Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Dog Training Collars -- Proper Selection Leads To Trainin...

The proper selection of a training collar can have a significant impact on the success of any dog training program. Most new dog trainers make the mistake of choosing a dog collar that does not allow for adequate control during the training sessions.During my nearly four years of working with dogs, I have seen dog collars in numerous sizes and shapes. From head leaders to pronged choke collars,. . .

Protecting The Smallest Member Of Your Family: A Step-By-...

Let’s face it – Fido and Fluffy are an important part of your family. Do you want to have to assign a dollar value to them if they become sick or injured?That may well be the case if you don’t have pet health insurance. Rising veterinary costs mean that pet owners can pay hundreds – and even thousands – of dollars for their pets’ health problems. As the bills stack up, uninsured pet owners must. . .

DNA Testing - Are You Raising Someone Else's Child?

Paternity Testing – Are you raising someone else’s child?Back in the 1700s, the best way to determine paternity was by a good hard look at the child, followed by a good hard look at the father. Enough coincidences and maybe a relationship could be proposed. A hundred years later, eye colour was discovered to be a paternity identifier. This theory has had its flaws exposed because of recent DNA . . .

Fine Tuning My Daughter's Wedding

Well folks, I never thought I’d be writing a column like this one, because quite frankly I never thought I’d be this old. This week’s subject matter is going to be a bit of a surprise, and I’m already guessing that some of you will be smiling when I tell you what it is, so off we go:My daughter Alison, my dear, sweet 21 year old Alison, is engaged to be married!That’s right, my young daughter i. . .

Unique Mother's Day Gift - No More Flowers and Chocolate

With Mother’s Day approaching fast, it’s time to begin thinking about how best to express how much Mommy Dearest means to us. If you’re like most, Mother’s Day has become a routine that consists of a greeting card, a bouquet of flowers, and a phone call to say "I love you". And though mom surely loves the sentiment, perhaps 2005 should be a year when you put a bit more creativity into your gift. . .

The Need for Balance in Childhood Education in Singapore ...

“Education would be much more effective if its purpose was to ensure that by the time they leave school every boy and girl should know how much they do not know, and be imbued with a lifelong desire to know it”Sir William HaleyWhat is considered a good education for my child (and your child, for that matter)? Before I can answer this, I think it is important that I first relate what education t. . .

Tackle, Tackle

I don’t know how people raise daughters because I have 2 sons. In my in-sanest moments, I have thought about having a daughter and have entertained thoughts about rushing into Toys’Rus straight to the Barbie doll section. My preoccupation with daughters is short-lived. Then I become sane all over again – I must be out of my mind thinking about having another child! No way, it’s totally, absolut. . .

How Do I Choose A Good Insurance Company For My Needs?

It’s easy to see which company is least expensive, but when you need them to cover a claim, what kind of job will they do? To put it another way, which is the most reliable insurance company? Here’s some quick tips to help you choose the right insurance company for you. Visit your state's department of insurance and check consumer complaint ratios and basic rate comparison surveys. Get in touc. . .

What to Do When Your Spouse or Your Friends are Negative?

This year (2004), I've completed over 64 seminars. And one of the most common questions asked is, "What do I do when my spouse, partner or friend is being negative?"As you practice Law of Attraction in your life, you become more aware of what you are attracting and start to understand that you can control what you attract with deliberate use of Law of Attraction. The more deliberate you become . . .

Brotherly Love

Brotherly love is a beautiful thing.Okay, I realize that might qualify as the most trite beginning ever for one of my columns, but, you do have to admit it’s the truth. Brotherly love can sometimes manifest itself in the most unusual ways...At least it did between my brother Ernest and I back in 1968. At that point in time, I was in the sixth grade over at Banks Stephens, and Ernest was in the . . .

Quick Tips to Surprise Mom this Mother’s Day

Do you know a Mom who needs to be thanked for the tireless effort she makes every day to her family? Does your Mom get the appreciation she deserves? While we all know we should tell our mothers how much we love her every week, sometimes our day to day routine can make us forget. This Mother’s Day, make Mom feel extra special! By following the gift ideas and tips below, you’re sure to make t. . .

Fisherman Sweater History

The Fisherman Sweater Fisherman sweaters used to be something that were seen as items of warm and rugged work wear, but much as changed, and fisherman sweaters have followed jeans to make that transformation from work wear to a 20th century fashionable clothing item.Fisherman Sweater HistoryRooted in our common heritage, commercial fishermen, weekend sailors, farmers and in fact people from al. . .

