IWANNA

These Animals May Help Your Garden

2014-04-03T15:41:00.003-04:00

Planning and maintaining a garden requires a lot of effort, which can result in an aesthetically pleasing addition to the landscape. But that hard work can also fall victim to nature when local wildlife find a garden too mouthwatering to resist.

In an effort to rid a garden of unwanted pests, gardeners may unwittingly scare away animals and insects that might just protect the garden from more ill-intentioned animals. Not every creature that scurries is out to get prized petunias or to devour tomatoes. In fact, many can prove beneficial to gardens.

BATS. Bats have a bad reputation, as people unnecessarily fear bats because they believe them to be carriers of disease. But many bats feed off of insects or fruits and will not harm a human. The average brown bat can eat 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour, so it’s easy to see why bats are good to have around. Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but also harbor potentially dangerous diseases. Bats also may eat certain rodents, which can cut down on the number of animals burrowing in a yard.

FROGS. Frogs and toads will prey on insects and make the local insect population more manageable. Toads eat mainly slugs, who feed on the leaves and fruits of many plants. Frogs and toads are attracted to water, so including a pond or another water feature in the garden will provide them with a habitat they like.

BIRDS. While it’s true that some birds can damage crops, many birds are content to feed on insects attracted to the garden, which helps to keep insect numbers in check. Chickadees, for example, will dine on aphid eggs, while larger birds may prey on mice or other rodents or simply scare them out of the garden. Jays and mockingbirds are known to be feisty and can even deter dogs and cats from a yard. Hummingbirds will sip on the nectar of flowers and help pollinate plants.

SNAKES. Snakes in a garden can be disconcerting to some people, but snakes are ideal predators who feed on insects and rodents several times their size. Snakes are the right size and shape to invade the burrows of pest animals.

TIP Many animals and insects can be detrimental to the health of a garden. However, several animals are handy to have around and should be welcomed to the landscape.

BUTTERFLIES & BEES. Butterflies and bees are responsible for pollinating the vast majority of plants. Avoid using pesticides that may diminish butterfly or bee populations. A beehive right next to a garden may not be practical, but don’t make attempts to destroy it. Consult with a professional beekeeper to see what can be done to move the beehive without destroying it.
by Metro Creative Connection

Home Projects Perfect for Spring

2014-03-19T16:48:00.003-04:00

The rejuvenating spirit of spring makes this beloved season an ideal time for homeowners to take stock of their homes and properties and address any issues that arose during the winter. While some homes make it through winter unscathed, the harsh weather of the year’s coldest season can add several tasks to homeowners’ springtime to-do lists.

While some projects are best left to the professionals, others can be tackled even by those homeowners with little or no DIY experience. The following are a handful of projects tailor-made for spring.

Inspect the guttersGutters tend to bear the brunt of harsh winter weather, and come spring gutters are in need of inspection if not repair. Winter winds, snow and heavy rainfall can compromise the effectiveness of gutters, which can easily accumulate debris and detach from homes during winter storms. In addition, gutters sometimes develop leaks over the winter months. As a result, homeowners should conduct a careful inspection of their gutters come the spring, being sure to look for leaks while clearing the gutters of debris and reattaching gutters that might have become detached from the home on windy winter days and nights. When reattaching loose gutters, make sure the downspouts are draining away from the foundation, as gutters that are not draining properly can cause damage to that foundation and possibly lead to flooding.

Take stock of roof shinglesMuch like its gutters and downspouts, a home’s roof can suffer significant damage over the course of a typical winter. Shingles may be lost to harsh winter winds and storms, so homeowners should examine the roof to determine if any shingles were lost (lost shingles might even be lying around the property) or suffered damage that’s considerable enough to require replacement. Summer can be especially brutal on shingles, especially those that suffered significant damage during the winter. If left unchecked or unaddressed, problems with damaged shingles can quickly escalate into larger issues when spring rains and summer sun inevitably arrive, so homeowners should prioritize fixing or replacing damaged shingles as quickly as possible.

Check for freeze damage
Frozen temperatures can be hard on humans and homes alike, but unlike humans who can stay inside when temperatures dip below freezing, homes are forced to withstand the elements throughout the winter. External hose faucets are often susceptible to freeze damage. To inspect such faucets, turn the water on and then place a thumb or finger over the opening of the faucet. If your thumb or finger can completely stop the flow of water, the pipe where the water is coming from is likely damaged and will need to be replaced.

Examine the lawn for low spots
Once a lawn has thawed out, homeowners can patrol their properties looking for low spots in the yard or even low spots within spitting distance of the home’s foundation. Such spots increase the likelihood of flooding. Flooding near a home’s foundation increases the risk of potentially costly damage, while low spots on the lawn that go ignored can make great breeding grounds for insects, including mosquitoes, when the weather warms up. When low spots are detected, fill them in with compacted soil. Compacted soil can prevent spring rains from flooding a yard or damaging a home’s foundation.

Assessing potential property damage is a rite of passage for homeowners in the spring. Though some damage is significant, oftentimes even novice DIYers can work their homes and properties back into shape in time to enjoy spring and summer.

Dale Jarrett’s NASCAR Hall of Fame Credentials Earned As Late Bloomer

2014-03-14T15:52:00.000-04:00

1999 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Won Three Daytona 500s, Twice At Indy

Success often comes for those who wait.

That certainly can be said of Dale Jarrett, who didn’t reach the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series until age 30 and waited another four years for his first victory.

The second generation star, who’ll be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Jan. 29, is among the sport’s ultimate late bloomers, winning the 1999 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship at age 42 after 388 career starts. Only NASCAR Hall of Fame member Bobby Allison was older upon winning his first championship in 1983.

Jarrett, born Nov. 26, 1956, won 32 times – including at least one win every season between 1993 and 2003. He captured the first of three Daytona 500s in 1993, twice won the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and also won Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Coca-Cola 600. Jarrett won three times at Darlington Raceway although the track’s historic Southern 500 eluded him.

In all, Jarrett won races on 13 superspeedways and three short tracks. He also won 11 times in the NASCAR Nationwide Series where he finished no worse than sixth in the points standings in six full seasons of competition.

Jarrett never intended to follow in the tire tracks of his NASCAR Hall of Fame father Ned Jarrett, NASCAR’s premier series champion in 1961 and 1965. In fact, the younger Jarrett was headed for a golf scholarship at the University of South Carolina – and hopefully a PGA professional career – before the friends he hung out with in Hickory, N.C., built a stock car to race at the local NASCAR weekly track.

The group, which included future NASCAR Sprint Cup Series owner, championship crew chief and television analyst Andy Petree, had a car but no engine. Jarrett was able to buy one at a discount from a distant cousin of his mother, Martha. It also gave him the right to replace Petree in the driver’s seat.

“It was the first time he showed an interest in racing,” said the elder Jarrett, inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011. “Once he drove the thing in the first race that was it.”

Jarrett competed in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, along with his brother Glenn, now an MRN pit reporter and made his first premier series start in 1984 driving a Chevrolet for Emanuel Zervakis at Martinsville Speedway where he finished 14th. He took over Eric Freedlander’s Chevrolet in 1987 replacing Tommy Ellis but success was minimal. Two seasons with NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough’s Pontiac team weren’t much better although Jarrett did collect two top-five finishes in 1989.

Neil Bonnett’s injury in 1990 opened up the seat in the fabled Wood Brothers’ No. 21 Ford. Jarrett finally broke through the following summer at Michigan International Speedway where his recorded margin of victory over Davey Allison – pre-electronic scoring – was listed at 10 inches.

“The Michigan race that he won against Davey Allison is still one of the most exciting races to the checkered flag and one of my most memorable races,” said NASCAR Hall of Fame member Glen Wood.

Jarrett spent the next three seasons at Joe Gibbs Racing where he was paired with brother-in-law Jimmy Makar. Their Daytona 500 victory in 1993 was JGR’s first in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

“I remember just being amazed that as a young organization trying to become established in a competitive sport like NASCAR, we were fortunate enough to land Jimmy Makar as our crew chief and Dale Jarrett as our driver,” Gibbs said. “Over the course of those first couple of seasons, we were really hoping for something special to help validate the work we were doing – especially to our sponsors. The win by Dale in the Daytona 500 was so special to us because it was our first win as an organization. I remember how excited we were, not only for JGR, but for Norm Miller and Interstate Batteries too, because like Dale, they took a big chance on us. The win really established us in the sport and we owe a lot to Dale.”

Jarrett finished fourth in the season championship but left the team a year later.

He took the wheel of Robert Yates’ No. 28 Ford in 1995 as the replacement for the injured Ernie Irvan. Things did not immediately go well. In fact, Jarrett expected to be fired after what the owner termed a lackluster season – one win and a 13th-place points showing. But Yates added a second team and put Jarrett in the No. 88 car with crew chief Todd Parrott and the North Carolinian hit his stride winning 18 times over the next four seasons and never finishing outside the top three in the standings.

In his championship season, Jarrett took the points lead with a victory in the 11th race at Richmond and never gave it up. Four wins overall – including Indianapolis – and top-10 finishes in the season’s final eight races secured the championship.

“It’s one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made,” said Yates of retaining Jarrett.

Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart won rookie of the year honors in Jarrett’s championship season. He remembers Jarrett as a tough but fair competitor.

“He was one of those guys that would race you hard when it was time to race hard and when it was early in the race and it didn’t mean much, then he knew how to be patient,” said Stewart. “He raced you the way your raced him. If you learned to be patient and race him with respect, he would do the same.

“He was a great champion; he was a great winner and a great ambassador for this sport. He was one of the first guys [to congratulate me] when I won my first race at Richmond. He made you feel welcomed and you appreciated his friendship.”

Jarrett retired from competition in 2008 at the age of 51. He shares his father’s passion for broadcasting and currently is a NASCAR commentator for ESPN and ABC.

The Jarretts are the third father and son duo to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame joining Lee and Richard Petty and NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. and Bill France Jr., the organization’s late chairman.

