding during the early morning hours and in the evenings. They get their food by wading into shallow waters and sweeping the partially open bill from side to side. Their food includes small fish, tadpoles, aquatic insects, frogs and molluscs. When food is abundant in one spot, a large group can be seen competing for their prey. Food in Captivity:Fish Eggs 3 to 4 Incubation 21 days
Distribution:Found in Rann of Kachchh, Gujarat, Winter visitor to North India, Punjab, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Chennai and Pakistan. A pelican flock is like a team of cooperative fishermen surrounding a school of fish, driving them to the shallow waters and then scooping them up in their pouches. Large flocks are seen in jheels and lakes. When not feeding, they float gracefully on the water preening their feathers or just resting their heavy bills on their back. Inspite of their enormous size, pelicans are effortless fliers and frequently soar in the company of vultures and storks. Food in Captivity:Fish Breeding Season February to April Nest A skimpy to fairly substantial bed of large white feathers Clutch Size 2 eggs Incubation Unrecorded.
Distribution:: Found in tropical South and Central America. These birds are brilliantly coloured parrots. Macaws move about the forest in flocks. They feed on fruits, seeds and Brazil nuts, which they crack with their strong beaks. These birds nest in holes high in the trees and are extremely aggressive during the breeding season. Macaws are good mimics and can also mimic the human voice. These birds are hunted and are endangered. Food in Captivity:Bread, banana, sathugudi, orange, mango, guava, tomato, groundnut and chillies Nesting Probably nests in holes high in the trees. Extremely aggressive during breeding season. Clutch Size 3-4 eggs Incubation 26-28 days.
Distribution:Found throughout India. Closely related to the spoonbills, ibises can be easily distinguished from a distance by their down-curved bills, and their bald head and neck. The white ibis frequents shallow water bodies, river and jheels and marshy areas. It walks about actively probing the soft mud with its bill looking for its prey. Fish, frog, worm and soft-bodied molluscs form its food. The white ibis is more frequently seen than the Black and glossy ibis. Food in Captivity:Fish, frogs and insects Breeding Season North India- June to October South India – November to March Nest A smallish platform of sticks built in moderate sized trees. Eggs 2 to 4 Incubation Period 23-25 days
Distribution:Resident throughout India, Central and South Europe, South Africa, Burma, Malaysia, China and Japan. Generally, resting all day in shady trees, this nocturnal species is shy and secretive. Groups of night herons fly out to their feeding grounds at dusk. They feed all night in ponds, flooded fields and shallow marshes. In contrast to the other herons' habit of "waiting and striking", night herons actively catch fish, frogs, crabs and insects. These birds have striking ruby red eyes and white feathers dropping from their head. Food in Captivity:Fish, frogs and aquatic insects Breeding Season December to February Clutch Size 3 to 4 Incubation 21 days
Distribution: Found in Northern and Central India. Reaching a height of almost 1.6 metres (5 feet), Sarus Cranes are the tallest flying birds. They are normally seen near riverbanks, cultivated fields and wetlands. Grams, juicy shoots, frogs, insects and small reptiles from their main food. Sarus cranes pair for life. Their courtship displays and dance are spectacular. With wings outspread, both birds circle each other, bowing and dancing, frequently trumpeting in unison. The Sarus is a revered and protected bird, Indian folklore has tales of the love of sarus couple towards each other. Food in Captivity:Fish only Breeding Season July to March Nest A platform in shallow water or in short grass Clutch Size 2 eggs Incubation 34 days
Distribution: Found in North- western and West-central portions of India, Mysore and Assam. The Demoiselle Crane is a well- known winter visitor, which is easily recognized by a white plume of soft feathers behind each eye. Flock wander over open cultivated fields and marshy areas and rest on river banks or margins of jheels during the midday heat. They frequently raid grain and wheat fields. Sometimes they soar in circles at great heights in the sky. With their necks and legs fully extended, these cranes fly in broad V formation. Food in Captivity: Mixed grains Breeding Season May to July Nest A huge pit of weeds, bushes and straw placed in paddy fields or ponds Clutch Size 2 eggs Incubation 28 to 36 days
Distribution: Inhabits lush green grasslands and drier Savannas of East Africa from Kenya to the Cape. No two zebras have stripes that are exactly alike, just as on two human fingers-prints are the same. The different patterns on their body help tell zebra apart. The stripes also help the animal hide in tall grasslands. Zebras spend most of the day and night feeding. A vegetarian, the zebra feeds primarily on grass and sedges. The upper and lower incisors help it to clip vegetation, and a battery of cheek teeth are used for grinding. A group of zebras consists of a male and few females and their young. Food in Captivity: Wheat bran, soaked Bengal gram, horse gram, grass, leaves, and minerals, 10 days in a month. Sexual Maturity 2-3 years Breeding Season Winter season Gestation Period 336-375 days Litter Size Single foal Life Span 35 years in captivity Status Common
Distribution: Found in Europe, North America, Northern, Central and South Western Asia. The Indian Wolf is almost the size of an Alsatian dog. With its long legs it can run great distances and it has powerful jaws to seize its prey. Wolves live in open country and forests, hunting by day and hiding by night under fallen trees, among rocks or in holes dug in the ground. Because they hunt animals larger than themselves, wolves hunt in packs numbering 20-40 individuals. Wolves survive well because of their tightly knit social organization. In Indian wolves were mostly hunted out of the vicinity of human populations, because of the mistaken notion that they lift children. Food in Captivity: Beef, liver and chicken Weight 18-35 kg. Sexual Maturity 2 years Breeding Season Endo of rainy season Gestation Period 61-63 days Litter Size 4-7 pups Life Span 20 years in captivity Status Vulnerable
Distribution: It is found in Myanmar and the Malay countries. Giant squirrels are shy and wary animals, not easy to spot. The Malayan Giant Squirrels live only in forests. They move from tree to tree taking amazing leaps, with their limbs outspread. They have a furred membrane extending between the fore and hind limbs. These animals are active and agile during early morning and evening hours. As with most animals, mid-day is the resting period. They feed on fruits, nuts and flower buds. They make their nest in tree holes, safe from predators. Food in Captivity: Soaked Bengal gram, apple, grapes, bread, groundnut, carrot, cabbage, orange, mango and guava. Weight 2-3 kg. Sexual Maturity 2-3 years Breeding Season March, April, September and December Gestation Period 40 days Litter Size One or two Life Span 7-10 years Status Endangered
Distribution: Found in India, China, Indonesia and Siberia Tigers are the largest of the big cats. Tigers can travel almost 20 km in a single night and can leap as much as 10 metres in a single bound. Tigers are mainly active at twilight or night, using their sight and sense of hearing rather than smell, to stalk their prey. In long grass the stripes on the tiger's coat break up its outline, making it more difficult to spot. They are good swimmers and can also climb trees quite well. Large mammals such as wild pigs, buffalo and deer form their main food. Male tigers live alone in large territories, though these may overlap with the living areas of several females. The biggest tigers come from Siberia. Food in Captivity:Beef, liver (alternate days), chicken (weekly twice) and milk Weight 180-260 kg. Sexual Maturity 3-4 years Breeding Season Throughout the year Gestation Period 103 days Litter Size 3-4 cubs Life Span 20 years in captivity Status Endangered
Distribution: It inhabits the dry deciduous, moist deciduous and semi evergreen forests of peninsular India, south of the Ganges. Giant squirrels are inhabitants of the forests. They keep to the big tree tops and seldom come to the ground. Taking amazing leaps with limbs outspread, these agile animals can cover almost 20 feet in a single bound. Their peak activity time are the early morning and evening hours. Mid-day is their resting time. When frightened, these squirrels do not dash away, instead the flat against a branch or slip behind a heavy tree trunk. Food in Captivity: Soaked Bengal gram, apple, grapes, bread, banana, groundnut, carrot, cabbage, orange, mango and guava. Weight 2-4 Kg Sexual Maturity 2-3 years Breeding Season March, April, September and December Gestation Period 40 days Litter Size One or two Life Span 17 years Status Endangered
Distribution: Found in the wooded regions of India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka extending through the Malay countries and eastward to the Philippines. The largest Indian deer, the Sambar is an important prey for the tiger. Forested hill-sides, preferably near cultivation are the favorite haunts of the sambar. Though heavy, this animal can move silently through dense jungles. It takes to the water readily and swims with body partially submerged. Sambar feed on grass, leaves and various kinds of wild fruits. They feed mainly at night and retire by daybreak. They have a keen sense of smell and hearing. Sambar are rarely found in large numbers. A herd may consist of four to five or at the most, twelve animals. Food in Captivity: Wheat bran powder, soaked Bengal gram, salt, leaves and grass. Sexual Maturity 2-3 years Breeding Season Throughout the year Gestation Period 240 days Litter Size Single Life Span 17-25 years Status Safe
Distribution: In India the common otter is found only in Kashmir, the Himalayas and in South India. Also found in Europe, North Africa, and suitable localities over the greater part of Asia. Sleek, streamlined and energetic, the otter rarely remains still. An ottter's flexible body and webbed feet makes it an underwater acrobat. Otters live in groups but they usually search for food on their own, in water or on land. They feed on fish, frogs, land birds and small mammals. Most of them hunt during the day. Otters come ashore to give birth to their young ones. The newborn are blind and are carefully guarded by their mother. Food in Captivity: Fish, crab, prawn. Weight 4-6 kg Sexual Maturity 2-3 years Breeding Season Throughout the year Gestation Period 61 days Litter Size 2-5 cubs Life Span 21 years in captivity Status Common
