DID YOU KNOW

DOESN'T EVERYONE WANT TO LIVE BETTER?

2012-05-17T13:08:00.003-07:00

Doesn't "EVERYONE" want to live in a "BETTER WORLD"!!!

I BEG "YOU" to "SEE the WRONGS" AND "PLEASE "MAKE THEM RIGHT"!!

EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU HAVE "THE POWER" TO LIVE IN A "CLEANER AND HEALTHIER" PLANET!!

"NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT" TO "ABUSE" ANYTHING OR ANYBODY!!!

"AREN'T YOU ALL" SICK OF THE "ME ME ME", "IT'S ALL ABOUT ME" WORLD????

"IF I WERE RICH", "I COULD'NT IMAGINE NOT SHARING IT" WITH SO MANY PLACES AND THINGS. THE VOICELESS..THE NEGLECTED...THE ABUSED...THE FIGHTERS!!!!!!!!...

"I WANT EVERYONE HAPPY", "WOULD'NT LIFE BE EASIER" IF "EVERYONE" DID THE "RIGHT THING"??? "TRY IT" YOU MIGHT LIKE IT".

"IF YOU SEE SOMETHING WRONG"...FIX IT!!! GET HELP IF YOU NEED IT!!.."THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE HERE TO HELP YOU"..

"THEY" ARE "HERE" FOR "YOU", THEY ARE "ANGELS" ALSO KNOWN AS "MESSENGERS" ALSO KNOWN AS "ACTIVIST"....BECOME ONE YOURSELF. "YOU CAN DO IT WITH ANY AMOUNT OF TIME"

"THE SOCIOPATH ABUSERS".."THE MOLESTERS" MUST BE DEALT WITH "BECAUSE NOTHING WILL EVER STOP THEM", THEY HAVE ADMITTED TO "NEVER BEING ABLE TO STOP" OR "THE THOUGHTS OF ABUSING" AND YET WE LET THEM LIVE IN (OUR NEIGHBORHOODS)!!!! WITH OUR KIDS!!! AND OUR PETS!!!

"THEY PRAY ON THE SMALL", BECAUSE "THEY DON'T HAVE THE GUTS TO PICK ON THINGS, "THEIR OWN SIZE", WITHOUT A GUN!!!

"WE HAVE PEOPLE PROTECTING ABUSERS"????....".WHAT ABOUT THE "INNOCENT VICTIMS"..."WHAT ABOUT THEIR "RIGHTS"??!!!!!!

I DID SAY "INNOCENT" VICTIMS.

BANKS " THE ''ONLY WAY" "WE CAN DO BUSINESS" "RIPPING EVERYONE OFF"!!!!

"BANKING SYSTEM" NEEDS TO BE REFORMED!!! "HOW CAN YOU TAKE EVERY PENNY OUT OF "SOMEONES BANK ACCOUNT" AT ONCE??? THEY DON'T NEED TO EAT..SO YOU WOULD "STARVE A PERSON" TO DEATH FIRST??? IS THAT "WHAT YOU ARE TELLING US"??? DOESN'T THAT MAKE YOU "SOCIOPATHS"??
AND CRAZY FEES...28% REALLY!!!

DIDN'T YOU HELP "DESTROY THE ECONOMY" THAT WAY???

ANIMAL PROTECTION NEEDS TO BE REFORMED!!! TOO MANY SOCIOPATH ABUSERS OUT THEIR...THEY "GO AFTER" AND "TORTURE THE CHILDREN AND THE VOICELESS"!!!

CORPORATIONS...COME ON EVERYONE!!..HOW CRIMINAL CAN YOU BE????? IF YOU WANT 'OUR BUSINESS" THAN SHOW 'THE WORLD YOU CARE" AND ""DO SOMETHING FOR IT"!!!!

WE CAN ALL "SEE" OR "FIND OUT".. 'WHAT YOU DO" YOU WOULD THINK" "THEY WOULD CLEAN UP THEIR ACT" "THE WORLD IS WATCHING".

THE "NEWS".."YOU GUYS NEED TO STOP YOUR LYING" AND "TWISTING" STORIES... NOW!!! "YOUR CAUGHT ON TAPE"....."WE ALL KNOW"!!!!!WE HAVE BEEN "WATCHING YOU" IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T NOTICED!!!! AND I PERSONALLY SAW IT!!! BY THE WAY "I DID WORK WITH ALOT OF POLITICIANS" SO" I'M NOT JUST TELLING YOU THIS THROUGH "HEAR SAY."

I used to stand, next to politicians, "while they were talking to REPORTERS"!!! FUNNY!! "YOU" changed the story when "YOU" wrote it" in the PRESS!!! I CAN'T "COMPLAIN ABOUT THE POLITICIANS I KNOW PERSONALLY"...BECAUSE "I WATCHED THEM STAND FOR THE RIGHT THINGS". "NO" "I'M NOT CAMPAIGNING FOR ANYONE"...."RIGHT NOW"..ONLY BECAUSE I HAVE "OTHER PROJECTS" AND "NO OTHER REASON".

"ALSO VERY FUNNY" "IF THEY( THE NEWS) DON'T WANT YOU" THEY "DON'T" AIR YOU"!!!

"WE ARE TIRED" OF WATCHING "THE NEWS TWIST STORIES" THE WAY THE NEWS WANTS "YOU" TO "VIEW THE WORLD" "THEIR WAY" "WE WANT TRUTH" AND TO SEE "YOU SAVE SOMETHING" "TOO MANY OF US, KNOW WHAT YOU DO"!!!

"QUESTION THOSE" THAT "WON'T OR DON'T" OR "WANT" TO CHANGE THINGS AND MAKE IT BETTER!! MOST OF THE TIME YOU WILL FIND OUT THEY ARE GUILTY OF SOMETHING THEMSELVES.

IF "IT'S HUNGRY, FEED IT".

"FIND A WAY TO "CLEAN AND BEAUTIFY" SOMETHING" INSTEAD OF "JUST COMPLAINING ABOUT IT"!!!!

INFORMATION "NEEDS TO BE SHARED" PEOPLE "HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW ABOUT ABUSE"!!! SO "WE CAN DO SOMETHING" ABOUT IT!!

IT'S A "WE WORLD" NOT A "ME ME ME WORLD" AND "YOUR IN IT"!!

"THERE IS POWER IN NUMBERS" THERE IS MORE "GOOD" OUT THERE "THAN EVIL" TRUST ME!!

"PULL TOGETHER" AND " MAKE IT HAPPEN" "MAKE THINGS RIGHT"!!!

"POLICE ARE BUSY" ,SO "DON'T ASSUME" THEY WILL HANDLE EVERY SITUATION, IF ITS AN EMERGENCY, BUT, "YOU CAN TAKE CARE OF SITUATION UNTIL HELP ARRIVES", "DO SO", AND KEEP POSTING AND SHARING UNTIL YOU GET HELP..SOMEONE WILL BE THERE!!!

AND "YES" "I PRACTICE WHAT I PREACH HERE"!!!:)

Apple Cider Vinegar and its many Pet Cures

2011-12-08T11:36:00.001-08:00

Daily Health Tonic

The minerals, enzymes and acids in unpasteurized apple cider vinegar can supplement your pet's existing diet. It can be added either directly to the dog's food or drinking water.
Besides being a good source of easily absorbable potassium, apple cider vinegar aids digestion, inhibits the growth of unfriendly bacteria and helps maintain the proper acid/alkaline balance of the digestive tract.

Many holistic Vets recommend a daily dosage of:

1 tsp (5 ml) for cats and small dogs (up to 14 lb)
2 tsp (10 ml) for medium dogs (15 to 34 lb)
1 tbsp (15 ml) for large dogs (35 to 84 lb)

Note: Do not feed ACV to dogs that have irritation of the intestinal tract lining.

If you plan to use it for your pets regularly, an excellent organic apple cider vinegar can be ordered online in one gallon containers at a very reasonable price.

Ear Care

Unfortunately a large percentage of dog and cat visits to the veterinarian are for ear problems, but the good news is, you can help reduce these visits by cleaning your pet's ears on a regular weekly basis.
An inexpensive way to do this is to dip a soft cotton ball into a solution of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and use it to swab the inside of his or her ear.

For an infected ear, use 5 ml of the 50:50 vinegar water solution per 20 lbs (9 kg) of body weight, applying the solution with a syringe obtained from your local pharmacy. Gently rub in the solution then wipe the inside of the ear with a soft cotton ball. This should be done daily for 5 days.

The vinegar helps to control the growth of unfriendly bacteria and other microorganisms that are a common cause of ear infections, and as a result, this will help keep your pets from scratching their ears.

Fleas and Ticks

Rather than use commercial sprays, powders, pills or collars that use very toxic chemicals to kill fleas and ticks, many people prefer to take a more natural holistic approach. According to Martin Goldstein, DVM, some of these products could also be harmful to your pets.

As an alternative, Roger DeHaan, DVM, suggests using a homemade shampoo and rinse that kills fleas and at the same time soothes irritated skin:

Add to an 8-ounce bottle of your favorite pet shampoo, 10 drops of tea tree oil and one tablespoon (15 ml) of aloe vera and shake well.

For minor flea infestations, another recommendation involves washing your pet with a gentle shampoo, followed by a thorough rinse then spraying on apple cider vinegar diluted with an equal amount of warm water. Allow the pet to drip or shake dry.

The fleas will drown in the soapy shampoo water and the vinegar rinse will acidify your pet's skin making it very unattractive to other fleas and ticks.

Relief for skin problems

Apply unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with the aid of a soft cotton ball, directly to burns or skin acne to soothe and promote healing.

For dry itchy skin, hot spots, or skin infections you can bathe your pet in warm water then rinse him or her with a solution of 1 part ACV to 3 parts water. This vinegar rinse will also leave their coats soft and shiny.
Slimming down Ingredient

For those dogs and cats that need to lose weight, Robert S. Goldstein V.M.D., and Susan J. Goldstein have written an excellent article on how to help your pet lose those unwanted pounds and become happier and healthier along the way.

They include a slimming supplement that you can make at home that is made from kelp, lecithin, vitamin B6 and organic apple cider vinegar. Full preparation details can found in their comprehensive book called "The Goldsteins' Wellness & Longevity Program" along with a multitude of tips for naturally prolonging your dog or cats health

Remove Cat Urine

If your cat (or dog for that matter) urinates on your favorite carpet or couch, apply or spray white vinegar onto the soiled area as soon as possible.Allow it to soak for 10 minutes to absorb the odor and loosen the stain then blot it up with paper towels.Repeat if necessary.
Always test the vinegar on a small section of carpet or fabric first to make sure it does not fade the existing colors.

How Vinegar Cured Cat Mange!

by Catina
(Sacramento)

Two years ago I got my sister a Cat named "Mystic," she was a spayed Bengal rescue who had been returned to the breeder.

About a year after my sister got the cat, she started to loose all her fur, from shoulders to tail. The vet said, "Flea allergies as it doesn't look like mites/mange."

For two months we tried Revolution, ear mite treatment and diet change...nothing worked!

After much research I told my sister about the Apple Cider Vinegar sponge baths. We gave a total of 3 baths in 3 weeks (every 5 days).

After 17 days all of her fur had grown back!

ACV took away fatty tumor in 3.5 weeks

by Jen
(PBG, Florida, USA)

My Chiwawa had a fatty tumor for two-years on his temple. He was 12, so they said it was dangerous to remove.

I figured it was his goodbye. He cannot walk, has to be carried- I was afraid to put him on bed. His skin in some areas turned black.

In four weeks- tumor- size of moth ball by ear/temple- gone..

Yeah, I really am afraid to say it- wow.

ACV for Dog Cataracts

by Jan
(Laguna Beach, CA)

My friend used ACV (Braggs) for her doxie's cataract:
1/3 teaspoon in 4 oz. distilled water.

Put drops in 2 or 3 times a day. If possible, hold dogs' eye closed for 2 minutes.

She said the eye that had the cataract is now clear.

I just started using it for my shih-tzu.
It can be used for both people and dogs.
I don't know about cats.

ACV for Dog Tear Stains

by Anonymous
(BC, Canada)

In my search for a natural solution for red tear stains on my light colored poodles, I stumbled upon ACV.

I started adding ACV to the dogs' breakfast each morning (raw diet), and a few weeks later, after their hair was trimmed short on their faces again.... no more tear stains!
My own poodle still tears quite a lot due to entropion, but the tears no longer stain a dark red/rust color. Amazing!

I actually think that ACV may also have cured a lingering mild urinary infection in my older poodle rescue. After several weeks on the ACV, she urinated less frequently, and I was finally able to get her house trained.
How vinegar helped my pet’s hair grow back

by Selena Harris
(NWK, NJ USA)

My baby had dry and itchy skin.

She scratched so much that all her hair came out under her chin and neck.

After the use of organic apple cider vinegar with the mother, her hair grew back beautifully.

ACV is perfect for urinary infections and bladder problems in dogs!!!

by Marlee
(Chicago, IL )

My 4 year-old female rottweiler developed a urinary infection and started having "accidents" inside the house.

The pee had a very bad odor and nearly ruined my rug. Also, when I would take her out, she would do series of "dry" pees, when nothing would come out, but she would squad down like she had to pee.

So, my grandma told me to give her 2 tbs of ACV mixed with plain white yogurt. I was really sceptical that this would work and was getting ready to spend $300, I don't have, for a vet.

The ACV worked like magic!
I gave her yogurt and ACV for dinner and by the morning all the peeing stopped. She went out once in the morning, peed once and came back in. The pee didn't smell bad, she seemed much calmer and happy.

ACV works like magic in urinary infections and bladder problems in dogs. Definitely recommended!

It saves you the money and the trip to the vet, where they would just dose your dog up with antibiotics, which then in turn wipe out all the good bacteria.

Definitely, go with ACV if you suspect your dog is having troubles peeing.

How ACV helped my cat

by Barb
(Lansdale PA, USA)

My female cat was having trouble urinating. I thought maybe she had a UTI or crystals. I remembered reading about how ACV helped other animals, so I gave it a try. I bought Bragg's ACV from a local health food store. I started out giving her approximately 1 tsp. mixed with her can cat food and also added some extra water to her moist food for extra hydration.

Within about a day or two, she was urinating her normal amount and she stopped struggling to go. I saved a lot of money by not having to take her to the vet. She also stopped shedding, which also stopped her from vomiting up fur balls.

She used to vomit at least 2-3 times per week and has only done so maybe 2 times in months.

I now add a tsp. to her food everyday and she is healthier than ever and her coat is nice and shiny!

ACV stops my dog from urinating in the house
by Cyndi
(Durham, NC, USA)

My 12 year old formerly housebroken Black Lab, Raven, started drinking large amounts of water and urinating in the house.

I had her checked out by the vet who ran a UA and bloodwork to rule out kidney problems, diabetes or a urinary tract infection, but all came out normal. She decided that it may have to do with her advancing age and suggested confining her to a bathroom while I was away from home.

Raven does not do well in a small space so I started doing research to see if there was any natural remedies I could give her. I decided to try a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar in her water since I heard that it helps with possible urinary tract infections. Lo and behold, the next day she stopped urinating in the house!

I administered it to her for a few months and then stopped to see if the problem had improved. In a few days she was right back to peeing on the carpet again, so I knew the ACV was actually working.

I took her to the vet recently for another checkup and her tests continued to come back normal so I resumed the ACV.

She doesn't seem to mind the taste of the vinegar in her water and still drinks quite a bit but I have not noticed any more wet spots on the carpet as long as I continue to put it in her water every day.

Vinegar stops cats from urinating on furniture

by Nicole
(Flint Mi)

I have a cat that is 2 years old and when he turned a year old he started urinating all over my home.

I knew that it was because he needed to be fixed but I did not have the money laying around to it right then and there. So I got online and looked up ways to clean cat pee from furniture.

I came across a site that said vinegar could be used as a deterrent as well.

I was very skeptical but my husband had said if I didn’t stop it, we had to get rid of him. So I went to the store and bought some vinegar and mixed it 50/50 with warm water.

First I sprayed down my sofa and amazingly it cleaned away all the smell. Then I set out to spray it over every square inch of my house. I sprayed it throughout the house for 2 weeks until I got the money to fix him and never had to clean up pee again – until we got a puppy who was also marking. So I busted out the vinegar and sprayed it again and no more puppy pee. It is a miracle.

How ACV cleared up Mastitis in our milk cow
by Susan Tremblay
(Duncan, BC, Canada)

Several years ago I had a milk cow that developed mastitis.

I bought some medication from the vet to clear it up but it didn't work.

I had read a book about the healing power of Apple Cider Vinegar and decided to give it a try.

I added about 1/4 cup daily to her feed and within a few days her mastitis was gone!

The vet had laughed at me when I told him what I was going to do but when I told him it worked he said:

'I guess you can't argue with success!'

How avc helped my cats ears
by Sandra Mac
(Spokane Wa.)

