duminică, 7 martie 2010
sâmbătă, 6 martie 2010
How To Stop Your Cat Scratching Your Furniture - Forever! by: Larry Chamberlain
Do not punish your cat for scratching, or for anything you see as bad cat behavior. Punishment is unlikely to have any beneficial effect whatsoever. Your cat simply will not understand if you try to punish her in any way for something she has done, cats do not relate punishment to the ""crime"", they are far more likely to relate the punishment to you!
Even cats that are allowed outdoors will sometimes scratch your furniture, although not as often as indoor only cats. Trees are the natural scratching surface for cats, and to a cat that is kept inside the arms and legs of chairs, and other furniture, sure seems like a suitable alternative!
The most common answer to this cat scratching problem is, of course, a scratching post, or even two. A great variety of posts are available from pet stores and online pet suppliers. They are fairly simple things to construct, but if you do make one yourself, be certain that there are no nails or other sharp things left sticking out to snag your kitty. And make sure that the base is heavy enough, if it falls over your cat will not want to use it again. Cover the post with rope rather than with carpet, the last thing that you want to do is give your cat the message that it is OK for her to scratch carpet!
Ensure that the scratching post is tall enough for your cat, cats like to stretch when they scratch it exercises their muscles. Spread cat nip on one of the platforms to make the post even more attractive to your cat, and attach a few toys to the post so that they hang down temptingly.
If you just put a scratching post down in front of your cat, what is she going to make of it? It may look like a good place to scratch and claw, but then she has been mildly admonished for scratching at things. You may have to teach your cat that it is OK to use the post, that it will not upset you, that scratching the post is what you want her to do.
Every time that you see your kitty about to scratch your furniture, pick her up and gently place her in front of the post. If she decides to use it give her plenty of praise and encouragement. Cover the furniture she scratches with some netting, or aluminum foil. Your cat should soon learn that it is unpleasant to scratch furniture, but great to scratch her post.
If your cat is in the habit of scratching wooden furniture, or doorjambs then strong smelling polish, or vinegar are often good deterrents, if you try the vinegar, check that it won't harm the surface of the wood. Some cat owners report that half an orange or lemon place by the problem has good results. Do not remove the disagreeable smells or covering from your furniture until your cat has been using her scratching post for about a month.
If your cat is a horizontal scratcher rather than vertical one, in other words she scratches up your carpet or expensive parquet flooring, try persuading her to use a piece of rush matting, tape the matting down to prevent the mat moving.
What ever you do to solve your cat scratching problem, do not even think of declawing, it is barbaric.
About The Author
Larry Chamberlain is a lifelong lover of cats and lives in London England. He is the webmaster and owner of http://www.best-cat-art.com. If you have a pet related web site and you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and live link to http://www.best-cat-art.com.
Larry@best-cat-art.com
This article was posted on April 17, 2004
"
How to shop and save Online from your favorite stores by: Domenic Teoli
Today with a click of a button you can have goods shipped to your doorsteps in no time from half way around the world , who could of imangined this 20 years ago.
There are billions of people buying online everyday but we all share one thing in common ,whether im shopping online for gift baskets and you are shopping for jelly beans and mary your next door neighbor is looking for the right book for her schooling
we all want ""THE BEST PRICE POSSIBLE""
Heres just a few out many ways you can shop and save online.
1. Dont buy in a hurry
Impatience can cost you ,before you buy your goods online from a store always check the competition , make sure you are not overpaying the item. A good way of doing this is BY typing the item + price in the google search box - for example "" vacume cleaner + price "" google will show you a list of pages that have that particular item with the prices.
2. Join the Newsletter
90% of big stores online have newsletters ,before you buy take 2 minutes of your time and join their newsletters, in many cases you will receive an e-mail within 24 hrs with a promotional code OR SALE that you can save 10 or 20% on your first purchase .
3. free Catalogs
if you have a couple of favorite stores dont hesitate to order their free catalogs if they offer them , you have nothing to loose but TO gain . You'd be surprised on how many DISCOUNT coupons you can find in their catalogs, and not to mention some catalogs are beautiful .
4. Coupon Codes ( most important )
Many stores do not advertise their coupon codes on their web sites , so lets say you want to buy a baby crib from walmart ,before you buy always type "" walmart coupon codes "" in google ,make sure theres no coupon code for walmart available and lingering somewhere online that you can use .
Sometimes with a little know how ,some internet savvy tips and patience you can save quite a few dollars , hey ! if you can save a dollar
--- why not ---
About The Author
Anna Teoli
Feel free to use this article on your website, but please give us credit by placing the following link on your page:
http://www.buy-giftbaskets-online.com/coupon-codes.htm
buygift@buy-giftbaskets-online.com
This article was posted on February 16, 2005
"
Saving Money: Finding What Works for You by: Darlene Arechederra
My husband has lovingly accused me of taking *nothing* out of the fridge and making something out of it. I transform it into a scrumptious, edible meal, and he shakes his head in wonder. He*s delighted each and every time I pull it off.
