Friday, November 30, 2012

Yandy.com Continues to Expand with Move to New Warehouse

Although the phrase, "The American Dream" has, in recent times, become a trite and much overused expression, for brothers Evan and Chad Horstman, the success they have achieved, especially during such a downtrodden economy, with their online lingerie and costume business, Yandy.com, proves that it may not be so cliché after all. With overwhelming growth forcing the brothers to move up to a new 30,000 square foot warehouse in Phoenix, AZ, expansion is inevitable for Yandy.com

Evan and Chad started Yandy LLC, by first selling lingerie online in January, 2005. In the time since, their business has increased so much so that it takes more than 30,000 square feet of warehouse space to accommodate all of the inventory featured on their site, encompassing thousands of products from Halloween costumes, lingerie, panties, sleepwear, swimwear, dresses, shoes, hosiery, club wear, rave wear and more.

Humble Beginnings

Success did not come easily for the Horstman brothers, nor did it come overnight. Chad, a computer information systems graduate from Arizona State University, made several attempts at internet start-ups over the years but it was not until he teamed up with his brother, Evan, to start Yandy.com did things start to take off. Together, with their diverse business backgrounds, they joined forces and made Yandy the success that it is today. "Sexy lingerie is just something that people prefer to buy online and we were going to give them that option," said Chad.

Was Evan, a former supply chain-manager at Boeing, afraid to leave his safe and secure career path and go out on a limb to venture in to a start-up company of this nature? Naturally. "I worked really hard to get my job at Boeing and I really struggled with my decision to leave. I also knew, however, that through my previous experience in various small business and retail stores we could be successful with this endeavor," said Evan. "In the end, I decided that I am only young once and now is the time to take a chance. I never doubted that with hard work we would make it."

Using their own funds, the Horstman brothers began selling lingerie and hosiery out of Chad's garage. They later expanded into the sexy Halloween costumes market and more recently rave wear which has helped expand their business.

Come that first September in the business, the Horstman brothers became instantly "swamped", as Chad puts it, with orders. "We had so many orders we weren't sure how to handle it at first," said Chad. "We ended up having to turn my garage, hallways and even bedrooms into a veritable warehouse of sorts."

Not only did they immediately have to hire a full-time order puller and packer, but the entire family and all of the friends they could muster helped out with ensuring packages where being shipped out no later than the next day after the order was placed. They often times worked, quite literally, around the clock to get the orders out in a timely manner, a unique feature of Yandy they still honor to this day.

Since those humble beginnings, Yandy has expanded to several warehouse facilities, more than 30 full-time, year-round employees, nearly 100 temporary employees and has lamented itself as one of the top online providers of sexy Halloween costumes for women. Not only that, Yandy has also ventured out to feature a bridal registry for soon-to-be newlyweds as well as added an extensive rave wear section, swimwear and clothing to the already comprehensive collection of products features on the site. The Horstman brothers have even began to create their own line of Yandy branded Halloween costumes, dresses and lingerie with the help of some of the top designers in the industry.

Unparalleled Success

Over the years, the Horstman brothers have prided themselves on being the industry leaders when it comes to customer service. "When it comes to customer service," says Evan, "no one else comes close to the service we offer in our industry. We understand our customers. We get our products to our customers within an industry-best of two to three business days and we ship all orders within two hours of receiving them during business hours, even during our busiest of times," boasts Evan. "If someone orders Friday night they are 'wowed' when they receive their order on Monday."

In addition to Yandy's stellar shipping track record, it is also very easy to get in contact with a customer service representative. Yandy offers a toll-free number that connects directly to one of Yandy's customer service agents, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, which is rarely offered in the online retail industry. Customers can also contact a Yandy customer service agent via email and receive a response within minutes. For the more technologically minded customers, Yandy also offers the option to reach out via live chat during normal business hours.

As for the cherry on top of the customer satisfaction sundae, Yandy consistently maintains a low mark-up on all of the items found on the site, which allows for customers to purchase several items at a time, affordably. "We want our customers to leave completely satisfied with their experience shopping with us," said Chad. "What better way to achieve that then by offering the lowest prices around?"

Ever the technologically savvy businessmen, the Horstman brothers have embraced the changing world around them when it comes to technology. "We saw a need over the past year to evolve even further," says Chad. "We decided we needed to offer customers wishing to shop at the ease of their fingertips from their smart phones and hand held devices the ability to do so. We buckled down and created an easy-to-navigate, mobile web site with resounding success," said Chad.

With year over year growth and success the Horstman brothers hope to have a long road to even greater success in their future. "There is no such word as 'can't' in our business," says Evan. "We have surrounded ourselves with the best team around, we go fearlessly in to every new venture and we have all of the hopes that Yandy will continue to grow and progress, securing us as the best place to sh women's coats op online."

About Yandy.com
E-commerce is on the rise and Yandy.com is one of the largest online retailers of lingerie, sexy Halloween costumes, swimwear and clothing on the web. Founded in 2003, Yandy boasts more than 6,500 products always in stock at easily affordable prices. Yandy ensures that every customer will receive a safe, secure and private online shopping experience and is backed by COMODO online security and Google Checkout. Yandy is dedicated to customer service and only sells what is in stock which allows for quick, same day shipping. Offering the highest quality products at the most affordable prices in the market, Yandy has become a leader in ecommerce. Yandy works closely with all of the manufacturers they distribute for and hand select all of the items on the Web site to ensure customers have the largest and most diverse collection to choose from. In addition, the customer service team at Yandy is unrivaled. With attentive and helpful operators, should a question or problem arise, the customer service team at Yandy is always willing and able to assist. At Yandy, every customer can Be Sexy.

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Buy Real Marketing Cautions Clients on Dangers of Careless Sharing Amid Prince Harry Ruckus

Print and online media are gobbling up Prince Harry's social crisis of nude photos of him sharing his hotel suite with a bunch of friends including some stark-naked women. Buy Real Marketing, in an exclusive statement to clients, reiterates the dangers of ruining their personal and/or business brands due to careless sharing or simply not taking precautions on their social media activities and policies.

Sparking tweets of Prince Harry's nude photos, jokes and sympathies for the royal have overflowed Buy Real Marketing's crisis pickup boards, prompting the company to alert clients who have been purchasing the com fashion coats pany's Twitter, YouTube and other services for the purpose of initializing and maintaining popularity.

The company has been an advocate of healthy professionalism in the age of social media when freedom of speech, whether one likes it or not, has reached full circle. According to Buy Real Marketing, social sharing roused platforms where every individual opinion can be aired in the web and all the laundry, dirty or clean, can be exposed.

Inasmuch as publicity goes, the firm places heavy importance on the beneficial kind and aims to provide these to individuals and businesses through its services at http://www.buyrealmarketing.com. However, since roadblocks cannot be avoided in the journey to fame or established branding, measures of prevention and crisis management should be in place.

A quick Google image search of Prince Harry returns unclad photos posted on the biggest American gossip website as well as tabloid headlines of those photos, eclipsing the more "wholesome" shots of him gallant and clothed. Buy Real Marketing stresses to its clients that their story need not be like that.

Social media crisis management, including relevant marketing guidance for enterprises and individuals looking to promote their products and services are available for everybody at the company's official blog.

