The Collie dog makes an excellent sporting dog, and can be taught to do the work of the Pointer and the Setter, as well as that of the Water Spaniel and the Retriever. He can be trained to perform the duties of other breeds. He is clever at hunting, having an excellent nose, is a good vermin-killer, and a most faithful watch, guard, and companion.
Little is known with certainty of the origin of the Collie, but his cunning and his outward appearance would seem to indicate a relationship with the wild dog. Buffon was of opinion that he was the true dog of nature, the stock and model of the whole canine species. He considered the Sheepdog superior in instinct and intelligence to all other breeds, and that, with a character in which education has comparatively little share, he is the only animal born perfectly trained for the service of man.
At the shows this type of dog is invariably at the top of the class. He is considered the most tractable, and is certainly the most agile. Second to this type in favour is the smooth-coated variety, a very hard, useful dog, well adapted for hill work and usually very fleet of foot. He is not so sweet in temper as the black and white, and is slow to make friends. There is not a more graceful and physically beautiful dog to be seen than the show Collie of the present period. Produced from the old working type, he is now practically a distinct breed.
The skull should be flat, moderately wide between the ears, and gradually tapering towards the eyes. There should only be a slight depression at stop. The width of skull necessarily depends upon combined length of skull and muzzle; and the whole must be considered in connection with the size of the dog. The cheek should not be full or prominent.
The muzzle should be of fair length, tapering to the nose, and must not show weakness or be snipy or lippy. Whatever the colour of the dog may be, the nose must be black. The teeth should be of good size, sound and level; very slight unevenness is permissible. The jaws Clean cut and powerful. The eyes are a very important feature, and give expression to the dog; they should be of medium size, set somewhat obliquely, of almond shape, and of a brown colour except in the case of merles, when the eyes are frequently (one or both) blue and white or china; expression full of intelligence, with a quick alert look when listening. The ears should be small and moderately wide at the base, and placed not too close together but on the top of the skull and not on the side of the head. When in repose they should be usually carried thrown back, but when on the alert brought forward and carried semi-erect, with tips slightly drooping in attitude of listening.
The neck should be muscular, powerful and of fair length, and somewhat arched. The body should be strong, with well sprung ribs, chest deep, fairly broad behind the shoulders, which should be sloped, loins very powerful. The dog should be straight in front. The fore-legs should be straight and muscular, neither in nor out at elbows, with a fair amount of bone; the forearm somewhat fleshy, the pasterns showing flexibility without weakness. The hind-legs should be muscular at the thighs, clean and sinewy below the hocks, with well bent stifles. The feet should be oval in shape, soles well padded, and the toes arched and close together.
In general character he is a lithe active dog, his deep chest showing lung power, his neck strength, his sloping shoulders and well bent hocks indicating speed, and his expression high intelligence. He should be a fair length on the leg, giving him more of a racy than a cloddy appearance. In a few words, a Collie should show endurance, activity, and intelligence, with free and true action. In height dogs should be 22 ins. to 24 ins. at the shoulders, bitches 20 ins. to 22 ins. The weight for dogs is 45 to 65 lbs., bitches 40 to 55 lbs. The smooth collie only differs from the rough in its coat, which should be hard, dense and quite smooth.
For Recreation, Sports Collecting is a Great Hobby
Written by Nick on May 08, 2010 in Winter Sports
In this fast-paced, stressful age we live in, everyone needs a little recreation. Sports collecting is a hobby that can fill your spare minutes with interest and offer a diversion to the everyday grind. Sports collecting takes many forms depending on the person who is pursuing the hobby. Many people choose to collect memorabilia from their favorite professional teams, but others collect items related to golf, fishing, and other recreation sports. Collecting requires a certain amount of space, but collectors are creative about finding ways to display their collectibles.
If you have a favorite pro team or two there are many items you can collect related to those teams. For instance, you can create scrapbooks in which you save clippings about exciting games, favorite players, and special interviews. You can keep ticket stubs and photographs in your scrapbook, too. Other items, however, won’t fit into a scrapbook, such as a game ball, team jersey, or a team’s annual yearbook. These items will need other storage. There are stands for special balls, and jerseys look great hanging on a hanger on the wall.