I adopted OW, my cat at a humane society a year ago, she was neglected and abused and suffered cauliflowered ears from the neglect.

We were given a free vet check...when looking at her closed up ears the vet said it would cost 300.00 dollars to irrigate them...I couldn't afford it so we said bye....

Ow had a lot of trouble scratching her ears endlessly...so I went online looking for cures and found a few....but one day I woke up with a skin issue and my research led me to Apple Cider Vinegar...

It worked for me....So the research looked like maybe it would work for my cats ears....I tried it in betadine and avc...used a baby nose cleaner to apply....My cat's ears are great now...I'm greatful to have found an inexpensive cure.

Incidently my cat is dang near 14 yrs old and the vet called her a money pit.....I thought I might have to have her put down she was so miserable with the ear infections....so this was no small thing....thanks!

US military to imprison Americans?

2011-11-29T08:50:00.001-08:00

Either Monday or Tuesday the Senate will vote on a bill that allows the

military to imprison civilians with no formal charges and hold them with no trial.

Termed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and drafted behind closed doors by Senators Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.).

The ACLU reports even

citizens wouldn't be immune as the legislation aims to declare national territory part of the "battlefield" in the War on Terror.

Drafted behind Closed Doors? Not on CNN or other News? Easier to find on a site called PersonalLiberty.Com? Are you kidding me?

This is the definition for a Police State. Do you know one that worked?

In a police state, there is usually little or no distinction between the law and the powers by the executive(s). (President/Prime Minister/Parliament/Dictator, etc.)

Political control may be exerted by means of force which operates outside the boundaries normally imposed by a constitutional state.

Here is a recent story in

America

that shows what happens in a Police State.

Ex-Marine Shot 60 Times By SWAT

Wait several seconds as the story shifts from Casey Anthony story to main story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pao4EGA7mB0&feature=related

Video with extra begginning footage showing no one identified themselves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CUfaZiTkuM

And another still. If Police were right, wouldn't it be easier to check Walmart's cameras?

Police Brutality at Walmart. Grandfather gets knocked out

http://abcnews.go.com/US/video/thanksgiving-fire-nightmare-15032857?tab=9482931&section=1206833

References:

Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/defense-bill-gives-military-too-much-responsibility-for-detainees/2011/11/28/gIQAbbAO6N_story.html

Judge Napolitano's Freedom Watch On Fox Business News

http://www.foxbusiness.com/on-air/freedom-watch/index.html

Business Insider

http://articles.businessinsider.com/2011-11-28/news/30449283_1_aclu-battlefield-civilians

PersonalLiberty.Com

http://www.personalliberty.com/conservative-politics/liberty/senate-bill-seeks-to-declare-america-a-battlefield/

God and Animals

2011-11-24T07:28:00.001-08:00

THE BIBLE AND ANIMALS

ANIMALS AND GOD

God created all the animals (Psalm 104).
"Then God commanded, 'Let the earth produce all kinds of animal life; domestic and wild,
large

and small, and it was done. So God made them all, and He was pleased with what He saw.
" Genesis 1:24, 25

All animals belong to God (Psalm 24:1).
"All the animals in the forest are Mine and the cattle on thousands of hills. All the wild
birds
are Mine and all living things in the fields." Psalm 50:10, 11
God cares for the animals (1 John 4:16).
"Look at the birds flying around . . . your Father in Heaven takes care of them" Matthew 6:26
"He gives animals their food and feeds the young ravens when they call." Psalm 147:9
The Bible describes the Angels around God's throne as having features and characteristics like those of a
lion, a bull and an eagle (Ezekiel 1). God Himself is likened in Scripture to a lion, a leopard, a bear
(Hosea 13:7, 8), and to an eagle (Deut. 32:11).

Jesus is described as "The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." John 1:29
Jesus identified Himself with all the innocent animals who had been sacrificed for the sins of mankind and declared that His was the final sacrifice. Jesus abolished animal sacrifices and so Christianity has always rejected the need for further bloodshed of animals (Hebrews 9:12, 26).
"For the blood of bulls and goats can never take away sins. For this reason, when Christ was about to come into the world, He said to God: You do not want sacrifices and offerings, but You have prepared a body for Me. You are not pleased with animals burnt whole on the altar or with sacrifices to take away sins. Then I said, 'Here I am to do Your will, O God.'" Hebrews 10:4-7
The Scriptures reveal God's anger against man's sinfulness. God condemned the type of wholesale slaughter
of animals in Judaism as a cover-up for their disobedience
(Psalm 40:6-10).
"I gave your ancestors no commands about burnt offerings or any other kinds of sacrifices, when
I brought them out of Egypt. But I did command them to obey Me, so that I would be their God
and they would be My people. And I told them to live as I commanded them, so that things would
go well for them. But they did not obey Me or pay any attention. Instead, they did whatever their
stubborn and evil hearts told them to do and they became worse instead of better." Jeremiah 7:22;24
There is only one way of salvation and that is through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ - the
Lamb of God who died to redeem sinful mankind (Revelation 5:12, 13). He died with the result that no other
animals need die . . . for man's sinfulness."

Jesus is also known as "The Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Revelation 5:5) and it is interesting to notice that He was born in a stable among animals
rather than in an inn among sinful people (Luke 2:7), that He rode a lowly donkey in triumph into Jerusalem on that great day of the feast
(Matthew 21:5) and that He is prophesied to return again in glory
as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, riding on a white horse
(Revelation 19:11).
The Holy Spirit is symbolised by a dove (John 1:32), and He
chose to reveal Himself as like a pure and gentle bird
(Matthew 3:16) at Jesus' baptism.
The Bible records at least one occasion when God spoke through an animal (Numbers 22:28-33). Balaam's donkey showed greater spiritual
perception than the prophet himself did.
Obviously animals matter to God because the presence of animals
in Nineveh is recorded as a reason for God's mercy in not
destroying that sinful city.
"How much more then, should I have pity on Nineveh, that great city. After all, it has more than
120 000 innocent children in it, as well as many animals." Jonah 4:11

ANIMALS IN HEAVEN

A controversial question is whether it is God's plan for animals to be in heaven or not. Many Christians believe that heaven just would not be heaven without animals. Certainly I believe that the Creator of millions of different species
of animals, birds, insects and fish is a God who loves variety and prizes His creation. I cannot believe that
Heaven will only be populated by angels and saints. From a careful study of the Bible I have become
convinced that Heaven will be richer in vegetation and animal life than the most paradise-like part of earth
could ever be. Where people get the idea of harps and clouds from, I don't know. God has a far greater plan than we can imagine.
"This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together,
everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head." Ephesians 1:10
"Wolves and sheep will live together in peace, and leopards will lie down with young goats, calves and lion cubs will feed together, and little children will take care of them. Cows and bears will eat together, and their calves and cubs will lie down in peace. Lions will eat straw as cattle do . . . The land will be as
full of knowledge of the Lord as the seas are full of water." Isaiah 11:6-9
"Search in the Lord's book of living creatures and read what it says. Not one of these creatures
will be missing and not one will be without its mate. The Lord has commanded it to be so;
He Himself will bring them together. It is the Lord who will divide the land among them and
give each of them a share. They will live in the land age after age, and it will belong to them for
ever." Isaiah 34:16, 17
When the revealed Word of God teaches us that God's eternal plan is for "all creation" to be brought together under Christ then it includes all wildlife too. When God says "everything", He means everything - animals included.
When He says that they will live for "age after age", "forever", this means eternal life. Only one place will last
forever, and that is Heaven.
That great book of worship in the Bible - the Psalms - reveals that all God's creation have contact with God
(Psalm 93). All God's creatures praise Him (Psalm 145:10). It is only mankind who needs forgiving and
saving and teaching as to how to worship (Psalm 36 & 51), the animal kingdom worships God continually
and naturally.
"Praise Him, hills and mountains, fruit trees and forests; all animals, tame and wild, reptiles and
birds." Psalm 148:9, 10

"Be glad, earth and sky! Roar sea and every creature in you: be glad fields and everything in you!
The trees in the woods will shout for joy." Psalm 96:11, 12

The last book of the Bible presents the final climax of the ages when all creation faces the Creator. First the
four living creatures (the animal-like angels around God's throne as described in Ezekiel) praise God, then the twenty-four elders, then the redeemed people of God, then the angels (Revelation 4:6 - 5:12), until finally the great scene
is described when all living beings present their worship to Almighty God.
"And then I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, in the world below, and in the sea - all living beings in the universe - and they were singing: 'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise
and honour, glory and might, forever and ever'."
Revelation 5:13
In the light of these Scriptures, I firmly believe that our loving almighty Creator intends all His creatures to \
enjoy heaven with Him forever. The only part of creation that will be missing from Heaven, according to the
Bible, are those sinful human beings who neglect the great salvation that God has revealed in the Bible and
provided through Christ. So while all the animal victims of scientific experiments will be in Heaven, the same
cannot be said for all the hardhearted vivisectionists and ivory poachers.

ANIMALS AND MAN

Millions of wild animals die painful, lingering deaths in vicious traps every year. Not for food - for furs! Millions more are bred on fur farms and slaughtered for fashion.
Then the beauty industry inflicts untold agony on almost a million animals every year for perfumes, lipsticks
and other cosmetics. There are adequate synthetic alternatives, but such is man's inhumanity towards animals
that the slaughter continues.
In the name of science, millions more animals suffer in laboratories worldwide every year.
In the first chapter of the Bible, God made mankind responsible for His animals (Genesis 1-28). All animals
are God's animals (Psalm 50:10) and we are answerable to God for our treatment, care and protection of them.
"For all of us must appear before Christ, to be judged by Him. Each one will receive what he deserves, according to everything he has done, good or bad, in his bodily life."
2 Corinthians 5:10
What does God think of men battering baby seals to death so that some women can wear glamorous fur coats? What will God do to scientists who burn, infect, cripple, blind, shock, radiate, starve, asphyxiate and dissect cats, dogs, mice, monkeys, rabbits and other innocent victims for 'research' and often just trivial curiosity? How could we expect God to ignore the slaughter of magnificent elephants just to provide ivory ornaments, bracelets and necklaces?
When Jesus is identified as the Lamb of God, how can we remain unmoved at the killing and skinning of
newborn karakul lambs to provide fur garments? He has provided us with cotton and the ability to make synthetic materials like nylon. We can shear sheep of their wool in summer. How can fashion justify the butchering of baby lambs for their skins?
God identifies Himself with bears, lions and leopards. What Christian can approve the killing of these majestic wild animals for fur coats and carpets? God gave animals fur to keep them warm. He gave us the brains to make synthetic materials from plants. Why don't we use them more?
All animals belong to God. What gives us the right to torture them to satisfy our curiosity in the name of "science"?
We are answerable to God for our treatment of animals. What are we going to say about trapping animals for furs, forcing them to do unnatural acts in circuses, confining and abusing them for our amusement? How can smokers justify the torture and killing of thousands of dogs and monkeys in "tobacco research"?

"A good man takes care of his animals, but wicked men are cruel to theirs." Proverbs 12:10
The Bible says that God has fixed a day in which He will judge the whole world with justice (Acts 17:31). It is well to remember that although man was created in the image of God, the whole message of the Bible is that all mankind has fallen into sinful rebellion against God.
"They are quick to hurt and kill; they leave ruin and destruction wherever they go. They have not known the path of peace, nor have they learnt to fear God . . . Everyone has sinned and is far away from God's saving presence." Romans 3:15-17, 23
On the other hand, the Bible indicates that all animals are acceptable in God's sight. They never degenerated into rebellion against God. While all human beings need forgiveness and salvation, all animals are already in a right relationship with God. We should remember this and be
humbled.
In the light of the clear teaching of Scripture concerning creation and mankind's responsibility for it, we should treat animals with the love and concern of those who must give an account of our conduct to God.
We must recognise that the welfare and protection of animals is an essential part of our Christian responsibility. I would challenge all Christians to make plain their opposition to such cruel practices as vivisection. We must determine to do all in our power to bring about the speedy abolition of all such mistreatment and tortures of animals. See ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANISATIONS
No Christian should be a party to this evil abuse of God's creation. I would call on all those who seek to love and obey God to resolve never to buy or wear real fur or ivory. It is our responsibility to carefully boycott all cosmetics which are a result of cruelty to animals. (There are enough synthetic alternatives listed by Beauty Without Cruelty, PO Box 23321, Claremont 7735, South Africa, Tel: 021- 671-4583.)
We must all do what we can to secure the well-being of all animals who, with ourselves, inhabit the earth and so fulfil the creative joy and purpose of Almighty God.
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless." Proverbs 31:8

Peter Hammond
Frontline Fellowship
PO Box 74
Newlands, 7725
Cape Town, South Africa
www.frontline.org.za

Printable version

Top three-health-benefits-of-pumpkin-for-dogs and cats

2011-11-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

Canned natural pumpkin (unsweetened – not pie filling), pumpkin seeds, and cooked fresh pumpkin have many benefits for dogs and cats. There is good reason that pumpkin is often a top ingredient in higher quality kibble. It can help with the following pet ailments:

1) Digestive Health: Pumpkin is a fabulous source of fiber for our furry friends, as well as for us. Pureed pumpkin (with no added sugar or spice) can help dogs and cats with both constipation and diarrhea. Adding a tablespoon or two (in proportion to their size) to their regular meal is known to help keep them regular. Most cats are usually a little more finicky. It can also help dogs and cats with indigestion or upset stomachs.

2) Urinary Health: According to Veterinarians Laci and Jed Schaible, co-founders of VetLive.com, pumpkin seeds are high in essential fatty acids and antioxidants (good for overall healthy skin and fur), and the oils in pumpkins’ flesh and seeds are believed to support urinary health. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium and iron, and may even reduce the likelihood your pet will develop cancer.

3) Weight Loss: Dogs seem to naturally love pumpkin. If you are looking to take a few pounds off of your pooch or kitty, try reducing a portion of their food and replace it with the same portion of canned pumpkin. Their tummy will feel just as full, and they might even thank you for the additional flavor.

Most Anti-Animal Legislators

2011-11-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

Who are the Most Anti-Animal Legislators

•Arizona Rep. Jeff Flake (R-6th)
•Arizona Rep. Trent Franks (R-2nd)
•California Rep. Wally Herger (R-2nd)
•Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby (R)
•former Arkansas Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D)
•Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley (R)
•Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn (R)
•South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint (R)
•South Dakota Sen. John Thune (R)
•Idaho Sen. Jim Risch (R)
•Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts (R)
•Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell (R)
•Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker (R)
•Nebraska Sen. Mike Johanns (R)
•Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson (D)
•North Dakota Sen. Kent Conrad (D)
•Oklahoma Sen. Jim Inhofe (R)
•Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker (R)
•Texas Sen. John Cornyn (R)
•Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R)
•Former Utah Sen. Robert Foster Bennett (R)
•Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch (R)
•Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso (R)
•Wyoming Sen. Mike Enzi (R)
There's More
http://animalrights.about.com/od/animallaw/a/Least-Animal-Friendly-Legislators-In-The-November-2010-Elections.htm

How to stop your dog from biting, chewing, barking,and anxiety

2011-10-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

CHEWING

1. Rule out medical problems. The first step is to make sure that your puppy does not have any serious medical problems. Nutritional deficiencies caused by poor diet and/or intestinal parasitism can lead to pica which may be misconstrued as inappropriate chewing. Gastrointestinal problems may cause nausea which can trigger chewing as a coping mechanism. Therefore it is important to make an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out an underlying medical condition that may be causing or contributing to the dog chewing.

2. Puppy proofing. Look around your environment for possible dangers to your inquisitive puppy. Place household cleaners and chemicals out of reach along with potentially toxic plants. Electrical cords should be covered or mad inaccessible to prevent chewing on them resulting in electrocution. Remove objects of curiosity that might appeal to your puppy such as shoes and socks, children’s toys and the like. Block access to rooms that have not been puppy proofed and consider crate training your dog for the times when he cannot be supervised.

3. Encourage appropriate chewing. Provide appropriate chew toys for your dog to enjoy. Each dog will have their own personal preference as to what they prefer to chew and play with. Be careful with rawhide and beef bones as determined chewers can whittle them down to smaller pieces that can be swallowed. They can end up becoming lodged in the esophagus or small intestine so supervision is recommended when giving these treats and be sure to take away any small pieces that might be swallowed. Avoid chicken bones since they splinter easily creating sharp fragments that can easily puncture your dog’s gastrointestinal tract. I prefer nylabones, greenies and dental chewsticks since they encourage appropriate chewing while combating dental disease. Dog toys such as balls and kongs may appeal to your dog, just be sure to select a size that is appropriate for your dog. They should be able to pick it up and carry it but it should be of sufficient bulk that it cannot be swallowed. If you buy your dog a kong type toy check, make sure the hole in the toy is not so big that the dog can get his lower jaw stuck in it.I have seen several emergency cases where a dog comes in with a toy stuck in his mouth. Do not give toys that resemble inappropriate items; for example do not give your dog an old shoe to chew on because he will not know the difference between the old chew shoe and a brand new pair.

