Purses Articles

Life Isn?t Always Easy with a Big Dog

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:27:01 +0000

Life Isn?t Always Easy with a Big Dog

by: Michael Campbell

Several challenges face owners of big dogs. Beside the most noticeable things such as endless appetites and the grand yards they require, owning a big dog has some hidden difficulties as well. From vet bills and airfares, to the things they break, large breed dogs bring large breed problems.

Apartments Typically Don?t Allow Large Dogs

You almost have to be a home owner to have a large breed dog. Most apartments have strict limits to the size of your pet ? sometimes by height but more commonly by weight. Leasing agreements usually state that dogs no more than 20 lb and some times up to 40 lb are allowed to share residence with you. Renters with large breed dogs frequently end up in more exclusive apartments where others in similar situations also find refuge, or end up looking into homes to rent.

Higher Veterinary Bills

When large dogs find themselves in need of medical attention, owners find they dig deeper into their pocket ? particularly when anesthesia and medication are involved. Most Vets charge by the weight of the dog, so more anesthesia is needed to keep a dog safely asleep.

Costly to Travel With

Large breed dogs are rarely seen in the cabin of a commercial airliner ? that?s because they?re stuck back in cargo. And cargo isn?t cheap. While small dogs usually get a free ride if they can fit under the seat, larger dogs can expect to pay more than $200. While most airline cargo is a safe way for a dog to fly, it is never easy for the dog and likely just as hard on the owner.

Nothing Fits

Some giant breed dogs like Newfoundland?s and St. Bernard?s can be difficult to shop for. One can?t always walk into the local Pets Mart and expect to find a collar large enough for their companion?s neck. Often times, you?ll find yourself purchasing extra links, or going online for special orders.

Bigger Mistakes

When a giant breed steps on you and you?re barefoot, you?re going to scream! If he gets your remote, he?s going to total it. All dogs make mistakes, but when a large breed makes a mistake, they almost always have larger consequences - they either hurt more, or cost more.

He?s So Scary

Be prepared for a certain stigma associated with big dogs. He or she could be the must lovable huggable animal on the planet but people will still be skeptical. Simply walking your dog down the sidewalk can cause everyday neighbors to fear you and your dog.

Just Simply Not Welcome

Try walking your Great Dane or Mastiff into a fine restaurant in California. Doesn?t happen. If anything, you?re stuck on the deck eating your meal while suffering the weather with your dog. Need to spend a day shopping? Even though you?ll find little fluffy dogs hanging out of purses and shopping baskets, you won?t be welcome with your beast. Life just isn?t fair for the big dogs.

Big Dogs always seem to present big challenges, but for those who own them its worth it, as there is just more to love. Jaime Campbell, co-owner of Big Paws Only (www.bigpawsonly.com), a large and giant breed dog community online, agrees, ?You can tell how big a person?s heart is by the size of their dog!? Big Paws Only was built with this in mind, exclusively so large breed dog lovers from all over the world could connet, interact, share and learn. BigPawsOnly.com also offers exclusive large breed merchandise that can be hard to find, a Doggy Date Social Calendar, Paw Prints and a Large Breed Online Encyclopedia.

For more information, visit www.bigpawsonly.com

Contact:

Michael Campbell

Big Paws Only

About The Author

Michael Campbell

CEO Big Paws Only

View their website at: http://www.bigpawsonly.com

info@bigpawsonly.com

The Best Online Slot Machines Around

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:12:31 +0000

The Best Online Slot Machines Around

by: Tim Jeffries

Slot machines have always been stalwarts of casinos. This is because it is a game for people who just don?t want to think much and just want to drop coins and pull a lever. That?s why slot machines also became stalwarts of online casinos. Here are what we consider to be the best online slot machines you can find and play. Note: this information changes often. What could be a great game could disappear by tomorrow!

Best Online Classic Slots:

Safecracker is the best among all the classic slots out there. This is because it gives the person a higher jackpot of 20,000 coins. The range of the bet is a quarter to 5 dollars. The maximum you could play is 3 coins per spin. In a single spin the amount hat can be won is $5000 and $20,000 for three spins. It also offers mid range payouts.

