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Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Pet Meds that Could Make Life Easier for your Furry Friends

Having an animal in your life can be a remarkably rewarding experience. When you take a dog or a cat into your home you are giving them a chance at a bright and loving future. But of course, you will get a lot out of this relationship as well.

There is nothing like walking in your front door and being greeted by a happy, slobbering puppy. Few things are more comforting than sitting on the couch and having your cat quietly crawl up into your lap.

But caring for an animal is a lot of hard work as well. Not only do you have to make sure that they are eating right, exercising and getting a lot of love and affection, but you have to do everything in your power to heal them when they are sick.

Animals get sick just like people do, but the problem is they can’t tell you their symptoms. That is why it is important to take your dog or cat straight to the vet whenever anything seems out of the ordinary. Here are a few pet medications that you might encounter the next time your special friend is feeling under the weather.

Novox (carpofen) Caplets

There are several different occasions when your veterinarian might prescribe your dog Novox caplets. For one, they might help to reduce pain after your dog has had orthopedic or soft tissue surgery. More commonly, however, your vet will recommend Novox for dogs that suffer from osteoarthritis.

Arthritis in dogs is becoming almost as common as it is in humans. Part of this is due to over-breeding, but the main reason is that because of advances in veterinary technology, dogs are simply living to an older age these days. This medication will help to reduce inflammation in the joints and can also help to reduce pain.

In many instances, your vet will recommend a glucosamine product in addition to anti-inflammatory medicine. The Novox will help to reduce pain at the moment, but the glucosamine will help prevent it from getting worse.

Cosequin Soft Chews

Human beings will often use a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement to help maintain full functionality in their joints. Veterinarians have now developed similar supplements designed specifically for dogs.

Cosequin is administered to provide cartilage support to pets who suffer from arthritis. Even if your dog doesn’t have arthritis, you can talk to your vet and see if a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement like Cosequin can help to prevent it from developing in the future.

Cosequin is convenient because you can administer the chewable tablet with food. The best way to get your pet to swallow it is to wrap it up in a piece of cheese and pretend you are giving them a special treat. Just make sure they swallow the medicine and don’t just eat the good stuff and spit out the pill.

Amitriptyline Tablets

It can be frightening when your cat starts exhibiting erratic behavior. Grooming is normal, but sometimes cats do it so excessively that they can hurt themselves. Other times you might catch them spraying urine around the house. And sometimes you can just tell that they are going through separation anxiety every time you walk out the door.

Cats go through mental problems just like human beings do. Amitriptyline is a drug that can treat many of these behavioral problems in your cat. Not only can it help to curb behavior issues, but your vet may also prescribe it to reduce chronic pain from a nerve injury or to treat inflammation from a urinary tract infection. As with any medication regiment, be sure to talk to your veterinarian first to see if these tablets are right for your cat.

Gabapentin Capsules and Tablets

The first time you see your pet go through a seizure can be a frightening experience. Living with an epileptic pet can also make you nervous all the time. What if you are at the dog park and your pup suffers a seizure? Will it freak out the other dogs and lead them to attack your pet?

Gabapentin is a medication that is designed to help control seizures in cats or dogs. Sometimes your vet may also prescribe this drug to reduce chronic pain from a recent surgery or due to arthritis. For seizure control, your vet will normally recommend that you administer the drug three times every day. However, if you are only using it for a pain reducer, then you might only have to give it to your dog or cat once or twice a day.

The responsibilities that come with having a pet are well worth the rewards. When you do everything in your power to keep your dog or cat happy and healthy, they will be sure to repay you with unconditional love for years to come.

There Are So Many Great Dog Life Vests On The Market Today

Spring is near! Warmer weather means enjoying the beautiful outdoors and water activities. For dog lovers who are lucky enough to own a boat or who are fortunate to be able to incorporate water with their active lifestyle, flotation life vests for us humans are a must. The same should apply for our four-legged family members. Some of the most common breeds such as Labs and Goldies were engineered to love the water, while other breeds like our two Shibas require a little persuasion. Regardless of what type of dog or dogs you own, if you love the water, your dogs will eventually love the water too.

Swimming comes natural for dogs - almost as natural as walking or running, and is a great form of exercise. Hydro-therapy has also been proven to greatly improve a dog's recovery from injury or anxiety, and you can't forget the resulting bond that is strengthened between you and your Pooch. Needless to say, the advantages of incorporating water into your dog's active lifestyle are well documented.

Your dog could be the Michael Phelps of the dog-swimming world, but you can never be too safe when it comes to water. Here are some suggestions : Never leave your dog unattended around water, and always have your dog wear a vest if you and your family are planning on enjoying the water for an extended period of time.

The properties and technology behind dog lover's favorite dog life vests such as the EzyDog Seadog Flotation Vest or the Kurgo Surf N Turf Life Vest are for the most part, similar. Quality construction incorporating high-buoyancy materials such as foam or rubber, water-repelling materials like neoprene or nylon, and multi-functioning features such as carry handles or D-Rings.

These flotation apparatus are also ergonomically designed to fit dogs of all sizes, and allow for full range of motion when walking, running, or swimming. It's easy to find the right size for your dog. Your Pooch is fitted correctly if the vest spans the entire length of the back from the base of neck to the base of the tail. The vest should also wrap completely around the chest and belly, or have at least three attachment points on the underside of the life vest, not only to keep your Pooch comfortable, but also to ensure a safe and secure attachment that prevents your Pooch from slipping through the jacket.

Dog life vests like the Doggles Flotation Jacket take it one step further by adding a flotation pillow that conveniently and securely attaches to the underside of your dog's neck, preventing your dog from dipping its head below the water surface.

If your pooch enjoys the water, keep them safe and get a dog life vest. There are great brands to choose from out there that are actually affordable, so finding one for your four-legged love one will be easy.

Best Dogs for families- Top 3 best dog breeds for families

How do you find a best dog breeds for your family? First, you should start with doing some research into all the different dog breeds that you like. You should research all the breeds that you like carefully and choose the one are very suitable to your family's lifestyle. A wonderful dog can teach children all about love, and growing up with your children together, your children will cherish for a life time. Here are a list of the top 3 best dog breeds for families.

Golden Retriever- Golden Retrievers are the one of the most popular family dog breeds in the United States. They are very gentle and always patient with the children. They are lovable, well mannered dog with a great charm. They are a friendly, and loyal dog. They are intelligent so that they are easy to train dog breeds. Their life expectancy are about 10-12 years.

Miniature Schnauzer- the Miniature Schnauzer is an loving, playful, and happy dog. They are very intelligent, devoted and affectionate. They are good with the children and can get along with other dogs and small pets. They are a good family companion pets. The miniature schnauzer is also a good dog for aprtment life. Their coat are also a good dog for apartment life. Their coat are also not hard to groom, it may need some care. Their life expectancy are about 15 years.

Labrador Retriever- labrador retriever is another great retriever does very well in any home. They also is one of the most popular dog breeds in United States. They are highly intelligent, loyal, affectionate and eager to please dogs. They are friendly, loving, and superb good with the children and also with other dogs and small pets. Labradors are very easy to train and obedience dog. The only negative thing about this dog is they can be a picky eater. Their life expectancy are about 10-12 years.

The all dog breeds above are generally as the best dog breeds for families, while there are always have an exception to the rules. Understand all dog breeds at www.dogbreeds-and-doggie.com

Does Your Family Really Want a Dog?

Look at that adorable little face! Can anything warm your heart as quickly and completely as the tiny soft body of a puppy... any puppy? Their little bodies nuzzle right up to you. Their little eyes melt your heart in a second. Who doesn't want a puppy? How wonderful they are; unconditional love, unlimited cuteness, too adorable for words.

This article was not intended to discourage you, but rather to help you prepare for this new addition and make sure this is the right decision for your family. There are several things to consider as your family discusses the possibility of getting a puppy.