Distribution: Muntjac is found in the greater part of the Indo-Malayan countries and also in China, Taiwan and Japan. The Muntjac inhabits thickly wooded hills, in the Himalayas and parts of South India. It can be found at high attitudes. Muntjac may be spotted singly, in pairs or in small family parties. Keeping to the wooded parts of the jungle, the muntjac come to the outskirts of the forest to graze. Leaves, grasses and wild fruits form their diet. When alarmed and in flight, these deer give out intermittent calls which sound very much like the bark of dog. Perhaps this is how they have got their name, "Barking Deer". They often announce the approach of a tiger by their alarm calls. Food in Captivity: Wheat bran powder, soaked Bengal gram, salt, grass and leaves. Sexual Maturity 2 years Breeding Season Throughout the year Gestation Period 180 days Litter Size Usually one or rarely two Life Span 18-25 years Status Endangered
Distribution:: Found in the Western Ghats from North Kanara southwards to Kerala and Anamalai, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu. With a well developed whitish grey mane on its face and a tail with tufts of hair at the end, like that of lion, the lion tailed macaque has aptly earned its name. These monkeys area gregarious, living in troops of 10-20. They inhabit dense tropical evergreen forests and feed on fruits, and leaves. Diurnal in habit, they rarely come to the ground. The large cheek pouches serve as food stores, storing the food until it can be chewed at leisure. This is one of the most endangered primates of India. Food in Captivity: Cooked rice, banana, orange, mango, guava, soaked Bengal gram, cabbage, bread and egg. Sexual Maturity 3-4 years Breeding Season Throughout the year Gestation Period 150 – 180 days Litter Size One Life Span 20-30 years in captivity Status Endangered
Distribution:Found in the Indian peninsula as far North as Mumbai on the West and the Godavari river on the East. This little pale-faced monkey commonly seen in Southern India is easily distinguished by a bonnet of long dark hairs forming a whorl on its head. Living mainly on trees in villages and in the foothills of jungles and the plains, troops of 20-30 animas may be found either feeding on the ground or in the trees. Fruits, berries, leaves and shoots, insects and spiders form their diet. These macaques live in highly organized troops of both sexes and have well defined territories. Food in Captivity: Grapes, cooked rice, banana, orange, mango, guava, groundnut, soaked Bengal gram, leaves, cabbage, carrot and bread. Sexual Maturity 2 ½ - 3 ½ years Breeding Season Throughout the year Gestation Period 150 – 180 days Litter Size One Life Span 20-31 years Status Common
Distribution:It is now restricted to the Gir Forest in Kathiawar, Gujarat. Considered the "King of Beasts" the lion is a powerful animal. Lions inhabit scrub-type deciduous forests. Lions live in a group called a "pride", which may consist of 10-20 individuals with a male as the leader. Lions rest by the day and at dusk go in quest of their prey which includes deer, cattle, pigs or other herbivores. They stalk their prey and then make short, high speed charge of upto 80 km per hour. The African lion with its fuller mane, longer tassel of hair at the end of its tail, and more pronounced hair on its belly is easily distinguishable from its Asian counterpart. Food in Captivity: Beef, liver, chicken (weekly twice) Weight 150-240 kg. Sexual Maturity 2 ½ - 3 years Breeding Season Throughout the year Gestation Period 90-105 days Litter Size 1-5 cubs Life Span 24 years in captivity Status Endangered
Distribution:Found in Africa, South of the Sahara and South Asia, North Africa and Arabia. Leopards inhabit forests, grasslands, and even deserts. They are found in Africa and Asia. The leopard has a rich, sleek yellowish or greyish coat marked with small black rosettes. A leopard usually conceals itself by day in cave or den or in a tree. It usually hunts by itself, but occasionally two may prowl together. It eats deer, cattle, monkey, rodents, birds and reptiles. The leopard is an expert tree climber. Occasionally a leopard will drop straight down on its prey as it passes beneath a tree. Food in Captivity: Beef, liver (alternative days), chicken (weekly twice) and milk. Weight 30-70 kg. Sexual Maturity 2 ½ - 4 years Breeding Season Throughout the year Gestation Period 90-105 days Litter Size Usually 3, sometimes 1-6 cubs Life Span 20 years in captivity Status Wildlife Protection of Act 1972 Schedule - 1
Distribution:Found in the Western Ghats from Coorg to Cape Comerin, the Nilgiris, Anamalai hills, Brahmagiri, Tirunelvelli and Planai hills. As its name suggests, this long-tailed langur is found in the Nilgiri hills of Western Ghats. Usually found in troops of 5-15, these animals are often seen encroaching agricultural fields. Their food comprises of fruits, shoots and leaves. They forage for food in the morning, rest at noon and come out in the evening to feed again. Of late, the Nilgiri langurs have decreased in number because of the destruction of their natural habitat, the Shola dense evergreen forests. They are also threatened due to a number of human activities, including poaching for their fur and flesh, as the latter is believed to have medicinal value. It is an endangered animal. Food in Captivity: Grapes, cooked rice, banana, orange, mango, guava, soaked Bengal gram, cabbage, carrot and bread. Sexual Maturity 4-5 years Breeding Season Throughout the year Gestation Period 140-220 days Litter Size One Life Span 29 years Status Endangered
Distribution: Practically the whole of India, from the Himalayas to Cape Comarin except the western deserts. Langurs live in forests, haunt shady groves around temples and make themselves quite at home in towns and villages. They are pure vegetarians and feed on a variety of fruits, berries, buds and leaves. They spend much of their time on trees. Long-limbed and long-tailed, they are extremely agile and make great leaps and bounds with extreme precision. Langurs live in groups comprising of 15-30 individuals of both sexes and all ages. On sighting a tiger or leopard in the vicinity, the langur will immediately raise an alarm. The entire jungle is alerted by their alarm call. Food in Captivity: Grapes, cooked rice, banana, orange, mango, guava, soaked Bengal gram, cabbage, carrot and bread. Sexual Maturity 4-5 years Breeding Season January - February Gestation Period 150-180 days Litter Size One Life Span 20-31 years Status Threatened
Distribution:With a dog-like build, big head and forebody and a heavy dorsal crest of long hair, the hyena is easily identified. They come out in search of food by night, retiring before sunrise. They may lie concealed by day in high grass, under bushes or in cane fields, but the den usually preferred is a cave amongst rocks, or a hole dug in the side of a hill. Pairs usually go about together and sometimes a group of 5-6 can also be seen. Hyenas are scavengers. Animal that have dies of disease or those killed by larger beasts of prey form its usual food. Food in Captivity: Beef, liver, chicken (weekly twice) Weight 30-40 kg. Sexual Maturity 2-3 years Breeding Season Winter months Gestation Period About 84 days Litter Size 2-4 young Life Span 24 years in captivity Status CITES listed
Distribution:Found in West, Central, East and South Africa. Aptly called the River House, the hippopotamus spends most of its time in water and comes on to land in the night, mainly to feed. Its large head is adapted for an aquatic life, with eyes, ears and nostrils placed on top of the head. It swims well, but usually walks on the river bottom. The hippo's mouth is armed with sharp canine tusks. Food in Captivity: Wheat bran, soaked Bengal gram, salt, potato, banana, grass, carrot, cabbage, leaves, bread and onion. Weight 1600-3200 kg. Sexual Maturity 5-6 years Breeding Season Throughout the year Gestation Period 240 days Life Span 45 years Status CITES listed
Distribution:Found in Western Ghats hills, forests of Central and South-eastern peninsula, West Bengal, Myanmar and Malay peninsula. Also referred to as the Indian Bison, the gaur is a massively built animal with lethal horns and strong limbs. Found in herds of six to twelve, the gaurs inhabit dense forests. They feed on grass, bamboo shoots, leaves and bards of trees. Gaur are great wanderers and each herd has a large home range. Though the largest of wild cattle, the gaur can move quickly when alarmed. Gaurs generally keep to themselves and are shy and elusive animals. Their sense of hearing is not very good, but they have a very keen sense of smell. Food in Captivity: Wheat bran, soaked Bengal gram, salt, grass and leaves. Sexual Maturity 4-5 years Breeding Season December and January Gestation Period 270 days Litter Size Usually one Life Span 24 years Status Safe
Distribution:Found in the Indian subcontinent, Indochina, Mayanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia.The largest of all living and animals, an adult elephant stands upto 10 feet tall and can consume as much as 150 kg of food in a day. There are two species of elephants, African and the Asian. The African species has much larger ears than the Asian one. Elephants are nomadic and travel I herds of several dozens or more and they move from one place to another in search of their food. They feed on grass, shrubs, roots, leaves and twigs.Elephants are characterized by a long muscular trunk which is a continuation of its upper lip and the nose. The trunk is capable of grasping objects backward and sideways. It is also used for spraying water or dust over the body, for bathing and for breathing and smelling.Illegal hunting for ivory has depleted the population of elephants. Food in Captivity: Cooked ragi, horse gram and salt. Weight 3000 - 5000 kg. Sexual Maturity 15 – 18 years Breeding Season Second half of the rainy season and first months of the dry season Gestation Period 20-22 months Litter Size Single calf Life Span 80 years in captivity Status Endangered
Distribution:Found in Central and Eastern Asia, Manchuria and Malay countries. Dholes have a close resemblance to the domestic dog, but have ears more rounded at the tip, and a tail that is quite bushy. They inhabit forest areas. The animal preys on sambar, nilgai, chital, pig, etc. They live in packs consisting of individual families, but on several occasions these unite to attack bigger animals like bisons, leopards and tigers. They are also called 'whistling hunters' because of the sound they produce. Food in Captivity:Beef, liver, and chicken Weight 20 Kg Sexual Maturity One year Breeding Season November, December Gestation Period 60 days Litter Size 4 to 8 pups Life Span 12-15 years Status Vulnerable