You might like to collect souvenir items from all types of sports. Most professional teams sell small metal pins with their insignia on them. Pin collecting is a widely practiced hobby, and sports teams are one of the hottest types of collectible pins, as are those commemorating the Olympics. Another option for sports collecting is to collect antique sports equipment. Vintage baseball gloves are an example of this type of collectible.
Baseball cards have long been a source of recreation. Sports collecting enthusiasts have collected baseball cards, football cards, and basketball cards for many years, although baseball cards were the first. This is such a popular hobby that some cards are worth a lot of money, such as a rookie card of a player like Willie Mays.
Other collectors like to accumulate things that illustrate their favorite recreation sports. Collecting items decorated with fish, horses, or golfers are examples of these types of collections. For instance, if you enjoy hunting with dogs, you can decorate your home in a hunting dog theme. There are throw pillows printed with handsome hunting dogs, as well as with the game they help you find. You may find lamps that have a hunting dog as the base. You can even have curtains made from hunting dog printed material! The same can be done around the theme of golf, horseback riding, whether western or eastern, bass fishing, sailboats, and other popular recreation sports. Collecting is a hobby that offers many options!
Wedding Crafts Ideas for Saving Money
Written by Nick on May 08, 2010 in Other, Tips and Triks
Weddings are a joyous occasion but can get expensive in a hurry. With wedding crafts you can insert a personal touch and hold the price down as well. Here are a few ideas for wedding crafts to add sparkle and creativity to your big day.
It is not that hard to create your own wedding veil. To make this wedding craft, you will need a length of bridal illusion in the desired length. You will also need a comb to attach it to your hair and a hat or headpiece to cover the comb. Sew large running stitches about an inch from the end of the illusion and gather it tightly. Now sew the veil to the comb. Top with hat or headpiece. As an alternative, you can decorate a wide-brimmed straw hat with silk flowers, ribbon, and pearls.
The bouquets and floral arrangements can also be personally crafted. For a simple outdoor wedding, consider wild flowers. They are free and have a charm all their own. Bouquets can be arranged in large clear vases, with a bow tied elegantly around.
Favors for the guests are particularly appropriate wedding crafts. Refrigerator magnets are a simple and well-received favor. A really nice idea is to make a magnetic picture frame and include a picture of the couple. You could cut a frame out of craft foam in one of the wedding colors, arrange over the photo, and glue all onto a cardboard backing. Place self-adhesive magnet tape on the back of the cardboard. Decorate the front of the frame with foil heart stickers and a monogram of the couple’s last name.
Bows for the ends of the pews or rows make simple wedding crafts. Wide velvet ribbons are nice for fall and winter weddings, while satin is more appropriate for spring and summer weddings. Loop some flat lace in with the ribbons. In the center of the completed bow, attach some silk flowers and pearl sprays with a hot glue gun.
Perhaps you’d like to try your hand at decorating your own cake. Check the craft section of the department store for pans and gadgets of all types to help you create a cake to remember. Do remember, though, that it takes a steady hand. Be sure to practice before starting on the real cake.
Preparing for a wedding can be expensive, but with wedding crafts, you can take some of the sting out. Plan early, however, because it will take a little while to make favors for everyone and all the other little details you will want to take care of. Maybe creating wedding crafts will even relieve some of those wedding jitters. In any event, crafting your own wedding items is a way to have a personal, beautiful, and less expensive wedding.
Switching from glasses to contact lenses is easier than you may think. Contact lenses are the preferred alternative to vision correction these days, offering you the vision enhancement you need at a price you can afford. There are a lot of things you’ll to need to know about your contacts, although they are far superior to the traditional correction of glasses.
The first thing you’ll need to do when getting contact lenses is to visit your optician and be fitted for the lenses. Your optician will give you a prescription for your contacts, examine the health of your eyes, and tell you which type of contacts will work the best for you. He or she can also tell you which contacts are best for your budget as well.
These days, there are several contact lenses to choose from. You have many different manufacturers as well, offering many different types, colors, and styles. Not all are suitable for you though, as no 2 eyes are the same. When you get fitted for your contact lenses, your optician will be able to help you make that decision.
