Memorial Day at the Shore

I visited Chuck, Bethany, and of course, William this weekend along with Bethany's parents this weekend. We visited a lighthouse and climbed to the top, went to the beach, played mini-golf, and Chuck and I saw united 93. Visit Chuck's website for more pictures.

Human to Human Bird Flu Reported

Bloomberg.com: Asia Indonesian health officials are investigating seven human bird flu cases where the patients all seem to be linked to each other. It should be noted that this outbreak is still under investigation. However, if the human to human bird flu has evolved it is cause for alarm because of the anticipated inability of health officials to isolate the disease and the likelihood of disease mutation. Have you made preparations for a bird flu outbreak or other emergency by stocking up (at least moderately) with the necessities to support your family? If it isn't the bird flu, it isn't too far-fetched to imagine that any of us may experience at minimum brief power and water outages from this year's hurricane season. If you live along the cost (hint...hint to my brother on the NJ coast) are you prepared by obtaining supplies to shore up home such as plywood and duct tape? Click Here to read my post about personal preparedness and civic responsibility.

Do You Know the Tree?

Does anyone know what kind of tree this is? I really like it, but I don't like where it is and am wondering if I can move it.

Iran or Nazi Germany?

Print Story - canada.com network Iranian parliament passed a law that requires Jews and Christians to wear badges that identify them according their religion. I can't imagine why any Jewish person would want to live in Iran. I wonder what the Iranians will pull next.

A Couple of Reviews

I should have known better, but like a dog returning to his...well, you know the rest. In an attempt to plan my meals again, I picked up a Betty Crocker Slow Cooker Helper meal from the freezer department. I thought Chicken and Dumplings sounded good. In my mind I was anticipating something close to Cracker Barrel. What I got was something on the level of an old fashioned TV Dinner. It was awful. It would be useful, however, to those on a diet. You certainly would not be tempted to over-eat. Betty Crocker Slow cooker Helper is a definite no-go.

For you dog owners who desperately want to train your dog, or maybe you have a well-behaved dog, but you need a little more security when Rover is off leash, I recommend the Tri-tronics Sport Remote Training Collar. They used to be called shock collars, but the animal rights people have classified animals with people, so it is now more politically correct to call it a remote training collar. Although some people belong in the same category as animals, animals do not belong in the same category as people. Anyway, Buddy has been using the remote training collar for a few weeks now. It is AWESOME! I have rarely had to "shock" him and we can now enjoy time in the yard or park off-leash. (In case you wondered, it was always so embarrassing been seen with a collar around my neck and trotting next to my dog when he took me on walks.) The other night Buddy was in hot pursuit of a rabbit. It was his dream come true. With his ears flopping in the wind and his gait carrying him at full speed (it's actually the only time I have seen him in a dead run) I called for him to come (no shock needed) and he came bolting back to me immediately. Jenn and Buddy give the Tri-tronics remote training collar two thumbs and one tail up! Sunlight Gel dishwasher detergent: bad it globs together and does not do a good job cleaning dishes. L.L. Bean classic t-shirts: outstanding. One of the softest t-shirts I have ever worn. The stitching around the collar is a lot nicer than most t-shirts as well. It gives it a bit of a more feminine look.

Well, that is about it for this round of Consumer Corner. I will leave you with a household tip, courtesy of John Hunt of Toms River, NJ. Household Hint: To free a clogged drain pour the following ingredients down the clogged drain in this order:

1. 1 Cup of liquid laundry detergent
2. 1 cup of Clorox
3. 2 quarts of boiling water

It works pretty well!

Under the Weather

Yes, it continues to rain in Pittsburgh, but that is not why I am feeling under the weather. We are having the worst allergy season in more than a decade here in the 'burgh. So, bear with me during my slow down of posts.