Distribution:They are found throughout the African forest belt, from Senegal in the west to Uganda and Tanzania in the east. Intelligent, curious and quite noisy-these apes are very like humans. Apes are nearest to humans in structure and development. They have no tail. Vision in their most important sense and they can see colours as we can. Chimpanzees are very communicative and communicate by touch and the changing expressions on their face. Chimps are active during the day, searching for food, and feeding on fruit, leaves, seeds, buds, bark stems and insects. They spend much of their time on the ground, travelling on all four limbs. If they have to carry something, they may walk upright for short distances.Chimps live in large communities consisting of about 50 animal sharing the same area. They are found in dense rainforests, in the open woodlands and on the broad grasslands of Africa. Food in Captivity:Rice, bread, orange, mango, guava, papaya, banana, apple, groundnut, carrot, greens, Bengal gram, boiled egg, milk. Weight 90 Kg Sexual Maturity 9-11 years Breeding Season Throughout the year Gestation Period 230-240 days Life Span 40-45 years Status Endangered
Distribution:Found in forested areas of Nepal, Sri Lanka and Southern India at elevations upto 6000 ft. Found in forested areas of Nepal, Sri Lanka and Southern India at elevations upto 6000 ft. A small animal not taller than 25-30 cm, the mouse deer is shy and secretive. It's small size makes it an easy prey for big snakes, crocodiles, eagles and other forest inhabiting cats. The mouse deer shelters in grass covered rocky hill-sides or in the forests. They come out to feed in the mornings or at dusk. They feed on grass and leaves and can be found altitudes of over 1800 metres. This deer is devoid of antlers but has a short tail. The male has a pair of small tusks which are modified canine teeth. Food in Captivity:Wheat bran, carrot, cabbage, leaves, banana and soaked bengal gram. Sexual Maturity 10 months Breeding Season Throughout the year Gestation Period 120 days Life Span Two Life Expectancy 3-6 years Status Endangered
Distribution:This civet is distributed in peninsular India, Punjab, Himalayan foot hills, Sind, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China and Malayan countries. The small Indian Civet Cat lives in holes, or under rocks, and sometimes take refuge in the grass or under bushes. Nocturnal in habit, it feeds during night time and rests by the day. Though it climbs well and can scale a vertical trunk with ease, it seeks it's food on the ground, preying on rats, squirrels, small birds, lizards etc. It also feeds on fruits, roots and other vegetable matter. They communicate with each other through, their sense of smell. An aromatic substance secreted from the anal glands of the civet is used for medicinal purposes. Food in Captivity: Chopped beef, liver, milk. Weight 5 to 7 Kg. Sexual Maturity 1 years Breeding Season Throughout the year Gestation Period 56 days Life Span 12-15 years Status Endangered
Distribution:Found in North Africa through South-western Asia to India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Indo-China. The jungle cat's long legs and comparatively short tail gives it a distinctive appearance. Inhabiting the drier and more open parts of the country, jungle cats keep to grasslands, scrub jungles and the reedy banks of rivers and marshes. Their movements in the open are much like those of a small panther and they can be seen on the prowl usually in the morning and evenings. They prey on small mammals, birds and poultry found in villages. Extremely swift and very strong for their size, jungle cats can very well bring down large animals. Food in Captivity: Chopped beef, liver, milk. Weight 5 to 7 Kg. Sexual Maturity 2 years Breeding Season January – April and August - November Gestation Period 60 days Life Span 15 years Status Endangered
Distribution:This civet is distributed in Kashmir, Himalayas, Assam, Sind, Punjab, Myanmar, Indi-Chinese and Malay Countries. As the name suggests, the Common Palm Civet Cat lives on palm or mango trees. Civet are arboreal and are more common in well wooded regions. They climb trees with ease and live there, lying curled up by day among the branches or a hole in the trunk. They seek their food at night in trees or on the ground, killing birds, small mammals and feeding also on fruits. They are known to drink the sweet sap of palms that collect overnight in the pots tied on the trees by human beings. Food in Captivity: : Chopped beef, banana,milk. Weight 3 to 5 Kg. Sexual Maturity 11 months Breeding Season Throughout the year Gestation Period 90 days Life Span 20 years Status Common
Distribution:Found in Paraguay, North Argentina and South Brazil. Capuchins are widely distributed. They are found in the hot, humid forests of Africa as well as in mountainous forests of the Andes, upto elevations of over 1600 metres. Capuchins are tree dwellers and generally descend to the ground only to drink water. They pluck fruits and carry them off to tree tops in the forests, where they can eat them in safety. They prefer dense forests and may also be found in corn or cocoa plantations. A group of 30 capuchins may be spread over an area of approximately 400 metres. Sexual Maturity 3-4 years Breeding Season Rainy season Gestation Period 150 days Litter Size One (twins very rare) Life Span 12-25 years Status Endangered
Distribution:Blackbuck occurs practically in all the plain areas except along the Indian coast, southward from neighbourhood of Surat. The blackbuck is one of the most graceful antelopes in the world. It is the sole representative in India of the genus Antilope. Usually see in herds of 20-30, blackbuck live in open plains and scrublands. They feed on leaves, pods of acacia, fruits, etc. When alarmed, the group moves off in a series of leaps and bounds, finally breaking into a gallop. Hunting for sport, flesh and skin have had an adverse effect on their population. Most of the antelopes now survive in wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Food in Captivity: Wheat bran, soaked Bengal gram, salt, leaves and grass. Sexual Maturity ½ - 2 years Breeding Season Throughout the year Gestation Period 180-210 days Litter Size Usually one Life Span 10-15 years Status Threatened
Distribution:Found in Nepal, Sikkim, Assam, Myanmar and Malay countries. It's bear-like shaggy coat has earned Binturong the name of 'bear cat' The Binturong or the Bear Cat inhabits dense forests, upto an altitude of 2000 metres. The Binturong is arboreal in nature. It spends the day curled up in tree holes, with its head tucked under its bushy tail. The tail is used as an extra hand for grasping tree branches. It seeks its food after dusk, preying on small animals,birds, insects and fruits. The Binturong is related to civet cats. Food in Captivity: Apple, banana, orange, mango, guava, tomato, carrot, beef. Weight 20 to 25 Kg. Sexual Maturity 4 years Breeding Season Throughout the year Gestation Period 80 days Life Span 200 years Status Common
Distribution:Found in the forested tracts of Assam, foothills of the Himalayas, Sri Lanka. : Found in the forested tracts of Assam, foothills of the Himalayas, Sri Lanka. The Sloth bear lives largely in the hills and remains there for most of the year, coming down to the valleys mainly during the hot season when fruits in the jungles are plentiful. For much of the year, termites or white ants are its staple food. Though bulky, these bears have quick reflexes. They can dig for termites and climb a tree for honey. Bears have a very strong maternal instinct. A she-bear with cubs is among the most dangerous animals to confront. Food in Captivity: Cooked rice, cooked ragi, banana, orange, mango, guava, jiggery, milk, groundnut and honey. Sexual Maturity 3-4 years Breeding Season Throughout the year Gestation Period 210- days Litter Size Usually 2-3 Life Span 40 years in captivity Status Threatened
Distribution:Found in Kashmir, the Himalayas and Assam extending eastward into China and Japan southward into Myanmar, and the Malay countries and Baluchistan. Himalayan black bears inhabit steep forest hills of the Himalayas during summer, but in winter most of them come down to the lower valleys. Food varies with season. In summer they live largely on wild fruits, berries and nuts of various kinds. During autumn ripening fields of corn or maize are raided. Insects are also part of their diet. There have been cases of human beings being mauled or killed by these bears. Food in Captivity: Cooked ragi, cooked rice, cucumber, groundnut, orange, mango, guava, milk, carrot and honey. Sexual Maturity 3-4 years Breeding Season Throughout the year Gestation Period 210-215 days Litter Size Two or more Life Span 24 years in wild Status Vulnerable
Distribution:	It is distributed all over the Savanna semi-desert andlightly forested regions of Africa. Baboons, the largest of all monkeys, are found in Africa They live in well organized troops which may number several hundred members. Baboons may roam a distance of 15-20 kms a day, in search of food which includes plants, roots, insects and small mammals. Since baboons spend much of their time in the rocky open countryside, they are in danger from leopards, wild dogs and other hunters. On spying an enemy, the baboon may either run away or bark loudly and bare its teeth. Food in Captivity: Cooked rice, tomato, groundnut, soaked Bengal gram, banana, orange, mango guava, cabbage and carrot. Sexual Maturity 4-5 years Breeding Season Unknown Gestation Period 150-180 days Litter Size Normally one Life Span 20-31 years Status Safe
Distribution:	Found in the deserts of the Rann of Kachchh, Gujarat and Baluchistan. Present population is below 1000. The wild ass inhabits the arid salty regions of the Rann of Kachchh in Gujarat, where it feeds on scrub, grass and other desert plants. They graze between dusk and sunrise, and move about in groups of 10-30, in twos or threes, or sometimes as solitary individuals. They can maintain a speed of almost 40-50 km per hour over a considerable distance. Once found in large parts of North-western India, the population of wild asses has drastically reduced to a few hundreds due to human interference and overgrazing in their natural habitat by cattle and sheep. A species related to the Asiatic Wild Ass, and equally endangered, is the Tibetan Wild Ass. Food in Captivity:	Wheat bran, horse gram, soaked Bengal gram, grasses, leaves and minerals. Weight 250 Kg Sexual Maturity 2-3 years Breeding Season June, October and December Gestation Period 335 days Litter Size	Single foal Life Span 15-26 years Status	Vulnerable


