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The Truth About Giving Advice

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:09:53 +0000

All of us want to help, protect, and shield our children from life’s daily disappointments. How can we give constructive advice, to a child, without being remembered as one of their worst critics? Any negative comment we make has a “ripple effect” and can turn into long-term hostility.

Unfortunately, some adults will criticize a child far too often and any “good intentions,” are turned into a variety of bad feelings, within the child’s mind. So, giving advice is a very precise skill.

If your child is sensitive, and most people are, the criticism of today will shape his or her perception of situations for life. Parents and teachers have to use negative reinforcement rarely and carefully.

After all, we cannot reward children for bad behavior. This is a form of “inconsistent reinforcement.” This can “backfire”, and you can eventually have a situation where any reaction you have doesn’t matter.

So where do you start? Firstly, realize that any time you spend with your child is valuable. The younger a child is, the more your words will have an effect. So, you can salvage a relationship at any age, but it is better to start now.

If you must give advice, there is a technique called “sandwiching,” which will keep your relationship intact. If you see where you could be of help, but want to retain a relationship of trust, you should try this method.

Here is an example of how you could use sandwiching to give a suggestion, without having your intentions misinterpreted. Let’s say your daughter finishes her book report; you have time to read it, and it has more than a few typos. You know she could get a better grade with a little improvement. So what do you do?

Compliment her about the fact that she finished her project on time. Then, gently point her toward a word processing program and the many functions that will make written work look much better. Finally, praise her for the content of her report. Notice that the formula: “Praise-advise-praise,” will work every time.

Children love recognition from adults, and with this simple formula, you can gently guide most children toward success. Due to overzealous criticism, some parents and teachers, who are insensitive, and too frank, often experience rebellion from children. Therefore, giving advice is a diplomatic skill that needs constant improvement. If you take the time to do this, your success rate will be extraordinary.

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

How Owning a Dog Can Benefit Your Child

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:09:34 +0000

Thinking of getting a dog? You know your child wants a dog to play with but did you know that the love and companionship of a dog can have long lasting effects going far beyond their ability to entertain and amuse?

The current research into dog assisted therapy has turned the humble pet dog into an emotional, educational and physical resource. Everything from autism to reading ability has been tested with the use of therapy dogs. Excellent programs exist that have demonstrated a link between the interaction with dogs and improved social and reading skills.

It makes sense that even healthy children may experience benefits from owning a dog. What are some ways dogs affect children emotionally, socially and physically?

Can Your Dog Teach Your Child to Read?

A program was started that introduced the concept of children reading to dogs. The idea was that the child would be calmed by the presence of the dog as well as stimulated by the contact without the pressures of reading to a teacher or a peer.

The children loved the experience and the program creators noted that reading skills, including stuttering, improved. While not all reading problems can be corrected with a dog’s company it is certainly a matter of interest to parents.

Owning a Dog Can REDUCE Allergies

Several pediatric experts have disowned the theory that early exposure to pets is a prime cause of allergies in children. In fact, the PAWSitive Interaction organization arranged a summit that included information suggesting exposure to pets by pregnant women and babies born into households with two or more pets actually had less allergies to the pets and other allergens than children not exposed.

Dogs Improve Social and Emotional Well-being

Anyone who has owned a dog can attest to the relaxing effects of owning a pet. Studies have shown that petting an animal can reduce anxiety and tension. The companionship of a dog can also help children build self-esteem and ease social interactions.

Dogs provide non-judgmental company and unwavering loyalty. To young children facing a world in which they are struggling to find their place a dog can help them develop a sense of themselves while also decreasing feelings of loneliness and encouraging empathy.

Physical Benefits for Children with Dogs

While physical therapies and assistance programs commonly incorporate dogs even healthy children can benefit physically from owning a dog.

Dogs demand a certain amount of physical play and care. Children may be more motivated to be physically active when they are with a dog than without.

While dogs cannot be the only answer to serious conditions, owning a dog can surely provide many benefits to your child when wisely selected and trained to compliment the family’s lifestyle and the child’s personality. Having a devoted dog in the home can contribute to a parent’s efforts to raise their child into a caring and balanced adult.

Shannon Emmanuel is a freelance writer and researcher. Her recent book ‘Choose the Best Dog for Your Child’ is now available online at http://best-dog-breed-for-children.com. Find out more before bringing a dog home to your children.

Top 20 Dog Quotations

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:09:32 +0000

Get to know your beloved dog better with these insightful quotations all about your best four-legged friend…

” A wise man associating with the vicious becomes an idiot; a dog travelling with good men becomes a rational being.”
–Arabian Proverb
“You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, `My God, you’re RIGHT! I NEVER would’ve thought of that!’”
– Dave Barry
“A boy can learn a lot from a dog: obedience, loyalty, and the importance of turning around three times before lying down.”
– Robert Benchley
“Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog’s face he gets mad at you? But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window.”
– Steve Bluestone
“A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God’s truth is attacked and yet would remain silent.”
–John Calvin
“I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren’t certain we knew better.”
– George Bird Evans
“Old age means realizing you will never own all the dogs you wanted to.”
–Joe Gores
“To his dog, every man is Napoleon. Hence the constant popularity of dogs.”
–Aldous Huxley
“When the old dog barks it is time to watch.”
– Latin Proverb
“If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail.”
– Fran Lebowitz
“Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside a dog, it’s too dark to read.”
– Groucho Marx
“Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that’s how dogs spend their lives.”
–Sue Murphy
“It’s funny how dogs and cats know the inside of folks better than other folks do, isn’t it?”
–Eleanor H. Porter
“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.”
–Gilda Radner
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
– Mark Twain
“The more I know about people, the better I like my dog.”
– Mark Twain
“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.”
–Mark Twain
“Dogs believe they are human. Cats believe they are God.”–
Unknown
“The dog is the only being that loves you more than you love yourself.”
–Fritz von Unruh
“If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer.”
–Alfred North Whitehead

Resource Box - © Danielle Hollister (2004) is the Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine - A free newsletter for quote lovers featuring more than 10,000 quotations in dozens of categories like - love, friendship, children, inspiration, success, wisdom, family, life, and many more. Read it online at - http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8364.asp

What Is A Youth Fundraiser

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:09:10 +0000

When having a youth fundraiser, you need to keep the word youth in mind. Try to make it fun for them, as they will be doing most of the work. A youth fundraiser can be very profitable if done properly. You can get the funds you are looking for and provide fun for the kids that are doing it.