“This is very, very meaningful to be written about in the same paragraph as the Pettys and the Frances,” said Ned Jarrett. “I felt Dale had the credentials to make it one day but I didn’t think it would be this early and I wasn’t sure I’d be here when it happened.”

Courtesy of Nascar media

Tips for Buying a Used Car

2014-02-17T09:21:00.000-05:00

Buying a used car can be a great deal. You can get a car that's almost as good as a brand-new one without paying for the depreciation that hits as soon as you drive a new car off the lot. New car values usually drop 20-30 percent within the first year. That can mean big savings for you. But there are other good reasons to buy a used car:

Insurance may be cheaper.
Late model used cars can be as reliable as a new car.
Some used cars are still covered by the factory warranty.
Most new carmakers now sell certified pre-owned (CPO) cars, which include warranties.
You can easily access a vehicle history report with the VIN number.

1. Choosing the right car

Although you may have a good idea of what type of car you want, when it comes to used cars, availability may vary. Make a list of three car models in the same class that you would like to shop for. Look beyond the popular car models. If you are shopping for the same car as everyone else, you will pay a premium for it. How much difference in price separates popular cars from their good but overlooked counterparts? More than you think. Popular vehicles like a Honda or Toyota can cost a few thousand dollars more than a comparable Chevrolet or Mazda. It pays to be flexible.

2. Research your prospective car

Check out prices, standard features, reliability and safety, fuel economy, photos, videos, known weak points, typical repair costs and resale values. Make sure you run a vehicle history report on any used car you are considering buying. You can purchase reports from a company such as Carfax.com for about $40. That’s a small price to pay for extra peace of mind.

3. How much can you afford and how will you pay?

Consider how you will pay for your car before you start shopping. You typically have three ways to pay for your used car: cash, bank loan, or dealer financing (if buying through a car dealer). Whatever payment method you choose, make an informed decision that fits your budget. If you decide to finance your purchase, make sure you’re clear on the cost of the monthly payments and be careful not to get in over your head.

4. How much will insurance cost?

You should also consider the price of insurance for your new car. Contact your insurance agent for a quote before you purchase the car. Vehicles with more safety features (ABS, the number of airbags, ESC, TCS, etc) can often lower your premium. While vehicles which are more expensive to repair or more prone to theft will have a higher premium.

5. Where to shop?

The most common places to buy a used car are:

Private parties - You can usually get the best price if you buy a car directly from its previous owner. But an owner may not be aware of trouble signs that a dealership or service station would recognize.
The used-car section of new-car dealerships - Nearly all franchised dealers have a used-car department that sells vehicles they have taken as trade-ins, bought at auction or from another dealer, or that have come back at the end of a lease. Many dealerships offer CPO cars that have been thoroughly inspected and are backed by strong warranties.
Independent used car lots - These dealerships are apt to handle any car make, and the vehicles can run the gamut from the almost-new to several years old. If the dealership has been around for a long time and has a good reputation locally, that’s a good sign.
Used car auctions - You likely won't be able to do a pre-vehicle inspection with your mechanic, but you will have a good opportunity to save a lot of money. Although the car may require some repairs, you could still come out on top. This option is best for people with more car knowledge.

6. Shop around and compare options

There are lots of resources for finding used cars. Check the Iwanna.com classifieds, which have thousands of vehicles from private parties and local dealerships, including the complete inventories of more than 30 dealerships. Many times you can also search the used car inventory of new car dealerships right on their website. Ask friends and relatives if they are selling any used cars and keep your eyes peeled for “For Sale” signs in car windows.

7. Save time

Once you find a prospective car, call the seller before you go to see the vehicle. Over the phone, you can ask questions about the car to eliminate cars that have problems and verify the asking price in the ad. While talking to the seller, set up an appointment for a test-drive. Also, ask for the VIN so you can run a vehicle history report.

Here is a list of some questions to ask the seller:

“How many miles has it been driven?”

“What are the features?”

“What is the car’s condition?”

“How about the body and interior?”

“Has it been in an accident?”

“Do you have service records?”

“Have you owned it since it was new?”

“Why are you selling the car?”

8. Test drive

By test driving the car, you can determine if it is a good fit for you physically and if it seems in good condition. You should always arrange your test drive during the day, so you can get a good look at the car. Keep the radio off during your test drive so you can hear the engine. Take your time and be sure to simulate the conditions of your normal driving patterns. If you do a lot of highway driving, be sure to go on the highway. If you go into the mountains, test the car on a steep slope. You don't want to find out after you've bought the car that it doesn't perform as needed.

On the test-drive, evaluate these additional points:

Should start without hesitation
Acceleration from a stop
Visibility (Check for blind spots)
Engine noise
Transmission shifts smoothly (should not jolt forward, hesitate while shifting, grind, clunk or whine)
Passing acceleration
Signs of smoke with hard acceleration (A little bit of white smoke is normal. Blue smoke means you're burning oil. Black smoke means the engine is clogged with carbon)
Hill-climbing power
Braking (No squealing or grinding)
Cornering
Suspension (How does it ride?)
Steering (If you point the car straight, does it go straight?)
Rattles and squeaks
Test all lights, signals, radio/CD, GPS.
Cargo space
Headspace and legroom

After the test-drive, ask the owner if you can see the service records. See if the car has had the scheduled maintenance performed on time. Avoid buying a car that has been in a serious accident or has had major repairs such as transmission rebuilds, valve jobs or engine overhauls. If you like the way the car drives, you should still take it to a mechanic for a thorough inspection. A private party will probably allow you to do this without much resistance. But at a dealership, it might be more difficult.

9. Negotiating the price

It is much easier to negotiate successfully when you have done your homework.

Follow these guidelines when negotiating:

Only enter into negotiations with a seller with whom you feel comfortable.
Make an opening offer that is low, but in the ballpark.
Decide ahead of time how high you will go and be prepared to walk away when your limit is reached. This is your strongest negotiating tool.
Be patient. Plan to spend an hour negotiating in a dealership, less for private parties.
Leave the dealership if you get tired or hungry.

Once you have a deal, make sure the transaction is completed according to the agreed upon terms.

10. Close the deal

When you buy a car from a private party, you will probably be asked to pay with a cashier's check or in cash. Before money changes hands, make sure the seller signs over the title to you in front of a notary (most banks have one).

If you are at a dealership, you still have to go through the finance and insurance (F&I) process. If any repair work is required and has been promised by the dealer, get it in writing in a "Due Bill."

In either case, you need to make sure you have insurance for the car you just bought. Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible to make sure the new car is added to your policy.

Fun Ways to Play with your Cat

2014-02-14T16:41:00.002-05:00

If you’re a cat owner, there’s no better enjoyment than playing games with your cat. Whether they are kittens or adults, watching them chase, flip, run and jump can provide hours of entertainment for the both of you. It’s also healthy as they get lots of exercise and it keeps them happy while you get bonding time with them. There are lots of games you can play together but here are some all time favorites.

POUNCING GAMES
Pouncing games give your cat a chance to seek and catch. Move an object, like their favorite toy or something else that grabs their attention, along the floor or up and around the furniture and they will try to catch it. To make it more challenging, just as they are about to get the toy, move it away really fast and they’ll try again and again. Also whenever you change your bedsheets, be prepared for playtime. Your cat will jump all around the bed pouncing as you fluff the sheets.

BUNNY KICK GAMES
These games give your cat a chance to use their natural instincts for catching prey. Once the toy is caught, they pull it towards their belly and kick furiously with their back legs while shaking and biting their catch. Good toys for this game are catnip filled mice or a stuffed animal around their size. Sometimes when you rub a cat’s belly they go into bunny kick mode but they’re not necessarily being aggressive – they see it as playtime and normally wind up licking your hand while kicking.

HIDE AND SEEK GAMES
These are the most fun. Kitty loves to wait and pounce. This is why you wind up with a cat attached to your foot unexpectedly when you walk by. Try getting down on their level and peek around the corner and you’ll notice each time you do they get closer and closer until you’re nose to whiskers with your furry friend. And yes, kitty will pounce from above too. So if you have high shelves be assured you could have a cat land on you from above.

JUMPING GAMES
These games involve waving a toy or a feather wand that requires your cat to leap high into the air and capture it with their front paws. You will be amazed how agile they are and how high they can actually jump.

For indoor cats, playtime is very important. They not only need it but they enjoy it. They only require maybe ten minutes a day, but playtime can last as long as you want it to. The best time to play is around dusk because you will tucker them out and they’ll sleep through the night instead of waking you early in the morning. For hilarious playtime videos, check out YouTube and see how much fun playtime with your cat can be.

by Scott Goodblatt

How to Avoid Buying a Lemon

2014-02-14T14:54:00.003-05:00

Buying a car is exciting. But no one wants to buy a lemon.

