Talk with your Animals

posted by Dr. Markho Rafael on Oct 30

Mycelium Running by Paul Stamets has been the perpetual best-seller on popular mycology since published in 2005. It’s an indispensible reference book for anybody working the land, especially foresters, farmers and environmental cleanup contractors. It’s also a great book for anyone interested in growing their own food mushrooms.

The book is a treasure trove of useful practical information on what Stamets refers to as mycofiltration (of water), mycoremediation (of toxic waste), and tips on how mushroom mycelium can help improve soils and boost productivity in farming and forestry with less use of pesticides and fertilizers.

For example, an easy do-it-yourself method of creating a mycofiltration bed for filtering waste water is delineated in detail. Recommended materials are listed along with suggested mushroom species to use and the ideal dimensions of the bed. In Stamets’ examples, these mycofiltration beds are used to effectively filter and neutralize farm runoff but they could also be used to filter industrial waste water.

Added perks when using mycofiltration is that the beds also yield crops of scrumptious food mushrooms, and every 2-3 years, as the bedding material needs to be replaced, the old material can be spread on the farm fields as a rich fertilizer.

Another piece of useful information for farmers and gardeners found in Mycelium Running concerns the no-till farming method as opposed to the conventional method of plowing the fields after harvest. No-till farming helps promote saprophytic fungi (decomposing fungi), which break down organic material at a pace better suited to plant-life than the rapid and heat producing breakdown by anaerobic bacteria, which are the primary decomposers when stubble is plowed under. The mycelium of saprophytic fungi also binds the soil to prevent erosion and loss of valuable nutrients.

Saprophytic fungi benefit forests too, by breaking down organic matter but also help by competing with parasitic fungi (blights), which may kill thousands of trees if not stopped. Foresters can easily seed saprophytic mushrooms in blight infested areas as a natural fungicide against parasitic fungi, fighting fire with fire.

The symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi can also be seeded in forests to promote healthy trees. Or they can be protected and naturally promoted through wise and informed forest management.

Most plants form symbiotic relationships with mushrooms. The mushroom mycelium more effectively absorbs water and nutrients, exchanged with trees for sugars, making the trees healthier and more drought resistant. Mycorrhizal fungi also provide trees with natural antibiotics against pathogens.

Mycoremediation is a term invented by the author of Mycelium Running, Paul Stamets, which is now in common use among mycologists. It refers to a method whereby toxic waste may neutralized through the use of mushrooms.

Contaminants that may be effectively mycoremediated include, but are not limited to, heavy metals, pathological bacteria (such as E. coli), petrochemicals, neurotoxins, dioxin, toxic dyes and other toxic industrial waste.

At $50 per ton, mycoremediation is a very cost effective method to clean up toxic waste. Conventional incineration may cost upwards of $1,500 per ton.

The information listed above is still only the first half of this tome. The second half is filled with information on growing mushroom mycelium, which can then be used for the above-mentioned purposes, or for growing our own medicinal or edible mushrooms. And who doesn’t love gourmet mushrooms? In other words, this is not only a book for farmers, foresters, ecologists and mycologists. This is a valuable reference book for every home and household.

Dr. Markho Rafael has worked in natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in’96. He currently specializes in medicinal mushrooms, frequently consulting two reference books: Mycelium Running by Paul Stamets for medicinal, biological and chemical properties of mushrooms, and Mushrooms Demystified by David Arora as the most comprehensive identification guide for North American mushrooms.

categories: mushrooms,ecology,environmental,agriculture,farm,farming,garden,landscaping,tree,horse,chicken,biology,herbs,nature

posted by Andre Alsaker on Oct 29

When selecting a western saddle maker, it’s not relevant if you select a local craftsman or a leading manufacturer to make your saddle. The desires that you have got to meet will be the same.

This may be a straightforward task. If you do not, then you need to decide if you want to go for local talent or an enormous company. you could have pals who have dealt with one or the other and they can tell you what their experience was like for them. Do not let this one experience be your final thing. Ask around with other area folk and see who they preferred and why. You may want to take notes so that you may make reference to them later.