About

Buy Real Marketing is well-established internet marketing firm founded in 2010 by Jean-Patrick Bisson, Diana Quartin and Jonathan Kennedy. The company specializes in driving search marketing and social media traffic, social web app development and conversion optimization. Each product or service specifically helps small/medium website owners increase online visibility and improve online sales.

Woman Within, KingSize and Roaman’s ranked in STORES’ Favorite 50

OneStopPlus Group, the preferred brand portfolio of women's apparel, shoes, lingerie, men's and home products dedicated to plus sizes, announced today that three of its premier plus size brands - Woman Within?, KingSize? and Roaman's? - are featured in the latest installment of the STORES' Favorite 50(http://www.stores.org)

The Favorite 50 is a consumer survey conducted by BIGinsight with rankings based on feedback from 8,700 consumers who were surveyed regarding online merchants in both the apparel and non-apparel sectors. This year, Woman Within? climbed five spots over last year's position to #17; KingSize? and Roaman's? ranked #38 and #43, respectively.

"With more than 100 years of plus size expertise, the Woman Within? team understan women's coats online ds the importance of providing quality fashion products in extended sizes to create the perfect fit for the curvy woman, along with excellent customer service," said Gail Pilosi, Senior Vice President/General Brand Manager for Woman Within?. "Based on the results of this survey, apparel and footwear items are now among the leading products sold online, and we are so honored to have received such a fantastic ranking from the valued customers who buy our products."    

"Woman Within? was positively impacted by the launch of CatView, an innovative new feature on its Woman Within? iPhone App that offers a unique way to incorporate the digital shopping experience with traditional paper catalogs via Mobile," said Yann Tanini, VP, E-Commerce, OneStopPlusGroup.

It is no surprise that KingSize? and Roaman's? made 'The Favorite 50' list as well. As Big and Tall Experts, KingSize? has more than 50 years of experience designing clothing and accessories for men who are 6'2" or taller and/or weigh at least 225 pounds. Roaman's? has been a plus size fashion leader for more than 100 years, creating beautiful collections for the woman who appreciates style and true value.

OneStopPlus Group is the preferred brand portfolio of women's apparel, shoes, lingerie, men's and home products dedicated to plus sizes. Proprietary brands in the OneStopPlus portfolio include: Woman Within? (WomanWithin.com), Roaman's? (Roamans.com), Jessica London? (JessicaLondon.com), fullbeauty (fullbeauty.com), KingSize? (KingSizeDirect.com), BrylaneHome? (BrylaneHome.com), Bargain Catalog Outlet - BCO? (BCOutlet.com) and OneStopPlus.com?, an online marketplace featuring thousands of brands and products, the No. 1 destination to shop for plus sizes.

"The OneStopPlus Group continues to look for innovative growth strategies that will provide on-trend fashions and convenient 24/7 access to plus size women across the globe," said Stephanie Sobel, President of the OneStopPlus Group. "Woman Within?, KingSize? and Roaman's? all benefitted from the launch of international shipping to more than 90 countries, a successful initiative that the company rolled out earlier this year, enhancing the excellent shopping experience that will consistently drive customer loyalty."

For more information, please visit: http://www.onestopplus.com/, our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @onestopplus.

About Redcats USA
Redcats USA is a dynamic, web-driven home-shopping leader with numerous successful brands and specialized e-commerce sites in its portfolio: OneStopPlus.com?, Woman Within?, Jessica London?, Roaman's?, fullbeauty, KingSize?, BrylaneHome?, Bargain Catalog Outlet – BCO?, The Sportsman's Guide? , Bargain Outfitters?, Boating Savings?, Work Wear Savings?, TGW.com - The Golf Warehouse?, Baseball Savings?, Softball Savings? and Soccer Savings?. Redcats USA offers a wide range of value and quality driven merchandise categories, including men's and women's plus-size apparel, home and lifestyle products, and sporting goods/outdoor gear. Redcats USA is a Redcats company.

About Redcats
Redcats is a world leader in the online distribution of fashion, home decoration, and sports and leisure goods. The group distributes its brands and those of its partners on three continents. These brands include La Redoute, Daxon, Vertbaudet, Cyrillus, Castaluna, Ellos, Jotex, Woman Within, Jessica London, Roaman's, KingSize, BrylaneHome, OneStopPlus.com, The Sportsman's Guide and The Golf Warehouse, as well as specialized collections and websites.

In 2011, Redcats turnover totaled 3.048 bn—with 61% generated from online sales—and employed a staff of over 11,000.

All Redcats brands and e-commerce sites can be found at http://www.redcats.com. Redcats is a PPR company.

Contact Information
Karen Davis
Corporate PR & Communications
Redcats USA
Karen(dot)davis(at)redcatsusa(dot)com
212-502-9315

Wedding Dresses Promotion Launched by Merle Dress, Up to 53% Off

Merle Dress is launching a Wedding Dresses promotion, up to 53% Off, to help those who are ready to marry in the next months to choose suitable dresses at acceptable prices. Merle Dress is one of the top wedding dress brands and Flower Girl Dresses brands in the market, and the promotion for all wedding dresses will last three weeks, from Oct. 8 to Oct. 29, 2012.

Buying wedding dresses on-line has become more and more popular these years, because it can bring much convenience to people, especially those who have no time to wander in shopping malls. Moreover, the development of internet technology has made it come true to buy a custom wedding dress online.

"Not only do we have the best wedding dresses on the market today; we also have a fast delivery service. Our store is a place where customers can find their products quickly. They just need to check the clothes of different size women's jackets s and styles online, click the mouse and pay. Then, the wedding dresses will be delivered in few days." Said, Donnie Terry, CEO of Merle Dress.

Tina, a customer from London, said, "My red bridesmaid dresses were from Merle Dress last month. What impresses me most is that the sales online can always give realistic suggestions on how to choose a suitable dress. I knew from my email that they have new products in their Bridesmaid Dresses 2013 series. I placed an order yesterday afternoon, and I can check the DHL tracking number last night. It is fast delivery really. I will share my shopping experience with my friends!"

Donnie Terry said, "We have top designers and great product lines that we feel are the best in the wedding dresses industry. Furthermore, we also have a money-back guarantee, which provides customers a risk-free way of trying out any of our amazing products."

About Merle Dress
MerleDress.com is the leading supplier of wedding dresses, prom dresses, special-occasion dresses, and wedding dress accessories from China. Merle Dress started with a basic idea of helping women dress better and is now famous for its outstanding quality in fabric, materials, and fit without the inconvenience and costs of traditional bridal boutiques and retailers.

For more fashion tips, please visit:
http://www.merledress.com/ &
http://www.merledress.co.uk/

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Dickies® 90th Anniversary Being Celebrated with Discounts and Sales on Work Clothes all Year Long

Dickies?, the global leader in producing work clothes known for their quality and workmanship, is celebrating its 90th Anniversary this year. As part of the celebration, special editions of iconic original products have been designed and produced as a tribute to workers who have worn Dickies? products throughout the years. The 90th Anniversary Original 874? work pant, the 90th Anniversary Original 574 long sleeve work shirt, and the 90th Anniversary Eisenhower jacket are some of the products that have been released to celebrate the long-standing relationship between workers and Dickies?. These particular products are trimmed with Heritage flannel in memory of this milestone for the company.

The Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company was started by C.N. and Don Williamson and E.E. "Colonel" Dickie in 1922, and has been growing steadily ever since that time. As a maker of overalls for workers, they switched gears when the U.S. government commissioned them to produce and distribute uniforms for the members of the armed forces during World War II. After the war they began to expand throughout the United States and by the late 1950s had entered the Middle Eastern and European markets. Today they have markets in more than 60 countries across the globe and are well known for their Dickies? brand of work garments.

The 90th Anniversary products bring back memories for workers across the world who have used these products over the years. For instance, with the Eisenhower Jacket the company takes its hat off to those who wore the military uniforms that were produced in the millions during the war. Matthew McCartin, vice president of marketing for Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. stated, "Hardworking Americans are responsible for what Dickies? is today." The Dickies? brand of work clothes stands for that spirit of toughness, quality and pride that hard working people in America and around the world continue to exhibit.

From construction workers to the military to working women, Dickies? is committed to providing durable work clothes for people from all walks of life. After 90 years of innovating and expanding its selection, the Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. is poised to lead the industry for the next 90 years.

About Dickies?
For more than 90 years Dickies? has been providing the world's w women's coats orkers with high quality work clothes. As the leading brand of tough clothing for workers around the world, they have a strong commitment to the hard working people who wear their apparel. The company provides a vast array of products that are unmatched for value. From the original bib overalls and the iconic original 874? work pant to footwear and accessories, the Dickies? brand has grown to be embraced by workers everywhere. Workers who wear Dickies? products define the apparel as no nonsense and independent. This brand is the signature product of Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. and is available in over 60 countries around the world. For more information about Dickies?, visit http://www.dickies.com.

Friday, November 23, 2012

We Were Adopted

Twenty years ago when I was in the auto recycling business, a raggedy old pickup truck was hauled in. When the wrecker driver was unhooking from it, he heard kitten mewing coming from the cab. He found two little newborn tabby kittens under the seat. Their eyes were still closed.

My wife and I fashioned a feeding bottle out of a salt shaker and a rubber glove finger. They both grew up to be long lived, beautifully marked brother and sister. This past December the tom, (we called him Bumper because he would bump into your leg when he wanted your attention), at twenty years old had developed arthritis in his hind legs. He was still able to get around pretty well, but it was obvious when he walked. They just accept their lot and move on with their life.

Both of them were of the opinion that once you eat out of a bowl of dry food, if you didn't eat it all, the balance was garbage and it wasn't fit to eat. Actually that was my wife's opinion, so she would collect the leftovers during the day. We have a lot of squirrels here and on my way out to get the morning paper each day, I took the leftovers and poured them on the ground under the trees. The crows discovered it and it was amusing to watch the competition. The squirrels would run at the crows. The crow would leap up, the squirrel pass under and the crow came right back down, neither one of them having the time to eat anything. Eventually it all was consumed.

One morning last December, as I came back up the drive, there was this big gray cat eating the food. The crows were screaming from the branches above him. The squirrels were also scolding from above. I have a large azalea grove close by and the next morning I could see him hiding under one of them. As soon as I was gone he was on the food big time.

At first I thought he was one of the neighborhood freeloaders but for a couple weeks he was there every morning. After he ate he would be off through the neighboring properties. Bumper had not been aware of the situation. We live on two and one half acres and he was very possessive of his territory. One morning he happened to see the intruder and arthritis or no, he was going to run him off, Big Mistake. There was a verbal confrontation and two streaks across the yard but no physical contact. That was the last time Bumper would chase anything. He pushed it too far and his hind legs were hurting badly. I called the vet and he did a full checkup. It turned out the arthritis was the least of his problems. His liver was shot. So Bumper joined all my other four-legged friends to wait for me at the Rainbow Bridge.

After about two weeks of talking to the gray each morning, he quit hiding and would wait out in the open for me. A few days after that when we got up in the morning, I looked out the back door and there he sat looking in the porch screen door. I fixed a bowl of dry food and eased out to the screen door. I set the bowl down on the step, leaving the door open about a foot. He finished the cup of food in nothing flat. After he had eaten he cautiously investigated the back porch, then he was gone. The same scenario was repeated for women's jackets the next three days. The fourth day he would hardly get out of the way for me to open the door and he had his nose in the bowl before I was able to set it down. I attempted to stroke his head and he raised it into the stroke with evident pleasure. I stayed there stroking him while he ate. We were officially friends.

I went back in the house and we ate our breakfast. The door to the porch is a sliding glass door and while we ate, he parked himself in the middle of the porch floor and took a bath. After breakfast I went out and he didn't move. When I reached down to pet him he rolled over on my feet in a submissive maneuver and let me rub his big white belly. I sat down on a porch chair and he was a dynamo of action rubbing around my legs and against my hand. He could hardly contain himself. I sat there a good hour and he never stopped.

When I got up to go in he was at the door ahead of me. Just inside the door sat Sassy, Bumpers sister. My wife had been watching and nixed his coming in the house, not knowing what might happen when they met. Sassy had been just sitting around for a couple weeks. She didn't want to go outside or do anything. We thought she might be mourning her brother. A few days later Gray Baby succeeded in his quest to come in the house. He leaped right over my wife's foot block, when she opened the door. First thing he did was go over to sniff at Sassy. She hardly acknowledged him and he went on to explore.

Her reaction prompted us to call the vet again. Her liver was worse than her brother's had been so she joined him. At twenty years old they were both calm and quiet cats. They never jumped up on things or roared around. It was mostly eat and sleep. Not so with Gray Baby, his mission was to be all that he could be, and see all that he could see. While the vet was here we had him check out Gray Baby. He determined that he was two years old, weighed thirteen pounds, was neutered, and was in magnificent health. Someone had for some reason dumped him in our neighborhood. He got his shots, was entered in the vet's records and we were officially adopted by him.

This December was the coldest month we had in central Florida this year. A couple nights before he accepted our hospitality it got down to nineteen degrees. So when he moved in we weren't ready for him to roam around the house at night. I put a litter box in the laundry room and a big towel on the dryer and shut him in there over night. About a half hour after we went to bed, there was a big thump. I went to see what he had done. There on the floor was my box of light bulbs. I looked up to where they had been and there he stood looking down at me from the shelf with that "Hi, see what I can do," look. The room is eight feet wide and he launched himself effortlessly across the room down onto the washer and flopped down on the bed I had provided.

He was a delight to have around. When I worked at the computer he loved to lay in front of my keyboard while I typed. I rested my wrists against him to keep him from embedding his own little messages into my work. My wife has her own work table in the corner of our home office. There are two windows in that corner and he found that he could lay on it and watch the whole back and side yard. He kept moving her stuff around so much that she finally cleared it off.

Every evening after he had his dinner he would go outside for a couple hours. He would come in for the night anywhere between eight and eleven p.m. He would come lay on my lap and as I stroked that beautiful white belly he would look up into my face with such, I don't know, pleasure, love, appreciation. His coat was very thick and it would get hot for both of us and he would move to an end table between our chairs.

Three nights ago eleven p.m. came and went, he didn't come in. I took a flashlight and went all around the property calling. No Gray Baby. My wife sat up a long time that night watching for him. He never returned. The not knowing is the hardest part. Did he run afoul of a big dog, a coyote, a fox, an idiot with a gun? I drove the local roads and found nothing. Gray Baby was only with us three and a half months, but it was special. Over the years special friends both two-legged and four-legged intersect our path of life and walk along with us a while. It's tough when they depart and leave this big hole in one's heart!