Wrecked cars, even after repaired, can have serious problems down the road. And flood cars, which are becoming a large problem, are dangerous and should be avoided. Here are some telltale signs that a used car has been in a flood or wreck:

Paint that chips off or doesn't match indicates damage repair and poor blending.
Paint over-spray on chrome, trim, or rubber seals around body openings reveals that the adjacent panel was repaired.
A car can be repainted, straightened and buffed out. It might look good, but it could hiding damage. Run a magnet along the car and if the magnet drops, there's bondo under it. If it's a really large area, this is a car you don't need. If it's small, still question it.
Misaligned fenders suggest a poor repair job or use of non original equipment manufacturer (non-OEM) parts.
CAPA (Certified Automotive Parts Association) sticker on any part may indicate collision repair.
Uneven tread wear reveals wheel misalignment, possibly because of frame damage.
Mold or air freshener cover-up suggests water damage from a leak or flood.
Silt in trunk may mean flood damage. Another trick is to run your hand along the underside of the dashboard in the crevices and if you pull out a handful of dirt or dry mud, that's the best indicator of a flood car.
Rust where it should not be is a sign of flood damage. If there is rust on the inside of the car for example on the door frames where the interior panel meets the frame that's not a good sign.
Fresh undercoating on wheel wells, chassis, or engine strongly suggests recent structural repairs covered up.
Door that doesn't close correctly could point to a door-frame deformation and poor repair.
Hood or trunk that doesn't close squarely may indicate twisting from side impact.
Dashboard lights, power windows, and other electronics with intermittent problems could be a sign of flood damage.
Dashboard airbag indicator that doesn't light up could mean the airbag was replaced improperly--or wasn't replaced at all--after an accident.
Big dents, kinks in structural components, or crimped or crunched fuel lines and pipes underneath are the easiest problems to find because re-builders assume you won't be looking there.
Uneven surfaces on frame components could be filler, seam sealer, or welding beads.
Damaged/gouged nuts and metal on top surface of strut tower (which connects the front wheels to the frame) in engine compartment may mean the frame was realigned.
New metal on only one part of the hood apron shows section repair rather than replacement of the entire apron piece.
Welding bead anywhere on heavy frame members underneath the engine suggests frame-rail sectioning or sloppy repair of a cutout made in the rail to perform repair work.
Inconsistent welds around hood apron, door, door frame, or trunk exemplify a non-factory weld.
Frayed safety belts or belt fibers that have melted together because of friction indicate a previous frontal impact above 15 mph.
Missing car emblem or name on trunk may mean a non-OEM part was used.
Missing VIN number plates. Aside from the dashboard plate, every panel on the car has a manufacturers sticker with the VIN number. They are located on the underside of the hood and trunk lids, door jambs and on the bumpers. If you notice any of them missing then the car more than likely was in an accident and the panel was repaired or replaced.

Do You Know What Your Dog is Really Trying To Tell You?

2014-02-06T11:20:00.004-05:00

Our Dogs. They are for many of us a constant companion by our side. For others they may be valued more so for duties, that can only be completed by none other than the dog himself. But as we share our day to day lives with these one of a kind creatures, who scientists now believe may have began co-existing with humans over 15K years ago, we must ask ourselves if we really know our dogs as well as we think we do.

Dogs are generally social animals, meaning they often live in a group, pack or family, therefore making clear and effective communication a vital role in their ability as a species and as an individual to survive & evolve. Communication serves many important factors in our dogs day to day lives, including conflict resolution as well as a dogs ability to gain access to resources they want or need on a day to day basis. (Resources are anything & everything an individual dog may desire, such as food, water, toys, attention, etc).Although there is ongoing and fascinating research that is leading many top researchers in the field of canine cognition to believe that dogs are evolving to be “expert human behavior observers and manipulators”, dogs have yet to evolve to the point in which they communicate primarily through vocalization, which is ironically the way we as humans tend to try and primarily communicate with our dogs. Dogs primarily communicate through a series of artful, yet often subtle to the human eye, movements and body postures.

One of the most fascinating aspects of dog behavior, is the dogs ability to literally regulate stressful, exciting or over stimulating situations for themselves by using a series of what are called “Calming Signals”. Have you ever noticed your dog randomly doing a “shake off” (literally shaking his whole body, as if he just took a bath) after something exciting or maybe even something stressful happens? He may also, in these situations offer behaviors such as yawning, licking his lips, turning his head (looking away), stretching, randomly sniffing or scratching, or maybe even raising his paw.

These behaviors can be indicators that your dog may be feeling overwhelmed by a certain situation.

One behavior that is somewhat misunderstood, but is gaining a new understanding in the field of dog behavior research, is the tail wag. When your dog wags his tail, does that mean he is always happy?

While some wags are indeed associated with happiness, and positive emotions, other tails wags can indicate stress or fear. The newest research on this topic, has shown that a dog who wags his tail with a bias to the right, is generally in a more positive emotional state, while a dog who wags his tail more so to the left may be in a more negative emotional state. As well as the direction of the tail wag, look for specifics as to how high or low your dog may be holding his tail. Is it tucked tightly between his legs but slightly wagging? This may mean he is nervous. It is held very high & stiff with a slight but quick wag? This could mean he is on high alert, but not necessarily always mean he is “happy”. The best indicator that a tail wag is intending to communicate a friendly interaction, is that the tail is wagging in big swoops, set at half mast, usually accompanied by a loose body.

One point that I try to leave with all of my clients as I work with them to help resolve problems or teach their dog new behaviors, is that as much as we as the dogs owner want our dogs to “obey” and respect us, we must first respect and understand our dogs, in order to expect that our dogs will return the favor.

by Heather Polechio, CPDT-KA, CTC. MindfulMutz Training & Behavior Consulting.

How to Remove a Tick From Your Pet

2014-01-31T13:48:00.000-05:00

Pet owners who find a tick on their pets typically act swiftly with the goal of removing this parasitic arachnid as quickly as possible. However, moving too quickly can hurt the pet and even its owner. Tick removal kits can be highly effective and are often inexpensive, but owners can remove the tick themselves as well. The following are a few tick-removal tips courtesy of the ASPCA.

Be prepared to keep the tick
Some tick bites are worse than others, and if your pet falls ill after a tick bite, the tick itself might provide some valuable insight for your pet’s veterinarian. So owners about to remove a tick from their pet should prepare to keep the tick, ideally in a screw-top jar containing some rubbing alcohol. Keep the jar close to you when you begin the removal process.

Protect yourself
Ticks, even those that have already bitten your pet, can carry infective agents, which may enter your bloodstream through breaks in your skin or if you touch your eyes, nostrils or mouth. When removing a tick, be sure to wear rubber or latex gloves to protect yourself from direct contact with the tick or the bite area.

Enlist help
Pets will likely try to squirm away as you remove the tick, so enlist some help to hold the animal still or help it relax.

Prepare the area, and remove the tick
When you’re ready to remove the tick, treat the bite area with rubbing alcohol. Once treated, use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the animal’s skin as possible before pulling the tick straight upward with steady, even pressure. During removal, do not twist or jerk the tick, as doing so can leave parts of the tick embedded in the pet or cause the tick to regurgitate infective fluids. Once the tick is removed, do not squeeze or crush it, as this can cause it to expel fluids that may contain infective organisms. Immediately place the tick in the jar you’ve selected for storage.

Examine the area where the tick was removed
It’s not always possible to remove the tick entirely. Sometimes parts of the tick’s mouth will remain embedded in the animal’s skin. If the area is not red or inflamed but parts of the mouth remain, disinfect the area and leave the mouth parts in. Apply a warm compress to the area, which may expel the remaining mouth parts.

Clean the area and yourself
When the tick is removed, disinfect the bite area thoroughly. Don’t forget to clean yourself as well, washing your hands even if you wore gloves. Sterilize the tweezers with alcohol or carefully run them over a flame.

Continue monitoring the bite area for infection
Even if the tick removal process goes smoothly, continue to monitor the bite area for infection. If the area is red or inflamed or becomes red or inflamed following the removal, visit the veterinarian and bring the jar with the tick inside along.

Animal Haven of Asheville

2014-01-29T10:13:00.000-05:00

Animal Haven of Asheville (a 501c3 organization) has been in operation for 14 years and is located in East Asheville. The ten acre sanctuary is currently home to 100 homeless and abused animals, with an emphasis on farm animals. Current residents include sheep, goats, geese, pot belly pigs, ducks, rabbits, chickens, cats, and dogs. Animal Haven receives many of the farm animals from cruelty cases and animal shelters all over Western North Carolina. Each animal that comes to live at the sanctuary receives any necessary medical treatment, rehabilitation, and enormous amounts of nurturing from the volunteers. Animal Haven of Asheville is a cage free environment and those animals unable to be placed in a forever home live their lifetime at the sanctuary.

Animal Haven of Asheville is a volunteer based organization with volunteers ranging in age from six to sixty six. Opportunities for volunteers range from hands on with the animals i.e. feeding, cleaning animal habitats, walking dogs to working in our on site Thrift Store. The 1500 square foot thrift store was built by volunteers and through the generosity of the community is overflowing with housewares, furniture, clothes, books, tools, electronics, jewelry, and more. Since Animal Haven is a volunteer based organization, all the proceeds from the thrift store benefit the animals.

Animal Haven has a very strong and all inclusive Humane Education program. Throughout the year, many schools come to the sanctuary either to work directly with animals or for an educational tour about the current animals and the plight of homeless and abused animals in the community and beyond. Once a month for the past seven years, 2nd and 3rd graders come out to help feed the animals and clean their habitats. Groups of college students also come out for major projects such as fencing, painting, cleaning the creek etc. Rehabilitation centers also pitch in as well as church groups, mentor programs, and Brownie Troops, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Eagle Scouts.

Animal Haven is also involved with the Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women (for the past 8 years) and the Craggy Correctional Center for Men(for the past 2 years) through the “New Leash on Life” program. This program allows up to five homeless dogs to live at these facilities for an 8 - 12 week period where they are taught basic obedience, crate training, housebreaking, socialization etc. by inmates selected to be their trainers. An outside trainer visits weekly to instruct the inmate trainers and to address any other issues. Animal Haven provides all medical, food, crates, toys, treats, food, blankets etc. During this training period new homes are actively sought for the dogs and upon graduation, complete with “pomp and circumstance”, the dogs are united with their new families.

This program is a new leash on life for the participating dogs, making them highly adoptable, well rounded and well loved. But it is also a lease on life for the inmates/trainers directly involved and for the entire inmate population. These dogs allow an outlet for love, compassion, friendship, and nurturing for the trainers, a reason to get up every morning, responsibility for a living, breathing creature. For everyone involved, new friendships are made, grievances are down, and morale sky rockets. The presence of these dogs has created a powerful environment in these facilities, and a change in the lives of the trainers that has no limits and will be with all of them forever. To learn more about this program or to learn about the dogs for adoption, call Animal Haven at 828-299-1635.

Animal Haven of Asheville is located at 65 Lower Grassy Branch Road in East Asheville and is open to the public Tuesday - Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. Visit the website at animalhaven.org.

Four Healthy Hobbies for Men

2014-01-23T15:26:00.001-05:00

How a man spends his free time can go a long way toward improving his quality of life and overall health.

Family- and work-related stress might be unavoidable, but a healthy hobby can make it easier for men to cope with that stress. But even if you aren’t stressed out, the following healthy hobbies can improve your quality of life and help you make the most of your free time.