1. The first thing is that every puppy becomes a dog within 1-2 years depending on the breed. You'll have up to 2 years of puppydom and up to another 13 or so years of adult dog. So don't think about how a puppy will affect the family. Think about how a DOG will affect the family; a much bigger, not quite so cute, likely not well-trained dog. So before you go looking for a puppy, spend some time with adult dogs of the breed you've chosen and see if you're still interested.

2. The second thing to consider is the expense of having a dog. Costs will vary depending on the size, the breed, and the health of the dog. There's the initial cost of your new pet. A truly responsible dog owner will NOT support puppy mills. Watch for future articles about puppy mills. It suffices to say that puppy mills exist only because people buy the puppies. No customers, no business, no more torturing and abusing dogs. So you'll either get your puppy from a reliable breeder or from a rescue shelter. There will be a cost associated regardless of which you choose. Most rescue shelters charge approximately $500 regardless of the breed. Rescue shelters are non-profit. This fee pays for food and vet bills to spay or neuter our furry friends. Occasionally dogs require surgery or other medical attention. You can see that this figure is by no means an absolute. The purchase price from a breeder will vary depending on the breed of dog and the breeder.

So many of the costs are dependent on the decisions you make. Will you use a dog crate for house training or when no one is home? What sources will you use for training; books, videos, training lessons, a combination of all three? Will you provide your pet with just a bowl on the floor or a water fountain which constantly circulates the water ensuring your dog has fresh water at all times. You could spend up to $2,000 in your first year for basic essentials; licence, collar, dog walking leash (perhaps a couple of different kinds), water bowl, food bowl, food, toys, dog bed, grooming equipment, dog crate, gates and fences for the yard, vet bills (puppies need check-ups, dental checks and vaccinations just like your children did), flea treatments, heart worm medication, some dogs require professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, any behaviour training supplies.

After the first year, depending on your dogs' health, you can expect to spend between $500 and $2,500 each year for basic maintenance; again this amount has a lot to do with the breed of dog you've chosen. This does not include additional carpet/furniture cleaning as a result of inevitable pet "accidents". There is also the cost of replacing "doggie chewed" items like children's toys, nic nacs, shoes, wallets, purses, pillows, bedding, and other items your dog naughtily entertained him/herself with. This also does not include medical emergencies like your dog eating chocolate, or aspirins, or other poisonous items, or any accidental injuries that may occur.

3. Next, examine your lifestyle. Dogs are incredibly social animals. Your dog, just like your children, will require large amounts of quality time. (No wonder people get their pets confused with their children. There are so many similarities.) It's irresponsible to bring a dog into your family and then leave him/her alone for 10 hours every day. Think about how many hours will your pooch be left alone each day? Remember to include after school or work activities like baseball, soccer, hockey, karate, ballet, tennis, overtime work hours, etc. in your "away" time.

How many people are in the family? What age are your children? Toddlers or smaller children may not be a good combination with a larger, more aggressive dog.

Puppies have little bladders and need to go out about every 1 to 2 hours; adult dogs at least 3 times a day. That's just a "potty" out.

Your dog will also need exercise. All dogs need exercise! Think in terms of 30 to 60 minutes each day for all dogs. Beyond that you need to take your specific pet into consideration for additional exercise needs. Ignoring this means that your dog will be bored and may start behaving badly. How much more exercise depends on the breed. Border Collies, Jack Russells, Doberman Pinschers, Labrador Retrievers, English Springer Spaniels, Boxers, Irish Setters, and Huskies, typically herding dogs to name a few require at least an hour of vigorous exercise at least twice each day.

Many dogs require mental stimulation in addition to the physical. This is playtime and training time and it's equally important as physical exercise. Time... time... time. If you can't commit to this for your dog, you will want to consider a breed that is less demanding. Shih Tzus, Pugs, Poodles, Basset Hounds, and Beagles require much less of an exercise commitment. Will your children be able to help you walk the dog each day? Will they be able to handle a large dog or perhaps a smaller dog would be more suited to your family? Or perhaps this isn't the right time for a dog.

I cannot impress upon you enough how important it is to seriously consider these points before making a decision. Think of this as important a decision as having a baby. You can't "try it out and see if it works". If it doesn't "oh well" and do away with it. It's not fair to you or your family, and it's not fair to the dog. Perhaps you're reading this and logically thinking "She's right. I don't have the time, or the money." But still your heart is yearning for a dog. There is a solution. Offer to babysit someone else's dog while they go away on vacation. If that works out well, try fostering a dog. Fostering means that you will care for a "rescued" dog until a forever home can be found. Because this is a temporary situation, once your "charge" is placed, you can choose not to take any more, if you decide that having a dog is not the right thing for your family. This is a great way to "test the waters"; to see if your family is truly ready for the responsibility of having a dog. You'll learn a lot about training and how to deal with dogs and at the same time you are offering a tremendous service to our wonderful canine companions.

Remember to hug your dog today.

Puppy Mills - A Sad Reality

What are they? Wikipedia describes them in this way: "A puppy mill, sometimes known as a puppy farm, is a commercial dog breeding facility that is operated with an emphasis upon profits above animal welfare and is often in substandard conditions regarding the well-being of dogs in their care."

Although accurate, it is an incredibly diplomatic way to describe the horrific conditions in which these dogs live. Correction, they don't live, they barely exist.

There are varying ideas of what exactly constitutes a "puppy mill". However, everyone will agree that the following is an accurate description and although extreme, an all too common a practice of puppy mills. Where to begin; there is so very much wrong with these places.

Puppy mills are run by people who breed dogs for profit. Now, there's nothing wrong with making money or even making a profit. The problem with these people is that they are beyond irresponsible and are actually cruel and negligent to these animals. Their greed is so intense that they will have anywhere from several dozen to hundreds of dogs and the health and welfare of the dogs is not just compromised, it's completely disregarded. From the first time a dog is able to get pregnant (as early as 6 months of age) she is bred to have puppies. Depending on the breed each female dog could have 2-4 litters every year. It's not healthy for them to do so, but these irresponsible millers will make every effort to capitalize on every breeding opportunity. They are interbred and bred with dogs that have health issues that will be passed on to the puppies. These female dogs will spend their entire lives pregnant. When they can no longer breed they are put to death; usually with a hammer to the head because euthanasia through a Veterinarian costs money.

Having so many dogs barking and yapping constantly is not in the millers' best interest. It could alert outsiders to the puppy mill site and is quite likely annoying to the millers who keep these poor animals in a tortured state. Many puppy mills "debark" some of the dogs. This requires that some of the vocal cords are clipped resulting in the bark becoming more of a whisper. That, in itself, is a controversial topic as scar tissue can develop in the dog's throat making it difficult for the dog to breathe. Personally I don't agree with this procedure at all. However, if this must be done, it is possible for a Veterinarian to do this through surgery using anaesthetics. A puppy mill, however, will not spend the money for this procedure. They perform it themselves by shoving a large, metal pipe down the dog's throat. Assuming they haven't killed the dog by missing, they will have ruptured the vocal cords. This is done with NO anaesthetics and I don't believe for a moment that it is pain free. There is no protection; and no medical attention afterward.

They are only fed barely enough food to keep them alive. The quality of the food is substandard; the cheapest the millers can get away with. Often the food consists of what was swept up from the floor of dog food manufacturers. There is so little nutritional value in this food that the dogs' teeth rot at very early ages. The dog dishes are never cleaned and maggots are often present in the food. The water bowls never have clean water and often contain urine and feces from the crates stacked above. There is no protection; and no medical attention afterward.

The dogs are kept in small cages, often too small for the dogs to move around. Often there are several dogs in on cage. If a fight takes place, there's nowhere to hide or get away from the attacker. There's no protection; and no medical attention afterwards. So open wounds are left open to get infected, and body parts that are bitten off or broken are left unattended.