4. Discourage inappropriate chewing. By following step two you will have already minimized the amount of mischief your young dog can get into. If you do find your dog chewing on something inappropriate correct the dog by taking the object away and scolding him. Direct his attentions to an appropriate chew object and give praise when he chews on said object. Gradually, your dog will learn what objects are his and which are not. Sometimes it can be difficult to discourage chewing if the pattern is already established. Taste deterrents such as bitter apple can applied to the object, the noxious taste will hopefully deter the determined chewer and he will learn to leave the object alone.

5. Engage in playtime with your dog. A tired dog is a good dog! Spend time playing and exercising with your dog on a regular basis. This not only reinforces the human-animal bond but expends energy that your dog might be otherwise directed to inappropriate chewing and behaviors.

BITING

1. Dog Possessiveness. Protection of property is a common issue and “property” in this case can be anything from toy, food, territory or even a human being. Guard dogs and herding breeds tend to be the worst offenders but this behavior can arise in any dog. Start training early to minimize this kind of possessive behavior. Teaching the “Leave it” command works well in preventing toy aggression. Food aggression can be avoided by teaching your dog to wait while you put their food down. Teach them to sit or lie down and then remove their food and then put it back. Approach the food bowl and occasionally add treats to the food so they understand that someone approaching the bowl is not a bad thing. Teach children not to bother dogs that are eating or enjoying a treat such as a bone.

2. Dog fear. Fear is usually directed towards strangers such as veterinarians and postal workers or in unfamiliar situations. Never approach an unfamiliar dog and teach your children to do the same. Fear bites can occur when a dog is startled at home therefore teach children never to sneak up on a dog or bother a sleeping dog. Early socialization is important so that the young dog is exposed to many different people, animals and situations minimizing the risk of a phobia developing. For example, make your first visit to the vet a simple social visit to get a feel for the clinic and meet the veterinary staff. Leave some treats and a note in the mailbox asking your postal worker to give a treat to your puppy.

3. Dog Pain. Pain can cause the friendliest dog to bite. If your dog has hip dysplasia, severe otitis or any chronic injury, instruct your children to stay away from the sore areas and be gentle handling the dog. If your dog becomes snippy for no reason consider pain as a possible cause and schedule an appointment with your regular veterinarian for a physical.

4. Maternal Instincts. The most well trained dog can become a biter when she has puppies. Be aware of and respect the maternal instinct around a bitch that has whelped recently. Teach children not to approach a young puppy around the mother and use caution yourself when handling puppies. Make sure the mother and puppies have a place where they can feel safe with minimal distraction.

5. Prey Drive. Another instinct to be aware of and is sometimes triggered by running or cycling past a dog resulting in a chase. Be aware of your environment if you are jogging or cycling and if you see a roaming dog try to avoid crossing paths. If a dog does give chase then the best things to do is stop moving and stand tall facing the dog. Be aware of the dog but do not make eye contact which can be seen as a challenge by the dog. They may come up and sniff you but will eventually find you uninteresting and move on to find something else. If a dog knocks you over then curl up in a ball protecting your face hands and neck and be still. Teach children to do the same and set up a mock “stray dog” drill.

Dog Bite Warning Signs

Knowing the common triggers that cause dog bites will empower you to avoid these situations. Dog bites are always preceded by behavior that an astute observer can use as a warning and then take steps to reduce the dog’s stress or fear. Ears are typically pinned back, the fur along their back may stand up and you may be able to see the whites of their eyes. Yawning is not an attempt by the dog to appear casual but to show off their teeth and should be considered a warning sign as well. Non-social “stand-offish” behavior such as freezing in response to a touch or look followed by direct intense eye contact back from the dog is another clear sign that he may bite.

Dog Bite Prevention

Dog bite prevention begins at home with your own dog by being a responsible dog owner. If you do not intend to breed your dog then having them spayed or neutered will help decrease the risk of bite related behaviors. exercise and play with your dog on a regular basis to reinforce the human-animal bond and to expend excess energy that might otherwise be directed towards nervous energy. However, avoid aggressive games such as wrestling and tug of war which can lead to dominance issues. Train your dog well, they should know the basic commands such as sit, stay, come and leave it. Don’t allow your dog to roam free where they can be a danger to other people. Do try to socialize your dog and expose him to many different people and situations but take care not to overwhelm him. Keep your vaccinations up to date for a worst case scenario. In most states a dog can be destroyed if they bite someone and they are not up to date on vaccines. Seek professional help from your veterinarian if your dog shows any signs of aggression. If you have children take the time to educate them on how to act around dogs, what to watch for and what to do if a dog attacks.

For More Great Tips Visit: http://www.cesarsway.com/

They Can Hack More Than Your Computer

2011-10-26T06:41:00.000-07:00

1. Your Front Door: Electronic keypads and wireless remote security systems were once only for businesses. Now there are innumerable home electronic security systems, such as Schlage Link, but if they aren't installed correctly, they can make your home more vulnerable to technically adept thieves. Hackers can lift the code, for example, from a stolen smartphone or intercept the wireless signal when you open the door so that they can return later and empty your house. Prevention tip: Make sure you use a strong password to secure your phone, and that any wireless lock system is set to use the strongest encryption setting.

2. Medical Implants: A researcher at this past summer's Black Hat hacker convention in Las Vegas demonstrated how he could hack into the wireless signals put out by automatic insulin pumps implanted into human bodies. Three years ago, another team discovered how to turn off a pacemaker by remote control, and companies are now developing wearable "shields" to prevent hacker-induced heart attacks. Garage

3. Door Openers: Don't ever leave the door to your garage unlocked. There are dozens of videos on YouTube showing how to hack garage door openers. Some methods use wires, others simply run through common garage-door codes using smartphones. Poof! Your garage door's open, and anyone can just walk in.

4. Kid-Tracking Devices: There are several tiny GPS devices now on the market designed to help parents keep track of their kids, either by hiding the gadgets in the family car or tossing them into a backpack. Unfortunately, many of these devices don't have all the security features they should. For example, researchers have demonstrated how to hack into Zoombaks, one common brand of GPS tracking device, to follow Zoombak users. (Zoombak has since patched the software that allowed this.)

5. Cars: As more cars become connected to smartphones and wireless data networks, they present new challenges for automakers and new opportunities for crooks. A Nissan Leaf owner, for example, recently discovered that he could track a car's position and speed using a simple Web-based data-feed program. Researchers at iSec Partners have demonstrated how cars with OnStar-like remote start and unlock features that rely on cellular networks can be broken into using a laptop and a technique known as "war texting."

6. Landline Voicemail: The phone-hacking scandal in the U.K. should remind us how easily most cellular carrier's voicemail systems can be accessed. Unfortunately, landline number voicemail systems work the same way. Many providers use a common set of dial-in numbers for voicemail, and many users leave the default password in place or chose a password that's easy to remember — and easy to hack — such as a birthday or a pet's name. If yours is still on the default password, change it

7. Old Baby Monitors: That second-hand baby monitor may not be such a bargain after all. Security experts used to make a habit of demonstrating how they could tap into the video and audio feeds of numerous nanny cams while driving through suburban neighborhoods. New models use channel-hopping or Wi-Fi connections to defeat such simple eavesdropping.

8. Portable Game Players: Some older consumer electronics devices, such as the original Nintendo DS and the Nintendo DS Lite, will only work with the older, insecure WEP encryption standard in order to access a Wi-Fi network. (All Wi-Fi users should be using the WPA standard instead.) Check around your house — that hand-me-down game player may be offering hackers an open door to your network. Hands-Free

9. Bluetooth Car Kits: Bluetooth is ubiquitous among headsets, and a hands-free headset is a good way for drivers to stay within the law in many states. However, Finland-based Codenomicon Defensics, a security testing firm, warns that many Bluetooth devices are easily hacked. Users also often leave phones and other devices vulnerable by failing to change the default device-pairing passwords (such as "0000" or "1234"); be sure to change yours.

10. Traffic Lights: Believe or not, you can make a red light change to green. Police, fire and emergency vehicles have infrared transmitters that communicate with receivers on traffic lights to do just that. Home versions of such transmitters can be built with a little technical know-how, but a federal law forbids their unauthorized use.

There are Free Lawyers for Animals

2011-10-19T13:31:00.001-07:00

Yes there are lawyers for animals and some will take on a case for free!!

About Us

For more than three decades, the Animal Legal Defense Fund has been fighting to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system. Founded in 1979 by attorneys active in shaping the emerging field of animal law, ALDF has blazed the trail for stronger enforcement of anti-cruelty laws and more humane treatment of animals in every corner of American life. Today, ALDF’s groundbreaking efforts to push the U.S. legal system to end the suffering of abused animals are supported by hundreds of dedicated attorneys and more than 100,000 members. Every day, ALDF works to protect animals by:

Filing groundbreaking lawsuits to stop animal abuse and expand the boundaries of animal law.

Providing free legal assistance to prosecutors handling cruelty cases.

Working to strengthen state anti-cruelty statutes.

Encouraging the federal government to enforce existing animal protection laws.

Nurturing the future of animal law through Student Animal Legal Defense Fund chapters and our Animal Law Program.

Providing public education through seminars, workshops and other outreach efforts.

In addition to our national headquarters in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Animal Legal Defense Fund maintains an office in Portland, Oregon.

Watch this video about our work:

Learn More

Programs

The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s primary programs include: our Litigation Program, which files cutting-edge lawsuits to stop the abuse of companion animals, and animals abused in industries including factory farming and the entertainment business; our Criminal Justice Program, which works with law enforcement and prosecutors to seek maximum penalties for animal abusers; and, our Animal Law Program, dedicated to fostering the field of animal law among legal professionals and in law schools nationwide.

Landmarks & Victories

Since the very beginning, cutting-edge lawsuits have been at the heart of ALDF’s work to protect the lives of animals. ALDF has been at the forefront for almost three decades, pushing government agencies to do their jobs to protect animals and shining a national spotlight on issues like factory farming and dissection in schools.

Executive Staff & Board

Behind the Animal Legal Defense Fund's success are some of the leading visionaries guiding the field of animal law. Executive staff and board members from across the country are shaping tomorrow's dialog about animals and the law.

Financials

The Animal Legal Defense Fund is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our most current annual report and IRS tax forms are available for review.

Whether you're a prosecutor looking for resources, a reporter on deadline, or an animal lover in need of help, find the support you need by contacting ALDF.

Student Animal Legal Defense Fund

Student Animal Legal Defense Fund chapters are student groups that are affiliated with ALDF and share its mission to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system.

Connect With Us

Connect with the Animal Legal Defense Fund on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and more!

100 ways to help rescue animals

2011-10-14T16:36:00.000-07:00

AnimalTalk
100 Ways To Help Animal Rescue

AnimalTalk Comments: No more excuses for not helping animal rescue ---
especially the "I don't know how I can help" one. While the list below
specifically addresses dog rescue, most of the items on it are equally
applicable to cat rescue (and other species also). It's a long list, & there are some really good ideas on it that might not normally come to mind. Take a look --- and PLEASE lend a hand. The animals need YOU.

For anyone out there who might have wanted to help rescue but just
weren't sure how. We're not asking for these things. These are just some suggestions.
Can you...
1. Transport a dog?
2. Donate a dog bed or towels or other *bedding* type items?**
3. Donate MONEY?
4. Donate a Kong? A nylabone? A Hercules?
5. Donate a crate?
6. Donate an x-pen or baby gates?
7. Donate a food dish or a stainless bucket for a crate?
8. Donate a leash?
9. Donate a collar?
10. Donate some treats or a bag of food?
11. Donate a halti or promise collar or a gentle leader?
12. Walk a dog?
13. Groom a dog?
14. Donate some grooming supplies (shampoos, combs, brushes, etc.)?
15. Go to the local shelter & see if that dog is the breed the shelter
says
it is or go with rescue to be a second opinion on the dog?
16. Make a few phone calls?
17. Mail out applications to people who've requested them?
18. Provide local vet clinics w/contact info for educational matls on
responsible pet ownership?
19. Drive a dog to and from vet appointments?
20. Donate long distance calling cards?
21. Donate the use of your scanner or digital camera?
22. Donate the use of a photocopier?
23. Attend public education days & try to educate people on responsible pet ownership?
24. Donate a gift certificate to a pet store?
25. Donate a raffle item if your club is holding a fund raiser?
26. Donate flea stuff (Advantage, etc.)?
27. Donate HW pills?
28. Donate a canine first aid kit?
29. Provide a shoulder to cry on when the rescue person is overwhelmed?
30. Pay the boarding fees to board a dog for a week? Two weeks?
31. Be a Santi-paws foster to give the foster a break for a few hours
or days?
32. Clip coupons for dog food or treats?
33. Bake some homemade doggie biscuits?
34. Make book purchases through Amazon via a web site that contributes
commissions earned to a rescue group?
35. Host rescue photos with an information link on your website?
36. Donate time to take good photos of foster dogs for adoption flyers, etc.?
37. Conduct a home visit or accompany a rescue person on the home
visit?
38. Go with rescue person to the vet to help if there is more than one dog?
39. Have a yard sale and donate the money to rescue?
40. Be volunteer to do rescue in your area?
41. Take advantage of a promotion on the web or store offering a free
ID tag & instead of getting it for your own dog, have the tag inscribed with your Club's name & ph # to contact?
42. Talk to all your friends about adopting and fostering rescue dogs?
43. Donate vet services or donate a spay or neuter each year or some
vaccinations?
44. Interview vets to encourage them to offer discounts to rescues?
45. Write a column for your local newspaper or club newsletter on dogs on dogs currently looking for homes or ways to help rescue?
46. Take photos of dogs available for adoption for use by the Club?
47. Maintain web sites listing/showing dogs available?
48. Help organize and run fundraising events?
49. Help maintain paperwork files associated with each dog or enter
info into a database?
50. Tattoo a rescued dog?
51. Microchip a rescued dog?
52. Loan your carpet steamcleaner to someone who fostered a dog that
was sick or marked in the house?
53. Donate a bottle of bleach or other cleaning products?
54. Donate or loan a portable dog run to someone who doesn't have a
quarantine area for quarantining a dog that has an unknown vaccination
history and has been in a shelter?
55. Drive fosters' children to an activity so the foster can take the
dog to obedience class?
56. Use your video camera to film a rescue dog in action?
57. Pay the cost of taking a dog to obedience class?
58. Be the one to take the dog to its obedience class?
59. Go to the foster home once a wk with your children & dogs to help
socialize the dog?
60. Help the foster clean up the yard (yes, we also have to scoop what foster dogs poop)
61. Offer to test the foster dog with cats?
62. Pay for the dog to be groomed or take the dog to a *Do It Yourself* Grooming Place?
63. Bring the foster take out so the foster doesn't have to cook
dinner?
64. Pay house-cleaning service to do spring cleaning for someone who
fosters dogs?
65. Lend your artistic talents to your club's newsletter, fundraising
ideas, t-shirt designs?
66. Donate printer paper, envelopes and stamps to your club?
67. Go with a rescue person to the vet if a foster dog needs to be
euthanized?
68. Go to local shelters & meet w/shelter staff abt how to identify
your breed or provide photos & breed info showing the different types of that breed may come in & the different color combinations?
69. Go to local businesses and solicit donations for a club's
fundraising event?
70. Offer to try and help owners be better pet owners by holding a
grooming seminar?
71. Help pet owners be better pet owners by being avail to answer
training
questions?
72. Loan a crate if a dog needs to travel by air?
73. Put together an Owner's Manual* for those who adopt rescued dogs of your breed?
74. Provide post-adoption follow up or support?
75. Donate a coupon for a free car wash or gas or inside cleaning of a
vehicle?
76. Pay for an ad in your local/metropolitan paper to help place rescue dogs?
77. Volunteer to screen calls for that ad?
78. Get some friends together to build/repair pens for a foster home?
79. Microchip your own pups if you are a breeder, and register the
chips, so if your dogs ever come into rescue, you can be contacted to take responsibility for your pup?
80. Donate a small percentage of the sale of each pup to rescue if you are a breeder?
81. Buy two of those really neat dog-items you "have to have" and
donate one to Rescue?
82. Make financial arrangements in your will to cover the cost of
caring for your dogs after you are gone - so Rescue won't have to?
83. Make a bequest in your will to your local or national Rescue?
84. Donate your professional services as an accountant or lawyer?
85. Donate other services if you run your own business?
86. Donate the use of a vehicle if you own a car dealership?
87. Loan your cell phone (and cover costs for any calls) to s/one
driving a rescued dog?
88. Donate your *used* dog dryer when you get a new one?
89. Let rescue know when you'll be flying & you'd be willing to be a
rescue dog's escort?
90. Donate a doggy seatbelt?
91. Donate a grid for a van or other vehicle?
92. Organize a rescued dog picnic or other event to reunite rescued
dogs that have been placed?
93. Donate other types of doggy toys that might be safe for rescued
dogs?
94. Donate a roll-a-treat or Buster cube?
95. Donate clickers or a video on clicker training?
96. Donate materials for a quarantine area at a fosters home?
97. Donate sheets of linoleum or other flooring matls to put under
crates to protect fosters floor?
98. Donate an engraving tool to make ID tags for each of the rescued
dogs?
99. Remember that rescuing a dog involves the effort and time of many
people and make yourself available on an emergency basis to do *whatever* is needed?
100. Do something not listed above to help rescue?
**gently-used dog equipment is always welcomed.