A significant advantage for a business owner is the ability to leverage business dollars to fund personal benefits. Business dollars can be deployed to help improve your cash flow today, create retirement income and provide your family with death benefit protection. To make an informed decision on the ways to use your business dollars there are a number of concepts you may want to consider.
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Every business is unique and every business owner has different goals and objectives when it comes to establishing a qualified plan. By answering a few simple questions, we can help find a plan that will help you attain your goals.
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Introduction: This study examines the prevalence of overweight and obesity in 6- to 72-month-old Chinese preschoolers in Singapore using 3 references. Materials and Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional study of 3009 Chinese preschoolers aged 6 to 72 months from southwestern and western parts of Singapore. Overweight and obesity were defi ned by using the Center for Disease Control (CDC) (85th and 95th percentile, respectively), the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) and the local National Health Group Polyclinics (NHGP), Singapore (90th and 97th percentile, respectively) references. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in 24 to 72 months old Chinese children were 8.1% and 7.1% (the CDC reference), 7.6% and 3.9% (the IOTF reference) and 7.5% and 5.3% (the local reference [NHGP]) respectively. For preschoolers aged 6 to 72 months, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 7.0% and 5.3%, respectively, using the local reference. An increasing trend in the prevalence of obesity with increasing age was seen in both genders, using the CDC and IOTF references (P ≤0.001 and 0.001, respectively). The boys were more likely to be obese than the girls using the CDC reference (OR = 1.42, 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.97, P = 0.03). Conclusion: Our study showed a lower prevalence of overweight and obesity among Chinese preschoolers in Singapore when compared to other countries like the United States, Italy, Chile using the CDC and/or IOTF references. The CDC reference overestimated whereas the IOTF reference underestimated the prevalence of overweight and obesity for our population when compared to using the local NHGP reference.
© 2013 Annals, Academy of Medicine, Singapore. This paper was published in Annals, Academy of Medicine, Singapore and is made available as an electronic reprint (preprint) with permission of Annals, Academy of Medicine, Singapore. The paper can be found at the following official URL: [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezlibproxy1.ntu.edu.sg/pubmed/23515688]. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic or multiple reproduction, distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.