Typically these are wire cages which are never cleaned, so the dogs have no choice but to sit in their own excrement causing their open wounds to be infected and often causing diseases. It's common for their paws to get stuck in the holes of the cages and their legs get badly cut or broken by the wire while they are on their own to free themselves. There is no protection; and no medical attention afterward.

The dogs are never removed from the cages, never free to roam about, never walk on the ground or the grass. They're never loved, or hugged, or petted, or brushed. Their coats are so badly matted they often need to be shaved right down to the skin. Severe matting causes very serious health issues; bacterial and fungal infections. Untreated mats become bigger and tighter. This pulls on the dogs' skin and is very painful. No air can get under the mat and any moisture can't dry. Shedding hair gets caught in the matting and ultimately rots. The dogs' skin becomes irritated and ulcerated. Fleas, ticks, and other parasites nest and breed in the dogs coat causing further skin infections. Severe matting is grounds for charges of animal cruelty. In a puppy mill there is no protection; and no medical attention.

The dogs and their cages may or may not be sheltered in a garage or broken down barn, but they are not protected from extreme temperatures. Many dogs suffer from exposure as there is no heat to keep them warm so they have to endure freezing temperatures in the winter time. The heat is so intense in the summer that many of the already weakened dogs suffer from heat stroke, and some of the delicate puppies literally fry to their death on the hot wire cages. In a puppy mill there is no protection; and no medical attention.

Because of the horrific conditions these dogs are forced to live in, the dogs end up with countless diseases which are passed on to their new litters. Some of the common conditions are hip dysplasia, kidney disease, respiratory disorders, eye problems (including retinal atrophy, glaucoma, and many others), deafness, heart disease, and many other serious health problems. It's common for puppy mill puppies to arrive in your home with fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, distemper, upper respiratory infections, mange, pneumonia, heartworm, and these just name a few. In a puppy mill there is no protection; and no medical attention.

When you buy a puppy, you may not be aware that it's from a puppy mill. You bring this adorable puppy home and you love him/her, and you play with him, and he/she very quickly owns your heart. A few months later your puppy get sick and you take him to the vet. Over the next few months you've spent thousands of dollars in an attempt to restore the health of your beloved new pet. Within too few months your beautiful new puppy has died because of a disease or genetic defect caused by the over breeding, inbreeding, and the unsanitary conditions at the puppy mill; and a part of your heart goes with him. Now you, too, have become a victim of the horrible, cruel conditions of the puppy mill.

How did that happen? How did you get a puppy mill puppy? You bought him from a reputable pet store. Or maybe you answered an ad in the paper, or bought him on kijiji or e-Bay. Or perhaps you were well aware, but you wanted to "rescue" this one puppy and believed you were doing the right thing. Unfortunately, by rescuing that one puppy you've supported and encouraged the entire puppy mill industry and confirmed to them that there is a market for them to continue torturing these animals. There is only one way to stop the greed of the puppy mill breeder. No customers. No customers equals no profits, and that's the only reason puppy mills exist. Most pet stores sell puppy mill dogs. Some know exactly where these puppies come from and lie about it, and others buy from a third party or broker and are lied to about it. Often the lineage papers are falsified to give the illusion of a pure bred dog. It is an educated guess that there are approximately 10,000 puppy mills in the United States alone. Because puppy mills try to stay in hiding, no one knows for certain. But it is estimated that 60 million puppies are born in puppy mills each year. This is much more than "just a problem". This is a catastrophe of pandemic proportions.

It would be fabulous to have enforceable government legislation to prevent puppy mills. That would help, but it will not eliminate them. There's only one thing that will truly put an end to them completely... an educated public. Only YOU have the power to truly stop them. Millions of dogs are put to sleep each year because of overcrowding. There is really no need to support puppy mills. There is an endless supply of good healthy dogs to adopt; many of them purebreds. Contact your local animal shelter or humane society. If you have your heart set on a puppy or a particular breed of pet, go to a legitimate, licensed breeder. You may have to wait a bit for the proper timing of the next litter, but it will absolutely be worth it. Legitimate breeders breed for the love of these animals; they are committed to improving the breed. Their dogs are well cared for, and the parents are screened for genetic diseases. To find a good breeder you can start by asking your local Veterinarian for a referral.

Here's a tip to ensuring you're dealing with a legitimate agency or breeder. A true, reliable breeder will never sell to a pet store. You will likely be asked to fill out an application and go through an interview process before you are given a dog. If someone just gives you a dog because you want one and have money; that should be a huge "red flag". Good breeders and shelters are interested in matching our canine friends with appropriate, responsible families that will treat the dog properly and give the dog a good home.

You should always be welcome to visit the home where your potential new dog was born and raised to date. If, for any reason, you are refused this request, you are likely dealing with a puppy mill. Don't get scammed by a puppy mill. Some ads over the internet or in the newspaper may offer "free to a good home" dog. Then they charge $300-$500 for shipping and possibly bogus medical attention (check-ups or shots for example). Don't fall for it! For more information about puppy mills visit the ASPCA (the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) http://www.aspca.org or the CFHS (Canadian Federation of Humane Societies) http://www.cfhs.ca.

So choose your pets wisely and remember to hug them today.

Women’s Ski Apparel Essentials

Skiing is such a high-adrenaline rush sport. Despite of the fun and energy it creates, it can pose danger and hazard to the skiers as well. The cold harsh environment can be detrimental to the well-being of the skier; well insulated and reliable womens ski apparel can certainly make a difference.

Jackets. Women's ski jackets come in various styles, and can be both functional and fashion-forward. A jacket will keep you warm and shield you from the cold winter weather; a quality jacket is a key component in making your ski day an enjoyable one.

Pants. Ski pants are necessary to keep you warm and comfortable on the slopes, but you don't need to sacrifice fashion for function. A quality ski pants should always shield your legs from the elements and creates free movement for easy skiing.

Boots. Another womens ski apparel that should not be missed. Whether it's walking to the lodge, locking up your skis, or even walking back to your hotel, you'll have to tromp through snow. A good pair of snow boots is very handy, must protect your feet from blisters and the freezing cold as well.

Gloves. A shivering hands and feet is not a good sign of a ski adventure. That's why a pair of good, warm ski gloves or mittens is necessary in your skiing wardrobe. A quality pair of gloves needs to shield your hands from the wind, while insuring that all of your fingers are warm, but you still need to be able to move your fingers freely for strong grip.

Goggles. A must have on skiing checklist. The cold, high biting wind of the winter will can hurt the eyes. Just make sure your goggles and lenses are clean and clear while skiing.

Having all those womens ski apparel to tug before your ski trip will assure a great ski adventure. Secure your ski tickets early and check ski resorts accommodations, an early bird gets the greatest deal.

Wearable Art: Ageless Jewelry Styles

“Love of beauty is Taste. The creation of beauty is Art.”

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

When it comes to timeless jewelry, we often think of diamonds and pearls as being the only alternative. However, not everyone can afford such luxuries. And since fashion trends and styles are constantly changing, it can be difficult to accessorize especially when you are on a budget. The good news is that classic pieces of jewelry can grow with your wardrobe and last for several years to come. The key to selecting timeless pieces that will stand the test of time is choosing ones that are handcrafted by experienced artisans. Factory-spewed and mass-produced jewelry is a thing of the past. These days, the latest trends in jewelry have everything to do with the handmade marketplace. The latest trends in handmade designer jewelry include polished natural stones, sea glass and colored crystals. You can purchase a timeless piece of jewelry to accentuate just about any outfit.

The Statement Necklace

The statement necklace is made out of a wide variety of materials from large stones to sea glass and even fabric. These striking pieces can turn even the most ordinary outfit into something extraordinary. No wonder many celebrities gracing the red carpet choose a statement necklace to pull their look together. The timeless nature of a statement necklace makes it the perfect companion for your wardrobe. Mix and match it with different outfits, regardless of the season, to turn heads all year long!