You will not use this as the sole factor in deciding who you will opt to make your saddle. You can use the notes and make yourself a guide line of the bad and good points each western saddle maker. When you have made the choice on who will be the saddle maker then you can move onto the other concerns.

When you have finished choosing how you would like it designed, then comes the accord. The agreement sets the terms to be followed by both parties, but especially the saddle maker. There should be contingencies drafted in just in case something goes wrong. This does not excuse the saddle maker from giving you quality work in a relatively satisfactory timescale.

All these tips pertain to both local saddle makers and big name makers. The big name manufacturer may be busier than you expected, so there could be a delay for getting the project started. This could because your mates are doing the same thing.

All these tips pertain to both local saddle makers and enormous name manufacturers. The big name manufacturer may be busier than you expected, so there could be a time delay for getting the project started. Your local western saddle maker may be ready to start earlier on your saddle because they don’t seem to be so backlogged in their orders. The local saddle maker may also be more cost effective too.

You can find more information about saddle makers at http://www.westernsaddlemakers.com, where you can read about Western saddle makers.

posted by Roger Bailey on Oct 29

Cold winter day are swiftly approaching. So pull out those coats, sweaters and heaters! Even though dogs have their own coats, they can always the additional warmth presented by a dog coat or jacket.

Some smaller dogs grow hair rather than fur and are vulnerable to colder weather. They require the warmth that dog clothes proffer if they are outdoors during cold winter days. Breeds such as: Dachshunds, Silky Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers, Chinese Crested Dogs, and Maltese in fact profit from dressing in a dog sweater or coat. Miniature dogs dislike being exposed to the cold.

Smaller/Medium size dogs such as Pugs and Welsh Corgis have shorthair, but a more muscular build than teacup and small dogs. But wouldn’t a Welsh Corgi just be so righteous in a dapper jacket or sweater? Sometimes it is just about looking good! Even though Boxers are muscular they don’t fare well in extreme temperatures. Couldn’t you see a Boxer wearing a Corduroy Dog Jacket?

Short haired breeds, like a Basenji, Greyhound, Italian Greyhound, Weimaraner and Vizsla have a slender build and require exercise outdoors. They do not handle severe cold weather very well. During cold days a barn jacket is effortless to Velcro around an active dog and helps to keep outdoor dogs toasty in colder weather. The Polyester helps ward off wind and water to maintain dryness and safety from the elements, while the fleece side captures body heat to supply warm comfort.

Some dog breeds don’t require the warmth of a coat. For instance, the Alaskan Malamute has a thick and wooly base-coat that allows them to be exposed to the extreme cold weather without wearing protection. The Samoyed has a dual coat that contains a soft, thick undercoat with a harsh outer layer. In addition, cold temperature breeds have a tuft of hair around their neck for extra warmth.

Aging dogs need extra warmth in their old age. A fleece lined dog coat will maintain an older dogs warmth effectively. Especially for arthritic dogs, a dog jacket or coat will present relief to their cold bodies. Dogs not in good health can profit from a therapeutic dog coat. By using heat, cold and magnetic therapy, these dog coats offer rehabilitation for pain relief.

The right fit is important for comfort and warmth. Using a tape measure to figure out what size coat your dog will need can be accomplished in 3 easy steps.

Step 1: Measure your dog’s girth. The girth is the chest directly behind the front legs.

Step 2: Determine your dog’s neckline. This is very important for hooded dog apparel.

Step 3: Determine the length of your dog from the base of their neck to the base of their tail.

Yes, dogs come with their own coats, but depending upon the breed, the size, and the weather a dog coat can add an extra bit of warmth for cold and damp days.

Even though dogs come complete with their own natural coat, they can always use an extra bit of comfort for adverse weather. Joanne Gallagher suggests visiting Jake’s Dog House for a large assortment of Dog Sweaters & Coats that will provide your dog with comfort and fashion during the cold winter months.

posted by Dirk Williams on Oct 29

Who does not want to go to a wonderfully decorated home after a hard day of work? The mere thought of waking up on a Sunday morning and walking through a hallway that has been meticulously decorated, on your way to the kitchen to grab a fresh hot cup of coffee, even if living in a small rental apartment, is everybody’s dream. Unfortunately, not everyone has a flare for interior design. Not everyone is good at picking out just the right type of home decor which will look amazing and not clash with anything else that they own.

