Member Login

Lost your password?

Registration is closed

Sorry, you are not allowed to register by yourself on this site!

Are You A Cat Person or a Dog Person?

January 21st, 2012 by soshea

In the world of pet ownership, there are two main categories you can fit into: cat people and dog people. I am undoubtedly a cat person, and I think I always will be. Nevertheless, I have been around dog people enough in my life to know the differences between them and me, so I thought it would be fun to write an article comparing the two pet owner categories. If you have been debating whether or not to get a cat or a dog, this information could help you pick the right option for your lifestyle. Let’s take a look at cat people and dog people to see which group you belong to.

The Makings of a Cat Purr-son

For the most part, cat people tend to be more laid back than dog people. I’m not saying that cat people are lazy, but they are usually less energetic than dog people. Cats require very little care. You just have to put food out for them and change their litter every once and a while. With dogs, you have to take them on walks so they can do their business, and then you have to let them run around to get all of their energy out. This is just not something that a calm cat person would want to do.

Cat people also tend to be very affectionate. They like having an animal that will sleep in the bed next to them, and they like spending time with an animal that will cuddle up on a moment’s notice. Cat people don’t mind spoiling their pets, which is why cats tend to eat better foods than dogs. Cat owners go out of their way to make sure their kitties are properly pampered right from the start.

The Makings of a Dog Paw-son

Dog people usually like to spend time outside. They enjoy running around with their dogs in the park or splish-splashing with them in the pool. Dog people also enjoy traveling because they can take their dogs with them. Dogs love riding in cars, but cats hate it. If you want a pet you can take with you on the road, you might as well consider yourself a dog person. I have seen a handful of cats that love riding in the car, but those are few and far between. Most of them just want to get the hell home.

The Kitty-Canine Hybrid

It is entirely possible that you are both a cat person and a dog person. If you have a love for pets as a whole and consider them parts of the family, you may fit into both categories. If you don’t like the idea of having a lap pet or a playful companion in the slightest, you may be neither a dog person nor a cat person. You just have to assess your lifestyle and your overall plans for the future and select the pet that is right for you. Don’t get a pet that you know you will not be able to care for or love. Think long and hard about what you want, and you should be able to select your perfect pal every time.

If you want more advice to help you find the right pet for you, check out some of my articles from another blog I write for:

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Becoming a soil conservationist

January 6th, 2012 by admin

Have you ever noticed people out in the fields before farming season? They usually drive around on a four wheeler, stopping every once-n-awhile to collect  samples. When I was growing up, I use to watch them. I thought to myself, what a great job. Cruising around out in the fields, not having to work in an office and yeah, where do I sign up.

 

This is what we call a soil conservationist. They advise land users, farmers and ranchers on their land management. To have consistant and healthy crops, it is important to follow the advice of a conservationist.

 

They apply skills in agronomy and science to achieve conservation objectives. Any time a farmer wants to use a crop such as, sugar beets, they need to make sure their soil is rich enough to sustain the plant. Beets require large amounts of nutrients from the ground. If the ground is too sandy or filled with clay, a conservationist will advise a plan to help grow a healthy crop.

 

The day in the life of a soil conservationist is centered around specialized fields in science, such as agronomy. They have to develop a working relationship with board members and government officials in their area. This helps them collect jobs and clientele. When working with Clientele, they will advice soil practices, such as crop rotation, contour plowing and terracing to maintain water and soil. Seeking sources and solutions to areas affected by erosion, is also an aspect of their job.

 

To receive a career in soil conservation a student needs to have at least a bachelors in ecology, agriculture, biology or environmental science. In some cases, if a student comes from a agricultural area, they can receive a scholarship or grant towards their degree. It never hurts to inquire about this benefit.

 

They make a decent living, with an average pay of $60,000 a year and benefits. Most importantly, their office is the outdoors. If you like to stay active and be outside, then considering soil conservation as a career is a good choice.