I ordered all the flowers from my wedding from FiftyFlowers.com. My wedding is on Saturday and the flowers arrived this morning. The pictures on the website truly don\'t do them justice. They are more beautiful than I expected and they arrived in perfect condition. If I ever need to order flowers again, I am DEFINITELY using FiftyFlowers!


Two police officers were killed and 19 people were wounded when a car bomb exploded near a passing police vehicle in the eastern Turkish province of Bingol on Sunday, security sources said.
The bomb, planted by militants from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), was detonated near the district governor's office, the security sources said.
Five police officers were among the injured, they said.
Hours before the bombing, PKK militants had attempted an attack overnight on the district governor's home, using long-range rifles and rocket launchers, Dogan news agency reported.


Bitcoin and Ethereum are experiencing a crash now. Which means an opportunity will soon be opening up for those seeking to add them to their investment portfolio. Bitcoin has dropped more than 30% in the last four weeks while Ethereum has dropped over 50% in the same time period.
I have been reading up lately about the future of cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin and Ethereum. And one thing has become very certain -- they are here to stay and will play a huge role in the future of financial transactions.
They have been notoriously volatile. Been pushed by speculators and online criminals who demand payment in cryptocurrencies (especially Bitcoin). Then I hear Nigerians who know very little about technology talk up the huge rewards in Bitcoin. And almost all the new investment ponzi schemes are now using Bitcoin as primary mode of transaction. All these made me stay away. It was like 2008 all over again -- when everyone was talking about the wonders of stocks.
The results of my research on cryptocurrencies point out that Bitcoin and Ethereum are the most reputable. They are at the forefront of the cryptocurrency race. Bitcoin has established itself as a widely acceptable cryptocurrency while Ethereum is seen as the most secure crytocurrency with lots of corporate/technological back-up.
My investment strategy is to wait for them to drop to or close to their last year prices and then I will invest in cyptocurrency funds like Alpari's CryptA Capital which I have already opened account for. I am also checking out eToro.
I will keep you all updated on how it all goes.
Indeed! Michael is great at what he does! Found your recent piece on ALAT and COWRYWISE most intriguing... I had to backslide on a number of ""wants"" so I could get some good baby steps going and I am surely going to stick to the 'latter' plan. Please find a way to keep churning out the WoW in you! Telegram App inclusive.
You already have my VOTE and SUPPORT if you ever appear on a POSTER!