Making sure that it does not end up looking like a nightmare in the end, is probably what scares people the most when it comes to do it your self interior design. It is true that not everyone can afford a fabulous interior designer who can easily make the magic happen for them. But one must not despair or give up on the idea of shopping for some affordable home decor and doing some interior design of their own.

The first thing that someone could do is pick up at least six magazines which show different types of home decor and interior design. This will give anyone a great idea as to what style they like the best. Once a few designs have been chosen, then finding a way to start eliminating a few is great idea, in order to end up with the one you really like. Perhaps eliminating those which have home decor that would ultimately prove to be overly expensive, or even eliminating some interior designs which look too complicated, should help with the selection process.

The most important thing is, that regardless of the interior design which is chosen, one must be able to imagine themselves in that environment in a way of both enjoyment and delight. Next comes the fun part for most, which is the shopping. Keep in mind that everything does not have to be done at once and when it comes to decorating, the first thing to do is paint a room. Painting a room opens the door for any future home decor of your liking and gives a room an immediate face lift!

While shopping for home decor, make sure to try and match the pieces found in the picture of the room you chose as your interior design guide. Hunting for bargains and similar items, even if not exactly the same as the one in the picture is ok, as long as the size, scale and colour remains the same. Concentrating on a corner, or one single space of the room to start your interior design, is not a bad idea, especially if on a budget. By following these simple decorating tricks, anyone can make their house or apartment look amazing!

If you are looking for new ways to decorate your home. Check out Birdhouses and more at this website. They have a fantastic selection of home decor.

posted by Morten Elm on Oct 28

It can be an overwhelming experience to have a dog in your house for the first time. It needs care and attention, but it does also have to learn to behave. So training is an important part of your dogs life.

When a professional dog trainer trains the dogs, it looks very simple; but it is not. So you will probably experience that even the simplest training methods is difficult. But when it looks darkest, you must remember that most dogs want to please their owners. So the more time you spend training your dog, the more it will love you; and obey you.

You should start to train you dog, when it is between 3 and 16 weeks. The bonds between it and you will start to take hold. So the future training will be much easier, if you earn its respect there.

Commands are the first to learn in dog training. But it is not as simple as the experienced dog trainer can make it look. Your dog will probably not obey your commands, when you are trrying the same.

It is the tone of the voice that decides if a command is a success or not. Good dog trainers do not posses special abilities to speak with animals. They do just know how dog behaves; and how the right tone of voice can make it obey. And by practicing you can learn the same.

The right command tone is firm but non-threatening. To make the dog obey you, you much establish a relationship between you and the dog, where you are the master. If you miss that, you will not be able to train your dog. And threatening or yelling will not help you. It will just make your dog fear you.

Instead you should praise your dog, when it is doing something right. A positive attitude is the most effective thing in dog training. A dog is able to distinguish between right and wrong; but it is not capable to understand the difference without the proper feedback from the trainer.

So by using the tone of your voice to show it, when it has done something right or wrong, you can learn it to distinguish between what is good behavior; and what is not. Again remember that the dog will try to please the owner, the dog will learn to everything it can to follow your instructions.

As a dog training beginner the voice is the first thing you have to master. When you feel comfortable with that, you can start practicing more complicated training methods.

And a final advice; all dogs have different temperament and intelligence. So what might work on one dog, is not always working on other dogs. So find the methods that work with your dog.