Elegant Earrings

Dazzling designer earrings crafted with semi-precious stones and sterling silver is just one style of timeless jewelry trends that are popular today. The lengths of the earrings can vary from studs to chandelier earrings that dangle below the jaw line. The hottest color trends include pastel palettes featuring sea greens and cool blues. Paired with a cocktail dress or even jeans and a t-shirt, a pair of elegant earrings can give any outfit a polished look.

Bountiful Bracelets

Chunky beaded bracelets and sterling silver charm bracelets are the most popular bracelets available in the handmade marketplace. The uniqueness of certain bracelets is what makes them timeless. Vintage charms, found objects and antique buttons are just a few of the materials used in quality crafted designer bracelets. Paired with new chains and findings, these timeless bracelets are worthy enough to grace the arm of Hollywood’s latest starlet.

2006 Pacific hurricane season

2006 Pacific hurricane season

Season summary map
First storm formed: May 27, 2006
Last storm dissipated: November 20, 2006
Strongest storm: Ioke – 915 mbar (hPa) (27.03 inHg), 160 mph (260 km/h) (1-minute sustained)
Total depressions: 25
Total storms: 18  –  East
1  –  Central
Hurricanes: 10  –  East
1  –  Central
Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+): 5  –  East
1  –  Central
Total fatalities: 14
Total damage: $355 million (2006 USD)
$390 million (2011 USD)
Pacific hurricane seasons
2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

The 2006 Pacific hurricane season was the most active since 2000, which also produced 19 tropical storms or hurricanes.[1] Eighteen developed within the National Hurricane Center (NHC) area of warning responsibility, which is east of 140°W, and one storm formed between 140°W and the International Date Line, which is under the jurisdiction of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC). Of the 19 total storms, eleven became hurricanes, of which six attained major hurricane status. Within the NHC portion of the basin, the season officially began on May 15, and in the CPHC portion, it started on June 1; the season officially ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the eastern Pacific basin.
The strongest storm of the season was Hurricane Ioke, which reached Category 5 status on the Saffir-Simpson scale in the central Pacific Ocean; Ioke passed near Johnston Atoll and later Wake Island, where it caused heavy damage but no deaths. The deadliest storm of the season was Hurricane John, which killed six people after striking the Baja California Peninsula, and the costliest storm was Hurricane Lane, which caused $203 million in damage in southwestern Mexico (2003 USD, $221 million 2011 USD).
Seasonal activity began on May 27 when Tropical Storm Aletta formed off the southwest coast of Mexico. No storms formed in June, though the season became active in July when five named storms developed, including Hurricane Daniel which was the second strongest storm of the season. During August, Hurricanes Ioke and John formed, as well as four other storms. September was a relatively quiet month with two storms, of which one was Hurricane Lane. Three storms developed in October and two formed in November; this marked the first time on record when more than one tropical storm developed in the basin during the month of November.

Benefits of using Skin Care Products

Flawless skin that radiates beauty is a blessing. It is wonderful to have healthy skin and there is an array of beauty products in the market ranging from moisturizers to sun screens that women hasten to buy in the hope of looking beautiful. But are they buying the best products? How much do they know about what their skin needs and what type of skin they have?

It is important to know the type of skin you have before buying skin care products. Each person’s skin care regime will depend on the type of skin they have. Here are the five different types of skin and their characteristics:

Type 1: Oily Skin tends to be shiny and it prevents the skin from drying. It may be prone to blackheads and acne.

Type 2: Combination Skin has a smooth texture, healthy colour and is prone to medium pores. This type of skin tends to be dry on the cheeks and oily in the T zone; that is the forehead, nose and chin.

Type 3: Dry Skin tends to feel tight especially after washing. There may be wrinkles and the skin appears dull.

Type 4: Sensitive Skin is delicate with fine pores. Flushes easily, often allergic and can have rashes.

Type 5: Ageing or Sun Damaged Skin also feels tight and has wrinkles. Dull skin especially around the cheeks and jaw line.

Skin plays a major role in ensuring the optimal functioning of the body. Therefore it is critical to a person’s quality of life. Taking care of skin by using proper skin care products is vital and must be a part of the daily hygiene regimen. There are many benefits of using skin care products daily.

The use of moisturizers or moisturizing lotions is recommended by health care professionals as they maintain the natural moisture level of the skin. Dry skin is susceptible to various skin diseases and damage, therefore using a moisturizer is the simplest way to avoid skin problems.

Another benefit of using skin care products is that they help to avoid health issues. Since skin is the largest organ in the body, skin issues can affect a person’s life. Life threatening cancers are among the many issues that harm the skin and eventually the life of an individual. Using proper skin care protection such as sunscreen can provide protection from the environmental elements.

In addition to these health benefits, whether it is using a moisturizer, a cleanser or a sunscreen these products offer solutions to skin problems thereby improving a person’s physical appearance. Skin is one of the first features people see and every body wants to look their best when interacting with others.

Sea Mist Topaz

Sea Mist Topaz: About This Gem

If you haven't heard about sea mist topaz, you're missing out on one of the most delightful gems available on the market today.

This fabulous stone is a hybrid between nature and technology. Sea mist topaz starts with a natural white topaz gemstone created from Mother Nature. Then, actual titanium is applied to the bottom of the stone. This process is combined with a few secrets from a company called Azotic Coating Technology, Inc. in Minnesota enhances this gem to create sea mist topaz.

When you gaze upon this treasure, it's hard to fully describe the beauty. Sea mist topaz is clear, but the strong hues of pink, purple, blue, green and golden seem to float over the surface creating a definite yet transparent kaleidoscope of color.

Sea mist topaz is so extraordinarily unique because of its ethereal color and light. When you see the stone for the first time, you'd think it came from a fantasy world. While the gem is clear, strong gossamer color hovers over the top like the prism effect found on a bubble. The beauty is almost beyond words.

Bright light adds to the magnitude of wonder in sea mist topaz. Because the stone is basically clear, beams of illumination flash from every angle creating the most captivating jewelry.

Sea Mist Topaz: Why So Special?

Sea mist topaz is one of the modern day choices for the November birthstone. Moreover, the magical characteristics of this gem make sea mist topaz highly celebrated. You can easily be mesmerized by the transparent yet strong color and light. It's like gazing into a crystal ball. In fact, many believe that sea mist topaz can serve as a life guide, helping the wearer chart the course in his life. Further, it has been said that sea mist topaz can energize and refresh your mind, giving you the wisdom in seeking truth as well as forgiveness in your heart.

Sea Mist Topaz and Fashion

While sea mist topaz has association with plenty of enchanting qualities and special meanings, you don't have to subscribe to them in order to appreciate the beauty. Simply said, this gem is just plain fun to wear. When you put any jewelry on that's made with this stone, you can't help but smile. The iridescent colors are so fun and flirty. Wearing sea mist topaz is like an instant perk me up. Because the stone is basically clear, it virtually goes with anything. Jeans and a tee shirt get jazzed up when you wear sea mist topaz earrings. Sun dresses are extra charming and suits become less somber when accessorized with the sparkle of this jewel.

This new gem makes an unforgettable statement to your outfit. The shimmer and shine is as unique as your own personality which makes it all the more special when incorporating it into your fashion. What you'll fall in love with is how easily this stone goes from day wear to evening attire. With the magic and beauty portrayed in this stone, it won't be too long before it becomes one of the enduring classics like the pearl strand or the diamond stud.

Why Can’t I Wear Red on My Wedding Day? – The History Behind Those White Wedding Shoes

Brides through time walked down the aisle gracefully in their big white dresses and white wedding shoes- a tandem that even time cannot deny. It has been a tradition that brides dress in white on their wedding day and their respective grooms in white or black tuxedos. This practice dates back centuries ago, when women started dressing up in white when formally entering married life.