Every animal shelter needs you, Please give to your local shelter.

How to train your cat

2011-10-14T11:47:00.000-07:00

Why Do We Train Cats?

Why do we train cats? Training cats is usually done for one of four reasons:

To housebreak the cat
To tame a feral cat
To correct objectionable (bad) behavior developed in the cat
To make the cat perform

Each reason is valid in its' context.

Housebreaking includes litter box, sleeping arrangements, counters and furniture, scratching posts, other pets and family members, feeding times.

Usually, a kitten learns the acceptable behaviors "by osmosis" as it grows up in the home. Most people have little difficulty with this. However; when you adopt an adult cat, your cat has different house rules than you do; and this cause friction. The cat must be retrained.

A Feral Cat must be tamed before housebreaking can occur. Taming a feral cat includes developing trust. This is not the easiest thing to do after a cat has been trapped, altered and given vaccinations. The poor thing is probably delirious with fear. Patience is the key. Let the cat lead this dance. If you plan to tame the cat, do not let it loose again after the trapping and vet visit. The cat will not be taken in again.

Correcting Objectionable Behavior calls into play a lot of training and behavioral scienceknowledge. Operant Conditioning is outlined and discussed. Each behavior needs to be addressed separately, and the measures used to correct one behavior may exacerbate another. The specifics of this are discussed. Clicker training is promoted, as this is the easiest way to train your cat. However, not all cats respond positively to the clicker, and you can ask the Cat Whisperer for help with these cats.

Training to Perform is a simple cycle of the task or trick, mark, reward and repeat. The hardest part is getting the cat to do the behavior the first time. The more often you associate the word or action on your part with the action desired from the cat, the more ingrained the behavior will be. Read the Operant Conditioning page for more information.

Occasionally, we all need a less expensive or more expedient item to discipline our cats. Also, not everyone wants to be a full-time cat trainer. So, in response to this, here are some ideas and tools you can use.

Basic Cat Training

Every pet owner knows that if you and your pet have the same rules, the household is much happier. For this, we use basic cat training. For instance, is there a place you do not want your cats? Perhaps the kitchen counter? What about those plants that could be harmful to your cat?So, to help with getting the rules straight for everyone, here are some ideas:

Decide where your cat is definately not allowed to be.
Obstacles. Use items that will disturb the stealth qualities your cat naturally exhibits, like a stack of empty soda cans around a plant or bells hung from the lower limbs and leaves. By breaking your cat's concentration and making a noise, these measures can be quite effective.
Deterrents. Use things that are unpleasant to your cat. Double-sided tape or Sticky Paws are effective. There are also Best Behavior by Nature's Miracle chemical treatments that can be used.
Re-direct attention. When you catch your kitty doing something you don't want it to do, redirect the cat's attention by giving it something it is permitted to have or play with. A string, ball or other toy.
Removal. Take your cat away from the area or take the item away from your cat.
Rewards. Give a Treat for good behavior along with a "good cat" or other endearing talk. Try not to reward expected behavior like using the litter box; but if this is a problem, a couple of reinforcements won't hurt.
Withdraw attention. If your cat is doing something you don't want it to do, but the behavior is more annoying than dangerous, withdraw your attention. Many cats will do things because you laugh or pay attention to them when they exhibit the behavior. By withdrawing your attention, the cat will find something else. Most likely, however, the cat wants your attention and will continue to act out until you play with it or cuddle it.
Tell your cat "no." Simply tellling your cat to stop may be effective in many instances. I find that by telling my cats to get down or saying "no," they behave nicely. Many cats understand human speech to an extent, and can put together the sounds they hear with the behavior that is required. The longer you live with your cat, the more pronounced this will become.
Calling your cat to you. Over time, as the cat comes to know and trust you, you may be able to call your cat to you. A scratch behind the ears should always be given. My cats come when called, expecting a cuddle or treat. I can then pick them up and give them medicine or groom them. The cuddle is the trick.
Never, ever hit or strike your cat! Not only is this cruel, but the cat learns that you are not to be trusted. They come to fear you and may start other objectionable behaviors, either in retaliation or out of fear and anxiety. Even a raised voice can cause this reaction cycle. The cat may leave your home given the chance, to find a more pleasing one.

Sometimes gadgets can help, so here are a few suggestions. Keep in mind that you don't overdo anything here...you want to teach the cat not scare him.

And don't use these ideas in any way to entertain yourself

1. Using clean water in a squirt bottle from a distance, spray kitty during the course of his wrong doing. Combine with an audible cue like the word "No" or "Stop."

2. Homemade booby traps that make noise when kitty is doing or getting ready to do something you don't want him to do. For Example, stack empty cans around the plants.

3. A very small blast of canned air at the hiney. Use air cans made to clean pc's.

4. A shaker made to create a scary sound whenever kitty attempts to do wrong. For example, a few bottle caps in a baby food jar or pennies in an empty soda can.

5. I have even gone as far as wrapping the sofa in bubble wrap when introducing a new kitty into the house. They scratch, it pops, they jump! Granted...one cat actually thought it was amusing to pop the wrap.

6. A simple touch on the kitties nose with the word "no." Cats hate to have their noses tapped.

Before you discipline your cat, be sure the behavior would be objectionable in another circumstance. For instance: if your cat is digging in the potted plant to go potty, check the litter box as it may need to be cleaned. Get into the mind of your cat and be sure that the objectionable behavior is truly objectionable. If not, re-direct the cat's attention to something it can do instead. This takes creativity on your part, and your cat may be stubborn, but keep at it. Eventually, your cat will get the idea and move on to a more acceptable behavior.

How to Talk to Your Cat

I believe that cats are more intelligent than most of us humans. I've seen some amazing behaviors in my relations with them. But they seem to be limited by speech. In particular - our speech. We slur, whistle, use accents and slang, scream the words so that even humans can't understand what we are saying, get emotional and put too much force behind our communication - so it's got to be difficult for a cat to understand us. Yet, they seem to "catch on" with time. They can build an impressive vocabulary of 15,000 words or more. That's more words than the typical 5 year old child! With training, the number of words goes up.

So, how do you start? Speak the same word with the same emphasis on the same syllable each time. Use all of you to talk to your cat. I use pictures in my head of the desired behavior along with the words. For some reason this seems to get the idea across to the cat more easily. Try this:Your cat is on the counter or table where he or she gets all the time and is not supposed to be! Got it?

For more Info on cats visit:http://www.for-the-love-of-cats.com/index.html

Fun Fact:

A cats brain and intelligence level is at the ratio of 4:1 where a human is 50:1. A measuring comparison is to take the brain weight to the length of the spinal cord. This shows how much gray matter controls the body.

That means that cats are much smarter than people pound for pound! And you thought kitty was just another pretty furry thing...

How to stop your dog from biting, chewing, barking,and anxiety

2011-10-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

Here are five tips to help ease separation anxiety:

1. Before you leave, go for a walk.

Start the day by providing vigorous exercise. Then reward your dog's calm-submissive energy with food and water. Some dogs may need to rest before eating, but all dogs can benefit from hydration. The idea is to leave your dog in quiet, resting mode while you are away.

2. No touch, no talk, no eye contact.

Don't make a big deal when you leave for the day or when you return. This way, you are communicating to your dog that the time apart is no big deal. It's just business as usual! Depending on the severity of the dog anxiety, you may need to practice the rule for five minutes or up to an hour before you leave and when you get back.

3. Say goodbye long before you leave.

Having trouble practicing "no touch, no talk, no eye contact"? Take a moment to share affection and tell your dog that you will miss him way before you actually leave. Keep in mind that this display is for you - not your dog! Your dog won't have his feelings hurt if you didn't say goodbye.

4. Stay calm and assertive!

When you are ready to go to work, leave those guilty, nervous, and concerned feelings behind. Instead, let your dog know that everything is going to be okay by projecting the confident energy of a pack leader. A calm and assertive leader can ease all separation anxiety.

5. Start out small.

Leave your dog alone for five minutes. Then, extend the time to twenty minutes; then an hour. Continue to increase the time you spend away until you can leave for a full eight hours with no problem!

5 Main Reasons Dogs Bite

2. Dog Fear. Fear is usually directed towards strangers such as veterinarians and postal workers or in unfamiliar situations. Never approach an unfamiliar dog and teach your children to do the same. Fear bites can occur when a dog is startled at home therefore teach children never to sneak up on a dog or bother a sleeping dog. Early socialization is important so that the young dog is exposed to many different people, animals and situations minimizing the risk of a phobia developing. For example, make your first visit to the vet a simple social visit to get a feel for the clinic and meet the veterinary staff. Leave some treats and a note in the mailbox asking your postal worker to give a treat to your puppy.

Dog Bite Warning Signs

Dog Bite Prevention

Dog bite prevention begins at home with your own dog by being a responsible dog owner. If you do not intend to breed your dog then having them spayed or neutered will help decrease the risk of bite related behaviors. Exercise and play with your dog on a regular basis to reinforce the human-animal bond and to expend excess energy that might otherwise be directed towards nervous energy. However, avoid aggressive games such as wrestling and tug of war which can lead to dominance issues. Train your dog well, they should know the basic commands such as sit, stay, come and leave it. Don’t allow your dog to roam free where they can be a danger to other people. Do try to socialize your dog and expose him to many different people and situations but take care not to overwhelm him. Keep your vaccinations up to date for a worst case scenario. In most states a dog can be destroyed if they bite someone and they are not up to date on vaccines. Seek professional help from your veterinarian if your dog shows any signs of aggression. If you have children take the time to educate them on how to act around dogs, what to watch for and what to do if a dog attacks.

Here are the five steps you should take to correct inappropriate dog chewing

1. Rule out medical problems. The first step is to make sure that your puppy does not have any serious medical problems. Nutritional deficiencies caused by poor diet and/or intestinal parasitism can lead to pica which may be misconstrued as inappropriate chewing. Gastrointestinal problems may cause nausea which can trigger chewing as a coping mechanism. Therefore it is important to make an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out an underlying medical condition that may be causing or contributing to the dog chewing.

Read more from the incredible Cesar Millan The Dog Whisperer. Click below
http://www.cesarsway.com/dogbehavio.

Companies that still test on animals

2011-10-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

WHY waste your money on these companies, when there are so many companies out there trying to earn your money without causing agonizing pain on animals. With proctor and gamble, johnson and johnson, clorox and l'oreal being the biggest culprits....

The following companies manufacture products that ARE tested on animals. Please encourage them to announce a permanent ban. Listed in parentheses are examples of products manufactured by either the company listed or, if applicable, its parent company.

Legend
Ƈ The company is currently observing a moratorium on animal testing.

1. 3M 3M Corporate Headquarters, 3M Center, St. Paul, Minnesota 55144-1000; 1-888-364-3577;
www.solutions.3m.com

2. Acuvue (Johnson & Johnson) Customer Relations, D-QA, 7500 Centurion Parkway, Jacksonville, Florida 32256;
(800) 843-2020; www.acuvue.com/

3. Aim (Church & Dwight) P.O. Box 1625, Horsham, Pennsylvania 19044-6625; 800-524-1328;
www.churchdwight.com/Conprods/oralcare/

4. Air Wick (Reckitt Benckiser) Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, 103 - 105 Bath Road, Slough, SL1 3UH United
Kingdom ; 1-800-820-8939; www.airwick.us/access/index.html
Alberto-Culver (Unilever) , , ; 708-450-3000;

5. Always (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745;
www.always.com/index.jsp

6. Ambi (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933; 1-888-879-2624;
www.ambiflawlessskin.com/

7. Aquafresh (GlaxoSmithKline) , , ; 800-897-7535; www.aquafresh.com/
Arm & Hammer (Church & Dwight) P.O. Box 1625, Horsham, Pennsylvania 19044-6625; 800-524-1328;
www.armhammer.com

8. Armor All (Clorox) 1221 Broadway, Oakland, California 94612; 510-271-7000; 800-227-1860;
www.armorall.com/

9. Arrid (Church & Dwight) P.O. Box 1625, Horsham, Pennsylvania 19044-6625; 800-524-1328; www.arrid.com/

10. Aussie (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745;
www.aussie.com/us/index.jsp

11. Aveeno (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933; 732-524-0400;
www.aveeno.com/

12. Avon Products, Inc. 1345 Ave. of the Americas, New York, New York 10105; 212-282-5000; 800-367-2866;
www.avon.com

13. Axe (Unilever) 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632; 212-888-1260; 800-598-1223;
www.theaxeeffect.com/flash.html

14. Band-Aid (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933;
1-866-565-2873; www.bandaid.com/index.jsp

15. ƇBic Corporation One Bic Way, Ste. 1, Shelton, Connecticut 06484; 203-783-2000; www.bicworld.com

16. Biotherm (L'Oreal) 575 Fifth Ave., New York, New York 10017; 212-818-1500; www.biotherm.com/index.htm

17.Blue Buffalo P.O. Box 770, Wilton, Connecticut 06897; 800-919-2833; www.bluebuffalo.com/

18. Boyle-Midway (Reckitt & Benckiser) 2 Wickman Rd., Toronto, ON, Canada, M8Z 5M5; 416-255-2300;

19. Braun (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 1-800-272-8611;
www.braun.com/us/home.html

20. Cacharel (L'Oreal) 575 Fifth Ave., New York, New York 10017; 212-818-1500; www.cacharel.com/index.aspx#
21. Calgon (Reckitt Benckiser) Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, 103 - 105 Bath Road, Slough, SL1 3UH United Kingdom
; 1-800-228-4722; www.calgon.co.uk/

22. Carefree (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933; 1-877-408-7223;
www.carefreeliners.com/

23. Chapstick (Pfizer) P.O. Box 26609, Richmond, Virginia 23261; 800-322-3129; www.chapstick.com/

24. Christina Aguilera Perfumes (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202;
513-983-1100; 800-543-1745; www.christina-aguilera-perfumes.com/

25. Church & Dwight (Arm & Hammer) P.O. Box 1625, Horsham, Pennsylvania 19044-6625; 800-524-1328;
www.churchdwight.com

26. Clairol (Procter & Gamble) 1 Blachley Rd., Stamford, Connecticut 06922; 800-252-4765; www.clairol.com

27. Clean & Clear (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933;
732-524-0400; www.cleanandclear.com/

28. Clearasil (Reckitt Benckiser) Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, 103 - 105 Bath Road, Slough, SL1 3UH United
Kingdom ; 1-800-228-4722; www.clearasil.us/

29. Clorox 1221 Broadway, Oakland, California 94612; 510-271-7000; 800-227-1860; www.clorox.com

30. Close-up (Church & Dwight) P.O. Box 1625, Horsham, Pennsylvania 19044-6625; 800-524-1328;
www.churchdwight.com

31. Colgate-Palmolive Co. 300 Park Ave., New York, New York 10022; 212-310-2000; 800-221-4607;
www.colgate.com

32. Comfort (Unilever) Unilever United States, Inc, 800 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632; +1 201
894 7760; www.unilever.co.uk/brands/homecarebrands/co

33. Coppertone (Schering-Plough) 1 Giralda Farms, Madison, New Jersey 07940-1000; 201-822-7000; 800-842-4090;
www.coppertone.com/coppertone/index.jsp

34. Crest (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745;
www.crest.com/home/index.jsp

35. Dad's Pet Care , , New York ; 814-724-7710; www.dadspetcare.com/about_us/contact_us.htm
DDF (Procter & Gamble) DDF Consumer Relations, P.O. Box 559, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201; 1-800-818-9770;
www.ddfskincare.com/default.aspx

36. Dial Corporation 15101 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 5028, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254-2199; 800-528-0849;
www.dialcorp.com

37. DOLCE & GABBANA (Procter & Gamble) 148 Lafayette Street, New York, New York 10013; 212-750-0055;

38. Dove (Unilever) 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632; 212-888-1260; 800-598-1223;
www.dove.us/

39. Downy (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745;
www.downy.com/

40. Drano (S.C. Johnson) 1525 Howe St., Racine, Wisconsin 53403; 414-260-2000; 800-494-4855; www.drano.com/

41. Dry Idea (Dial) 15101 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 5028, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254-2199; 800-528-0849;
www.dryidea.com/dryidea/