Conservatives Defeat the Middle Class with Smoke and Mirrors

Did you ever wonder why Wall Street bankers think they are worth $100 million bonuses? They think they are worth it because they have skewed the concentration of wealth in the United States. They are getting away with ripping off the Middle Class, and few of them have gone to prison for their behavior. Every so often, though, they overstep, and then we all get to see and feel the consequences directly.

September 15, 2008 was a day that will live in infamy, because it was the day that the global financial system finally began to collapse. After thirty years of Conservatives dividing and conquering the Middle Class resulted in huge excess, the system could no longer support the greed, and many Americans had their retirement plans crushed. As usual, the rich got richer and the rest were left to our own devises of surviving financial crisis.

Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin has provided us with another case in point. Instead of simply taking on his state budget crisis honorably, he decided that he would attack a century of Americans joining the Middle Class through collective bargaining rights by attacking those rights. If he is allowed to succeed, he will be a hero of Wall Street gluttons, who don't think they should share with those of us who do the work.

Taking away collective bargaining in Wisconsin will have no immediate effect on Wisconsin's budget, but as public servants are weaker in bargaining over the long term, the rich will get richer in Wisconsin. If Governor Walker succeeds, he's a likely Republican presidential candidate in the near future.

They've have had a thirty-year run of dividing and conquering the Middle Class. The result has been a concentration of wealth in America that rivals the days of Teapot Dome and the steel and railroad Robber Barons on the late 19th Century.

How do they do it? It's very simple. They want average citizens to debate one another over matters that don't concern the wealthy, diverting attention from their real agenda and defeating their opposition.

Their favorite tactic is to divide and conquer over social issues like gay rights and abortion. All you have to do is watch or listen to the major Conservative media outlets to know that a huge proportion of their time is spent on abortion and gay rights. What the heck do they think they're selling?

All you have to do is watch iconic movies like "In the Heat of the Night" or "Dirty Dancing" to understand the consequences of making abortion illegal. Before Roe v. Wade we had lots of abortions in the United States. We caused major portions of our healthcare community to be felons, and traumatized coat hanger wielding sorority sisters for life because of the consequences of trying to help girls in trouble.

We should more reasonably fight the scourges of sex trafficking and abuse of women, but instead the Conservatives have too many of us believing that we will stop abortion by making it illegal. That doesn't work, but fighting over it keeps us from paying attention to how they're ripping us off.

Then there's the favorite issue of Gay Rights. Is it any of our business what people do in the privacy of their bedroom? Is there any one reading this who isn't ashamed of something they have done sexually? Why should any of us be ashamed of our own sexuality?

A recent study revealed that 40% of Americans have experienced that women's jackets kind of sex, and yet God has not destroyed the United States of America. What is happening? The Conservatives are making us think about something that doesn't matter so that their smoke and mirrors media machine will keep our attention away from what matters to them--the ability to rip us off without interruption.

The truth is that Conservatives don't care about lower taxes for most of us. They just don't want to pay their fair share. We could solve the Social Security solvency "crisis" in a New York minute if we simply taxed everyone on an equal percentage of our income. If you earn over $106,800, you don't pay any Social Security Tax on the overage. Wall Street investment bankers with $100 million bonuses pay practically none of their income for Social Security, though they've reaped the biggest benefit from our system of wealth distribution in the United States. How is that fair?

The next time you hear Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly, or Glenn Beck shouting about Abortion, Gay Rights, or Social Security solvency, think about how many cigars and yachts you've bought for the fat cats! They want you to think those are the real issues, and they are paid handsomely to keep you stirred up and looking the other way!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

How to Use An Upflow Neutralizer for Acid Well Water Treatment

Acidic water is common in home water wells and can cause corrosion to piping, fixtures and appliances. Water that has a pH of less than 7.0 is considered to be acidic. The acid water pH can be neutralized to 7 or above by the use of an acid neutralizer tank, which allows calcium and magnesium carbonates to dissolve in the water. This eliminates the corrosive effect the water has on plumbing and fixtures.

For a pH of 6.0 to 6. women's coats 9 a type of naturally occurring calcium carbonate media called Calcite is used to neutralize the pH. For water with a pH of less than 6.0, magnesium oxide is blended with Calcite to bring the pH to 7.0 or above. The Calcite or the blend of media is put in either an up-flow neutralizer tank or a down-flow neutralizer tank.

Acid neutralizer water systems are typically installed after the well pressure tank.

In down-flow neutralizer tanks the media flows from the top of the media inside a vertical filter tank down to the bottom of the tank, and up a distributor tube and out of the filter to the household piping. Down-flow neutralizer tanks also act as filters since sediment and other fine particles become trapped in the Calcite. This type of neutralizer is automatically or manually backwashed to keep the media clean.

In an upflow neutralizer the water flows down through the center distributor tube and enters the media bed at the bottom and flows up through the media before exiting the neutralizer and flowing out to the plumbing. Up-flow neutralizers do not get backwashed because the media is never compacted and no sediment is removed. Since the water is flowing up through the media the media is not compacted to theoretically it does not require backwashing.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both up-flow and down-flow neutralizers. The main advantage of the down-flow neutralizer is that it not only neutralizes the water, it also acts as a whole house sediment filter. Down-flow neutralizers are usually automatically backwashed, which cleans the Calcite media and prevents rust particles and other sediment from fouling or coating the media. Since additional Calcite or blended media must be added to most neutralizers once or twice a year, down-flow neutralizers are easier to backwash and put back in service than up-flow neutralizers which cannot be backwashed.

Up-flow neutralizers must use an internal top screen in to order to prevent the Calcite from entering the home plumbing system. Calcite has the appearance of white sand and can quickly damage valves and fixtures if the media enters the plumbing system. If the water contains iron, manganese or sulfides, these internal top screens can later become fouled and so are generally are not used for this reason. Instead of the internal top screen, a filter housing and cartridge filter are usually installed after the up-flow neutralizer tank to prevent any mineral from flowing into the plumbing system.

With down-flow neutralizers these upper screens or external filter housings are unnecessary since the Calcite is prevented from leaving the filter tank due to the bottom internal distributor screen. The bottom distributor does not get easily fouled due to the backwashing the down-flow neutralizer tank receives on a regular basis.

In filter tanks the media can flow around the media and create channels which allow the water to flow without properly contacting the media. This type of channeling is more of a problem with up-flow neutralizers and rarely happens with down-flow neutralizers due to the action of the backwash. For most residential applications down-flow neutralizers work better than up-flow neutralizers due to the filtration feature and the backwashing function.

A down-flow neutralizer can be backwashed on a regular basis to clean, re-classify and distribute the calcium media thoroughly. This backwashing allows the down-flow neutralizer to function properly and lower maintenance costs. The Calcite media dissolves better because it is cleaned and then compacted in the down-flow neutralizer tank.

Well water that is acidic can also sometimes be high in iron, manganese or hydrogen sulfide. If a greensand or other type of manganese media iron filter is used to treat the water for iron, the pH should be raised up to at least 6.8 to allow the iron filter media to work properly. A down-flow neutralizer is usually the best choice to put in front of an iron filter because the neutralizer acts as a pre-filter removing some oxidized iron prior to the iron filter. This lessens the load of iron that the greensand filter must treat. Iron, manganese and sulfides can coat the acid neutralizer media and render it unable to dissolve into the water and neutralize the pH.