Martin Elmer is the editor of Hundefan – a website about udstyr til hunde. Here you can also read about hunde transport.

categories: dogs,training,dog training,beginner,methods,commands,tone of voice,praise,intelligence,temperament

posted by Ross Everett on Oct 27

Seattle Slew–the last living Triple Crown winner–died on May 7, 2002 at the age of 28. As one of only 11 Triple Crown winners in history, he is by default one of the greatest horses in the history of thoroughbred racing. Of those 11 legendary animals, Seattle Slew was the only one to complete the Triple Crown with an undefeated record, as well as the only one to have been purchased at a public auction. After retiring in’78, Slew became one of the most important and successful stud horses in the history of the sport. He sired 1,066 foals including 102 stakes race winners. Among this impressive group of offspring was the’84 Kentucky Derby winner, Swale. All told, Slew’s offspring have won an amazing $76 million dollars at the race track. Slew’s stud fee of $300,000 made him a very profitable horse even after his racing career was over. Slew wasn’t a particularly attractive horse, but he had the toughness of a championship boxer and the sort of intestinal fortitude and desire that can only be given by The Creator.

The Seattle Slew story started at a public auction in Kentucky–not exactly a venue expected to produce a future champion. Slew, in particular, was an unlikely heir to greatness. He was somewhat clumsy looking due to a front right forefoot splay and had a shuffling gait at trot. Slew wasn’t a beautifully majestic creature like his Triple Crown winning predecessor, Secretariat. In fact, he could have been considered borderline ugly–to the extent that he was nicknamed ‘Baby Huey’ by the Keeneland staff. What wasn’t apparent at the time was Slew’s mixture of championship intangibles–competitive desire, toughness, heart and enthusiasm. His owners had unwittingly stumbled onto an equine Muhammad Ali, and his competitive fire quickly became apparent to his trainers and jockeys. His first race came at Belmont Park in’76, and he entered–and won–three races as a two year old giving a glimpse as to what like ahead.

Slew quickly became a horse to watch as a three year old as he won three Derby prep races including the Wood Memorial. In the Derby, Slew got off to a terrible start as he stumbled out of the gate. He recovered from the miscue and essentially bulled his way through a pack of horses to lead at the 1/4 mile pole. Slew would win the Derby by a length and 3 quarters. He took another tough victory at the Preakness before clinching the Triple Crown with a 4 length victory in the Belmont Stakes.

Slew continued to campaign as a four year old, but in the days before the Breeder’s Cup there weren’t many opportunities for an older horse. He retired to stud in’78, where he sired champions such as the aforementioned Swale and’92 Belmont Champ AP Indy. Slew stood at Three Chimneys Farm in Midway, Kentucky from’85 until early 2002 when he was moved to Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm in Lexington, KY following a spinal operation.

Slew was in someways overshadowed during his prime by his predecessor–and arguably the greatest thoroughbred race horse in history–1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat. In hindsight, however, it has finally been noted what an exceptional horse he really was. Jockey Angel Cordero, who rode Slew during the twilight of his career noted “If I had a chance to take any horse in the world, if someone said your life is depending on riding one horse to win, I would take (Slew). I rode 44,000 horses, but he was special, he was different. He was muscled, like a wrestler. He ran different than any other horse. It was like he came from another planet.”

After his death in 2002, Slew was buried at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm in Lexington, Kentucky under a statue in his image.

Ross Everett is a widely published widely published freelance sports writer and highly respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and betting odds portal sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

categories: horse racing,thoroughbred racing,sports,recreation,horses,animals,hobbies,enteratinment,travel,leisure

posted by George Carmichael on Oct 21

Websites are now available that provide a unique shopping experience for you if you are looking for items for your pet!

You can currently find some really fashionable and useful dog and cat necklaces online! These dog and cat necklaces are growing in popularity and can really help your pet make a fashion statement! Some websites offer dog and cat necklaces made from semi-precious stones (healing stones) and crystals that create a very fashionable look!

It is believed by many that semi-precious stones and crystals offer health benefits to those who possess them. The ancient Egyptians and ancient Chinese both believed that the crystals and stones possessed natural healing powers. Since the stones and crystals were formed by the Earth’s natural powers, they are believed to contains the natural energy force of the Earth itself. You can now find websites that promote and sell certain stones and crystals to create stylish dog necklaces and cat necklaces that are believed to provide health benefits to your pet. The dog necklaces and cat necklaces are created using bead-work and crystals which are matched to cure various ailments.