High 5 is a classic 3 wheel slot machine that has 1 pay line. Your winnings are multiplied depending on the number of high 5 symbols you get. Get one and your winning is multiplied by 5 times, get tow and it is multiplied 25 times. The coins that can be used can be from a quarter to 5 dollars. You have a choice of betting 1 to 3 coins per spin. The top jackpot is 15,000 coins.

Best Online Multi Line Slots:

Flower power may sound all girly because it offers winning up to 1000 coins only. However, the logic here is that the lower the coin purses the more chances you?ll be winning. You will be able to hit a lot of winning combinations because it has more than one pay line.

Best Online 5 Reel Slots:

Thunderstruck may sound like something form an adult movie but it?s one of the best 5 reel slots out there. This is because it offers a unique bonus feature (I?m not talking about the XXX features). With this slot, it is possible to get a free spin bonus round that has 3 times multiplier. This slot machine has 5 reels and 9 pay lines.

The minimum coins needed are only 1 cent up to a dollar range. You can play 5 coins per line. If you are able to hit more than 3 scattered rams you are given 15 free spins. If you hit the rams again while playing your free spin, you?ll be able to get free spins again. This makes your total free spins 30. All wins on free games are actually tripled.

If you hit a wild Thor your winnings can be multiplied 6 times. This can make potential winnings reach $150,000. Then you can also click the gamble button to double or quadruple your wins.

Best Online Bonus Feature Slots:

Lucky Charmer has a second screen bonus feature that makes it fun to play. You will choose between 3 musical pipes and the charmer plays your choice if you are able to reach the bonus round. The object that rises out of the baskets will be the one to determine your winnings. To be able to activate the feature round you must be able to hit the King Cobra at the third pay line.

Best Online Progressive Jackpot Slots:

Major Millions is a three reel and three pay lines that can give you winnings amounting to $250,000. However the jackpot can be reached only if you bet $3 per spin.

Rags to Riches looks like the Wheel of Fortune. There will be 3 symbols of rags to riches to start the jackpot wheel. The minimum amount to be won is $100,000. The amount needed to bet per spin is $3.

Enjoy the slots!

About The Author

Tim Jeffries is an author at http://www.casinogamblingdepot.com. Visit us to learn and play slots and virtual casino games today.

Get The Best Of Asia Delivered To Your Door!

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:00:01 +0000

Get The Best Of Asia Delivered To Your Door!

by: Sumit Dattani

MyOriental's extensive home decor product range, brought together in one unique site, boasts Oriental & Asian items such as Silk Cushion Covers, Hand-made Ceramic Vases, Sterling Silver Jewellery, Area Rugs made from Hemp, Cotton, Jute & Wool, Rattan & Water Hyacinth Furniture, Natural Soaps, Incenses and Aromatherapy Essential Oils, Silk Pashminas, Stoneware Pottery, Chrome Kitchen & Bath-ware and popular Home Decor & Home Furnishing Accessories from Asia. The co-owners have scoured the markets of South East Asia to bring you these beautiful, hand-made Oriental products - most which cannot be found in mainstream shops.

Other ethnic products that can be found here are beautiful cotton & hemp throws hand-made by the Doi Tung Project in Thailand; Handbags and purses made from silk, hemp, wicker, rattan and bamboo; Thai 'Celadon' (crackleglaze) pottery and dinnerware; silk bed covers, sheets and pillow cases; traditional Oriental furniture including coffee tables, day-beds, king and queen beds, sofa's and patio furniture; a massive lighting section featuring both contemporary and traditional ceiling, floor, table lamps made from teak and natural materials; and a Home Decor section boasting over one hundred popular and unique pieces to brighten up your living & dining areas including wall hangings, Buddha figurines, Copper utensils, framed items such as opium pipes, antique gongs, Tibetan singing bowls and much more.

With their current offer of 5% OFF (excluding shipping costs)this web-site cannot be missed.

My Oriental offers delivery to the UK and USA only and uses PayPal for secure payment processing and buyer protection.

About The Author

Sumit Dattani

My Oriental is the product of over 11 years experience in Business Administration, Finance and Retail. Sumit Dattani (one of the co-owners) has spent most of his adult life managing prestigious retail operations such as Sainsbury's and Tesco's.

Visit http://www.MyOriental.com - Bringing You The Best Of The East!