If you can find someone to donate the space, then a carnival would be a wonderful youth fundraiser to have. A fundraising auction would also be a big hit. Both fundraisers would cost very little to get together, although you will need a lot of hands on help from the kids and the parents. You will have to organize carefully for either one of these fundraisers to go off smoothly and successfully. Make sure each person knows what is expected of him/her and what needs to be done. Then you’re on your way to lots of fun and big profits with your fundraiser for youth.

A youth fundraiser carnival can be put together without much cost. You could have a fortune teller which would only take a glass ball, a table, and someone sitting there in a long dress and a scarf tied around the head. Have a ring toss table, where people can try to toss a ring around empty bottles and have small prizes for the ones that are successful. The youth will really get involved with this type of fundraiser as they enjoy acting and playing the games.

Get large cardboard boxes and tape them together for a house of fun for the little ones or have a dartboard with safety tipped darts. Try a fish tank with magnetic fish in the tank and have a fishing contest, borrow a outdoor play set or a few of them and have this as rides for the kids, sell hot dogs hamburgers and drinks at your youth fundraiser these will surely be a hit with everyone.

Fundraising auctions are also a neat way to have a youth fundraiser. Have the kids go through the community and collect items that people don’t need anymore. Get the youth themselves to donate any games or items that they don’t need. When you accumulate enough items you can start your fundraising auction. Set your items up in a large area and have a set time for viewing. Once the prospective buyers have seen all you have to offer, you can start your bidding.

At a youth fundraising auction it is best to have a set price to start with and anything that is bought above this price is like icing on the cake. It will make it more than profitable for the amount of donations you need. These are not the only choices you have for a youth fundraiser. Have a brainstorming session and you will be surprised at the ideas the youths will come up with.

Youth fundraisers can be a lot of fun.

For a website totally devoted to Fundraising visit Peter’s Website Fundraising Answers and find out about Fundraising as well as Charity Fundraising and more, including Cheerleading Fundraising, Church Fundraisers and School Fundraisers.

Stand on Your Head and Laugh - Kids These Days

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:08:15 +0000

Over the course of spring and summer breaks, my teenage kids find multiple ways to antagonize me. One of my daughter’s favorite complaints is, “…I’m bored. There is nothing to do.” Of course, my response is always, “…there’s plenty of things to do,” with a continuation of the myriad listing of ideas, tasks and other events in which she can partake. Ideally, she would have me take her mall shopping, cruising the beach strip, and ultimately become her sole entertainment planner and provider during her “vacation” period.

Suddenly, it dawns on me that I was once the tyrannical 10-year old who “had nothing to do…” My dad’s exhausted reply to me then was, “…stand on your head and laugh.” That was, of course, at a time when television wasn’t quite as controversial and diverse as it is today. I can’t even begin to imagine the many channels my kids have at their disposal. I think I stopped count after 300-something. If movies aren’t on their menu, then they’ve got the ultimate in gaming audio - not only the Sony Playstation, but also the Sony II, Sega Genesis, and many handheld computer games as well.

Not being a house-recluse myself, I always preferred enjoyment of the great outdoors. Okay, we didn’t live on a mountainside, but our backyard was equally just as fun. Whether it was catching frogs, playing in tadpole-infested puddles, playing Frisbee or ball with the family dog, playing Marco-Polo, Redlight-Greenlight, Simon Says, softball, jump rope, hopscotch, bicycling, soccer, tether ball, roller-skating, volley ball, tennis, sprint-racing, or simply sitting on green, dewy grass - there were ample things to do.

Kids growing up in the 1970s despised rainy days. We didn’t have the cool conveyances that children have in modern society. Back then, if it rained - you’re “vacation” or “school in-service day” was shot. We actually had to find things to do with our time - like reading, drawing, and listening to music. If we were fortunate, we had some type of talent in which we could indulge; resorting to playing guitar, singing, painting or cooking. And yes, kids actually had to turn on a stove to cook the infamous Ramen Noodles. Today, microwave has made cooking a breeze. Specially marked packages of mac-n-cheese, and many other easy-to-cook foods are now microwavable. No longer do we have to wait forever for a quick snack. Mealtime is mere seconds away.

Television: Saturdays were the ultimate in animated television programming. I still recall wasting my morning sleep on 7am Saturday mornings just so I could go and watch Scooby-Doo. Because then, Saturday morning was the ONLY time kids could watch cartoons. During the remainder of the week, there were three channels - not including public television. And worst of all, if the President was holding a press conference, he was on ALL three channels. Needless to say, kids didn’t have the infinite viewing options then as they do today.

Phone: Years ago, we would have marveled at the now common “touch-tone” and “cordless” phone. Our minds would’ve been blown by global “walkie-talkies,” (now called cellular phones) - not to mention Internet access. Of course that was a different time though.

Extracurricular Activities: Swimming would’ve been one of my favorite pastimes. I said, “… would have been,” because back then, families had to travel miles to get to the nearest public pool or swimming hole. At that time, commercial pool clubs were far and few between, and if you couldn’t afford a membership - well, then you had the rare pleasure of “running through a sprinkler” on hot, humid days. Even with our own private in-ground pool, my teenagers are sometimes “too tired” or just don’t “feel like swimming.” Modern generations of kids never cease to amaze me. Even with so many choices available to them, they still cannot seem to get “un-bored.”

In conclusion, after all efforts have been depleted, I simply tell them to “Stand on your head and laugh.”

About the Author:

C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot is the Public Relations Director & Writer for Holistic Junction — Your source of information for Holistic Practitioners; Reflexology Schools, Massage Therapy Schools, and Chiropractic Schools; Alternative Healthcare; Insightful Literature and so much more!

NOTICE: Article may be republished free of charge as long as Author Resource Box (above) is included, and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN in tact and active.

Are Epidurals Bad

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:08:01 +0000

EPIDURALS CAN SAVE YOU FROM THE “HORRORS” OF CHILDBIRTH

It is true that an epidural may make a woman have an easier birth, but may also complicate matters? Recently, I heard of a new study written by an anesthesiologist, stating that epidurals do not increase the woman’s risk of cesareans. I immediately dismissed it as an attempt to sell a book. The audience is for women who are wanting the validation that it is OK to have an epidural. Guess what? It is OK to have an epidural. If that is what a woman wants, I am all for her right to choose. However, there are still risks with any medical intervention. To sell a book to women who are wanting an epidural and convincing them there are no complications is a farce. This author loves what he does. He loves to save and protect women from the “horrors” of labor contractions. I would love to have him inside my labor and delivery room, if I desired an epidural.