 

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Strange geese migration leaves questions

December 30th, 2011 by admin

There is many events that circulate around fall weather, the changing of leaves, temperature fluctuation, rain/snow, hibernation and migration. Many animals are not equipt to deal with cold weather. Mammals, such as bears, tend to hibernate for several months during the bitter cold. While birds migrate, to cope with the cold weather.

 

The Canadian goose, migrates every fall after a cold front has passed. Their migration periods are not exact. The two main factors a goose needs to migrate, is a steady wind flow and a clear day. Updrafts are also important for these larger birds. Heavier birds, need to have some assistance, when it comes to traveling long distances. Weather can affect their migration, by slowing it down or speeding it up; leading to my question.

 

Now, that I have the technical aspect aside. The reason I am talking about bird migration, is from something I witnessed. Two weeks ago, I was driving to town to get some groceries, when I noticed thousands of geese migrating north. If this was spring and I lived in Mexico, it would make sence, but since I was in Minnesota and it is winter, I was a little baffled.

 

Lately, temperatures have been above average throughout the midwest. Minnesota has yet to experience a heavy snow fall which, is unheard of, for this time of year. I know that weather is a factor for migration, but to fly north during winter months, is just bizarre.

 

I have searched online, to see if anyone else has had the same experience or has any information for why geese would flock north. Nothing has surfaced yet, this is starting to feel like a crime scene and I am the police officer trying to connect the dots.

 

It kind of reminds me of a Mel Gibson movie, you know, the one he made before he went crazy……….oh yeah,  Apocalypto. Pretty soon other animals will start hightailing it to the north, due to some 2012 phenomenon. Whatever the case might be, I want answers. If anyone has any information on this, let me know.

 

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Fresh game on the Christmas table

December 26th, 2011 by admin

There is nothing better then a slab of juicy beef on the table for the holidays. Sure, turkey is great and the ham is ok but, the real ticket comes when you get to gobble down some medium rare beef tenderloin.

 

Some of the best meat you can share with your friends and family, comes from local produce markets. It makes a world of difference eating grass fed beef, compared to your average beef you buy at the market.

 

Your average cow eats a concentrated diet of grain, soy, corn and other supplements. The diet is high in fats, helping gain the energy density for the cattle. What your cow eats affects you. Steroids are found in all types of food and beef can be one of the main carriers.   

 

While, a ‘free range’ or grass fed cow eats grass, legumes and silage. At first taste, a ’free range’ cow can taste a bit gamey, much like a bison. Cattle and other animals who are grass fed, have more vitamins and nutrients the body craves for, like iron.

 

It takes a little training of the tongue and a couple extra bucks to convert but, once you change, you’re hooked. All it takes, is rubbing elbows with the local farmers. If you are not willing to do this switch for a lifetime, why not treat yourself over the holidays.

 

You might be asking yourself, how do I become a dietitian? No need to sweat the small stuff. Just regress back to your native origin and treat yourself to the whole food experience. 

 

Christmas time doesn’t require much just a hunk of meat, followed by vegetables, potatoes and mom’s famous gravy.  It is important to share something good with your family over the holidays and food is one of them. Treating yourself good, means a longer healthier life.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Pheasant season comes to a close

December 19th, 2011 by admin

Pheasant hunting has been open now for about 2 months, with only a couple of weeks left before the season closes on December 31st.

 

This year, numbers were expected to be down, amongst the pheasant population. It showed other wise, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota all accounted that numbers were up.

 

The mid-west has been experiencing some odd weather. We are coming up on Christmas and many places have not yet experienced a steady snowfall. For most people, this is good news but, for avid hunters, not so much.

 

Pheasants can be some of the hardest birds to hunt. They don’t fly like your average goose or duck, they like to run and hide under brush. Once they are on the ground, they are out of site and hard to find. Much like an FBI agent, If a hunter is not equipt with a dog, it can be hard to kick up your prey.