The Ancient Greeks primed the tradition of using white at weddings. They considered this as a symbol of joyful feast. This credit is given to Queen Victoria for having inspired millions of brides in choosing the pure tandem of a white bridal gown and a pair of white wedding shoes. Although blue was the color set for bridal ensembles, her Royal Highness still preferred to wear white on her wedding day in 1840. Princess Diana, on the other hand, wore white shoes on her wedding to Prince Charles. It was a pair of low heeled flat footwear with pearl encrusted on the ivory silk. In Japan and Western Europe, white is also the traditional color for bridal dresses and shoes.

White to brides has been known to be a sign of purity. This is a symbol that the woman, before she will face the world as a married individual, has kept herself free from worldly impurities. White also symbolizes the woman as the bride of Christ and He as the bridegroom. This connection should also represent the relationship of man and wife that like God, they too, should hold on to each other in love and trust.

Today, white still remains as the basic and most popular must-haves during weddings. From white bridal gowns to white wedding shoes, this color still reigns through the marital ceremony zone. Presently, various shades of white have likewise ruled fashion and nuptial solemnities. This showcases a vast number of selections for every bride to choose from.

On the contrary, some modern brides of today prefer wedding dresses with more colors, thus paired with any colorful footwear other than white shoes. There is absolutely no rule in our place that no other color of wedding gown or wedding shoes should be used other than white.

There are numerous white wedding shoes a bride can choose from, such as the white pumps shoes, while peep-toes shoes, white platform shoes and white ballet shoes. Deciding which type of white shoes to wear during the wedding day depends on the bride herself. Factors such as comfort, budget, style and design have to be taken into consideration.

Every girl is free to choose for themselves. It is their decision and still their own will to do away with the used tradition. Yet this should not be an issue that would hinder a woman's dream of having her own personalized wedding. Whether she uses white wedding gown and white wedding shoes or not, what matters is that her wedding day is the time when the groom and the bride become bound together by love in the eyes of God. Because behind that tradition, are two hearts meant to unite as one.

How to become an SEO Expert?

Search Engine Optimization can be defined as the activity of optimizing web pages or whole site in order to make them more search engine-friendly, thus getting higher positions in search results. SEO is a hyper-competitive enterprise that requires intense focus and a thorough, up-to-date understanding of how the search engine algorithms and robots activate. Search engine rankings are essential to the success of your business on the Internet.

SEO service providers are specialized in increasing the traffic to your website by increasing your position in the search engine rankings. Their search engine ranking experts work diligently with you to meet and exceed your company marketing needs. Search Engine Marketing is one of the very few affordable methods currently available for achieving highly visible First Page Placements on the major search engines like Google and Yahoo networks along with Local Internet Marketing and Targeted Email Marketing for small businesses and medium- size businesses and services like software development services nationwide.

A professional Search Engine Optimization solution includes below listed features which are very important to become an SEO expert:

•Website Optimization – Website optimization is an art of placing the website in top ten rankings of major search engines for a strategically defined & researched set of keywords. Affordable website promotion and optimization of your site leads to high ROI and increase in targeted traffic to your website, resulting in more leads and sales.

•Directory Submission – Directory submission services include manual directory submission services, fast submission to directories, and anchor text. You should never submit the site through automatic software, which is counted as spam by all the major search engines. Search engines give importance to the number of inbound links to a site and from web directories you get one-way inbound links. When you submit your links to web directories they allow you to enter a site title (site title is different from the URL) that can contain your keywords. This generates SEO anchor text, which helps you in improving your search engine rankings. Quality links increase the highly targeted traffic to your website; increases search engine rankings, non reciprocal links from directories to your website.

•Link Building Services – Link building services provide a unique customized solution for improving your site link popularity. Quality link building requests will improve your website ranking. We specialize in placing text links on high quality websites. Text links are unique as these links are a direct source of targeted traffic to your website and can raise your organic search engine rankings. Link building is quite difficult, highly frustrating and very time intensive. We want to serve you to save money and your valuable time by offering affordable SEO services to increase link popularity.

•On-page optimization Services – Website Optimization requires fine tuning of the content on your website. The main services in on-page optimization, which includes keyword analysis, building keyword rich content, html coding, building rich content, creation of optimized Meta tags, and implementing various search engine submission methodologies. The content must be fine tuned. SEO services do thorough keyword research for a specific website, and then optimize the content on the basis of these keywords and theme of website. The content is implemented with clean html coding. We use well-defined alt tags for images and defining suitable headings and titles in the Meta tags.

•Social Media Optimization – SEO services use various means of social media optimization for clients. It is necessary for any software development company dealing with online business to know about the behavior pattern of online users. It helps to reach the target audience. We’ll do market research, where you are operating and undertake different methods that will be helpful in taking your business to the top. Some of the SEO services also provide you with the team of content writers who can optimize content for your website and this would help you in spreading the content throughout the web.

•Competitor Analysis – The next step in the process is to see what your top competitors are doing when it comes to search engine optimization. SEO services look at their links, from where their links are coming, and what keywords they have decided to optimize for their websites. This gives significant edge over your competitors because we can get results for your website by monitoring your competitor’s activities. We can create this edge by improvising on those strategies and keeping your website above your competitor’s websites in search engine results.

In addition to the above search engine optimization solutions, SEO services provide other Internet marketing services, which includes: search-friendly web design, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising campaigns, link building programs, SMO services, blog optimization and marketing, targeted local search marketing, and mobile marketing optimization.

Understanding Organic Search Engine Optimization

Organic search engine optimization can also be called ‘Naturalization’ of a website. These are techniques that can help your website be ranked higher with results without paying anything. Ok, it’s only natural that you’re curious about ‘how’. Who wouldn’t? After all, the term ‘Free’ is the most loved term in the world. Let’s take a quick look at what naturalizing a website is all about.

Content Management: On the Internet, content is king. People use different engines to look for information, products, services, media, software, offers, and freebies. The most used searching website is Google, followed by Yahoo! and MSN. But to naturalize your website, your pages must have enough relevant content relating to the keywords being looked up. Whatever your field of business or informative website is about, finding contextually reliable content is the best way to ensure that your website gets high rankings in the results page. By making sure that you have a good keyword density in your content (a very vital aspect); your web pages are more ‘visible’ to an engine while looking into the infinite depths of virtual cyberspace!

Professional SEO Services: Only professionally capable SEO developers can ensure organic search engine optimization. Without a capable content team who can be precise about keyword management, naturalizing a website is impossible. Sadly, most SEO developers pay the search sites for higher rankings. These come under ‘Sponsored Links’ on top of any result page. The reason these websites need to pay for their rankings is easy to assume – they’re irrelevant and simply not good enough. A naturalized webpage will not need any paid services to be boosted into higher ranking. Only the best professional SEOs ensure you organically enhanced optimization.

Link Building: Link building is another very sensitive and skilled service that is used in organic search engine optimization. When Google or Yahoo! Is looking for information about a certain subject, they send programs called ‘spiders’ on the hunt. The keywords you are seeking are hunted down from all corners of the Internet and the most relevant ones are on top of the result list. When you have spread your links well enough, blogs and articles that are related to your subject context will have your links. These may be hyperlink references or ‘know more’ and RSS feeds. However, the more number of times your website is referred to online, the better your ranking!

To get your website optimized naturally, you don’t need to pay off a huge sum to a search engine. Organic search engine optimization is a sustainable way of keeping your Internet rankings higher over a much longer period of time. These services are best offered by professional SEO consultants like Pi Media Services (www.pimediaservices.com)

Where Are The Best Places For Distributing Business Brochures?

Don’t know where to start distributing those color brochures? Well, let me help you find out. This is an important step of course since brochure printing as a business investment will never grow and bear fruit if it is not distributed properly to a market. So besides looking at those brochure samples for the perfect design template, you should also try to figure out the best places to distribute your business brochures.