42. Dunhill Fragrances (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100;
800-543-1745; www.dunhillfragrances.com/en/index.htm

43. Easy-Off (Reckitt Benckiser) 1655 Valley Rd., Wayne, New Jersey 07474-0943; 973-633-3600; 800-232-9665;
www.easyoff.us/

44. Edge (S.C. Johnson) 1525 Howe St., Racine, Wisconsin 53403; 414-260-2000; 800-494-4855;
www.edgeshave.com/

45. Escada Fragrances (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100;
800-543-1745; www.escada-fragrances.com/

46. Este Lauder 767 Fifth Ave., New York, New York 10153; 212-572-4200; 888-378-3359; www.esteelauder.com

47. Ever Clean (Clorox) 1221 Broadway, Oakland, California 94612; (510) 271-7000; www.everclean.com/

48. Fantastik (S.C. Johnson) 1525 Howe St., Racine, Wisconsin 53403; 414-260-2000; 800-494-4855;
www.fantastik.com/

49. Febreze (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745;
www.febreze.com/en_US/home.do

50.Fekkai (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 866-514-8048; www.fekkai.com/

51. Finish (Reckitt Benckiser) Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, 103 - 105 Bath Road, Slough, SL1 3UH United Kingdom
; 1-800-228-4722; www.finishdishwashing.com/

52. Formula 409 (Clorox) 1221 Broadway, Oakland, California 94612; 800-227-1860; www.formula409.com/

53. Fresh Step (Clorox) 1221 Broadway, Oakland, California 94612; 510-271-7000; 800-227-1860;
www.freshstep.com/

54. Garnier (L'Oreal) 575 Fifth Ave., New York, New York 10017; 212-818-1500; www.garnier.com/index2.aspx

55. Gillette Co.(Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745;
www.gillette.com

56. Giorgio Armani (L'Oreal) 575 Fifth Ave., New York, New York 10017; 212-818-1500;
www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

57. Glad (Clorox) 1221 Broadway, Oakland, California 94612; 510-271-7000; 800-227-1860; www.glad.com/

58. Glade (S.C. Johnson) 1525 Howe St., Racine, Wisconsin 53403; 414-260-2000; 800-494-4855; www.glade.com
59. Green Works (Clorox) 1221 Broadway, Oakland, California 94612; (510) 271-7000;
www.greenworkscleaners.com/
60. Gucci Fragrances (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100;
800-543-1745; www.gucci.com/us/home
61. Halo (Procter & Gamble) 6109 DeSoto Avenue, Woodland Hills, California 91367; 1 800 935 5273;
www.pgsalonpro.com/
62. Head & Shoulders (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100;
800-543-1745; www.headandshoulders.com/default.jsp
63. Helena Rubinstein (L'Oreal) 575 Fifth Ave., New York, New York 10017; 212-818-1500;
www.helenarubinstein.com/_int/_en/#
64. Helene Curtis Industries 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632; 800-621-2013;
www.helenecurtis.com
65. Herbal Essences (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100;
800-543-1745; www.herbalessences.com/us/
66. Hugo Boss (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; +49 (0) 7123 94-0;
www.hugoboss.com/us/en/collection.php

67. Iams (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 800-675-3849; www.iams.com

68. Ivory (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745;
www.ivory.com/

69. Johnson & Johnson 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933; 732-524-0400; www.jnj.com

70. Johnson's (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933; 866-565-2229;
www.johnsonsbaby.com//

71. Joy (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745;
www.pg.com

72. K.Y. (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933; 1-877-592-7263;
www.k-y.com/index_us.jsp#

73. Kaboom (Church & Dwight) P.O. Box 1625, Horsham, Pennsylvania 19044-6625; 800-524-1328;
www.kaboomkaboom.com/index.m

74. Kerastase (L'Oreal) L'Oreal USA, 575 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10017; 1-877-254-9949;
www.kerastase-usa.com/_en/_us/conso/home/ho

75. Kiehl's (L'Oreal) , , ; 1-800-543-4572; www.kiehls.com/

76. L'Oreal USA 575 Fifth Ave., New York, New York 10017; 212-818-1500; www.loreal.com

77. Lacoste Fragrances (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100;
800-543-1745; www.lacoste-parfums.com/

78. Lanc{me (L'Oreal) 575 Fifth Ave., New York, New York 10017; 212-818-1500;
www.lancome-usa.com/?SESSIONID=

79. LaRoche Posay (L'Oreal) L'Oreal USA, 575 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10017; 1-212-818-1500;
www.laroche-posay.us/_us/_en/consumer/home/

80. Lever Bros. (Unilever) 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632; 212-888-1260; 800-598-1223;
www.unilever.com

81. Liquid Plumr (Clorox) 1221 Broadway, Oakland, California 94612; 510-271-7000; 800-227-1860;
www.liquidplumr.com/

82. Listerine (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933; 732-524-0400;
www.listerine.com/

83. Lubriderm (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933; 732-524-0400;
www.lubriderm.com/

84. Lux (Unilever) 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632; 212-888-1260; 800-598-1223;
www.unilever.com/ourbrands/personalcare/Lux

85. Lysol (Reckitt Benckiser) 1655 Valley Rd., Wayne, New Jersey 07474-0943; 973-633-3600; 800-232-9665;
www.lysol.com/

86. Mary Kay 16251 N. Dallas Pkwy., P.O. Box 799045, Dallas, Texas 75379-9045; 972-687-6300; 800-627-9529;
www.marykay.com

87. Matrix Essentials (L'Oreal) 575 Fifth Ave., New York, New York 10017; 212-818-1500;
www.matrixbeautiful.com/

88. Max Factor (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100;
800-543-1745; www.maxfactor.com/

89. Maybelline (L'Oreal) 575 Fifth Ave., New York, New York 10017; 212-818-1500; www.maybelline.com/

90. Mead Courthouse Plaza N.E., Dayton, Ohio 45463; 937-495-3312; www.mead.com

91. Melaleuca 3910 S. Yellowstone Hwy., Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402-6003; 208-522-0700; www.melaleuca.com

92. Mennen (Colgate-Palmolive Co.) 300 Park Ave., New York, New York 10022; 212-310-2000; 800-221-4607;
www.colgate.com

93. Mentadent (Church & Dwight) P.O. Box 1625, Horsham, Pennsylvania 19044-6625; 800-524-1328;
www.mentadent.com/

94. Merck One Merck Drive, P.O. Box 100, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey 08889-0100; 908-423-1000;
www.merck.com/

95. Mizani (L'Oreal) MIZANI, 575 Fifth Avenue, New York, 10017; 877-726-3624; www.mizani-usa.com/

96. Mop & Glo (Reckitt Benckiser) 1655 Valley Rd., Wayne, New Jersey 07474-0943; 973-633-3600; 800-232-9665;
www.reckittbenckiser.com

97. Mr. Clean (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745;
www.mrclean.com/en_US/index.shtml

98. Nair (Church & Dwight) P.O. Box 1625, Horsham, Pennsylvania 19044-6625; 800-524-1328; www.naircare.com/

99. Natural Instincts (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 1-800-252-4765;
www.clairol.com/naturalinstincts/index.jsp

100. Nature's Source (SC Johnson) SC Johnson, 1525 Howe Street, Racine, Wisconsin 53403; 1-800-494-4855;
www.naturessourcecleaners.com/

101. Neutrogena (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933;
732-524-0400; www.neutrogena.com/

102. New Dana Perfumes 470 Oakhill Rd., Crestwood Industrial Park, Mountaintop, Pennsylvania 18707;
570-474-6701; 800-822-8547;

103. Nice n Easy (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 1-800-252-4765;
www.clairol.com/niceneasy/index.jsp

104. Off (S.C.Johnson) 1525 Howe St., Racine, Wisconsin 53403; 414-260-2000; 800-494-4855; www.offprotects.com/

105. Olay (Procter & Gamble) P.O. Box 599, Cincinnati, Ohio 45201; 800-543-1745; www.oilofolay.com

106.Old English (Reckitt Benckiser) 1655 Valley Rd., Wayne, New Jersey 07474-0943; 973-633-3600; 800-232-9665;
www.oldenglishpolish.com/

107.Old Spice (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745;
www.oldspice.com/

108. Oomph! (Clorox) 1221 Broadway, Oakland, California 94612; (510) 271-7000; www.stp-oomph.com/

109. Oral-B (Procter & Gamble) 600 Clipper Dr., Belmont, California 94002-4119; 415-598-5000; www.oralb.com

110. Oust (SC Johnson) SC Johnson, 1525 Howe Street, Racine, Wisconsin 53403; 1-800-494-4855; www.oust.com/

111.OxiClean (Church & Dwight) P.O. Box 1625, Horsham, Pennsylvania 19044-6625; 800-524-1328;
www.oxiclean.com/default2.asp

112. Palmolive (Colgate-Palmolive Co.) 300 Park Ave., New York, New York 10022; 212-310-2000; 800-221-4607;
www.colgate.com/app/Palmolive/US/EN/HomePag

113. Pampers (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745;
www.pampers.com/en_US/home.do

114. Pantene (Procter & Gamble) Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 800-945-7768; www.pantene.com

115. Pearl Drops (Church & Dwight) P.O. Box 1625, Horsham, Pennsylvania 19044-6625; 800-524-1328;
www.pearldrops.com/

116. Pfizer (delete) 235 E. 42nd St., New York, New York 10017-5755; 212-573-2323; www.pfizer.com

117. Physique (Procter & Gamble) One Procter & Gamble Plz., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 800-214-8957;
www.physique.com

118. Pine-Sol (Clorox) 1221 Broadway, Oakland, California 94612; 510-271-7000; 800-227-1860;
www.pinesol.com/index.shtml

119. Piz Buin (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933; 0845 601 5792;
www.pizbuin.com/en/welcome

120. Pledge (S.C. Johnson) 1525 Howe St., Racine, Wisconsin 53403; 414-260-2000; 800-494-4855; www.pledge.com/

121.Ponds (Unilever) 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632; 800-909-9493; www.ponds.com

122.Procter & Gamble 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745;
www.pg.com

123.Puffs (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745;
www.puffs.com/en_US/pages/home.shtml

124. Purell (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933; 1-800-223-0182;
www.purell.com/

125. Purex (Dial) 15101 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 5028, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254-2199; 800-528-0849; www.purex.com/

126. Purpose (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933; 1-866-344-4848;
www.purposeskincare.com/

127. Raid (S.C. Johnson) 1525 Howe St., Racine, Wisconsin 53403; 414-260-2000; 800-494-4855;
www.killsbugsdead.com/

128. Ralph Lauren Fragrances (L'oreal) 575 Fifth Ave., New York, New York 10017; 212-818-1500;
www.ralphlauren.com/shop/index.jsp?category

129. Reach (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933; 1-866-732-2482;
www.reachbrand.com/

130. Reckitt Benckiser 1655 Valley Rd., Wayne, New Jersey 07474-0943; 973-633-3600; 800-232-9665;
www.reckittbenckiser.com

131.Redken (L'Oreal) 575 Fifth Ave., New York, New York 10017; 212-818-1500; www.redken.com/international/

132. Rembrandt (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933;
732-524-0400; www.rembrandt.com/

133.ReNu (Bausch + Lomb) One Bausch & Lomb Place, Rochester, New York 14604-2701; 585-338-6000;
www.bausch.com/

134. Renuzit (Dial) 15101 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 5028, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254-2199; 800-528-0849;
www.renuzit.com/

135.Resolve (Reckitt Benckiser) 1655 Valley Rd., Wayne, New Jersey 07474-0943; 973-633-3600; 800-232-9665;
www.reckittbenckiser.com

136. Rid-X (Reckitt Benckiser) Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, 103 - 105 Bath Road, Slough, SL1 3UH United Kingdom ;
1-800-228-4722; www.rid-x.com/index.shtml

137. Right Guard (Dial) 15101 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 5028, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254-2199; 800-528-0849;
www.rightguard.com/

138. ROC (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933; 732-524-0400;
www.rocskincare.com/index_roc.jsp

139.Rogaine (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933; 1-800-223-0182;
www.rogaine.com/

140. S.C. Johnson 1525 Howe St., Racine, Wisconsin 53403; 414-260-2000; 800-494-4855; www.scjbrands.com

141. S.O.S. (Clorox) 1221 Broadway, Oakland, California 94612; 510-271-7000; 800-227-1860; www.clorox.com

142. Savlon (Johnson & Johnson) Wimblehurst Road, Horsham, RH12 5AB United Kingdom ; +44 (0)1403 210211;
www.novartis.co.uk

143. Schering-Plough (Merck) 1 Giralda Farms, Madison, New Jersey 07940-1000; 201-822-7000; 800-842-4090;
www.sch-plough.com

144. Scoop Away (Clorox) 1221 Broadway, Oakland, California 94612; (510) 271-7000; www.scoopaway.com/

145. Scope (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745;
www.getclose.com/

146. Scrubbing Bubbles (S.C. Johnson) 1525 Howe St., Racine, Wisconsin 53403; 414-260-2000; 800-494-4855;
www.scrubbingbubbles.com/

147. Sebastian Professional (Procter & Gamble) Wella/Sebastian Canada Inc., 5800 Avebury Rd. Unit #1,
Mississauga, Ontario L5R 3M3 Canada ; 800-935-5273; www.sebastianprofessional.com/en_US/

148. Secret (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745;
www.secret-deodorant.com/SecretGlobal.do

149. Sensodyne (GlaxoSmithKline) , , ; 866-844-2797;

150.Shiseido Cosmeitcs 5-5, Ginza 7-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 1040061 Japan ; 212-805-2300; www.shiseido.com/

151.Shout (S.C. Johnson) 1525 Howe St., Racine, Wisconsin 53403; 414-260-2000; 800-494-4855;
www.shoutitout.com/

152.Shower to Shower (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933;
1-866-274-6937; www.showertoshower.com/index.jsp

153.Shu Uemura(L'Oreal) L'Oreal USA, 575 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10017; 1-888-748-5678;
www.shuuemura-usa.com/

154. Signal (Unilever) 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632; 212-888-1260; 800-598-1223;
www.unilever.com

155.SK-II (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 1-866-678-1770; www.sk-ii.com/

156. Skin ID (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933; 1-866-742-0201;
www.skinid.com/econsumer/clearskin/index.vi

157. Skintimate (S.C. Johnson) 1525 Howe St., Racine, Wisconsin 53403; 414-260-2000; 800-494-4855;
www.skintimate.com/

158. Soft & Dri (Dial) 15101 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 5028, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254-2199; 800-528-0849;
www.softndri.com/softndri/home.html

159.Soft Scrub (Dial) 15101 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 5028, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254-2199; 800-528-0849;
www.softscrub.com/

160. SoftSheen (L'Oreal) 575 Fifth Ave., New York, New York 10017; 212-818-1500;
www.softsheen-carson.com/_us/_en/index.aspx

161. Softsoap (Colgate-Palmolive Co.) 300 Park Ave., New York, New York 10022; 212-310-2000; 800-221-4607;
www.softsoap.com

162.Speed Stick (Colgate-Palmolive Co.) 300 Park Ave., New York, New York 10022; 212-310-2000; 800-221-4607;
www.colgate.com

163.Spray 'N Wash (Reckitt Benckiser) 1655 Valley Rd., Wayne, New Jersey 07474-0943; 973-633-3600;
800-232-9665; www.spraynwash.com/

164. Stayfree (Johnson & Johnson) 1 Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933; 1-888-782-9373;
www.stayfree.com/#

165. Suave (Unilever) 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632; 212-888-1260; 800-598-1223;
www.suave.com/

166. Sunlight (Unilever) 800 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632; +1 201 894 7760;
www.unilever.com/brands/homecarebrands/sunl

167. Sunsilk (Unilever) 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632; 212-888-1260; 800-598-1223;
www.sunsilk.com/Landing.aspx

168. Surf (Unilever) 800 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632; +1 201 894 7760;
www.unilever.com/brands/homecarebrands/surf

169. Swiffer (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745;
www.swiffer.com/swiffer/en_US/home.do

170. Tide (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745;
www.tide.com/en_US/index.jsp

171. Tilex (Clorox) 1221 Broadway, Oakland, California 94612; 510-271-7000; 800-227-1860; www.tilex.com/

172.Unilever 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632; 212-888-1260; 800-598-1223; www.unilever.com

173. Vaseline (Unilever) 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632; 212-888-1260; 800-598-1223;
www.vaseline.com/

174. Veet (Reckitt Benckiser) 1655 Valley Rd., Wayne, New Jersey 07474-0943; 973-633-3600; 800-232-9665;
www.veet.com/

175. Vichy (L'Oreal) 575 Fifth Ave., New York, New York 10017; 212-818-1500; www.vichyusa.com

176. Vicks (Procter & Gamble) Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745;
www.pg.com

177. Vidal Sasson (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100;
800-543-1745; www.sassoon.com/

178. Viktor & Rolf (L'Oreal) L'Oreal USA, 575 Fifth Avenue, New York, 10017 ; 1-212-818-1500;
www.viktor-rolf.com/_en/_ww/index.htm

179.Walgreens 200 Wilmot Rd., Deerfield, Illinois 60015; 800-925-4733; www.walgreens.com

180.Windex (S.C. Johnson) 1525 Howe St., Racine, Wisconsin 53403; 414-260-2000; 800-494-4855;
www.windex.com/

181.Woolite (Reckitt Benckiser) 1655 Valley Rd., Wayne, New Jersey 07474-0943; 973-633-3600; 800-232-9665;
www.woolite.com/

182. Zest (Procter & Gamble) 1 Procter & Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745;
www.zest.com/

183. Bain de Soleil (Schering-Plough) 1 Giralda Farms, Madison, New Jersey 07940-1000; 201-822-7000;
800-842-4090; www.baindesoleil.com/

Feng Shui and Your Mood

2011-10-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

Understanding the Principles of Feng Shui

Your personal energy flow affects how you think and act, which in turn affects how well you perform and succeed in your personal and professional life. Feng Shui affects your every moment of the day — whether you're aware of it or not. Feng Shui (pronounced "fung shway") examines how the placement of things and objects within it affect the energy flow in your living environment, and how these objects interact with and influence

Everyone appreciates the benefits of beautiful, comfortable living environments; America's billion-dollar interior decorating industry attests to this fact. However, Feng Shui takes the approach that your surroundings affect not just your level of material comfort but also your physical and mental health, your relationships, and your worldly success.