A Little Lesson in Diversity

CNN.com - Sen. Clinton apologizes to Chelsea for work comment - May 15, 2006 Remember when Hillary Clinton mocked the stay-at-home moms, who in her words, stayed home and baked cookies all day? Remember when Hillary Clinton shot a snipe a First Lady Laura Bush, questioning of the former librarian had ever held a real job? Now, Hillary Clinton, who appears to be gearing up for a run at the 2008 Presidency, has taken a pot shot at young people, by claiming that they believe that "work" is a four letter word and eliciting the rebuff of her own six figure salary earning daughter. What this trend of insults reveals is a classic lack of appreciation for diversity. In addressing the latter episode, behaviorists have documented the differences between generations for quite some time now. Starting with Generation X and proceeding with the generations that follow, an increasing trend of rejecting a workaholic mentality that abandons family life and other values like faith has emerged. Instead, grown children of unchurched families now occupy seats in places of worship and an increasing amount of younger women have rejected the feminist lie that a validated woman has to pursue a career outside of the home and have opted to enjoy the differences of their femininity by staying at home with their children. Position, status, money, and power do not entice the younger generations like they enticed the generation of Mrs. Clinton. The reasons for this rejection vary: growing up in broken homes absent, uninvolved parents, the emptiness of a life without values imparted through faith, just to name a few. Unfortunetely for liberal America, their heroine, Mrs. Clinton, has her ideals stuck in the feminist era of the 70's and has failed to represent the "progressive thinking" that has been by the touted by Democrats for years. This type of thinking demonstrates that liberals are to really as inclusive or tolerant as they would like us to believe. To read an interesting article about four generations at work, click here.

Heavy Rains Headed For Pittsburgh Area

kdka.com - Heavy Rains Headed For Pittsburgh Area I have felt like an episode from Sarah Plain and Tall waiting for rain. Many of you know that Pittsburgh is notorious for rain. As a matter of fact, we receive the second most cloud cover in the country, second to the Seattle area. Like the most of the Mid-Atlantic, it has been quite sometime since we have had substantial rainfall. To be honest, normally I would not be that concerned. The water table is not in a defecit situation and we are not conserving water yet. However, this Spring, I planted Grass and and some summer bulbs and flower seeds. For the last two weeks I have been diligently watering my plantings in what seemed to be a vain attempt. Overnight we got little rain and I had grass springing out of the ground to greet me this morning! Better yet, it is currently pouring down rain and rain is in the forecast for the next several days. It will be great allergy relief as well.

How to Bathe a Cat

How to Bathe a Cat - WikiHow

I don't hate cats. I like them, but I am allergic to them. I couldn't pass up this post. On my Google home page, I have a section that display top "How To's". Today's How-To section featured "How to bathe a Cat". Recalling my own horrific experiences as a child trying to bathe my own cat, I took a gander. They were as ridiculous as I had imagined. I will share a few of my personal favorite tips below, note my remarks in red.

Trim all nails before even attempting to wash a cat. It will reduce scratching. Notice that scratching is a forgone conclusion. If they prefer to only have two of their feet in the water, face them towards the back of the tub and let them stand on two feet. How would you know if they prefer 2 or 4 feet?

Talk quietly to your cat and keep a good grip on the neck or shoulders. Sometimes the cats will try to get out of the tub. Maybe affirmations like, "I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful." might work. If these affirmations consider an appointment with Dr. Leo Marvin. His groundbreaking new work, "Baby Steps to Cat Bathing" is already a best-seller in Uzbekistan.

Have two towels for drying ready. Drain the water from around the cat and press as much water out of the coat before you wrap in the towel. Rub gently with one towel. The first one will be pretty soaked. That's why you switch to the drier one and finish drying till damp. It helps if you warm the towels in the dryer first. I wish my towels were warmed when I get out of the shower.

Short-haired cats can finish drying themselves in the bathroom as long as they're away from drafts. For long-haired cats, you will have to use a comb and the hair dryer to finish drying. Long hairs will mat easily in wet fur and you have to comb them as they dry. Let me know how the hair dryer works out. I think again you may consider scratching a forgone conclusion.

Alternate Shower Techniques

Recognize that it may be helpful to wash your cat in a shower stall (if you have one with a door, not curtain). The cat is essentially trapped in the shower with out you having to hold on. Make sure the cat has good traction (a small towel in the bathtub will help if you have no rubber mat) or you will have a panic-stricken cat that is likely to seek safety in height by trying to climb you like a tree. Having a cat climb up me like a tree sounds especially appealing - sign me up.

Tips

Your cat has its own personality. While these are all good suggestions, be aware of your cat's reactions, and be prepared to adjust tactics accordingly. Translation: Cats are snobby and cannot stand being wet. However, since you have decided to bathe your cat, be prepared for the worst.

Brave souls may find it easier to put on old clothing and sit in the tub holding the cat (however the cat typically likes to be held) and letting someone else actually bathe the cat. You must be kidding.......

In order to reduce chances of getting scratched, you may decide to put your cat inside a mesh laundry bag before bathing her. Make sure that you are able to keep her head above water at all times--this is very traumatic for your cat, and will only serve to justify its fears about bathing. Use it only in urgent situations (i.e. cat covered in potentially toxic substance). This is my personal favorite. Just how exactly does one stuff dear kitty into a mesh bag?