Codependent Relationships: Takers and Caretakers

Takers and caretakers – they often seem to find each other! As a counselor who has worked with relationships for 37 years, I can tell you that this is the most frequent relationship dynamic that I encounter.Takers are people who tend to be narcissistic – that is, they are self-centered with an excessive need for attention and admiration. The taker attempts to control getting love, attention, ap. . .

Fathers Day is the 3rd Sunday in June

Great gift ideas for Dad on Father's Day. Personalized crockery - plate, mug or bowl. This is perfect when the children are young Why not get the kids to put together a time capsule, with some photos of them with their dad, some other personal items and bury it in the garden There are gift experience companies, why not treat dad to drive a sports car or perhaps sky diving? Why not get some pri. . .

Protective Dog Clothing For Your Active Dog

You’ll want to use protective dog clothing to keep your active dog safe and warm when adventuring in the great outdoors. The right dog clothing will go a long way in protecting your dog from cuts, scratches and severe weather conditions. Protective dog clothing like dog coats, vests, and dog booties are important for more than one reason. The main function of dog clothing, like our own clothing. . .

101 Tax Savings Ideas, 7th Edition

There’s no doubt about it, tax laws are complicated and IRS pamphlets are confusing. Without a proper understanding of current tax laws, Americans are subject to tax scams and overpayment of their taxes. But where can they turn for help? Who can they trust?With Certified Public Accountants charging $50 to $100 per hour, for tax advice, average American households turn to books to help them gath. . .

Prom Season is Just Around the Corner, Do You have Your P...

Prom season is always the highlight of most senior years. In fact, it's beyond that point and is a focus to many at the junior level as well. Choosing the right prom dress is probably the biggest choice a girl needs to make. It's not always easy, though, especially when you have to keep it within a budget or within your parent's approval. Prom dresses, as you know, come in just about every shap. . .

Watering Your Young Child’s Mind

Mary, Mary, quite contrary,How does your garden grow?With silver bells and cockle shellsAnd pretty maids all in a row.It’s an everyday nursery rhyme, it’s simple to sing with your small child, and apparently this nursery rhyme about a little child watering her garden is watering your little child’s mind!Early childhood educators have identified pre-reading skills that are necessary for the lear. . .

Canine Infectious Hepatitis

What is Canine Infectious Hepatitis? The word hepatitis refers to an inflamation of the liver. First reported in 1947, Canine Infectious Hepatitis (CIH), is a caused by canine adenovirus. Almost every dog will come in contact with the virus at least once in their life time. The virus may pass through the dog, causing little to no adverse effects, or the virus may be so severe, the dog will die . . .

Indian Matrimonials and Astrology

Astrology is considered to be the oldest of all sciences, which studies the effects of the planetary positions and movements on our lives. Indian Astrology is an integral aspect of the Vedic literature (Vedic Astrology) and was practiced over the years by Indian sages and passed on to their disciples. In olden days, the kings would depend on astrology to determine the right and auspicious time . . .

Should You Try To Stop Your Divorce If You're Just Thinki...

Thinking about getting a divorce doesn't necessarily mean that you should try to stop your divorce. Conversely, it could be wise to try to s top your divorce, only you know whether you should. Just because you're thinking about getting a divorce, doesn't necessarily mean that you should try to stop your divorce, although its logical to automatically assume so.In order to be clear that you reall. . .

Divorce: Secrets To Coping With A Divorce Announcement

During a wedding ceremony, when people are joined together in matrimony, they swear and vow to honor and respect each other and to remain partners both during good and bad times. But in most marriages, this is not always the case. One out of every two marriages in America is failing and will explode in divorce. It takes two people to make a marriage succeed. Marriages fail because of the differ. . .

Family Tree Templates

If you want to create your family tree, but do not know where to start, family tree templates can get you started on your genealogical adventure. By giving you a pre-designed family tree that you can fill in, you can easily assemble your chart of lineage and, while doing so, learn the proper format for family trees.Family tree templates take the form of blank family trees that can be populated. . .

Family Tree Software

For those who want plenty of flexibility, power, and ease-of-use while building their family tree, family tree software is the tool you need. This software will allow you to create your genealogical chart easily and allow you to expand it easily without needing to rebuild the entire tree just because your new information does not fit in the space you have allotted. As well, by storing the inf. . .

Family History Information

For those who are searching for family history information, there are a wealth of resources available. These resources can extend from living people, to documents, to government records, to letters, to photographs, to heirlooms that are passed down from generation to generation. By utilizing these resources, you can find all manner of family history information that may just surprise you.The f. . .