WITH NATURAL CHILDBIRTH YOU DON’T NEED “SAVING”

I am passionate about what I do as a childbirth educator and a birth Doula. I have been at hundreds of births from the first to the last contraction. I bet money that this physician has never seen a natural delivery in a hospital setting where the mother is silent, controlled, enduring, and taking each contractions as it comes. These women act as if they have the whole world supporting them. Some of these women never seemed to have any discomfort because of the body’s endorphins. They view birth as natural and healthy and they don’t need to be saved.

HOWEVER:

With the typical birth in the hospital, most deliveries will be induced or augmented with pitocin. Pitocin makes the contractions stronger and more intense than nature intended. Other medical interventions will take place sooner than later. The woman is stuck in bed with a lot of pain. She isn’t able to move around and treat labor as natural, normal and healthy. Therefore, she has no choice but to have pain medications to endure the “wrath of the managed labor.” That is why I am glad that the epidural is available for those women really needing it.

BENEFITS OF A NATURAL DELIVERY

The epidural vs. no medication is this analogy. Are you going to hike up the most beautiful mountain canyon or are you going to take a tram? The ultimate goal is to reach the top. Both ways will reach your goal. One will endure more beauty as you take part of the entire scene. Taking the tram allows you to see some beauty but not all of it. You miss the power that you see in yourself as you hike. You miss out on the support system that is there to help you endure.

I have had two epidurals myself which I will never apologize for. However, I have also had the most beautiful unmedicated delivery. I did say immediately after that delivery that I wanted to do it all over again. It is true that no one throws you a party for not using the epidural. But, I will never forget the love, support and guidance from my birth team. I would not have had that if an epidural had “saved me.”

Julie L. Johnson is a wife and mother of three who has experienced every pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and breastfeeding situation there is and has lived to tell about. She is a Certified Lamaze Childbirth Educator, Certified Doula and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant practicing in Southern California. Her website http://www.birth-angel.com provides services and products to help ease the transition into motherhood.

Dogs and Old Age, How To Care For Your Aging Canine

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:07:00 +0000

Now that you’re dog has shown you so much love and
brought you so much joy throughout your many years
together, it’s time that you return the favor when the dog
reaches his elder years. Caring for an older dog is much like
caring for an elderly person. Knowing how to do that will
help comfort your dog immensely.

What’s old for a dog?

The first thing that you’ve probably heard is the seven-year
rule (that your dog ages seven times faster than a human).
While this is pretty much accurate, some dogs (or breeds of
dogs) show signs of aging earlier than others. So, you’re
going to have to know what signs to look for to ascertain
whether your dog has officially reached his “golden years.”

Senility is not just for humans.

If your dog is older than seven (human years), then he’s
officially becoming older. While some dogs may show signs
far after seven, you may notice some of the following
characteristics once he reaches an older age. You may notice
that your dog has lost some of his housetraining skills. He
may soil or wet the area, especially through the night when
lying down. He may have trouble chewing food due to loose
teeth and sore gums. He may suffer from cataracts or even
partial or full blindness. He may gain weight more easily.
Weigh your dog every couple of months. If you notice large
lumps under his skin, it’s advised that you consult your
veterinarian, as this may be a sign of a possible tumor or
cancer. Your dog may even become grumpier.

While it’s impossible to cure all of the maladies that
accompany age, you can comfort your dog and make his
older life enjoyable.

Medication can help

There are many drugs out there that can help your dog.
While it’s not advised to give your pet too many
medications, there are some that can help if he’s suffering
joint or hip pain. If your dog seems extra tired or sore one
day, go ahead and skip his daily exercise routine. If it last
more than a couple of days, talk with your vet. Install a
partial ramp over the steps to and from your house so that
your dog doesn’t have to deal with the harsh incline on his
joints. Massage and rub your dog’s muscles. Studies have
shown that physio- or hydrotherapy can be extremely
beneficial in your dog’s elder years.

Grooming offers relief

Be sure to clip your older dog’s nails as he probably doesn’t
run about as much as when he was younger. The nails won’t
naturally keep trimmed down, so you’ll have to be sure to
keep his nails under control. If you don’t want to do it
yourself, veterinarians usually provide this service.
Your dog may become senile. While this is normal, some
cases are so severe that they are compared to Alzheimer’s.
There are dog drugs, like those given to human Alzheimer’s
patents that have proven effective.

Routines are welcome

Be sure that you keep your dog on a regular routine.
Exercise him daily. Control his weight. Buy high-quality
food and groom, pet and cuddle with your dog frequently.
Visit your vet at least once a year to screen for diseases. Buy
an orthopedic bed mat for your older dog.

Disabilities can occur

If your dog is blind or nearly there, you can make a home
solution of vinegar mixed with water to spray (about nose
high) onto door frames and sofas so he doesn’t run into
them. Also, don’t move furniture around. For deaf dogs, tell
everyone (especially children), not to approach your dog too
quickly. Be sure that the dog sees anyone coming towards
him.

Caring for an older dog can be just as hard as caring for a
puppy. Your dog will take kindly to the adaptations you’ve
made, which will make his “golden years” truly shine.

About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at Dog Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers.

Resourceful Redecorating - Budget Friendly Home Decorating

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:05:12 +0000

Spring is here and for many of us it’s the perfect time to organize and decorate. As winter passes into spring, it’s out with the old look and in with the new look. This is a great time to bring some new ideas into your home and liven things up!

Spring is a great time to find bargains on decorating accessories at yard and garage sales. As the seasons change, many times your local thrift and consignment stores will have a change in inventory. This is the time when many folks finally donate unwanted merchandise that’s just been sitting around the garage or house. Spring cleaning!

My advise..have your own yard or garage sale and make some extra money on those items. But, lucky for us frugal shoppers, there are some folks who just don’t want to take the time. So, be sure not to miss out on decorating supplies, furnishings, accessories, paint, wallpaper, and fabrics that can be found at many thrift stores.