MyOriental is the trading name for eManagers Limited.

This article may be used in print or web media without obtaining permission

Enjoying Really Good Cigars

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 02:34:43 +0000

Enjoying Really Good Cigars

by: Jeff Lakie

When you imagine cigars being smoked does the image of seasoned, robust, and wealthy foreign men sitting around with brandy swishing in their snifters come to mind? That is probably not an uncommon image, but it is not accurate for this modern age of cigar connoisseurs.

These days it would not be surprising to find a group of women in a cigar shop. More commonly there will be men. It could be men from every walk of life, every income bracket, and any age all enjoying cigars. And you thought all cigar smokers were alike? No more than all cigars are alike. That idea would actually offend many people in the right circle.

Obviously there are your run-of-the mill cigars. There are also cigars that are costly, aromatic, and have a life all their own. In researching the time and consideration that goes into creating the latter type of elite cigars you might be amazed that the process is quite similar to that of wine production. The finest cigars begin with the tobacco plant from which it originates. The grading moves forward to encompass where it is grown and when it is harvested. The truly great cigars end with it totally mattering if a master handler is at the wheel for the curing process.

Cost for the primo cigars will vary greatly. Taste will also vary. People who have humidors in their home might be true connoisseurs but anyone who appreciates a good smoke can benefit from the variations available. Both cost and taste are affected greatly by the care and attention master tobacco handlers provide. Knowing when and how many times to turn the tobacco leaves is an essential part of the totality of a great cigar. There is a true gift to knowing when the leaves have sweated properly.

The leaves are graded and separated. Each grade level produces different taste and cost of cigars. Many specialty shops throughout the United States offer cigars in all sizes and grades to the public. And in a society where smoking in public has fast become an invasion of air space these shops offer a place to smoke. Enjoying really good cigars indoors with other people around you is not a far-reaching dream.

About The Author

Jeff Lakie is the founder of http://www.cigar-box-purses.info and http://www.cigars-online.info websites providing information on Cigars.

Picture Frame Crafts For Your Kids Party

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 23:50:54 +0000

Picture Frame Crafts For Your Kids Party

by: Patricia B. Jensen

One of the most popular party favors is a framed picture of the party guest taken at your kids party. He or she could be showing off a silly hat or party costume, performing an outrageous party game stunt, or wearing a face full of frosting and ice cream.

Having party guests create their own make-and-take frame to display this memorable photo makes it an even greater treasure for the memory box.

Start with a plain square of cardboard with an opening the size of your picture. When the decorating is done, simply glue picture to the back of the frame.

Here's a brainstorm of frame ideas and decorating materials kids can use:

* Cut your photo into a circle and glue to the center of a nice shiny CD. Decorate with star stickers.

* Cut frames from different colored craft foam. Layer the foam squares for a unique effect.

Decorative foam pieces in many unique shapes and themes are available at your craft store.

* Make a simple craft stick frame and decorate it with faux gems, sequins, sparkles, or stickers.

* Fashion a frame with craft clay.

* Use faux craft fur to make a really "wild" looking frame. Great for a jungle themed party.

* Tie one end of a long length of colorful yarn to your cardboard square. Wrap the yarn around and around the square until it is completely covered.

* Glue tiny Barbie doll accessories such as combs, brushes, sunglasses, and purses. Ideal for a Barbie party or little girl's dress up party.

* Brush a square of cardboard with white craft glue. Sprinkle craft sand onto the glue in different colors and patterns. Shake excess sand onto newspapers and let dry.

* Use outdoor treasures such as tiny pine cones, leaves, and small stones to make a nature frame. Perfect for a garden party or bug party.

* Colorful buttons in various sizes and shapes can be laid out in an interesting design.

* Apply geometrical shapes of felt in a creative pattern.

* Cover your frame with pretty fabric.

* Apply colored clay shapes to your cardboard square.

* Hard edible sugar decorations for cakes come in a variety of themes. These can be used to decorate your frame.

* Different shapes of macaroni make interesting frame decorations. Try elbows, wheels, bowties, and fusilli.

* Tiny colored pompoms make a cute soft frame. Apply complementary colors in rows.

* Tear off one inch pieces of multi-colored tissue paper. Pinch between fingers, dip in glue and apply to your frame.