Home > Blog > 2014 > November > Do You Need a Pet Prenup?
If you're an animal lover thinking about tying the knot, Pasadena family law attorneys say you may want to join the growing number of people asking for a pet prenup.
Pet prenups are being promoted as a way to avoid bitter divorce battles like the one between celebrity couple Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith. After they announced their plans to end their almost 20-year marriage last June, Griffith said she intended to fight for custody of their three dogs.
Having a prenuptial agreement that addresses pet custody issues in the event of a divorce is a smart move for any loving pet owner. A prenup prevents an angry ex from attempting to use a pet as leverage during a divorce, so you won't be forced to choose between giving up Fido or Fluffy and receiving a settlement that's in your best long-term financial interests.
A pet prenup is also a clever way to work around antiquated divorce laws relating to the treatment of animals. Although many people consider their pets to be cherished members of the family, divorce laws tend to treat animals more like property than four-legged children. However, if you have a properly prepared prenup that addresses pet custody issues, there is no reason why your wishes won't be upheld in court.
Who will maintain custody of the animal?
Will the other spouse be allowed to visit the animal?
How will you handle the payment of your pet care related expenses?
Who will have the authority to make medical decisions for your pet?
If you would like assistance preparing a prenuptial agreement that addresses pet custody issues, please call our office at (626) 683-8113 or email us at info@PasadenaLawOffice.com. Our Pasadena family law firm is staffed with experienced attorneys who can prepare a prenup that will allow you to walk down the aisle with confidence.


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Error doom Crabs at Best in the West Tournament
PUBLISHED: June 27, 2008 at 12:00 a.m. | UPDATED: July 30, 2018 at 8:33 a.m.
SANTA CLARA — The Humboldt Crabs initial foray in the Best in the West Tournament didn't exactly start off on the right foot on Thursday.
Four errors scuttled the Crabs' hopes of defeating the Fontanetti Athletics as they fell 6-3.
Perhaps pitcher Isaac Johnson's stat line tells the story. 4 2/3 innings pitched with five hits, five runs and only one earned.
The Crabs hit well enough, nine to be exact, but it was the errors that ultimately cost them a chance at victory.
With the score 2-1 in favor of the Crabs heading into the fifth inning, Fontanetti's Alexander Shapiro and Richie McDowell each ripped shots with two outs to give the Athletics four runs before the third out was recorded.
Humboldt was able to put another run on the board in seventh inning when Derrick Chung scored on a Fontanetti error, however, that was the last ounce of offense the Crabs could muster.
Humboldt is now set to take on Maxim Yankees today at 7:30 p.m.
Judge: Groping case against Fortuna teacher to go to trial without felony counts