Sometimes pulling items from one room to another and simply re-organizing, fixing up, or just using an item in a different way can be enough. Add a fresh coat of paint, different window dressings and replacement of furnishings, and WHA LAH! You have a new room.

Need some paint? If you can be flexible about color, check the mis-mixed table at your local home improvement, hardware, or paint stores. You can find high quality paints for a fraction of the original retail cost when colors don’t turn out exactly as they should have. Sometimes you can find a slight variation of just the color you’ve already picked that will work just as well with your selected color scheme and save you lots of money.

I buy these mis-mixed paints (usually for $2-3 per gallon or less) throughout the year and store them appropriately for later use. This way I go shopping in my own paint department first to see if I can accommodate the decorating plan I have chosen. Planning ahead and grabbing these types of decorating supplies when they’re a bargain is a great way to maximize your savings.

Collecting fabrics for future use is also another great idea. Even unwanted clothing can be used to create small window dressings, pillow covers, and accessories. Many people give away scraps of fabrics or sell them at yard sales. Be sure to check clearance and end piece items at sewing and fabric shops. It’s really so simple to make a curtain or a pillow. Usually only requires sewing simple seams.

For more complicated tasks, if you can’t figure it out for yourself, you’re sure to find a how to book at any library or search on-line for free information.

I’ve found some excellent ideas for decorating on a budget, do-it-yourself projects, and some great decorating theme ideas from HGTV (Home and Garden Television). Even if you don’t get this wonderful T.V. channel in your home, you can go on-line at HGTV.com to benefit from some wonderful ideas and projects by professionals. There’s a lot for do-it-yourselfers here! You can get some great ideas for areas of your home where you just don’t know what to do with it.

Before you make your plans, check out several books at the library on home decorating. You will find no shortage of books on this subject. Glance through them and grab ideas to incorporate into your own decorating task. If you have a specific challenge to overcome, likelihood is someone else has already encountered it, conquered it, and written a book or web page about it. Use their knowledge! It will save you time and frustration of figuring it out.

My last words, of course, DO YOUR RESEARCH! Know your options.
Remember..Informed Consumer=More Savings.

Happy decorating.

Cheryl Johnson is a mother of four helping herself and others become and remain debt free. Publisher of http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com - A self-help plan, ideas, and resources for debt reduction, personal budgeting, frugal living, and extra income opportunities. Money saving tips for groceries, clothing, ,home decorating, monthly bills, and much more.

Dog Jewelry - A Celebration of Man’s Best Friend

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:04:14 +0000

“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring–it was peace.” - Milan Kundera

The idea of wearing jewelry with dog motifs may seem strange to most people. The dog is normally not anywhere near as graceful as the cat or the dolphin, which both make for wonderful jewelry patterns, indeed. But the appeal of dog jewelry may surprise some, and the beauty that comes with the designs in dog jewelry would catch even gem-lovers off-guard.

Why wear dog jewelry? Well, it could be for a variety of reasons. Dogs have become the universal symbol of loyalty and unconditional affection. If you ever met a person who was so dedicated to anything — in love or at work — chances are that person is also a dog-lover. There are lessons you learn from keeping dogs, and among them are kindness and patience, fierce protectiveness, as well as strength in the face of adversity.

In ancient Egypt, Anubis, the dog-headed god of embalming, was held in high regard as the conductor of the underworld — the one who saw the dead off to their final resting places. Anubis comes associated with death, and the sight of a dog, jackal or wolf head have come to be associated with death as well. Men have in fact opted for dogs as masculine symbols, denoting territorialism and acute survival instinct. After all, dogs have been known to survive through the toughest circumstances, and this in itself cancels out the idea of dogs as “death-bringers.”

Toughness and loyalty are the main virtues associated with dogs. On the modern media front, Lassie has perpetuated the image of the companion that’s smarter than your everyday human, and is therefore loads more useful, if not also loads more affectionate. Old Yeller has also taught us about how sheer faithfulness is sometimes enough to get you through the most trying situations.

Dog jewelry is not exclusively for humans to wear — there are dog collar charms, too! In fact, pet and owner can have matching charms: one charm in the master/mistress’ bracelet, and a similar one on the pet’s collar.

If you are a dog lover, try out dog jewelry! Show the world your appreciation of the noble heritage of man’s best friend!

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com.

What You Should Know About Miniature Roses

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:04:05 +0000

Miniature roses are exactly what they sound like. They have all of the fragrance and beauty of a regular rose, but they have smaller blooms. These particular roses are great for indoor planting.

Miniature roses are one of many types of roses available widely. These roses, as their name implies, are smaller versions of the more common roses. They offer the same beauty and fragrances as their larger cousins. The consumer can find a large selection in a variety of colors and shape available to them. Caring for these miniature roses is no more difficult then caring for the larger variety. But, taking the time to learn about the miniature rose is key in maintaining them over a long period of time

Miniature roses come in many colors and varieties. There truly is something to please everyone. These roses are great additions to a flower bed, window box or even inside the home or office as a potted variety. With so many choices available, the demand for these roses has risen. Once hard to find, they are now available in most garden centers and even in discount department stores as well. Now, this is not to say that the consumer can’t find better, more hardy options other places.

If a consumer is dead set on a color, shape, or texture in their miniature rose, they should use the internet to help them find the right miniature rose for them. This is as simple as going a search in a search engine and finding wholesale sellers. There is a constant demand for miniature roses and in that they are always developing more varieties to please the public. So, many of these wholesalers can offer more then the local garden center can.

Anyone in the market for miniature roses needs to know their facts. The miniature rose is no different from other plants in that it needs certain elements to help maintain it. The soil type, sun exposure, and nutrients it needs all depend on the variety. Asking the retailer for this information is a must. Grab a book on caring for miniature roses if needed to give the most information possible. Doing all these things will lead to owning a beautiful miniature rose or several. It will also be the foundation of a love of miniature roses as well.

Ken Austin
Roses and Rose Gardening
Online Discount Shopping Guide

Your Family is an Organization

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:04:03 +0000

It is good to remember a family is an organization. In fact, it is the basic organization of society. This is just one of the reasons I am such a proponent of family meetings. You wouldn’t think of running a successful business without a plan, goal setting meetings, team building sessions and clear missions and expectations. As such, everyone in the family should have an equivalent of a job description. Each person’s job description helps him define his roles and responsibilities in the family.