There are some applications where up-flow Calcite neutralizers are more desirable than down-flow neutralizers. If the flow is more or less constant on a regular basis, such as when the neutralizer is used to fill a holding tank with neutralized water, the up-flow filter works fine. Since up-flow neutralizers have no automatic backwash control valve they are less expensive than down-flow neutralizers. If the water is of excellent quality with no sediment or iron and the flow rate is constant then the up-flow neutralizer costs less to use and uses no backwash water.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Singapura Cat and Kitten Information

The Singapura cat is a small, well built cat that can take women's jackets up to 2 years to reach full maturity. The eyes are characteristically large and are typically yellow, hazel or green in color. The coat of Singapura is short, fine and silky to the touch. Colors can range from light beige to dark brown. Males weigh in at about 6 to 8 pounds and females from 5 to 6 pounds. It can take as long as 2 years for the Singapura to fully mature.

The Singapura will show a curious interest in most everything you do and will try to help out. These unique cats are affectionate, alert and their intelligence is obvious in their behavior.

Brief History of the Singapura Cat

The Singapura comes from Singapore and is the Malaysian name for this island. Hal and Tommy Meadow brought this breed to the United States in the 1970s. By 1982, the Singapura was recognized as breed by most registries and clubs. The Cat Fanciers Association recognized the Singapura for show competition in 1988.

The ancestor of all domestic cats is the African Wildcat, the genus Felis Lybica. This genus is comprised of smaller cats. Cats are thought to have been domesticated with the advent of farming and the storage of grain. The grain attracted rats and other vermin which naturally attracted wild cats. As time evolved, certain of these cats were domesticated for the mutual benefit of both cat and man. The African Wildcat has certain features which is obvious in the housecat of today.

Feline Health Considerations

Cats who reside in the house should generally visit the veterinarian yearly, unless health problems are evident. Cats who enjoy the outdoors may need to see the vet as many as four times a year. When you take your cat to the vet, be sure to bring along a fresh stool sample so the vet can do a fecal exam to check for internal parasites such as tapeworm, round worm, whip worms and hook worms. The vet will also check for external parasites such as fleas, ticks and ear mites.

Any vet check should include a dental examination and a cleaning if necessary. Cats who are eight years of age or older are considered geriatric and additional blood and urine tests may be necessary to screen for any health problems. At about six months of age, the kitten should also be examined for sexual maturity and decisions about birth control should be made.

Behavioral Traits

Their voice is quiet
Active and playful

Singapura Cat Registries and Clubs

Singapura Cat Club
United Singapura Society
Cat Fanciers Association CFA
International Cat Association TICA
The Traditional Cat Association TCA
Canadian Cat Association CCA
The Australian Cat Federation
The American Association of Cat Enthusiasts AACE
American Cat Fanciers Association ACFA
United Feline Organization UFO
Cats United International

Kitten Care

Kittens are generally available and the price depends upon bloodlines color and markings. Unlike puppies, kittens should not be separated from their mother until twelve to sixteen weeks of age. Some very important developmental stages occur during this period including emotional, mental and health. Curtailing this development may lead to any number of medical and behavioral problems.

Kittens that are separated from their mother at too young an age often fail to gain weight fast enough, have immune system problems because they have not had enough mothers milk. The may also develop eating and eliminating problems, and can have problems socializing with other cats and with people.

Every cat and kitten is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your cat or kitten. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Giving Service and the Breast Cancer Bracelet

The impact that breast cancer has made on our society has been weighty, and lot of people continue in their attempts to increase awareness for the illness. You may well have exhibited your own support by purchasing and wearing a breast cancer bracelet, but you may not realize the volunteer opportunity that a simple piece of jewelry can have.

The imprint that the step of volunteering can have is sometimes discounted, and lots of people choose to give their money through the purchase of pink products or services or donations instead of donating their time. However, the simple act of becoming a volunteer does amazing things for both the philanthropy and the volunteer. Contributing your time to a breast cancer cause can unite you with others in your neighborhood and contribute to in your own healing.

There has been significant research concerning the link amongst the body and they mind, and the ways that the physical body responds to kind acts and efforts to support other people in need. Actually, there have been some indicators that patients of cancer especially can improve their state of health by volunteering for others and actively supporting a cause. In many cases, one feels a sense of peace and finds inspiration when they have the chance to give to other people. The network of individuals dedicated to offering services on behalf of breast cancer awareness has developed into a widespread community of survivors, their loved ones, and the family and friends of people who finally succumbed to their struggle against the illness. This bond produces great energy for each person involved and benefits the outlook of every cancer victim.

There are numerous ways that you can get involved in volunteering for breast cancer awareness, consistsing of things like walking or running in a sponsored race, hosting a fundraising party, or creating your own unique way of giving back.

As you can see from the following example, the spirit of volunteering can mix with something as simple as a breast cancer bracelet to do astonishing things for volunteers and the cause alike.

Expanding the Reach of the Breast Cancer Bracelet

A St. Louis company, called Circle of Hope Bracelets, was formed by Fran Lafrak-Brown in the late 90's. As a survivor herself, Fran decided to use her skills making jewelry to create a legacy of volunteering for breast cancer awareness. Kicking off with her very own special version of a breast cancer bracelet, Fran gave word that revenues from all things sold from her enterprise would be confered to numerous organizations that fight cancer.

Actually, the jewelry designed by Fran goes beyond a breast cancer bracelet and can possibly be a word for survivors of any form of cancer. To Fran, the H.O.P.E. in her circle of hope bracelets symbolize hope, optimism, peace of mind, and enthusiasm for life for all cancer victims. As a symbolic representation, the bracelet has produced a union between volunteers, victims, and family members that has uplifted them all. Emerging from the breast cancer bracelet movement that had already made a difference, Fran used her novel approach to bring together her own community.

The sad thing is, Fran lost her battle with breast cancer shortly after forming her company, but Circle of Hope Bracelets continues as a significant contributor to cancer organizations around the globe. Those at the company today see the organization as the ultimate tribute to Fran and her ability to take a breast cancer bracelet line and completely transform it into a thing that has made a difference for a whole entire community of cancer survivors. In fact, volunteers for Circle of Hope make bracelets that improve a wide variety of cancer charities.

Ever since she launched the company in 1999, Fran's undertakings have flourished to an organization upheld by hundreds of generous women's jackets online volunteers, who make each bracelet by hand and call attention to them in the St. Louis area. Their time and efforts have produced the sale of hundreds of thousands of bracelets and generated almost $ 3 million being contributed to help in the fight against cancer.

As you can see, the significance of volunteering can go far beyond the mere act of giving a couple hours of time. Even a simple item, like a breast cancer bracelet, can stimulate a reaction that makes a major difference to cancer victims and their families.

A Glimpse At The Various Types Of Terrier Dogs

Whatever your dog preference is, you are sure to find terrier dogs among the candidates for a pal. You'll get energy you want with little grooming and added wit.

Basically bred for hunting and killing vermin, Terrier dogs are now known to offer wide spectrum of features and characters that you might find lovable. They are not as cuddly as toy dogs (while there are some terrier dogs in the toy and companion dog brackets) and they may not be as intelligent like other breeds but they set off these lacks with various things that only they can offer.