1. Dust off that old guitar
Playing an instrument, whether it’s the guitar, the piano, the drums, etc., is a great way to relax and, depending on when you started playing, may have a significant and positive impact on your mental health in the years to come. A study published in the July 2012 issue of Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that playing a musical instrument may reduce the effects of mental decline associated with aging. Researchers behind the study based their findings on adults who learned to play music in childhood, so men who learned to play their guitar or tickle the ivories as a child might benefit more than those who learned to play as an adult. But even grown men with no previous musical experience can benefit from playing during their free time.

2. Hit the dance floor
Perhaps thanks to the popularity of the hit television show “Dancing With the Stars,” which has seen professional football players like Emmitt Smith, Donald Driver and Hines Ward excel on the dance floor, more and more men are taking up dance, which can improve cardiovascular health and help men shed a few extra pounds. Dancing is also a great way to build muscle and improve bone health. What’s more, few women can resist a man who isn’t afraid to show his stuff on the dance floor.

3. Escape into a good book
Reading is a great way to keep abreast of what’s going on in the world, and reading also provides several health benefits. Research has shown that activities like reading can improve memory function, delaying or even preventing age-related memory loss. Reading is also a great way to cope with stress, providing a welcome respite from the daily grind that allows you to peacefully unwind at the end of the day.

4. Get your hands dirty in the garden
Gardening is another great way to relieve stress while also getting some time in the fresh air. A 2011 study from researchers based in the Netherlands found that gardening is more effective at improving mood than reading. That study examined two groups of people who were instructed to read or garden for 30 minutes. When the half hour was up, the participants who gardened reported being in a better mood than those who read, and the gardening group also had lower levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. Additional studies have also linked gardening to reducing the symptoms associated with depression.

by Metro Creative Connection

Motocross and Supercross Enthrall Fans

2014-01-15T15:44:00.001-05:00

Motorcycles remain a popular form of transportation all around the world, but they are also prime machines for thrill-seekers and extreme sport lovers.

Thousands of people enjoy the thrill and power involved in taking motorcycles off-road for extreme racing. There are many varieties of motorcycle racing, but some of the more popular are motocross events and derivatives like supercross.
Those unfamiliar with the world of off-road motorcycle racing may not know the differences between motocross and supercross. Since motocross and supercross are so similar, some people might mistakenly feel they are the same thing. In fact, they are two completely different sports.

SAFETY: OFF THE ROAD

Whether you’re having fun on an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) or in an ROV (recreational off-highway vehicle), staying safe can be as simple as ABC and 123.

A. LEARN THE DIFFERENCE
Learn the differences between the types of vehicles: ROVs, also called side-by-sides, have a steering wheel, acceleration foot pedal and brake foot pedal. ATVs have a handlebar for steering, a throttle controlled by a thumb lever, and hand levers and a foot pedal for the brakes. Most ATVs are designed for one rider who straddles the machine, out in the open. With an ROV, it’s important to wear the seat belt and keep all arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times.
B. GET THE SIZE RIGHT
It’s critical that ATV riders be the right size for their machines. Children should not ride adult-sized ATVs, though youth-model ATVs let kids as young as 6 enjoy riding under adult supervision. ROVs are only for operators age 16 or older with a valid driver’s license.
C PROTECTIVE GEAR
Riders of either vehicle need proper helmets that meet Department of Transportation standards, eye protection, gloves, long sleeves and pants, and sturdy boots. An ROV should have seat belts, a rollover protective structure, side retention features and handholds.
1 RIDE RIGHT
These vehicles are for off-road use only and should be taken exclusively on designated trails.
2 RIDE SOBER
Neither should ever be operated while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
3 GET SAFETY TRAINED
Both should be used only after proper training, through the ATV Safety Institute (www.atvsafety.org) or the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (www.ROHVA.org). Then go have fun—safely—off-road. courtesy of naps

MOTORCROSS
Motocross motorcycle racing takes place on enclosed, off-road circuits. The sport is derived from motorcycle trial competitions that originated in the United Kingdom.

The outdoor tracks of motocross vary in size, and races are held in all types of weather conditions. Because the space needed for tracks is so vast, many tracks are located in rural locations. Although the natural terrain helps shape part of the course, some man-made modifications are also included to create jumps, pits, sharp turns, and other obstacles.

Motocross is celebrated across the globe. Since the sport was introduced in 1966, motocross has become more popular in the United States. The Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), based in Paris, France, is the global governing sanctioning body of motorcycle racing and represents 103 national motorcycle federations. Canadians also participate in the sport through Canadian Motocross.

SUPERCROSS
Motocross enthusiasts sometimes find attending a motocross competition is difficult due to the rural location of outdoor tracks. And once there, spectators can only see the portion of the race closest to their seat. But enterprising individuals created subdisciplines of the racing that could take place within indoor arenas, and supercross and arenacross were born. Supercross is typically held on man-made tracks that are smaller than outdoor motocross tracks. Football stadiums and other indoor stadiums are retrofitted to accommodate these tracks. Even though the racing takes place indoors, it is still considered off-road racing.

With supercross, the race is shorter than motocross and there are typically fewer racers because of space constraints. The size of the arena also limits the types of jumps and other stunts that can be accomplished depending on the height of the building. Some people argue that supercross is more extreme because the size of the arena forces racers to be more precise and there are a greater number of rules governing the races.

The main motocross championships are the FIM Motocross World Championship, which is typically held in Europe, and the AMA Motocross Championship that begins in early May and runs through September in the United States. The annual Motocross des Nations is held at the end of the year when National and World Championship series have ended. The competition involves teams of three riders representing their nations.

As motocross continues to draw fans and racers alike, different variations of the sport also continue to evolve. Freestyle, supermoto, ATV/Quad motocross, and mini-motocross are derivatives of the original sport.

Extreme sport enthusiasts have many options from which to choose. Motocross and supercross are two sports that boast a loyal legion of fans.

Healthy Foods for Men Looking to Get in Shape

2014-01-06T15:55:00.000-05:00

Men hoping to get in shape typically know that getting fit requires a combination of diet and exercise.

While it might be easy to adapt to a new exercise regimen, many men find it difficult to alter their diets. But a healthy diet does not have to be drab. The following are some healthy foods that men can enjoy on their way to improving their overall health.

TURKEY
Each ounce of skinless turkey breast contains seven grams of muscle-building protein, which should interest those men looking to improve their physique. Turkey often has no saturated fat and is even high in vitamin B and zinc.

BEANS
Beans are loaded with protein and contain no saturated fat. Men who want to get the most bang for their bean should consider black beans, which have the most fiber per serving. Fiber swells in your stomach and makes you feel full, which can quell any hunger pangs you get during the day. This can help you avoid overeating.

SWEET POTATOES
Sweet potatoes are a staple of Thanksgiving dinner, but they can be enjoyed year-round, too. Sweet potatoes protect the body against cell damage because they’re loaded with nutrients such as beta carotene, iron and vitamins C and E. Sweet potatoes also help your body’s muscles recover after a tough workout.

BEEF
Beef might not be the first food men think of when they’re trying to get in shape and improve their overall health, but beef is loaded with nutrients, including protein, B6 and B12, niacin, phosphorous, and selenium. When buying beef, look for lean cuts. They should not be too difficult to find, as the United States Department of Agriculture notes that today’s beef is 20 percent leaner than it was as recently as a decade ago.

YOGURT
Men who need to shed a few pounds should consider yogurt, which contains calcium thats help the body feel full as it effectively burns fat. In addition, yogurt contains active cultures that increase the amount of germ-fighting bacteria along the intestinal walls. Studies have linked those cultures to a reduced risk of getting a cold, so you might just avoid a cold while you’re losing some weight.

SPINACH
Popeye ate spinach, and men looking to get in shape and stay healthy should follow suit, as spinach is loaded with calcium, fiber and beta carotene, which boosts your immune system.

OATMEAL
Eating healthy can start in the morning with a bowl of oatmeal. It contains ample soluble fiber that can reduce a man’s risk of developing heart disease by helping reduce your cholesterol levels. If plain oatmeal is too drab, add some fruit like strawberries, bananas or blueberries, which contain more fiber, vitamins and minerals per ounce than any other fruit.
by Metro Creative Connection

Holiday Menu Planning for First-Time Hosts

2013-12-18T14:54:00.001-05:00

Novice holiday hosts often have a lot on their plates. Whether hosting family or friends or a combination of both, first-time hosts typically want to impress their guests while ensuring they get enough to eat and have an enjoyable evening. Since dinner is such a big part of holiday gatherings, hosts often place extra emphasis on what to serve, and that can be tricky when this is the first time they are hosting.

When planning the menu for your holiday soiree, consider the following tips.

Get a head count.
Though other factors will influence what to serve, the size of your guest list may ultimately dictate what to serve. For example, a small gathering of four to five people will likely rule out turkey, as even a small turkey will prove too much effort and produce too much extra food. On the same note, a small dish like lasagna might not be doable for a larger crowd, as it will force you to prepare multiple entrees, which means more time in the kitchen juggling the various cooking duties and less time with your guests. Once you have confirmed just how many guests you will be hosting, you can then choose a main course that suits the size of your guest list.

Decide which type of party you want to host.
The type of party you want to host also will influence what you serve. A formal gathering should include an appetizer, a main course and a dessert, including both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees. A less formal gathering gives hosts more leeway. For example, whereas a formal gathering may include soup as an appetizer, hosting a less formal gathering allows hosts to put out some snacks or bread for guests to whet their appetites before everyone sits down for the meal. The more formal the gathering, the more formal the menu. Hosts of less formal gatherings may even want to host a holiday pot luck buffet, inviting guests to bring a favorite dish or side dish while the hosts take care of the main course.

Ask guests if they have any dietary restrictions. Upon being invited to a holiday dinner, some invitees may let hosts know if they have any food allergies or medical conditions that restrict which foods they can eat. Solicit such information from all of your guests, and do your best to cater to each of your guests’ needs. Some guests might be on a gluten-free diet while others may need to limit their sodium intake. You might not be able to meet everyone’s demands. Let guests know if they should bring an appropriate snack if you cannot provide one for them.