Just like in the workplace, the clearer the job description and the more input is solicited from the participant, the more ownership is established. If you have ever worked in a workplace where no one knew what their job was day to day and rules were arbitrary, you will recall how chaotic and frustrating it was for everyone.

The following information on structuring a family council has been compiled in part from information contained in The Parent’s Handbook by Dinkmeyer & McKay, as well twenty five years of personal experience.

WHAT IS A FAMILY COUNCIL?

A family council is a regularly scheduled meeting of all family members. Its purpose is to make plans and decisions, to provide encouragement, and to solve problems. It is very much like a team building or staff meeting held in the workplace. Plans and decisions made during a family meeting remain in effect until the next meeting.

FAMILY MEETINGS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITES TO:

Be heard
Convey positive feelings about one another
Give encouragement
Distribute chores fairly
Set goals for the family unit and assist in personal goals
Express concerns, feelings, and complaints
Settle conflicts and dealing with recurring problems
Plan family recreation
Have fun

GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE FAMILY MEETINGS;

Establish a specific weekly meeting time.
Rotate chairperson and secretary.
Establish and stick to time limits.
Make sure all members have a chance to offer ideas.
Encourage everyone to bring up issues.
Don’t permit meetings to become gripe sessions.
Distribute chores fairly.
Plan family fun.
Use your communication skills. Use “I” statements
Evaluate the meeting.
Maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect and honesty.

A TYPICAL AGENDA FOR FAMILY MEETINGS

Share positive feelings about good things that have happened during the week.
Read and discuss the minutes from the previous meeting.
Discuss old business. Evaluate how assignments went for the week.
Bring up new business (focusing on family fun as well as on plans and problems).
Summarize and evaluate the meeting.

Agreements as well as logical consequences for not following through with assignments should be discussed and agreed upon by the family. All members should be encouraged to participate in family meetings as equals. Family meetings are essential if families want to build strong relationships.

Good luck and God bless. You do the most important work in the world.

Parent educator and PBS “Ready to Learn” consultant, Judy H. Wright works with Head Start staff, child care resource centers, schools and parent organizations internationally. As a powerful and popular presenter for adults who work with children, Judy’s also authored over twenty books. For more information on books, clients and testimonials or to book Judy for your next event, call 1-877-842-3431 or go to www.ArtichokePress.com.

Choosing the Right Furniture

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:04:02 +0000

The furniture in a person’s home says a lot about personal style and taste. In effect, most of us spend endless hours searching for the perfect piece of furniture before we actually make a purchase. With the availability of furniture from so many different time periods and schools of design, the choice can sometimes be daunting.

Furniture can reflect many personality characteristics, from fun and flirty to classy and sophisticated to modern and edgy. How do you choose the right piece?

Showrooms generally sort furniture by room, and within these rooms the pieces are further distinguished by style. If you are looking for a Chippendale sofa, for example, you will certainly find it with living room furniture, but it probably won’t be placed next to the black suede chaise. Sometimes it can take a lot of patience to browse through furniture showrooms. Because your furniture will brand you, though, it will be worth your while to take your time and wait until you find what’s right for you.

There has a been a trend recently toward “studio furniture.” This furniture is built in a studio environment, not by a large factory manufacturer, and therefore tends to be more unique. Studio furniture makers view themselves as artists or craftsmen. Many learn their craft not through apprenticeship but through university-level design and art courses. Of course, original style often equals higher prices. Just as we pay more for designer clothing, we pay more for carefully crafted furniture. Studio furniture tends to be more contemporary but may be influenced by more traditional furniture styles.

Many buyers are drawn to antiques. Antique furniture often creates a regal air in a home. If combined creatively with more modern pieces, antiques can add flavor to even a contemporary styled room. Mixing and matching different styles of furniture is quite fashionable these days, if done correctly.

Regardless of style, it is imperative that the furniture you choose is solidly built. Spending a little more may be worth your while if the furniture is made with better materials, as it will prove more durable in the long run. There is always room for practicality in a furniture purchase.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Furniture Resources a website providing information on Furniture.

Is My Child Lazy

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:03:20 +0000

Is there a difference between lazy and unmotivated? Why do some children move as if in slow motion? Is this normal or are they just trying to irritate you? You may be surprised to learn that a great many factors come into play when a child appears to be lazy; stage of growth, hormones, hunger, motivation, lack of clear directions and maybe even sleep deprivation.

I have never taught my workshop of “Kids, Chores & More” when there hasn’t been at least two parents of 11 year old boys lamenting that their sons are so lazy. Actually, they aren’t lazy. They are growing. It takes so much energy for young boys to develop muscles, long bones etc. that they don’t have much left over to run the vacuum or take out the garbage.

FOOD AND REST MAKE A BIG DIFFERNCE.

I also found, with our son at that age, that what I regarded as an attitude problem was solved somewhat by making sure he had plenty of food and adequate rest. He was growing so fast that it took many more calories to just get through the day than it had months before. It was a real eye opener to us to find that he needed 3,000 calories a day and ten hours of sleep.

MAKE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS OF THE CHILD

While no two children and their families are exactly alike, careful studies and reports of thousands of normal children have made it possible to somewhat monitor the ages and stages of a growing child. While doing research on motivating kids to help at home, it was obvious that parents were frustrated by the lack of willingness to pitch in and do their share of household maintenance.

In my books and workshops I stress the importance of evaluating the physical, mental and emotional levels of each age group. Perhaps the task is too hard, or even too easy. It may be that your child is overwhelmed by the assignment or even unchallenged. Surprisingly, children like a project that they can succeed with but that allows them some creativity. So instead of just assigning the dishes to be unloaded, how about asking for the dish cupboards to be cleaned and rearranged.

ALLOW THEM TO OWN THE PROBLEM

Parents frequently complain that the children are not doing their tasks, but what they really feel is that they are not being done “the right way” which is their way. When the child knows that the parent will complain, redo or criticize the work, it is easier to not start. While it is not necessary, nor honest to praise work that is done sloppy, it is not our job to redo or to criticize the worker. If the job truly belongs to the child, then allow them to do it in their way.

In any new endeavor, it takes about five months of consistent, daily
attention before it becomes automatic action. In order to change habits, we
may have to try many different tactics. Children easily become bored, and we
forget to follow through.