And do you know what happens when he grins at me that way?
I keep doing it! Every chance I get. It comes naturally for me. It*s a pleasure, and it*s one of the small ways I save money.
But, not all money-saving strategies come naturally to everyone. For me, there*s one that creates more stress in my busy world. It works for others, but not for me.
I*m talking about collecting and using coupons to save even more money while shopping.
If using coupons seems easy for you, you*re probably in your element using them. You enjoy the process of finding, clipping, sorting and organizing them. You*re always on the lookout for new coupons you can use to help you save money.
Or, maybe like me, you*d rather mess with a hive of bees than deal with coupons.
Over the years, I tried to do the coupon thing. You know. Making sure you*ve got the newspapers, flyers, magazines. Oh my, which ones to keep? So many choices! And we don*t want to clip something we normally wouldn*t use just because we have that coupon for it. Right?
In my coupon journey, I*d pull the coupons out, page by page and tuck them away just in case I needed them. So there they sat. A pile of clutter for me to move around.
But hey, maybe if I shove them in my glove box it*d work better. I cleaned out the glove box to make more room for these money-saving chunks of gold.
Finally, the big day arrives. I*m actually at the store. And my coupons are still intact. My blood pressure shoots up as I envision all that money I*m going to save. I*m only minutes away from having that extra money to buy my new car.
So far, so good. I*ve found my goodies. I*m ready to go. I*ve made it, big time. Confident and pleased with myself, I place my items on the conveyor belt that*s zipping right along. It should be illegal for something to move so fast. I*d bring home a speeding ticket if I kept that speed on the highway.
But, I*ve got to pull my eyes back to the road now. Oops. It looks like... a speed bump up ahead. Better slow this baby down.
What do you mean, *This Coupon*s Expired?* How could this happen?
Fine, then. They can*t ALL be expired. I*m going to pull out my patience and use it for awhile. I*m almost home-free with my bundle of savings.
*Uh, Miss? I*m sorry, but these aren*t the right items for those coupons you*ve got there.*
My eyeballs began to roll at this point. I restrained them, remembering the manners my mother taught me.
*Well! Thank you for sharing that with me!* I tried to separate my clenched teeth. It took me a bit to manually snap my jaw back in place, too. I followed with a deep, long breath for stress relief.
And as I slowly exhaled, I decided I*d never, ever be caught in line with coupons in my hand that didn*t save me any money. I spent time and energy by searching, clipping, storing and carrying them around with me. And of course, remembering to bring them in to the store with me. I had done this more than once, and never with any good results.
No more coupons for me!
No, I*m going home where I*ll make a scrumptious meal out of nothing from the fridge. I*ll listen to hubby*s oohs and aahs. And I*ll feel great again, knowing I*ll still save today. Just as soon as I take something for this headache, of course.
Yes, I*ll save some money today. But I*ll do it MY way.
About The Author
Author and ezine editor Darlene Arechederra inspires busy women to put the fun back into saving their money. Her complimentary newsletter serves up heaps of motivation with a unique, down-home style of writing. Join her today at http://www.RatRaceRemedies.com
This article was posted on October 05, 2004
"
The Gift My Brother Couldn't Give by: Gary E. Anderson
Gary Anderson
www.abciowa.com
In the first years after my brothers, sister, and I left home, there were several Christmases in which our ability to give fell far short of our desire. In fact, we often found ourselves getting very creative if we were going to give any Christmas presents at all. But those early Christmases also contained some of the finest gifts I've ever received, and one of those was the gift my brother Jim thought he couldn't give.
Jim had chosen a difficult road, working for himself instead of collecting a weekly paycheck like the one I got from the department store where I worked, and his funds were always limited.
As Christmas approached, we all searched for the perfect gift for each family member. Since I knew Jim harbored a secret desire to write, I bought him two beautifully hardbound books consisting of nothing but empty pages, so he could fill them with his own words. They weren't expensive, but I knew he'd love them.
As we gathered around our parents' tree on Christmas morning, Jim's smile shown brightly as he watched his loved ones begin to unwrap the strangest assortment of gifts I'd ever seen. One by one, family members exchanged mystified looks as they opened one totally unexplainable gift after another. My sister received a well-used meditation candle. My youngest brother opened a half-empty box of incense. But Jim just sat cross-legged on the floor, unfazed by the puzzled looks and embarrassed thank you's.
Just when I'd decided my brother had lost his mind, Dad opened his gift. It was a tattered paperback copy of Lord of the Rings, which I instantly recognized as one of Jim's most prized possessions. Then I knew what he'd been doing. That Christmas, Jim had chosen to make gifts of most precious things he possessed, the things dearest to his heart. In sharing his most beloved treasures, he also hoped to share the joy they'd given him with those he loved most.