Include traditional holiday fare. People have grown to expect certain things from holiday meals, be it sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving, brisket for Chanukah or holiday cookies or even eggnog at Christmas parties. When planning the menu, be sure to include at least one of these traditional items, even asking guests for suggestions. Such fare will give the party a genuine holiday feel, and guests will appreciate seeing some items on your dinner table they have enjoyed at their own holiday celebrations over the years.

Don’t overdo it. First-time hosts want to ensure everyone gets enough to eat, so it’s easy to overdo things and prepare too much food. This can be expensive, and guests may feel obligated to overeat so hosts don’t have to discard any of the food they worked so hard to prepare. Though it might once have been a holiday tradition to overeat, many men and women now prefer moderation, and hosts should keep that in mind when preparing their holiday meals.

Hosting a holiday dinner for the first time can be nerve-wracking. But there are a variety of steps first-timers can take when preparing their menus to come off looking like old pros.
- Metro Creative Connection

Are Cash Gifts Tacky Or Ideal?

2013-12-11T16:39:00.000-05:00

When faced with a gift list a mile long and no idea what to get certain individuals on that list, many holiday shoppers opt to give cash as a present. Cash gifts are easy, one-size-fits all and no one will request a receipt to return a cash gift. Still, some people are not quite sure if it is socially acceptable to give a gift of cash.

There are many pros and cons to giving cash as a gift. Once a person weighs the advantages and the disadvantages to giving cold hard cash as a gift, then he or she can decide if cash is an ideal present or one that’s best avoided.

ADVANTAGES One of the advantages to giving cash is it eliminates waste. Unlike gifts that will never be used and simply take up space, cash will be used sooner or later. How often have you received a sweater you won’t wear or a trinket you won’t use? Sometimes people return these gifts, but very often they get relegated to a pile of belongings that will end up in the garbage or stashed in the back of a closet. Cash eliminates this waste by giving a person the opportunity to buy exactly what he or she wants.

Cash gifts may be ideal for older people to give because they have limited mobility and cannot get out to the store to shop for presents. And grandparents unaware of the latest trends can give cash in a card and instruct grandchildren to purchase something they like.

Some people overextend themselves during the holiday season, and a cash gift can soften the blow of holiday spending.

Cash is very portable, which can make it easier for those who travel for the holidays to avoid shipping costs or extra baggage fees to take gifts on airlines.
People are inundated with a lot of stuff already, and a cash gift might be just what the doctor ordered.

DISADVANTAGES Cash gifts may be considered impersonal and lacking in creativity. It does not take much effort to stash a dollar amount inside of an envelope and present it, so gift recipients may question their relationships with gift givers who give cash.

For many people, the excitement of the holidays has a lot to do with seeing a giant pile of gifts waiting to be unwrapped. Gifting cash removes that excitement of presents under the tree. Although items can be purchased later on, the immediate gratification of tearing through boxes and bags simply is not there.

Some people find it awkward to receive cash because the value of the gift is right there in black and white. It puts both people on the spot and may create some uncomfortable moments if the value of a cash gift does not match up to what the cash recipient spent on the cash giver. When gifting standard gifts, many people are unaware of what the other spent and if the item was purchased on a discount. If you gift with cash, there is no hiding the value.

Another disadvantage is if a person gives cash and receives cash in return. Do the two gifts cancel each other out? What if the amounts are different? Dealing in cash alone can be awkward.

There are ways to make giving cash a little more acceptable. If you get creative when handing over the money, this may take away from the fact that cash does not make a very dramatic gift.

❄ Try pairing the cash with a wallet or purse to make the presentation a little more interesting.

❄ Send the recipient on a scavenger hunt for the money, writing clues and hiding them around the house.

❄ Create a money tree or wreath that displays the cash in an interesting way.

❄ Fold bills into bows or tape together to make wrapping paper for a small token gift.

❄ For children, roll up bills and put it into a crayon box or pencil case.

❄ Fill up a large box with a lot of filler and hide the cash inside of a smaller box tucked inside.
- Metro Creative Connection

Tips for Early Bird Holiday Shoppers

2013-12-11T08:30:00.000-05:00

Getting a head start on holiday shopping has its advantages. Holiday shoppers who begin their quests for the perfect gifts at the onset of the season or before the shopping season even begins often find the financial sting of holiday shopping is easier to manage when spread out over time, and starting early can save shoppers the hassle of navigating their ways through crowded stores and packed parking lots.

But even holiday shoppers who hit the stores extra early should do so with a plan in hand, which can help shoppers save money while still finding the right gifts.

Establish and stick to a budget. Just because you may be starting your holiday shopping early does not mean you should throw financial caution to the wind. Establish a budget so holiday shopping won’t find you facing significant debt, which is just as difficult to deal with in late fall as it is once the holidays have come and gone. If necessary, speak to family members before establishing your budget so you can all agree on holiday spending limits. Once you have established your holiday shopping budget, stick to it and avoid the temptation of overspending just because you’re starting early.

Take your time. Arguably the greatest luxury of getting a head start on holiday shopping is the ability to take your time so you don’t end up making expensive impulse purchases. Such purchases may be your only option if you wait until the last minute to start shopping, but starting early enables you to take your time and comparison shop so you can find the best deal. If you find a great gift in a store but want to find it for less money, shopping early allows you to shop around at another store or online to see if it’s more affordable elsewhere. Make the most of this extra time, and you’re liable to save a substantial amount of money over the course of the season.

Take advantage of early bird offers. Many online retailers want consumers to begin their holiday shopping early, so they offer incentives to shoppers who beat the holiday rush. Such retailers may waive shipping and handling charges or wrap gifts free of charge for shoppers who begin their holiday shopping early in the season. These offers typically disappear once the season hits full swing, so early bird shoppers should take advantage of such offers whenever possible.

Get creative. Starting early may allow some holiday shoppers to skip the process of shopping altogether. Creative men and women with unique skills such as woodworking or making pottery may be able to create their own holiday gifts. Homemade gifts will likely take more time to create, but starting early allows you to go at your own pace while still ensuring your special gift will be ready to go come the holidays.

- Metro Creative Connection

The Etiquette Of Exchanging Gifts With Coworkers

2013-12-10T15:27:00.001-05:00

Many offices host a gift exchange during the holiday season. Professionalism should always be a top priority when gifting coworkers, and some men and women may want to brush up on gift-giving etiquette before exchanging gifts with fellow employees.

Long before any gifts are exchanged, research your firm’s policies on gift-giving. An employee handbook or a visit to the human resources department is a good place to start. When in doubt, inquire among more seasoned workers.

Many companies put dollar limits on gift values, while others have strict policies forbidding such exchanges, as it’s easy for gifts to create discomfort around the office or give the impression of favoritism.

Gift exchanges also depend on the relationship between employees and their supervisors. Close, friendly relationships may warrant gift exchanges, especially if everyone else is on board with the idea. Gifting a boss is not necessary, but employees who have a close working relationship with their supervisors may want to purchase a professional gift to indicate their appreciation of a supervisor’s support. These can include picture frames, gloves, scarves, books, and personal interest items. Steer clear of personal gifts or ones that can be taken the wrong way.

Inappropriate gifts should always be avoided. Decorative gifts that do not focus on any particular religion or holiday, inspirational books, calendars, plants, and publications that cater to a particular interest likely won’t raise anyone’s ire. However, self-help gifts, perfumes, lotions, or overly personal gifts may give recipients the wrong impression. While homemade foods were once popular gifts, many companies now discourage such gifts because they may trigger various food allergies.
Gift cards tend to be universally acceptable, but only when they do not exceed the agreed-upon spending limit. Grocery store gift cards can help employees offset some of the costs of entertaining, and gift cards to popular department stores may help offset holiday spending. Whenever any giving between coworkers takes place, care should be given to ensure all the gift values are equivalent. Coworkers who are especially close and want to give a more meaningful gift should exchange those gifts on their own time and not during office hours.

Tenure can also dictate gift-giving. Employees who have been with their companies longer than their coworkers may receive a more personalized gift. Employees who receive gifts from their bosses should not feel obligated to reciprocate. Employees should also keep in mind that personal thank-you notes are courteous, professional and appreciated.

- Metro Creative Connection

‘Tis the Season for Shipping Gifts

2013-12-04T14:30:00.000-05:00

Travel is a staple of the holiday season. Many men and women find themselves spending a significant amount of time in the air or on the road, whether traveling to visit family or embarking on a holiday getaway.

For those who must fly to their holiday destinations, travel can present certain obstacles, as baggage restrictions and fees have made it more difficult and more expensive to travel with gifts in tow. But savvy holiday shoppers need not worry about fitting all of those gifts into their overstuffed luggage. Shipping gifts is a far more convenient way to get all those precious presents from point A to point B, and it saves travelers money on airline baggage fees. When shipping gifts this holiday season, consider the following tips.

Use the right box. Boxes come in all shapes and sizes, and there are packing methods to ensure gifts arrive intact. The gift should not have much wiggle room inside the box, as the more the gift can move around the more likely it is to break. Gently shake the box before closing it, adding any padding if the gift is moving around too much, otherwise move the gift to a smaller box. A box also should not be too small, as it may break before reaching its destination.

Wrap each individual item. When shipping holiday gifts, it's often most convenient to include several items in one large box. When doing so, wrap each item separately in air-filled wrapping or newspaper. This reduces the risk of items breaking during shipping.

Line the interior of the box with a garbage bag. A garbage bag lining along the inside of the box can help to prevent potential water damage from rain, snow or other leaky packages.

Tightly tape the box. Once items are inside the box, be sure to use professional packing tape. Though there are cheaper alternatives available, professional packing tape is far more likely to hold up as the item travels from your home to its ultimate destination. Low quality tape could split or tear, resulting in a situation where boxes break open and items fall out.