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Q: Drawing a regression line in Highcharts using mx + b I'm trying to draw a linear regression line in Highcharts based off a mx+b (slope + y-intercept) formula, using regression-js to generate the regression formula.
The problem that I'm encountering is that Highcharts seems to want regression lines in [[x1, y1], [x2, y2]] format, but I can't necessarily get a beginning and end from a slope and y-intercept.
So:
Is it possible to draw a line in Highcharts based off a slope? Or is there a JS regression library that will output a [[x1, y1], [x2, y2]]-formatted line based on a data array like I've got below?
What I'm working with right now:
data = [[11.6,14.7],[12.2,15.9],[10.7,14.8],[14,11.7],[12.5,13.2],[10,11.3],[10.1,11],[13.5,19.1]];

slope = regression('linear', data); // result: slope.equation = [slope, y-intercept]

$('#scatter').highcharts({
    chart: {
        type: 'scatter',
        zoomType: 'xy'
    },
    plotOptions: {
        scatter: {
            marker: {
                radius: 5,
                states: {
                    hover: {
                        enabled: true,
                        lineColor: 'rgb(100,100,100)'
                    }
                }
            },
            states: {
                hover: {
                    marker: {
                        enabled: false
                    }
                }
            },
            tooltip: {
                headerFormat: '{series.name}
',
                pointFormat: '{point.x} cm, {point.y} kg'
            }
        }
    },
    series: [
        {
            type: 'line',
            name: 'Regression Line',
            data: [[0, 0], [5, 4.51]], // You see the problem here: I've got mx + b and this wants x1 y1 x2 y2
            marker: {
                enabled: false
            },
            states: {
                hover: {
                    lineWidth: 0
                }
            },
            enableMouseTracking: false
        },
        {
        name: 'Water Temperature vs. Air Temperature',
        color: 'rgba(119, 152, 191, .5)',
        data: data
    }]
});

A: Neat question. Here's how I did it:
var data = [[11.6,14.7],[12.2,15.9],[10.7,14.8],[14,11.7],[12.5,13.2],[10,11.3],[10.1,11],[13.5,19.1]];

var ymxb = regression('linear', data);

// get the slope and x intercept from the equation
var m = ymxb.equation[0], b = ymxb.equation[1];

// create array of x values
var xs = [];
data.forEach(function(d){
    xs.push(d[0]);
});

// get the max and min values of x, and calculate
// the corresponding y value using that x, m, and b
var x0 = Math.min.apply(null, xs),
    y0 = m*x0 + b;
var xf = Math.max.apply(null, xs),
    yf = m*xf + b;

...

// that gives you your two coordinates
series: [
    {
        type: 'line',
        name: 'Regression Line',
        data: [[x0, y0], [xf, yf]],

...

Result:

JSFiddle

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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text:
2016-17 Quick Bite
Quick Bite: Sharks win behind Marcus Sorensen's first NHL goal
San Jose fell behind early, but rallied for a 3-1 victory on Thursday
By bkkennealy Mar 2, 2017, 10:14pm PST
Share All sharing options for: Quick Bite: Sharks win behind Marcus Sorensen's first NHL goal
John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
The San Jose Sharks (38-18-7) fell behind early, but battled back for their third win in a row, as they finished off the Vancouver Canucks (26-30-7) by a final score of 3-1 on Thursday night at the SAP Center.
The Canucks were given their first power play of the game when Brent Burns tossed a puck over the boards and out of play for a delay of game penalty and, unlike the Sharks, the Canucks were able to cash in. Bo Horvat put a shot right in front of the net past Aaron Dell, starting in place of Martin Jones, to take a 1-0 lead.
PPG 53! pic.twitter.com/ku3Se8oboi
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 3, 2017
With 9:09 left in the first, Michael Haley and Joseph Cramarossa dropped the gloves to fight. Cramarossa had to be taken to the Vancouver locker room after taking a massive punch from the Sharks' enforcer. It was Haley's eighth fight of the season for the Sharks.
pic.twitter.com/6FzKeFxBpV
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 3, 2017
The Sharks finally had their first tally on the scoreboard with 4:15 remaining in the first period as Mikkel Boedker executed a perfect shot to beat Canucks' goalie Ryan Miller. Paul Martin batted the puck down after Vancouver tried to clear the zone, and he got the puck to Logan Couture. Couture proceeded to plant a perfect pass right onto Boedker's tape, who would go on to net the puck.
Great pass, great shot. pic.twitter.com/piog7Zm2kz
With 3:25 left in the period, David Schlemko picked up the Sharks' second penalty of the evening when he was called for holding. On the penalty kill, Chris Tierney had a breakaway attempt and was hooked from behind, resulting in a penalty shot. Tierney was unable to convert on the penalty shot. San Jose was able to kill off the remainder of the penalty.
San Jose outshot the Canucks 11-7, including five shots by Tierney, through the first 20 minutes of play, with the score knotted at 1-1. Early in the second period, Kevin Labanc was called for holding, as the Sharks went shorthanded for the third time of the game. The Sharks were able to easily kill off the penalty.
With 10:32 remaining in the third period, Marcus Sorensen scored the first goal of his NHL career for the Sharks, to give San Jose a 2-1 lead.
.@sorensenmarcus is going to remember this one forever. pic.twitter.com/BpZdmUTUyo
The Sharks doubled their lead when Logan Couture beat Miller high on the glove side about 10 feet away from the net. It was his 21st goal of the season, as he is one of four Sharks players with at least 20 goals on the year.
Couture going up top. pic.twitter.com/wpBTy1cSid
The Sharks began the third period with a lot of pressure, and Joe Pavelski nearly enlarged the lead to 4-1, but Miller denied his attempt. With 14:23 left in the third, Alexander Edler was called for interference, giving the Sharks their second power play of the contest. However, for the second time of the night the Sharks were unable to put a shot on goal with the man advantage.
With under a minute remaining the Canucks pulled the goalie, and Marc-Edouard Vlasic had a chance for an empty net goal that would have resulted in Joe Thornton's 1000th career assist, but Vlasic passed to Tomas Hertl, who was unable to corral the puck.
Entering Thursday's game, the road team in the Sharks v. Canucks matchup had won 15 consecutive games. It was the longest such streak in NHL history.
With Tierney not converting on the penalty shot, the Sharks fell to 1-for-6 on the season on penalty shots.
Thornton will have his next attempt at getting to 1000 assists on Sunday when the Sharks take on the Minnesota Wild.
San Jose pushed their Pacific Division lead to seven points over the Edmonton Oilers, and the Sharks still have a game in hand over the Oilers.
San Jose extended their point streak to eight straight games, and have now notched a point in 18 of their last 20 games.
Fear the Fin Three Stars:
Marcus Sorensen
Aaron Dell
Sharks at Hurricanes: Sturm Warning Time to really start banking some losses.