As you begin to discover more about Feng Shui, remember that you need to have an open mind and should use the methods that are most comfortable for your particular circumstances.

Demystifying Feng Shui

If you've already read a bit about Feng Shui, you may be somewhat confused by the seemingly contradictory advice you've encountered. People who are unfamiliar with this method may have some misconceptions and apprehension.

Feng Shui is not

A get-rich-quick method of Asian interior design that guarantees impossible results for mystically rearranging your furniture

A superstitious or magical belief system, or a New Age fad that disconnects you from reality or from your daily life

A simple home and garden makeover

A quick fix to be tackled in one afternoon

A luxury only the rich and famous can afford

So the million-dollar question is, what is Feng Shui?

On the surface, Feng Shui is the simple interaction of humans and their environments. Taken a step further, Feng Shui enables you to influence these interacting energies to achieve specific life improvements. This influence is achieved by positioning or designing your surroundings in harmony with principles of natural energy flow. As a result, you (and your life) can achieve harmony with your surroundings. Feng Shui is practical and grounding, and it helps you right where you live and work.

Feng Shui is often referred to as the art of placement. How you place your furniture, possessions, and yourself within your surroundings largely determines your life experience at every level. Feng Shui offers a unique way of looking at yourself and your environment, and it provides a way of bringing balance, comfort, and harmony into your environment in a manner that is difficult to achieve by any other means.

Feng Shui is the study of the relationships between the environment and human life. Discovered by the Chinese, Feng Shui has been practiced for centuries to design environments that enhance conditions for success in life.

Interesting bits of historical Feng Shui confirmation are starting to emerge. For example, recent scientific research indicates that 28,000 years ago, Neanderthal cavemen (located in present-day Croatia) chose which caves to live in based on three criteria: The caves held the high ground in the area, the surrounding area was easily seen from the entrance of the cave, and the water source was easily accessible. These findings show that even our ancestors were naturally aware of the effects of placement in their environment. Interestingly enough, all three of these criteria are in harmony with the basic principles of Feng Shui, which has evolved and become more sophisticated along with humankind. Thus, Feng Shui is as relevant and beneficial to humankind today as it was 28,000 years ago.

Feng who? The meaning of the term Feng Shui

Feng Shui is a term composed of two Chinese words: feng (wind) and shui (water). Wind and water are the two natural elements that flow, move, and circulate everywhere on Earth. They are also the most basic elements required for human survival. Wind — or air — is the breath of life; without it, we would die in moments. And water is the liquid of life; without it, we would die in days. The combined qualities of wind and water determine the climate, which historically has determined our food supply and in turn affects our lifestyle, health, energy, and mood. These two fundamental and flowing elements have always profoundly yet subtly influenced human individuals and societies.

The essence of these life-giving elements is chi, or life force. Wind and water are direct carriers of chi, as their flowing quality reflects their essential nature. All living organisms are largely composed of these two elements. Thus, Feng Shui is the art of designing environments in harmony with the flow of chi through one's living space, and this flow supports and enhances one's personal chi or life force.

The big picture view of Feng Shui

Feng Shui is rooted in a holistic worldview. It sees all things and creatures as part of a natural order, a vast environment that is alive and in flux, ever moving and changing. Each thing in this natural order is equally alive and has an energetic value or component. So everything — plants, animals, people, and things — exists in a vast landscape that swirls with vital energy. The same energy that flows through the world flows through you as well. In fact, according to this view, your essence — the part of you that makes you alive, unique, and vital — is this energy. And your body is the vehicle or environment in which this essence flows.

Feng Shui divides the vast environment or landscape that is the universe into more manageable units — like human beings and their homes, property, offices, living rooms, and bedrooms. You can't control the Feng Shui of the world at large. But Feng Shui enables you to design your personal environment according to the same universal principles of energy flow by which planets spin in their orbits and galaxies wheel through space.

10 Stock Market Myths Debunked

2011-10-12T07:23:00.000-07:00

This market isn't pounding just your portfolio. It's also smashing some of the biggest myths that investors have relied on for a generation.

1. You can't time the market. So much for that. Two metrics have done a very good job of telling you over the decades when to be in stocks and when to be out of them. And both appear to be on the money once again: They were flashing red for months leading up to the summer swoon.

The first, called "Tobin's q," compares share prices to the cost of rebuilding those companies' assets from scratch. The logic is obvious: Why would you pay $1 billion to buy a company if you could start an identical one, with identical assets, for, say, $700 million?

The second metric is the "cyclically-adjusted" price-to-earnings ratio, also known as the "Shiller PE" after Yale professor Robert "Irrational Exuberance" Shiller, who has popularized it. The measure compares stock prices to average earnings over the past 10 years, in contrast with a typical P/E which is a one-year snapshot.

Both measures continue to signal caution, though less than they did six months ago. The Shiller measure can be found on the professor's website. Tobin's q is trickier: It requires sifting through the Federal Reserve's quarterly Flow of Funds report.

2. The cash on the sidelines will drive this market higher. How often have we heard this?

But it's a total myth. Take a deep breath, please. For every buyer of a stock, someone else must be a seller. Sorry, but there it is. If someone "on the sidelines" takes $1,000 in cash and uses it to buy, say, Exxon Mobil (XOM +0.42%, news) stock, then someone else must sell $1,000 of Exxon Mobil stock . . . and take the cash.

3. Markets are efficient. You know the line: Stock and bond prices reflect all available information. Attempts to outperform are fruitless.

Not long ago, this myth dominated Wall Street and financial theory. The Supreme Court even relied on it in rulings.

But this is nonsense. Three months ago Greek government bonds were already trading as if a default were nearly inevitable. The yield on the one-year Greek bond was 35%. At the same time, the Russell 2000 Index ($RUT.X +1.01%) index of small company stocks was at 850, nearly an all-time high -- and a record compared with the price of large-company stocks.

So back then, the "efficient" market was simultaneously betting that Greece would default, small companies would keep booming and investors would continue to want more risk in their portfolios. On which planet?

4. Share buybacks will drive the market higher. We've been told over and over again that companies have "record amounts of cash on the balance sheet," and that this should be great for stockholders. After all, they are going to return that cash to investors by buying back shares. And that should raise the stock price by reducing the amount of shares in issue.

So much for that. Standard & Poor's 500 Index ($INX +0.86%) companies spent a massive $103 billion buying back their stock in the second quarter, on top of $85 billion in the first quarter. And the results so far haven't been that impressive. InsiderScore reports that the second-quarter figure was the highest amount spent on share buybacks "since the first quarter of 2008." Hmm. How'd that work out?

Turns out this logic was flawed in at least three different ways. First, the "record cash on the balance sheets" is matched by record debts. Second, if a company spends $100 million buying back stock, it should, rationally, make no real difference to the share price: The market value should fall by $100 million. Third, "buybacks" are largely a fiction: While the company spends stockholders' money buying in stock, the compensation committee quietly hands out new stock to executives.

Net result: You're actually going backward. Standard & Poor's reports that from 2000 through 2010, S&P 500 members spent a massive $2.7 trillion buying in stock. Yet at the end of the decade they actually had more shares and options outstanding than they did at the beginning.

5. To get higher returns you have to take on more risk. This one is still alive. But is it really so straightforward? Back in 2000 a very wise old portfolio manager told me to sell all my stocks and buy inflation-protected U.S. bonds. As it happens I didn't own many stocks, but growing up during a two-decade bull market, and I didn't see much appeal in Treasury inflation-protected securities -- the "safest," supposedly dullest, investment around. After all, wasn't a young investor supposed to be taking on "risk"?

Since then, the Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities (VIPSX -0.29%) fund has more than doubled investors' money. That's been a spectacular result -- from the "safest" investment around. Meanwhile the risky S&P 500 Index has actually lost money. the same manager also told me to buy gold. .

In early 2007, according to an analysis by fund firm GMO, the relationship between "risk" and return was actually upside down. At that point, they said, "risky" investments were so overpriced that they were virtually guaranteed to produce worse returns than "safe" investments. In other words, investors were not being "paid to take on risk" -- they were instead paying for the privilege.

6. Japan can't happen to us.

For the past decade, we have been told, repeatedly, that the fate that has befallen Japanese investors -- two decades of losses, with no end in sight -- couldn't possibly happen to us. We're America! We have a much freer and more open economy. We have price disclosure and free markets. We have great productivity gains, unlike their "stagnant" economy. Did I mention we're America?

Ha. Since the peak in 2000, investors in the U.S. stock market have lost 30% in real terms. And even after that decline, the U.S. market is far from cheap.

All sorts of things that befell Japan are now happening to us: collapsing interest rates, sagging real estate prices and an economy that cannot generate a strong, sustainable recovery.

Turns out even the productivity story is a myth: When you compare real output per worker, Japan's growth over the past 20 years looks much like ours. As for the stock market? According to data from MSCI, over the past 10 years the total returns from the Japanese stock market, when measured in U.S. dollars, have been about the same as those of the U.S.

7. Don't fight the Fed. This is one of the best-known yarns on the Street. When the Fed cuts interest rates, buy stocks. Cheap money means stocks are going higher. And for a long time it worked.

Not now. Two months ago, the Fed signaled it was going to keep interest rates on hold for two more years, and soon thereafter began signaling the launch "Operation Twist," a campaign to cut long-term rates.

So far, investors have had little to show for it but turmoil. The S&P 500 is down about 4% and the Russell 2000 about 7%.

And when you take a step back, this is part of a bigger picture. The Fed has been cutting rates for more than a decade. And during that time stocks have done, overall, very poorly indeed.

8. Don't bet against America! This may be the cheesiest line brokers ever use, but it doesn't stop them from using it. The theory was that American stocks were the "best" and had always offered the best returns and the greatest safety. The implication was that anyone who wasn't a bull was somehow unpatriotic. (When the Dow fell out of bed, as it frequently did, the "Don't bet against America" crowd resorted to blaming the Federal Reserve.)

But U.S stocks and the U.S. economy have turned out to be very different things. Over the past two years, for example, the stock market is up about 10%. Yet the real economy has shown little improvement, if any. A smaller share of the population is working. And average wages, adjusted for inflation, have actually fallen by 1%.

As for a lack of the alleged better returns? Over the past decade, according to FactSet, the U.S. stock market has been one of the worst performers in the world. It has been left in the dust by emerging markets. Among developed markets, only Belgium, Greece, Ireland and Italy have done worse.

9. Cash is trash. We've been told for a generation that cash is a terrible investment, and you need to "put it to work" in stocks and bonds as fast as possible. A generation ago, big institutions often held 7% or more of a portfolio in cash. For the past decade or so, it's been barely half that, according to a monthly survey by Merrill Lynch (now Bank of America Securities).

Turns out there are many worse investments than cash -- such as overvalued stocks. As for "putting money to work," what kind of analogy is that? You've lost money. If your employer bills you for your own labor, find another employer.

10. Your portfolio should match your age. Young people should have one type of portfolio, with lots of small-cap and emerging-market stocks and other "risky" stuff. Middle-aged people should have another, with more bonds and large-cap value funds. And senior citizens should have another, mostly bonds and cash.

Think of all the portfolios, including "target date" and "lifecycle" mutual funds, built on this foundation.

But it's another myth. As pointed out above, for example, younger investors would have done a lot better over the past decade with lots of bonds. Today, older investors putting most of their money in "safe" bonds may be making the opposite mistake. The 10-year Treasury yields 2% and the 30-year less than 3%. Retirees who held lots of "safe" U.S. government bonds back in the '60's and '70's found themselves anything but safe: Their purchasing power collapsed in the face of surging inflation.

The truth: No one can rely on such simple rules. It depends on the prices you pay for securities. A source tells me of highly profitable, stable, medium-sized Japanese companies, with no debt, whose shares now trade at a discount to the net cash they hold in their bank accounts. But according to the "age-appropriate" myth, such investments are highly risky because they are "foreign mid-cap stocks." Apparently you've been much "safer" investing in "large-cap value" U.S. stocks like . . . er . . . Bank of America (BAC +0.47%, news).

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, WE NEED YOU

2011-10-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW, you can feed starving children, veterans and animals with just a click
of a mouse.

Without food and water we die, Restaurants and Food Corporations would rather throw the food in trash. WHY??? Shelters for people and animals would love to have the food, not to mention the food banks and all the other rescue agencies.

FINALLY a petfood company in florida has come up with an idea to give away their food that doesn't come out perfect so it can be sold in stores, to people who can't afford to buy their pets food, now instead of more shelter animals, people can keep their pets...CAN you imagine if everyone did this!!
WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD THIS WOULD BE.

IT CAN BE DONE, YOU just need to WAKE THEM UP!!!

The world's population is forecast to hit 7 billion in 2011,

There are 925 million starving people around the world, 36.3 million including 13 million children in the United States alone and over 200 million starving animals. Can't 6 billion people help out.

If one million people gave five organizations one dollar, each organization would have one million dollars to feed and rescue. It cost you five dollars and everyone gets saved....

If you are waiting for government to fix things, don't hold your breath, its impossible.

But YOU can do things to make it a better world,

Children, Women and Animals are horribly abused and KILLED everyday.
Men that fought for our country and defended us are homeless.

ITS TIME WE DID SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!! STOP TURNING YOUR BACK
ON EVERYTHING, WE NEED YOU

Form block parties to clean up your neighborhood, BE a watch dog, one on every block, in every neighborhood to report wrong doings. Wrong is when you see a crime, any crime and ignore it, what if YOU were the victim, should we still turn our backs?

Take 15 minutes out of your day everyday and sign petitions (autofill makes it very fast) and visit the www.thehungersite.com and feed the hungry with a click

IF ONE MILLION PEOPLE DID ONE THING, ONE MILLION THINGS WOULD BE DONE.

Sign petitions, let them know were not going to take it anymore!!! And let those that are in need,
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU....

WE THE PEOPLE ARE TIRED OF ALL THE ABUSE AND CRIME AND BEING JOBLESS AND HUNGRY.

46 MILLION PEOPLE ARE JOBLESS, YOU HAVE EXTRA TIME, MAKE A CHANGE. HELP CLICK

I choose to defend and speak for those that cannot speak for themselves, What do you choose ?

DO SOMETHING, DO IT NOW, YOU CAN BE A HERO, ITS UP TO EACH ONE OF US TO DO OUR SHARE.....WHO EVER TOLD YOU THAT ITS SOMEONE ELSES JOB TO GET THINGS DONE...NO IT'S YOUR JOB

www.change.org/online-petitions

www.ipetitions.com/start-petition

www.thepetitionsite.com

www.petitiononline.com

www.care2.com

www.playingtheangel.org

www.petition2congress.com

www.theveteranssite.com

CharityUSA.com, LLC. operates websites for the following areas:
The Hunger Site The Breast Cancer Site The Animal Rescue Site The Veterans Site The Autism Site The Child Health Site The Literacy Site The Rainforest Site

YOU CAN'T MAKE THINGS GO AWAY BY IGNORING IT OR TURNING YOUR BACK ON IT.
IT'S YOUR DUTY AS A HUMAN BEING, STOP WAITING FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO DO IT!

AND FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO CAUSE US PAIN AND AGONY, CAN'T WAIT FOR KARMA
TO BITE YOU IN THE ASS, AND IT WILL, SPECTATORS OF CRIMES YOUR GOING TO JAIL TOO!!!