Another idea that some have used, which is not so cruel as a little funny, is to attach small doll socks to their feet. This will not eliminate all of the potential scratching, but will help. Keep in mind that the socks make it difficult for the cat to walk, so remove them when the bath is over. This idea was inspired by the Clinton's. Did you ever wonder why their cat was named "Socks"?

Another useful idea is to put some tape around your cat's paws but not too tight! This will keep the cat focused on getting rid of what is on it's paws instead of scratching you, or even getting out of the water! This one seems a bit cruel. How would they like someone to affix tape to their arm and then rip it off?

When you have more time, run a very shallow warm bath (only a cm deep or so to begin with). Pet the cat, and give it a treat if it is food orientated. Continue at this depth until the cat does not panic and try to escape. Repeat daily, until the cat treats it as part of a routine, gradually increasing the depth until it is accepting standing in 4-5 ins of water. As a final step, have someone else reassure the cat whilst you use your hand to gently make waves in the water. This can take a week, or months depending on the cat, but it is worth the perseverance to know that you can safely bathe your pet when necessary. Yes, now kitty can start scratching you as soon as she hears the faucet running....

If all else fails, take your cat to a professional pet groomer (i.e. PetSmart, PetCo) for their washing.

Some cats will do better in an empty tub (or sink) with water being poured on rather then being put into a tub with water already in it.

Start early in the cat's life. Train your new kitten once every few weeks by giving it a bath. When the cat is older there will be no problem giving it a bath.

Try using baby shampoo, it is safer than regular shampoo and if the cat splashes it will not burn their eyes. Also makes the coat nice and soft. This works with dogs also. I actually use the J & J Chamomile and Lavender Baby shampoo on Buddy - he smells wonderful. For a couple weeks after the bath he emanate the fragrance when I scratch his back. He is sort of like a "Scratch and Sniff" dog in that way.

Warnings Personally, it seems as though the warning should have been listed first.

Watch out for cat claws if you decide to bathe your cat. Wearing a thick, long-sleeved sweater is one way to avoid getting scratched badly while bathing your cat.

If you don't know how to properly hold a cat by the scruff, don't do it. Your cat may choke. Don't put shampoo on their head. It could get in their eyes.

Be aware that you shouldn't bathe him frequently, this technique is just in case your pet is really dirty. This seems to contradict the whole getting kitty used to the tub idea.

Although some cats may accept the bath without great complaints, they may get nervous or angry or too scared when you try to dry them. Be careful during this last phase, shut the door of the bathroom or the cat will run away all wet, keep it calm or it will urinate, creating a big mess. If you find your cat objects too much to a bath by hissing at you, and trying to escape, then forget the bath. If the scratching and climbing didn't already scare you away from bathing the cat, this should.

Rendell Moving to pull a Fast One

PA PowerPort Electioneering has shifted into high gear in Pennsylvania this spring. It started by Governor Ed Rendell (D - Philadelphia) naming May "Older Pennsylvanians Month". But, Rendell's slick political maneuvering as not ended with naming rights to months, but has encroached upon taxation. With plans to cash in on Pennsylvania's future slots and gaming industry, Rendell announced what he refers to as tax break for all Pennsylvania homeowners. However, with a closer look at the bill that Rendell is advocating it becomes apparent that those tax breaks are targeting PA's powerful voting constituency: senior citizens. Rendell explains the plan:

“This plan will assure that maximum relief goes to communities with the highest property taxes and least ability to pay those taxes. Gaming will likely bring in as much as $1 billion per year when fully phased in, and this money will allow us to provide the largest property tax cut in Pennsylvania history. “We are also reforming how school taxes are set. This bill ensures tax rates are fair and gives the voters a voice in large tax increases. In addition, it enables school districts to decrease their reliance on property taxes and shift to a fairer tax base – a local income tax.”

So who exactly has higher taxes and less income? The answer is simple: senior citizens. The plan allows for higher local income tax (up to 3%) to replace property taxes. Who does this hurt? Younger Pennsylvanians, recent college grads, perhaps even those returning from serving our country in the military. How does this hurt them? Higher wage taxes means less disposable income to direct towards investments in their future or purchasing a first home. Ed Rendell plans to invest my tax money in his reelection by courting PA's largest voting audience with tax relief and other niceties. Conversely, GOP gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann proposes true tax cut for all Pennsylvanians through fiscal responsibility and the curbing of spending and cutting taxes on business that create jobs in PA and thus make PA's economy more robust.