Most children thrive on structure, routine and schedules. When we set limits and realistic expectations it gives a sense of security and boundaries which are actually comforting to the child. Many parents, me included, often think our children dislike limits because they test them so often.

However, children are just testing the boundaries and rules because they seek frequent reassurance that we mean what we say and are prepared to enforce the limits. Hopefully, we have discussed the rationale of said limits in a family council and there is a clear understanding of the rules and consequences and they understand that our role is not a slave driver, but rather a kind and loving parent who will give loving guidelines which will enrich their life and teach them to self govern.

DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY

Many of the irritating things a child does on daily basis at home happen because the child doesn’t know any better, is incapable of handling the task or because he or she is trying to get our attention. If we can combine appropriate working principles with positive and encouraging attention, our homes are bound to be more functional and happy.

So, don’t give up! Be determined to work as a family to become more aware of what needs to be done to keep daily life running smoothly. Make a conscious effort to gather the tools, learn new skills, practice innovative methods and face each day with a positive expectancy that you and your family will succeed.

Good luck and God bless. You do the most important work in the world.

Judy H. Wright, Parent Educator

This article has been written by Judy H. Wright, a parent educator and PBS consultant. You will find a full listing of books, tele-classes, and workshops listed at www.ArtichokePress.com. You have permission to use the article providing full credit is given to author. She may be contacted at 406-549-9813 or JudyWright@ArtichokePress.com

Top 15 Cat Quotations

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:03:06 +0000

Gain some insight into how your favorite feline actually feels about you and life in general with these enlightening quotations about cats…

“Dogs come when they’re called; cats take a message and get back to you later.”–
Mary Bly
“I love cats because I love my home and after a while they become its visible soul.”
– Jean Cocteau
“What if it was cats who invented technology… would they have tv shows starring rubber sqeak toys?”
– Douglas Coupland
“In a cat’s eyes, all things belong to cats.”
– English Proverb
“Women and cats will do as they please. Men and dogs had better get used to it.”
–Robert Heinlein
“Cats regard people as warmblooded furniture.”
– Jacquelyn Mitchard
“When the mouse laughs at the cat, there is a hole nearby.”
– Nigerian Proverb
“It’s funny how dogs and cats know the inside of folks better than other folks do, isn’t it?”
–Eleanor H. Porter
“A kitten is chiefly remarkable for rushing about like mad at nothing whatever, and generally stopping before it gets there.”
– Agnes Repplier
“There are two means of refuge from the misery of life - music and cats.”
– Albert Schweitzer
“Dogs believe they are human. Cats believe they are God.”–
Unknown
“Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a function.”
–Unknown
“In ancient egypt, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this.”
–Unknown
“Cats are smarter than dogs. You can’t get eight cats to pull a sled through snow.”
–Jeff Valdez
“If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer.”
–Alfred North Whitehead

Finding Affordable Family Health Care Insurance

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:02:34 +0000

Searching for affordable family health insurance can be a long drawn out affair. Most agents normally represent a few of their most popular companies and market their products. Where that of course falls short is in truly getting a fair shake at finding the best buy for the money you’re going to spend. Affordable family health care insurance requires some serious getting after on your part.

Shopping for coverage has been simplified and made more effective due to data bases to shop from online. Many services with the know how make their money in providing free quotes to the shopping public and are paid a fee when someone buys a product. The money paid to these helpers is far less than commissions paid to individual agents and it reflects itself normally in the ultimate rates.

The other advantage in buying online is the carriers are able to keep their acquisition and marketing costs down thereby keeping rate increase to an absolute minimum. Most rate increases are due to the ongoing increased costs of the health benefits provided which are not controlled by the insurance companies.

Whether a policy is affordable is in the eyes of the beholder as each person sets priorities in their lives differently. What may be ok to one person may be outrageous to another.

Tailoring coverage’s to reflect your priorities is the best way to extract the best value to you and your family. Placing emphasis on your major concerns and minimizing others may be the best way to do that. When you’re finishing you have a sense of well being in that the primary focus is that of your most urgent concerns rendering the best value and policy for you. Today you can access all sorts of coverage’s, costs and companies. Finding affordable family health care insurance is much easier today because you can go online and use enormous resources developed for your use.

Learn more about insurance and free quotes

Morbidly Obese and Suffering Pregnancy Complications Consider Gastric Bypass

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:01:02 +0000

Obese and morbidly obese women are more likely to have pregnancy complications and caesarean sections than women of average weight, according to a study published in the April 2004 American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The controlled study is one of the largest ever to look at obesity in pregnancy, following more than 16,000 pregnant women at 14 medical centers across the country.

Compared with women of normal weight, obese and morbidly obese pregnant women were at greater risk for gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, fetal birth weight greater than 4,000 grams, and fetal birth weight greater than 4,500 grams, the study finds.

Morbidly obese women who undergo gastric bypass weight loss surgery and lose weight report a higher rate of normal births and healthy deliveries if they lose weight prior to becoming pregnant.

In a study by Dr. Alan C. Wittgrove, past president of the American Society of Bariatric Surgery and pioneer of the laparoscopic technique, post-gastric bypass pregnancy indicates fewer risks than commonly reported by women who are obese during pregnancy. His study was conducted with nurse-practitioner Leslie Jester who had a low-risk pregnancy and delivered a healthy baby after gastric bypass surgery.

The Wittgrove Center has an active patient list of over 2000 people. The patients are informed to contact the Center when they become pregnant. In the study 41 women in the patient population became pregnant. Using personal interview, questionnaire, and review of perinatal records, pregnancy-related risks and complications were studied.

The study found less risk of gestational diabetes, macrosomia, and cesarean section than associated with obesity. There were no patients with clinically significant anemia.

An award winning journalist and former newspaper editor Kaye Bailey brings expertise in writing and personal experience with gastric bypass surgery to EzineArticles.com. Having spent most of her life overweight Ms. Bailey is strongly empathetic toward the obese, particularly overweight children. This compassion compelled her to found the website http://www.livingafterwls.com, a fast-growing resource of information, understanding and support for the weight loss surgery community.

The LivingAfterWLS.com site is complimented with daily blog. The blog, http://livingafterwls.blogspot.com offers readers the chance to comment or leave feedback about fresh content added daily. This site contains success stories and recipes, general information and WLS inspired topics. Complementing the site is a monthly newsletter titled “You Have Arrived” available exclusively to people who subscribe through the website or the blog.