How to Take Great Flower Photos

I know that many out there want to improve their photography in one aspect. Flower photography. With gardening as popular as it is this shouldn’t be a surprise. Flower photography while looking like one of the simplest forms of photography can quickly become one of the most difficult. Here are a few tips for you. (Keeping in mind that basic good photography skills are always used.) Soft diffuse. . .

A New Year’s Resolution to Learn a New Language

Danny Glover, the famous American actor, once said that his new year’s resolution was to learn French, because everyone he wants to speak with in West Africa speaks French. If you would like your fun new year’s resolution to be to learn a new language, then there are quite a few different ways you can go about it.Perhaps you’ve been wanting to learn the language of your Grandmother. Perhaps you. . .

Canine Distemper

What is Canine Distemper? Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease caused by a virus (paramyxovirus) which attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervus systems of dogs. Although dogs are the most commonly affected, Canine Distemper is also seen in foxes, ferrets, mink and many other carnivores. These infected animals are often the cause of the spread of this disease to domesticat. . .

Relationships: Taking Care of Yourself in the Moment

Maria consulted with me because she was frustrated about the distance she felt in her relationship with her husband, Carl. He wanted to be close to her, but she didn’t feel close to him. “I think the problem is that he often talks to me in a judgmental or condescending way. He sounds like a parent rather than a partner. I just hate being spoken to like that.”“How do you respond when he speaks t. . .

Understanding Freebies

It seems that everyone is after "freebies" these days to save a little money. While this may appear to be a good way to save, understanding why freebies are offered and the different types of freebies that are available is essential to make sure you aren't spending more that you thought. "Spending more than I thought? It's a freebie, how can I be spending money?" you may be asking yourself. Tha. . .

Two Secrets for Handling Your New Best Friend

Forty-four million United States households have a least one dog. And we all start out on a good foot with a set of rules for the new member of the family, one being “the dog is not allowed to get on the furniture.” Then, a few weeks later, you notice that your new best friend is so comfortable in his new surroundings that he is napping on your favorite club chair. But before you can pull hi. . .

8 Tips for a Better Walk with Your Dog

Taking your pooch for a walk can be a struggle. He pulls your arm out of its socket and then abruptly stops to smell and sprinkle every bush and tree as you trip over him. In my 31 years of veterinary practice and as a dog owner, I have found that using a little dog psychology and some practical techniques will help you during your next walk around the block. Always use a leash or you may. . .

Sports First Aid Kit: Are You Prepared?

Do you have an active family? Are your kids involved in soccer or little league? What sports are high on your priority list – running, golf, tennis? American Sports Data, Inc. estimates: 50.6 million people over the age of 6 exercise frequently, participating in single activities (running, cycling, treadmill) 39.9 million participate in recreational sports (basketball, tennis, softball) 15.3. . .

5 Tips To Selecting A Great Dog Gift

You can have lots of fun selecting a dog gift for someone who absolutely adores dogs. And you’ll be happy to know that no matter what size budget your working with there are lots and lots of wonderful gift ideas to choose from.In fact you may have so many great choices that you could easily become overwhelmed. So let’s start by learning how to narrow down the flood of choices a bit. Narrowing t. . .

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)

What is Canine Hip Dysplasia? Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a congenital disease that mainly affects large breed dogs. The word "dysplasia" means improper growth. Hip dysplasia can be described as a faulty or abnormal development of the hip. In CHD, the hip becomes loose and wobbly, eventually leading to a form of arthritis which is commonly referred to Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD). The deg. . .

Should a Man Wear a Wedding Ring or not?

Strange as it may seem the use of a wedding ring by men was not common until recently. Whereas women have worn wedding rings for eons, men have not. The use of rings as a symbol of everlasting love enshrined in marriage can be traced back thousands of years. But not so much for men.It was, in fact, during the second world war that the use of wedding rings by men became more common. (Note that m. . .

Grapes, Nuts, and Your Dogs Health -- Foods that Fido sho...

Your dogs health is important to you. You show her how important by keeping her well fed and groomed, making sure she gets plenty of exercise and providing a collection of fun, safe toys for her entertainment. You don't skimp on the quality of his food. And to reward good boys and girls, there are always lots of delicious treats in the cupboard. But if he has bad breath, you could be overlookin. . .

Should You Sell Your Home Yourself?