Pay attention when reusing boxes. Reusing boxes is a great way to benefit the environment when shipping holiday gifts, but carefully examine the box before shipping it. Old labels and bar codes should be removed so packages ultimately end up in the correct destination. In addition, check any boxes for wear and tear before reusing them. Avoid using any boxes with previous water damage or tears.

Double check addresses. Before shipping items, double check the address, making sure the name, address and ZIP code are correct. Confirm the information with the recipient as well. Be sure to write the address and full ZIP code in the method the shipping company requires to ensure prompt delivery.

Include an extra mailing label inside the box. Inclement weather is common come the holiday season, and some packages may fall victim to the elements. In such situations, shipping labels can be compromised, and some shipping companies have admitted they will open the box to look for a backup label if the exterior label has been soiled. Include an extra mailing label inside the box as a backup plan.

- Metro Creative Connection

Gift Returns Done Right

2013-11-27T19:30:00.000-05:00

Gift returns are inevitable come the holiday season. No matter how much thought shoppers put into gifts for their loved ones, chances are someone is going to return one of those gifts. Clothing may not fit or a gift might be a duplicate, while other gifts simply don’t tickle a recipient’s fancy.

But returns should not be taken as a personal slight, and men and women can take steps to make the process of returning gifts a lot easier.

Givers

There are many ways to facilitate the process of exchanging gifts or making returns, including finding a gift that is less likely to be retuned. In a survey for the popular department store Kohl’s, researchers found that clothing, items for the home and beauty and fragrance items were the gifts most likely to be returned. So shoppers may want to avoid such gifts this holiday season.

Another way to make returning or exchanging gifts easier is to make note of the policies governing such returns and exchanges. Such policies are often posted near checkout areas and are outlined on the back of printed receipts. Before embarking on a shopping trip, shoppers can visit a retailer’s Web site and familiarize themselves with its return policies. If rules are unclear, ask an employee.

Shoppers also can shop at stores that allow consumers ample time to return or exchanges gifts. This allows your loved ones to return or exchange a gift when it’s most convenient for them.

Many retailers have recognized the advantages to having more liberal return policies. A recent survey by ConsumerWorld.org identified which retailers have made changes and which have maintained the same return policies. Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, Kohl’s, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx were found to be the retailers with the most generous regular or holiday return deadlines. Choosing retailers with more lenient return and exchange policies can make things easier on your loved ones.

Shoppers also should include a gift receipt with gifts. This shows recipients that you have their needs in mind and want to make the process of exchanging or returning a gift as easy as possible. Without a receipt, recipients may not get the full value of the item at its time of purchase and only get credited with the current price of the item. Prices are often slashed in the days following the holidays.

Many stores have become more stringent with their return policies in an attempt to avoid fraud. As a result, receipts are essential because without a receipt stores cannot verify purchases or issue a refund or exchange. Certain stores will allow a certain number of returns without a receipt, but these are carefully recorded and linked to a shopper’s driver’s license number. This makes it easier for retailers to monitor serial returners. Some retailers even refuse returns without receipts.

Recipients

Try to make returns during less busy times of the day. Long lines at the customer service counter are commonplace in the days after Christmas. Check the receipt for the return deadline, and try to wait at least a week or two after the holiday rush is over, eventually visiting the store in the early morning or late evening when crowds typically have thinned.

Returns for online purchases may be challenging. Some retailers allow returns at their brick-and-mortar stores, while others require consumers to mail back the item. Some stores will only offer store credit instead of a cash refund or replacement of funds on a credit card. Online returns may require the help of the person who gave you the gift.

- Metro Creative Connection

Visit Santa Without All The Tears

2013-11-27T19:00:00.000-05:00

Turn a visit with Santa into a pleasant experience for children of all ages.

The holiday season means it’s time once again for parents to take their youngsters to visit Santa Claus. Pictures with little boys and girls lining up in their dress clothes with Santa are a holiday tradition, and youngsters are often anxious for their chances to share their Christmas gift wishes with the jolly man in red.

But as integral as such photo sessions are to the holiday season, parents know they are one crying fit or meltdown away from having this tradition turn into trouble. After waiting in long lines to see Santa, it’s understandable when everyone’s patience starts to wear thin. The combination of antsy children and aggravated adults could set off a chain reaction that culminates in tear-stained cheeks and a sullied holiday memory. Pictures with Santa can go much more smoothly when you employ the following tips.

Prep children. While kids may love the idea of Santa, youngsters face to face with a man in a red suit and a big, white beard may be nervous. Begin talking up Santa a few months before Christmas, mentioning how nice and friendly he is. Gauge how kids act around costumed performers at fairs, circuses and birthday parties and help them grow accustomed to people in costumes. If costumes elicit screams of horror, wait another year before seeing Santa.

Visit during off-peak hours. Weekends and evenings are the busiest times to visit Santa. This means long lines and longer wait times. Instead of dealing with the masses, try to get to the mall when the doors first open. Otherwise, let the children skip a day of school and visit during the week when the lines are shorter.

Consider another venue. Many different places of business host events where kids can meet Santa. Families may be able to share a meal with Santa at a restaurant or visit him at a nursery while selecting Christmas trees. A different environment may be less intimidating to children and take the pressure off waiting in line in a busy mall.

Go well-fed. There’s little worse than waiting in line and doing so hungry. Hunger pangs can turn even the most placid child into a menace. Pack snacks to enjoy while waiting. Opt for items that will not stain lips and teeth or drip onto clothing.

Make it a family photo. Sometimes the only way to entice a little one to take a picture with Santa is to provide some added security. Dress your best and be prepared to have to step in and cozy up to Santa to ensure your child is all smiles.

- Metro Creative Connection

Make the Most of Black Friday Shopping

2013-11-20T19:00:00.000-05:00

Black Friday is one the biggest shopping days of the year, and is often the perfect time to begin holiday shopping and save money on incredible deals.

Thousands of eager shoppers will leave their homes in the early morning hours and wait in lines at stores in order to grab the best prices of the season, while retailers will be gearing up to lure the greatest number of shoppers. Surviving the day unscathed and arriving home with discounts galore involves having a game plan for success.

Know the prices of the items you want to buy. Scour advertisements in advance of Black Friday to gauge the regular retail prices for common items, including electronics. Comparison shop for the best prices and make notes to help you when Black Friday arrives.

Understand the fine print of “door busters.” Door buster sales are meant to get shoppers into stores, where retailers hope shoppers will make additional purchases while taking advantage of advertised deals. If door buster items are all you’re looking for, read the advertisements carefully, noting the start and end time of the discounts and if there will be limited quantities. In addition, determine if there is a special return policy for sale items purchased on Black Friday.

Dress for comfort. Wear sensible, comfortable shoes and clothing when shopping. Leave a large purse at home and opt for something compact that can be draped securely over your shoulder and body to navigate the crowds. Keep your coat in the car or make use of a coat check service if available. Dress in layers if you will be waiting outside for stores to open. This way you can shed clothing as the mercury rises or when you get inside.

Arrive together but shop separately. The “divide and conquer” method of shopping allows everyone in your shopping party to score good deals. Split up shopping tasks and then head to different areas of the store. Share and collect your purchases when you meet up after the rush.

Make a list and stick to it. Buyers’ remorse come Saturday morning is common for those who have over-extended their budgets and purchased items they did not need. Know ahead of time what you plan to purchase and do not veer off course.

Scout the stores ahead of time. Visit the stores where you plan to shop a few days before Black Friday. Learn the layout of the store and where everything is located. Try on certain clothes or read over the labels of big-ticket items you plan to buy. Knowing where items are located and having all of your information in advance will cut down on the time it takes to find items on Black Friday.

Don’t overlook nontraditional stores. Many other stores, from pharmacies to supermarkets, stock items apart from food and toiletries. Consider taking advantage of their sales for some Black Friday deals.

Park off campus. Mall parking lots can get just as crowded as the stores themselves. Save yourself time and the stress of finding a spot by parking near the store but away from the crowd.

Clean out your car prior to shopping. Make room in the trunk or cargo area for all of your purchases. For those who will be buying large, heavy items, find out if the store will ship the merchandise or will hold it aside until you can take it home. Understand that some stores will not hold items and enlist a friend or spouse to help you pack purchases into the car.

Promptly store receipts. Designate a folder or envelope for all of your receipts to keep them organized and handy.

Pack a small snack and drink. It’s easy to become dehydrated and hungry waiting in long lines, which can compromise your decision-making abilities. Bring a snack so that you can recharge your body and continue shopping.

Leave the kids at home. Black Friday shopping can be stressful, and children can easily get lost or bumped around in the fray. It is safer to leave them home so you can focus your full attention on shopping.

Know when to call it quits. Establish a firm cut-off time for ending your shopping excursion. This way you can head home, rest and sort through your purchases.

- Metro Creative Connection

Stress-Free Holiday Hosting Tips

2013-11-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

Make hosting a lot less hectic and a lot more fun!

Gatherings with friends and family are a big part of the holiday season. Many people travel during the holidays to spend time with distant relatives, but those same people often want to gather with those loved ones who live nearby as well. Thus an abundance of gatherings comes in December, when office parties, dinners with family and festivities with friends have a way of dominating the last five weeks of the year.

All of those gatherings translate to a lot of holiday hosting, and hosts can easily feel overwhelmed as they try to juggle hosting duties with everything else that comes along during this time of year. The following are a few steps holiday hosts can take to make hosting a lot less hectic and a lot more fun.

Enlist help. Just because a holiday party is at your home does not mean others can’t pitch in or will be unwilling to help. If you plan to decorate for the party, invite a friend over to assist. When hosting a holiday dinner party, ask guests to bring certain items to save you some work. Ask one guest to bring some dessert, saving you the time it takes to visit the local bakery or bake your own desserts, and ask others to provide side dishes. This drastically reduces the time it will take you to shop for groceries and cook the meal, leaving you more time to spend with friends and family, both during the party and in the days leading up to the festivities.