Kid Birthday Party Game Ideas - 7 Proven Winners

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:09:13 +0000

Here are 7 classic kid birthday party game ideas that are always successful. And you can easily make all of them fit your party theme.

Incredible Musical Statues

They’ll have lots of fun with this one and they’ll even be still for a short time.

Have all your party guests move to the center of the room. Start playing some music related to your theme. Have your guests start moving in silly positions and dancing around. Then stop the music and have all your guests freeze like statues. Anyone who moves is out. Start the music again and have your party guests start moving in silly positions and dancing again until the music stops. Have them freeze like statues again. Keep repeating this until only one person is left. The last remaining party guest is the winner.

Crazy Mixed Up Message Relay

A kid birthday party game idea that will have them laughing!

Have all your guests sit in a circle. Have your birthday child think of a silly phrase or sentence related to your party theme. Your birthday child whispers the message to the child on thier right. That party guest whispers the message to the child on their right until the message goes all the way around to the person sitting just to the left of your birthday child. That guest repeats the message out loud… The birthday child then tells everyone what the original message was. Everyone then gets a turn to come up with a message. The more the message gets mixed up, the more fun it is.

Pass The Gift - Open The Gift

Hot Potato In Reverse!

Before your party, wrap up a small toy or some candy that all the kids will want. Then wrap it up again and again and again, over and over again in layers. You can even wrap up boxes within boxes. Anything to make the game go on for a while to build excitement. Have all your party guests stand in a circle. Start playing your theme related music and have the first child unwrap the first layer. Then the second child unwraps the next layer until one of the guests unwraps the last layer and the gift is revealed. That child wins the gift.

What In The World Am I?

A great kid birthday party game idea for everyone.

Tape a picture on each child’s back. You can cut out pictures from magazines or just about any other source. The pictures can be characters from your birthday party theme, or it can be pictures of animals or bugs. Have your guests start asking each other questions to find out “what in the world they are”. But the questions can only be answered with a “yes” or a “no.” Questions like “do I have wings?,” “am I brown,” or “do I have legs?” The child who guesses “what in the world am I” first is the winner.

Lots A Socks

How many socks can you put on?

Get a whole bunch of socks. They don’t even have to match. Place the same number of socks in two bags, or two baskets or two boxes. Line up your party guests in two teams. Start your party theme music and give the first players on each team just 30 second to put on as many socks as they can. When you stop the music, they must stop putting on socks. Then count each child’s socks. The one with the most socks wins. Keep track of each teams sock count and when the last two party guests have played, the team that put on the most socks wins the prize. Have your party guests remove thier shoes before you play so they can put on the socks. This kid birthday game is always a favorite.

Silly Musical Hats And Wigs

Crazy hats and wigs make lots of fun!

Place a couple of chairs in the middle of the room and put hats and wigs on the chair seats. Have all the kids form a circle around the chairs. Make sure you have one less hat or wig then children playing the game. Start your party theme music and have the children walk around the chairs. Then stop the music and have the children grab a hat or wig and put it on. The player without a hat or wig is out. Now take out a hat or wig and start the music again. Repeat this until there is only one player left… Always remember to have one less hat or wig than you have players. The last two players will be trying for only one hat or wig. A terrific game!

You can pick up some silly looking wigs and hats at a party supply store.

Funny Chin-To-Chin Pass

A birthday party classic that’ll have um laughing.

No hands allowed… Line up your party guests in two teams and start your party theme music. The object is to have each team pass a balloon, a rubber ball or an apple or an orange from chin-to-chin down the line to the last player. If the object being passed is dropped, that team has to start over at the begining of the line. The first team to pass the object all the way to the end without dropping it wins! Remember, no hands allowed.

For more game ideas take a quick look at Fun-Kid-Birthday-Parties.com

These kid birthday party game ideas are all proven winners and your birthday child and all their guests will have a wonderful time playing these classic games.

Mike Dougherty has years worth of experience putting together fun birthday parties for his children and now his grandchildren. Mike is webmaster for his web sites http://fun-kid-birthday-parties.com and a movie themed site http://best-dvd-movie-club.com

Meet The Twixters!

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:08:19 +0000

There is a new stage of development for parents to consider.

The stages of development are roughly the following: children move from infancy, to early childhood and onwards to middle childhood. These stages take roughly the first ten or so years of life. Our children then move into a long stage known as adolescence (with a number three sub-stages) that is a transition phase into adulthood. That’s it, right?

No, it seems that we have another phase that links adolescence with adulthood. The twenty-first birthday used to signify a move into adulthood and all its accompanying privileges and responsibilities. Now the years from 18 until 25 and beyond seem to have become a distinct stage of life, where young people seem to have lodged for a while, staving off the responsibilities of full adulthood. This phase has been dubbed the Twixter stage.

This group has been on the radar for some years but it seems only now that they are reaching significant status of a sub-culture. They have been variously dubbed ‘permakids’, ‘boomerang kids’ and ‘adultescence’. Their babyboomer parents don’t want to grow old - they don’t want to grow up.

Twixters have put many of the traditional markers of adulthood on hold - home ownership, marriage and children, if they have them, have been delayed until well into their 30’s. Entering the workforce later than previous generations and knowing they will live into their eighties this group has plenty of time to play.

This group can afford to take their time to grow up as they have the luxury of having relatively affluent, cashed-up parents who act as a safety net or a financial back-up in times of need. Oh, and a large number of them still live at home.

It is not as if living at home presents any significant hardship to Twixters. Both parents and twixters hold each other in high regard and maybe both groups gain significant benefits from living with each other longer, rather than having young people flee the nest at the first opportunity.

A recent US Gallup poll found that 90 per cent of young people report being very close to their parents, which contrasts with 40 per cent of babyboomers in 1974 who said that they would be better off without their parents. Twixters and their parents get on with each other.

If young people are delaying partnering and beginning their own families then they are seeking and support networks elsewhere. This is where friends and family of origin play an important role.

Twixters have a special gift for friendships and their culture revolves around strong friendship groups. The American sitcom Friends and its Australian counterpart The Secret Life of Us! showed how friends are a type of surrogate family for twentysomethings - where you go to for emotional support and acceptance.

The point is Twixters will not go away. Biologically, it seems that the human brain is still developing well into the 20’s so a young person’s neurological development at 18 is still a many years from being complete.