When you first start wearing your contacts, you should never wear them for extended periods of time. Contacts will need some time to adjust to your eyes, and your eyes will need some time to rest. If you wear them too long when you start wearing them, they can harm your eyes. Your optician will tell you what he recommends, which is normally a few hours during the day then take them out. With each passing day, you can wear them for longer periods until your eyes gradually adjust.
Another aspect that will take some getting used to, that you don’t face with glasses, is knowing how to handle your contact lenses. You’ll need to make sure that your hands are clean before you handle your contacts, to avoid scratching or damaging the lenses. When you take your contacts out or put them in your eyes, you’ll need to handle them – which requires your hands to be clean.
Something you may experience with your new contacts is dry eyes. Dryness in the eyes when wearing contacts is very common, and should be expected. When wearing glasses, this is one problem you won’t have. If your eyes start to dry out when wearing your contacts, you should put a few drops of re-wetting or saline solution in your eyes. These drops will help to moisten your eyes and give you some relief from the irritation that dryness causes.
Although glasses need to be cleaned frequently, contact lenses need to be cleaned and disinfected on a daily basis. Protein will build up on the surface of the contacts, requiring them to be cleaned with a disinfecting or multi-purpose solution. The easiest way to do this is to soak your contacts in the solution when you go to sleep at night. This way, you can wake up in the morning and your contact lenses will be ready to wear.
All in all, contact lenses are preferred over glasses. You’ll need to change them out though, normally every couple of weeks. Changing them out with a fresh pair will make your eyes feel refreshed, and keep you from getting infections. Contact lenses are great for virtually anyone, and they can give you a full range of sight. They won’t hang off your face like glasses – yet they will give the freedom in knowing that you can do virtually any activity you choose
Dry Eyes And Contacts
Written by Nick on May 08, 2010 in Fashion, Health, Medicine
If you have dry eyes, contact lenses may be a nightmare. With healthy eyes, a very thin layer of tears will always form under the contact lens. When this layer starts to dry out however, the lens will begin to feel dry. Dry eyes from contact can be very irritating, uncomfortable, and lead you to try to squinch or rub your eyes to seek relief.
Even though contact lenses are indeed a cause of dry others, there are other causes as well, one of which being your natural ability to produce years. Some people will produce less tears than others, which can indeed be a problem when wearing contact lenses. As you get older, the tears that you are able to produce will begin to decrease.
The environment is another cause. If you work in a factory or area that is over heated, or exposed to dust or smoke, your eyes will start to dry out. The more your eyes are exposed to these types of situations, the more dry they will become. After a few hours, you may find yourself having to remove your contacts due to the dryness becoming so irritating.
There are however, some types of contact lenses that can contribute to dryness as well. A majority of contact lenses are made of water and polymers, most being more than 50% water. Even though the contact is moist and may feel comfortable in your eye, the water will start to evaporate from the contact lens as you wear it. When this happens, the contact will draw moisture from the tears in your eyes, which results in dryness. If the contact lens contains a lot of water, then it is almost guaranteed to lose moisture throughout the day.
With dryness being a common problem for most people who wear contact lenses, manufacturers are always working to create contacts that will remain comfortable throughout the day. Dry eyes are the most common reason for irritation, and the main reason as to why people decide to give up contacts and just go with glasses to correct their vision.
Out of all the different contacts on the market, Acuvue Oasys are among the most popular. Although they are relatively new, they are specifically made for those who work or live in dry environments. These contacts contain a special agent for re-wetting purposes, which enables the contact lens to remain moist, even if your eyes aren’t producing enough tears. They are daily wear contacts, and should be soaked in solution at night and replaced every two weeks or so.
Even though there are other contact lenses out there that are great for dry eyes, Acuvue are considered to be the best brand. No matter which type of contact lens you wear, you should always take care of them. You should always clean them once removed, and soak them in solution at night. This way, you’ll remove the protein build up and ensure that you are putting clean contact lenses back into your eyes.