* Small dried beans or peas laid out in intricate patterns make a unique frame.

Kids will love the hands-on party activity and parents will enjoy their child's picture displayed intheir own uniquely creative frame.

About The Author

Patricia B. Jensen is a mother of three and kids party enthusiast. She is the webmaster and owner of Kids-Party-Paradise.com - a complete resource for kids party ideas including invitations, cakes, decorations, games, costumes, favors, and food.

For all the latest party news, read her Kids Party Blog.

kids-party-paradise.com

Identifying A Nickel Allergy

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 16:27:12 +0000

Identifying A Nickel Allergy

by: Grant Segall

While we have all heard of people having a dust mite allergy, dog or cat allergy, peanut allergy, gluten allergy, and so on, very few of us have heard of the people living with a nickel allergy. Even so, the number of people living with a nickel allergy is actually on the rise, partly due to the ever-increasing popularity with body piercing in which nickel is a common metal. In fact, experts estimate that people with a nickel allergy has risen by as much as 40% over the past 10 years, specific to piercing.

With a nickel allergy, the symptoms can strike people of all ages and both genders. While some people will have immediate reaction, most will have a reaction caused by prolonged exposure to the nickel. If you have a nickel allergy and like piercings, then you might consider using stainless steel, gold, or silver instead.

Other people who have a nickel allergy include those working with various chemicals or machinery that involves nickel such as hairdressers, hospital staff, or those working with cleaning chemicals. The problem is that for alloy to be produced, nickel is added to other metals. Therefore, nickel could easily be a component of many things we use throughout our daily lives without us even knowing it. For example, eyeglasses, watches, belt buckles, and even zippers all have nickel. For the person with the nickel allergy, this would be a problem.

Other items commonly made from with degree of nickel include pens, razors, scissors, handles on kitchen or bathroom cabinets, cigarette lighters, catches on purses, toasters, needles, and so on. If you have a bad nickel allergy, you can actually purchase a testing kit that can help you identify the things you handle daily that might be a contributing factor. Although avoiding everything with nickel would be difficult, at least you would know some of the items to avoid.

Just as nickel should be avoided by touch, there is also concern about food consumption. Generally, if someone has a serious nickel allergy, his or her doctor would prescribe a nickel-restricted diet in which foods high in nickel would be eliminated. Some of the foods would include:

Beans, Buckwheat, Chocolate, Dried Fruit, Figs, Lettuce, Licorice, Linseed, Millet, Multigrain Breads, Nuts, Oats, Onions, Peas, Pineapple, Prunes, Raspberries, Salmon, Shellfish, Soy Powder, Spinach, Tea, Tomato, Wheat Bran or Wheat Bran Products?and more.

Generally a person with a nickel allergy will experience skin rash and irritation. This dermatologic effect can be magnified by humidity and sweat. Unfortunately, there is currently no way to desensitize the person living with a nickel allergy using pills, shots, or other forms of treatment. Therefore, the best method of treatment is avoidance. If a rash does develop from the nickel allergy, usually cortisone cream will help.

About The Author

Grant Segall RPh is a practicing pharmacist and webmaster of http://www.allergy-allergy.com.

Counterfeit Handbags and Terrorism

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:39:21 +0000

Counterfeit Handbags and Terrorism

by: Cathy Feldman

In most major cities in the world, there is an active and highly profitable shadow economy in phony consumer goods that generates (in some estimates) upwards of 500 billion dollars a year. If have ever been down to "Counterfeit Alley" in midtown Manhattan, you have seen one of the biggest counterfeit marketplaces in the world.

While many of us spend our waking hours lusting after the latest fashion designs from our favorite designers, there are a lot of people out there who purchase knock-off or phony items without fully appreciating the consequences.

I recently read a book called "Knockoff", written by a fellow named Tim Phillips. It was an insightful read, with a number of interesting and often disturbing ideas presented. I was particularly interested in the section he devoted to the trade in phony luxury items such as designer handbags. These days, it seems I can't go anywhere without seeing somebody carrying a fake Prada or Gucci purse. Personally, I have always resisted the urge to purchase a counterfeit purse. I have avoided the temptation mainly because such an action only undermines an industry I have grown to love. When one considers the price of some of the higher-end purses, it should come as no surprise that some people purchase fakes.