Plan well in advance. The earlier you begin planning the party, the less stress you’re likely to feel as a host. Certain items for the party, like decorations and certain snacks and beverages, have no expiration dates, so buy such items well in advance of the party. This leads to one less task to tackle in the weeks and days leading up to the party. Planning early also affords you ample time coordinate with guests and decide who will be responsible for certain party tasks. Planning a party at the last minute can be stressful, so if you know you will be handling hosting duties this holiday season, start preparing for the party as soon as possible.

Hire a cleaning service. One of the more difficult parts of holiday hosting is cleaning the house before guests arrive. A thorough house cleaning can take up a substantial amount of time, which tends to be hard to come by during the holiday season. To avoid a late night cleaning session or the need to spend a valuable weekend afternoon hard at work around the house, hire a cleaning service to come and clean your house in the days before the party. Such services can clean your home in a fraction of the time it might take you to do so on your own, and this removes one of the more time-consuming and arduous tasks from your to-do list.

Have a theme for the party. Holiday hosts may worry about how to entertain their guests throughout the party. A theme party makes it easier to entertain guests, who can show up decked out in holiday pajamas or sweaters or bring along a favorite unique compilation of holiday songs for a sing-along. Such themes set a tone for the party right away and often make it easier for guests to unwind immediately. Seek suggestions for a theme from your guests to make the party even more fun.

Pass the buck. Hosting a holiday dinner party? Consider passing the hosting duties on to a local restaurant, especially if your friends and family members are on board with the idea. If your schedule is especially hectic this holiday season, then move the party from your home to a local restaurant, where the staff can worry about accommodating your guests and you can simply relax and have a good time with your loved ones. When choosing a restaurant, look for one with a menu that features something for everyone. Entree selections should include a pasta dish, a beef dish, a seafood dish, a poultry dish, and vegetarian fare.

Holiday hosting is meant to be fun, but hosts often find themselves scrambling to prepare for the party as it draws closer. Planning early, seeking help and input from your guests and delegating certain tasks can help ensure hosts have as festive a time as their friends and family members.

-Metro Creative Connection

How to Avoid Classified Ad Scams

2013-11-08T10:46:00.000-05:00

With 37 years of experience, the Iwanna is an expert on all the most common scams used in classified ads. Unlike some other websites, we have humans who review the ads for red flags and we catch quite a few before they ever make it into the Iwanna. But scammers are working hard to come up with new ways to steal and cheat everyday. So, we’ve created this guide to help you avoid getting scammed when buying or selling in the classifieds:

Deal locally and meet in person. Following this one rule will help you avoid nearly all scam attempts. Never do business with anyone in another state or country, or anyone who makes a lot of excuses about why they can’t meet you in person. Scammers frequently lie about being missionaries, being in the military, or taking care of a sick relative to explain why they can’t meet you. Don’t believe their stories.

Never invite the buyer to your home unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you’re selling a large piece of furniture, for example, move the furniture out into your yard and don’t let the buyer inside your house. Make sure you’re not home alone if a buyer is coming over.

If you’re buying, never send someone money in advance of receiving your item. Don’t send funds via Western Union, Moneygram or mail a check or money order. If you don’t make a trade of item for money on the spot, it is likely a scam.

If you’re selling, never ship your item without receiving the money. One common scam involves a “buyer” who sends you a money order or cashier’s check, which is much higher than the agreed-upon price. The scammer asks you to deposit it and send them the price difference via Western Union. After you’ve wired the money, the bank discovers it’s a counterfeit check and you’re responsible for paying it. By then, your own money is long gone.

Insist on cash. People sometimes write bad checks and it is also possible to fake a cashiers check or a money order. Cash is the only sure way to know you’re receiving legitimate funds for your item. If you’re dealing in large sums of money, suggest meeting at the bank to make the exchange. You can make the money exchange inside the building, eliminating the worry of carrying around a lot of cash.

Use a counterfeit detection pen. If you’re dealing in a large sum of cash, you definitely want to make sure the bills are real. A counterfeit detection pen will allow you to find out if someone is trying to pay you in phony bills. You can find counterfeit detection pens at most office supply stores, or online, for less than $5.

Avoid any deal that involves a shipping or escrow service. If you’re asked to send money to someone so your item can be shipped from another location. This is likely a scam. Many sellers or buyers will ask to use an online escrow service to “guarantee” the transaction. If you’re dealing in person and exchanging cash for goods on the spot, there is no need for a guarantee. Many scammers use this as a way to gain access to your personal financial information.

Have a good idea of what the going price is for the item. If you’re buying a car from the classifieds, do your homework on sites like Kelley Blue Book to find out what the going rate is for the same car. Check other ads for the same type of car and compare their prices and features. Ask your friends or family what price they think is reasonable for the item you’re planning to buy.

Do not sell a vehicle without a notary. Be sure to get the title notarized when you’re selling your vehicle. This is another great reason to make the exchange at a bank. Most banks will do this for their customers for little or no charge. It is possible to sign over the title without having it notarized, but if the buyer doesn’t take care of the paperwork later, the vehicle will still technically be in your name. This means you would be responsible for any accidents that happen involving the vehicle and you will still owe property tax on the vehicle in the future even though you don’t have the vehicle anymore.

Limit the amount of personal information you give out. When posting ads online, do not include your home address, phone number or full name in the description part of the listing. When posting in the paper, give as little detail as possible, for example “call John at 828-555-1234”. If you sell a lot of things in the classifieds, you may want to setup a dedicated email address or use a prepay phone to avoid giving out your personal contact info. If you receive a reply from an interested buyer, never give out your bank account number, social security number, driver’s license number, date of birth or any other information that seems out of the ordinary.

Don’t fall for job scams. If you’re looking for a job online, be careful of anyone who is willing to give you a job without an interview or a face-to-face meeting. Research the company and make sure they have an actual office before you provide any personal information. Never accept a job for secret shopping, international shipping management, foreign financial transfers, survey-taking, anything that requires you to pay money, or anything that simply involves “working from home” without going into greater detail. These types of “jobs” are almost always a scam.

If you’re applying for a job or to rent a new home, don’t submit information for any credit or background checks until you’ve met in person. Many jobs and landlords require your personal information to perform legitimate credit or background checks. However, scammers use this trick to gain access to your private information. Always make sure you meet the landlord or go to the job office in person to verify it is a legitimate business before providing your personal information.

Don’t click on strange email links. If you receive an inquiry from a buyer that includes a link to another web page, do not click the link. This is the most common way computer viruses are spread.

Follow your instincts. If something doesn’t seem right about the transaction, it probably is not right. If you have a suspicion something is a scam, you can always use Google or Scambook to search with someone’s name, email address, phone number, or business name (whatever they have provided). If the person has scammed or tried to scam someone before, it is probably listed online.

Buying and selling through the classifieds is a great way to make money on things you don't use and save money on things you want to buy. By following these few tips and trusting your gut, you can stay safe from scammers.

Things to Bring Along on Your Next Fishing Trip

2013-11-06T14:20:00.003-05:00

Fishing is a beloved pastime for many people. Fans of fishing are often passionate about the sport, and that passion has inspired many novices to try their hand at becoming anglers.

Though there is no way to guarantee you will catch a fish the first time out, you are likely to have some fun, especially if you head out to the nearest fishing hole with a fully stocked tackle box. While even first-timers know to bring a fishing pole and some bait along on their trips, there are some additional items to add to a tackle box that might not seem so practical until after your trip.

THE EXTRAS
When planning a fishing trip, it never hurts to bring along some extra supplies. Many a maiden fishing trip has been cut short when fishermen realize they did not pack enough line or hooks. Fishing line has a tendency to break, even if you aren’t expecting to reel in many fish. Fishing line can break in the mouth of a fish or on items in the water, so you will almost certainly need some extra line. If your fishing hole is known for difficult conditions, pack some heavier and more durable line that’s less likely to snap. When conditions are more serene, a thin, less visible line should suffice.

You should also expect to lose a few hooks on your trip, so pack extra hooks of various sizes. Hooks come in many sizes because fish come in many varieties. You’ll want to have various hooks in your tackle box to handle whichever fish seem to be biting on the day of your trip. When buying your hooks, speak with a store representative and let them know which area you plan to visit. They’re likely to know which fish you’re likely to encounter, and they can help you choose the appropriate hooks. Just remember to bring extras to account for the ones you’re likely to lose.

BOBBERS
Few things are as exciting when fishing as that first bite from a fish. That’s especially the case for first-timers, many of whom are hooked the moment that first fish begins to tug on their lines. Bobbers are the items you attach to your fishing line that let you know when fish are taking a bite on your line. Bobbers come in various shapes, but many people are familiar with the red and white round bobbers, which can be easily attached to your line.

Round bobbers limit how deep you can cast your line. If you’re looking to cast a line deep, slip bobbers allow you to do just that because they can be slid up and down your line. However, slip bobbers are more difficult to attach to your line than round bobbers, something first-timers might want to keep in mind.

LURES

Lures come in many varieties, and these are intended to attract fish on those days when nothing seems to be biting. Lures may help first-timers get their feet wet and catch their first fish. That’s especially true when using lures that look like minnows, a popular snack for many fish.

FAKE WORMS
First-timers might be a little skittish using live bait, so some fake plastic worms might be the best fit when embarking on a first fishing trip. Plastic worms come in various sizes and shapes, and after your initial trip you might decide you want to move on to live bait. But fake bait on the first time is nothing to be ashamed of, and many items mimic the look and even the movement patterns of live bait. If you catch a few fish, you might just swear by plastic bait for the rest of your fishing career.

PLIERS
Unexpected issues often arise when fishing for the first time, and one such issue is what to do when you have caught your first fish. Many first-timers do not expect to catch a fish their first time out, but don’t be so hard on yourself. Expect to catch a fish and bring along a pair of pliers in anticipation of that first catch. Pliers take the hook out of the fish once it’s been caught, so bring along a pair and expect to use them.

When fishing with live night crawlers, here’s a little tip that will save you from dirtying up your boat – place a handful of crawlers (dirt and all ) in a small dish of water and add a few ice cubes. When you need a fresh crawler, it will be clean, your hands will stay clean and so will the floor of your boat.