9 Best Ways to Get Free Stuff

2011-10-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

Everybody loves free stuff, but few spend the time hunting for it – time is money too. Save both by learning to find great freebies without much work.

1. Freecycle

The name makes it clear, right? Reuse is better than recycle, and free is better than not. This site helps organize freebie-loving communities around the world. Look up your city to join a local email list for people looking to find or give away stuff, no strings attached. Prospective goodies present themselves without any effort on your part, and the site’s policies keep it a family-friendly environment.

2. Craigslist

Like Freecycle, this site offers listings of freebies by locality. But you’ll have to browse them yourself in a “free” section of the “for sale” category on a much broader classifieds-like page, including traditional job and housing listings, and less traditional personal ads. In other words, you may find more than you bargained for (so to speak) and the broader popularity of this site requires more caution in dealing with potential scams. Don’t let that scare you away, though – there really are lots of good finds.

3. HouseParty

If you’re the type to plan events, this site could lead to freebies for you and all your friends. Apply to host a party sponsored by big-name companies like Sony, Ford, or McDonald’s, and they might grant you goodies in exchange for the publicity. Applying costs nothing, and past freebies have included branded clothing, kitchenware, health and beauty products, and lots of food.

4. Swap.com

Is it free if you have to trade something? Sure, if your bargaining chip no longer has much resale value. This site lets you create “have” and “want” lists for games, books, movies, and music – then it matches you up with others.

You do have to pay shipping, but that’s not much different than what you would spend on gas driving to pick up somebody’s used stuff. Plus, the site makes it easy, handling the logistics with printable labels and providing delivery confirmation so nobody gets ripped off.

If you want to do it the old-fashioned way, there is a local trading section too – but the range of stuff you can get is obviously more limited. An upcoming Swap.com Market section sounds like a barter version of eBay, with a much wider range of tradable goods. For now, though, you can trade at least your wardrobe on SwapStyle.com (run by a different group) and there are lots of other item-specific swapping outlets likePaperbackSwap.com.

5. Free samples

There are a lot of ways to find fun-size freebies, including getting lucky on frequent trips to the grocery or department store and signing up for endless email newsletters from your favorite brands. But wouldn’t it be nicer if somebody found these goodies for you? The best place I know that does this is the RetailMeNot.com community. While the main site is a resource for coupon codes to most online shopping outlets, the RetailMeNot forum has a very active freebies section. They also post ways to get things like free retail rewards points. Some other places to try: TotallyFreeStuff.com, AbsurdlyCool.com, and HeyItsFree.net.

6. Free-after-rebate

These deals are always a little dicey, since mail-in rebates can get lost in the mail, expire, or come with tricky conditions. Most are more effort than I’m personally willing to put in, but I look for rebate offers if they’re for things I’m buying anyway. I’ve gotten free wiper blades for my truck, for example.

These are usually a grade or two above free samples, probably because you actually pay for them up front. One of the best places to look is the FatWallet.com forums, which houses constant deals of all kinds. Browse around (keep an eye out for the acronym FAR) or try a search for “rebate.” They also have a message thread specifically for company contact info and methods for winning those inevitable rebate battles. Another great place to check is SlickDeals.net.

7. Card rewards

Getting freebies with what you buy is always nice. While the financial crisis has put the squeeze on greatcredit card perks, some still exist. Money Talks News writer Michael Koretzky even says his credit card company buys all his Christmas presents. You can search for credit cards with the best rewards, flyer miles, interest rates, or other perks with our credit card search.

Many customer loyalty cards rack up reward points for freebies or discounts too. These often accumulate slowly, but if you’re already spending there you’ll eventually benefit without effort anyway. Plus, you don’t need to keep a wallet or purse full of everybody’s plastic: Most places can give you the points by pulling up your account via your phone number.

Some cards give perks without points, offering rewards seemingly at random. It seems like I get a free pastry or drink every other time I’m at Panera (for free Wi-Fi, of course).

8. Social media freebies

You may already know that brands, on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter and through services like Foursquare, give away stuff (including coupons, freebies, and exclusive previews) in exchange for promoting their name and parroting their message. And maybe you were too embarrassed that your friends might see to take advantage. There’s an easy solution: Adjust your privacy settings or create an alternate account so you get freebies without providing free PR.

On Facebook, there are three settings to change from the “Account” menu in the upper right. This will sound like a lot, but it takes 30 seconds…

Under “Account Settings,” go to the “Facebook Ads” tab, and under “Ads and Friends,” click “Edit social ads setting.” Setting it to “No one” means your friends won’t see your name attached to ads from brands you like.
Under “Privacy Preferences,” view the settings of “Connecting on Facebook.” Here you have the option to hide your “likes, activities, and other connections” from everyone by selecting “only me.”
Back on “Privacy Preferences,” under “Sharing on Facebook,” click “Customize Settings” and you can change “Places I check in to” to a custom level of “only me.”

On Twitter, there’s no getting around what’s required for freebies: rebroadcasting brand messages through “retweets.” But what you can do is create an alternate account where your retweeted message will bounce around an empty virtual room.

And on Foursquare, you can check in “off the grid.” The Foursquare FAQ explains that and other privacy settings.

9. Aggregated freebie search

What’s better than a bunch of websites that list great deals and free stuff? Having a custom, searchable database of them all in one place. You can make your own using a free RSS feed aggregator – a tech tool that collects lists of information (like deals, or even Money Talks News posts) using Really Simple Syndication. I use Google Reader.

Once you sign up there, you can search for freebie feeds or paste in URLs to follow. It takes a little work to set up and get used to, but from one freeloader to another: The payoff is worth it. And to help my fellow lazy deal-seekers get started, here’s a link to my own bundled deals feed, which already includes some of the sites I mentioned above and some others.

Money Talks News deal diva Karla Bowsher also does a lot of digging so you don’t have to on our deals page, updated throughout the week and always including at least one worthwhile freebie.

Free advice

Free stuff is everywhere. It all comes down to how much time you want to invest in getting the goodies. Regardless of your approach, here are a few last safety and convenience pointers…

Always be careful when meeting up with strangers for freebies or any other transaction.
Never trust an offer that’s too good to be true. It probably is.
Consider using an alternate email address to sign up for deals, just to keep spam down.
Don’t overspend to rack up reward points, or waste a ton of gas on what would be cheaper to buy than get “free.”
Avoid plugging generic terms like “free music” or “free stuff” into a search engine. The top results are often websites containing viruses or software that places annoying advertisements all over your computer and slows it down. Some also ask you for personal information or to sign up for “free offers” that may end up costing you.

10 Things People Buy They Could Get Free

2011-10-06T06:54:00.000-07:00

Free checking. At many banks, free checking was soon to become fee checking. But plenty of banks still offer free checking accounts. SunTrust, for example, offers a free plan with no minimum balance required. And you get free online and ATM service too.Wachovia and U.S. Bank still have their own version of free accounts. Chase even offers $100 for opening such an account. Indeed, a host of banks and savings and loans offer free checking. So far. When you’re looking for lower fees, including free checking, always to look to smaller local banks and credit unions.
Free credit reports. You can go to AnnualCreditReport.com for a free look at your credit history once a year. If the Financial Regulatory Reform bill passes, you might also one day get a look at your credit score. Read about other changes ahead here.
Free cash. If you can’t find an ATM near you for a free cash withdrawal, no worries: Plenty of stores will give you cash back with no fee when you use your ATM card to make even a small purchase. You can buy a candy bar or a Diet Coke and get back up to $100 in cash from Wal-Mart. Target will give you back $40 if you use your ATM card for a purchase. Grocery stores also offer cash back. And then there are iPhone and other apps that will help you locate ATMs: Here’s one.
Free information calls. Google 411 will get you information numbers free, so don’t get ripped off by your cell phone provider. When you need directory assistance, dial 800-GOOG-411.
Free scholarship search. Plenty of websites offer free searches for scholarships, such as Fastweb. There’s even a company called Free Scholarship Searches that offers links to 40 websites that offer free scholarship searches. And check out our recent story, 6 Tips to Pay Less for a College Degree
Free baggage. Sure, nearly all airlines are charging to check baggage but at least one doesn’t:Southwest. And remember carrying on bags is still free, except for on Spirit Airlines.
Free entertainment. Your local library and parks offer lots of free fun, from books to movies to concerts. Join their e-mail list to see what’s up. And of course, there’s the Internet, offering free games as well as magazine and newspaper articles. Just go to the website of your favorite periodical.
Free Water. While technically not free, tap water is about as close as you can get. If you’re concerned about water quality, buy a filter. But don’t ever pay for water at a convenience store.
Free TV. Thanks to sites like Hulu, you can now watch many popular television shows online for free. If your favorite shows are free on the web, why pay for cable or satellite? Check out You Don’t Have to Pay for Cable TV for more.
Free telephone calls. Services like Skype and AIM let you communicate with other users for free. Always calling a loved one long distance? If you both get copies of something like Skype, you can talk all you want without paying a dime. And with a service like Google Voice, you can get all of your cell phone calls free, too.

BLUEBERRIES- Summers Superfood

2007-08-13T06:48:00.000-07:00

Summer is the time to enjoy the versatility of blueberries as a snack, a perk in pancakes or muffins, or a topping for cereal or yogurt. Along with their burst of flavor, blueberries also offer a serious shot of nutrients. So go ahead and reach for the blueberries. You’re reaching for good health, as well…People have always loved scooping up blueberries in summer. But not until researchers discovered the berry’s powerhouse of antioxidantphytonutrients did blueberries burst onto the nutrition landscape. In fact, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), blueberries have the highest antioxidant activity of 40 vegetables and fruits. And wild blueberries offer approximately 40% more antioxidants than cultivated varieties. So far, scientists around the world have discovered that blueberries may help prevent serious health conditions like heart disease and cancer, as well as promote healthy aging by reversing age-related short-term memory loss. Blueberries may also improve night vision and help prevent urinary tract infection.

All those benefits come in a low-calorie, high-fiber package. One-half cup of fresh berries provides 40 calories, 15% of the daily value for vitamin C (9 milligrams), and about two grams of fiber. And half a cup crams in as much antioxidant power as five servings of some other vegetables and fruits.
What makes blueberries so special? It’s not just one nutrient in blueberries that packs a punch, but a mix of several. Anthocyanins
Behind blueberries’ antioxidant activity are anthocyanins, the pigments (also called flavonoids) that turn vegetables and fruits (such as blueberries) red or blue. Antioxidants, like anthocyanins, fight damage by free radicals, oxygen-containing molecules that attack our cells. More specifically, anthocyanins help protect us from damage that could lead to eye disease, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, ulcers, heart disease, and cancer. They boost the power of vitamin C and strengthen our tissues and blood vessels.

In animal studies, researchers have also found that blueberry antioxidants may protect the brain from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. When aging animals were fed a blueberry-rich diet, their learning and motor skills improved, essentially making their brains act like much younger animals.

Resveratrol
Another powerful ingredient in blueberries is resveratrol, a plant chemical also found in the skins of red grapes and peanuts, that protects plants from bad weather, insects, bacteria, and fungi. Scientists believe that the resveratrol in wine is behind “the French Paradox” – the fact that the French eat higher levels of fat than Americans but have a lower rate of heart disease.In fact, when researchers at Harvard Medical School and the National Institute on Aging put mice on a high-fat diet but added a whopping daily dose of resveratrol, they found that the mice lived months longer than the mice on a high-fat diet alone. They also avoided high levels of blood sugar and insulin, the signal of impending diabetes that the high-fat diet-only mice suffered. Other studies show that resveratrol helps against heart disease and cancers – and the levels found in blueberries may be even higher than in red grapes.

Tannins

Tannins, bitter compounds that help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, are plentiful in most berries, as well as in apples, green tea, grapes, wine, pomegranates, and persimmons. Tannins also aid our bodies’ DNA repair system, which may help defend against the brain damage caused by strokes. In addition, tannins have been linked to the prevention of urinary tract infections and gum disease, as well as a decrease in heart disease. True American Food
Blueberries are one of only three popular fruits native to North America – the other two are Concord blue grapes and cranberries. Today, most blueberries eaten in the U.S. are a high-bush variety grown in New Jersey and Michigan. The low-bush berries that come from Maine and Canada, primarily used for processing and freezing, are much smaller and more intense in flavor.

The good news is that you can benefit from blueberry nutrition year-round since fresh, dried and frozen berries do not differ significantly in nutritional content. Fresh blueberries are available primarily from May through October. They’re best eaten right away, but refrigerated blueberries last for up to five days. Store blueberries in a refrigerator in the original container and rinse right before using.If you notice a powdery look on blueberry skins, don’t worry: It’s a safe, natural protective coating called bloom.If you decide to freeze some, don’t wash them first. Instead, take the fresh berries from their container and place in a single layer on a cookie sheet and put the sheet into the freezer. When the berries are frozen, switch them to a freezer bag, seal and return to the freezer. Wash them when you take them out to eat or cook with. And avoid refreezing, which will affect flavor, texture and color. Once frozen berries are thawed and drained, they can be added to smoothies and batters, although they may turn the batter an unappetizing gray. Minimize this by dusting them with flour before adding them to the batter.

FATTY ACID TIED TO DEPRESSION AND INFLAMMATION

2007-04-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The imbalance of fatty acids in the typical American diet could be associated with the sharp increase in heart disease and depression seen over the past century, a new study suggests. Specifically, the more omega-6 fatty acids people had in their blood compared with omega-3 fatty acid levels, the more likely they were to suffer from symptoms of depression and have higher blood levels of inflammation-promoting compounds, report Dr. Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser and her colleagues from Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus.
These compounds, which include tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6, are "all-purpose 'nasties' for aging," and have been tied to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and other ailments, Kiecolt-Glaser told Reuters Health.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods such as fish, flax seed oil and walnuts, while omega-6 fatty acids are found in refined vegetable oils used to make everything from margarine to baked goods and snack foods. The amount of omega-6 fatty acids in the Western diet increased sharply once refined vegetable oils became part of the average diet in the early 20th century.
Hunter-gatherers consumed two or three times as much omega-6 as omega-3, Kiecolt-Glaser's team notes in their study, published in Psychosomatic Medicine, but today Westerners consume 15- to 17-times more omega-6 than omega-3.
The researchers investigated the relationship among fatty acid consumption, depression and inflammation in 43 older men and women. The 6 individuals diagnosed with major depression had nearly 18 times as much omega-6 as omega-3 in their blood, compared with about 13 times as much for subjects who didn't meet the criteria for major depression.
Depressed patients also had higher levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and other inflammatory compounds. And as levels of depressive symptoms rose, so did the omega 6 and omega 3 ratio.
The effects of depression and diet enhanced each other, the researchers found. "It was more than additive," Kiecolt-Glaser said. "People who had few depressive symptoms and/or a good diet were generally fine." However, when depressive symptoms increased and diets become worse, "we really saw big differences."
Depression alone is known to increase inflammation, the researchers note in their report, while a number of studies have found omega-3 supplements prevent depression.
Following recommendations for a healthy diet -- and eating fatty fish like salmon, mackerel or sardines every now and then -- could go a long way to promote a healthier omega-6/omega 3 balance, Kiecolt-Glaser said. "If people actually had more fruits and vegetables in their diet, they probably would have less omega-6."
SOURCE: Psychosomatic Medicine, online March 30, 2007.

HEALTH FOOD SHOCKERS

2007-04-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

Egg-White Omelettes

No yolks in your omelettes? That's just utterly unnecessary. The yolk contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which are crucial for eye health. Egg yolks are also an important source of phosphatidylcholine, a nutrient that boosts brain health. Worried about your cholesterol levels? Consider this: Half the fat in the yolk isn't even saturated.

Raised Salmon

You'd think eating penned salmon would be the healthier way to go, but the farm-raised fish are pumped full of antibiotics and are lower in nutritional value than their wild relatives. In addition, wild salmon get their red color from an antioxidant in their natural food source, krill. Farmed salmon get their color from dye.

Granola Bars

Most granola bars are simply candy bars in disguise, with very little fiber, lots of processed carbs, and a ton of sugar. You're better off making your own healthier version from raw oats, chopped almonds, coconut flakes, raisins and a dollop of raw organic honey.

Apple Juice

It's sweet, refreshing and a favorite among kids. But most apple juice is nothing more than sugar water with apple flavoring. One cup of apple juice has no fiber, 117 calories and 27 grams of sugar. And most people consume way more than a cup at a time. Stick to fiber-rich apples and skip the juice.

8 MYTHS ABOUT DEPRESSION

2007-04-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

By Stacie Z. Berg
Antidepressants are among the most prescribed drugs in America. So why isn’t everyone happy?
MYTH #1
YOU’LL GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS.Almost half the people in the U.S. with clinical depression don’t get diagnosed properly, says Wayne Katon, nosed M.D., of the University of Washington Medical School in Seattle. In part, that’s because many clinicians use a test developed in the 1950s called the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (“Ham-D”), which was designed to measure antidepressant effectiveness, not to diagnose depression, says Andrew G. Ryder, Ph.D., of Concordia University in Montreal. The test overlooks some symptoms that indicate depression (such as sleeping too much) and highlights others that aren’t always relevant (such as weight loss). When trying to diagnose or rule out depression, nothing is more important than detailed conversations with your doctor.