What will surprise you is the discovery that their money is supporting future terrorist attacks in America and abroad. This book has confirmed my belief in supporting legitimate companies. Have you ever stopped to consider where the money you spend on fake consumer products ends up? This book will provide you with some frightening insights. The "black market" in counterfeit consumer goods provides incredible resources for criminal organizations, and these organizations certainly do not have the public interest at heart.

One of the most disturbing ideas in the book was the suggestion that terrorist organizations, working with organized crime groups, use the profits gained from these illegal sales to support future attacks. I could not sleep at night if I thought I was supporting terrorist campaigns to maim and kill innocent civilians in America, or anywhere else for that matter. I am a firm believer in being a conscientious shopper, and supporting companies that are trying to make the world a better place. I will gladly pay three times the price of a phony purse, to ensure that my money is not supporting terrorism. Check out "Knockoff" when you have a chance. It is a real eye-opener.

About The Author

Cathy Feldman always wanted to be a famous supermodel. When she is not fantasizing about strutting down the runway with her favorite Gucci purse, she writes for http://www.designerhandbags101.com ? an online designer handbag resource, with extensive information on real Louis Vuitton Purses, Cole Haan Handbags, Diesel Purses and more.

baglady@designerhandbags101.com

Types of Horse Races

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 10:38:23 +0000

Types of Horse Races

by: John Timmons

Horse Races come in several types, namely, stakes,

handicap, allowance, claiming or maiden races. Each one of

these have important differences in terms of the types of

horses entered into the race, as well as how horse owners

and trainers will decide to run their horse in the race.

Stakes races are those which occur annually, offer very

large purses, and attract very high quality horses.

Examples of stakes races include the Belmont Stakes and the

Kentucky Derby.

Handicap races are such that the weights of the various

jockeys are equalized through the use of lead weights. Many

consider the weight that a horse is carrying to be one of

the critical factors in handicapping races. Older, stronger

horses are typically allowed to carry more weight than

younger horses, and these differences are one of the many

factors savvy handicappers take into account when choosing

their winners.

Claiming races are far and away the most common type of

race. In a claiming race, each horse is entered at a

specific price, and may be purchased, or ?claimed? by

another owner. Claiming is one way in which competition

between horses can be equalized. For example, an excellent

horse which is valued at $20,000 will not run in a claiming

race where the claiming price is $5,000 or less.

Conversely, a horse with a low value (e.g., due to poor

past performance) is unlikely to run in a race with a high

claiming price, simply because it will be outclassed. In

fact, it is unlikely that track officials would even allow

such discrepancies to take place.

Allowance races are essentially non-claiming races, usually

designed for horses which race infrequently.

Lastly, Maiden races are for those horses who have never

won. Other conditions may be applied to maiden races as

well, such as ?Non winners in last 3 races.? Maiden races

are sometimes difficult to handicap because the entire

field may consist of horses with minimal past performance

histories. However, careful handicappers will spot maiden

races which have a horse or two which has some history of

winning relative to others in the race.

When one is placing a bet on a horse, the better is

actually betting on the skills of the horse, the jockey,

and the trainer. In the hands of skilled trainers and

jockeys, horses with poor past performances can have their

careers rejuvenated, oftentimes by making changes such as

race distances, conditioning regimens, and so forth.

Similarly, jockeys with excellent records can improve the

potential of even the most mediocre of horses, under the

right conditions. This is part of the reason why

professional handicappers tend to stick to a limited number

of tracks for their wagering. As they bet at particular

tracks, they become increasingly familiar with the trainers

and jockeys who work at that track, and this knowledge is

taken into account as they pick their winners.

About The Author

John Timmons is a horse racing player who lives in Florida.

His website http://www.5minuteracingsystem.com helps

people handicap horse races effectively. If your a horse

racing enthusiast be sure to visit and sign up for his

monthly Racing eZine.

Confessions of a Designer Handbag Junkie

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:45:02 +0000

Confessions of a Designer Handbag Junkie

by: Cathy Feldman

As you are likely aware, I am a designer handbag fanatic. I have been advised by family and friends that this could be developing into a problem, but I am confident that I have it under control. Sure, I have bounced my rent check to purchase a new purse. Who hasn't? There have been times when I have skipped out on my utility bills, so I would have enough cash to buy a new handbag. Who wouldn't?