Let us discuss in brief fashion coats some of the terrier dog types that you may find interesting:

Less aggressive but definitely not timid. This best describes Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. They are definitely alert and very spirited, but when the call for steadiness arrives, they are sure to show you some air of confidence and steady disposition.

This dog type too is gifted with intelligence which makes them very responsive with obedience training.

Parson Russell Terrier is a dog type that exhibits boldness, cleverness, affection and exuberant disposition. While many may find this a playful pal, it is still not advisable for everyone to take Parson Russell home. In fact, formal obedience training is a must for owners since this dog type is more likely to display mischievousness and too much playfulness that make this a very independent pet. For people with active lifestyles and those who can tolerate explorative disposition, this scamp is the best for you.

The Norwich Terrier, on the other hand, is a type of dog that resulted from breeding small Terriers with other smaller breeds, possibly Yorkshire Terriers. Maintenance of Norwich Terrier is minimal and they are content with modest living quarters. They have active disposition though and can be affectionate and fearless. Additionally, they are also known to display stocky and happy personalities which make them ideal pals.

Much like the Norwich Terriers, Norfolk Terriers are also well-spirited, fearless, charming and always ready for game. While both may have some similar physical characteristics, Norfolks can still be distinguished through their folds in the ears.

Basically workman-like dogs, Kerry Blue Terriers are excellent watchdogs and work well in farm settings. This dog got its name from its blue-shade coat color which was originally black during puppyhood.

Wire Fox Terriers are of great interest since they display power through its excellent endurance capabilities and speed. Alertness and quick movements are the dominant expressions of this dog type. It is advisable though that the owner trains this dog and should be given enough doses of daily exercises.

Meanwhile, Smooth Fox Terriers are the frolic and lively types of dogs that are ideal in both country and city living. Displaying intelligence and cleverness, this dog makes good trainees and must be well credited by that. They are also likely to show great affection towards their owners.

These are just some of the many terrier dog types that can be considered as your next pets. In general, this dog type has good dispositions and makes ideal home pets. While some may display obscure aggressiveness, this still does not negate the fact that most types have the capacity to develop affection and keen expression of their attachment to their owners. Be warned though that some dog types in this breed can be very playful and should be given enough amount of attention and time during obedience training and exercises.

9 Fashion Tips for Men Over 40

At the age of 40, you feel complete with all the experience, wisdom and learning that make you smarter and stronger than before. But the stickiness of the situation is that at this point you are confused about the dressing sense and do not really know what to wear when. Sometimes you just give up because of the innumerous suggestions that you receive from everyone but at the same time you have to remember is that fashion is not only for the young generation but for every individual of all ages. Hence you should not stop checking out the latest fashion ideas for the men who have already crossed the age of 40. You can remain a charmer and the heart of the party forever my staying updated with the latest fashion statements.

According to Kim Johnson Gross, co-founder of Chic Simple Ltd, any individual should not give up on fashion just because he has crossed the age of 40 and hence there are some guidelines which are advisable to be followed.

* Don't Bring Out the Old Clothes - It is advisable for you not to pull out the old clothes from the racks that will make you look old and outdated. Rather you should spend money on new clothes that goes along with your change in hair and skin color.

* Simple and Comfortable Clothes - It is advisable for you not to invest in clothes with loud and blaring colors as it sends out the wrong message that you are desperate to look young. Rather you should go for the more diverse range of clothes with a variety of solid colors that will make you look subdued and respectable. Hence you should wear only simple and comfortable clothes at this age.

* Colors that Make you Look Sick - At the age of 40, the features of a man deteriorate and hence the skin and hair color changes. Therefore one should not wear clothes that make you look sick and rather go for the colors that still flatters and accentuates your look.

* Clothes that Seem that you have Borrowed your Son's Clothes - Men over 40 should be careful of what they wear as wearing trendy and stylish clothes often draws a lot of attention and obviously you would not want hear comments such as "looks as if this 40 year old man has borrowed his son's clothes!".

* Classic Clothes - It is advisable for a 40 year old man to wear something classic that stands the test of time rather than wearing something trendy that makes you look like a wannabe.

* What Time is T-off? - Men's lifestyle change over time and in the process they are not able to catch up with the latest fashion statements, even for the ones above 40. As they are wearing suits to work everyday and casuals jeans and t-shirts on the weekends, they are lost in the transition of fashion sense and by this time they are confused about what to wear.

women's coats

* Sport Coat - One who is over the age of 40 can wear sport coats as it is a great transition item, even in suede. Men who generally wear formal shoes on weekdays and sneakers on weekends can now wear more casual shoes like driving moccasins.

* Having a Nice body - Even if a man has a nice body, he cannot afford to wear the clothes he used to wear while he was in his 20s. Suppose a man has a six-pack and a great butt, he cannot afford to wear low cut and tight fitting jeans that he used to wear in his youth. Alternatively, he can now wear flattering, stylish jeans and t-shirts that will accentuate his look.

* Individuals who are Style Challenged - The individuals who are style challenged should visit a stylish store in order to check out the latest fashion statements and then decide on updating his wardrobe.

Friday, November 16, 2012

How To Read Women's Body Language

Let's say you're out on the town and you see a beautiful woman that quickly captures your attention and she begins to touch her hair, looks your way, and smile. You were looking at her all this time and you imagine how impossible it would be to ask her out because if you did she would no doubt reject you. In reality, you've just sold yourself short and messed out on an golden opportunity. If you knew how to read women's body language, you would've noticed that she was actually throwing out clues for you to make a move and was clearly attracted to you just as much as you were to her. By learning to read and understand a woman's body language you can prevent chances like this from slipping by you.

First of all, what you need to be aware of is that there are to two types of body language, closed and open. Closed signs tell you when a woman isn't interested or doesn't want to be bothered. Meanwhile, the open signs that a woman gives off shows you when a woman is attracted or interested in getting to know you.

Close Body Language:

The most obvious sign that a woman doesn't want to be bothered is when her arms are folded. This doesn't necessarily mean she doesn't like you or isn't attracted to you but rather simply that she's not in the mood. It's possible that she's uncomfortable, agitated, or again doesn't want to be bothered with meeting men at least at the moment.

If you've started a conversation with a woman you've decided to approach and she rolls her eyes it should be a clear sign that she's embarrassed or annoyed with you. The chances of success with a woman who does this are very slim since she's already made up her mind about you. Another fact you should keep in mind and learn to quickly read is if she leans back after you are about to approach her. This the signal that women will give you that they don't want to be around you and that you should back away.

Open Body Language:

Reaction To Eye Contact

One classic example I will use is when a woman flips her hair. When a women flips her hair then afterwards looks your way its an obvious signal that she's attracted to you and wants your full attention.

An important thing you should understand is how to read her reaction after eye contact is established. You can tell she's not interested in you if she looks away and does nothing afterwards. However, when a woman shows signs that she has become nervous due to you looking at her then its an obvious she's interested in you.

Examples of these signs include doing things like:

- Adjusting clothes
- Playing with her watch and/or jewelry
- Checking her cell phone suddenly

Signals While Talking

Once you've decided to approach her and begin a conversation, one sign a woman gives you tha women's coats t you've won her over is when she leans forward and seems interested in everything you say. A subtle and subconscious way of a woman showing you a sign that she wants you is if she exposes wrists and has the palm of her hands open. It's her way of telling you that she's willing to be submissive to you.