Even though dry eyes are very common, you can always help to rectify the situation by using right pair of contacts. You can also get re-wetting or saline drops as well, to put in your eyes when they start to feel dry. These drops are the preferred way of dealing with dry and irritable eyes, as they help to produce enough moisture for comfort. You can buy re-wetting or saline drops at most department stores – and they cost a little of nothing
Acuvue Advance Contacts
Written by Nick on May 08, 2010 in Fashion, Health, Medicine
Just like any other contact lens from Acuvue, the Acuvue advance contact lenses offer you plenty of quality and reliability. They are a cut above the rest, offering you excellent quality and comfort for a very affordable price.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Acuvue advance lenses is the addition of Hydroclear, made by Johnson and Johnson. Although other types of Acuvue lenses now offer Hydroclear, the advance lenses were the first. Hydraclear is a break through in contact lens technology, perfect for those who have problems with their lenses drying out. This technology is considered to be among the best – and ideal for anyone who wants the best for their eyes.
Hydraclear is a rich moisture type element that is found throughout the exterior and interior of Acuvue advance contact lenses, helping to give them a soft, silky feel. Once you put a pair of advance lenses in your eyes, you’ll notice the benefits of Hydraclear immediately. It doesn’t dry out like other contact lenses, keeping your eyes refreshed while you wear them.
Acuvue advance contacts also offer you great protection as well. They offer the highest type of UVA blocking and UV ray protection available for contact lenses. You can enjoy wearing these contacts anywhere you go, which is great for those who travel. If you like to go to the beach you can rest assured in knowing that the Acuvue advance lenses will keep your eyes protected from the sun while you enjoy the beauty of the beach.
Acuvue advance contacts are made from a soft yet flexible material, which makes them a breeze to put in your eyes. There shouldn’t any trouble putting them in your eyes, which makes them ideal for anyone who wears contacts. Simply put them in your eyes, and they will automatically conform themselves to your pupils, feeling comfortable from the start.
The advance contact lenses from Acuvue work pretty much the same as other contacts. You need to clean them and soak them in contact solution overnight. They are good up to a month per pair, which makes them ideal for everyday use. They normally come in boxes of 6, meaning that a single pair will last you up to 3 months.
If you wear contacts, you should look into the Acuvue advance. You can buy them online, through your local optician, or anywhere else that sells contacts. They are available in virtually every subscription, which is perfect for anyone who needs a dependable pair of lenses. The Acuvue advance lenses are unlike any other type, for the simple fact that they are very comfortable, dependable – and easy to take care of. Once you give them a try – you’ll never to use any other brand again.
Budget car rentals are a traveler’s savior from being stranded in one place and from expensive taxi rides. But with today’s competitive market, I won’t be surprised that from trying to rent a car you end up renting a lawnmower instead. Well maybe not a lawnmower, but sometimes, well most of the time, the people that assist you in car rentals just doesn’t have your best interest in mind, so you end up paying a truckload of money for a pool of frustrations. To avoid this here are a few tips to get the budget, out of budget car rental.
1. If you’re not choosy with a budget car rental, try to get a budget car rental through sites that let you rent cars at your own price. These firms will try to get the best deal for the car that you’ll get and might just toss in unlimited mileage and upgrades, all of that without spending an extra dime out of budget.
2. Look for package deals, fly-drive-stay, or fly- drive, most of these packages give great discounts for rentals, but don’t do it with an airline, airlines although convenient aren’t really the more economic way to go, their budget car rental prices are hardly budget, and tend to be higher than those of outside firms.
3. Use the internet to reserve a rental car. Ah, the internet, what other good can it provide? Yes there are budget car rentals on the internet that can give you a better bargain. Some budget car rental sites even go as far as internet only discounts. Aside from that you can easily get upgrades and depending on the season, at least one rental company is bound to have a special offer that can help you save money, plus, you can rent a car in the comfort of your own home, beat that!
4. Ask for discounts that can be applicable to you, remember even when you’ve scored the best deal, there is still that one last ditch of a possibility that one of your credit cards support the company and provide discounts or that your frequent flyer program or military service can put that budget in budget car rental, its along shot but its worth a try.
5. Most budget car rentals are low on maintenance so when you rent a car, check all sides for damage, and I mean every side and every nook and cranny of that car, make sure to inform the renter of these so that you wont have to pay for damages once you return the car. In addition, try to check out all the accessories, wipers, radio, brakes, seatbelts etc, to familiarize yourself with them, and also to check if they work, like the previous tip, you might be charged for this if you don’t inform them.