I have spent countless nights dreaming about shopping for the latest fashionable designs. So what if I want to have Kenneth Cole's babies. I really don't see the problem here. To make my mother happy, I have made the following pledge (ever-so-loosely based on the "twelve step" program):

My name is Cathy, and I am addicted to designer handbags and high fashion. I admit that I am powerless over Prada, and that my life has become unmanageable in certain respects. I have faith that a power greater than Dior can restore my sanity. I have made a pledge to turn my will and my life over to the power of the House of Gucci. I have made a searching and fearless inventory of every handbag on bagborroworsteal.com.

I have made an admission to Chloe, myself, and my friend Sara regarding the exact nature of my wrongs. I am ready for Melie Bianco to remove all these defects of character, and I humbly implore her to remove my shortcomings. I have made a list of all the handbag designers I have harmed with my caustic language, and I am ready and willing to make amends to them all. I have gladly continued to take personal inventory of all my designer purses, and when I was wrong it was promptly admitted.

I have sought through prayer and meditation to improve my conscious contact with Vivienne Westwood as I understand her, praying only for knowledge of her will for me and the power to carry that out. After having this spiritual awakening, I have tried to carry this message other handbag junkies. I have tried to apply these principles in all my erm?..affairs. My name is Cathy, and I am addicted to designer handbags and high fashion.

About The Author

Cathy Feldman is looking forward to her meeting with Kenneth Cole. When she is not dreaming about the perfect purse, she writes for http://www.designerhandbags101.com ? a beacon of light in the world of designer handbags, with information about Balenciaga Handbags, Birkin Bags, Zero Halliburton Luggage and more.

Credit Cards

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 05:07:46 +0000

Credit Cards

by: Sara Chambers

In the hands of the right consumer, a credit card can be a very useful tool. Unfortunately, the ?right? consumer is rare. The concept of buying on credit, while convenient, actually serves only to line the pockets of financial gurus with millions of dollars each year in finance charges and interest dollars.

What is it about plastic that is so appealing? It?s easy for one thing. Instant gratification is the driving force behind the appeal of plastic. In fact, it?s unusual for most consumers to have real money in their purses or wallets, even the bank provides plastic in the form of debit cards. So now checkbooks seem primitive.

In the last decade Americans have fallen further and further into debt, thanks to the ubiquitous plastic. In fact, the United States government is world renowned for its deepening national debt. Most financial experts agree that credit cards are one of the worst financial ideas ever, leading most consumers into debt well beyond the point of any return.

Credit Card Companies

Leading the march to heavy debt are the credit card companies that spend billions of dollars each year marketing their wares to the American consumer. Especially dangerous are those spenders who are borderline credit-worthy, or who possess no credit whatsoever. These consumers, financial experts argue, are the easiest prey for credit card companies. Everyone wants what the Joneses have, even those with little money to pay upfront. Many consumers are duped into credit card accounts that come bundled with exorbitant interest rates, rates that realistically make it impossible to repay purchases without essentially paying for them many times over.

Experts suggest that all consumers read the fine print included in the offers that come in the mail. Most card offers are financial suicide, at best and should be avoided. For those consumers with poor credit history there are options and counseling available free of charge at most banks.

Building Credit

The ingredients that go into the mix for a good consumer-credit card relationship are: financial savvy, budget awareness, and a realization of the limitations of credit card spending. A consumer conscious of these things is poised to make the best of a credit account, using it to build credit instead of ruining one?s good financial record. Experts suggest that consumers looking to build credit or expand on good credit they have already, should shop for the best credit card deal possible. Most credit card companies are more than willing to waive annual fees and lower interest rates for customers with good credit records. Consumers must be willing sometimes to pick up the phone and discuss their options with the company?s customer service representative. Also, a savvy consumer pays their bills off regularly; they don?t allow large purchases to linger on their account over time. It is this manner of usefulness that makes a credit card a beneficial financial tool.

About The Author

Sara Chambers is a marketing consultant and an internet content manager for http://www.creditcardsweblog.com.

saracham@gmail.com