My favorite example of open body language that women show is when they laugh at all or almost all your jokes (whether or not they're funny), continue to smile a lot, and start touching you. It's a clear sign that she's become comfortable with you and that she's really attracted to you. This is one of the best times to make your move to ask her out on a date and get her number.

Studies have shown that a woman's body language actually tells you more than half of what she really means even more so than speaking words. With that in mind, while it does make a difference to understand it, it shouldn't be thought of as totally fool proof. Even if a woman's body language is closed to you this shouldn't stop you from actually attempting to start a polite conversation if you really like her.

While fear of rejection is something that most men face, the only time you really fail is when you don't try. Usually the worst that could happen is a woman telling you that she's not interested in you. Anything worse then that and it should tell you a good sign that she's not someone you should pursue anyway.

Always remember to pay attention to what her body is actually saying but it's up to you to decide on whether or not you'll act on things and how you'll act which really determines your success.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Taking Care of Your Leather Shoes

You can make your leather shoes last as long as you want to keep them if you take care of them, but sadly most don't know how. We live in a society now where it is much easier to just throw them out and buy a new pair.

Back in the day, most people owned only one pair of shoes and therefore had to take care of them out of necessity and they lasted for the life of the person! With the busy lifestyles of today many people just don't take the time to care for their shoes properly and just take the easier albeit more expensive option of buying new ones instead. It really doesn't take that much time or effort as well will show you.

When you first buy a pair of shoes you should always coat them with a weather proofing or sealer to prevent them from water and weather damage. The sealants usually come on a spray and you should use two to three coats to be sure they are covered properly. B women's coats e sure that the spray you choose has a waterproofing agent in it. Also, reapply the sealant every few months to guarantee protection and even more often if you use the shoes in harsh conditions.

Leather tends to shrink and get hard if it gets wet, so do your best to keep them dry. If your leather shoes do get wet, let them dry naturally unless you have done it deliberately to shape them to your foot. Your leather shoes will be much more comfortable if you keep them soft as they are intended to be. If your shoes do become hard you will need to use some wax or polish to make them soft again. Use clear shoe wax or even furniture wax and rub in lightly. If you buy expensive leather dress shoes, inquire at the store you buy them as to any special care they may need to keep them in perfect shape.

The best practice is to use natural products whenever possible to take care of your leather shoes. Harsh chemicals can be damaging to your leather shoes. If they are exposed to chemicals wipe them down as soon as possible with a cloth and warm water then dry and reapply a waterproof sealant.

The sock less Miami Vice look is still popular with some, but it is damaging to your shoes. Whenever possible where socks with your shoes, of course some leather shoes like sandals and many ladies shoes you would not want to wear socks. Overall, wearing socks will prolong the life of your shoes.

Always use a soft natural cloth and polish in a circular motion when you are polishing your leather shoes and rub the polish in well. You will not hurt the shoes and it will help to preserve them. Make sure to wipe way any excess polish as not to ruin your pants or socks from staining.

See, it really doesn't take that much effort to make your shoes last.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Cat Grooming - Part 2

Hair: All cats who have hair shed. And longhaired cats get matted hair. Professional groomers can help you get rid of shedding hair and prevent matting. But do as much yourself as you can. It is a good opportunity for quality time between you and your cat and less stressful if someone he knows works on him.

A cat's grooming schedule depends on his hair length, the amount of time he spends outside and whether he is an only cat. Some cats may need brushing once a day and some once a month. Cats who go outdoors roll in dirt or on concrete which helps remove loose hair, so they may be able to go longer between grooming sessions. Shorthaired indoor cats may need to be brushed every one or two weeks. Longhaired cats need to be brushed more frequently:

The following is a list of grooming tools:

1. Brushes and combs that come in a wide variety of bristles, wire and rubber.

2. Stainless steel pet combs are good for getting tangles out of long hair. Brushes are nice for a lighter touch.

3. Use scissors to cut out clumps of matted hair. Always hold a comb between scissors and skin to prevent accidental cuts. For more safety, use scissors with rounded tips.

4. A shedding blade is a hoop-shaped strip of metal with a sawtooth edge and an attached handle. It is especially good for removing fine hair. Use a damp rag to collect the hair that the blade picks up.

5. Spread a dampened chamois cloth in your open hand and rub it firmly over the cat's coat to remove loose hair. Keep the cat away from drafts until he is dry.

6. Some hair can become so matted that a comb and scissors simply will not work. If you brush your cats regularly, you should be able to prevent this. If necessary, you can use electric shears to remove matting close to the skin, but be careful. It is easy to nick him.

7. One of the best grooming tools available are your fingers, especially for shorthaired cats. Remove loose hair by roughing up your cat's coat with your fingertips and then stroking it back down. Use a damp cloth to pick up any loose hair.

8 Tips on grooming your cat

1. Find a time when your cat is in a women's jackets good mood. Put him on your lap, on his bed, or on a counter with a towel underneath him. Pick a space big enough for him to stretch out.

2. Rub him where he likes it to get him in a good mood. If he starts getting in a bad mood, stop grooming for the day.

3. Start with the neck, chin and head or wherever his favorite places are. If he tries to get up and walk away, gently push him back down and immediately resume grooming. If he gets up again, let him go.

4. Start brushing slowly. Take short strokes, lengthening them as he relaxes. If you use a shedding blade, start with short, slow raking motions with the grain to remove the loose hair. Try pushing some hair so it leans against the grain. Then, starting at the base of that area, rake the hair back to its normal direction with the blade.

5. Once you have gained his trust, try a new area of his body that he is willing to let you brush.

6. The legs on shorthaired cats should not need much grooming.

7. Keep the grooming pleasurable for him. Be gentle and talk to him while you work.

8. Stop the grooming session before he becomes agitated or before you brush him bald, which is easy to do if he really likes to be brushed. In addition, too much grooming can make some cats moody, something you need to avoid. Gently massage him again, tell him what a good boy he is and slowly walk away. Leave him with a positive image about grooming.

Shampooing: Cat hair has natural oils which shampoo will remove. Regular brushing prevents the need to shampoo a cat. Most cats should not need regular shampooing. Some never get shampooed, or as little as two or three times in his entire lifetime. A cat who has body odor all the time may have a serious health problem; see the vet if you have any doubts. If you do need to shampoo him, be very careful not to get water near his nose. Cats can easily get a cold or upper respiratory infection that way. Shampoo as gently as possible, using very little shampoo. Keep the water on a low, gentle warm flow. A hair dryer startles most cats so towel dry as soon as he is done.

Cat Health - Common Issues

Like human beings, cats can suffer from a variety of health issues. But unlike humans, cats are unable to vocalize the problem. Therefore, an owner's knowledge of warning signs must be depended upon so that a cat can receive treatment for health problems it may have.

Probably the number one problem with a cat's health is the notorious hairball. Cats clean themselves incessantly by licking their coats. The hair that clings to their tongues is swallowed. This will eventually form in a ball, and in most instances, the cat will be able to expel it. If the hairball makes its way into the cat's intestines, then this can cause serious complications and will need medical attention. A common symptom of this would be constipation.

Urinary tract infections (UTI's) are another common cat health problem. Although this is most common with a male un-neutered feline, it can also affect the females. If your cat stops using the litter or his urine has a strong odor, a UTI should be highly suspected Cats can also develop stones in their urinary tract developing feline lower urinary tract disease.