6. Now we pass the subject of insurance, sometimes your own car insurance covers car rentals, so have a look see before you buy insurance from the rental firm. Budget car rental insurance doesn’t cost much, but if you already have one why buy another? Car rental insurance is always required when you rent a car.
7. Another money saving tip is to pick up your car early in the morning, make it so that the firm is just opening, this is because at this time most of the budget car rentals haven’t been returned yet, and you may get an upgrade for a lower price.
About Writing A Will
Written by Nick on May 08, 2010 in Winter Sports
Tags: account, Administrators, Beneficiary, Bequest, bonds, Codicil, Crown, estate, Executors, friends, Guardians, Intestacy, intestate, legal, Pecuniary, Probate, Residue, stocks, Testator
Introduction
One of the most important legal activities each of us faces is deciding how, after our death, our assets will be used and who will benefit from them. Estate planning and the writing of a will is a deeply meaningful way to make a powerful statement with these assets. However, a great number of people die “intestate” (without a will). When that happens the state or others decide for us where and how the estate will be distributed. If your preferences have not been clearly stated in a will, then it is likely that those preferences will not be carried out. It is, therefore, vital that you have a will. It is a wonderful way of expressing your love to the people and organizations you cherish. It is a way to take control of your assets, and make a positive statement.
Guidelines to Consider When Writing a Will
There are four “P’s” of estate planning:
People: Consider all the people who are important to you and for whom you’d like to provide. This might include your spouse, children, relatives and friends.
Property: Consider all property that you own including bank accounts, real estate, stocks, bonds, life insurance, pension plans and personal property.
Plans: Ask yourself how you’d like to provide for the people in your life, and how you can make this happen. Will the people who are important to you be provided for in the future? Will you have enough income to manage during your retirement years?
Planners: Who are the people who will help you with your financial goals? Consider attorneys, accountants, bank trust officers, stock brokers and insurance agents to help you meet your financial goals.
Tips on Naming Beneficiaries
Understand the limits of a will.
Know when beneficiaries are required.
Decide who gets what.
Don’t name your estate as a beneficiary.
Don’t name minor children as beneficiaries.
Consider setting up a trust.
Think about tax ramifications.
Name contingent beneficiaries.
Keep everything up-to-date.
Make copies.
FAQ
Q: I don’t have a will, where do I start?
A: As a will is a legal document, it is strongly recommended that you consult your solicitor.
Q: What about home-made wills?
A: Home-made wills can be disastrous. You may omit particularly important details, or inadvertently write sections in a way that can be misinterpreted. Making a will with the help of your solicitor is the only way you can be sure that your wishes will be followed after you die. By drafting a will with a professional, you will save your family a lot of extra worry.
Q: What can I include in my will?
A: Wills aren’t solely about passing on your assets. You can also include specific funeral arrangements: for instance, burial, cremation, or the use of your body for medical research. You may also want to appoint legal guardians to care for your children if you and your partner should die before they are 18.
Q: Who do I appoint as Executors?
A: One other important consideration when writing your will is the appointment of your Executors – the people who deal with your estate in the event of your death. Ideally, these should be business-minded family or friends or professional advisers.
Glossary of Terms
Administrators. Those appointed to administer an estate where there is no will or no executor.
Bequest. Same as “Legacy”.
Beneficiary. A named individual or organisation who benefits from your Will.
Codicil. A document making minor changes to your Will. Must be signed and witnessed in the same manner as your Will.
Crown. This means the Treasury, where your money will go if you have no next of kin and did not make a will.
Estate. Everything belonging to you, and owed to you, at the time of your death. Click here to read more …
Playing Nice
Written by Nick on May 08, 2010 in video games
A Few Suggestions for Gaming Etiquette
No, it isn’t Ms. Manners to the rescue, nor is it Polite Polly knocking at your noggin. We just know how easy it is to get frustrated or even angry while playing a difficult game, but if we’re not careful, that anger and frustration could lead to some butt-ugly moments during a time that’s supposed to be amusing. The following is offered in an effort to keep everything fun and entertaining during a session of group play.