Hunting From Above the Ground

2013-11-02T16:04:00.000-04:00

WRITTEN BY TONY ROBINSON, OUTDOOR WRITER

As a beginner bow hunter in my upper teens, the late sixties and early seventies offered limited opportunities for deer hunting in the mountain county of Yancey.

As fate would have it, one of the best little herds around was not far from my home in the shadow of Mount Mitchell. Having an older, more experienced friend who also owned the first and only compound bow in the area was a great training resource as well. While I was an old hand at being in the woods and hunting small game and even bear, my friend Frank’s experience and advice pertaining to the why and wherefores of deer hunting was invaluable.

On our first scouting trip prior to the actual hunt, we enter the thick unique forest that lies between the Blue Ridge Parkway and Mt. Mitchell State Park. The mile high landscape is full of lush and unique vegetation. Absent are the typical tall hardwood trees of the lower elevations. Instead there are clusters of thick burley evergreens, slender beech, birch and mountain ash. In addition, the ground is almost entirely covered with various ferns, grasses and berry bushes.

While admiring the surrounding October paradise, Frank begins pointing out the evidence of being in deer woods. Some old horning on small bushes indicated bucks had been removing velvet or letting out some steam during past ruts. A close look at chest high bushes indicated the nipping and browsing of stem tips by the hunters’ favorite herbivores. A few pillow sized depressions in some of the sun-soaked grasses indicated a recent bedding area. Locating a couple of narrow but freshly used trails, it was now time to strategically figure out where we were going to build our tree stands. After all, when it came to deer hunting, especially with a bow, it was a no brainer that we would be hunting from above the ground.

There is little doubt that man using various means of elevating himself above the ground while in the pursuit of his quarry goes far back in time. Since primitive man found himself needing to be very close to his meal ticket, he quickly realized the benefit of lying in wait above the ground. However, it was not always an easy accomplishment, especially in the prime spots. Since necessity is the mother of invention, the need for a better tree stand has always been on the front burner for deer hunters. Even before bow hunting reached the level it is today, gun hunters throughout the state have been using everything imaginable to get themselves off the ground. In looking them up, you will come across everything from suicidal hairbrained contraptions to virtual penthouse apartments.

Lee Hogan, a handicapped sportsman from Charlotte, prepares to have the door closed on his modern off the ground hunting blind. Towed as a trailer by normal vehicles, the special hydraulic lift can easily lift two adults with gear to nearly twenty feet above the ground. The six by six foot enclosure with roof has 4 fold out windows and allows mobility impaired sportsmen hunting opportunities they might not normally have. Five of the lifts were donated to the NCWRC by the North Carolina Handicapped Sportsmen Inc. Hogan passed away earlier this year. He left his collection of hunting books to the NCHSI.

In reminiscing some of my life’s close calls that truly could have resulted in a life changing or even life ending outcome, a near fall while trying to erect a homemade lock-on tree stand high above the ground in a big oak tree back in 1969, is certainly at the top of the list. Back then, the most common portable tree stand for archery hunters was the lock-on stand. A small standing room only metal platform would use a chain or cable that wraps around the tree, then connecting back to the platforms left and right sides that touch the tree. The stand then uses a built on or portable brace that sits below the platform against the tree. While much improved from earlier models and still popular today, they are inherently one of the more unsafe portable stands.

While all above the ground stands have added risks, the most popular portable ones are the two piece climbing stands. These stands are basically made up of the standing platform piece and the combination seat and upper body enclosure piece. Both sections are assembled around the tree while standing at its base. With the standing platform attached to your feet and the upper body section in your hands, the hunter slowly works like an inch worm up the tree.

Since falling from tree stands is the number one cause for hunting accidents today, it should be a no brainer for hunters to wear and use a safety rope when they go up a stand. Again, the hunting industry has recognized this need as well and has stepped up to the challenge. Today’s tree stand hunters have a large assortment of extremely safety minded harnesses and safety ropes that are adjustable, comfortable and even camouflaged colored. When used properly, these rigs use a slip noose that is eased up the tree at the same time the hunter and his stand is inching upwards. Another important safety practice is to also use a weapon and gear tow rope. This allows the hunter to safely bring his weapon and gear after he is safely and comfortably situated in his stand.

Besides actually building some type of ladder or platform stand in a tree or on freestanding legs, commercially made ladder stands have become very user friendly and affordable. These stands are made in one and two person models and resemble an inverted letter L. These stands usually come in about five foot sections with fifteen foot being the standard. They are made up of a metal ladder that runs up the tree and is connected to a metal platform with attached seat.

Hunters can use or build whatever tree stand they want on private lands with hunting permission. However, on the state’s game lands, the law dictates that they only use portable non-permanent type stands that do not use or leave any type of nails or metal that would remain attached to the tree. While hunting from a tree stand certainly has its advantages, many a trophy deer has been bagged by hunters with both feet on the ground.

- Tony Robinson can be reached at decoydoc@charter.net

Freshwater Fishing Trends for SC

2013-11-01T14:30:00.000-04:00

The latest in freshwater fishing trends for South Carolina’s Lakes.

MOUNTAINS AREA

Lake Jocassee

Trout: Fair to good. Captain Steve Pietrykowski reports that Lake Jocassee trout fishing remains pretty strong, but if anything the fish have gotten even deeper. The best bite continues to be occurring between about 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., with the fishing not as good first thing. Fish are still feeding best in the 80-100 foot deep range, and trolling both Apex and Sutton spoons and live shiners is working well. Fish slowly at trolling speeds of less than two miles per hour.

Lake Keowee

Largemouth and Spotted Bass: Slow to fair. Guide Brad Fowler reports that fishing has slowed down on Lake Keowee and catching bass has gotten pretty tough. The best pattern has been fishing topwater lures over shallow, rocky points early in the morning, and after that bite dies off fishing gets difficult. The best pattern once the sun is up has been trying to pick up occasional fish on Carolina rigs, drop shot rigs and shakey head worms in 18-30 feet of water around depth changes and rock.

Lake Hartwell
Crappie: Fair to good. Captain Bill Plumley reports that crappie fishing has improved, with numerous reports of pretty good catches as the water begins to cool. The best action has been coming 12-15 feet down in 20 feet of water around brush and bridges. Both minnows and jigs have been catching fish.

PIEDMONT AREA

Lake RussellStriped bass: Good. Guide Wendell Wilson reports that the lower end of the lake continues to be producing above average for this time of year, and right now as many fish are being caught on the lower end as at the top of the lake. In the lower part of the lake the best pattern is fishing down lined herring 30-40 feet deep in fairly deep water, while on the upper end of the lake below the Hartwell Dam the best pattern is free lining live herring along the river channel.

Black Bass: Good. Guide Wendell Wilson reports that bass fishing is above average for this time of year, and spotted bass are biting well around brush piles about 25 feet deep. Drop shot rigs are working very well. Spots are also schooling in the morning on threadfin shad around main lake points in the main lake. They will take small topwater plugs, but the best rig is a popper-type topwater bait with a 1/16th ounce white jig tied off on couple of feet of line behind it. For largemouth bass the best pattern is to head up the creeks and fish a lipless crankbait in the channel where it drops off in the 5-10 foot range.

Lake Thurmond Black bass: Slow. Buckeye Lures in Augusta reports that bass fishing remains slow on the lake, but there has been some open water schooling activity with some fish caught on small flukes and jerkbaits up the Savannah River. The other main pattern is fishing lures such as Mop Jigs in the deep hydrilla in 15-25 feet of water. Fish should start to move soon but for now bass are basically still in a summer pattern.

Lake Wylie Catfish: Slow to fair. Captain Rodger Taylor reports that the bite has been inexplicably tough. Try drifting or anchoring cut white perch around flats or humps in 30-40 feet of water.

MIDLANDS AREA
Lake Greenwood
Largemouth Bass: Tough. Veteran tournament angler Stan Gunter reports that bass fishing remains pretty tough on Lake Greenwood, with some fish up shallower and others scattered out deep. However, it is getting to the time of year when a good bet is running the banks with floating worms or a buzzbait.

Lake Monticello Captain Chris Simpson reports the big fish bite on Monticello has been pretty consistent lately like the main lake, deep water points and humps. He’s had equal results by both anchoring and Santee drifting. The most productive depth ranges have been from 40 to 65 feet with cut gizzard shad, but as always small pieces of cut herring will catch a bunch of small ones if that’s what you want.

Lake Wateree Catfish: Very good. Captain Rodger Taylor reports that the drift and anchor bite are both very good on Lake Wateree. The blue catfish bite has been strong on the shallow flats in 8-12 feet of water, and while fish have not always been huge there have been some very good numbers taken. Cut gizzard shad has been a good bait, and cast netting in Wateree Creek in the morning has yielded good numbers of 4-6 inch gizzard shad.

Crappie: Fair. Veteran tournament angler Will Hinson reports that crappie are starting to make a seasonal change on Lake Wateree. While some fish can still be caught around brush in the 16-18 foot range, more fish are now up shallower around brush in 10-12 feet of water. A few fish are also around docks. Crappie are following the threadfin shad, and it’s a good bet that crappie can be caught tight-lining in areas where schools of shad are seen on the surface in the morning. Fish are all over the lake, and the best areas vary from day to day depending on factors such as wind direction.

Lake Murray
Largemouth Bass: Slow. It’s been tough going for bass lately. There are some reports that with cooling temperatures bass have moved into a transition period where they can be caught shallow or deep. Early in the morning, try shallow cover such as rocky points, grass, and laydowns using topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and worms. Once the sun gets up, docks and deeper points/underwater humps may yield a largemouth using plastic worms on Texas rig, shakeyhead, and Carolina rig.

SANTEE COOPER SYSTEM

Largemouth bass: Very slow. Captain Jimmie Hair reports that the bass fishing is very slow although a few fish can be caught around cypress trees on soft plastics. A few fish have also been caught on Rattle Traps fished in the creeks, which indicates that cooling water temperatures may be starting to bring a few fish into the creeks. Captain Hair is doing most of his fishing in the swamp above the I-95 bridge around Stump Hole and Low Falls.

- Courtesy of the SC Dept of Natural Resources