It didn't matter that Dad mostly likely would have had more interest in wading through ""Volume 7"" of an encyclopedia printed in Swahili than the psychedelic world of Tolkein. He understood the profound meaning of his son's gift. Fighting back tears, Dad held the treasured volume in his hands and said, ""I promise to give it back, son, as soon as I've read it.""
Smiling broadly, Jim turned his attention to my gift to him. Although he was clearly moved by the books, a strange awkwardness washed over the room as I realized he had no gift for me. After a long moment, he said softly, ""I looked through everything I owned, and I couldn't find anything I thought you might want.""
Now it was my turn to fight back the tears. Apparently, my brother had no idea of the incredible gift he'd just given me in that simple statement. After all, what could be a greater gift than to know someone thinks highly enough of you to want to give the very best he has—and comes up short?
I smiled and said, ""The look on your face is gift enough for me, brother,"" and I meant every word.
I got many other gifts that year, but I don't remember any of them. And I've been given hundreds of presents since that Christmas long ago, but I can recall only a few of those. But my brother's gift—the one he thought he couldn't give—will always be one of the most precious gifts I've ever received.
© 2004. Gary E. Anderson. All rights reserved.
About The Author
Gary Anderson is a freelance writer, editor, ghostwriter, and manuscript analyst, living on a small Iowa farm. He’s published more than 500 articles and four books. He’s also ghosted a dozen books, edited more than 30 full-length manuscripts, produced seven newsletters, and has done more than 800 manuscript reviews for various publishers around the nation. If you need writing or editing help, visit Gary’s website at www.abciowa.com.
abciowa@alpinecom.net
This article was posted on September 29, 2004
"
ArticleTitle The First Thing On Your To Do List
Make out your Advance Directives. It is better to plan in advance then to rely on fantasies of how we think others would react to making decisions for us. Others may make decisions that may be in their own best interest not yours. Unplanned events sometimes occur in our lives that may take away the opportunity for us to make our own decisions. Why burden others with expense and timely legal problems.
A living will allows you to document your wishes concerning medical treatment when you are unable to speak for your self or nearing the end of life. A medical power of attorney allows you to appoint someone to be your health care agent, usually some one you trust, who will be authorized to make medical and health care decisions, (medical treatment, care provider and environment) on your behalf.
No matter what your age is or how long you expect to be in good health or to be alive planning for your health care in the event of a medical health crisis is a priority. Give yourself a voice. For many of us it is very difficult to talk to the ones we love about events that we do not want to see as possible or inevitable.
Talking to those you love about what to do in the event of a medical health crisis is important even though it is impossible to foresee every event or circumstance. Bringing in your family and friends into the process will help you get a feeling for who may be best able and willing to support the decisions that are import ant for you.
When talking about your decisions it is important to consider your values and beliefs, as this is very personal. Advance Directives can be changed as your health circumstance changes. With age and change in life style habits our physical bodies may be prone to certain disease progression or debilitating impairments of one kind or another. So reviewing and updating your advance directives is important.
Talk to your medical provider or doctor and let then know that you are making your advance directives. They will be glad to know this. Your doctor can answer your questions about your health and explain treatments and possible outcomes. Let your Doctor know about the quality of life you want in the event of a medical health crisis. Find out if your doctor is willing to follow your wishes, as the law does not require them to, if they disagree and feel it is unethical or against their morals.
Consider the following:
Current age, life style and activity.
How you feel about doctors, caregivers and care-giving environments.
Your religious beliefs and your morals, values and ethical attitudes about care and illness.
Attitude about control and independence and the possible loss.
Health, illness, fearful situations of death and dying.
When you are ready to appoint a health care agent you may want to select some one you trust and understands your decisions. The person you select can be a spouse/partner, family member or a friend. It needs to be some one who is willing to act on your behalf. Some individuals may not be able to act on your behalf if they do not understand or agree with what you determine is the best and appropriate treatment for you. It is important to clarify what you want to reduce any remorseful feelings. Keep in mind that health care agents can make medical decisions when you are unable to, not just at life end.
You can obtain Advance Directives and Medical Power of Attorneys from your local hospital, long-term care facility, your physician may have them available, your local libraries reference desk, and your local Senior Law Office.
Partnership for Caring – Provides additional information about Advance Directives and Health Care powers of Attorney. They also provide forms that you can download for free. All they require is you completing a simple registration form. They do not share your information. Go to this link now to get your free Advance Directives: http://www.partnershipforcaring.org/HomePage/index.html
About The Author
Tammy Gonzales Life Coach has created Handbook for Planning Into the Future for you to create a guide for your loved ones to get through the most personal and emotional event they will ever share. Put all of your affairs in order before the need ever arises; get started with the five-week motivational e-course to guide you through the process. Go to: http://www.revitalifecoaching.com
tammy@revitalifecoaching.com
This article was posted on August 12, 2004
ArticleTitle The English were always Philistines, Sir Roy!