1. Encourage each other. Even if you’re competing with each other in a boxing match or car race, take time out to congratulate another player for making a smooth or cunning move. There’s no need to be a kiss-up, but when tensions are high, and the desire to impress is high, you can help relax any stress just by throwing out a few compliments here and there.
2. Be patient. Your gaming comrades may not be as fast, as coordinated, or as smart as you. So when you notice your regular game pace slowing down, don’t criticize. You could quietly plan your next move or you could offer to help if you notice that your buddies seem lost. This will encourage cooperation and relive some of the stress involved with playing a difficult game.
3. Take some breaks. Permitting that your group finds appropriate places in a game to pause, take advantage and get up to stretch, snack, use the john, talk about school, or catch a few silly commercials on television. A long stretch of game play is tiring and stressful at the same time.
4. Play an inclusive game. By that we mean to make efforts to ensure everyone in the group contributes to the game’s completion. You never want to make another person feel left out or just hanging around to fill the space. Create opportunities for everyone involved to participate and help play.
5. Listen to others. You may think that you know all the answers about a game or game system, but listen to what others in the group have to say. You just might learn something new.
6. Invite the “weird guy.” This bit of advice of course comes after the horrid Virginia Tech massacre. Tales circulating this news event indicate that the young man responsible was a loner and the victim of bullying during his teenage years as well. Sometimes, all it takes to prevent things like this is a simple effort to reach out to someone. We’re not suggesting that an invitation to a gaming party would have saved the lives of 33+ college students, but we are suggesting that making an effort to make others feel welcome and wanted is a huge step towards eliminating the isolation known to cause these kinds of senseless acts.
7. Vow to keep the voice level and cursing to a minimum. That almost goes without saying, but to prevent arguments, agree beforehand to not cross the line when it comes to debating about a particular strategy or selecting a game to play. Some of the most serious fights stem from the silliest arguments. But you can prevent a flare up within your group just by maintaining a cool composure during the entire session.
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This Game Sucks
Written by Nick on May 08, 2010 in video games
A Guide To Giving New Games a Chance
It’s hard to get into a new groove once we’ve settled into a favorite pattern of doing something and that includes playing new games or trying a new game system. It’s important to remember however that just because you’re not used to the way a new game plays or the way that a new system runs – it doesn’t mean that there’s something wrong with it. The following offers some advice on how to get over the hurdle of giving new games a chance.
1. Accept the errors of your ways. Nothing is perfect and that includes video games, the system that it plays on, and dare we say – even you! While trying a new game, you’re bound to trip all over the place and make even some of the most goofiest mistakes that anyone could ever make. Try to remember that flaws are inevitable and the even the master of all masters (that’s you) can blunder your way through a new game. Mistakes don’t make you a terrible player. On the other hand, they don’t make the game stupid or dumb. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. If you find yourself making mistakes during a new game, it’s time that to slow down and give this game a second and more serious look. If something in the game tripped you up – you, the master of all masters – then the game couldn’t be as bad as you first thought.
2. Play a new game when you’re “in the mood”. What a fast-paced world we live in! So fast, that we mistakenly expect to understand a game within the first 5 minutes of putting into the console! Then when we’re not sure of what to do, the game becomes confusing, or just dumb. Never try a new game when you’re not in the mood to or when you’re in a rush. New games require patience and a thorough read of its manual.
3. See the positive. There’s something good about every video game – even the more violent ones (although we’re not prepared to defend violent video games). While checking out a new game, think about what you like about the game as opposed to what you can’t quite figure out what to do yet. A positive attitude will carry on to other aspects of the game and before you know it, you’ll be encouraged to carry on with it and make some real progress.
4. Don’t be such a know it all. In other words, don’t be blinded by your own conceit or skills in a particular genre of games that you close yourself off to new ways of accomplishing tasks. The biggest room is the room for improvement and your room is no exception. Understand that the game you’re playing may have something new to teach you about gaming as a whole. Then revel in it.
5. Continue to play. It’s highly doubtful that anyone will like a new game in one day. Keep playing a new game until you’re absolutely sure that you don’t ever want to see it in your console again.
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