Another common problem with cat health is worms. These would consist of tapeworms, round worms, and hook worms. This would occur in outdoor cats. The symptoms would be diarrhea and inability to gain weight. This is highly troublesome, since owners can get this from their pets. In addition, the outdoors cat can also be afflicted with fleas, parasites, or ticks. Ticks can give the cat Lyme Dis women's coats ease. If your cat is lethargic, has a fever and loss of appetite, he may need antibiotic treatment for this. So, it is important to check his coat often.

Digestive problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea, are also health problems in cats. If your cat is vomiting for more than 24 hours, then you should seek medical treatment. Initially, you should withhold food for a several hours and start by reintroducing water, in limited quantities, to see how it is tolerated. Remember, one of the most frequent causes of vomiting is the hairball, so make sure to brush his coat daily. Diarrhea lasting one to two days is normal, as long as the cat is eating well. Anything beyond this requires a visit to the vet.

There are several dangerous diseases a cat can contract in its lifetime. One is feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), which is a virus that is difficult to diagnose. There is no known treatment for this disease. Another is feline immunodeficiency virus, which is "cat aids." This virus targets white blood cells. The last is feline leukemia virus (FLV), which can be avoided if the cat is immunized before contact with it. These diseases are more likely to be seen in outdoor cats.

Cats can also suffer from eye problems, because their eyes can get scratched during fights. They are also subject to abscesses, which result from bite wounds, anal gland problems, and cat allergies. There are also the occasional cold and respiratory infections.

There are many common health ailments that can affect cats. With proper attention, care and possible medical treatment, most need not be fatal. With your help, your cat can live a long, healthy, happy life.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Discover The Harm Today That Fleas Can Do to Your Dog.

If you believe your dog may be overrun with fleas and it is affecting his health, then take some time out to discover what parasites are capable of, and this could help your dog to enjoy his life more and possibly save his life in the long term.

If you accept as true the dog may be swamped with fleas and influencing his physical condition, then investigate the diseases that parasites can create, and this in turn can give your dog a happier and longer life.

If you are a dog owner and are wondering why your dog spends a great deal of time scratching his- self, then he is probably giving a home to parasites of some kind. Parasites are widespread among dogs, and are always looking for a warm place to make a home, and a dog is a perfect target because of his warm fir coat.

Furthermore the most unpleasant part is parasites feed on a dog's blood, and are found on the dog's skin, and in his coat.

There quite a few parasites to choose from for instance; fleas, ticks, mites, and lice and all have much the same effect on a dog, and that is causing the dog to itch or scratch, however there are further issues that can affect a dogs health for example; the dogs skin will appear sore and inflated, in more extreme cases then you can observe bald spots in the dogs coat.

Parasites can seriously affect your dog's health in severe cases anaemia, and blood loss which can in turn cause the dog to appear injured, this would be more apparent in older dogs.

In addition fleas are capable of passing on tape worm and this leads to having devastating repercussions with regard to the dog's immune system, constipation in a dog is common under these circumstances.

Ticks are another parasite to pay careful attention to in respect of; they can cause a dog to be infected with Lyme disease and Paralysis these are very serious diseases in a dog and can prove to be fatal.

Fleas are arguably the most frequent parasite found in dogs, and these little fellows can make life miserable for your dog, plus are very difficult to spot. The general colour of them is light brown, and if you do m women's coats anage to spot one that would be very unusual. They jump around at a fast pace.

Fleas are renowned to breed very quickly, and are capable of laying more than a hundred eggs in one day, and what's more each of these eggs turn into adult fleas very quickly producing thousands more fleas, so one single flea can be a major problem if not eliminated in time.

It is a simple task to find out if your dog is infested with fleas, they cause the dog to scratch in different areas of the dog's body, for example; the ears and the end of the tail are the most common however; other areas include the stomach, and the tummy.

The bite of flea is surprisingly not a major problem, the saliva that the flea produces is more of a problem in respect of numerous dogs have an allergy for this substance, and can create "hot spots" this is a easy to spot in a dog by the condition of the skin that will look sore which comes about by scratching.

If you suspect your dog is infected with fleas, it is necessary to take a real close look at your dog's skin, it is almost impossible to see the fleas with the human eye, however the poop of the flea is easier to see it looks like little black spots of crushed pepper.

If you groom your dog with a comb on a regular basis this is a good way of finding the fleas poop by wiping the comb with a tissue after grooming, it's easy to see because it will be the same colour as blood, the reason for this is blood is a flea's main source of food.

I hope you have taken pleasure in this information and has made you sensitive to how parasites are able to make life unhappy for your pet.

Chihuahua Dog Breed Grooming Tips For Care

The Chihuahua is undoubtedly the oldest purebred canine native to the North American continent. He is known by no other name. The Chihuahua is a native of the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. He appears in a short-or smooth-coated variety and another type that has a long coat. The distinguishing features of a Chihuahua are very small size (average weight is 3 pounds) large ears, prominent eyes and a long tail.

The Chihuahua was important in the ceremonial life of both Toltec and Aztex peoples and is still a very popular pet in his native land and all around the world. He is the smallest of all dogs. His purpose is to provide loving companionship. His very small size keeps him from being a good pet to children or toddlers, or even young adolescents. He makes a wonderful little pet for the elderly. His size makes him very easy to pick up, carry around, and to take care of during grooming chores. The Chihuahua seems to know other Chihuahuas and prefers their company over other breeds of dogs. He is highly sensitive and can be a bit stubborn.

Although the Chihuahua looks very fragile he can be quite courageous. He is known to be more of a one-person dog and can be quite ferocious in defending that person.

The short haired variety is kept tidy with brushing several times a week with a rubber slicker or grooming glove. The smooth should be soft texture, close and glossy. The coat should be placed well over the body with ruff on neck, and scantier on head and ears.

The long coats should be of a soft texture, either flat or slightly curly with an undercoat preferably. Ears fringed (heavily fringed ears may be tipped slightly never down), feathering on feet and legs, and pants on hind legs. Large ruff on neck desired and preferred. Tail should be full and long (as a plume).

The long coat will need attention a couple times per week. The long-coated Chihuahua is easy to maintain with brushing a couple times per week. They normally love the attention of being groomed.

You will need a cushioned natural bristle brush and a medium-toothed comb.

Grooming procedure:

1. Brush through en women's coats tire coat with a natural bristle brush and then comb to remove all tangles.

2. A suitable shampoo for both the long and short coated Chihuahua might be "natural tea tree and lavender oil."

3. Don't bathe your Chihuahua unless he gets really dirty. Oftentimes the Chihuahua will only need a bath about every 2 to 3 months depending on environment and circumstances. Always rinse well.

4. Blow-dry the coat while brushing the long hair.

5. After blow drying, comb through with your medium-toothed comb (these items can be
purchased at any pet supply store or online.

6. Check the Chihuahua's nails, ears and teeth. His nails should be kept moderately short. For show dogs, follow the breed standard about nails.

Note: The interior of the ear canals of the little Chihuahua should be gently cleaned. You may want to use a little Betadine scrub in his ears to prevent yeast infections. Pay special attention to drying the inside and outside of his ears. Ear infections can arise from moist ear canals.

Special Note about the Chihuahua Show Dogs:

For the show ring cut the hairs on the muzzle with a curve scissor and, for Long Coats, trim around the feet and between the pads.