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Action from the BBD weekend pennant match between Castlemaine and Kangaroo Flat. Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
Action from the BBD weekend pennant match between Castlemaine and Kangaroo Flat.


text:
Apple Breaks Ground on 1-Million-Square-Foot Texas Outpost
Photo:Flickr/The Pug Father
Robert McMillan
You've heard about Apple's Cupertino spaceship. Now meet the company's Austin, Texas crash pad.
You've heard about Apple's Cupertino spaceship. Now meet the company's Austin, Texas crash pad.
Over the past few weeks, Apple has started work on a new 39-acre campus that will be the future home of the company's America's Operations Center. No, Apple isn't ditching Cupertino. That remains the site of the company's global headquarters and it's where the company is erecting a new 2.8-million-square-foot building that looks an awful lot like a spaceship. But Austin will eventually be home to a major portion of the Apple empire.
Apple has run an operations center in Austin for years now. It already employs about 3,500 hardware engineers, support staff and operations people there. But the new buildings will add another 1 million square feet of office space in Austin. And within 10 years, that should mean another 3,600 jobs for the company, bringing Austin's headcount to 7,100.
"To put it in perspective, prior to the Apple announcement, the largest single job creation from one project was 1,000," says Brian Gildea, Austin's economic development manager.
In exchange, Apple gets more than $30 million in tax breaks.
>But the planning documents leave a lot out. They don't, for example, mention that Austin is already a center of Apple's support and hardware development groups. Apple is presently hiring nearly 40 hardware engineers in Austin, including chip designers and power-optimization engineers
Although Apple's Cupertino headquarters will be shaped like a sleek ring, the Austin campus will be more terrestrial, says Gildea. "I asked that question right off," he says. Apple's current Austin building looks pretty much like any other office building in town. Gildea doesn't expect any wild designs in the new set of buildings, which will be constructed over the next 10 years. "While they may not look like the existing buildings, they're not going to be outlandish," he says.
Apple has pulled three construction permits on the new campus -- the most recent one just last week -- and has started preliminary work on the site, county and city planners say.
In its development agreement with the city, Apple says that the new facility will be the overflow for Apple's America operations outside of its Cupertino, California, headquarters. "The company requires an operational center to centralize various functions, such as accounting, human resources and finance," Apple wrote in a description of the $287 million project, filed with city planners.
But the planning documents leave a lot out. They don't, for example, mention that Austin is already a center of Apple's support and hardware development groups. Apple is presently hiring nearly 40 hardware engineers in Austin, including chip designers and power-optimization engineers.
Under the terms of Apple's economic development agreement with Austin, Apple will first build a $56 million 200,000-square-foot facility in two buildings. That's set to be done by the end of 2015. "Phase II will be up to 800,000 square feet in several buildings," Apple says in planning documents. It will be completed by the end of 2021.
The Apple deal is one of the most significant commercial development projects started in Austin this year, says Jeff Coddington, senior vice president for investment properties with Austin realtor Oxford Commercial. "It's a huge vote of confidence in our region and a terrific corporate citizen to have as a partner in our city."
Although Apple CEO Tim Cook has been talking about bringing Mac manufacturing operationsback to North America recently, this new Austin campus isn't zoned for manufacturing, says Austin's Gildea.
"Our operations in Austin have grown dramatically over the past decade, from less than 1,000 employees in 2004 to more than 3,500 today," Apple said in an e-mailed statement. "We're looking forward to building a new campus in Austin, which will more than double the size of our workforce there over the next decade."
Samsung's New $200 Smartphone Is Phenomenal
Robert McMillan covers the complex technologies that run behind the scenes to make your mobile apps do cool things. Send him a tip at robert_mcmillan@wired.com
TopicsannouncementsappleaustinCloud ComputingEnterprise
Big Tech Laid Off Thousands. Here's Who Wants Them Next
Governments, nonprofits, and small startups hope to scoop up people let go by the likes of Meta and Amazon. It's their big chance to lure top-tier talent.
The Spawn of ChatGPT Will Try to Sell You Things
Companies are exploring how to adapt powerful new chatbot technology to negotiate with customer service—and to persuade humans to buy stuff.
Welcome to Digital Nomadland
A Portuguese island created a village for remote workers, promising community to the newcomers and prosperity to the locals—then delivered on neither.
Susana Ferreira
Mastodon Is Hurtling Toward a Tipping Point
As the niche, decentralized social networking platform rises in popularity, it faces rising costs, culture shifts—and potential legal risks.
Why the US Is Primed for Radicalization
A confluence of factors is leading people in the nation to gravitate toward extremist views.
Thor Benson
The cash-strapped company recently auctioned off USB dongles but has left some corporate computers in the custody of laid-off staff.
Alphabet's Layoffs Aren't Very Googley
The company's founders pioneered putting employees first and said they'd never bow down to Wall Street. How things have changed.
ChatGPT Is Coming for Classrooms. Don't Panic
The AI chatbot has stoked fears of an educational apocalypse. Some teachers see it as the reboot education sorely needs.
Pia Ceres


Views expressed on this blog are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF). NCF cannot be held responsible for views expressed herein or for the authenticity of material presented.
With all due respect, James, think about "responsibility" in a bigger context. It can also lead to intelligent loyalty for the land – good stewardship. Most people won't be dumping toxic waste on their home's doorstep because it's "cheaper".


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Designed as a supplement to the text Information Systems: Management Principles in Action, this collection of real-world vignettes provides students with challenging applications based on the actual problems faced by information systems managers. The vignettes illustrate complex management problems at the corporate, functional, and end-user levels, most of which center around the evaluation of alternative decisions the information systems manager might make and the consequences of those decisions. Topics include information technology as a competitive weapon, strategic information systems planning, the organizational placement of the information systems department, corporate issues and opportunities, specific duties of the information systems department, organizing the information systems department, and much more.