There is little doubt that adulthood is delayed in a communal sense. One survey recently found that most people believe that the transition to adulthood should be completed by the age of 26, on average and the number is going up.

So, if your eldest is a toddler then you had better make sure you get on because he or she will be around for a couple of decades yet. It may be a scary thought! It certainly challenges us all to rethink the way we parent young people, rethink the notion of adolescence itself and its transitions and rethink how we organise our personal lives to accommodate the demands of these Peter Pans.

For more great ideas from Michael Grose to help you raise confident kids and resilient young people subscribe to Happy Kids, his fortnightly email newsletter. Just visit http://www.parentingideas.com.au and subscribe. Receive a free report on Seven ways to beat sibling rivalry in your email box when you subscribe

Michael Grose - helping you raise confident kids and resilient teenagers

Australia’s most popular parenting educator. The author of six books and presenter of over 100 presentations every year

Comic Book Collecting, I Can’t Get Enough!

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:08:15 +0000

Have you ever read a comic book before? I imagine just
about everyone, at some time in their life, has read at
least one comic book. But do your interests and enjoyment
level go beyond that? You may have said to yourself, at
sometime or another, I would like to start comic book
collecting some day. Heck, you may even have several comic
books lying around that you have just never organized.

What do I do to start comic book collecting and what all do
I need? Well, as I am sure you realize, you need to start
with a passion. You have a comic book collecting passion,
you say, but you don’t want to be labeled a “comic book
collecting geek” and remain alone in your enjoyment. Well,
my suggestion to you is “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” and
believe me, you are not alone. You would be amazed at the
multitudes of individuals who have a passion for comic book
collecting. And there are a plethora of related sites on
the Web.

I couldn’t get enough of these colorful action-packed
little devils when I was young. But like any supposedly
responsible individual, I lay my comic book collecting
passion aside when I got older and went to college and got
a good job. Well in the last several months, I have
rekindled that childhood passion and have spent a good
share of my time researching and creating my own comic book
collecting website. And what a rush it has been
reintroducing myself to myself. I am finding quite an avid
interest in all the new comic book hero movies Hollywood is
cranking out. I have even started my own comic book hero
DVD collection. And this is big business, so I know there
are throngs of people out there with my same comic book
collecting interests and I hope to connect with many of
them through my comic book collecting website.

I ran into a major thrill the other day glancing through
the want ads of my local newspaper. Lo and behold, someone
was selling a comic book collection. A quick call and a
meeting in the shopping mall parking lot and I was the
proud owner of 189 comic books kept in beautiful condition.
And get this; it cost me $50.00 for the whole comic book
collection. I have as yet to determine the actual worth of
the collection, but it has got to be substantially more
than what I paid for it. As time goes on, I will be
organizing all of these comic book collecting items in a
spreadsheet and using my trusty copy of the Overstreet
Comic Book Collecting Price Guide to determine my new comic
book collection’s total worth. As I do that, I will be
reporting results on my website.

Through all my research over the last many months, I have
even created an ebook product on how to start comic book
collecting, which is filled with Internet resources. I want
to have an inexpensive resource available to help others,
with the same passion I have, to get started. If you care
to see what the book is about, you can check it out at

http://www.comic-book-collection-made-easy.com/comic-book-collection.html

and let me know what you think.

When you start your comic book collecting, you will need to
start thinking about sources to purchase your comic books
from. You will want to start learning about comic book
supplies to help preserve and organize your magazines. You
will want to learn how the rest of the industry goes about
grading physical condition and what your individual comics
are worth. Personally though, I believe some of the
greatest worth in a comic book is what it means to you and
the enjoyment you receive from owning these little pieces
of art. You may even what to find where all the great comic
book conventions are and if there are any close to you. All
of this information is available on the Net and I am hoping
to build a central hub to all this other great info.

Want to start comic book collecting? Come on over and visit
me. Kick your shoes off and stay for a while. I don’t think
you will be disappointed. You may even want to bookmark my
site. Have something of value you want me to add or a
question that needs an answer? I am all ears. So start
scanning the want ads and I will see you at my site. Flame
on! Or was that “Up, Up and Away”?

Dave Gieber owns and edits a website built
around one of his childhood passions. Learn the basic
essentials to comic book collecting success at:
The Comic Book Collecting eBook

Carpet Stain Removers - How To Use Them

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:08:14 +0000

Out of all the carpet stain removers available, water is the one to try first. Almost all the others can damage your carpet. Many are caustic, like bleach, and will remove the dye from the carpet if not used properly. Also, they generally don’t become inert, meaning they continue to damage your carpet over time if not rinsed out completely. Try water first.

When Water Won’t Remove Carpet Stains

Many commercial carpet stain removers work well. Some, however, are formulated for particular types of stains, so read the lable. Some also work better or worse on particular types of carpet, so pre-test the product in an inconspicuous area.

To pre-test a product, apply several drops of the solvent to your carpet, then press a white cotton cloth on the area for about fifteen seconds. Examine the cloth and the carpet. If there is color transfer from the carpet on the cloth, or color changes or other damage to the carpet, try a different stain remover.

To clean a spill or carpet stain, apply the cleaning agent to a white cotton cloth. Work it into the spot gently, from the outside towards the center, so you won’t spread the spot, and don’t rub too hard. Blot up the stain after a few minutes, and re-apply the solvent.

If you have a shop-vac, it will work better than blotting. Repeat the process until you no longer get a transfer of the stain to the cloth. If this doesn’t remove all of the spot, you can try other carpet stain removers.

Once you remove as much of the stain as you can, rinse the area with cold water. Use your shop-vac or blot up the water with a clean cloth. Repeat this until all of the stain remover is out.

Use a stack of plain white paper towels with a weight on them to soak up the last of the water. A fan will also help speed up the drying time. Fast drying is important. It prevents any remaining stain that is deep down in the carpet from wicking up to the surface.

A Cheap Carpet Stain Remover

Dawn dishwashing detergent makes a decent carpet stain remover. Use a few drops in a cup of water. It especially works well on greasy stains (maybe a teaspoonful to a cup of water). Use the original blue Dawn, and just follow the process outlined above.

Steve Gillman has worked in the carpet cleaning industry for years. For more carpet-care information, and specific stain-by-stain removal instructions, visit http://www.HowToRemoveCarpetStains.com