Let me help you get started on this by giving you a few tips on the most ideal locations that experts say are best for brochure deployment. Use these as a good starting off point to make sure that each batch of brochure printing gets the best distribution area for them to succeed at their job.

1. The store front and counter – The first thing that you should do to deploy your color brochures is to put them at a rack in the store front and counter. This is the easiest, cheapest and most convenient way to get the distribution of your color brochures started. For every sale and potential customer that you see, you should be able to easily invite them to pick up your custom brochures for reference. This is the basic workhorse for custom brochure deployment, so you should do this out as the first step.

2. The train station and bus stop – The next most ideal type of places to deploy your color brochures are those train stations, bus stops and other places where the means of transportation changes and converts. You can just put in a particular rack or standee with your color brochures in them at those locations and within just a day you should get people responding to those brochures. Those transportation stops are always chalk full of people whatever day or time it is, so it is really ideal to work with them to get your brochures picked up by people.

3. The lobby and waiting room – Any kind of place where a person is forced to wait for something is one of the ideal places for brochure deployment. People like a little light reading as they wait in lobbies and waiting rooms. By putting in an ideally attractive to read color brochure in those places, you should get a high number of those people waiting to get your custom brochures. That is why you should try deploying your color brochures at the best waiting locations possible. You’ve have bored people reading those custom brochures in no time.

4. The high traffic door and hallway – You might also be interested to deploy your color brochures at high traffic doors and hallways. The more people passing by at those doors and hallways the better your chances of brochure success if you put your custom brochure rack into them. Just of course try to be sure about those high traffic locations. Do your market research well and identify if a lot of your target audiences pass by the ideal area that you want.

5. Along with other products and prints – Finally, you can deploy your color brochures by actually tagging it along with other products and prints. Most consumers will think that the custom brochure is free while at the same time you get free marketing points through them. This should be a nice finishing touch to the robust brochure printing and design tips indicated above.

So take all these notes to heart. Use this information to deploy your custom brochures effectively with guaranteed results. As long as you are careful and determined, this should be very beneficial for you. Good luck!

Mobile throwing contest.

There is no denying that all of us at some point wish we could throw our mobile phones out the window, down the stairs, under a car etc. Well now you can! At the UK Mobile Phone Throwing Championships! All in the aid of charity, this contest is held at the Battersea Park Athletics Track and has already been happening since the turn of the millennium in Finland.

Competitors are encouraged to bring any old mobiles they may have to be recycled. The phones that competitors actually throw are provided on the night.

With an estimated 75 million mobile phones gathering dust in drawers and cupboards across the UK, they would stretch the entire length of the Great Wall of China, nearly 5 times over! These phones will either be recycled for their materials or made as donations to poorer countries.

Officially there are two categories in the Mobile Phone Throwing. Traditional style of over the shoulder throwing, where the length of the throw is crucial, or Freestyle where points from 4 to 10 are given for aesthetics and creative choreographics.

The contestant with the highest points in both categories wins.

Mobile Phone Throwing is a light and modern Finnish sport that suits people of all ages.

Combining the recycling philosophy and fun spirit in active sport. A part of the philosophy is also a spiritual feel and the rare freedom from being available all the time in this modern world.

Mobile Phone Throwing became a hit when first arranged in year 2000 in Savonlinna.

The original organizer was a translation and interpretation company Fennolingua. Its multinational personnel had many carnival spirited athletes who threw away their frustrations along with their mobile phones.

The local recycling centre was a partner and they collected all the toxic waste after the contest. People could also buy a new mobile phone at the Championships. Ironically, the first prize was of course a new mobile phone! International media and wannabe throwers were immediately very interested and every year the Championships gather a wide range of nationalities to Savonlinna to throw the mobile phones or to watch the fun of the championships.

The next Mobile Phone throwing championship held in the UK is in August at Battersea Park, costing just £5 to enter, from 1 to 5pm.

Few Hints to Help While You Buy a Digital Camera

Buying a digital camera is a breeze but buying a 'good' digital camera could be tricky, especially when there are thousands of models from different manufacturers around. Here are a few tips that might come handy while searching for a digital camera online.

Photography is an art that anybody, even people who lack the natural gift of clicking pictures, can learn. Who doesn't love looking at a great picture? Be it at home doing daily chores, walking down the neighborhood street, an outdoor sports event, a trip to an exotic location etc., a well captured image redefines that moment to its viewers who behold it later. Apart from being a hobby for many across the globe – young and old, male and female, photography is a major profession chosen by a lot of people almost everywhere.

The output or result of a snapshot surely depends a lot on the skill of the one behind the camera. However, modern technology has come up with ways to enable anybody regardless of their lack of photography skills to take good pictures. The coming of digital cameras has by far simplified photography. It would not be far-fetched to say that with one of the excellent digital cameras in hand, even kids in the kindergarten can grab great pictures.

Having said that, here is an interesting point. With the wide availability of digital cameras, taking shots has become very easy, but finding a genuinely good digital camera with value for every penny is surprisingly hard today. One reason for this is the fact that there are too many choices available. It becomes hard to narrow down to just one camera when there are hundreds of them with something unique in each. While it is good to get one at discounted price allowing you to save, it is also crucial that you take a look under the hood, which goes without saying, before you pay for it.

While looking at the features and functions of a camera, it is important that you have a clear knowledge of the way you intend to use the camera. In other words, you need to be sure where and how you will be using the camera. This should narrow down the eligible models considerably. For example if you are a frequent traveler, an AA battery operated one is handier than the lithium-ion battery operated ones.

Resolution of the camera is the basic and naturally first feature people look into while buying a camera. No doubt a higher megapixels camera always has more chance of capturing better pictures, but that should not be the only factor that determines the camera. It is a good way to to start looking at it first but along with that a good camera needs to incorporate other features too.

An equally important feature is the zoom function. It can make a lot of difference while taking shots as the object of your target doesn't always pose for the shutter at the same distance. If the object or person is too far away you will have to get closer physically to get a clearer shot. While doing so the target would have been already moved or the moment is already gone, but with more zooming ability, you can do away with the distance in seconds. Therefore, more the zooming ability, better the camera.

In addition, other automatic features like face & smile detection, image sensors, color modes, scene modes and many more that make grabbing images easy and and quick, delivering good outputs should be taken in to consideration. So, while you look for the cheapest digital camera that also grabs great images, know what you want and go to review sites and compare a lot.

The Best Gaming Mobile Applications

Among the many kinds of mobile applications available for smart phones, gaming apps are perhaps the world’s favorite kind. They cater to a vast range of age groups and target audience and some of them are among the most successful mobile apps downloaded worldwide. Once a developer can get their games to be popular amongst a few, the buzz spreads virally. People come to know of popular games from sources like blogs, social media platforms, and friends.

Here are some of the best gaming mobile applications ever –

Angry Birds: One of the latest and most popular mobile apps downloaded in phones around the world today. It’s a simple game of judgment. Grab a bird and use the catapult to destroy pyramids made by evil pigs. It’s fun to try getting the whole pyramid, but equally frustrating because it’s much more difficult that it sounds.

Infinity Blade: While Angry Birds is an immensely popular casual game, Infinity Blade is one of the more serious action recreations. It has extraordinary graphics and extremely good swipe based controls. Perhaps IB is one of the best iPhone / iPad apps ever. Developers say that a multiplayer mode is on its way for eagerly waiting gamers.

Cut The Rope: Like Angry Birds, ‘Cut The Rope’ is another casual physics based game, but only for the Apple iOS. All you have to do is swipe across the screen to cut a swinging rope and feed a cute monster underneath waiting for the food.

Fieldrunners: You have to protect your tower from waves of enemies rushing towards you. Every time one of them breeches your wall you lose a life. You have to create mazes of strategically places weapons to ward them off.