MYTH #2
MEN AND WOMEN HAVE THE SAME RISK FOR DEPRESSION.In fact, women are twice as likely as men to experience major depression. Scientists think hormones, an increased tendency to ruminate, and a possible heightened response to stress could all contribute to making women more vulnerable.

MYTH #3
ETHNICITY HAS NO BEARING ON DEPRESSION.Differences in the way people from various cultures express depression can result in a missed diagnosis or the wrong medication being prescribed. For instance, “‘having nerves’ in most Caucasian-American cultures means you’re anxious or stressed out; in Latino culture, it can mean you’re depressed,” says Carolyn Kaufman, Psy.D., of Columbus State Community College in Columbus, OH. So a Latina woman could walk away from her doctor with a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication when what she really needs is an antidepressant. The shocker: Doctors from the same ethnic backgrounds as their patients aren’t always better at figuring out what’s what. What to do? Make sure your physician can repeat back to you, in different words, what it is that she thinks you’re feeling.

MYTH #4
ETHNICITY SHOULDN’T AFFECT YOUR PRESCRIPTION.Most drugs are tested on white men. But about 40 percent of African- Americans and Asian-Americans actually metabolize drugs more slowly than Caucasians do, as a result of a genetic difference in liver enzymes, according to research conducted by L. DiAnne Bradford, Ph.D., of More house School of Medicine in Atlanta. The impact: They wind up with more of the drug in their bodies, which increases side effects (insomnia, diminished libido, and scores of others) without increasing benefits.

MYTH #5
DEPRESSION IS GENETIC.Scientists think that both your genes and your environment affect your mood. No one has found a gene that’s directly responsible for depression, but you can inherit one type of gene that can make you more vulnerable to depression after stressful events. So, while you may be able to blame your family for many things, it’s not all their fault if you’re depressed.

MYTH #6
ANTIDEPRESSANTS MAKE YOU FAT.Most antidepressants do carry about a 30-percent chance that you’ll gain weight, says Thomas L. Schwartz, M.D., of State University of New York Upstate Medical University. But one— Wellbutrin XL (buproprion)—may cause you to shed a few pounds. Other antidepressants raise serotonin, the chemical that regulates appetite, and may make you feel famished. Even if you eat less, the serotonin might make you store more fat and sugar. But buproprion raises levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, not serotonin, thus avoiding appetite issues.

MYTH #7
DEPRESSION IS ALL IN YOUR HEAD.Physical illness can trigger depression. One pathway may have to do with cytokines, a natural part of the body’s immune response to illness. In fact, when some patients are treated with a certain type of cytokine, they become depressed or even suicidal. In addition, “a mood disorder can potentially affect the body’s ability to fight an illness,” says David Spiegel, M.D., of Stanford University School of Medicine. Stress can lead to arterial spasms and heart attacks, even if your arteries are clear. Depression is also associated with a poorer prognosis for diseases including stroke, epilepsy, and diabetes. Bottom line: Get treatment for both your physical illness and your depression.

MYTH #8
PILLS ARE THE ANSWER IF YOU HAVE A DOWN DAY HERE AND THERE.Placebos have been found to work as well as antidepressants in people with minor depression—meaning you can get through the day but have a low mood for a couple of weeks and don’t enjoy certain activities the way you used to. And yet drug-makers have been expanding the definitions of mood disorders so much that even healthy people who have the occasional bad day (and who doesn’t?) think they should reach for a pill, according to Ray Moynihan and Alan Cassels, authors of Selling Sickness. Don’t buy the hype: Some times, counseling or meditation is just what you need to feel like yourself again.

. . . AND TWO WE’RE MONITORING

■ ANTIDEPRESSANTS RAISE THE RISK OF SUICIDE.An analysis by Glaxo-SmithKline found that adults with major depressivedisorder who took its drug Paxil had a higher risk of suicide than similar people who were in a placebo group. But that was only one study of one drug. Furthermore, the increased risk may not be directly from the pills: Oddly enough, psychiatrists think the boost that occurs when people are first treated for depression—with therapy or medication—might give some people the energy to carry out suicidal thoughts they had before the treatment.

■ ANTIDEPRESSANTS ARE DANGEROUS WHEN YOU’RE PREGNANT.Most antidepressants have not been adequately tested in pregnant women, and some may not have undergone animal studies. But recent case reports suggest that babies born to mothers on antidepressants may be prone to jitters, irritability, feeding problems, and seizures. A report in the New Eng land Journal of Medicine recently found that a small percentage of babies exposed to SSRIs were born with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)—a condition in which too little oxygen reaches the blood. And the FDA warns against using Paxil during the first trimester. If depression is left untreated, however, babies may be born earlier and lower in birth weight because women are less apt to take care of their bodies when they’re depressed, says Nada Stotland, M.D., of Rush Medical College in Chicago. They’re also more likely to have postpartum depression and not bond well with their newborns.

7 PAINS YOU SHOULDN'T IGNORE

2007-04-17T10:00:00.001-07:00

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Whoever coined the term "necessary evil" might have been thinking of pain. No one wants it, yet it's the body's way of getting your attention when something is wrong. You're probably sufficiently in tune with your body to know when the pain is just a bother, perhaps the result of moving furniture a day or two before or eating that third enchilada. It's when pain might signal something more serious that the internal dialogue begins:
"OK, this isn't something to fool around with.""But I can't miss my meeting.""And how many meetings will you miss if you land in the hospital?""I'll give it one more day."Etc.
You need a guide. WebMD consulted doctors in cardiology, internal medicine, geriatrics, and psychiatry so you'll understand which pains you must not ignore -- and why. And, of course, if in doubt, get medical attention.

No. 1: Worst Headache of Your Life
Get medical attention immediately. "If you have a cold, it could be a sinus headache," says Sandra Fryhofer, MD, MACP, spokeswoman for the American College of Physicians. "But you could have a brain hemorrhage or brain tumor. With any pain, unless you're sure of what caused it, get it checked out."
Sharon Brangman, MD, FACP, spokeswoman for the American Geriatrics Society, tells WebMD that when someone says they have the worst headache of their life, "what we learned in medical training was that was a classic sign of a brain aneurysm. Go immediately to the ER."

No. 2: Pain or Discomfort in the Chest, Throat, Jaw, Shoulder, Arm, or Abdomen
Chest pain could be pneumonia or a heart attack. But be aware that heart conditions typically appear as discomfort, not pain. "Don't wait for pain," says cardiologist Jerome Cohen, MD. "Heart patients talk about pressure. They'll clench their fist and put it over their chest or say it's like an elephant sitting on their chest."
The discomfort associated with heart disease could also be in the upper chest, throat, jaw, left shoulder or arm, or abdomen and might be accompanied by nausea. "I'm not too much worried about the 18-year-old, but if a person has unexplained, persistent discomfort and knows they're high risk, they shouldn't wait," says Cohen. "Too often people delay because they misinterpret it as [heartburn] or GI distress. Call 911 or get to an emergency room or physician's office. If it turns out to be something else, that's great."
He tells WebMD that intermittent discomfort should be taken seriously as well. "There might be a pattern, such as discomfort related to excitement, emotional upset, or exertion. For example, if you experience it when you're gardening, but it goes away when you sit down, that's angina. It's usually worse in cold or hot weather."
"A woman's discomfort signs can be more subtle," says Cohen, who is director of preventive cardiology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. "Heart disease can masquerade as GI symptoms, such as bloating, GI distress, or discomfort in the abdomen. It's also associated with feeling tired. Risk for heart disease increases dramatically after menopause. It kills more women than men even though men are at higher risk at any age. Women and their physicians need to be on their toes."

No. 3: Pain in Lower Back or Between Shoulder Blades
"Most often it's arthritis," says Brangman, who is professor and chief of geriatrics at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, N.Y. Other possibilities include a heart attack or abdominal problems. "One danger is aortic dissection, which can appear as either a nagging or sudden pain. People who are at risk have conditions that can change the integrity of the vessel wall. These would include high blood pressure, a history of circulation problems, smoking, and diabetes."

No. 4: Severe Abdominal Pain
Still have your appendix? Don't flirt with the possibility of a rupture. Gallbladder and pancreas problems, stomach ulcers, and intestinal blockages are some other possible causes of abdominal pain that need attention.

No 5: Calf Pain
One of the lesser known dangers is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that can occur in the leg's deep veins. It affects 2 million Americans a year, and it can be life-threatening. "The danger is that a piece of the clot could break loose and cause pulmonary embolism[a clot in the lungs], which could be fatal," says Fryhofer. Cancer, obesity, immobility due to prolonged bed rest or long-distance travel, pregnancy, and advanced age are among the risk factors.
"Sometimes there's just swelling without pain," says Brangman. "If you have swelling and pain in your calf muscles, see a doctor immediately."

No. 6: Burning Feet or Legs
Nearly one-third of the 20 million Americans who have diabetes are undiagnosed, according to the American Diabetes Association. "In some people who don't know they have diabetes, peripheral neuropathycould be one of the first signs," says Brangman. "It's a burning or pins-and-needles sensation in the feet or legs that can indicate nerve damage."

No 7: Vague, Combined, or Medically Unexplained Pains
"Various painful, physical symptoms are common in depression," says psychiatrist Thomas Wise, MD. "Patients will have vague complaints of headaches, abdominal pain, or limb pain, sometimes in combination."
Because the pain might be chronic and not terribly debilitating, depressed people, their families, and health care professionals might dismiss the symptoms. "Furthermore, the more depressed you are, the more difficulty you have describing your feelings," says Wise, who is the psychiatry department chairman at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, Va. "All of this can lead the clinician astray."
Other symptoms must be present before a diagnosis of depression can be made. "Get help when you've lost interest in activities, you're unable to work or think effectively, and you can't get along with people," he says. "And don't suffer silently when you're hurting."
He adds there's more to depression than deterioration of the quality of life. "It has to be treated aggressively before it causes structural changes in the brain."

ORGASMS 101

2007-04-10T10:44:00.000-07:00

Orgasms 101: Priming for the Big One

Orgasms are natural, so you’d think women would have no trouble experiencing “The Big O” any time they wanted one…or two…or 10. Yet, it’s estimated that 70% of women fake it at some point. What gives? Find out what could be robbing you of sexual pleasure…Maybe you’re too stressed out to enjoy a climax. Perhaps your partner’s not all that, ahem, stimulating. Whatever the cause, it’s time to stop going through the motions and start getting the big payoff.

Here are 10 ways to help yourself have amazing orgasms:

1 - Get out of your head If you’ve got a negative tape loop running through your brain – Nice girls don’t…, My thighs are too fat…, I’ll be too loud… – hit the Stop button. Self-criticism is a major passion squelcher. And who’s it squelching? You. If your guy is in bed with you, he’s not thinking about whether your thighs jiggle or your bum looks like orange peel. And nice girls do enjoy screaming orgasms, so release your inner vixen and let her have some fun.

2 - Experiment...or not Fur-lined handcuffs. Light spanking. Role play. There’s nothing wrong with (safely) pushing the sexual envelope. Then again, there’s nothing wrong with the tried and true. Being adventurous doesn’t make you slutty. And being aroused by missionary-position sex doesn’t make you a prude. It just means you know what feels good to you.

Which brings us to…3 - Love yourself, You can’t tell your partner what you like if you don’t know. So take your fingers for a walk and find out what makes you see stars. Hard and fast? Slow and soft? Experiment with different kinds of touch and different rhythms.“You learn about orgasms by having them with yourself,” explains Betty Dodson, PhD, masturbation maven and author of Orgasms for Two.

4 - Find your G spot...or not The existence of the G spot (named for German scientist Ernst Grafenberg, who first described it) is as hotly debated as the existence of extraterrestrials. Some sexperts believe this sensual real estate exists; others insist it’s sheer fantasy. Which camp do you fall into? That usually depends on whether you get orgasms from clitoral stimulation or vaginal penetration.

Where is this magic place? It’s behind the belly and pubic bone, about two inches inside your vagina. You can locate yours with fingers and some sex positions (being on top is one of the best). Just remember, the G spot isn’t the holy grail of sex.“All women have this sensitive area,” assures sex researcher Beverly Whipple, PhD, co-author of The Science of Orgasm (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2006). “But not everyone likes it stimulated, just as not everyone likes when someone blows in their ear.”

5 - All roads lead to Rome There are many ways to reach orgasm. Some women can climax when their breasts are touched or when their necks are rubbed. Other lucky gals come by fantasizing – without any touch at all. The point? Be adventurous when exploring sexual terrain. You never know what will send you over the edge.“We’ve gotten into this mindset that there’s only one type of orgasm, and it’s from stimulating the clitoris,” says Whipple. “There are many other ways women can have orgasmic experiences.”

6 – Tell ’em what you want Once you’ve figured out works for you, clue your partner in, too. Trust us; he wants to know. Especially if what gets you off bears no resemblance to what he thinks is working. Most feigned orgasms are what Chicago sex and relationship therapist Laura Berman, PhD and author of Passion Prescription (Hyperion 2006), calls “mercy fakes.” But if you let your partner think he’s making the grade when he’s falling short, he won’t do anything differently. And that leaves you, well, faking it. How can you feel fireworks without trampling your partner’s ego? Give soft and sultry directions, says Berman. In your sexiest voice, whisper I go crazy when you ___. Or simply take your partner’s fingers (or lips or tongue or penis) on a tour of your erogenous zones. And let him know that you’re not always going to come, even if he’s doing everything right, notes Berman. It’ll ease the pressure and let you both enjoy the ride.

7 - Give yourself a hand Contrary to steamy Hollywood sex scenes, only 30% of women have orgasms through intercourse. So if you don’t buck like a bronco upon penetration, not to worry. There’s nothing wrong with you. Life doesn’t always imitate art. Don’t be shy. Reach down and give yourself a helping hand during sex.

8 - Go full speed ahead with foreplay Share this tidbit with your guy: Men can go from zero to orgasm in seven minutes, but women take as long as 20 to get warmed up. That’s why foreplay was invented.Foreplay revs the engines even if you’re not feeling frisky because the brain is a major sex organ. And if you’re mentally paying bills while your partner is looking for thrills, the only thing you’re likely to share is a sexless spat. Redefine foreplay, suggests Berman. Let your hubby put the kids to bed while you unwind with a bath and candles. “Then [you’ll be] in a better place to respond sexually,” Berman notes.

9 - Better than ibuprofen For years women have used the ol’ dodge Not tonight, I’ve got a headache. Turns out, we should’ve been saying the opposite. Orgasms trigger endorphins, those feel-good brain chemicals that improve mood and curb pain.Animal studies have shown that orgasms can be as potent as morphine in quelling headaches, menstrual cramps, even whiplash and arthritis. True, the relief is short-lived (about eight minutes long), but orgasms aren’t toxic to your liver and they won’t upset your tummy like over-the-counter pain relievers can.

10 - Get the blood flowing Exercise is not only good for your heart, it’s good for your sex life. Running, walking, biking and other cardio gets blood moving everywhere – even down there. And the better the circulation, the better the titillation. And don’t forget Kegels. It’s strength training for your pubococcygeus (or PC) muscles – the ones that hold up your vagina, anus, uterus, bladder and urethra.

“The stronger these muscles are, the more intense your orgasms will be,” promises Berman. Don’t know how to work out your Kegels? Next time you pee, try stopping the flow. Those are your Kegel muscles. Just don’t make it a habit to do Kegels when you pee. Stopping and starting the flow continuously can actually put you at risk for urinary tract infections. Use the pee test only to assess what it feels like to use your Kegels. Berman recommends doing 100 to 150 Kegel squeezes a day to keep them in sexy shape. You can do them anywhere, anytime (just not while peeing). Yoga, Pilates and other core-strengthening workouts also tone PC muscles. How’s Your Sex Life? For some of us, having regular sex is like breathing – we couldn’t live without it. Others don’t mind an occasional dry spell. Where do you stand on the nookie spectrum?

CANCER UPDATE

2007-04-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime.

3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumours.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental,food and lifestyle factors.

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastro-intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver,kidneys, heart, lungs etc.

7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do notresult in more tumor destruction.

9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply. CANCER CELLS FEED ON:

a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like Nutra Sweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in colour. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.
b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soya milk cancer cells are being starved.
c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites,which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.
d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice(most vegetables including bean sprouts)and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40degrees C).
e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrified and leads to more toxic buildup.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the body's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger,unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.

Which is another reason you might opt to buy an oxygen shower head. Everything that goes on your skin, is absorbed into your body.

Aspartame found in sugar substitutes put my mother in the hospital.