 

This is why snow is a key component in pheasant hunting. With large grass fields and groves of trees covered in snow, it is much easier to spot a pheasant.

 

The one plus, to a mild winter, is knowing the pheasant population will survive and grow in size. If a winter is severely cold, pheasants will die-off, leaving farmers to breed for the coming years. After the winter of 97′, much of the pheasant population didn’t survive. It took years for hunters to be able to successfully hunt.

 

With the season coming to a close and the holidays just around the corner. Hunters are trying their luck for the next couple weeks. Recently, weather forcasts are pointing towards snowfalls, along the upper midwest. It looks like the season might end on strong note.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

A look at becoming a DNR

December 8th, 2011 by admin

Imagine, driving through some of Americas most beautiful countryside. Protecting wildlife and regulating laws that will enforce the longevity of our endangered species. Working in the DNR, is one of the most rewarding careers.

 

Any time someone is given a ticket during hunting or fishing, it is from a Game Warden. A DNR (department of natural resource) is responsible for protecting the natural resources, enforcing recreational safety and protecting the environment.

 

The job of a DNR is filled with all aspects of law enforcement.  A DNR carries more responsibilities then a police officer. They are the only officer able to arrest offenders in different jurisdictions.

 

There is several things a student must do in becoming a DNR.

 

  • There is a two-year minimum for education in most states, if you are unsure about the number of years, check with the state offices. The courses incorporated are communication, computer science, environmental technology, animal science, conservation, forestry and botany.
  • Some states require a DNR applicant to have one year of experience as a police officer. Others, accept applicants who pass the officer training program. Internships, are also required for a student to attend.
  • Pass the Civil Service exam. Applicants are ranked by their score coupled with experience. Students also have to pass a oral, written, physical and background check.
  • Pass a 12-month training program. The applicant will have to complete a mentally and physically exhausting training program. The training  is related to a program an FBI agent or police officer would have to endure. The training includes firearm, community relations, communications and criminal law.
  • After passing all the necessary programs, a DNR will be assigned to a certain location.

DNR officers are needed to protect our wildlife. They work with land owners and national parks to ensure the safety of their animals and land. Game Wardens are a government position, meaning that they have great benefits. Along ,with being located amongst beautiful terrain, who wouldn’t want to be a DNR officer.  

 

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Chronic waisting disease among game feeds

December 4th, 2011 by admin

I don’t know about other states but, Minnesota is sinonimos for wild game feeds. Groups like Ducks Unlimited, hold annual banquets to profit wetlands and waterfowl conservation. The main dish, well of course, duck.

This is just one of many wildlife groups to hold banquets. Each showcase meat from different animals. How can you be sure that the meat you are eating is safe?

Recently, there has been 3 cases of people contracting chronic waisting disease(CWD) which, all have been from wild game feasts.

CWD comes from elk, white tail, moose and mule deer. The disease is located in the nervous system of the animal. Most of the time the animal displays signs from the disease, such as unsteadiness, jerking and loss of weight.

Any avid hunter is able to notice the signs and stay clear. This is why game feeds can be troublesome. The hunter is not the one doing the hunting. Alot of the time, the meat is donated to the feed. Any time a deer is registered, it should be checked for CWD.

A disease testing-trailer is usually always located outside/close too a registration dock. The head of the animal is brought in for testing, it usually takes several weeks for results. It is important to do but, not everyone does it, much like wearing a seat belt.

There is several signs that a person displays if they have contracted CWD. The signs are small and can display over several years.  Some of the symptoms are forgetfulness, hand tremors, dementia, speech abnormalities and seizures. The disease attacks the neurological system and can come from years of eating venison.

How too bring up symptoms to your nurse practitioner? Alot of the time doctors do not test for CWD. So, if you have been displaying symptoms, you need to request a test. Out of 53 recent cases, 34 people had attended wild game feeds.

Next time, think before going to a wild game feed. Make sure it is presented by a accredited source.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

theme designed by Tim Sainburg