Should you sell your home yourself? Yes and no. Yes, you should leave the option of selling on your own open and no, you shouldn’t rule out using the services of an agent to help you sell. There are a considerable number of advantages of using an agent to sell your home but their services do come at a price – up to 6% commission on the sale price! That’s quite a sum, a precious $6,000 for every. . .

How To Save Thousands in Interest on Your Home Mortgage!

So you have a mortgage on your home or planning to get one? Here’s something to consider if you want to reduce your interest payment and save on thousands of dollars. Consider going in for a bi-weekly mortgage payment plan.So, what is a bi-weekly mortgage payment plan? The difference in this type of mortgage plan lies in the frequency of payments. Out here you make your payments every two weeks. . .

Chocolate And Your Dogs Health -- What You Should Know

Chocolate -- Who can Resist it?Your dogs health depends on it! (resisting, that is). We humans get to indulge because most of us know when to stop. But your dog won't quit after just a few. Give her a chance and she'll down the whole box of Godivas in one gulp. So on Valentine's Day, you're actually being kind to your best buddy if you eat all the chocolates yourself!Why is chocolate harmful to. . .

Chances Of A Lost Pet Being Recovered Increase

Every day we are looking for ways to make our life better, this includes protecting our families, and also included is the family pet. This once wild animal has become a domesticated pet and also become an integral part of the modern family, and there are many laws devoted to stopping abuses to animals. What is lacking in the modern family is proving a means to recover the family pet, if they s. . .

Natural Healthy Cleaning With Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea Tree oil is one of the most popular of the essential oils. It is one of the strongest natural antiseptics, commonly referred to as the "Universal Antiseptic." This quality makes it one of the most worthwhile ingredients in homemade cleaning recipes. Tea Tree oil is also well tolerated having no known allergic reactions. The time has come for us to reject the chemical-laden, air-polluting. . .

How to Create Your Own Monster -- are you Spoiling your Pet?

"You've created your own monster, you know", my mother said ominously. My Rex cat, Houdini, had just burrowed his way inside my sweater for the third time that morning, letting out a squeal of indignation when I tried to resist.Houdini has separation anxiety. But in his tiny little mind, separation means I've been out of his site for at least two minutes. Or I've closed the bathroom door and le. . .

Face Painting Tips for Your Kids Party

If you can apply your own make-up or doodle a simple design, you can learn to face paint for a kids party. With these easy tips and techniques and a little practice, you'll be turning out all sorts of colorful characters. Find out how to achieve spectacular results and the admiration of children and parents alike. First and foremost, inform parents that there will be face painting at your party. . .

Not All Apartment Leases Are Created Equal

Before signing any lease: Take a walk through the unit that you are renting to make sure it is in good repair. Be sure to read the lease completely. All leases are not the same.What should be included in your lease: All verbal promises should be reduced to writing within the lease. Are there provisions for a job transfer within the lease? How and when do you give notice to move? Must you give n. . .

Brochure Designing Tips

“Don’t forget to remember me.” In today’s hustle and bustle world, making people remember is very important and it is a must to have something that they will remember you by. The competition is fierce making it necessary to have all possible avenues explored and tools utilized. Making the right choice is vital for one’s success. The use of brochures is an effective way of promoting your busines. . .

Difference

Article based on a friend's experienceI just wanted to share an experience I just had with my daughters, Yee Ting and Yee Sin. Yee Ting is three years old this month while Yee Sin is only one-month old. Yee Ting has always been a rather good girl, apart from the occasional tantrum outbursts sprinkling our usual day. She would tell me when she wanted to eat, wear the clothes I tell her to wear, . . .

Home Business Happiness

Defining Your Happiness For Home Business SuccessYou might be saying now “Steve why are you writing an article on happiness? This is a Home Business Site!” The reason is that I estimate that at least 70%+ of you are making the switch to Home business due to lack of feelings of happiness and fulfillment in your life. For this reason, it is important for you to understand what you really want to . . .

Real Story - a Hobo Friend For My Roommate

Although this story is coming from the perspective of a crazy roomate, it is something I still regret to this day. It all started when I moved in with my best friend at college. We were as different as night and day - I liked to drink and party alot, while he was more down for sitting on our couch and watching fucked up foreign movies. We knew things weren't going to work out when 3 days into l. . .

Cultivating Spiritual Intimacy

When two people - destined for each other, come together, there is often an incredible amount of combustibility. Combustion occurs when two or more substances react chemically together, resulting in the giving off of heat and light; often called burning. In the same manner, two people joined together by God can spiritually set each other on fire.However, after being married a while that sense. . .