Some of the stones used to make cat and dog necklaces are listed below:

Aventurine: said to help aid in weight-loss. Bloodstone: this stone is said to purify the blood. Garnet: believed to aid with depression and help clear away infection. Jade: jade is said to help aid in digestive problems. Quartz: overall, it is believed that Quartz is a powerful general healer. Tiger Eye: relieves tension, and helps lessen the effect of asthma.

Cat and dog necklaces fashioned from such semi-precious stones not only look great on your pet, but may also help your pet feel its best! With a little research, you can easily learn more about the various healing stones and crystals that would be most beneficial to your pet’s needs.

There are websites on the internet that will help you figure out which healing stones will be best for your pet. You can even fashion your own unique dog and cat necklaces at some websites. Your pet can look stylish with a nice pet necklace, and you can relax in the knowledge that the healing stones and crystals around its neck are helping to keep it safe and healthy!

Help your pet stay happy and healthy with amazing dog and cat necklaces! By conducting some research, you can find some great options. Keep your pet feeling fantastic, and help it look amazing with stylish pet necklaces made with semi-precious pet healing crystals!

categories: dog necklaces,cat necklaces,pet healing stones,animal jewelry,pet health,pet fashion,dog,cat

posted by Andre Hansen on Oct 21

There are many western saddle makers to select from when you’re deciding on getting a new western saddle. The saddles can run as low as a couple of hundred to above two thousand greenbacks. These saddles aren’t even custom-made.

There are plenty of different brands to choose between. Having the ability to buy the right saddle for you; takes a bit of educating yourself on the different brands, style and feel of the different western saddles that are open to you. You may be restrained by the price range as to what you can get.

The less expensive end of the price range can be just two hundred bucks. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to not find a good saddle in this price range. It just implies that it’ll harder to find one that you consider good. These saddles can take three months or merely a little more.

These saddles can take 3 months or simply a little more. You will find some saddles that are from about a hundred to around 1000 bucks. They can simply take close to a year to make. If they tell you slightly in around a year or so, then make them nail it down better. Things will generally come up and may cause there to be a delay.

The next range is from the thousand dollars and up price range. They will probably have a special fit. But the design on this level will be more tailored towards what you need. You will require the saddle for show and are willing to pay a little additional for that privilege. You must ensure that the saddle is going to have a proper fit.

You want to pick a saddle maker that will satisfy your requires the way that you would like it done. This doesn’t have to be a huge name maker. Sometimes they’re going to have a backlog that may mean you may have to attend over twelve months before you can get your saddle. If you would like to have your saddle earlier, then there are loads of quality small western saddle makers that can make a pretty saddle for you. Lots of them are award winning too.

You can find more information about saddle makers at http://www.westernsaddlemakers.com, where you can read about Western saddle makers.

categories: western saddle makers,saddle craftsman

posted by Andre Hansen on Oct 18

There are several western saddle makers to choose from when you are deciding on buying a new western saddle. The saddles can run as low as a few hundred to above two thousand greenbacks. Custom made saddles can easily run you five thousand and even more.

There are many different brands to choose between. Being able to buy the right saddle for you; takes a little of teaching yourself on the different brands, style and feel of the different western saddles that are available to you. You will be limited by the price range as to what you can get.

The cheaper end of the price range can be just a couple of hundred bucks. These saddles are excellent for someone who cannot afford plenty of saddle. This does not actually mean that you’ll not find a good saddle in this price range. These saddles can take 3 months or merely a little more.

You can find some saddles that are from about a hundred to around 1,000 greenbacks. They can simply take close to a year to make. If they tell you vaguely in around a year or so, then get them to nail it down slightly better.

The next range is from the thousand bucks and up price range. These saddles usually have more of the details. But the design on this level will be more tailored towards what you need. No matter what level is your price range; price shouldn’t be your sole consideration.

You must pick a saddle maker which will fulfill your requires the way that you would like it done. This doesn’t need to be a huge name maker. Sometimes they’re going to have a backlog that will mean you could have to attend over 12 months before you can get your saddle. If the name is all that matters to you then you may not have an issue with that wait. Lots of them are award winning too.

You can find more information about saddle makers at http://www.westernsaddlemakers.com, where you can read about Western saddle makers.