Rage HD: This game is perhaps one of the best examples of how powerful the Apple iOS is. This high definition and popular shooting game is one of the best iPhone mobile apps downloadable for your device. It’s a cross between a fairground ride and a shooting gallery, and extremely well made.

Plants vs. Zombies: It has invaded PCs, Phones, and touch gadgets everywhere! One of Pop Cap Games’ most popular productions, Plants vs. Zombies is wicked addictive and one of the highest rated mobile applications ever!

Street Fighter IV: The last installments of this popular franchise, ST4 is now available at rock bottom prices! This arcade fighting game is perhaps one of the longest running success stories of the video gaming world – and now it’s already a mobile application phenomenon!

Fruit Ninja: Well, fruits arrive on your screen and you have to swipe across them to slice them while avoiding the occasional bombs. It’s another casual gaming success story like ‘Cut The Rope’.

Pac Man Mobile: This ancient gaming classic is perhaps the best known video game in the world alongside names like Mario and Sonic. Now, it comes as mobile apps downloadable on your Apple or Android smart phone.

One of the most lucrative fields for phone software developers is gaming. Among so many mobile apps downloaded daily, at least 40% are games! You can use mobile applications for almost everything, but recreation and relaxation apps are perhaps among the most admired.

BlackBerry unlocking FAQ's

What does unlocking mean?

First, you should understand why phones are locked in the first place. Network providers lock phones so that that you are forced to use their network at their rates. No other SIM card will work in their phones. You cannot take advantage of better rates from other providers. A locked phone is subject to roaming charges.

When you unlock your phone, you are free of these restrictions. There is no more restriction placed on the phone by a network carrier.

Are there advantages to unlocking my phone?

After a phone is unlocked, you are free to use any network and any SIM card of your choosing. You can insert and use SIM cards purchased while abroad and take advantage of better rates for calls and SMS messaging.

You no longer pay roaming charges, and you can switch back and forth between carriers/networks. Other advantages are the increased resale value of your phone. Locking is a guaranteed safe procedure for your phone and cannot harm it.

What is a SIM?

A SIM stands for a 'subscriber information module'. It is a chip inserted into a GSM handset and allows the phone to work within a given network. It identifies who you are, knows to send calls to you when your number is dialed and also controls your calling rates according to your contract or pay-as-you go carrier plan.

How do I know if my phone is locked or not?

That's a simple one. Just borrow a SIM card from a friend that comes from an alternative carrier from yours. If the phone works, your phone is unlocked. If you get an error message, it means that your phone is locked.

Do I have to unlock my phone every time I change SIM cards?

No. Once unlocked, your phone stays unlocked.

Do I save money by unlocking my phone?

Yes. While you will still be paying your provider the usual monthly rate, you can save money by using other SIM cards for other regions or countries if you are traveling. You can avoid roaming charges and you can search around for better rates wherever you are.

How much technical knowledge do I need to unlock my phone?

None at all. The instructions are easy to follow and simply require that you be able to enter the code unlocking number on your keypad. If you can dial a telephone number, you can unlock via code.

Can unlocking harm my phone?

No. Unlocking simply removes the network and SIM locks imposed by your network carrier. However, you should check your contract and paperwork to make sure that it doesn't affect your phone's warranty or that it breaks the terms and conditions of your contract. There is always the possibility that if you enter the wrong code (or a previous owner has tried) too many times that it will permanently lock your phone.

Feeling Stressed? Try The One Joke Per Day Therapy

There are so many elements today in our lives that make things more and more hectic by the day, and there hardly seems to be any respite from the constantly mounting pressures and tough competition to stay ahead of everybody, plan for the future, etc. However, this has also led to rising stress-related issues, blood pressure, etc. While one cannot simply sit at home to avoid all this, a bit of humour has always helped in bringing cheer to ones day.

Yes, it is true. Just one good joke in a day can actually relieve a high amount of stress, and make your hormones come to their normal levels despite all the anxiety and pressures of the professional life. Think of it this way, has not there been a day when you were told a joke by a friend or relative on the phone or via SMS, and you kept on thinking about the same throughout the day, and had a great, stress-free working experience. You might also have spread the cheer by telling the joke to your colleagues, thereby also brightening their day and bringing some laughter in their lives. Is not this proof enough of what a great joke can do to your entire day?

Presently, there are many sources from where one can get funny jokes, with the best one being the internet. Clearly, there are quite a few of those who like to share their humorous side online, which is visible from the great compilation of jokes that are available online. There are many kinds of redhead jokes, lawyer jokes, doctor jokes, and so on, giving you ample variety in terms of choosing the kind of laugh you want to have according to your taste.

But one thing that must be kept in mind is that these jokes are completely in the spirit of humour, and should be taken sportingly, and not personally. Remember, it takes only 7 muscles to smile, and 32 to frown, and the former always gets a better reaction from the other person.

SMS Jokes and Crazy Sayings to Cheer Up Your Mood

It is scientifically proven that in order to remain wholesome, each physically as nicely as mentally, laughter along with active sense of humor is very best medicine actually and there is no greater way to make you smile than riddles and hilarious sayings. Riddles can be explained as little testimonies that end with a laughably startling speech. Jokes give us our everyday dosage of laughter and bring happiness and pleasure in our living. So to continue to keep your mind fit and wholesome examine amusing SMS comments.

With the advent of SMS technologies, now one particular requires not to be physically existing in order share humor with every single other. A person can use his cell cell phone and send SMS comments to pals, household and all close to and dear kinds and provide smile on their encounter. What are SMS Riddles? They can be defined as two or 3 liner comments which are in particular made to be sent by way of text messaging. You will need to examine and remember these SMS riddles in buy to reveal them with your mates.

You can identified thousand of internet websites in the World Broad Net. No matter what variety of text riddles you are hunting for, be it every day joke, birthday riddles, hilarious riddles, filthy riddles, crazy sayings jokes or Hindi riddles, you are confident to get it on the world-wide-web. You can go to any search engine and search for the joke you are seeking for. If you want to have enjoyment with your buddies, then you can lookup for humorous or dirty riddles. If you demand some for your friend's birthday then you can research for birthday jokes or if you want to be naughty with girlfriend or boyfriend, then you can go for naughty kinds.

In purchase to use these internet sites successfully, you ought to copy your favourite riddles in notepad or WordPad so that you won't encounter any problems in situation of unavailability of online. You can also make your personal compilation of your preferred jokes on web which can be accessed by the total earth or by the human being you want with no shelling out even a tiny penny. There are so much service accessible online permits you to build world-wide-web pages totally free of price tag. You can use blogger, Wordpress or Google pages to make a webpage where you can collect all of your beloved sms jokes on all topics.

Thus, sending fantastic jokes is ideal way to distribute the humor close to the planet. It allow you forget all the program tension of everyday living. On the overall, sending comments and humorous sayings via SMS is a finest way to instill some fun in our lives.

Fifteen Kitchen Helps for the Creative Cook

Excerpted from 231 OTHER WAYS TO USE A SANITARY NAPKIN: The Ultimate Recycling Guide for Women Who Have Moved On

IN THE KITCHEN: Yes, sanitary napkins in the kitchen. It’s time to re-evaluate some of our old notions of where these handy items belong. Take a deep breath and try to rid yourself of your former prejudices. After all, the key word here is “sanitary,” isn’t it?

* Attach maxi pads to your hands to use as hot pads when removing a pan from the oven.

* Blot recently washed fruits and vegetables. Give an apple a good polish.

* Moisten a pad with plenty of water and place in a glass jar to sprout bean or alfalfa seeds. This is a delicious and healthy way to impress your friends when you invite them over for a sandwich or a salad. It is, however, recommended that you remove them from the pad before serving. Not everyone is as practical and open-minded as you obviously are.