Sir Roy Strong, the eminent English historian and former director of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, has ridiculed the television programme ‘I’m a celebrity… Get me out of Here!’ in a recent article in ‘The Daily Mail’.
“It made we feel utterly ashamed to be British”, he lamented. For those of you lucky enough not to know what this programme is about, let me explain. It chooses a number of celebrities and puts them in an artificial situation. In the latest series they were dropped in the Australian jungle and put through a number of ordeals such as having insects poured on their heads! As always there was a mixture of personalities with the emphasis on young people of the opposite sex being together. These could be relied on to use bad language, take off most of their clothes or even have sex.
Sir Roy deplores that “the country of Purcell, Shakespeare, Isaac Newton and Winston Churchill had sunk so low. It’s not just that so many people watched ‘I’m a Celebrity’ (14 million) and the vacuous behaviour of its victims, but that they actually gloated over such puerile antics in their homes.”
Although Sir Roy Strong is an eminent historian, it is difficult to understand his surprise at 14 million people gloating over this gibberish. When he refers to “the country of Purcell, Shakespeare, Isaac Newton” you have to giggle. When did the majority of English show any interest or love of Shakespeare (endured at school by the majority) or the classical music of Purcell or the scientific theories of Newton? Anyone with any acquaintance with English people will know that these are the interests of the few, even the elite.
This is precisely the problem. On the one hand we have an elite who enjoy these cultural pursuits, and on the other the vast majority who are glued to their televisions watching ‘I’m a Celebrity’ or soap operas such as ‘Eastenders’. However, as an historian I am sure Sir Roy is aware of the origin of this problem in the educational system at the end of the Victorian period.
The Victorians did not encourage education among the working masses. They were employed in dreadful conditions in dangerous factories, on low wages on the farms of big landowners and in virtual servitude in domestic service. Added to this there was the constant demand to fill the ranks of the army and navy to maintain the largest empire in the world. In 1870 an Education Act was passed allowing all children between 5 and 10 to go to school. However, as their parents had to pay a small fee, most children did not attend. Only in 1891 when education was made free for children under 10 did the majority go to school. Even then many did not, as their parents were poor and they preferred to send them to work to earn income for the family.
The rich Victorians were happy with an uneducated underclass which they could control politically. The legacy of this educational exclusion of the majority continues to the present day in England. Hence, the appetite for trashy television programmes such as ‘I ‘m a Celebrity’. I am afraid Sir Roy, the majority of English were always philistines. The Victorian legacy has proved too powerful to undo.
© John Lynch 2004
About The Author
For Free Internet marketing E-books on Net Writing, Web Mastering, Net Auctions, Affiliate help go to: http://www.merchant-account-service.com/free_courses_online.htm
This article was posted on February 25, 2004
If You Love Me... by: Adeyemi Adetosoye
If you love me, you will keep my commandments…
In the love games we play, and in all aspects of human endeavors, maintaining positive relations with each other is a must, to live in harmony and peaceful coexistence with each other.
The surest path to keeping good relations with our fellow humans is to know what their dos and don’ts are, and adhere strictly to the same. An infringement of the don’ts should be followed by a sincere apology. A blatant refusal to acknowledge our basic differences, thereby stepping on each other’s toes, is indicative of a lack of respect and by extrapolation, lack of love.
True love is only found and kept, when both parties realize that they have been born and bred in totally different environments and make accommodations to show tolerance and an understanding/acceptance of each others different proclivities.
Naturally, they must have lots in common in the first place, to agree to go together. Even twins born of the same mother and out of the same womb, with lots in common, have a few grey areas they don’t much see eye to eye on; how much less two complete strangers who are in love?
Parents, who enforce rules, in love for their growing kids, expect those kids to obey the rules, or else; similarly, when dealing with adults, mutual respect and admiration can only be realized, when the two parties respect the commandments of each other. Since they must have very similar likes in the first instance, to be able to go together, recognizing the grey areas and communicating these effectively, early on in the relationship will guide that true love is found. Adherence or not to this will be a red flag, which may point to chauvinism.
In future articles, I will dwell on the differences between love and being in love and testing for true love; core areas which are often confusing in the complex mix of male-female relations.
Knowledge is NOT power; it is only empowering….The Application of Knowledge IS power.
About The Author
Christopher Adeyemi Adetosoye is author of A Man’s Guide to Finding True Love and A Woman’s Guide to Finding True Love, E-books, which are currently available at
http://www.trueloveguide.com
adeyemi@trueloveguide.com
![Validate my Atom 1.0 feed [Valid Atom 1.0]](valid-atom.png)