* Place a soaking wet pad on a microwave-safe plate in your microwave and heat for 40 seconds. This will steam up the inside and soften all the baked-on residue that is normally so difficult to remove. Clean as usual.

* Use in place of magnets to hold miscellaneous lists, pictures and artwork on your refrigerator.

* Keep a pad by your stove to use as a disposable spoon rest. Keep away from heat or flame.

* Use a pad as a mini cutting board. Not only is it disposable for a quick cleanup, but it will absorb any excess juices.

* Instead of draining pasta the conventional way, place unscented pads in the pot to absorb water. Then blot away the remaining moisture with another pad.

* Use a pad as a disposable butter dish—after all, you’ve heard of a “pad of butter, haven’t you? Well, now you know what that means.

* Use a pad to absorb bacon grease.

* Pour a little oil on a pad and use it to grease baking surfaces. You may keep the oiled pad in a baggy in the refrigerator for future use. Remember—waste not, want not.

* Use a pad to dry dishes. We recommend the ultra-absorbent overnight variety.

* Line the bottom of the veggie crisper in your refrigerator to contain undesirable moisture.

* If you happen to have the variety of pad “made with real baking soda,” you can place one in your refrigerator to absorb odors.

* In a pinch, use a frozen pad as a candy thermometer. To test the candy’s temperature, drop a small amount of the cooking syrup onto the pad. If the syrup is easily absorbed, you are at the, ahem, “syrup” stage. If the syrup piles into a soft, squishy heap, you are at the “soft ball” stage. If the syrup turns brittle upon contact with the pad, you are at the “hard ball” stage. If the candy burns a hole in the pad, you should probably turn down the heat—and start over from scratch.

Where's Wally

Where's Wally

Everyone remembers Where's Wally?, you know the guy in the stripy red and white top with the red bobble hat that you had to find in a crowd of people? The books were and still are very popular and the character has become synonymous with the art of blending into a crowd.

The books themselves were written by the British author Martin Handford and consist of a series of extremely detailed double page spread colour illustrations showing huge crowds of people in fantastic detail, carrying out all sorts of amusing tasks.

The challenge for the reader of the book is to find the character of Where's Wally? in the crowd. He will be very well hidden from view and it can take a long time to locate him. Although his red and white striped hat and top plus glasses gave him away, the author would often put in red herrings to draw your eyes away from the real character. This could be another similar looking man or even a red and white striped object, all of which added to the fun of the game.

In the later books, more tasks were added in, so the challenge was not only to find Where's Wally?, but also another character or object too. This would ensure that the reader would have a greater challenge to complete. Because of the popularity of the series, Where's Wally? has also become a cartoon series on TV and a video game too. It's fair to say that the character has come along way since his birth back in 1987.

So, now that we know a little more about the character and story of where's Wally? it is easier to see why he is still very popular amongst children and adults alike.

The Where's Wally? is also a great character to dress up as at a party, everyone will recognise you as the character and will enjoy trying to pick you out of the crowd. If you are planning a fancy dress party or perhaps a stag do, then this costume would be a great addition. You could make the groom dress up in the costume then send him to a variety of different locations with the hope of being recognised, perhaps rewarding him or the people who have spotted him.

You could take part in one of the many world record attempts to get the most Where's Wallys in one place.

Getting hold of an official Where's Wally? costume is very easy. You can also get round glasses and red and white striped socks.

Once you have found the Where's Wally? costume for you, then its time to start planning that next fancy dress party!

A Few Bar and Nightclub Jokes

Having a boring day at the office or at uni, daydreaming about which bars or nightclubs you will be heading to this weekend? If so here is a few bar and nightclub jokes to break up the mediocrity of the daily grind.

A man walks into a bar and asks the bartender for 5 double shots. The bartender, a little surprised lines up the glasses and pours them out, assuming his mates are just round the corner. The man then, calm as a coma, knocks each shot back one after the other. The bartenders, amazed by this feat of drinking turns to the man and goes “that’s a big effort.” The man replies “you would drink quickly too if you had what I’ve got.” Curiously the bartender asks “what have you got mate” to which the man replies “no money.”

A neutron walks into a bar and orders a drink and asks the bartender how much? The bartender replies “no charge”

A man, after having 27 drinks at a nightclub decides to head home, grabs his car keys and heads to the car park. Struggling to walk, he finally gets to his car, takes him 3 goes to get the keys into the ignition, reverses into the car park wall and drives straight through the boom gate. Realising his wife is at home waiting for him, a decides to drive as fast as possible, swerving across the road erratically. A police car see’s this and pulls him over. The copper asks the man “mate do you know how fast you were going?” The man replies “How the fuck would I know, I’ve just had 27 drinks.”

A rabbi, a sheik and a priest all walk into a bar together holding hands singing “hari-krishna.” The bartender says to them “what is this some kind of bad joke?”

A penguin walks into a bar and with a sense of urgency asks the bar man “sir have you seen my brother, he’s missing and I can’t find him” to which the bar man replies “what does he look like?”

A man walks into a bar, and furiously yells ”all bouncer’s are assholes!!!” A man at the end of the bar stands up, slams his drink on the bar and yells “you better fucking take that back.” Shocked, the man says “why, are you a bouncer?” to which he replies “no… I’m an asshole.”

A cop is staking out a bar for drunk drivers. At closing time, he sees a guy stumble out of the bar, trip on the curb, and fumble for his keys for five minutes. Meanwhile, everybody else leaves the bar and drives off. When he finally pulls away, the cop is waiting for him, pulls him over, and gives him a Breathalyzer test. The test shows he has a blood alcohol level of 0.0. The cop says, How is this possible? The guy says “I’m the designated decoy”

The Best Bar and Nightclub Jokes Ever

Having a boring day at the office or at uni, daydreaming about which bars or nightclubs you will be heading to this weekend? If so here is a few bar and nightclub jokes to break up the mediocrity of the daily grind.

A man walks into a bar and asks the bartender for 5 double shots. The bartender, a little surprised lines up the glasses and pours them out, assuming his mates are just round the corner. The man then, calm as a coma, knocks each shot back one after the other. The bartenders, amazed by this feat of drinking turns to the man and goes “that’s a big effort.” The man replies “you would drink quickly too if you had what I’ve got.” Curiously the bartender asks “what have you got mate” to which the man replies “no money.”

A neutron walks into a bar and orders a drink and asks the bartender how much? The bartender replies “no charge”

A man, after having 27 drinks at a nightclub decides to head home, grabs his car keys and heads to the car park. Struggling to walk, he finally gets to his car, takes him 3 goes to get the keys into the ignition, reverses into the car park wall and drives straight through the boom gate. Realising his wife is at home waiting for him, a decides to drive as fast as possible, swerving across the road erratically. A police car see’s this and pulls him over. The copper asks the man “mate do you know how fast you were going?” The man replies “How the fuck would I know, I’ve just had 27 drinks.”

A rabbi, a sheik and a priest all walk into a bar together holding hands singing “hari-krishna.” The bartender says to them “what is this some kind of bad joke?”

A penguin walks into a bar and with a sense of urgency asks the bar man “sir have you seen my brother, he’s missing and I can’t find him” to which the bar man replies “what does he look like?”

A man walks into a bar, and furiously yells ”all bouncer’s are assholes!!!” A man at the end of the bar stands up, slams his drink on the bar and yells “you better fucking take that back.” Shocked, the man says “why, are you a bouncer?” to which he replies “no… I’m an asshole.”

A cop is staking out a bar for drunk drivers. At closing time, he sees a guy stumble out of the bar, trip on the curb, and fumble for his keys for five minutes. Meanwhile, everybody else leaves the bar and drives off. When he finally pulls away, the cop is waiting for him, pulls him over, and gives him a Breathalyzer test. The test shows he has a blood alcohol level of 0.0. The cop says, How is this possible? The guy says “I’m the designated decoy”